Game Thread: Oilers Look for Redemption

Edmonton Oilers (0-1-0) vs.

Vancouver Canucks (1-0-0)

14 January 2021

Rogers Place

7pm MST

TV: Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Pacific

Radio: 630 CHED

SB Nation Opponents: Nucks Misconduct

The Edmonton Oilers are back in action against the Vancouver Canucks after yesterday’s 5-3 loss. The Oilers will be looking for some revenge in tonight’s game with more-or-less the same lineup. Mike Smith was expected to get the start but some recent moves show that he might be unfit to play. This means that Mikko Koskinen will get his second start in as many night.

Three Things To Look For:

• A number of Oilers will be looking to have much better games today. The two that are the most in need of better performances are Adam Larsson and Jujhar Khaira. Larsson missed coverage on two goals against last night while Khaira looked lost on the ice and was torn to pieces by a feisty Vancouver squad. If these two can play better it will give the team a much better chance at rebounding.
• It didn’t take long for us to reach this point but we are officially at ‘Puljujarvi promotion watch’ as the young Finn had a fantastic showing in his first NHL game in two years. The player he’s battling with for the top spot, Zack Kassian, didn’t provide a lot of evidence that he deserves the spot over Puljujarvi in game one. Puljujarvi putting up another good performance might lead to some more minutes tonight.
• Lastly, we take a look to the crease. Mikko Koskinen will get the start for the Oilers as Smith is out with an apparent injury/illness. I liked how he played last game and thought that most of the goals against were the result of Edmonton’s defence leaving him out to dry. I expect a bit more of a steady game from him nonetheless. Stuart Skinner will serve as the team’s backup tonight but don’t expect that to last long as the Oilers are expected to claim back Anton Forsberg tomorrow.