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Top 3 Oilers studs from 3-1 win in Winnipeg

By Paul Taylor

Nov 30, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) is congratulated by Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais (73) on his win against the Winnipeg Jets at the end of the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) is congratulated by Edmonton Oilers defenseman Vincent Desharnais (73) on his win against the Winnipeg Jets at the end of the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers Ryan McLeod
Nov 30, 2023; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan McLeod (71) skates away from Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi (13) during the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Ryan McLeod

The 2022-23 campaign was the best yet for Ryan McLeod, as he proved himself as an important component of the bottom six for the Oilers. He set career bests for assists, overall points, shooting percentage, hits, average ice time and plus/minus rating, despite playing 14 fewer games than a season earlier.

This season however, saw McLeod take a step back in his development. Despite averaging more ice time than his previous three seasons, he had no points and a -3 plus/minus rating through eight games in October.

Things started to improve gradually during November, with the 24-year-old beginning to look more like the player from last season. And the month ended with a bang on Thursday night, with his best game of the season to date.

McLeod particularly proved his worth during the final period, when the Oilers were trying to come back from a 1-0 deficit with less than seven minutes remaining. He controlled the puck well and executed a nice spin move, before setting up Nurse for his tying goal with an excellent pass.

It represented the 2018 second round draft pick’s fifth assist of the month, and indeed the season. However, his best moment was still to come.

With Jets down 2-1 and chasing the game with an extra skater, McLeod scored an empty-netter from long range to seal the win with 20 seconds remaining. Following on from his career-high of 11 goals last season, it represented his first of the 2023-24 campaign.

McLeod understandably didn’t care how he scored, just that he did. Speaking to the media postgame, he said:

"“Yes, obviously it was a little bit of a frustrating start (to the season), but it was good to get that one out of the way. Hopefully there’s more to come.”"

Next. Latest Oilers injury news heading into December. dark

With the win, the Oilers improved to 9-12-1 and remain within five points of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. They will now have five days off — arguably too long when you’re on a good run of form — before returning to action at home on Wednesday night, against the Hurricanes.

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