Insider offers player ratings for last nights performance

The Edmonton Oilers were coming off the tail end of a back-to-back, and they managed to pull off an impressive victory against a formidable Avalanche team.

Edmonton Oilers insider David Staples recently broke down the game last night, giving his take on standout individual performances.

Kasperi Kapanen, 6. He was slow to recognized danger on a line change in the first, leading to a break in Grade A shot by Nathan MacKinnon. But a moment later made no mistake, pounding in McDavid's pass for Edmonton's first goal. GAS: ES +2/-2

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 6. Looking more like his old, better self after a rough start to season. One goal, one assist. He made a solid defensive stop in the slot early on. He lost track of shifty, speedy Cale Makar on two first period wristers. Hard back check and push to thwart Chris Wagner's break-in attempt. Battled hard to win a puck, then worked a give-and-go with Connor Brown, almost scoring in the third. He broke up ice to score the empty-net goal. GAS: ES +3/-3; ST 1/0

Leon Draisaitl, 8. Brought his «A» game. His usual excellent job puck protecting and passing. He did a go-go give-and-go with McD leading a dangerous power play shot early in the second. He made a great pass in the Virtuous Cyle leading to Podkolzin's goal. GAS: ES +4/-1; ST 1/0

Connor Brown, 6. Solid work ethic, decent results. He got taken out by a wicked and illegal pick play by Ivan Ivan on the first Avs goal, but no penalty call. Fed RNH for a Grade A. GAS: ES +1/-2; ST 1/0

The Edmonton Oilers will look to keep the momentum going they take on the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.