After a dominant 5-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, the Edmonton Oilers wrap up their pre-season with a tilt against the Vancouver Canucks.
On Thursday, it was Connor McDavid’s debut as the Edmonton Oilers captain and he did not disappoint. McDavid was electrifying with two goals, nearly having a third one as he scored but the play was whistled dead. It seems….that maybe wearing the C isn’t much of a burden for the 19 year wonderkid in the making.
Other great things to notice from that last game: Klefbom and Larsson continue to be a steady defensive pairing, and Tyler Pitlick might have earned his way onto the roster.
However, tonight’s game marks two firsts: the first game after the Nail Yakupov trade to the St. Louis Blues and the debut of Kris Russell, who was signed to a one year, 3.1 million dollar contract late last night.
Projected Line Ups
The Offence
Injuries continue to be a trend for the Oilers as Iiro Pakarinen is out for around a month, Matt Hendricks is hurt and Caggiula tweaked his hip in the Winnipeg victory. It’s interesting that Kris Versteeg is not listed for injuries nor scratches. Perhaps that’s just a mistake on the media team’s part? I hope so.
Tonight’s scratches aren’t surprising as Davidson is still recovering from getting his bell rung by Tanner Pearson. I am a bit surprised that Matt Benning, who has looked impressive, is a scratch over Mark Fayne. I think there’s a real possibility that Benning makes the team. He has been that impressive.
The top line is the usual and they looked very sharp against Winnipeg. Second line marks the beginning of the “Draisaitl at right wing” experiment. Lander slides into the third line spot with an impressive Patrick Maroon.
I’m really rooting for Tyler Pitlick and I believe he has sealed a roster spot with Pakarainen hurt and having a strong camp. He needs to be feisty and for the love of all that’s good, stay healthy.
The Defence
Defensively, Klefbom and Larsson has looked strong for the most part this pre-season. I’ve been gushing plenty about Larsson, but you don’t really notice him. It’s because Larsson does all the little things effectively. In other words, it’s a good thing that he’s not noticeable. I like how he is in front of the net: he’s not afraid to give guys cross checks and stand his ground.
Sekera and Russell will be the ones to watch. I wrote a few weeks ago about the Russell to Edmonton rumour and I won’t go into more detail as my feelings have not changed much. From what I’ve heard from a very good Calgary fellow, is Russell is loved by his teammates, a really good guy all around and has a nice crisp pass. He works his butt off, but gets hammered into his zone and that’s when the bad stuff happens. I think he’s over his head (again) playing with Sekera in the top four.
Nurse is slated where he should be, although Mark Fayne will be Brandon Davidson soon.
Projected Canucks Lineup
Forwards:
Sedin – Sedin – Hansen
Granlund – Sutter – Eriksson
Baertschi – Horvat – Virtanen
Tutu – Gaunce – Etem
Defence:
Edler – Stecher
Hutton – Biega
Sbisa – Larsen
Goaltenders:
Markstrom is likely to start.
Players To Watch
Edmonton: I’m going with Connor McDavid. He’s just too good to not watch. He’s easily the most exciting player in the NHL. I expect him to continue his game play from the Jets game, to the dismay of the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver: Jake Virtanen. He gets to play on the third line tonight and we might remember him best as the guy who drilled McDavid in the Young Stars tournament last year. He’s an interesting fit: does he make the Canucks? Does he get sent down to the Utica Comets?
Prediction
I think the Oilers capnoff the preseason with a win, outscoring the Canucks 4-1. The McDavid line clicks, with McDavid having at least a couple points. Defensively, the Canucks are looking very ugly and look for the Oilers to expose them.
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