$41,000,000 Oilers forward doesn't mince his words about scoring struggles

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Nov 08, 2024 12:18 GMT

Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has struggled to score this season, managing only one goal in 14 games. His performance has been lacking both on the power play and at even strength.

In the club's 4-2 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, Nugent-Hopkins had three shots but failed to score. After the game, he acknowledged his struggles, saying he's still generating chances, but the goals just aren't coming.

He said:

"I feel like I'm still creating stuff and getting my looks, it's not going in. but this is not the first time I've gone through something like this. you play a long time in this league, you go through tough stretches...there's a lot of hockey left in the season for us collectively and individually."

"I know I'm going to put my head down and keep working, and I expect the same from this group for sure."

In the game against the Golden Knights and with Connor McDavid's return, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was moved to the center in the third line with Adam Henrique moving to the left wing and Connor Brown playing on the right wing.

Nugent-Hopkins is currently inked to an eight-year, $41 million deal with the Oilers.

Oilers coach reflects on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' performance against Golden Knights

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch shared his thoughts on Nugent-Hopkins' performance after the game.

Knoblauch pointed out the disappointment of a penalty by Nugent-Hopkins, resulting in the Oilers losing a 2-1 lead in the third period. He said:

"I thought their line had some chances the first period, maybe some in the second, and that's unfortunate with the penalty. 200-feet away, it's tough to take an offensive zone penalty... when we had the lead."

"I think with Ryan, it's not that he's playing bad — I've seen him play better, I've seen him play much better — but I think I can say that for our team as a whole."

Connor Brown and Brett Kulak were the scorers for the Oilers in the defeat. This marked the second straight loss for the Oilers, who are fifth in the Pacific Division with 13 points.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will hope to find back his form when Edmonton faces the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. The puck drops at 10 p.m. ET.