POST-GAME: Hyman hits right notes in hat-trick effort against Predators

NASHVILLE, TN - Playing in his 450th NHL game on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena, Zach Hyman picked up his first NHL hat trick and an assist as part of a powerful performance from Edmonton's top line in a 6-3 victory over the Nashville Predators.
It was just over one year ago on Dec. 1, 2021 when Zach Hyman, for a few minutes during an eventual win for the Edmonton Oilers over the Pittsburgh Penguins, thought he had his first NHL hat-trick before a coach's challenge for offside halted those celebrations and made all those hat throws at Rogers Place amiss.
Only 98 more regular-season and playoffs games later, along with five multi-goal performances in between, the author of 'The Magician's Secret' finally got the third puck over the line on this occasion for his first trick of the hat variety after going eight seasons without one.
Hyman showed strong hand-eye redirecting Evan Bouchard's slap pass past Kevin Lankinen for his first before his second of the opening period came at the end of a strong zone entry from his line with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid -- a position he's excelled in over recent games.
An empty-netter in the final minutes completed the three-goal effort for Hyman to continue his exceptional start to the season with 13 goals and 20 assists in 29 games and finished off a combined 13-point evening from the Oilers top line.