Draisaitl three-point game, Skinner’s 38 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won 6-3 against Vegas Golden Knights

The Edmonton Oilers pulled out a big 6-3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday evening at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. The Oilers rode a big four-goal second period to take the game at home.

Leon Draisaitl led the way with three points (1G, 2A), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Connor Brown had two points, with goals from Zach Hyman, Jeff Skinner and Corey Perry. Stuart Skinner made 38 saves to earn the win.

So, here is a look at the three key reasons why the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday evening.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers defeated Vegas Golden Knights

#3 The power play responded

The Edmonton Oilers went 1-for-2 with the man advantage. Nugent-Hopkins scored on the power play to open the scoring late in the first period. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl assisted on the tally.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Oilers gave up a shorthanded goal in the third period. Brett Howden got his 11th goal of the year to make the game 5-3 at that point. Meanwhile, the Oilers killed off the only Vegas power play.

#2 The big guns stepped up

The big guns stepped up for the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl’s three points were crucial as were the goals by Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman. Connor McDavid got an assist with Darnell Nurse adding two of his own.

The Oilers also got depth scoring. The goals by Corey Perry and Connor Brown were key as scoring from the bottom six has been a consistent challenge for the Oilers this season.

It was encouraging to see the Oilers’ top players step up in a crucial game against the division leader. The win allowed the Oilers to make up ground on the Golden Knights. Edmonton is now three points behind Vegas.

#1 Stuart Skinner came up big

Stuart Skinner was on his A-game against the Golden Knights. His 38 saves were critical, especially since the Golden Knights outshot the Oilers by a wide margin in both the second and third periods. In particular, the Golden Knights tested Skinner in the second period. The Knights outshot the Oilers 17-11 in the second, while also adding 15 more shots in the third.

Skinner held the fort and the Oilers went on to win. Saturday’s performance avenged a tough 1-0 loss against Vegas on Dec. 3. Adin Hill got the shutout in that game. However, the Oilers turned the tables by tagging Hill for six goals on Saturday.

The Oilers will take Sunday off before facing the Florida Panthers on Monday at home.