[7:00 PM] Oilers @ Islanders

Who will WIN this matchup?

Edmonton Oilers (7-3-1)

@ New York Islanders (4-6-1)

 

Starting Goalies:

Cam Talbot (EDM): Unconfirmed

Jaroslav Halak (NYI): Confirmed

 

Current odds:

Edmonton Oilers: (+110)

New York Islanders: (-130)

 

• The New York Islanders have dropped four of their last five games overall, but the club traditionally hasn’t been a gracious host when the Edmonton Oilers make the lengthy trek east. The Islanders will vie for their 10th consecutive home victory over the Oilers on Saturday when they play the fourth contest of their five-game homestand.

• Patrick Maroon was elevated to the top line in Friday’s practice, joining captain Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle. Maroon scored his third goal of the season versus the Rangers and the 19-year-old McDavid notched an assist to avert the first three-game point drought of his career. Eberle also set up a goal to snap a five-game point drought, but his minus-4 performance versus the Rangers and minus-7 total during the three-game skid might have prompted coach Todd McLellan to shuffle the deck in practice.

• The defense has provided sustained offense for New York, which saw Dennis Seidenberg score for the second time in as many games as the club has received a goal from a blue-liner in seven straight contests. All told, the defensemen have 10 goals in the stretch that is the team’s longest since 1985 and the contingent has combined for 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) this season. Captain John Tavares scored his team-leading fifth goal and extended his point streak to three games heading into a tilt with Edmonton, against which he has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in eight career encounters.

• Edmonton C Leon Draisaitl is mired in a seven-game point drought.

• New York has surrendered seven power-play goals in its last five contests.

• The Oilers are a perfect 19-for-19 on the penalty kill in their last eight games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: New York Islanders

Confidence: 5/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Previous Pick
Next Pick