8:37 pm
October 14

Oilers @ Blackhawks

Who will WIN this matchup?

Edmonton Oilers (5-0-0)

@ Chicago Blackhawks (0-2-1)

 

Starting Goalies:

Mike Smith (EDM): Confirmed

Corey Crawford (CHI): Confirmed

 

Current odds:

Edmonton Oilers: (+120)

Chicago Blackhawks: (-140)

 

The Edmonton Oilers have shot out of the gate this season, setting an NHL record with five consecutive comeback victories to start a campaign under new coach Dave Tippett. They hope to make it easier on themselves when they conclude their four-game road trip Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Edmonton allowed the first goal against the New York Rangers on Saturday before posting a 4-1 triumph as Leon Draisaitl led the way with two tallies and an assist. Captain Connor McDavid and defenseman Oscar Klefbom both scored a goal and set up another for the Oilers, who have won their first five games for the third time in franchise history and first since 1985-86.

While Edmonton has yet to lose in 2019-20, Chicago remains in search of its first win after squandering a two-goal lead and falling to Winnipeg 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Brandon Saad and blue-liner Brent Seabrook tallied for the Blackhawks, who are in the midst of a seven-game homestand after beginning the season with a loss to Philadelphia in the Czech Republic.

McDavid, who won back-to-back Art Ross Trophies before finishing second in scoring last season, entered Sunday with a league-leading 12 points – one more than Draisaitl. The 22-year-old center has landed on the scoresheet in all five games thus far, recording multiple points in each of the last four while being held without a goal just once. Draisaitl and defenseman Darnell Nurse also are riding season-opening five-game point streaks, with the former matching McDavid with four multi-point performances.

Robin Lehner was solid in his debut with Chicago on Saturday, making 30 saves after signing a one-year, $5 million contract in July. The New York Islanders allowed the 28-year-old Swedish goaltender to become a free agent after winning the William Jennings and Bill Masterton Trophies with the club last season. Defenseman Calvin de Haan, who was acquired from Carolina in June, also appeared in his first game for the Blackhawks after missing the first two with a groin injury and registered one shot, three hits and a minus-1 rating in just over 18 minutes of ice time.

The Oilers rank second in the league on the power play at 41.2 percent, with LW James Neal scoring five of their seven man-advantage goals.

Klefbom and Chicago C Zack Smith both need one assist to reach 100 for their careers.

Edmonton C Colby Cave, who failed to notch a point in two games this season, cleared waivers and was assigned to Bakersfield of the American Hockey League.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Edmonton Oilers