OPPOSITION UPDATE
The Oilers suffered a tough loss at the hands of the Calgary Flames on Saturday night as they saw their two-goal lead become a 4-2 loss. They're tied with the Arizona Coyotes for fifth in the Pacific.
Connor McDavid is the second-leading point scorer in the NHL with 27 points (11G, 16A). Leon Draisaitl (21 points) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18 points) have helped shoulder the scoring load for Edmonton.
The Oilers recently traded forward Ryan Strome to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Spooner. He made his Oiler debut Saturday night in Calgary.
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD...
STATE OF THE DIVISION
Entering Sunday's action, the San Jose Sharks hold the Pacific Division lead with 25 points. A win over the Oilers last night put the Calgary Flames (23 points) just two points back of the top spot with the Vancouver Canucks (22 points) right on their heels. The Anaheim Ducks (20 points) have sole possession of fourth place in the division while Edmonton (19 points) and Arizona (19 points) are tied for fifth. Vegas has a chance to tie those two teams with a victory against Edmonton and further themselves from the last-place Los Angeles Kings (13 points).
TOP SCORERS VS. EDMONTON
Max Pacioretty (7G, 2A) leads the team with nine career points against the Oilers. Reilly Smith has collected seven points (4G, 3A) while Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (3G, 2A) and Brayden McNabb (1G, 4A) have each posted five points against Edmonton. Nick Holden (2G, 2A), Jonathan Marchessault (2G, 2A) and William Karlsson (3G, 1A) all have four points in their career against the Oilers.
STREAKS
Cody Eakin has recorded at least one point in each of his last three road games.
Alex Tuch has points in each of his last three road games.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Contain Edmonton's Speed: The Oilers have a speedy core of forwards that have no trouble finding the back of the net. For Vegas to succeed defensively, they'll need to match that speed. The addition of Nate Schmidt should help in that regard.
Expose The Defense: Edmonton's defense is fast and moves the puck well, but Vegas will have an opportunity to take advantage of that speed by catching their defenders out of position. If the Golden Knights can be patient and time their chances well, they should be able to find enough open ice to make the Oilers speed come back to bite them.
The Return: Schmidt's return to the lineup brings a lot to Vegas' blueline. He's fast, he makes smart decisions with the puck and he brings a positive attitude everywhere he goes. Having his number 88 on the lineup gives the Golden Knights a boost in all aspects of the game.
