Edmonton Oilers Pregame Thoughts

Yesterday was Leon Draisaitl’s 30th birthday, and the night before that was his 800th NHL game. Although he scored two goals on Sunday, two points instead of just one in Overtime and only one point out of four this weekend would’ve been a nicer birthday present. It’s cool that Jack Roslovic scored his first as an Oiler, he also added an assist, he played a good game. I honestly don’t know what to write here, because I sort of feel like I’m just repeating myself.

The lineup was changed again. Why not keep the same lines for multiple games and let them build chemistry? They made a valiant effort to come back, but considering the Canucks didn’t have Quinn Hughes playing, not getting the extra point felt like a wasted opportunity. There’s one week of October left; their bad first-month phase is almost over. Then we’ll go back to not being worried as much about this team. They’re back at Rogers Place for three games, and the homestand starts against a red-hot opponent. The keys to the game are…

Oilers Pregame Thoughts

Full 60: In the last three games, the Oilers had to come back from multigoal deficits and failed to do so in one of them. A week ago today, they blew a multigoal lead of their own in the third period. Saying “It’s not over yet” can be thought of as either positive or negative.

Four Or More: There’s only been one game so far where Edmonton has scored 4 goals or more. That’s a pretty stunning fact for a team that’s always lauded for it’s offense. Meanwhile, Utah ranked second in Goals Against Per Game, as well as fourth in Goals For Per Game. The Oilers need both extra goals and extra saves.

Overly Schmaltz: Forward Nick Schmaltz has started the season being Utah’s leading scorer, with 16 points through the first 10 games on their top line with Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton.