After getting back in the win column on Friday against the New York Islanders, the Edmonton Oilers were heading to Madison Square Garden for their second and final matchup against the Rangers. With the Rangers playing in the second half of a back-to-back set, the Oilers had the chance to take advantage of a tired team that hasn’t exactly been playing its best hockey, and while it was a tight game through 40 minutes, a third period surge by Edmonton powered our boys to a 3-1 victory.

I would do horrible things if it meant lifting the black cloud hanging over Viktor Arvidsson’s offensive abilities through the first chunk of his first season as an Oiler. Arvidsson is a guy who’s always been able to generate offence consistently, but this has not been one of those years for the veteran winger. At least, not yet. But when you see that the guy can shoot the puck the way he did on the game-winner, you can’t help but hope he can find a way to turn the corner.

Over on Twitter, Bruce Curlock tweeted how it would be nice if one of the veterans Jeff Jackson signed would step up and win this game for the Oilers. Arvidsson scored only a few minutes later, and I want to offer Bruce my thanks and praise for finding a way to manifest a depth goal. While I can’t give Bruce all of the credit — no one man should have that much power — what I do know for sure was that many of us felt a lot of relief when Arvidsson’s goal went in. By no means are two goals in the last five games a heater for Arvidsson or anything like that, but I am hopeful it’s a sign that he’s starting to heat up a touch. Gord knows we need the help.

Leon Draisaitl extended his point streak to a career-high 18 games (14-13-27) with the assist he registered on Corey Perry’s power play goal late in the first period. Courtesy of Bob Stauffer, I learned that Draisaitl now holds the longest point streak in the NHL this season, which is another ridiculous fact you can throw on a marvelous campaign. I hope this eastern road trip has been a wake-up call for anyone who doesn’t get to watch No. 29 do his thing because he’s easily been the Oilers’ best player this season.

The incredible thing about Draisaitl’s game is that he’s just as lethal as a passer as he is as a shooter, and his point streak was extended on the back of a nifty feed that got the puck to Nuge, who fed Perry in the slot. Given how many of his teammates are offensively limping their way through the start of the stretch drive, watching Leon Draisaitl do everything humanly possible to carry his team forward is worthy of a Hart Trophy. If the award is indeed “presented to the player deemed most valuable to their team during the regular season,” then how can you not think of Leon?

It’s no secret around here that my man Ryan Nugent-Hopkins isn’t exactly having the best season. In fact, he’s been rough in a few different ways. We’re not getting much for offence, he’s not his usual defensively sound self, and it’s been a battle for him. But there’s also little doubt how valuable he can be for this hockey team when he’s playing well, and that’s why I want to highlight the three-point night he put up against the Rangers. RNH plays in all situations for the Oilers, and if that’s going to keep happening, he has to make good on the opportunity.

If I were going to critique Nuge’s night, it would have to be that he still needs to shoot the puck more than he is. As happy as I am that he finished with three assists and a +2 rating in 19:06 of all-purpose minutes, it’s hard to ignore that he didn’t register a shot on goal. My man has a lethal wrist shot, and I’m dying for him to use it more. Nugent-Hopkins is shooting at 12.5% this season, which is very much in line with his career averages, but he’s also on pace to fire less than 75% as many shots on goal as he did a few seasons ago when he scored 37 times. The goals will come if he shoots the puck more, and I can only hope a three-point night gives him the confidence to start firing a little more.

1. I would sacrifice anyone who works at our company if Connor McDavid would shoot the puck like that more often. That shot beat Shesterkin on the glove side before he knew what happened, and I think I speak for every Oilers fan when I politely ask Connor to give us more. I feel like Oliver Twist holding out my bowl right now. Please, Connor. Shoot more. Please.

2. How about the season Corey Perry is having? With Zach Hyman out of the lineup, Perry got the chance to play some power play minutes, giving him the opportunity he needed to bury his 15th goal of the season. Fifteen goals is a fantastic number for Perry, and I’ll be the first to admit that he is blowing my mind right now. The guy has been so good for the Oilers this year, and it is a pleasure to watch.

3. When you’re the goalie in a market like Edmonton, you will take more than your share of heat when things go sideways. And as we all know, Stuart Skinner has been in the crosshairs often lately for a run of lacklustre performances that left many of us wanting. But if we’re going to pile on the guy when he’s down, we have to pump his tires when he plays well, and Skinner was fantastic for the Oilers on Sunday. Not only did he outduel Igor Shesterkin, but he also made steady and sensational saves for the Oilers throughout the game without ever looking overwhelmed by the moment. Skinner’s 21 saves and .955 save percentage were precisely what the doctor ordered to close out the road trip on a high, and I wanted to give him his flowers for a great night in net.

4. Jake Walman did a great job of throwing his body in front of the puck in the third period, and I can think of at least two or three instances where he made a block on what could have easily been a goal. While Walman went pointless in 22:40 of TOI, he also finished the game with six blocks, a shot on goal, and one takeaway. I know it’s only been a few games since the trade, but I’m a big fan of how he’s settling in on the Oilers’ back end.

5. I know the Oilers got a power play goal from Corey Perry late in the first period, but I would have liked to see them get more than one with the four opportunities they had on the man advantage. Edmonton could have ended this game long before they did, had their PP been able to capitalize on the PP time, but instead, they more often looked disjointed than the killers we’ve come to expect. On the bright side, the Oilers’ PK went a perfect 3-for-3 while shorthanded, so it’s hard to complain too much about a special teams sweep.

6. Great game for Jeff Skinner. Skinner drew two penalties for the Oilers, and they both happened with some sneaky veteran wizardry that made “maybe” holds look like waterskiing. Even though Skinner only played 11:45 and registered a single shot on goal, I positively noticed him nearly every time he was on the ice. From my side of the TV screen, Kris Knoblauch needs to find ways to play him more.

7. No Sunday Funday could ever be complete without me telling you that the Oilers won 51.1% of the faceoffs. You’re welcome. And if you’re reading this on Monday, remember how happy you were on the weekend.

We’re beyond excited to announce our latest partnership with Odd Company Brewing to bring you the all-new Nation Beer Everyday Lager! Whether you’re watching the big game, chilling with friends, or just kicking back after a long day, this crisp, refreshing lager is the perfect choice. It’s the brew you can count on anytime, anywhere. So, why not make it your next game-day tradition? Nation Beer Everyday Lager is available now at Odd Company Brewing and through Liquor Connect. Don’t miss out—grab yours today and take your beer game to the next level! Cheers, Nation Citizens!