Games like tonight's against the Senators are some of the most crucial of the season. The Sens are a lottery team, have a goal differential of -18 and have a record of 4-11-1 on the road. Unfortunately, the Detroit Red Wings are also a loterry team, have a goal differential of -56 and beat Edmonton the last time they played by a score of 3-1.
This season Edmonton has lost to Chicago, Minnesota, and Florida when all three teams were struggling, Detroit, and LA. Parity does exist now in the league more than ever but the Oilers have looked flat out abysmal in many of these games. Too often have fans seen their team play down to their opponent and get beat in the effort.
Being first in your division usually helps ensure most teams you play are below you in the standings but Edmonton plays against some low end teams on this four game homestand.
Ottawa sits 29th in the league
LA sits 28th
Buffalo sits 16th
Carolina sits 11th
A successful road trip typically means playing .500 hockey or better. The goal for this extended time at home should be at least a 3-1 record.
Edmonton is still dealing with some key injuries in their lineup which hopefully will ensure no one on the roster tries to coast through these games against worse opponents. With Kassian, RNH, and Benning out of the lineup, some depth guys are going to need to step up.
LINEUP
OILERS
Neal-McDavid-Archibald
Khaira-Draisaitl-Gagner
Nygard-Sheahan-Chiasson
Granlund-Haas-P Russell
Meant to say this during the game but Josh Archiblad scoring his first goal of the season next to McDavid is why you don't pay Kassian 4+ million a season
Make no mistake, I like Zack Kassian and what he brings to the lineup but if he ends up being a 25 goal scorer this season you cannot pay him the same as other 25 goal scorers. Case in point is Josh Archibald who scored his first goal of the season playing with McDavid. Would Archibald have the same number of points as Kassian if he spent the season there? Since the answer isn't an obvious no, that is why this team cannot overpay #44.
SENATORS PLAYER PROFILE - JG PAGEAU
Oilers fans will get their first look at Pageau tonight and should familiarize themselves with the player because he will be in Edmonton before the trade deadline. Hopeful thinking, but the 27 year old is a UFA at the end of this season and will be sought after by many teams. His 15 goals puts him 10th in the NHL and he has done so averaging almost 2 minutes a game less than anyone ahead of him.
---
3 KEYS TO VICTORY
1.) Breaking The Streak - Despite their overall record, the Senators have been very good against the Oilers on the road. Ottawa has won the last 5 games they have played at Rogers Place, with a big factor in those games being Craig Anderson. With Anderson out and Ottawa having played last night it will be Marcus Hogberg suiting up for his 7th NHL game between the pipes. Opportunity knocks for the Oil.
2.) Play Your Starter - Mikko Koskinen will get the start tonight with Smith backing him up. Skinner was called up on emergency basis but has already been sent back down. Smith continues to be mediocre at best for Edmonton and the same 2 on 2 off tandem that Tippett started the season with is no longer working. If I was Tippett I would do two things... grow out my mustache again and play Koskinen every game on this home stand.
3.) Big 4th Line Improvements - Edmonton has been icing two fourth lines all season. One centred by Sheahan and another by Haas. Early on the Sheahan line did a better job at keeping the puck in the offensive end but did not generate anything. Right now Haas and Granlund and that line have been the better option. with Granlund specifically really improving his game. Patrick Russell has also been solid and sadly had his first NHL goal taken away from him last game. The trio has done good work and with the injuries to the rest of the lineup will be counted on heavily again tonight.
FILM OF THE DAY
Despite Edmonton being the big man coming into this game, it's entirely possible that the little guy can take it. If Edmonton underestimates their opponent they will walk away dissapointed missing a crucial 2 points. Enjoy this scene from Stuart Little and ignore all the strange and terrifying undertones that this movie promotes.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»