Canucks take on the Oilers in Edmonton tonight.
The Canucks finally get to play some hockey again. After a five day rest from their last game, Vancouver visits Edmonton for the second time already this regular season. The 2-0 Canucks take on the winless Edmonton Oilers (0-3-1) in an old Northwest Division (if it still existed) battle. The last time these two teams met was the Canucks home opener on October 11th at Rogers Arena. In a game where the Canucks were a step slow to start off, they battled back from a three goal deficit to win 5-4 in a shootout.
While the Oilers have already played four games, and won none of them, the Canucks have been sitting idling for five days since their last NHL action. The Oilers will have home ice advantage and I am sure the Oilers faithful will represent loudly. A team in disarray and no direction looking for their first win versus an undefeated but possibly game-rusty team could make for an interesting game and outcome. With the battles these two teams have had in recent years, it has the potential to get heated and possibly ugly. It would better serve the Canucks to keep things disciplined and play their game.
The Oilers have been the whipping boy of their opponents so far this season suffering a humiliating loss in LA and have only one point in the standings to show for their efforts. That sole point came from the Vancouver Canucks. They are desperate, they have home ice and this game worries me a little. I hate facing teams who need a win desperately and will probably do anything to get it, especially against a team they consider a rival.
The Canucks would need to shake off their game rust by attacking quickly and frequently. They would need to stay out of the penalty box and take to the Oilers without taking penalties. The key is to score first and keep attacking. Who ever is in net for the Canucks tonight needs to be sharp and shut down the young guns of the Edmonton Oilers.
So tonight, either two streaks will continue or two streaks will end. I prefer the former.
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