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Smyth thinks he’s turning things along with Oilers

Ryan Smyth

Ryan Smyth #94 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 17, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Oilers 3-2. (October 16, 2013 - Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Ryan Smyth and the Edmonton Oilers seem like they’ve turned thing around in the same three-game span.

Through 14 games, the 37-year-old only had four points. He now has just as many in the last three games, including a goal and two assists against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 19.

Smyth tried to explain his turnaround to the Edmonton Journal on Sunday.

“Maybe it’s more mind over matter, more mental this season. I’ve had the opportunity to play with [David] Perron and [Boyd] Gordon and they play to my strengths, which are on the wall. I’ve always been able to think the game pretty well, which helps, but I’m also healthy. I still want to be an asset,” Smyth said. “There is some creativity with our line and I’m helping out down low. I really hoped to play with Perron because he’s a mucker, a give and go type player, and we get a lot of puck-possession with Gordon.”

Then again, maybe it boils down to Perron. He’s scored six points (four goals, two assists) in that same three-game span while the Oilers generated a 14-3 goal differential during that streak.

Smyth is in a contract year, so he has plenty of motivation to continue that strong play. If that boils down to finding a way to stick on Perron’s line, then so be it.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins