Edmonton Oilers player grades following a 5-3 win over Minnesota
The Edmonton Oilers emerged victorious in a 5-3 win against the Minnesota Wild, marking their seventh win in the last eight games. While Connor McDavid stole the show with two goals and an assist, it was a total team effort that led to the triumph. Key contributions came from both the Oilers’ star players and their role players, as the team showcased its depth, offensive firepower, and resilience. In this player-grade analysis, we’ll break down each individual’s performance, considering both offensive and defensive contributions, as well as overall impact on the game.
Connor McDavid: A+
Connor McDavid was nothing short of spectacular in this game. The Oilers’ captain played like the league’s best player, registering two goals and one assist while constantly creating chances for his teammates. His performance was the defining factor in the victory, and he was involved in three of Edmonton’s five goals.
McDavid opened the scoring with a perfect assist to Evan Bouchard for the Oilers’ first goal. He then netted a dazzling solo goal in the second period that demonstrated his lightning-fast speed and exceptional playmaking ability. With an empty net in the final minute, McDavid sealed the win with his second goal of the game, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments. His pace, creativity, and leadership were evident throughout the game, and he was clearly the best player on the ice.
Grade: A+
Leon Draisaitl: A
Leon Draisaitl continues to be a key driver of the Oilers’ offense, and his performance in this game was no different. The German forward registered a goal and an assist, with the assist coming on McDavid’s spectacular second-period goal. Draisaitl also scored on the power play, burying a one-timer from the left circle that extended Edmonton’s lead to 2-1 early in the second period.
Draisaitl was also solid defensively, winning important faceoffs and battling hard in the corners. While he didn’t dominate in the same way McDavid did, his contributions were vital to the team’s success. His ability to find open space and make plays with McDavid remains a critical part of the Oilers’ offensive strategy.
Grade: A
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: B+
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was once again a key contributor to the Oilers’ overall performance. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his playmaking ability and defensive responsibility were crucial. Nugent-Hopkins was a steady presence on both the power play and penalty kill, contributing to the overall flow of the game. He was strong along the boards and did well to support both McDavid and Draisaitl when needed.
Defensively, Nugent-Hopkins was disciplined and contributed to the Oilers’ efforts in slowing down the Wild’s attack. Although he didn’t register a point in the game, his all-around play was an important factor in securing the win.
Grade: B+
Zach Hyman: B+
Zach Hyman continues to be one of the Oilers’ most reliable and hard-working forwards. His gritty play and tenacity on the forecheck were evident throughout the game. Hyman’s effort was especially important in gaining possession for the Oilers, as he was active on the forecheck and created opportunities by disrupting the Wild’s defense.
While Hyman didn’t find the back of the net in this game, his overall play was a key part of the Oilers’ success, especially in limiting Minnesota’s chances to tie the game in the third period. His role on the Oilers’ second line has been solidified, and his ability to provide energy and physicality is vital to the team’s success.
Grade: B+
Evander Kane: B
Evander Kane didn’t register a point in this game, but his physical presence and effort were crucial in helping the Oilers maintain their edge. Kane was engaged in multiple battles in front of the net and provided the Oilers with a boost on the forecheck. His size and strength were assets as he protected the puck in tight situations, and he made life difficult for Minnesota’s defensemen.
Though Kane didn’t contribute offensively, his presence was felt throughout the game, and he played a role in both puck retrieval and keeping the Wild off-balance defensively. As the Oilers move forward, Kane’s physicality will be a critical component of their success.
Grade: B
Warren Foegele: B
Warren Foegele had a solid game for the Oilers, contributing to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. He was effective on the forecheck and provided energy on the third line, creating chances through his speed and relentless pursuit of the puck. Though Foegele didn’t register a point, he was active in the defensive zone, helping prevent Minnesota from getting clean chances.
Foegele’s penalty late in the first period for interference was a minor blemish on his performance, but it didn’t ultimately hurt the team. His effort was a big part of the Oilers’ ability to keep Minnesota at bay and close out the game.
Grade: B
Darnell Nurse: B
Darnell Nurse had a solid game on the Oilers’ blue line. While he didn’t contribute offensively, his defensive presence was important in limiting Minnesota’s scoring chances. Nurse was tasked with a heavy workload, often matching up against Minnesota’s top players, including Kirill Kaprizov. He did a good job of keeping Kaprizov in check for much of the game, limiting the Wild’s ability to generate sustained offensive pressure.
Nurse’s physicality and leadership on the back end were vital, especially during critical moments when the Wild were pushing to tie the game. His play was steady and efficient, and he continued to be a reliable defenseman in all situations.
Grade: B
Cody Ceci: B
Cody Ceci continued his solid play as a reliable defenseman for the Oilers. He didn’t make many flashy plays, but his consistency and reliability in his own zone were key in helping the Oilers control the flow of the game. Ceci did a good job of closing off shooting lanes and making simple, effective passes out of the defensive zone.
His pairing with Nurse continues to be a strong one for the Oilers, as they shut down Minnesota’s top players for much of the game. While Ceci didn’t register any points, his steady play and decision-making were crucial to the Oilers’ ability to secure the win.
Grade: B
Evan Bouchard: B
Evan Bouchard had a productive night, scoring a key goal for the Oilers in the first period. His slapshot from the blue line beat Fleury cleanly, giving the Oilers the initial lead in the game. Bouchard also contributed to the Oilers’ ability to move the puck up the ice quickly and efficiently, keeping the Wild from gaining sustained pressure in the offensive zone.
While Bouchard had a good offensive showing, there were moments where he could have been more assertive defensively, especially in battles in front of the net. However, his offensive contributions and puck-moving ability made him an important part of the win.
Grade: B
Tyson Barrie: C+
Tyson Barrie had an up-and-down game for the Oilers. While he contributed with the puck on the power play, his defensive play was occasionally suspect. Barrie made some solid passes out of the zone, but at times he was caught out of position, allowing the Wild to generate some chances. His defensive play in his own zone was less than ideal on a couple of occasions, and he was often a step behind in his coverage.
On the positive side, Barrie’s offensive instincts remained a valuable asset to the Oilers, and he helped drive the play forward from the blue line. However, his defensive lapses were noticeable and kept him from earning a higher grade.
Grade: C+
Stuart Skinner: B+
Stuart Skinner was solid in goal for the Oilers, making 29 saves on 32 shots. Skinner was especially sharp in the third period when the Wild pushed hard to equalize. His positioning and composure allowed him to stay calm under pressure and make key saves when needed. While he allowed three goals, each of them was hard to stop, with Kaprizov’s goal being a beautiful individual effort and the other goals coming on the power play or off deflections.
Skinner’s play was crucial in allowing the Oilers to close out the game and secure the win. His ability to stay focused and make key saves in the final minutes was a key part of the Oilers’ victory.
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
The Edmonton Oilers’ 5-3 win over the Minnesota Wild was a well-rounded team effort, with contributions from both the stars and the role players. McDavid was the clear standout, but Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and Hyman also played important roles in the victory. On defense, Nurse, Ceci, and Bouchard were steady, with Skinner making crucial saves to seal the win. The Oilers’ power play continued to shine, while their overall team defense helped limit Minnesota’s scoring opportunities.
As the Oilers continue to build momentum, this victory was a reminder of the importance of depth and balance across the lineup. With McDavid leading the charge, and the supporting cast stepping up, the Oilers look poised to continue their successful run as the season progresses.
