Hyman’s PP game-winner, Skinner’s 20 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won 3-1 over Ottawa Senators

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 23, 2024 04:26 GMT

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The Edmonton Oilers pulled out a convincing 3-1 victory over the upstart Ottawa Senators on Sunday night at Rogers Place.

Viktor Arvidsson scored in his return to the lineup, with Zach Hyman and Adam Henrique getting the others for the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, Nick Cousins tied the game for the Senators with his fifth of the year in the second period.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Edmonton Oilers won over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won over Ottawa Senators

#3 The Oilers’ power play supplied the necessary offense

The Edmonton Oilers power play went 1-for-5 on the night. But that lone power play marker, a goal by Zach Hyman at 14:05 of the second period, proved to be the game-winner.

It’s worth pointing out that the Senators played a tough, tight-checking game against the Oilers. So, getting that tally with the man advantage proved significant as it helped Edmonton pull out two crucial points.

Hyman, for his part, has been on fire over his last five games. He’s notched six goals and one assist. He’s up to 12 goals on the season following a slow start. Hyman’s recent tear has been a key factor in helping the Oilers reach second place in the Pacific Division.

#2 Depth scoring was crucial

On a night when both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were limited to an assist apiece, it was encouraging to see the depth scoring step up. In particular, Viktor Arvidsson and Adam Henrique provided two key goals to help the Oilers down the Senators.

While McDavid and Draisaitl have come up big all season, the fact that the Oilers' secondary scoring can step up in tight games bodes well. Moving forward, the Oilers will be looking to get further scoring from the bottom six, especially opponents looking to keep McDavid and Draisaitl in check.

#1 Stuart Skinner saves game for Oilers

While it’s relatively uncommon to say a goalie decided a game by making 20 saves, that was the case on Sunday night.

Stuart Skinner came up big when the Edmonton Oilers needed him. A good example came on a sequence late in the first period in which the Senators had one of their best scoring chances of the night.

During the sequence, the Sens pressured in the dying seconds of the opening frame. As the Sens cycled the puck, a pinching Thomas Chabot got a pass, shooting from point-blank range. Skinner slid across to make a tough save on a golden opportunity.

Ultimately, Skinner bought the Edmonton Oilers enough time to win to score the go-ahead goal midway through the second, and then hold the fort down in the third period as the Oilers closed out their 21st win of the season.

The Oilers will hit the Christmas break, facing the LA Kings on December 28 at the Crypto.com Arena.