Underrated play from Zach Hyman may have saved Oilers season

The Edmonton Oilers had a fantastic effort last night to once again come back, and this time make it a victory to pull with 2-1 in the series. However, it wouldn't have been possible with a gritty plan from Hyman.

Hyman created the critical sixth goal for McDavid to seal the win by charging the Kings blue line, and absolutely obliterating the defender to steal the puck.

It was an electric moment in the building as the crowd went wild for Hyman's hit. As he played the puck to an open zone for Connor McDavid flying in to score the empty net goal all alone, Rogers Place was fully rocking and celebrating a win.

Oilers fans love to see McDavid seal the deal for a win, but the blue collar play from Hyman that showed pure will to win is something that gets Oil Country wild.

Hyman himself had a slower scoring season this year after posting wild career highs in 2022-23 - dropping from 77 points to 44.

None of that will matter if in the playoffs, he continues to make timely plays like this based off his work ethic to win games. Given his history of only ever overdelivering on expectation, it's fair to assume Hyman will keep up this incredible work.

As much as the skill of McDavid wows all hockey fans, championships are won off gritty plays like this from Zach Hyman.