EDMONTON, AB - Darnell Nurse capped off an incredible come-from-behind victory with the overtime winner against Winnipeg on Tuesday.
Coming into Oilers Training Camp, the 6-foot-4 defenceman said he wanted to become more of an offensive presence on the back end. So far in four games, the rearguard has three points (1G, 2A) and a team-leading 14 shots on goal.
"[The offence] is starting to come," said Nurse following Wednesday's practice. "I know there's still more to it, so I'm just continuing to work on it and continuing to grow. In this game, not everything clicks all at once, so it's just taking steps and getting better every day."
In 82 games last season, Nurse averaged 2.4 shots per game while contributing with six goals and 20 assists - both career highs. While it may be early, the Hamilton, ON, product has upped his shots per game to 3.5 this season.
"It's his willingness to shoot a little more than he did in the past," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. "He's able to get square to the net, get a shot off a little quicker, get it to the goaltender's pads so there's a scrum or secondary scoring opportunities.
BLOG: Nurse bringing the offence
"His decision making in the last two or three games has been much better and as a result, he's been much more involved in the offence," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan.
