Oilers 4, Red Wings 1: Hyman Steals the Stage
The Edmonton Oilers wrapped up their homestand with a sharp, businesslike 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, and it was one of those nights where the stars took over. Zach Hyman finished with a hat trick, Connor McDavid piled up four assists, and the Oilers looked like a team that understood the assignment: bank points at home and keep climbing.
Right from the start, you could feel Edmonton had its legs. The puck was snapping around cleanly, the forecheck was active, and whenever the game drifted into chaos, Connor McDavid calmly pulled it back. Stuart Skinner didn’t have to stand on his head, but he was steady and composed—just what you want when you’re finishing off a long stretch at Rogers Place.
There were a few tense moments, especially after Simon Edvinsson made it 2-1 early in the second. But instead of wobbling, the Oilers leaned back on their leaders. By the time Zach Hyman tapped in his second goal off that ridiculous no-look pass from McDavid, the night felt firmly in Edmonton’s hands.
Key Point One: Connor McDavid Was in Full Command.
Connor McDavid didn’t need to score a goal to dominate. His four assists came from pure control of the game—reading plays ahead of everyone else, slowing the tempo when needed, and speeding it up when the Red Wings were flat-footed. When he decides to take over, the Oilers follow.
Key Point Two: Zach Hyman’s Motor Never Stops.
Zach Hyman scored three, but it wasn’t just the goals—it was the tone he set. Every shift had a purpose. Every drive to the net created something. When he’s moving like that, he’s one of the most reliable finishers in the league, and the Oilers’ top line becomes almost impossible to contain.
Key Point Three: Stuart Skinner Quietly Did His Job.
Stuart Skinner wasn’t flashy, but he was rock steady. His 27 saves were clean, controlled, and timely. He didn’t need to steal the game—he just needed to hold it—and he did exactly that. Ironically, it was his last game for the Oilers. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Final Thoughts from the Oilers’ Perspective.
For the Oilers, this win was about tuning up all the details they’ll need as the schedule tightens. The top line was outstanding. The power play showed some rhythm. And the defensive zone coverage looked more committed than chaotic.
Leon Draisaitl, inching closer to 1,000 career points, adds a little extra shine to the night. And Mattias Ekholm’s point streak is another reminder of how valuable he’s been stabilizing the blue line.
A 3-1-1 homestand isn’t perfect—but it’s the kind of stretch that keeps you in the hunt. Now the challenge is simple: carry this momentum back on the road.