Former Michigan forward Jack Hyman has 149 regular-season appearances and 17 postseason appearances in his seven-time NHL career. None was bigger than his overtime winner for the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
Midway through the first overtime, a long stretch pass from Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard sparked Hyman’s rush and he beat Los Angeles Lord’s goalie Jonas Korpisalo’s blocker side inside the left sweepstakes fleck to give the Platoon a 5 – 4 palm. Hyman’s first career postseason game-winner capped a three-point comeback for the Oilers, who tied the first-round series 2-2. Look at the goal.
“That was a great rout pass,” the former Wolverine said postgame. “I was looking for a pass that turned into a Grade A scoring occasion. I managed to get it and it’s in the game. It was probably the most important thing in my career. Since signing a seven-time, $38.5 million deal with Edmonton in 2021, Hyman has enjoyed two stylish seasons in his career.
The former fifth-round pick of the Maple Leafs now has 41 points in his first five seasons in Toronto, but twice had 54 and 83 points in 2022-23, including a career-high 36 attempts. Recorded by Hyman. An assist in the overtime period and three points in the series for Edmonton, which led the NHL in scoring during the regular season and is considered a top contender for the Stanley Cup.
In Michigan, the Toronto native didn’t become the most obnoxious problem until his old age. He scored a combined 35 points over his first three seasons before breaking out with 54 in 37 games during the 2014-15 Crusade. Hyman and the Oilers will look to take the series lead when they return home for Game 5 on Tuesday.
