Oilers vs Devils Preview - Dancing with the Devil

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (6-12-1) vs New Jersey Devils (10-7-1)

Location: Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Time: 7:30 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet Oilers – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

Coming off the heels of a heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Oilers will look to bounce back against a Devils team that has surprised many this season. They have jumped off to a 10-7-1 start, and show no signs of slowing down. Mike Cammalleri has led the charge offensively, scoring six goals and twelve assists in the team’s first eighteen games of the season

Not bad for a player the Flames didn’t want to pay. On top of that, the Oilers need look out for young center Adam Henrique, who has scored fourteen points in the teams first eighten games.

I was quite impressed with the fight the Oilers showed on Wednesday night. Slowly, the Oilers are gaining respect around this league for a team that shows no quit. Again, I understand the record doesn’t show what I personally see, but trust me when I say this team’s record will improve this season.

Todd McLellan has done a great job thus far with what he has in front of him. The defence is still hot garbage, so hopefully a trade can be facilitated to help improve that aspect. Goaltending has been sub-par at best this season, but with a bad defence how can you expect the goalies to play well?

One of the more impressive things this season is that the Oilers currently have eight players with over ten points which in and of itself has been quite impressive. Teddy Purcell has been one of the hottest Oilers of late, scoring six points in his last five games while Leon Draisaitl is currently on a four game, seven point scoring streak.

The Oilers hold a 4-2-4 record in their last 10 games against the Devils, earning points in seven of their last eight games against New Jersey. Four of the last six meetings between these two teams have been settled in overtime or a shootout.

Walter Foddis’ Pregame analytics:

The Otherside:

Forward Mike Cammalleri, who has one goal and four points in the past two games, didn’t practice Thursday because of illness, but coach John Hynes expects him to be available. Forward Patrik Elias, who has yet to make his season debut because of a knee injury, filled in for Cammalleri on a line with Henrique and Lee Stempniak, according to Northjersey.com. Elias is not expected to play. Goalie Keith Kinkaid will make his fourth start of the season. Kinkaid has never faced Edmonton. Forward Tyler Kennedy, who joined the Devils on Wednesday under a professional tryout contract, practiced for the second straight day. He skated as an extra along with forward Stefan Matteau and defenseman Eric Gelinas. Forward Bobby Farnham has goals in consecutive games after scoring in a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. – nhl.com