Oilers Showdown: Key Lines, Goalies, and Viewing Guide
Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers are set for a crucial matchup on Thursday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. EST (7 p.m. MST). Both teams are aiming to solidify their positions as the NHL season progresses.
Recent Performance and Standings
The Pittsburgh Penguins hold a record of 24 wins, 14 losses, and 11 overtime defeats. They are currently second in the Metropolitan Division after securing points in five consecutive games and winning their last two. Most recently, the Penguins defeated the Calgary Flames 4-1, demonstrating strong defensive and offensive plays.
- Goals in the last game came from Tommy Novak, Evgeni Malkin, Egor Chinakhov, and Bryan Rust.
- Malkin achieved his 11th goal this season with a deflection.
- Chinakhov netted his seventh goal with a wrist shot.
- Novak scored his ninth goal using a backhand move.
The Edmonton Oilers have a current record of 25 wins, 18 losses, and 8 overtime losses. They recently faced a setback against the New Jersey Devils, losing 2-1. The Oilers have managed only two wins in their last ten games against teams from the Metropolitan Division.
Key Players and Injuries
Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with an impressive 85 points (30 goals, 55 assists) in 50 games this season. However, the Oilers are dealing with several injuries, notably to Leon Draisaitl, Adam Henrique, and Kasperi Kapanen. Draisaitl is expected to return after attending to a family issue.
Expected Lineups
| Pittsburgh Penguins Lines | Edmonton Oilers Lines |
|---|---|
| Rickard Rakell – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Zach Hyman |
| Egor Chinakhov – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin | Isaac Howard – Jack Roslovic – Matthew Savoie |
| Anthony Mantha – Ben Kindel – Justin Brazeau | Mattias Janmark – Curtis Lazar – Andrew Mangiapane |
| Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari | Vasily Podkolzin – Trent Frederic – Alec Regula |
Goaltending Matchup
For the Penguins, Arturs Silovs is confirmed as the starting goalie. Meanwhile, the Oilers are expected to rely on Tristan Jarry, who has shown solid performance in recent matches.
Special Teams Insight
Special teams will play a crucial role in the game. The Penguins have a power play success rate of 27.8%, ranking third in the NHL, while their penalty kill stands at 83.2%. The Oilers boast the league’s top power play, operating at 32.6%, but they also have a penalty kill rate of 80.6%.
Game Significance
This matchup is critical for both teams. The Penguins look to extend their winning streak, while the Oilers aim to bounce back and improve their standing in the Pacific Division. Special teams’ effectiveness will likely determine the outcome.
