The Edmonton Oilers secured a dominant 4-0 shutout over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday evening, firing an astonishing 50 photographs on objective and increasing their profitable streak towards the Penguins to seven video games. Regardless of a stellar begin by Penguins goaltender Joe Blomqvist, who turned away quite a few Grade-A possibilities from the Oilers within the first half, Edmonton’s relentless assault finally broke by way of.
On the threat of being disheartened by nothing getting into, Leon Draisaitl lastly positioned an ideal shot in for the primary objectives. Viktor Arvidsson led the cost with three assists, whereas Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Mattias Ekholm netted their first objectives of the season.
Stuart Skinner had a stable evening, turning away all 27 of Pittsburgh’s photographs, together with some big saves. This shutout marks Skinner’s fifth profession shutout and first of the season. It’s additionally the second-straight sport the place Skinner has been arguably one of the best Oiler on the ice. He showcased his composure in high-pressure moments, as he gave his staff time to lastly get a objective and let the floodgates open.
Arvidsson’s three assists put some numbers behind his finest sport of the season. Regardless of an intense hit that despatched him crashing into the boards, Arvidsson didn’t decelerate and he was in every single place on the ice. He’s beginning to discover chemistry with Draisaitl.
Zach Hyman additionally continued his offensive push, creating a number of high-danger possibilities, although he’s nonetheless awaiting his season’s first objective. The Oilers tried to set him up a number of occasions and he wound up with six photographs on objective and had quite a few possibilities to attain.
The Oilers Are Beginning to Discover Their Recreation
This win solidified Edmonton’s latest momentum. The Oilers might not be the place they wish to be but, however at 3-4-1, their final two video games have proven flashes of dominance, with the staff starting to look extra like final season’s Oilers.
On this sport, they outshot Pittsburgh 50-27. If not for Blomqvist’s heroics in web, the rating might have been much more lopsided. With Skinner discovering his groove and the offense firing on all cylinders, Edmonton followers have cause to be optimistic that issues are turning round.
Subsequent: NHL Commerce Speak Recap: Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Oilers & Panthers
