The Oilers are back in action today as they host the Metropolitan Division leading New York Rangers. Coming off a loss to Dallas on Friday, the Oilers look to rebound ahead of a 4 game road trip.
The Rangers played last night in Calgary and handled the Flames easily, winning 4-1. Since they’re on the second half of a back-to-back, this should be something the Oilers can take advantage of; we thought that on Friday, though, and look how that turned out.
Keys to the Game
Edmonton
Getting through the first 3 minutes without being scored on would be an achievement for this squad. Friday’s first goal against came less than a minute in, and this is a trend the Oilers need to stop.
They should get the puck on net a little more; right now their shooting percentage is middle of the pack, while the Rangers are leading the league in that category.
A less lackadaisical effort from Milan Lucic would be pretty good too; I admittedly didn’t watch the whole game Friday (which didn’t stop me from writing the postgame wrap up), but I remember thinking more than once that Lucic had been pretty invisible. For $6m with a no-trade clause, you’d think he’d be a little better at his job, no?
New York
The Rangers need to capitalize on the Oilers’ weaknesses, which generally involves taking McDavid out of the play and letting things happen.
Getting the first goal (and maybe two) will go a long way in neutralizing the Oilers offence, so look for the Rangers to jump early and often in the offensive zone.
Players to Watch
Edmonton
Connor McDavid is really good at hockey, so watch him (as long as you can see him as he’s skating like the wind).
Patrick Maroon has 6 points in his last 5 games, and he’s quite the joy to watch when he’s on.
New York
I watched most of the Rangers/Flames last night and I was really impressed with Mats Zuccarello. I mean, I knew he was good, but I didn’t realize he could wheel the way he does.
Also, if he’s playing, watch Lundqvist. He’s pretty great, too.
Lineups
Edmonton
New York
Lineups (subject to change – I’ve heard that Antti Raanta will draw in for the Rangers in goal tonight) courtesy The Daily Faceoff.
Notes
The Oilers need to win this game, full stop. They’re on a bit of a skid since their 7-2 start, and if we want them to be playing meaningful games in the new year, the turnaround starts here.
It’s been hard for me to watch the Oilers (for well-documented reasons), and I’ve said that they need to give me 20 games and show me what they’re made of. This bit of adversity is smack in the middle of that part of the season, and if they can come out of game 20 playing .500 hockey, I might start to believe they’re for real.
Prediction
Rangers win in regulation, 4-2. RNH finally scores, and Lucic does something on the ice, but Mats Zuccarello puts the winner past Talbot on the power play.
Oilers Rig Live4MS
Our 4th annual fundraiser for the MS Society of Alberta is set for January 21, 2017 at The Pint Downtown, at 6:30pm
It’s a Battle of Alberta on HNIC, with the Oilers in Calgary. Puck drop is 8:00pm.
We’ll have a great lineup of silent auction items, as well as raffles throughout the night. We might even have tshirts for sale (but we’ll let you know as we get closer to the date).
All proceeds from the fundraiser go to the MS Society of Alberta.
See you there!
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