Oilers Game Day: @ Chicago Blackhawks

Ahh yes, Hockey Day in Canada is today, and it is a great opportunity for Canadians to take some time and reflect on the sport, and how much it not only means to each of us hockey fans individually, but also to our nation. The sport of hockey and our country will forever be seen as one, and I’m not sure about any of you, but I know that when I speak to some of my American friends, and they reference hockey and Canada together, I can’t help but smile. Whether you watch it, read about it, study it, play it, coach it, or simply enjoy its presence, it’s worth it today to be thankful that we have such a great pastime to dedicate so many hours to.

For more than a few of us, hockey has been the connector for the forging of great relationships, friendships, job opportunities, memories, and more. If you’re reading this site, it’s likely that at some point the sport has provided you with something of a significant takeaway that has positively impacted your life. From the time we are kids, playing with mini-sticks in the hallways, to when we get older and have a chance to reminisce on players of yesteryear, hockey is always the constant, finding its way into our conversations and activities. It’s powerful like that, and I guess that’s why we love the game so much.

Edmontonians in particular are probably even more grateful for this year’s edition of Hockey Day in Canada than previous ones, due to the fact that our team is doing so well. Following an Anaheim loss to Florida last night, the Oilers now sit alone in 2nd in the Pacific, tied with the Ducks in points, but with one less game played. Edmonton can separate themselves from the Ducks tonight with any amount of points, as a result. If they do nab a point or two, they would be inching themselves up a little further on the Sharks who currently spot a 4 point lead on the Division.

Edmonton will get to do all of that this evening as they face off in Chicago against the Blackhawks. Chicago hasn’t played since last Saturday, while the Oilers are coming off two impress victories this week, scoring 11 goals in the process. It should be an excellent matchup.

Oilers Key to the Game

• Take Advantage of the Bye Week: Teams are 3-10-1 coming out of the bye week, and the Blackhawks will be coming out of theirs (plus an extra day) this evening. With the Oilers coming off two straight games where massive momentum was gained, there exists a prime opportunity for Edmonton to thrust that momentum against a team with rusty legs.

Players to Watch

Edmonton Oilers

• Oscar Klefbom: Klefbom enters the game tonight with goals in two straight, and a total of 4 points over the past two. With 25 minutes of ice time against the Coyotes, and over 22 against the Flyers, Klefbom has not only been getting offence this week, but he has been a force in all aspects of the game. Would you agree that this recent string of play has been some of Klefbom’s best in his career?

Chicago Blackhawks

• Richard Panik: In last week’s game against Edmonton, Richard Panik broke out for two goals and an assist in Chicago’s 5-1 win. He has 27 points on the year and could prove to be a factor tonight.

The Lineups

Edmonton Oilers

Maroon – McDavid – Eberle

Lucic – Draisaitl – Slepyshev

Caggiula – Nugent-Hopkins – Kassian

Hendricks – Letestu – Pakarinen

Klefbom – Larsson

Sekera – Benning

Davidson – Gryba

Talbot

(The Oilers did not have a morning skate, so this is the projected lineup based off of Thursday)

Chicago Blackhawks

Schmaltz – Toews – Panik

Panarin – Anisimov – Kane

Hartman – Kero – Hossa

Rasmussen – Kruger – Desjardins

Keith – Hjalmarsson

Kempny – Seabrook

Campbell – van Riemsdyl

Crawford

Game Notes

• Corey Crawford gets the start in net for the Blackhawks tonight. He did not play in last week’s game against Edmonton. Crawford is 9-6 against the Oilers in his career with a .909 save percentage.
• The McDavid, Eberle, Maroon line started to show some real jump the other night against Philadelphia, with the three combining for seven points. Look for that line to get on the board again as they continue to gel.
• A win tonight and the Oilers will officially top both their win and point totals from last season. With 24 games to go in the season as of this morning, that is a massive improvement year over year.
• The last game between these two featured a plethora of sloppy mistakes with the puck, courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers. Take note of their puck carrying tonight to see if the team is more cautious and deliberate when they move the disc.

Prediction

The Oilers have a prime opportunity to take advantage of the bye week; however, I would expect that Chicago, a very veteran team that has had a ton of success, will come out of it a bit better than other squads.

I do also expect the Oilers to be ripe with motivation to make-up for their very poor game a week ago. With that all said, I think it combines to create a very even, spirited tilt, that will not be settled in regulation.

With the game tied at 3 in overtime, McDavid is sprung on a near breakaway thanks to a Klefbom outlet pass, and is absolutely robbed by Crawford on the play. The rebound finds its way onto Draisaitl’s stick, and due to the massive save just seconds before, Crawford cannot recover. Oilers win 4-3 in overtime.