Oilers Gameday – Vs. Avalanche

The Edmonton Oilers inch closer to the finish line tonight as they host the Colorado Avalanche in the third and final meeting between the sides this season. The Oilers and Av’s have split the season series so far, with the home team winning each game, including an 8-2 win for Edmonton earlier this year at Rexall.

The Oilers enter tonight riding a two-game winning streak, which last saw them beat Anaheim 4-2 on Sunday night in a well played game. The Oilers have arguably the hottest player in the game right now as Taylor Hall won first star of the week honors and has been on one of the best stretches of his young career. The team will again be without forward Nail Yakupov, who could be shut-down for the season at this point. Forward Tyler Pitlick missed Sunday’s game, and his status in currently uncertain for tonight. I’d assume he doesn’t play.

The Av’s are on their way to the playoffs for the first time since the spring of 2010, and have been led by the likes of young players Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, and Gabriel Landeskog. That said, the Av’s have been getting out of this world goaltending for almost the whole season, and their 5×5 corsi number is in the bottom ten of the NHL. This team reminds me a lot of the Maple Leafs from last season. They are currently set up for a date against the Chicago Blackhawks in round one.

Ben Scrivens is the expected Oilers’ starter tonight, while Colorado is expected to lean on JS Giguere.

Keys To The Game:

Edmonton: The Oilers seem to have some success against the Colorado Avalanche, mainly because this is NOT a good defensive unit. Tonight’s key for Edmonton is to play an open style of hockey and trade chances. The Oilers’ top line has been the best in the NHL the last few games, and historically has success against Colorado. If they open things up tonight, they’ll have a great chance to win this game.

Colorado: The Av’s have been routinely getting out-shot, but are still winning games. That’s tough to do, and usually isn’t a great recipe for success. If the Av’s want to assure themselves of two points tonight, they’ll need to convert their chances. Simple, I know, but this is a team that gives up more chances than they get, they can’t afford to miss any tonight against an Oilers team playing decent hockey.

Players To Watch:

Edmonton: Watching Taylor Hall this most recent stretch has been nothing short of special. Hall has been absolutely dominating and has been driving the offensive efforts for the team. Hall has also dominated Colorado in his young career, posting 21 points in just 15 games against the Av’s. I’ll say he adds three more tonight.

Colorado: Avalanche forward Ryan O’Reilly has had a break-out season this year, and has been simply money for the team. His offensive production and devotion to his two-way game has been a big difference this year. He usually has success against Edmonton, and I’m willing to bet he has a little more tonight.

Gameday Prediction:

The Av’s are already locked into a playoff sport, and likely will be the two seed in the Central division, setting up a date with the defending Champs. Edmonton’s season is over, and the team is simply looking for a little confidence heading into the summer. I’m not expecting a great game, but the Oilers seemingly have success against Colorado. It’ll continue with a 5-3 win tonight.

The Lines:

Edmonton Oilers Lines:

Taylor Hall – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle

Anton Lander – Sam Gagner – David Perron

Ryan Smyth – Boyd Gordon – Steve Pinizzotto

Matt Hendricks – Will Acton – Phil Larsen

Martin Marincin – Jeff Petry

Oscar Klefbom – Justin Schultz

Mark Fraser – Anton Belov

Ben Scrivens

Colorado Avalanche Lines:

Gabriel Landeskog – Paul Stastny – John Mitchell

Ryan O’Reilly – Nathan MacKinnon – Jamie McGinn

Patrick Bordeleau – Marc-Andre Cliche – Max Talbot

Ryan Wilson – Brad Malone – Paul Carey

Jan Hejda – Eric Johnson

Tyson Barrie – Nate Guenin

Nick Holden – Andre Benoit

JS Giguere