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Morning, everyone!
Well, that was a fun one wasn’t it? It’s not every day you see the Oilers put up a six-spot through two periods with Connor McDavid registering a point on all three, including his second hat trick in three days!
Leon Draisaitl still kept a big lead in the NHL scoring race despite his partner in crime going off, as he quietly added five assists of his own to move to 41 points in 21 games. He’s averaging almost two full points a game, a quarter into the season. Rare air here, folks. Both of these guys are playing ridiculous right now, Draisaitl’s on pace for ~160 points, while McDavid’s projecting around 144. Either way, both are eye-watering totals and we should be so lucky to see them come anywhere near those numbers.
Mike Smith got the nod — and the victory — last night, but Mikko Koskinen has been flat out better than Smith this season and he’s still lagging behind in total opportunities. I’d like to see that change, especially given he’s the one we’re stuck with after this season. I’d be surprised if Smith is re-signed even if he continues to play as well as he has been (most of the time).
Quick turnaround for the boys as they have tonight off but are back in action tomorrow at Rogers Place for a 2PM matinee tilt with the Dallas Stars. Check in early tomorrow morning when our GAMEDAY routine gets underway. We’ll see you then.
From Us
GAME RECAP: Oilers 6 Avs 2 (Copper and Blue)
GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche (Copper and Blue)
Tonight’s Oilers / Avalanche Lines (Copper and Blue)
Here Comes Caleb Jones! (Copper and Blue)
From Elsewhere
The McDavid Draisaitl Freeway (Lowetide)
McDavid And Draisaitl Are Sweetest Music On The NHL Stage (Sun)
The Oilers Remain Resilient (Oilersnation)
Oilers Spark Memories Of Glory Days On Back Of McDavid’s Historic Night (Sportnset)
For Money
Willis: A Shift-By-Shift Analysis Of Caleb Jones In His Oilers Season Debut (The Athletic)
‘Sometimes It’s Just Unstoppable’: How McDavid And The Oilers’ Power Play Dominated The Avalanche (The Athletic)