3) Zach Hyman
Following on from the best campaign of his NHL career to date, more was expected from Zach Hyman. However, save for his four-point performance in Nashville, he’d struggled to recapture his form from last season. (Although in fairness to him, this is the case for a lot of Oilers players so far in 2023-24.)
It seems that all it took to get back on track, was to take part in a game in open air. As mentioned during postgame interviews, Hyman has performed well whenever he plays outdoors.
First up, the former Toronto Maple Leaf scored in the opening period, to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead. Admittedly Leon Draisaitl did most of the hard work with his run down the left wing, but Hyman timed his own run perfectly to deftly fire home his teammate’s pass.
The 31-year-old didn’t officially do anything on the Oilers’ third goal, but his positioning was perfectly timed and subtle enough to temporarily blindside the Flames goalie. He then provided the secondary assist on Desharnais’ goal, to all but complete an excellent game.
Hyman was asked afterwards by the media, about why he plays so well outdoors. He said:
"“I never thought about that. They’re just fun games. You try and score in every game right, you’re not trying to do anything differently. But yes, I just enjoy being out there … the atmosphere, and maybe the game suits me because it’s a little chippier, the puck’s bouncing (laughs) and everyone’s on an even playing field.”"
The winger also discussed how well the Oilers played in the third period, to put the game away. He said:
"“Yeah, (Calgary) made a strong push in the second period, so obviously to come out in the third and to weather the storm and have our own push back, was huge. That fourth goal was massive, it just kind of settled the group down and then you just go out there and play.”"
It’s a shame the Oilers now have to wait until Thursday to play again, thus potentially compromising any momentum gained on Sunday. Regardless, at least the wait will be a positive one thanks to a win, rather than yet another loss.