"Obviously some pretty good players, some pretty elite company there," said DeBrusk. "They're my hometown team, so I obviously keep tabs on them and understand how good those two players are as well. They've got a different look this year, our first meeting, got to be aware while they're on the ice, that's for sure."
Like the Bruins, Edmonton gets much of its offensive production from the top of the lineup. In addition to McDavid and Draisaitl - the Oilers No. 1 and No. 2 centers - top-line wingers James Neal (19-8--27) and Zack Kassian (13-14-27) also clock in with double-digit goal totals.
Edmonton - the West's second wild-card team with a 21-17-5 record and 47 points - also boasts the league's top power play with a 30% success rate. The Bruins rank third at 27.2%.
"Some pretty skilled players…they're a good team," said Brandon Carlo, who will have the task of shutting down one of Edmonton's top lines. "But overall, we don't back down from anybody, so it's a fun challenge to compete against certain guys. Looking forward to it."
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said the biggest challenge for his squad will not be trying to completely shut down McDavid and Edmonton's top line, but rather trying to limit them as much as possible.
"[McDavid's] a challenge every night," said Cassidy. "He plays in all situations. You can never shut him down, but if you can contain him, you can minimize the damage. Obviously keep the puck out of his hands as much as possible. It's easier said than done. Puck possession for those other guys that are playing against him, finding him early.
"But again, it's a unique challenge in how good he is, but there are other teams that we certainly key on certain guys, guys that we try to chase out of [Jack] Eichel's hands, [Patrick] Kane's, you know, different guys that have come through here, that dynamic.
"That'll be what's in front of us tomorrow, but we've got some pretty good players on our team as well."
