GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins

Afternoon delight as Mike Smith and the Oilers are in Boston

By Jeff Chapman@NewWaveOil Jan 4, 2020, 10:00am MST

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights — Mike Smith starts his second consecutive game for the first time since November.

Edmonton Oilers (21-17-5) 4th, Pacific vs

Boston Bruins (24-7-11) 1st, Atlantic

04 January 2020

TD Bank Garden

1100 AM MST

TV: Sportsnet

Radio: 630 CHED

SB Nation Opponent: Stanley Cup of Chowder

The Oilers picked up a point in Buffalo, but they’ll face an even tougher task as they’re in Boston to take on the Bruins. The Bruins lead the Atlantic by eight points over the Leafs, while the Oilers are in the middle of things in the Pacific. Can the Oilers upset the Bruins for two points this afternoon?

Same lines as in Buffalo, Mike Smith will get the nod today.

Klefbom present and accounted for in today’s pregame skate. So, lineup at BUF:

Neal-McDavid-Kassian
RNH-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Nygard-Haas-Chiasson
Khaira-Sheahan-Archibald

Klefbom-Bear
Nurse-Russell
Lagesson-Larsson
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) January 2, 2020

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR

Mike Smith is getting his second consecutive start for the first time since November 21 and 23. Coincidentally, November 23rd was Mike Smith’s last win. Can Mike Smith shut the door against the Bruins?
SECONDS: The second line of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto generated a goal against the Sabres on Thursday night. Small sample size, but good things tend to happen with this trio on the ice. More please.
AFTERNOON DELIGHT? Oh yeah, it’s an afternoon game. There’s a chequered history between the Oilers and day games, but it was Mike Smith who turned aside 51 shots for a big afternoon win in Pittsburgh. That’s got to be worth something, right?

Right?