GAME PREVIEW: Edmonton Oilers @ Vancouver Canucks

Edmonton Oilers (5-1-0), 2nd, Pacific

Vancouver Canucks (3-4-1), 5th, Pacific

30 October 2021

Rogers Arena

8 PM MST

TV: CBC

Radio: 630 CHED

SB Nation Opponent: Nucks Misconduct

SNAPPED

The Oilers’ five game win streak came to a halt on Wednesday when they dropped a 5-3 contest to the Philadelphia Flyers. Connor McDavid had a power play goal and an assist, while Zach Hyman and Tyson Barrie each had a goal for the Oilers. It was a forgettable night for Mikko Koskinen, who probably would have liked to have a couple of goals back in his first loss of the year.

The Oilers look to forget about Wedneday night as they travel to BC in a prime time matchup with Vancouver. The Canucks have had some trouble putting the puck in the net so far this season. Can the Oilers get back on track with two points tonight?

Let’s go to the tape.

THE OILERS ARE SAYING

“I feel like through the first six games, we’ve spent a lot of time in the O-zone...That builds confidence in ourselves as a line and as a bench, too. The guys see that when you’re spending lots of time there. It gets the guys going a little bit. That’s our role.”

Source

That’s Oilers forward Derek Ryan on Edmonton’s third line.

The third line has had some success, which is much needed for the Oilers. Anything that can help take some pressure off of the top two lines is a much-welcomed addition to the club. Zack Kassian is scoring goals. Warren Foegele had a beauty last week in Arizona. Derek Ryan has been carrying the play down the middle. Save for last game, this line has ranged from good to very good so far.

THE CANUCKS ARE SAYING

“Chasing games isn’t fun. It’s tough to do all the time. We have to look at things and get off to better starts.”

Source

That’s Canucks defenceman Luke Schenn after Vancouver’s 2-1 loss to the Canucks on Thursday night.

The Canucks are having some serious trouble putting the puck in the net. They’re not generating chances, and they’re 24th in the league when it comes to goals per game. A couple of quick early goals for the Oilers would really push Vancouver off their game.

HAVE SOME OF THIS

• A WAY IN: If Edmonton can continue to push their ridiculously good power play and continue to get 5 on 5 goals from their top two lines, they’re going to be on the good side of some high scoring games. Mikko Koskinen didn’t have a strong game, the Oilers only scored three, and the Flyers got out of Edmonton with two points.
• MCWOW: A power play goal and an assist give Connor McDavid 15 points in six games so far this season. Think he’ll have 50 by the end of next week?
• LINE JUMBLER: The fourth line didn’t generate a thing last game, and is in need of some window dressing. At this point I’d probably be on the phone Bakersfield about Ryan McLeod, but I can’t find any rotary phones near me. Dave Tippett had Tyler Benson on line four with Devin Shore and Kyle Turris, so part of a surprise is better than no surprise at all, I suppose. Brendan Perlini would come out if Benson goes tonight.
• KAILER YAMAMOTO: Due for a goal. He gets it tonight, I hope.
• NO FUN: The Canucks are not having an easy time scoring out there, but they’re getting good returns from Conor Garland and J.T. Miller, who are averaging a point per game. Vancouver has been held to 2 goals or less in five of their eight games on the season (0-4-1)
• NET GAINS: Mikko Koskinen (3-1-0, .926 SV% / 2.62 GAA) was in the starter’s net at practice yesterday and will get the nod tonight for the Oilers. The Canucks are likely to go with Thatcher Demko (3-2-1, .921 SV% / 2.62 GAA), Jaroslav Halak (0-2-0, .917 SV% / 2.07 GAA) is the other half of the Canucks goalie tandem.
• SICK BAY: For the Oilers, Mike Smith is still day-to-day with a lower body injury. For Vancouver, forwards Jason Dickinson, Justin Dowling and Matthew Highmore and defenceman Tucker Poolman are all day-to-day with undisclosed injuries.