TEMPE, AZ -The Oilers received a passing grade on their trip to college on Monday, edging the Coyotes in a 5-4 thriller at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins buried the eventual game-winning goal on the power play with just under eight minutes remaining in the third period, as he joined Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard as Oilers with two-point performances in the first leg of a road back-to-back that will conclude on Tuesday in Vegas.
Heading into Monday's game, the Coyotes had a 6-0-2 record in their last eight games at the 4,600-seat rink -- most of which was filled with Blue & Orange faithful on this night -- but the Oilers were able to hand them their first home regulation loss since March 3.
"I felt a little different in that building, but we said this morning it didn't matter where we played the game," Head Coach Jay Woodcroft said after the win.
"Tonight it was more about trying to find a way to win. Win the game, get two points in a tough building versus the team that only lost one time in regulation in their last 10. There were moments in the game where we can better, but we found a way to win. That's a good sign."
GAME RECAP: Oilers 5, Coyotes 4
Nugent-Hopkins, Draisaitl and Bouchard each record a goal and an assist as Edmonton outlasts Arizona on Monday night at Mullett Arena
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