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PLAYING FOR FIRST
Connor McDavid had a crazy shorthanded goal while Patrick Maroon had two goals (including the game winner) en route to Edmonton’s 3-2 win over the Sharks on Thursday night. Cam Talbot earned his 39th win of the season by stopping 38 of 40 shots, while the Oilers were able to slip three of 22 by Martin Jones. The win propelled Edmonton to second place in the Pacific. The Ducks slid out of Winnipeg with an overtime loss, and remain just one point ahead of the Oilers for the Pacific Division lead.
A regulation win will put the Oilers atop the Pacific by themselves. Can the Oilers keep the good times rolling with a victory tonight?
How To Tune In
Time: 8 PM MDT
TV: CBC
Radio: 630 CHED
What To Watch For From The Oilers
Edmonton’s Cam Talbot will be playing for his 40th win of the season, a number reached only only by Grant Fuhr during the 1987-88 season when Fuhr went 40-25-9 in 75 games. If Talbot and the Oilers are able to secure a win tonight, he’ll have an excellent chance to add one more victory to that total. The Oilers’ final four games will feature two matchups against the Canucks.
What to Watch For From The Ducks
From Anaheim Calling
It’s likely we’ll see John Gibson make his first start since March 10th in St. Louis and just his second start since February 19th. Jonathan Bernier, for all of his incredible play since assuming full-time duty with Gibson injured, appears to be showing some fatigue.
Gibson starts tonight as the Ducks play the first of a back-to-back.
Final Thought
If you had told me before the season that the Oilers had a chance to own first place in April, I would’ve called you a liar. Tonight, they’ve got that chance. No foolin’.