Two of the Edmonton Oilers defense pairings for tonight's game have not been utilized in a game this pre-season.
Two of the Edmonton Oilers defense pairings for tonight's game have not been utilized in a game this pre-season.
EDMONTON -- It ends tonight.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDaiPELa3kc[/embed]
The Edmonton Oilers finish off their pre-season schedule with tonight's game. They will play against the Vancouver Canucks, in what is sure to be a spirited affair.
This is the last game before they start keeping track, so it's important to note how the roster looks. After all, this will be very close to the line combinations for opening night.
Most have predicted the top three forward lines. The fourth line highlights the great camp that a few younger Oilers have had. Vasily Podkolzin and Noah Philp will pair up with Corey Perry for tonight's game.
Philp and Podkolzin have found roles early in training camp that is proving to make them valuable members of the team. The coaching staff and the fans will get one final look at that tonight.
Finally, the Oilers have changed up their second and third defense pairs. Darnell Nurse alongside Ty Emberson and Brett Kulak paired with Troy Stecher will complete the Oilers top-six defense group.
Josh Brown has been given several opportunities on the third pair to prove his worth. While he brings a different element than Emberson or Stecher, his on-ice results have not been great this pre-season, small sample size withstanding.
These could be the three defense pairs for game one of the regular season. Oilers fans only need to wait until October 9th to see what exactly Kris Knoblauch will do.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_IsCdlDxTQ[/embed]
Tonight's game will air on Sportsnet, sometime after 8 PM Mountain time. Stuart Skinner is projected to start tonight and play the whole game.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews, or any other updates on the Oilers.
Related: Rugged Ex-Oiler Doesn't Make New Team
Related: Former Oilers Goalie Takes Indefinite Leave
Related: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl Star in New Amazon Documentary Series