McDavid's game-winner, Skinner 30-save blanking, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers shut out LA Kings 1-0

The Edmonton Oilers shut out Pacific Division rivals, the LA Kings, 1-0 on Monday night at Rogers Place. With the win, the Edmonton Oilers opened up a four-point lead on the Kings while pulling within four points of the Vegas Golden Knights for the top spot in the division.

Connor McDavid was the hero, scoring his 17th of the season late in the second period. The goal was enough to lift the Oilers past the LA Kings as both teams ended the game with 30 shots apiece.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Edmonton Oilers shut out the LA Kings on Monday night.

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3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers shut out LA Kings

#3 Oilers stayed out of the box, killed on penalty

The Edmonton Oilers did a great job in playing a disciplined hockey game. They stayed out of the penalty box, taking one minor penalty, which they promptly killed off.

That situation was crucial in keeping the Kings from scoring on a night where goals were extremely hard to come by on both sides.

Moreover, the Oilers played a much more physical game than the Kings, registering 15 hits to the Kings’ eight. However, the Oilers managed to avoid penalty trouble, making it easier for the defense to protect the one-goal lead.

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#2 McDavid’s game-winner

Connor McDavid was clutch, delivering the game-winner with a goal late in the second period. Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch rolled the dice by stacking his top line late in the period. The move worked as Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse assisted on the goal.

McDavid’s goal was huge as the top scorers came through when the team needed them the most. While other scorers like Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went scoreless on the night, McDavid and Draisaitl proved why they are the team leaders.

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#1 Stuart Skinner was brilliant

Stuart Skinner was the game’s first star on Monday night, making 30 saves for the shutout. While he wasn’t overly tested, he was good when he had to. Skinner made a highlight-reel save in the first period, without knowing that save essentially saved the game for the Oilers.

The play started with a 2-on-1 between Kings’ captain Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe. The Oilers’ defender took the shot away, leaving the pass open. Kopitar passed the puck with Kempe getting a solid shot on goal.

Skinner slid across the crease to make a fantastic glove save. Skinner got just enough of the shot to deflect the puck on top of the net and preserve the scoreless tie. The acrobatic effort robbed the Kings of a goal, one which could have been the game-winner for Los Angeles.

The Oilers will have Tuesday night to rest and regroup before taking on the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center.