Evander Kane chirps Los Angeles Kings after playing key role in Game 3 win

After the NHL reportedly held Kane out of Game 1 for LTIR reasons, the Oilers power forward has got back in the lineup, and is playing his best hockey already.

While down one goal in the third period and pushing for a tie in a must-win game, Kane used his physicality to get to the net front and battle for space until he could score.

After the game, Kane interviewed with NHL on TNT and joked to Paul Bissonnette that he called down a poor review of his goal, which led to the Oilers game winning goal.

It was a great moment for Kane, but it wasn't just a fluke play last night - he genuinely had a fantastic game. According to HockeyStatCards, Kane's game score impact was only second to Connor McDavid.

Post game, every Oiler interview pointed to Evander Kane's talent and playoff attitude being reasons for his success and ability to make an impact after such a long time off.

Leon Draisaitl, who has even been seen arguing with Kane in the past, praised Kane rising to the biggest moments. Connor Brown joked that it took him almost a full year to score after returning from injury.

All season, the Oilers expected Kane to come back in the playoffs, but it wasn't a worry what version they'd get of a 33 year old who hasn't played in 10 months. If he can continue to play at this level, he's looking like a secret weapon for the Oilers that makes the forward group impossibly deep.