The Edmonton Oilers scored the biggest win of the short season over the Stanley Cup Champions: the Washington Capitals. Can they build off that win?
After the devastating overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night, the Edmonton Oilers bounced back with a big win last night. Defeating the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in 4-1 fashion was the most impressive win they have had for a long time. It’s one of those victories that can help shape the narrative of this franchise and steer the ship to greener pastures.
It was a game that not only the Oilers needed to win but prove to themselves they have what it takes to hang with the best teams in the league. They somewhat showed that against the Penguins and handed an exclamation point on the Washington Capitals.
This was by far one of the best games Cam Talbot has had in a while. He was attentive and picked up the slack of his defensemen who seemed a bit overwhelmed at times during the game. As long as he can maintain his composure during plays that put him in a disadvantage, the Oilers will be fine.
Odd-man rushes and opposing power plays what usually trumps Talbot, but he looked great last night. Keeping up that consistent performance night in and out will be critical on how this team progresses up the division and conference standings.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is playing out of his mind and has been by far the best winger to ever play alongside Connor McDavid in an Oilers uniform. In 8 games so far he has registered three goals and eight assists for a total of 11 points. His shorthanded goal last night against the Capitals showed the hockey world that he might be seen as more than McDavid’s right-hand man: then he should be considered an All-Star at this rate.
The biggest surprise of the week for the Edmonton Oilers still has to be the play of Alex Chiasson. Netting another crucial goal in the third period and adding the fact he scored two goals against the Penguins on Tuesday goes to show that this team has hidden gems ready to break out.
The Edmonton Oilers will head to Nashville tomorrow afternoon in a rematch with the Predators. Last Saturday they suffered their first shutout loss of the season to the Preds, can they return the favor with a big win?