Hot Links: Tuesday, August 4

Morning, Oilers fans!

Hopefully you’re still buzzing after a big and important win for the Edmonton Oilers last night!

In case you missed it, Connor McDavid scored 3 for his first playoff hat trick with James Neal, Alex Chiasson, and Tyler Ennis all tallying too en route to a 6-3 final. Mikko Koskinen picked up his first career playoff win in his first start, and was good enough early to help the Oilers settle into the game and eventually take it over.

James Neal believes the Oilers played with the desperation necessary to win at this time of year, something they didn’t do in game 1. They were certainly better top to bottom in game 2. Andreas Athanasiou might have had his best game as an Oiler last night.

While the Oilers were busy leveling the series, fans across the province were loading up on 50/50 tickets. By the time the game was over, the total pot exceeded $3MM. Imagine watching the Oilers go off for 6 and then winning more money than like half the actual Oilers make in a year?!

The NHL released an update regarding their COVID-19 numbers and reported no positives from over 7,000 tests between July 26th and August 1st. Given the state of the MLB right now, it has to be said that the NHL has done better than I think most observers expected. Hopefully it continues, and McDavid can win his first cup in Edmonton.

A quick turnaround awaits our heroes as the series resumes “in Chicago” on Wednesday night at 8:30p MST. Til then. LFG.

From Us

Game 2 Recap: The Oilers Double Up the Blackhawks in ‘Must Win’ Game 2, Even Up Series (Copper and Blue)

PLAY-IN GAME 2: Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks (Copper and Blue)

Mikko Koskinen To Start Game 2 (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Monday, August 3 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

McDavid’s Hat Trick Stole Show, But Entire Oilers Team Responded Well (Sportsnet)

Neal Says Oilers Played With Desperation To Take Game 2 (Sportsnet)

Connor McDavid’s 1st Playoff Hat Trick Leads Edmonton Past Chicago In Game 2 (CBC)

Watch: McDavid Nets 1st Playoff Hat Trick, Someone Throws Hats (Score)

Oilers Playoff Gameday: Game 2 Vs. Blackhawks (Oilers Rig)

Oilers Need More From McDavid, Blue-Line Leaders To Survive Series (Sportsnet)

Credit Where Credit Is Due, The NHL Bubbles Remain COVID-19 Free (Oilersnation)

Matt Dumba has taken up the burden of protest for the NHL. Are any other players willing to join? (FTW)

Are There Reasons To Be Optimistic? (Oilersnation)

For Money

DGB weekend power rankings: Yes, a playoff edition. Yes, based on one game (Athletic)