Good news Oilersnation: The Edmonton Oilers have played quite well in four of their last five games.
Bad news: They only have two wins in those five games.
The Oilers need to string together some wins, and Seattle is a team they need to beat.
Seattle is not a dangerous offensive team. They’ve scored a league-low 59 goals and rank 31st in goals for per game at 2.46. Only Calgary is worse at 2.29. Seattle’s leading scorer, Jaden Schwartz, has 15 points, the lowest leading scorer on any NHL team. Seattle doesn’t score a lot, and they create even less. They rank 32nd in high danger chances created. Their goal is to win low-scoring games.
They play the most boring style in the NHL. They don’t create many chances, and they don’t give up many chances. I’m sorry, but they are the least attractive team to watch in the NHL. They have played one game all season where they scored four goals (not including empty net goals) in regulation. ONE.
I understand the Kraken aren’t blessed with an abundance of elite offensive players, but their style of play doesn’t entice offensive creativity or chances. No team needs to win the draft lottery more than Seattle to gain some relevance in their market. The problem is, they’d rather remain a boring, take-no-chances type of organization, and focus more on strong defensive play that will have them not make the playoffs, but also not be a bottom-five team.
Unless they luck out like the New York Islanders and win the lottery out of the 10th spot, the Kraken seem destined for another mediocre season, which will see them draft outside of the top three.
Historically, the Oilers have dominated Seattle. They are 13-4 all-time and 10-2 in their last 12 games. They did lose 3-2 in Seattle earlier this season, but the Oilers are 6-1 all-time in Edmonton and 7-3 in Seattle. The Oilers have scored 4+ goals in all six of their home victories over the Kraken, and while the Oilers offence is still struggling to find a consistent scoring punch, the Kraken is a great match up for them.
The Oilers are faster. They have more skill and if they use those assets tonight they should win and move ahead of Seattle in the Pacific division.
At some point, the Oilers need to start getting more consistent positive results that lead to victories. Tonight is a game they need to win.
— Leon Draisaitl has 30 points in 14 career games v. Seattle. His 2.14 points/game against one franchise is the highest among active players. The Oilers have feasted on Seattle as they have the four highest scorers against them since they entered the NHL in 2021-22. Draisaitl has 30 points followed by Ryan Nugent Hopkins and Connor McDavid (21) and Zach Hyman has 20. Kevin Fiala is 5th with 18 points.
— The Oilers need some depth forwards to wake up offensively. Here’s the goal totals for the Oilers forwards in the last 20 games:
11: Draisaitl
10: McDavid and Roslovic (injured now).
4: Podkolzin
3: Savoie and RNH (11 GP).
2: Mangiapane and Tomasek (12 GP).
1: Henrique, Frederic, Hyman (8GP) and Clattenburg (4GP).
0: Janmark (11 GP), Lazar (1oGP).
The Oilers really miss Roslovic, which I didn’t expect to say when he was originally signed. He played great, and his absence has been very noticeable the past few games.
RNH – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Savoie
Janmark – Henrique – Mangiapane
Clattenburg – Lazar – Frederic
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Regula
Kulak – Emberson
Pickard
Calvin Pickard went 2-1 vs. the Kraken last season and gets the start tonight. Kris Knoblauch will run the RNH-McDavid-Hyman trio together for the first time this season. It makes sense to see if they can get going now that RNH and Hyman are healthy. And Savoie has played well with Draisaitl so I like the switch.
I firmly believe Edmonton plays better when they are emotionally invested. Marchment pissed them off with his blindside hit on Darnell Nurse last game, and Edmonton responded and they were engaged all game. I’d like to see them initiate and annoy the other team, rather than usually responding. It is great that they stand up and won’t back down when they feel an opposing player takes advantage of a teammate, but the Oilers need more guys initiating and increasing the intensity of the game, rather than waiting for the opposing team to do it.
McCann– Beniers – Eberle
Nyman – Wright – Kakko
Catton – Stephenson – Tolvanen
Kartye – Gaudreau – Winterton
Dunn – Larsson
Lindgren – Montour
Evans – Oleksiak
Daccord
The Kraken have switched up their lines after the shutout loss on Saturday. McCann moves up to play with Beniers and Eberle, while Jan Nyman slots in for Marchment and will play with Wright and Kakko. The Kraken’s leading scorer, Jaden Schwartz will sit out his second straight game, both against the Oilers, with a lower-body injury.
Photoshop by Tom Kostiuk
GAME DAY PREDICTION: Oilers score four again and win 5-2.
OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Leon Draisaitl produces two points.
NOT-SO-OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Alec Regula will be on the ice when Edmonton scores a goal. It is the first time he is on the ice for a goal this season.
Thank you to Jared, Ed and Jean for their great bids on our packages from Mr. Derk and The Ranch yesterday.
DAY FOUR: Assoiciate Membership at the Glendale Golf and Country Club
An Associate Membership for the 2026 golf season at the GLENDALE.This membership allows full access to the tee as a regular Shareholder would have.Club Storage and Range are included in the Dues.Immediate family become Social Members at no additional charge (access to all dining facilities and pool).Value of this membership is $7,750
The Glendale Golf & CC is a family orientated private facility located in northwest Edmonton. Long known for its layout and incredible course conditions, the Club is meant to be enjoyable for all and to create memories that last a lifetime.
You can bid by calling or texting 833.401.1440 between 2-6 p.m. today at Sports 1440.
Thanks in advance. All proceeds will help out The Christmas Bureau.
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