Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner cannot be relied on for 70+ starts this year. The last goalie to do that for the Oilers - or any other team - was 2016-17 Cam Talbot. The Edmonton Oilers finally have a game after an extended Christmas Break. Many teams only had a three day break, while the Oilers were one of several to have five days. Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyMTA4OTU0Mzg0Mjc4NTQw/usatsi_21860562_168401874_lowres.jpg] Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks. The Oilers go toe-to-toe with the San Jose Sharks. The bottom feeding team is on a current six game losing streak. The Sharks have only won nine games this season while the Oilers are looking for their 16th. To make matters easier for the Oilers the Sharks are going into the second game of a back-to-back, having lost last night to the Oilers playoff nemesis - the Los Angeles Kings. It cannot be understated that the Sharks beat the Oilers the first time they played this season. The 3-2 loss for the Oilers was the final nail in the coffin for Jay Woodcroft's tenure with the team. KEYS OF THE GAME There are two things that the Oilers need to focus on with this game. The first thing is coming out of the gate strong. This hasn't really been a struggle for the squad who have scored the first goal of the game quite often this year. Coming off a five day break in between games, this is the first step to winning tonight. Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyODc0NDQzOTg5NTI1NTcy/usatsi_22094307_168401874_lowres.jpg] Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. The other area of focus is to not let their foot off of the gas. Once they have the lead they need to keep attacking the Sharks. That could look like wearing them down from getting pucks in deep behind defenders and forechecking hard. It could also be from a high volume of chances on their goaltending. GAME PREDICTIONS * undefined * undefined * undefined * undefined * undefined Puck drop for tonight's game will be just after 8:30 PM Mountain Time. Visit the Striking Oil Podcast website Subscribe to the Striking Oil Podcast YouTube Channel Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss an update on the Oilers. Related: Oilers Goalie Pulls Off Save of the Year Related: Oilers Defender Working Towards NHL Return [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers/players/oilers-defender-working-towards-nhl-return] Related: Oilers Prospect Ready for NHL Opportunity Related: Reporter Catches Oilers' McDavid Off-Guard
