Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner cannot be relied on for 70+ starts this year. The last goalie to do that for the Oilers - or any other team - was 2016-17 Cam Talbot. The Edmonton Oilers have just won their eighth game in a row. Despite Connor Bedard opening the scoring for the game, the Oilers scored four unanswered goals to win the game 4-1. Edmonton Oilers celebrate Zach Hyman's goal. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyODc0NDQzOTg5NTI1NTcy/usatsi_22094307_168401874_lowres.jpg] Edmonton Oilers celebrate Zach Hyman's goal. The whole season hasn't been like this - we aren't that far removed from the opening sequence of games and subsequent panic that engulfed fans and media alike. On November the Oilers sat 10 points outside of a playoff spot having just lost their third game in a row. Fast forward to today and they are one point behind the Arizona Coyotes - with two games in hand. Zach Hyman. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNzQxNzk5MjkzMjk3Njc2/usatsi_22052299_168401874_lowres.jpg] Zach Hyman. Before this winning streak Connor McDavid barely looked like himself. Now he has 25 points in his last 10 games, with 22 of those coming in this eight game winning streak. McDavid looks like he has his speed, his deception, and the puck on a string at every turn. He looks like the McDavid we know. The team is getting contributions from up and down the lineup. Derek Ryan scored the game winner last game, and now Sam Gagner has done the same against the Blackhawks. Sam Gagner. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxOTA2ODgyNjE1NDUyODMx/usatsi_13927193_168401874_lowres.jpg] Sam Gagner. If the Oilers win their next game, they will have tied a record that was set in 2000-01 and achieved again last year - a nine game winning streak. Yes, the Oilers Dynasty of the 80's never had a winning streak longer than eight games. For context, the 1983-84 team had three eight-game winning streaks and one seven-game winning streak. On Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Oilers have a chance to tie that record. Visit the Striking Oil Podcast Website Subscribe to the Striking Oil Podcast YouTube Channel Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss an update. Related: Ex-Oilers Forward Signs Agreement With Penguins Related: Former Oilers Goalie Having Bounce-back Year Related: Sexiest Edmonton Oiler Alive Related: Oilers' Teammate Praises Bouchard's Slap Shot
