edmonton oilers broke a five-game winning skid on home ice with a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night at Rogers Place.
Their last home win was on 9 December.
“It’s been a long time coming for us,” Oilers forward Zach Hyman said of the home-ice victory. “We started really well and insisted on playing the full 60 minutes.”
Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said after the win, “We have really proud guys in our dressing room.” “I saw them come together and work hard for each other – a real team win.”
The Oilers bombarded the Islanders with 18 shots on goal in the first period. They finally solved goalkeeper Illya Sorokin on the power play when Leon Draisitel scored his 22nd goal of the season.
At the end of the first, Calor Yamamoto broke down the right wing while shorthanded and hit a shot down Sorokin for third. Connor McDavid earned his 500th career assist on the play.
“It’s just a game,” Yamamoto said. “We have 42 left, so it is still a long season and a lot of hockey to be played.
“We’re just out of the playoffs, so we’re still pushing for that, and every game will be a different challenge.”
The Islanders responded with a goal from Mathieu Barzal five minutes into the second. Dylan Holloway’s long shot put Edmonton ahead 3–1, then Hyman went backhand for his 18th goal.
“It wasn’t the first time we scored the full 60,” Hyman said after the game.
“It’s about whether we can string these games together and play like this consistently.”
Brett Kulak (27), Zack Hyman (18) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate a goal against the New York Islanders during NHL second period action on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 in Edmonton.
The Canadian Press/Jason Franson
Cal Clutterbuck pulled the Islanders back with a deflection in the final minute of the second.
The third period was scoreless.
Oilers netminder Jack Campbell made 20 saves for the win. Sorokin finished with 34 saves.
Campbell said after the game, “I feel confident out there – calmer and like myself more.”
The Oilers (21-17-2) will host the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. you can Hear live coverage of the game on 630 CHEDbeginning with faceoff show 6:30 p.m. Real game starts at 8 p.m.
—With files from Brendan Escott, 630 CHED
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