2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM#: Oilers @ Predators – 3P2W – There’s a McTear in my Beer

Hey y’all! Welcome back for another season of Edmonton Oilers hockey! I’m BLH and I’ll be giving you the skinny on today’s game!

If you’re new here and are wondering what 3P2W means, well, it stands for Three Players to Watch and seeing I’m as lazy as I am, I figured we’d shorten it to 3P2W.

So with that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about what’s been going on lately in the Oilogospehere and then get into the player’s I’ve put under the spotlight for tonight’s matchup!

Random Pontifications

• Bob Stauffer said that the Oilers will try to acquire a right-shot center around the deadline and that they’re looking at a RW with size, speed, and grit. So Nic Down and…. I’ll give you five names that might fit the bill,
  • Sam Lafferty (VAN) – We know the Oilers have had interest in this player as recent as this offseason but also going back to last year. Maybe the most likely candidate if the Canucks are out of the playoff picture. UFA in the offseason.
  • Brandon Duhaime (MIN) – Another UFA after this campaign. Had nine goals in 51 games last year but not a lot else.
  • Hayden Hodgson (LA) – The dude that ran Mark Stone during preseason. Stauffer’s brought him up plenty of times in the past, but is he better than Erne? I don’t think so. Great energy guy whose contract is up after this year.
  • AJ Greer (CGY) – The Flames plucked him off waivers. He’ll be UFA this summer. Not sure if this is the guy given he’s more of a bruiser than anything and can’t seem to stick to one club for longer than two years.
  • Taylor Raddysh (CHI) – RFA at season’s end, but I don’t know if the Hawks are going to move him. He’s playing pretty well, is he not? 20 goals and 37 points last year… Chicago would be daft to deal him. He’s the guy you want out of this list though.

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Three Players to Watch for the Predators

• #9 Filip Forsberg – No goals on the year for the Preds premier twine tickler. You know what that means? The Oilers will do their best to help him out.
• #22 Tyson Barrie – Another thing the Oilers like to do is give ex-Oilers a couple points when they play each other. Barrie should be good for at least one assist if not a goal and an assist.
• #77 Luke Evangelista – Keep an eye on this kid. He’s got size, speed, a shot, drives the net, gets in the muck, and is a really dangerous player for where he plays in NSH’s lineup.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

• #29 Leon Draisaitl – He lights up the Preds every time the Oilers play them. He’s a shoe-in for at least two points in my opinion.
• #14 Mattias Ekholm – Edmonton’s latest Swedish blueline sensation returning to Nashville for the first time to play his former team will be interesting. He’s already playing well under 100% health-wise and I can’t imagine he’ll be any better mentally. I hope he’s has himself a career game but if he disappoints, I won’t be shocked.
• #28 Connor Brown – This guy has got to get his shit together. I mean, him with McLeod and Holloway should be a very truculent line and I am intrigued at its potential but the unfortunate part about that is that it means the Oilers are back to being a one line team…

The Next Twelve Games (#2-#13)

• • 10/14 vs. Canucks – I think the Oilers will take 2/2 vs. Vancouver to start the year. (W)
    • (4-3 LOSS)
  • 10/17 @. Predators – The Pred don’t scare me. Their roster is in shambles. Poor Jusse Saros and Roman Josi. (W)
  • 10/19 @ Flyers – Their forward group looks entertaining but they’ve got nobody on defense. (W)
  • 10/21 vs. Winnipeg – The Jets are always a tough out. I like their chances. (L)
  • 10/24 @ Wild – Minny isn’t as good as they used to be but still very solid. (W)
  • 10/26 vs. Rangers – I like NY’s defense and goaltending here. (L)
  • 10/29 vs.Flames – Calgary is going to surprise a few this year. (L)
  • 11/2 vs. Stars – This will be a very tight game. (W)
  • 11/4 vs. Predators – Leon will continue to light the Preds up. (W)
  • 11/6 @ Canucks – I’ll take Edmonton for a third time here, Alex. (W)
  • 11/9 @ Sharks – I don’t even recognize half the names on SJ’s roster… (W)
  • 11/11 @ Kraken – I like Seattle’s roster. Well-rounded. (L)