NHL: Ryan O'Reilly scores hat trick as Nashville Predators beat Edmonton Oilers 5-2

NEW DELHI: The Nashville Predators secured a 5-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers, thanks in large part to a hat trick by Ryan O'Reilly. Filip Forsberg also made significant contributions with a goal and two assists, while Tommy Novak added a goal and an assist to help propel Nashville to victory.
Kevin Lankinen played a key role in the win, making 33 saves in goal for the Predators.Nashville had been on a two-game losing streak to start their five-game road trip, making this win all the more important.

The Oilers took an early 1-0 lead when Darnell Nurse scored on a slap shot, hitting the left post and then deflecting off Lankinen's pad and into the net. However, the Predators quickly responded with a goal from Forsberg, tying the game at 1-1. O'Reilly was credited with the primary assist on the play.
Nashville continued their strong performance in the second period, taking the lead with a goal just 23 seconds into the period. Forsberg's wrist shot hit the skate of Oilers' goaltender Jack Campbell, allowing O'Reilly to capitalize on the rebound and give the Predators a 2-1 lead.
The Predators then extended their lead with O'Reilly's second goal of the game, thanks to an assist from Forsberg. With a horizontal pass above the crease, O'Reilly unleashed a one-timer to make it 3-1 in favor of Nashville.
Edmonton managed to narrow the gap when Evan Bouchard's one-timer glanced off Zach Hyman and into the net, making it 3-2. However, the Predators continued to apply pressure, with Novak scoring to extend their lead to 4-2.
O'Reilly secured his hat trick with a goal in the third period, helping the Predators seal their 5-2 victory. Initially, play continued after the puck hit the back of the net and came out, but it was later confirmed that O'Reilly's original shot had crossed the goal line, making it his fifth career hat trick. The Predators' impressive performance ended the Oilers' two-game winning streak.
(With Reuters inputs)