The Edmonton Oilers, off to a fairly slow start, head to Chicago to take on a Blackhawks team that seems to be playing above preseason predictions. The Oilers come into this matchup at 4-3 following a 6-3 win at home over the Pittsburgh Penguins and a 3-1 win last night over the Blues. The Blackhawks sit at 4-2 on the season thanks to four straight wins following an 0-2 start to the season. Game time is set for 8:30pm EST.
The NFL, College Football, the NHL, the NBA and the MLB playoffs…oh my! Check out all my premium picks for a variety of premium events. My Best Bet of the week is available for only $49.99 (normally $100) if you use this link. Don't miss out as this comes with a profit guarantee. Win or get the money back in credit!
The Edmonton Oilers, a popular choice to make a deep run in the Western Conference after last year's playoff performance, have gotten out of the gate fairly slow at just 4-3 thus far. Trailing 2-1 after the first period at home against Pittsburgh, the Oilers offense seemed to wake up by scoring four goals in the second period on their way to a 6-3 win over a talented Penguins squad. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists in the second period barrage to help the Oilers rally for the win. Evander Kane, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all added a goal and an assist in the win and Tyson Barrie and Ryan McLeod added a goal each. Goalie Jack Campbell rebounded from a rough first period to record 32 saves to pick up the win.
“We were just not skating and it seems very obvious with our group that the second we start skating and being engaged that we are extremely hard to stop,” said Draisaitl of his te am being able to turn it around after trailing 3-1. “It just takes us too long to get to that point right now. That is something we can obviously work on. I am proud of the group and the way we responded in the second and third. But we shouldn’t have to rally back from two or three goals every game.”
On Wednesday night in St. Louis, the Oilers turned to backup goalie Stuart Skinner in net. He made 37 saves and the Oilers pulled out a 3-1 win over the Blues. Hyman led the way with a goal and an assist on the night.
GAME DAY ON THE ROAD
The #Oilers play their first away game of the season vs. the Blues at @Enterprise_Cntr.
?:6pm MT
??:@630CHED
??:@Sportsnet#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/2PYR8WUsAq— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 26, 2022
Known as an offensive team last season, it is not a surprise that each of the Oilers wins this season have come with the team scoring five or more goals. Campbell was brought in to hold down the fort as the high flying Oilers push their offensive attack. Thus far, Campbell has gone 3-2 with just a 3.62 GAA and has saved under 90% of the shots he has faced. Campbell's 30+ save performance against Pittsburgh was a good sign for Edmonton and, if he can keep his save percentage up over 90%, the Oilers will be in great position on most nights.
Key Injuries: LW Dylan Holloway is listed as day-to-day with a lower leg injury.