Hot Links: Friday, July 31

Morning, folks!

Well, it’s actually Christmas Eve this time. No grogginess for yours truly this morning and I am acutely aware that it is, indeed, Friday for real. We’re barely 24 hours away from the Oilers return to meaningful action. Let’s get prepared.

Jeff sat down with our Chicago SBN counterpart, Second City Hockey, to talk turkey in advance of the qualifying rounds.

Jesse Puljujarvi’s interview continues to make the rounds, as the player himself has suggested not only to ‘never say never’, but that a reunion ‘may be possible’. Exciting.

The Oilers PP was historically good this season, so of course it will have a part to play in their series with Chicago. What concerns me is whether the refs will call the rulebook or not.

Sunil welcomed The Athletic Chicago’s senior writer Scott Powers on his podcast to preview the upcoming series between the Oilers and Blackhawks. Worth a listen.

Early indications suggest that Leon Draisaitl’s line might be matched up against Jonathan Toews’. LFG.

The latest 31 Thoughts podcast touches on John Chayka in Arizona, Bruce Boudreau’s life after Minnesota, and Rich Clune’s battle with addiction and how Brian McGrattan helped with his recovery.

Mikko Koskinen seems most likely to start Game 1.

Kailer Yamamoto has seized his opportunities this season, thanks in large part to his development, with a little help from the Oilers lack of skilled depth on the wing.

Connor McDavid is carrying a chip on his shoulder heading into the qualifying round. Chicago better look out.

The AHL announced that the 2020-21 season will be postponed until at least December. The impact of not playing games from early March to December will be a big one.

That should do it for the high notes for today. Get yourselves acquainted with the major stories heading into tomorrow’s big game, and get your beer and food ordered. See you tomorrow afternoon.

LFG.

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From Us

Scouting The Chicago Blackhawks (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Thursday, July 30 (Copper and Blue)

Why Koskinen is better than Smith (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

Puljujarvi Open To Reunion With Oilers: ‘It May Be Possible’ (Score)

Oilers’ Power Play Key To Qualifying Series Against Blackhawks (Sun)

The SuperFan Podcast – Episode 15 – Scott Powers (Super Fan)

Start Your Engines, It Could Be A Draisaitl Vs. Toews Matchup For Oilers (Sun)

31 Thoughts Podcast: Pre-Playoff Beard Edition (Sportsnet)

JONES: Expect Koskinen To Start In Oilers Net Against Chicago (Sun)

Yamamoto Seizing Opportunity Among Oilers Top Forwards (Sportsnet)

McDavid, Oilers Itching To Erase Past Playoff Failures By Getting Past Chicago (CBC)

AHL Sets Start Date For The 2020-21 Season (Oilersnation)

Eye On The Opposition: Q & A On Blackhawks/Oilers Series (THW)

Game One Could Decide Series (Oilersnation)

Unkown Legend (Lowetide)

For Money

Bang For Your Buck: Ranking The Oilers Based On Contract Expectations (Athletic)