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 For Nilsson, it was just his 13th career NHL win. But it was his
fourth victory over New Jersey. In six appearances against the
Devils, Nilsson has never allowed more than two goals in a game. In
those six games, he has stopped 139 of 146 shots.
Nilsson's previous successes against New Jersey came when he was
with the New York Islanders.
"It was a couple of years ago, they have a few new players," said
Nilsson. "I just try to play my game, no matter who I play against.
I think it's just a coincidence that it's been against the New
Jersey Devils so far. But I think we played a good game today, we
deserved the two points."
Oilers coach Todd McLellan said he didn't have any inkling of
Nilsson's career record against the Devils.
"I don't want to know about the past. I was just want to know about
what we're dealing with now. I wasn't aware of that. We just felt
like Nilsson's been the guy over the last little bit. Again, he
played well tonight -- a good sign for him and for us."
German center Leon Draisaitl and left winger Taylor Hall paced the
Oilers' attack; each had a goal and two assists. Draisaitl continued
a remarkable run since his call-up from the Oilers' AHL affiliate in
Bakersfield, Calif. In 10 games since getting the call, he has 17
points.
It took just 6:59 for Draisaitl to extend his goal streak to three
games. Hall threaded a pass from the boards for Draisaitl to tip
into the net for a 1-0 Oilers lead.
"It's just no hesitation," said Hall. "He gives it to me and there's
no pause before he goes. I think it's instinctual, and he's playing
with feel. And when you're hot, that's how it goes."
At 6:04 of the second period, the Devils tied the game at 1. With
New Jersey on the power play, center Kyle Palmieri walked in off the
point and beat Nilsson with a wrist shot.
But the Oilers re-took the lead at 7:12 of the period when
defenseman Oscar Klefbom finished a nice three-way passing play.
Draisaitl and right winger Teddy Purcell got the assists. Draisaitl
dug the puck out of the corner, got it to Purcell, who threw it
across the ice for Klefbom, who came in off the point.
Right winger Jordan Eberle gave the Oilers a 3-1 lead at 3:23 of the
third. The Oilers had the man advantage, and he tried to jam the
puck in from the side of the goal. The puck caromed off the skate of
Devils right winger Lee Stempniak and crawled across the goal line.
At 6:42, center Mark Letestu's shot that went through Devils goalie
Keith Kinkaid, who made just his fourth appearance of the season.
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"When you allow four goals, it is hard for your team to win," said
Kinkaid "It's my fault.
"If we had played a full 60 minutes then we would have had a
different outcome."
Hall got an empty netter to put salt in the wound.
For the Devils, it was their second loss in a row, following on the
heels of Tuesday's 3-2 setback in Calgary.
"We have to have a much harder, stronger, more committed work ethic
in the offensive zone," said Devils coach John Hynes. "We need to
win more battles and get the puck inside the dots with a net front
presence. The last two games, we haven't been anywhere near at the
level to get the shots or to be a real threat to score.
NOTES: Oilers G Anders Nilsson's first career win and only career
NHL shutout to date came against the Devils, while he was a member
of the New York Islanders. ... The flu bug that has been circulating
through the Oilers dressing room claimed D Andrej Sekera, who was
ruled out. ... On injured reserve for the Oilers is D Justin Schultz
(back), C Connor McDavid (broken clavicle), LW Rob Klinkhammer
(undisclosed) and LW Luke Gazdic (illness). ... Veteran Devils C
Patrik Elias has been practicing with the team, but was not yet
ready to make his season debut. He's coming off a knee injury. ...
Devils LW Tuomo Ruutu was out with a foot injury. ... The Oilers
scratched D Andrew Ference and RW Andrew Miller. ... The Devils
scratched LW Stefan Matteau and D Eric Gelinas.
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