NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a commanding performance on Thursday night, Leon Draisaitl led the Edmonton Oilers to a 5-1 win against the Nashville Predators, netting two goals and providing an assist.
Supporting Draisaitl, players Viktor Arvidsson, Corey Perry, and Zach Hyman also found the back of the net, while Calvin Pickard stood strong in goal, stopping 26 shots. This victory marked the Oilers’ third win in their last four games and came after a tough outing where they lost their captain, Connor McDavid, to an ankle injury just minutes into a previous match against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Filip Forsberg scored Nashville’s lone goal, and Juuse Saros made 24 saves during the game.
Making his NHL debut, Noah Philp contributed a secondary assist on Perry’s goal in the first period, marking his first point in the league.
**Takeaways**
For the Oilers, Hyman’s goal could prove crucial for his confidence. After setting a personal best last season with 54 goals, he had been held scoreless until beating Saros with a shot late in the game; this could signify an important turning point as McDavid is expected to be out for two to three weeks.
On the flip side, the Predators were on a decent run, going 3-0-1 before suffering this disappointing defeat on home ice. For Nashville to improve from their current struggles this season, they must find a way to have more players contributing to the scoring column aside from Forsberg, who is currently leading the team with five goals.
**Key Moment**
The Oilers set the tone for the game right from the opening moments, launching three shots and attempting two others before Arvidsson scored just 37 seconds in, marking his first goal with the Oilers.
**Key Stat**
Draisaitl’s two goals and an assist on Thursday brought his impressive totals against Nashville to 27 goals and 19 assists over 28 career games. Additionally, Draisaitl has now achieved at least three points in six of his last nine encounters with the Predators.
**Up Next**
The Oilers will wrap up their four-game road trip this Sunday as they take on the Calgary Flames, while the Predators will be back in action on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche.