Zach Hyman the right fit for Edmonton Oilers; McDavid 2nd star of the week – Edmonton

Nobody goes to mistake Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman for a fullback in soccer, however head coach Dave Tippett made the comparability after his workforce’s Friday evening win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

“He scores lots of objectives from in regards to the one-inch line, which is nice. Any individual’s gotta be there,” mentioned Tippett.

Three of Hyman’s 5 objectives this season have been scored from in tight. On Friday, he was a bull within the blue paint, maintaining the puck alive and eventually having it look in off his skate for his first of two objectives on the night.

“He was a approach of attending to the underside of the pile closest to the puck,” Tippett mentioned after Monday’s apply. “There was a giant pile-up, but it surely appears he was on the proper layer to maneuver it forward.”

“Over my profession, the place I’ve scored objectives is throughout (the) web. It’s an space I’m snug round,” mentioned Hyman.

“We’ve at all times had good net-front guys, however he’s at a bit of little bit of a special stage,” mentioned Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

McDavid leads the NHL with 13 factors this season and was named the NHL’s Second Star of the Week after racking up eight factors in three video games. He’s ripped dwelling six objectives on 21 pictures within the Oilers’ 5 video games up to now.

“I clearly wish to shoot the puck extra. I wish to rating extra objectives,” mentioned McDavid.

Oilers goalie Mike Smith skated briefly earlier than Monday’s apply. Tippett mentioned he’s uncertain to play on Wednesday in opposition to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Smith was injured final Tuesday throughout a recreation in opposition to Anaheim.