Hot Links: Monday, March 9

Morning, folks!

It’s GAMEDAY as the Las Vegas Golden Knights are in town to duke it out with the Edmonton Oilers for first place in the Pacific Division. Coming into tonight, Vegas currently holds pole position with 84 points in 70 GP. The Oilers are two points behind with one game in hand, but will move into first place with a regulation win via tiebreakers.

Tyler Ennis have had some time to bed into the roster — not a lot, mind you — but it’s been a couple of weeks since their acquisitions. How have they fared in Oilers silks?

Caleb Jones has kept his spot in the lineup despite both Kris Russell and Oscar Klefbom returning to full health. His development — along with Ethan Bear’s, of course — represents a positive template for developmental success.

The Athletic checks in with Dmitri Samorukov and Kirill Maksimov during their first pro season in California.

The coronavirus has already changed the way the NHL will handle media availabilities for the rest of the season. Might it force the league — which is more gate-driven than the other big leagues in North America — to play games in empty buildings? Either way, with four cases and counting here in Alberta, the Oilers are aware of it.

Kailer Yamamoto’s recall is, arguably, the most important move of Ken Holland’s season. He sat down with Sportsnet to reflect on his season so far.

That’ll about do it for the high-level view this morning. We’ve got a game tonight so pop back in for the GAME PREVIEW later this morning and, of course, come commiserate with us in the GAME THREAD about an hour before game time (7PM). See you then.

From Us

Oilers Survive in 4-1 Win Against Jackets (Copper and Blue)

GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (Copper and Blue)

Oilers Sign F Josh Archibald To 2-Year Extension (Copper and Blue)

8 Game Review and Ken Holland’s Report Card (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

2019-20 Game 70: Golden Knights At Oilers (Lowetide)

Edmonton Oilers Game Day: Showdown With Vegas Showcases Tops In Pacific (Sun)

John Tortorella’s Revenge On Canucks Causes Further Playoff Uncertainty (Sportsnet)

Oilers Prospect Update: Blumel Away (Oilersnation)

Oilers Bracing For Coronavirus Impact (Sun)

Edmonton Oilers Know They Need To Find Another Gear (Sun)

JONES: Just Who Is The Edmonton Oilers No. 1 Goaltender, Anyway? (Sun)

Oilers’ Kailer Yamamoto Reflects On Newfound Success In Edmonton (Sportsnet)

Stone Alone (Lowetide)

For Money

Lowetide: Caleb Jones Represents Oilers Template For Development Success (Athletic)

Rookie Pros Dmitri Samorukov, Kirill Maksimov Learning In Oilers’ System (Athletic)