Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sent a clear message to the NHL after helping the Edmonton Oilers beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 on Tuesday. The veteran forward, who is a 2011 first overall pick, scored twice and helped Edmonton secure an important win.
Colorado opened the scoring just 32 seconds into the first period through Ross Colton. Edmonton responded when Nugent-Hopkins finished a give-and-go with Connor McDavid during a power play, his first goal of the game.
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Speaking to the media after the game, Nugent-Hopkins talked about facing one of the best teams, the Avalanche.
“I think these last two games we understand where we’re at, how important these points are, no matter who you play,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We’re playing against the best team in the league. You’re going to have to bring it. I thought we did a great job.
“But yeah, these are games that you can look back on next month and really rally behind and understand that if we play like that, we can beat anybody.”
Colorado regained the lead late in the first period through Martin Necas, but Edmonton quickly answered when Jack Roslovic scored after a pass from Leon Draisaitl.
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Nugent-Hopkins scored his second goal early in the second period. Darnell Nurse pushed a loose puck toward the crease, allowing Nugent-Hopkins to redirect it into the net.
Colorado tied the game early in the third period through Valeri Nichushkin. McDavid later scored the winner on a power play with a snap shot past Mackenzie Blackwood.
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Nugent-Hopkins also said wins like this can build confidence late in the season.
“It felt big, too, on the bench,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “We understand where we’re at this time in the year standings-wise, and like I said, playing a really good team. So yeah, there was lots of adversity tonight. It would have been easy to kind of pack it in, and we did a great job just sticking to it and trusting each other.”
Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The 32-year-old forward has three goals in four games during March. He now has 17 goals and 50 points in 56 games.
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Additionally, Nugent-Hopkins is signed on an eight-year, $41 million contract with Edmonton. His deal carries a $5.125 million cap hit and runs through the 2028-29 season. If his current form continues, Nugent-Hopkins could reach 20+ goals and 60+ points.
But on the other hand, performances like Tuesday’s show how Edmonton can challenge any NHL team.
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