Since joining the Edmonton Oilers, former Capitals fourth liner Alex Chiasson is playing inspired hockey and morphed into a bonafide goal scorer.
Last season, Chiasson had nine goals in 61 games. This year, he has six goals in his first eight outings on Leon Draisaitl’s wing.
Chiasson is shooting a ridiculous 46 percent on the season, connecting on six of his first 13 shots on goal.
Goal 1 against Penguins (Oct. 23)
Chiasson scored his first goal of the season after counter-hitting the Penguins’ Daniel Sprong, then scoring on Matt Murray while falling down.
Goal 2 against Penguins (Oct. 23)
In the same game, Chaser received a dish from Tobias Rieder to tie the game at three. It was Chiasson’s first multi-goal outing since a December 16, 2017 game against the Boston Bruins. A day later, Alex Ovechkin called Chiasson’s goals “pretty sick.”
Goal 3 against Capitals (Oct. 25)
Two nights later, against his former team, Chiasson delivered a twisted wrister over Holtby’s glove. Earlier in the day, Chiasson received his championship ring from Alex Ovechkin. The Oilers forward called the day “super emotional” and “awkward.”
Goal 4 against Wild (Oct. 31)
Goal four came via special teams. Chiasson, stationed in front of the net on the power play, he screened Minnesota Wild goalie Alex Stalock, where the puck bounced off his legs and in.
Goal 5 against Blackhawks (Nov. 1)
In a beatdown of the Chicago Blackhawks, Rieder fed Chiasson again to beat Cam Ward.
Goal 6 against Red Wings (Nov. 3)
Finally, against Detroit, Connor McDavid found Chiasson wide open for a one timer.
Chiasson scoring on every other shot will not last, but after sitting out five early Oilers’ games to start the season, Chiasson has worked hard behind the scenes.
“I wasn’t playing at the start of the year. I learned last year you have to keep working on your game,” Chiasson said. “I know for me I may not be the fastest guy, but I believe in my abilities. I believe in my shot. I just have to find the right place and right time.”
So far he has. Or maybe that Alex Ovechkin jersey is magical after all?
Headline photo: NHL.com
