Oilers keep building their game in second straight shutout

If Saturday’s matinee win for the Edmonton Oilers is an example of what’s to come on their three-game Eastern road trip through New York, Mike Babcock will be one happy camper.

The Oilers were in control all afternoon in their 4-0 shutout victory over the New York Islanders, in which Tristan Jarry became the sixth netminder in franchise history to post back-to-back shutouts.

“We’re trying to create a plan that works all year long, not in playoff time,” said Babcock. “And so we’re trying to commit to doing things right. We’re going to get way heavier and way better offensively, but our top priority right now is to be better without the puck and try not to give up as much.”

Edmonton’s win undoubtedly had some choppy flow to it, as the team had six power play chances, including a five-minute man-advantage, just 2:22 into the game after Islanders winger Emil Heineman caught Oilers winger Isaac Howard with a dirty knee-on-knee collision. The injury isn’t believed to be as serious as it looked, Babcock said, but the team will be without him Sunday against the New York Rangers.

After outshooting the Isles 7-3 in a plotting first period, the governor came off in the second period, as a three-goal burst in 10 minutes would separate the two teams. Bookending the period was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who not only opened the scoring 8:42 into the period, but also found the back of the net on the power play with just over a minute and a half left in the period. Between the pages, it was Vasily Podkolzin scoring his ninth goal in his 14th game of the season.

With the two-goal performance, Nugent-Hopkins is up to three goals and seven points in just five games this year. As much as the points are nice, Babcock has been impressed with everything else he’s done for the team.

“He’s a real hockey player,” he said. “He’s beyond smart, makes the right plays all the time.

“The last couple games since he’s got his legs back, he’s just a factor for you, and he knows how to play. He’s a top player, we’re real lucky to have him.”

Edmonton’s stout defensive play this season was on full display Saturday, as the Oilers stiffled many of the chances the Islanders had throughout the game. It led to an easy afternoon of work for Jarry, who stopped all 18 shots he faced.

“I’m real happy for him,” said Babcock. “He got to work all summer and he’s done a good job with (goaltending coach) Pete Aubry, and suddenly, it appears like he has his confidence back.

“So that’s real good for the Oilers, but it’s real good for him and his family, so I’m happy for him.”

The Oilers now turn their eye to the Rangers, who they face later tonight in Madison Square Garden — the NHL barn he says is his favourite to play in on the road — where he’s scored four goals and 10 points in nine games.

Matt Tomkins will get the start.