After defeating the Jets 4-1 on the road, the Edmonton Oilers’ dreams of winning at home are still alive: Cult of Hockey Player Grades

The Edmonton Oilers took the ice in Winnipeg on Sunday night with their backs not quite against the wall—but close enough to feel the heat. After stumbling at home earlier in the series, the Oilers responded with force, defeating the Winnipeg Jets 4–1 in a commanding road win that rekindled their postseason dreams and reminded fans why this team can still be dangerous when everything clicks.

With a combination of tight defense, stellar goaltending, and timely offense, the Oilers not only avoided a potential tailspin but also shifted the momentum heading back to Edmonton. Now, with a 2–1 lead in the series and the chance to put a stranglehold on it in front of their home crowd, the Oilers’ belief is back. Here’s how each Oiler fared in the win, courtesy of the Cult of Hockey Player Grades—where each player’s performance is scored on a 1-to-10 scale, with 6 being average.

Connor McDavid – 8/10

This wasn’t the flashiest McDavid performance you’ll ever see, but it was one of his smartest. The captain registered two assists, both on primary scoring plays, and showed a relentless backcheck that helped contain Winnipeg’s top line. He drew penalties, created space for his linemates, and made the right play over the highlight-reel attempt every time. Leadership by example.

Leon Draisaitl – 9/10

Draisaitl was the heartbeat of Edmonton’s offense Sunday night, finishing with a goal and an assist. His one-timer on the power play was vintage Draisaitl, and his board battles kept possessions alive deep in the Jets’ zone. His defensive game was just as sharp, with multiple takeaway plays that turned into breakouts. This is the version of Draisaitl the Oilers need to go deep.

Zach Hyman – 7/10

Hyman was everywhere on the forecheck, wreaking havoc on the Jets’ breakout attempts. He didn’t hit the scoresheet, but his tireless effort contributed to extended zone time. He absorbed punishment, went to the dirty areas, and helped neutralize Winnipeg’s physical game. Classic Hyman hockey.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – 7/10

The Nuge showed up in all three zones. His defensive reads were sharp, especially on the penalty kill where he deflected two key passes. He chipped in with a secondary assist and was solid in the faceoff circle. Not flashy, but a glue-guy performance.

Evander Kane – 6/10

Kane had a quieter night offensively but played with edge and purpose. His physicality was a tone-setter early on, and he managed to stay disciplined, a must against a gritty Jets team. He did miss a couple of golden scoring chances, but his puck pursuit and positioning were solid.

Corey Perry – 8/10

Vintage Perry showed up in Winnipeg. He opened the scoring with a gritty rebound goal and agitated Winnipeg’s bench with his usual antics. At 38, he’s not the fastest on the ice, but he plays playoff hockey—hard-nosed, timely, and effective.

Ryan McLeod – 6/10

McLeod’s speed was on display during transition plays, and he helped stretch the ice against the slower Jets bottom six. He was effective on the backcheck and looked confident carrying the puck. Not a difference-maker, but dependable.

Warren Foegele – 6/10

Foegele brought energy and hustle. While he didn’t register a point, his relentless work down low kept Winnipeg hemmed in during several shifts. He finished checks, disrupted passing lanes, and never looked out of place.

Dylan Holloway – 7/10

The young winger continues to shine in a depth role. Holloway had a strong assist and was assertive in puck battles. He looks more confident every game and is quietly becoming one of Edmonton’s most consistent third-line players.

Mattias Janmark – 5/10

Janmark struggled to make an impact. A couple of turnovers early in the second period could have been costly, but the Oilers bailed him out. He played a safe third period and logged solid penalty kill time, but this was one of his more uneven games.

Derek Ryan – 5/10

Ryan didn’t do anything wrong, but he didn’t stand out much either. Limited minutes, low event. He was clean on faceoffs and held the line defensively, but offered little push offensively.

Adam Henrique – 7/10

Henrique looked rejuvenated in his role, scoring Edmonton’s second goal off a slick feed from McDavid. He also made several key plays in the defensive zone, including a well-timed stick check on Kyle Connor that broke up a scoring chance.

Defensemen

Darnell Nurse – 8/10

Nurse played one of his best games of the postseason. He was physical without taking penalties, sound positionally, and moved the puck with confidence. His outlet passes helped kickstart several breakouts, and he led the team in ice time with nearly 25 minutes.

Evan Bouchard – 8/10

The quiet assassin. Bouchard picked up two assists and quarterbacked the power play with poise. His defensive game is maturing before our eyes—no panic, smart stick, great reads. He’s evolving into a legit No. 1 D-man.

Mattias Ekholm – 7/10

Steady as ever. Ekholm wasn’t on the scoresheet but was instrumental in shutting down Winnipeg’s cycle game. He cleared the crease, blocked shots, and mentored Bouchard through a few hairy sequences.

Vincent Desharnais – 6/10

Desharnais had a couple of scary giveaways, but overall played a more composed game than in Game 2. He used his reach effectively and laid some punishing hits on the boards. Still room to grow, but a decent bounce-back.

Brett Kulak – 7/10

Kulak was rock-solid. He made clean exits, rotated well when plays broke down, and joined the rush when needed. A quiet but strong night that helped keep the Jets off balance.

Cody Ceci – 6/10

Ceci avoided the high-profile mistakes that have plagued him at times. He played a disciplined game and was often the low man supporting the forecheck. Not flashy, but good enough to maintain structure.

Goaltending

Stuart Skinner – 9/10

This was Skinner’s game to lose, and he absolutely stole the show. He stopped 32 of 33 shots and looked dialed in from the opening puck drop. His rebound control was strong, and he made several highlight-reel saves, including a pad stop on Mark Scheifele that could have changed the game. Composure, confidence, clutch—exactly what the Oilers needed.

Coaching – 8/10

Jay Woodcroft deserves credit for his lineup decisions and game plan execution. The team looked sharper and more cohesive than in the previous outing. The special teams were effective (1-for-2 on the power play, perfect on the penalty kill), and matchups were well-managed on the road. He pushed the right buttons and now has the series headed back to Edmonton with the Oilers in control.

The Bigger Picture: Oilers Keep Their Home-Ice Hopes Alive

The Oilers have had a complicated relationship with home ice this season. At times dominant, at others frustratingly inconsistent, Rogers Place has seen both euphoric highs and inexplicable lows. After dropping a home game earlier in the series, doubts crept in about whether this team could rise when the pressure hit close to home.

This win in Winnipeg changes that narrative. Now with the series lead, the Oilers return to Edmonton not needing to win to stay alive, but to make a definitive statement. The crowd will be loud, the energy will be electric—and the opportunity will be massive.

Momentum in the playoffs is everything. The Oilers showed they can win the trench war on the road, limit mistakes, and bury their chances. But translating that to a home crowd, where expectations can sometimes weigh heavier, is the next big test.

What Comes Next

Game 4 shifts the battleground to Edmonton, where the Oilers can take a commanding 3–1 series lead. If Skinner continues to stand tall and the stars shine like they did in Game 3, there’s little reason to doubt their ability to do it.

The Jets, however, won’t go quietly. Expect adjustments and more desperation from Winnipeg, especially early. But with a team that finally looks locked in defensively and opportunistic on offense, the Oilers have the upper hand.

And for a franchise still chasing its next great chapter after decades of playoff disappointment, this road win might just be the spark they needed.

The Oilers are alive and thriving. Game 3 was more than just a win—it was a message. They can play playoff hockey the hard way, and they’re not just built on highlight reels. From Skinner’s brilliance to Perry’s grit, this was a team effort—and the dream of celebrating a postseason win at home is very much intact.

Bring on Game 4.