JUST IN: Nugent-Hopkins Edmonton’s All-Purpose Asset in Crucial Playoff Run…
Nugent-Hopkins Proving Invaluable for Oilers During Playoff Push
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins showed his trademark playmaking ability again on Sunday night, starting with a sharp pass that set up Evan Bouchard’s goal to open the scoring for the Edmonton Oilers.
Moments later, the franchise’s longest-tenured player delivered another precision assist, this time to Connor McDavid, finishing off a smooth 3-on-1 break that put Edmonton up 2-0 early.
When the Dallas Stars began mounting a fierce comeback in the third period, Nugent-Hopkins stepped up defensively and then provided a long breakout pass to Zach Hyman for a critical goal that extended the lead to 4-1 — a moment that gave the home crowd at Rogers Place a chance to relax and celebrate.
Last season, Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl playfully dubbed Nugent-Hopkins as head coach Kris Knoblauch’s favorite player. Meanwhile, McDavid referred to the 32-year-old as the team’s “Swiss Army Knife” after Edmonton’s commanding 6-1 victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final — a nickname that feels more than appropriate.
And the numbers back it up. With three assists on Sunday, Nugent-Hopkins now has seven points across the first three games of the series — ranking among the top performers through three games in a conference final over the past three decades.
A fixture on Edmonton’s top power-play unit, the first forward deployed on the penalty kill, a regular winger alongside McDavid, and often switched to centre for late-game defensive duties, Nugent-Hopkins has become the Oilers’ ultimate utility player.
“Coaches love players who can adapt — and Ryan is that guy,” said Knoblauch. “Having someone who can contribute in so many ways is a real asset.”
McDavid emphasized how essential Nugent-Hopkins is to the team’s success.
“He’s relied upon to do a bit of everything every night,” said the Oilers captain. “Another three assists tonight, but beyond that, he’s solid in all areas.”
Chosen first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, Nugent-Hopkins recorded 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) during last year’s playoff run that ended in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida.
Now in this postseason, he has notched five goals and 11 assists in 14 games. His recent performance places him in elite company alongside Wayne Gretzky as only the second player in team history to record multiple points in each of the first three games of a conference final or semifinal.
“We’re all just trying to do our part and contribute when we can,” said Nugent-Hopkins, who hails from Burnaby, B.C. “It feels good when the chances go in.”
Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, who grew up in Edmonton admiring Nugent-Hopkins, praised his veteran teammate’s dedication and calm leadership.
“He’s a key piece of this team and organization,” said Skinner after turning in a 33-save effort in a game that was tighter than the score suggests. “His work ethic and the way he leads — both vocally and by example — is incredible. He’s always composed. I’ve looked up to him for a long time.”
Despite being part of some of Edmonton’s toughest seasons — including missing the playoffs his first five years — Nugent-Hopkins said he’s learned to appreciate moments like this one.
“It’s always been amazing playing in front of these fans,” he said. “We’ve had some shorter playoff runs before, and we know there’s still a lot of work ahead. But to feel the energy in this building — it’s really something special.”
Much like the consistency and versatility he brings to the team every time he steps on the ice.
