Ekholm scores a pair of beautiful goals as Oilers blowout Sabres
Mattias Ekholm scored a pair of beautiful goals to propel the Edmonton Oilers over the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 8-3 on Thursday night.
It was his first two-goal game of the season, growing his total to seven on the year. The big Swede added another assist for good measure. It looked like Ekholm has been a lot more comfortable activating on the rush.
“My legs feel really well and I feel like I’m reading the plays well right now,” said Ekholm after the game. “I take my chances jumping up, hopefully it won’t be at the cost of defence or goals against, but as long as we keep playing a sound game and keeping it forward, there’s really no reason why not.”
Connor McDavid also played a big part in this one, helping out with four assists of his own. The captain is now at 112 points, which is still behind Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon.
Despite the lop-sided score, this one was tied 3-3 at the start of the third. Edmonton notched five unanswered goals in the final frame.
What a rip from Mattias Ekholm 🎯 pic.twitter.com/NkXIGs2hKU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 22, 2024
“We’re finding ways to get wins. I’d still like to see a little bit more control in games,” McDavid told media after the game. “I still think that there is more to be had, there is more urgency, which is a good thing.”
Zach Hyman continued his march toward the 50-goal mark, scoring two goals tonight to give him 48 on the season. He has a chance to hit the 50-goal mark in Toronto this weekend.
It’s something even he admits would be special to do.
“It would be special, but I’m not focused on it,” Hyman said after a bit of a pause. “You have a look at it now which is cool to go into the game and you have an opportunity to do that… I just want to win [in Toronto], I don’t think I’ve won there since I’ve been [with the Oilers].”
ZMH keeps creeping up on 50 👀 pic.twitter.com/Mx921lRYaL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 22, 2024
Troy Stecher had himself a decent game as well, recording his first point in an Oilers uniform on a third-period Darnell Nurse goal. Ryan McLeod had another goal to make it a touchdown late in the game and, of course, it was Connor Brown getting his second of the year in the dying seconds.
It’s the second straight game that Stecher has been in the Oilers’ lineup. Head coach Kris Knoblauch likes what he’s been seeing from his new addition.
“He is a competitor and he moves really well on the ice and transports the puck,” Knoblauch told reporters. “He’s definitely a nice addition to our team.”
Nursey for the lead! 🛢️ pic.twitter.com/QjXS4Ey53z
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 22, 2024
Edmonton now has 88 points on the season with a 42-21-4 record. They end their four-game home stand with a 3-0-1 record and will now embark on a three-game road trip starting with a date against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
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