3 points for Connor McDavid as Edmonton Oilers end losing streak

The Edmonton Oilers snapped their six-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 3-1 road win over the Arizona Coyotes.

Arizona’s Brad Richardson scored the only goal of the first period as the Coyotes outshot the Oilers 16-7. Ryan Spooner had the Oilers’ best chance on a wide-open one-timer but was denied by Coyotes goalie Adin Hill.

Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl tied it early in the second. After winning a faceoff, Draisaitl deflected Adam Larsson’s point shot home for his 22nd goal of the season. Later, Oilers captain Connor McDavid took a pass from Zack Kassian and went in alone, sliding a backhand under Hill to put the Oilers ahead.

After the game, McDavid had nothing but praise for Kassian, who was promoted to the top line ahead of Wednesday’s game.

“It’s nice when he can find you like that,” McDavid said.

“He gets in on the forecheck hard, he opens space for us, wins battles down low — [he’s] a real responsible guy.”

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LISTEN BELOW: Connor McDavid

Arizona had pressure with Hill pulled in the final minute, but McDavid blocked Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s point shot and sped away for an empty-net goal.

McDavid had two goals and an assist. Oilers netminder Mikko Koskinen made 29 saves.

The Oilers moved to within four points of a playoff spot with the victory. The team’s head coach said the upcoming three-game California swing could be a big moment in their season.

“If we have a good road trip, we’re going to come back right in the middle of the race again, and then get our players back,” Ken Hitchcock said.

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LISTEN BELOW: Ken Hitchcock

The Oilers (19-18-3) will visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.

Watch below: Some videos from Global News’ coverage of the Edmonton Oilers’ 2018-19 season.

1:54 Oilers Mikko Koskinen prepares for first Christmas in Canada

• Oilers Mikko Koskinen prepares for first Christmas in Canada
• Puljujarvi skates on McDavid’s line at Oilers practice on Thursday
• Ken Hitchcock talks about what it’s like coaching in Edmonton
• Ken Hitchcock named 8th Edmonton Oilers head coach since 2009
• Todd McLellan fired, Ken Hitchcock takes over as Edmonton Oilers head coach
• Todd McLellan out as Edmonton Oilers’ head coach, Ken Hitchcock in
• Oilers trade Ryan Strome to Rangers for Ryan Spooner
• Oilers appear to be changing top line ahead of game against Habs
• Connor McDavid and the Oilers ready for 2018-19 season home opener

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