5 Takeaways from Oilers' 4-2 Win Against the Flames – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

For the first time in a row, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2 on Sunday night (Nov. 3). They improved their record to 6-5-1 on the season, and 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

It took them a while, but they seem to have found their game. They make better decisions with the puck, their breakouts are more fun, and when they are in the offensive zone, they create opportunities outside the perimeter, by simply taking advantage of their opponents.

This was another solid road game, and with that said, here are five takeaways:

oilers' Start Soon

The Oilers got off to a good start, scoring just 20 seconds into the game, with Leon Draisaitl's ninth of the season. These were the fastest starts in a row, as they scored just 37 seconds into their last game in Nashville. They added to their lead 8:12 into the frame on Jeff Skinner's third of the season.

Having a good start is important because it allows you to set the tempo and speed of the game. Edmonton has fallen behind too many times this season, often giving up a goal on the first shot. That forces them to come from behind and chase the game, which is totally inappropriate. Playing with lead often leads to success.

Oilers' Penalty Kill Allows Another Goal

This sounds like a broken record, but the Oilers' penalty kill continues to struggle and is a quick killer. They had a strong first half, taking a 2-0 lead into the locker room, but took a penalty kick early in the second half that the Flames took advantage of. This gives Calgary a boost at right back.

In 12 games this season, the Oilers have allowed at least one goal in nine of them. That won't cut it, especially late in the season.

Oilers' Power Play Scores Big

The Oilers' power play scored a big goal midway through the third period on Zach Hyman's second game of the season, which ended up being the game-winner. He showed quick hands as he went forward, to rebound, and finish higher than Flames goaltender Dan Vladar.

Hyman went down in schneid's last game, adding another against the Flames. When he's hot, he can score in bunches, so scoring in two straight games is a good sign.

This team is receiving blows throughout the program as its captain is not present. It took Connor McDavid getting injured for Hyman to go, while hopefully being on the power play in the process. A new look at a high-powered gaming unit can be very beneficial.

Draisaitl continues to rise

It's an absolute luxury to have McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same team. When they play, they are both flexible, but if one of them is not playing, the other has the ability to take over and lead.

In the two games without McDavid, Draisaitl was dominant. He has back-to-back three-point games, and has played with intensity and effort. He is the leader, and his new colleagues have benefited greatly. Viktor Arvidsson and Vasily Podkolzin have also been excellent of late, playing alongside Draisaitl. Elite players make everyone around them better.

Related: Oilers Need “Next Man Up Mentality” After McDavid Injury

If Draisaitl can continue to dominate while McDavid is out, that should quiet the naysayers who say he's not elite and the Oilers are a one-man team. He can absolutely lead this team without No. 97 on the roster, and that's exactly what this team needs.

Stuart Skinner Goes Back

Stuart Skinner had a solid game in the Oilers net, stopping 29 of 31 shots, for a .935 save percentage (SV%). He was outstanding in his career against the Flames, owning a 5-2-0 record, a 2.06 goals against average (GAA), and a .939 SV%.

It's fair to say that Skinner has struggled for points throughout the first month of the season, so it was nice to see him play well on the road. You just need to find some consistency at night. He now has a 3.31 GAA and .881 SV% after eight starts.

This fan base has been incredibly hard on Skinner, and while some of the criticism is justified, some is overblown. Like it or not, he is the number one goaltender in the NHL. He is not in the top division, but few teams can claim to have a top-class goalkeeper.

On a team with a few brutal contracts, Skinner is not one of them. He has a cap hit of $2.6 million this season, and next, which is an incredible amount considering how much he plays. He is a solid goalkeeper with a huge contract, and the fans have to accept that.

Skinner was rushed into the starting keeper position after Jack Campbell's failed trial, and people seem to forget that. Campbell was supposed to be the Oilers star for the next five seasons. At the end of the day, the Oilers drafted and developed Skinner, which has been a rarity for this franchise without their first round pick.

He is a player who plays in the net, so if he struggles he is really bad but when he is on his game he can carry this team as he did last season when he set a record by winning 16 games. He still has a career .908 SV%. Hopefully, he can find his game, and having a backup playing along with Calvin Pickard will help take the pressure off Skinner's back.

The Oilers are now 2-0-0 without McDavid in the lineup, and won their first game of the season without much of a fight. They make their Amazon Prime debut tonight (Nov. 4) when they host the New Jersey Devils.