Nugent-Hopkins scores twice, Skinner’s 39 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won 3-2 over Buffalo Sabres

The Edmonton Oilers edged the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Place. The Oilers have won two in a row, leapfrogging the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. Jeff Skinner scored his eighth of the season to get the Oilers on the board in the first period. Alex Tuch opened the scoring in the first period with Jiri Kulich adding the other tally for the Buffalo Sabres.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Edmonton Oilers edged the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday afternoon.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won over Buffalo Sabres

#3 Team resilience

The Edmonton Oilers showed their resilience by coming back from a 2-1 deficit to win the game. The Oilers tied the game midway through the second period, then took the lead at 8:59 on the third and didn’t look back.

Both of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ goals were scored at even strength, giving the Oilers crucial goals particularly when power play opportunities were scarce. The Oilers got one power play chance the entire game.

Ultimately, the Oilers grinded out a tough win against an underrated team.

#2 Skinner’s 39 saves

Stuart Skinner was on the money for the Edmonton Oilers. He made 39 saves on the night, especially when considering the Sabres outshot the Oilers 41-34. In particular, Skinner stood tall as the Sabres outshot the Oilers 19-7 in the third period.

The Sabres pushed hard to tie the game and If it hadn’t been for Skinner’s strong performance, the Oilers might have not escaped the game with the two points and sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division.

#1 Nugent-Hopkins scored twice

In a game in which Leon Draisaitl went pointless and Connor McDavid was still out serving a three-game suspension, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emerged as the Oilers’ best player in the game.

Nugent-Hopkins scored twice, lifting the Oilers past the Sabres. Here’s a look at Nugent-Hopking’s game-winner.

The goal resulted from a nifty cross-ice feed that Nugent-Hopkins buried with a one-timer. Sabres netminder James Reimer had no chance to make the save, despite making a strong effort to get a glove on the puck.

The Oilers took a 3-2 lead with the goal and then clamped the game down the rest of the way, earning their 31st win of the season.

The Oilers will get a break on Sunday before taking on the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place in a Pacific Division showdown.