Halfway Point of The Season Vs Ottawa
It is crazy to think that we are halfway through this shortened season. Playoff races are forming and the Oilers hopefully are hitting their stride as a good team
The Oilers probably could've and should've won the game on Monday by 2-3 goals. Joey Daccord just played well. Its also important to mention that Ottawa ain't no slouch.
This is a team that just a month ago was probably an easy win for every team! But now they are battling, the young players are doing the right things and they are becoming a good little team that can steal some wins! That being said the Oilers looked a lot better. Just like their win vs Calgary on Saturday they won 3-2 but it was won differently. They got up 3-1 after an bad early goal let in by Koskinen. Then held that lead until the second best German player in the world sniped a beautiful goal. Tim Stutzle has 15 points in 25 games and has really proven he belongs in the NHL.
What to expect tonight:
Oilers (16-11)
The Oilers are making some changes up front and down below. Patrick Russell has made his way into the lineup as Kyle Turris goes on non roster and Evan Bouchard goes to the Taxi Squad *sigh*. William Laggesson comes off of the IR and will most likely play tonight. Caleb Jones and Evan Bouchard sitting because Dave Tippett just relies on his veterans a little too much in my opinion. Now in his defense I will say Adam Larsson has been a great shut down option the last few games. Not turning the puck over and really playing stout defense. A lot better than the beginning of the season. It is just the fact that Jones is being sat down because Tippett likes Kris Russell more and the fact Evan Bouchard hasn't seen the ice since March 1st concerns me. I hope we see him on Friday but until then, we have tonight to worry about. The top 6 will remain in tact as far as the forwards go. I don't mind Ennis as the LW on the second line but clearly there needs to be an upgrade there. (I will talk about that tomorrow!)
I expect the Oilers to come out stronger than they did on Monday. Letting up a weak goal is not what he doctor ordered but we will see a goalie change tonight. Mike Smith is in for Mikko Koskinen.
Injury News:
Some good news on the injury front as Zack Kassian made his return to practice yesterday. He won't play tonight but it is nice to see the big man skating again. Both Turris (Covid Protocol) & Archibald (Injury) will be out tonight.
The Oilers are 7-3 in their last 10 and look to make it a perfect 6-0 vs the Sens with a win tonight.
Sens (9-18-1)
Its seems like the lineup will stay the same for the Senators. However the lines will be jumbled up to create some sort of creativity within the lineup. Honestly its a good move. A team like the Sens could use a bit of a line juggle as they try and find some different scorers. They didn't look bad on Monday but it will be interesting to see what these new lines will look like and perform like for the Sens. They just got outplayed by a better team and that seems like the story for the whole year for Ottawa. The Sens are 13th in the league in goals scored which is in the top half of the league obviously. Their weakness, much like the Oilers, is keeping the puck out of the net. 31st in goals against. No word on who is net for the Sens tonight. My guess would be Matt Murray because he gives the Sens the best chance to win.
3 Oil Drops for Victory:
Faster Start. Letting a goal past you in the first 2 minutes is not a recipe for success and I think the Oilers know that. They have let in the 1st goal of the game in the last 5 games. NOT GREAT! A faster and better start please and thank you.
Make The Key Save. Yes I know it is Ottawa and yes I know Koskinen didn't see a lot of rubber on Monday but I will say he made saves when he needed to. He should've had the 1st one but the second goal by Stutzle was a snipe as the kids say. Mike Smith will have to be solid tonight because I expect the Sens to come out firing tonight.
Stop Chabot. Thomas Chabot is a number 1 defensemen. He might be in the top 5 conversation also. He is that good. 2 points on Monday and has overtaken the team lead in points with 19. He just looks like he controls the game and either makes the safe play up the ice or can carry the team on his back. Fun player to watch but he has to be key player to stop tonight
Who scores? Who wins?
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