Connor McDavid is on an exceptional scoring streak, and he showcased his talent once again, netting a hat trick as the Edmonton Oilers triumphed over the Nashville Predators with a score of 6-2. This victory came at a crucial time for the Oilers, who had struggled since returning from the Christmas break with a record of 1-3.
In an interesting twist, the Oilers made the decision to scratch two notable players, Trent Frederic and Andrew Mangiapane, from the lineup for this game. Both players, dressed in street clothes, supported their teammates from the sidelines. Head coach Kris Knoblauch commented on their absence, stating that their performances had not met expectations, leaving the door open for a potential return in the future.
Frederic, who signed an eight-year contract during the summer, has had a disappointing season with only three points in 41 games. Mangiapane, who joined the team on a two-year free agent deal, has also struggled significantly. Their absence was starkly felt, especially considering the Oilers” recent struggles with depth scoring.
Despite the missing players, the Oilers found their rhythm, receiving goals from depth players Kasperi Kapanen and Curtis Lazar. This was a refreshing change for Edmonton, as depth scoring has been scarce this season. McDavid”s performance was pivotal, as he scored on a power play, converted a penalty shot, and added a goal at even strength.
“Overall it was a pretty solid 60 ,” said Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who assisted on McDavid”s final goal, marking his 500th career assist. “Every line was going, every D pair, and made some huge saves to keep us going.” Nugent-Hopkins acknowledged the quality of players he has played with throughout his career, emphasizing the caliber of McDavid”s play.
McDavid”s current form is remarkable, with a 16-game points streak that includes 17 goals and 39 points. He has been relentless in his approach, attacking the net at every opportunity. “Right now he”s attacking. Every chance he has, he”s taking it to the net,” Nugent-Hopkins added. “It feels like there is always another level that somehow he gets to.”
The Predators” head coach, Andrew Brunette, expressed frustration over his team”s inability to contain McDavid, acknowledging that if anyone had a solution, they would share it. “He”s an extremely dangerous player as we all know,” Brunette stated.
Lazar took advantage of the opportunity presented to him, scoring a crucial rebound goal and demonstrating his intention to remain in the lineup, particularly with center Adam Henrique leaving the game early due to injury. Kapanen, in his return from injury, also played well, contributing a goal and an assist.
While the depth of the lineup was tested with Frederic and Mangiapane out, the Oilers capitalized on their chances, especially in the second period, where they took control of the game. The newly formed line of Ike Howard, Jack Roslovic, and Matt Savoie found their footing as well, with Savoie stepping into the center position due to Henrique”s injury.
“We”ve got a lot of guys who can play in the bottom six, and right now we”re just wanting more from those guys,” Knoblauch said, indicating that the team is looking for a reset for Frederic and Mangiapane.
OIL SPILLS: This victory marked the 20th consecutive game in which the team scoring first has won. The Oilers are now 18-1-3 when they score first. McDavid”s penalty-shot goal was notable as it was the first of its kind at Rogers Place since Leon Draisaitl accomplished the feat in 2018. Draisaitl also scored during the game, marking his second even-strength goal since December 1. Following a three-point night, he now has 60 points this season. The Oilers have performed exceptionally well against Nashville, boasting a record of 15-2-2 in their last 19 meetings.
