Edmonton Oilers: Four Takeaways From Heritage Classic Win

The Edmonton Oilers were successful in their second-ever outdoor NHL game, dominating the Jets in a 3-0 win.

With the Oilers’ victory, they have three straight wins under their belt and continue with their rhythm. Not to mention, this team looks like a completely different squad than last week. There seems to be more urgency and determination in their play, and they avoid inconsistency.

Without further ado, here are four takeaways from their win over Winnipeg.

Cam Talbot Was On Fire

The Oilers wouldn’t have escaped Manitoba with a win if it weren’t for Talbot. With his 12th career shutout, Talbot proved that he can be trusted as the Oilers’ number-one netminder. He stopped 31 shots, including 12 on the man advantage to keep the Jets scoreless.

With Talbot between the pipes, he has proven he can be consistent and part of the ongoing solution for Edmonton’s defense. Also, he can make acrobatic saves and control rebounds.

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If Talbot can keep up this play, he can be one of the top goaltenders in the Pacific Division and make the difference in multiple games for the Oilers.

Zack Kassian Shined Offensively

Kassian had an excellent all-around game and scored the Oilers’ third and final goal of the game. He also added a secondary assist on the amazing Connor McDavid-to-Darnell Nurse goal. With his all-around game and strong performance, Kassian was by far the top offensive Oiler on the ice Sunday.

He has had a strong season so far, putting up two goals and four points in just six games. Kassian has made a strong impression in Edmonton so far, following the trade last year due to his struggles with alcohol. Not only does he give full effort game in and game out, but he is great on offense and a strong addition to the top six.

Connor McDavid is Connor McDavid

McDavid continues to put up strong numbers and be one of the best players night in and night out. He added an assist in the win, setting up Nurse in great fashion. He was incredibly patient with the puck and gracefully faked out the Jets’ defense before sending it over to Nurse for the perfect pass. With highlight-reel plays like this, McDavid proves his skill-set and is still on a roll.

The 19-year-old captain now has nine points (four goals, five assists) and is tied with Brent Burns and Brad Marchand for the league lead in points. If he can keep up the offense and continue leading the Oilers in the right direction, there’s no reason not to expect good things to come.

The Penalty Kill Was Outstanding

Edmonton found themselves in the box four times, which isn’t that good, but there was nothing to worry about thanks to the penalty kill. The Jets were 0-for-4, and the Oilers did a great job of reading the play and stopping passes through the slot. Not to mention, they also provided some kind of push forward on the PK instead of lingering in their own zone.

Mark Letestu scored the Oilers’ first goal on a short-handed break, and the entire special teams unit put up three shots while down a man. This penalty kill is one of the top ones right now, and just adds to the Oilers’ success so far.