Draisaitl, Hyman each score twice as Oilers steamroll Canadiens; Kane scores in Edmonton debut
CBC
It was the newest member of the Edmonton Oilers who got the ball rolling Saturday.
New signing Evander Kane scored the first of seven goals for Edmonton as the Oilers steamrolled the struggling Montreal Canadiens 7-2.
Kane's first-period goal sparked the offence. It was the first of three in quick succession, and the first time Edmonton scored first in its past 12 games.
"When you get to a new team and you're being brought in to produce and you produce in your first game it definitely is a good feeling," Kane said. "I know the boys were telling me they hadn't scored first in a long time so it was nice to help out in that way."
Kane, the controversial forward, signed with Edmonton on Thursday. The NHL recently cleared Kane after an investigation into his cross-border travel during the holiday break.
Earlier this month, the Sharks terminated the remainder of his $49 million US, seven-year contract for violating virus protocol while in the American Hockey League.
His new teammates were glad to see him succeed on Saturday.
"Honestly, it was nice to get the first one," said Zach Hyman, who scored twice. "It was nice to get a lead and it was nice to see Kane get it. Any time you play your first game it's always nice to get on the board, so good for him."
Coach Dave Tippett was happy with what he saw from Kane's first NHL game this season, jumping in and getting an early goal.
"He looks in decent shape, you can tell he's a little rusty," Tippett said. "He hasn't played in a while so he'll pick up the speed a little bit. But it's good to get him in the line and get him going."
Hyman and Leon Draisaitl each scored twice in Edmonton's easy win.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Derek Ryan also scored for Edmonton (22-16-2). Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins had an assist apiece, while Duncan Keith and Warren Foegele each chipped in with two helpers.
On a rare occasion, Connor McDavid didn't pick up a single point but his teammates carried the load. All four lines contributed goals, most notably the third line composed of Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins and Zack Kassian with three.
"Hyman had a really strong game," Tippett said. "We talked to them about trying to give us a little more depth and that line is a line that can play against anybody. Big, small, skilled, unskilled, they're just a good line and they showed it tonight."
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