The Montreal Canadiens face the Edmonton Oilers with both teams looking to improve from rocky starts to the season. The Canadiens have a 12-10-1 record and are near the bottom of the Atlantic Division while the Oilers have a 13-11 record and are in the middle of the Pacific Division. Both teams are looking to improve in their divisions and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
The Canadiens are having a rough season with their offense struggling, scoring only 2.78 goals per game with only five goals in the last three games. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach have scored 29 goals and 35 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four active skaters have five goals or more while only five skaters have added eight assists or more and opposing defenses can limit the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Canadiens down this season, allowing 3.39 goals per game. Johnathan Kovacevic and David Savard have combined for 2.1 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Jake Allen has struggled in the net with a .898 save percentage and a 3.40 goals-against average on 500 shots.