Oilers 4, Blue Jackets 2
Top overall draft pick Taylor Hall collected a goal and an assist as the Edmonton Oilers scored the game's first three goals and held on for a 4-2 home victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
Sam Gagner netted a power-play goal, rookie Jordan Eberle and Andrew Cogliano also tallied and captain Shawn Horcoff notched a pair of assists as Edmonton (22-35-8) secured its sixth win in nine outings.
The offense proved to be enough for Devan Dubnyk, who turned aside 26 shots to pick up his first career win in four career outings against the Blue Jackets. The netminder also denied R.J. Umberger on a penalty shot in the first period.
After Gagner opened the scoring with 7:54 remaining in the first period, Hall doubled the advantage just over 4 1/2 minutes later with his team-leading 22nd goal of the season.
Eberle extended the Oilers' cushion to three by scoring just 14 seconds into the second period.
Rookie Matt Calvert netted his seventh goal in his last five games and Scottie Upshall also tallied for Columbus (31-25-7), which has dropped the first three contests on its five-game road trip.
After permitting 15 goals in his previous nine starts, Steve Mason allowed three goals on 14 shots in this one. The 22-year-old Ontario native was relieved by Mathieu Garon, who finished with 23 saves.