Derek Ryan outshines NHL's top scorers with hat trick in Oilers' win over Panthers

Derek Ryan got his first NHL hat trick as the Edmonton Oilers snapped their two-game losing streak, beating the Florida Panthers 4-3 on Saturday.

After goalie Mikko Koskinen denied Mason Marchment's shot on a 3-on-1 break near the end of the second period, Ryan tapped in a pass from Evander Kane for the hat trick and a 4-2 lead.

"Getting my first hat trick at the ripe age of 35 feels pretty good," said Ryan, who was then told he was the oldest Oiler to post a three-goal game. "I'll put that on the wall, eh?"

Leon Draisaitl netted his team-leading 36th goal, and Connor McDavid had two assists for Edmonton, which is 6-2 under new head coach Jay Woodcroft. With his two helpers, McDavid moved into a tie with Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau for the NHL scoring lead with 75 points.

Woodcroft said giving Ryan more responsibility has produced a noticeable difference.

"The move to the right wing has rejuvenated him, and he's good in the face-off circle," Woodcroft said. "I think he has underrated skill. Sometimes you need unusual suspects to step to the front.

"For [Ryan] to get those goals, man, the room was super excited for him."

WATCH | Derek Ryan paces victorious Oilers with his 1st NHL hat trick:

Koskinen made 44 saves, including a key point-blank stop of Carter Verhaeghe on a breakaway midway through the third period, and a glove save on Aleksander Barkov with 4:22 remaining.

"We found a way to win," Woodcroft said, "but we don't do that unless Mikko turns in that performance he did today."

Added Panthers interim head coach Andrew Burnette: "You tip your cap. He made some unbelievable saves. I thought he was excellent."

Barkov scored twice, Anton Lundell produced a goal, and Anthony Duclair had two assists for the