In Nashville, Zach Hyman hit for a hat trick on Tuesday and the Edmonton Oilers downed the Predators, 6-3.
It was his first career hat trick.
“Great game tonight [for Hyman], hounding it and obviously being strong as a bull on it as always, as we all know him, so great game from him,” the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl said. “It’s great to see him get three goals. He’s such a big part of our team, does so many little things well. It’s always great to see guys like that get rewarded for their work.”
Jack Campbell made 29 saves in the win.
Edmonton improved to 17-13-0.
Nashville took an early 1-0 lead on a marker from Cody Glass in the first period.
The Predators have not beaten the Oilers in 1- straight games.
“We’ve had a hard time containing them with match-ups, guys being able to play against those guys and shut them down on a regular basis,” Nashville coach John Hynes said. “That’s given us problems and their power play is dynamic. They find ways to be able to score [and] in a lot of the games, that’s been the difference. It’s been McDavid’s line and the power play.”
Hyman and Draisaitl scored to erase the deficit for a 2-1 lead.
Nashville’s Ryan Johansen and Draisaitl traded goals for a 4-2 lead to the Oilers.
“I can’t explain it, but [Draisaitl] seems to do well against this team,” Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft said. “I think most importantly, he’s more worried about us playing the game the right way and finding two points. I thought that line was very good tonight. The personal success I know for Leon Draisaitl comes second to winning.”
The Predators’ Dante Fabbro cut into the Oilers lead to make it 4-3, Connor McDavid scored late in the frame for a 5-3 advantage headed to the third.
Edmonton scored twice on their twom power play chances.
“Special teams was definitely a big factor,” Nashville’s Roman Josi said. “They scored two on the power play. We had chances, didn’t score. That’s killing us right now. Guys on the power play have to be better. We’ve got to score some goals. It’s hard to win against a team like that, with that much power on the power play. It’s tough.”
Nashville dropped to 12-12-3.
Hyman finished his hat trick in the third for the 6-3 final.
“I see someone who brings a positive attitude first of all,” Woodcroft said. “[Hyman’s] passionate. He exudes passion for the game. He has an insatiable appetite to get better, so he’s buoyed by the challenge of playing with two great players like Connor and Leon.”
Kevin Lankinen made 31 saves in the Preds loss.
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