A shutout? I mean, a shutout.
After the first period, every Oilers fan started fearing that Pittsburgh’s goaltender Joel Blomqvist would get the shutout instead. There’s always something about backup/third-string goalies who look like Vezina trophy winners whenever they play against Edmonton. Stuart Skinner, as referenced, had a great night in net. He didn’t face 50 shots like his counterpart, but he did the job he needed to do with 27 saves. I remember two spectacular saves made in the third period. And this time, his team didn’t leave him out to dry after they were made.
There were also sighs of relief for forwards needing to start getting productive. Viktor Arvidsson broke out with three assists, and Vasily Podkolzin got his first point as an Oiler. Might those two keep up the chemistry on Leon Draisaitl’s line? Ryan Nugent-Hopkins finally scored his first goal of the season, and Zach Hyman finally got his first point. Hyman had so many golden opportunities to score a goal, but could never bury it. Then, late in the third period, the public address announcer stated that he was credited with an assist on RNH’s goal, marking his 400th NHL point. He can at least celebrate that while trying to get off of his current goal slump.
Even though they blew the first of these two home games, it was still good to get 3 of a potential 4 points. Now, onto a four-game road trip. But first, congratulations to Craig MacTavish and Randy Gregg on being inducted into the Oilers Hall Of Fame on Friday night. Our condolences to the family of former Oiler Moe Lemay on his passing yesterday. Our thoughts are with them. The keys to the game are…
Bad PP vs Bad PK: Edmonton’s powerplay has been just as mediocre as everything else in their season so far, ranked 26th in the league. Detroit’s penalty kill is ranked 31st in the league. The Oilers managed to get a PP goal against the Penguins, which was scored by their second unit. If there was a time to break that PP slump, maybe this opponent is a remedy for that.
Everybody Loves Raymond: Rising star forward Lucas Raymond has averaged a point in every game so far this season, but he scored his first goal just yesterday, and it was a shorthanded goal. Remember, one of Stu’s two spectacular saves was a shorthanded chance, as you read that last line again. Make sure this game isn’t the start of a personal heater for him.
Back-To-Back: The Red Wings are coming off an afternoon road loss yesterday. The Oilers spent their day off on a plane to the arena. May the home team feel a bit of fatigue?
ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink
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