The Edmonton Oilers welcome the Boston Bruins into their barn for the first of a five game homestand.
EDMONTON: The Edmonton Oilers will play the Boston Bruins for the first time this year at Rogers Place. They will look to turn their two game win streak into three with tonight's tilt.
They could be potentially without one of their key players against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was missing from practice this morning. Off the top of his availability, head coach Kris Knoblauch was uncertain on whether or not the longest active serving Oiler player was ready to go for tonight.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins status for tonight is up in the air."He's at home sick right now. Questionable for the game."
Knoblauch went on to detail how this sickness has been around for a little bit and Nugent-Hopkins is the latest player to get it, "We've had this run through [the group] a little bit, other guys have got it."
Key to the Game
Tonight, the Oilers face tough competition going up against the second overall team in the Eastern Conference. Luckily for the Oilers, the Bruins have been going through a tough stretch. Over the last 10 games they have a 4-4-2 record.
The biggest thing for the Oilers will be making sure they come out ready to play in the second period. They have had recent struggles there - so that needs to be the top priority for this matchup.
Game Predictions
- First Goal: Jake DeBrusk
- Most Ice Time: Charlie McAvoy (26 minutes)
- Most Shots: Connor McDavid (5)
- Most Hits: Evander Kane (5)
- Most Blocks: Darnell Nurse (5)
- Final Score: 4-1 Oilers
Boston Bruins in Tough Against Oilers
The Bruins will be without Hampus Lindholm tonight. According to head coach Jim Montgomery, he did not go on the trip with the team and his injury is considered to be week-to-week.
Jake DeBruskBefore the game Jake DeBrusk spoke to the media at Rogers Place. He detailed about how he likes being in Edmonton to play the Oilers, even if the games don't always go the best for him.
"I think these are special games for me. They haven't really gone personally my favorite, but I still have lots of fun."
Starting Goalies, Where to Watch
Tonight's game will air on Sportsnet and TNT. Broadcast starts at 8 PM but puckdrop isn't until 8:22 PM Mountain time.
Stuart Skinner will man the Oilers net while Jeremy Swayman will be between the pipes for the visiting Bruins.
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