Sunday, May 22, 2022. 10:54 PM
EDMONTON – Evander Kane scored a hat trick in the space of six minutes in the second period and the Edmonton Oilers thrashed the Calgary Flames 4-1 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the Western semi-final series.
Kane has increased his goal tally to 10 since the start of the playoffs. He also scored a hat trick in Game 3 of the series once morest the Los Angeles Kings.
Evander Kane’s natural hat trick!
Zach Hyman also hit the target for the Oilers. He scored in all the duels of the series.
Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were the catalysts for the Oilers, picking up four and three assists respectively. The two sidekicks lead the playoff scoring standings: McDavid has 23 points while Draisaitl has contributed 19 goals. Their closest pursuer is Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has 15 points.
Mike Smith stopped 31 shots in the win. He was, however, the victim of a solid check by Milan Lucic in the third period. The latter was expelled from the meeting because of his gesture.
Oliver Kylington ended Smith’s shutout hopes with less than five minutes to go with a pinpoint shot into the top of the net. His first career playoff goal was the only one for the Flames.
Jacob Markstrom, who was perfect in the first period – stopping 21 shots – eventually allowed four goals on 34 shots in two working periods. Dan Vladar was perfect in relief, stopping seven shots.
The Alberta clubs will return to action Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. in Edmonton for Game 4. The series returned to Calgary on Thursday for Game 5.
Quick transition, Evander Kane complete
Kane ignites Rogers Place with his 2nd