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GD8: Oilers @ Jets - Momentum |
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The last three games have seen the Oilers playing a much better brand of hockey. Though they didn't win every game (a loss to Toronto) this team has looked more like the one that finished second in the Pacific Division last season.
There are still glaring issues, the defense still is allowing too many chances, and the bottom six isn't producing nearly enough but the top two lines are buzzing and that alone is giving Edmonton the ability to compete with any team in this division.
Tonight Edmonton will for the first time this season, look to sweep both games of the mini series. The second period against the Jets was the Oilers most dominant period this season and though there were mistakes made in the third, Edmonton continued to attack and managed to sneak out a regulation win in dramatic fashion.
Usually after a win a coach will keep the same lineup together but tonight there will be a number of new faces in the lineup.
OILERS LINE COMBINATIONS
RNH-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Kahun-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Neal-Turris-Kassian
Archibald-Khaira-P. Russell
Nurse-Bear
K. Russell-Barrie
Jones-Larsson
Koskinen
- Tyler Ennis has luckily cleared waivers for the Oilers. I know Ennis has not been good for Edmonton recently but I still believe he is a solid depth player and by clearing he is now able to move between the Taxi Squad and main roster freely.
- Patrick Russell makes his season debut for Edmonton tonight
- Caleb Jones slots back into the lineup with Koekkoek out. Evan Bouchard reportedly has been dealing with some minor back issues and is unavailable for play.
- Khaira slots back in... yay
JETS LINE COMBINATIONS
Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Copp-Stastny-Ehlers
Harkins-Lowry-Appleton
Perrault-Thompson-Lewis
Heinola-Morrissey
Forbort-Pionk
Stanley-Beaulieu
Hellebuyck
4 THINGS TO WATCH FOR
1.) Nurse on the PP - Tyson Barrie has not been able to get much going since join the Oilers which has been most disappointing on the powerplay. Last game Nurse was given a chance on the top unit and helped to keep the play alive from the backend. Look for Nurse to receive another chance and hopefully kick start this unit.
2.) Jones Returns - Caleb Jones returns to the lineup after being scratched the last few games. Like Bear, Jones had a rough go and his coach swiftly sent him a message. Jones will return tonight looking to capitalize with linemate....Adam... Larsson... who remains in the lineup.
3.) Angry Jets - The Jets clearly were not happy that they let points slip away at the last second in their last bout against the Oil. On top of that the Jets will have their starter Hellebuyck in net. Edmonton needs to push play like they did in the second period or similar to their last game they will find themselves down early.
4.) Life From The Third? - The Neal-Turris-Kassian line was a mixed bag in their last appearance but they did manage to score a goal. It's unreasonable to expect the third line scoring in every game but if this line can at least provide energy and create some chances that would be a good start.
THE OILERS WIN IF...
Edmonton's special teams come alive and are the difference maker.
THE JETS WIN IF...
The top two lines put the pressure on early, especially against a Jujhar Khaira centred 4th line.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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