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A Connor McDavid-less Edmonton Oilers couldn't have looked worse for it on Wednesday night, as they completely outclassed the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights with a 5-1 victory.

In a complete team performance as we've seen this season, Edmonton has dominated on both ends of the offense, in goal, on special teams, you name it.

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The club exceeds the 100-point barrier for third place^{Research and development} Consecutive season, creeping to within 3 of Pacific leader Vancouver.

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Perhaps notable: Connor McDavid was standing at the locker room door congratulating his teammates. good mark.

Here's the story of the tape…

Edmonton Oilers Player Grades

Stuart Skinner. 7. Hard stop at Howden at 1^street. Marchessault and Mantha had pucks kicked out. Amadeo's blocked kick was his best of the first half, but his teammates had better chances at the other end. Strong stop on Hague's shot and an early rebound in the 2nd minute^{Second abbreviation}. He stopped Mantha on a partial break at 2^{Second abbreviation}. He stopped Eichel on his first shot and rebounded in the 3rd minute^{Research and development}. He stopped 19 of 20, and had little chance of scoring the breakaway goal he surrendered. Even though Skinner didn't face a ton of shots, he was the best goalie on the ice tonight, and that's all that matters at the end of the day.

Leon Draisaitl. 8. An offensive zone interception led to Bouchard's point shot. He sent Hayman for a terrifying opportunity later in the first part^street. She slapped home a shot from the far post near the end of the opening room. Early 2^{Second abbreviation} A period of heat in his own area led to a long-running fire drill in Vegas. A powerful backhand cut in front of Nugent-Hopkin's 1-timer, the bounce from which Hyman swept home. He beat 3 defenders with a tremendous pass that Nugent-Hopkins couldn't quite drain. He fired one timer from the face-off point to make it 4-1. 3 hits. 56% on withdrawals. He led the club in 5v5 CF at 25-14, 64%.

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Ryan Nugent Hopkins. 8. Regarding the top line winning which was always the best on the ice versus any opponent Vegas could throw at them. A1^street A period wrist shot forced a sharp right board that was blocked by Hill. He drilled a one-timer into the set, which led to a putback that swept Hyman home 3-0. Great opportunity against Lyon's tremendous pass. Sweet feed for Desharnais who fires it high. The key assist is just a beautiful pass for 4-0. Game 2^{Second abbreviation} a star.

Zach Hyman. 7. Dangerous 1^street Beautifully set up period shot from Draisaitl off the rush. He returned the favor in the same period down the right side, which led to Draisaitl's shot. Hard work along the wall started the play on a 3-0 run, then finished it off, nailing the rebound from about five feet away. His 53^{Research and development}. Secondary help on 4-0. 4 shots.

Nurse Darnell. 6. Point shot Nurse got 2^{Second abbreviation} Help on 1-0. Smooth pass to Holloway for a good chance. 2 played good defense in his area on the same 2^{Second abbreviation} Period shift. He hit the middle short with a score of 4-1. 3 hits. High stakes 5-2 5v5.

Hummus Cody. 7. Solid as a rock. A timely shot against the wall and then the ball bounced into the net, making the score 1-0. High stakes 5v5 5-2.

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Adam Henrique. 5. A pass from behind the goal line led to a first-class chance for Kane. A clever background check prevented the rapidly developing odd man out rush.

Evander Kane. 6. A direct shot from the top of the net after a perfect pass from Henrique. Shot on the PP while scrambling with the mouth in front of goal. Right to the goalkeeper's face at 4-0. 3 shots, 2 hits.

Warren Voegele. 5. Partition D on the hard drive to the network as early as 2^{Second abbreviation}. Bouchard fed for a good point shot.

Matthias Ekholm. 7. He scored the goal 2-0 with a high and powerful howitzer for his 11th^y, at the highest levels of his career. A powerful pass in front had Holloway's stick raised on it in the last second. Defeated 4-1. 4 shots, +2. The Oilers lead D in 5v5 CF at 21-15, 58%.

Evan Bouchard. 7. Draw the 3 o'clock^{Research and development} Period p. Part of a brilliant 4-0 passing play. He deserved the key assist at 5-1 by putting the ball deep, and then Dylan Holloway did the rest. 3 shots, 2 hits, +3.

Ryan McLeod. 8. This 3^{Research and development} The line did something on every shift they made in the first half including a 1-0 run where McLeod got the primary assist on a deflection attempt at the side of the net. He sent a wonderful pass across the area to Ekholm for a 2-0 lead. 2 assists. Great game. We often say McLeod is “skier miles” but that doesn't always lead to the result. That certainly happened this evening, as the speedy McLeod and Holloway were often more than Vegas could handle. Labeled 1^street a star.

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Dylan Holloway. 8. Power in his first NHL game since March 5^y. Dylan Holloway announced his return to the NHL loudly with a hard hit on McNabb on his first shift. A poke check relieved Eichel of the puck, followed by a blocked shot. Part of a terrifying turnaround from the 3 line leading to a 1-0 lead. Good opportunity early 2^{Second abbreviation} Off at the end of the pass by the nurse. Part of a stubborn turn that leads to a 2-0 result with Holloway at the top. Caught in a great chance up front from Ekholm. She stormed into the Vegas zone, taking advantage of an Eden Hill mistake and beating a Vegas defender to the puck. Wrap around 55 later and the score was 5-1. +3 at 12:40. How can you take him out of the lineup after a performance like that? Game 3^{Research and development} a star.

Corey Perry. 7. Part of a very effective trio. Secondary assist on 2-0. Huge turnaround from that streak after a few minutes, they had done everything but score. On a line with two runners, Perry might have been a Wile E Sidekick with one smart little veteran play after another. Very effective.

Brett Kulak. 5. He saved a goal late in the 2nd minute^{Second abbreviation} By sweeping a loose ball from the goal line at the far post. Colac and Desharnais did not have large stakes but were generally strong.

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Vincent Desharnais. 5. Great defensive play by Big Finn to deny the dangerous Karlsson a shot from the high slot. It has a cotter with a strong play on 2^{Second abbreviation}. 5 hits.

Sam Carrick. 6. Beautiful pass to Kulak, who shot the ball high. Shot on goal in minute 2^{Second abbreviation}, drawing a slash call in the process. 50% on point.

Matthias Janmark. 5. Solid 2^{Second abbreviation} Afternoon check-up. Many smart veterans play in guides which helps add to a good team game.

Connor Brown. 5. Good preservation and shooting in 1^street. The partial break led to another shot late in the same frame. He skated well.

Edmonton's record now stands at 48-24-5 and 101 points. 3 Vancouver appeared at Pacific with a game in hand.

Find me on Threads @kleavins, on Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at [email protected]And X @KurtLeavins.

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