Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks
When: Saturday, 8 p.m. MT, Rogers Arena
TV: CBC, Sportsnet. Radio: 880 CHED
Odds: Oilers – 120, Canucks + 100
The buzz
Connor McDavid’s return from an ankle injury after three games didn’t translate into success for the Oilers in a 4-2 loss to the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights. Now Edmonton looks to avoid tying a season-high three-game losing skid.
The quote
“I never thought that would be the problem, scoring goals.” —Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch
The Poll
Will the Edmonton Oilers penalty kill ever climb out of the league’s basement?
a) Yes, they didn’t lead the way in last year’s playoffs by accident.
b) No, too many personnel changes interrupted their mojo.
c) Maybe, if they ever find the right guys to put on it.
d) Just give the puck to Connor McDavid and don’t worry about it.
The news
- Forward Mattias Janmark is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and will be a gametime decision.
- The likeliest call-up would be forward Noah Philp, from the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League.
- Edmonton’s penalty kill sits 32nd in the league and has dipped below 60 per cent
- The team sits tied for 29th overall in goals-for (33).
The lineup
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Arvidsson
Skinner – Henrique – Brown
Janmark – Ryan – Perry
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Stecher
Kulak- Emberson
Skinner
Pickard
Injuries: None
The prediction
The Oilers have only beaten a team that was ahead of them in the standings once this season. Until they give a reason to think otherwise, it’s going to be the same result Saturday.
The vibe:
(2) Whale Enthusiast🐳(7-2-3) on X: “@Canucks Miller vs mcdived” / X
(FAN FORUM: Do you have a specific question for a player? Pass it along to [email protected] and we’ll get some of them in a future edition.)