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Top 3 Oilers studs versus Predators

By Paul Taylor

Oct 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Connor McDavid (97) of the Edmonton Oilers keeps the puck away from Ryan O'Reilly (90) of the Nashville Predators during the third period of their game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Connor McDavid (97) of the Edmonton Oilers keeps the puck away from Ryan O'Reilly (90) of the Nashville Predators during the third period of their game at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers Zach Hyman
Oct 11, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman (18) handles the puck during warm up prior to a game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Zach Hyman

Since arriving in Edmonton ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, Zach Hyman has taken his offensive game to greater heights. During his first season, he helped the Oilers advance to their first Western Conference final since 2005-06, with 16 points (11 goals and five assists) in 16 playoff games.

Then, last season saw the 31-year-old set career-highs, with 36 goals, 47 assists and 83 total points. As such, his slow start to this season was frustrating, albeit no different than a lot of players on the team.

As a result, Woodcroft decided to shuffle the forward units ahead of the trip to Nashville, with Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins being joined on the second line by Warren Foegele. The move undoubtedly worked.

Nugent-Hopkins had his second straight three-point game, while Foegele had his first goal and assist of the season. However, the majority of the credit goes to their linemate, as Hyman scored once and added three assists, for the third four-point game of his NHL career. (The other two came last season.)

The Toronto native discussed how he thought his line performed on the night. Speaking to the media postgame, Hyman said:

"“A lot of fun. I think we’re a work-based line. Foggy brings a lot of energy and pace, and he’s got a heck of a shot. … I think we have good chemistry. We played together a little bit for (parts) of last year, but obviously a good first game together.”"

The 2010 fifth round draft pick was also asked about scoring his first goal of the season, although he was more bothered about the Oilers getting the two points. He said:

"“It’s always good to get the first one. It always feels good. So yes, just get on the board, get in the win column, and start the road trip off on the right foot.”"

In an ideal world, the Oilers of course want Draisaitl leading his own line. For now however, the current second unit looks capable of causing plenty of problems for opponents, with Hyman more than doing his bit thanks to an excellent work ethic.

Next. 3 reasons why the Oilers beat the Predators. dark

Overall, while being happy with the three studs selected, Nugent-Hopkins, Foegele, Evan Bouchard and a certain Connor McDavid are all at least worthy of mention. It certainly makes a pleasant change for the Oilers, when compared to the season opener versus the Cancucks, when there were numerous contenders for the three duds in the 8-1 loss.

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