Zach Hyman scored three goals in the first period, propelling the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing streak.
Hyman completed his natural hat trick with 1:20 left in the opening period, hammering home a loose puck for his seventh goal of the season. This marked Hyman’s first multi-goal game of the season and the second hat trick of his career.
“When things aren’t going well, you want to have a cushion, and it makes everybody feel a little more comfortable,” Hyman said. “Today was a good day to get back in the win column and just breathe.”
This achievement made Hyman the second player in Oilers’ history to score a natural hat trick in the first period, following Wayne Gretzky’s feat on Dec. 17, 1986. It was also the 10th time an Oilers player scored three goals in an opening period.
“I have nothing but huge respect for Zach Hyman and the game he brings to the table every night,” said Edmonton coach Jay Woodcroft. “He was bound and determined to ensure we were coming out with a lead in that first period.”
Dylan Holloway also found the net in the first period for the Oilers, while Stuart Skinner recorded 17 saves.
Jaden Schwartz scored a power-play goal for the Kraken early in the third period, extending his career-best point streak to nine games and marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal.
“We weren’t desperate enough. We knew they were hungry for wins, so we came out flat. We’ve done it a few times at home now,” Schwartz said. “Unacceptable. We’ve got to be way more aggressive and assertive and get to our game right away. We were standing around and watching too much. It just all around wasn’t good enough.”
Seattle’s starting goaltender, Philipp Grubauer, was pulled after conceding four goals on 17 shots in the first period. Joey Daccord replaced him for the final two periods and made nine saves. The Kraken managed a season-low 18 shots.
Hyman’s scoring began midway through the first period with a backhand shot over Grubauer’s shoulder, following a pass from Evander Kane. He added his second on a power play, knocking in a loose rebound after a point shot.
“Obviously, anytime you can capitalize on those chances, it’s fun,” Hyman said. “There were a lot of good bounces in the first.”
The Oilers took a 4-0 lead into the first intermission when Holloway scored with 17.9 seconds left, capitalizing on a bounce off the boards from Ryan McLeod’s shot.
“It was a hard game to win,” Skinner said. “It was hard fought, and that’s what it takes to win in the NHL. We’ve just got to keep on doing that, keep on doing the things that are going to make us successful.”
UP NEXT
- Oilers: Host the Islanders on Monday.
- Kraken: Host the Avalanche on Monday.
