Hot Links: Thursday, March 5

Morning, Oilers fans!

Another GAMEDAY today sees Edmonton in the Town of Chi to battle the Blackhawks at 6:30PM MST. Edmonton is feeling themselves after three straight wins, including a comeback victory over Winnipeg, a third-period rout over Nashville, and a case of grand larceny thanks to Mikko Koskinen over Dallas. Chicago boasts their own three-game winning streak coming into this one with victories over the Lightning, Panthers, and Ducks. Something’s gotta give.

That said, even if the Oilers lay an egg in this one and walk away with a regulation loss, it’ll be hard to look at this road trip as anything other than successful with four big points already in the bank.

Oscar Klefbom has been tipped to return in this one but as of publishing, there has been nothing official from the team in that regard. Be sure to check our GAME PREVIEW later for more information as it comes.

The NHL’s Bill Daly announced a rough estimate for what next year’s Salary Cap will be, projecting the upper limit to land somewhere between $84MM - $88MM. So what might Ken Holland do this summer?

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is quickly showing why he was drafted first overall so many years ago. This is the first time since he centred Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle that he’s seen linemates this good, and he’s taken full advantage. Only two players league-wide have outpaced Nugent-Hopkins’ 1.46 p/g scoring pace since January 1 - and they’re on his team.

Young Willis profiled C prospect Ryan McLeod, who has adjusted admirably to his first full professional season in Bakersfield.

Czechboy took a look at Ken Holland and the Oilers special teams this season.

Oilers fan favorite sat down with Jasons Gregor and Strudwick to talk about the trade that saw him head to Detroit.

That’ll do it for the high notes. Get yourselves read, fed, hydrated, and ready to go for 6:30. Check back throughout the day for our typical GAMEDAY coverage and we’ll see you in the GAME THREAD an hour before puck drop. Til then.

From Us

Special teams and Holland (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Wednesday, March 4 (Copper and Blue)

Mikko Koskinen Steals A Win In Dallas (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

2019-20 Game 68: Oilers At Blackhawks (Lowetide)

An Early Look At Ken Holland’s 2020 Off-Season (Oilersnation)

Nugent-Hopkins Starting To Emerge From McDavid & Draisaitl Shadow (THW)

Game Notes Oilers @ Blackhawks: Chasing Special Teams History (Oilersnation)

Overtime Goal Good For Oilers Forward Alex Chiasson’s Confidence (Sun)

Edmonton Oilers Continue To Find Ways To Win This Season (Sun)

Statement Made (Oilersnation)

31 Thoughts (Sportsnet)

Sam Gagner Says Goodbye (Oilersnation)

LAING: A Tale Of Two Goalies (Oilersnation)

The Way (Oilersnation)

For Money

Ryan McLeod Offers The Oilers Size And Speed. But Will He Score In The NHL? (Athletic)

16 Stats: Dark horse Flyers, Vegas under Peter DeBoer and Kevin Fiala’s breakout (Athletic)

Dom Luszczyszyn | https://theathletic.com/