It’s an all-Canadian matchup when the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers meet on Thursday night in the NHL. This is the first of two matchups this season between the two teams from different conferences. Connor McDavid and the Oilers will be looking to slow down a red-hot Canadiens team in front of what should be a loud Rogers Place.
These are two very exciting teams who have combined for a record of 9-5-1 early into the season. It is a big test for both as they each look to further solidify their standing in the NHL.
The Edmonton Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Finals in each of the two last seasons, and with lots of hockey played over that time, it is no surprise if there is some fatigue. Early into the season, you can tell this team is not at their best with a 3-3-1 record. However, after losing three-straight games in regulation, the Oilers returned to the win column in a 3-2 overtime success against the Ottawa Senators.
Not only did they return to the win column, but they have returned home after a gruelling five-game road trip. After going 2-3-0 on the road, it is home sweet home and they will look to keep momentum rolling and perform well in front of their fans.
While the Canadiens have been exceptional to start the season with a 6-2-0 record, it is their second-straight road game and second in as many nights. They narrowly beat a weaker Calgary Flames team, and will now be taking on the likes of a hungry Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and co.
Back on home ice, Edmonton can win this one with authority as they look to turn their early season slump around.
It goes without saying what a consistent force Connor McDavid is in this league, as he is arguably the best hockey player in the world. A mediocre 3-3-1 start by his team has been matched by a mediocre start by his standards with just one goal and seven assists. However, he just scored his first goal of the season in his most recent game, which may have awakened the beast.
While McDavid’s goal-scoring is volatile each season, he has scored 30+ goals in 8 of his 10 seasons. It likely would have been more if it weren’t for injuries, but there is no doubt that along with his elite playmaking is his ability to finish.
This is an important time for Edmonton, as the season is still so early and they have lots of time to rebound after some tough losses. McDavid obviously needs to lead the way and drive the offense. He is averaging over three shots per game, and his shot production is expected to lead to at least one goal.
Cole Caufield has continued to improve each season he has played in the league. To start his fifth full year, he has five goals and three assists in eight games. He has been a catalyst for Canadiens and will need to be leaned on heavily in what will be a tough matchup.
Caufield has been shooting the puck an average of 2.63 times per game, but he is expected to shoot far more in this one. The Canadiens could well be down early and often, which will require strong offensive efforts. He currently leads the team in goals, while he led them in goals last season, and will need to be a threat against some of the world’s best players on Thursday night.
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Montreal Canadiens
+190 ML
Edmonton Oilers
-230 ML
Puck Line
EDM -1.5
Total
O/U 6.0
Leon Draisaitl (EDM Oilers)
-105
Connor McDavid (EDM Oilers)
+100
Cole Caufield (MON Canadiens)
+175
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM Oilers)
+200
Nick Suzuki (MON Canadiens)
+230
Andrew Mangiapane (EDM Oilers)
+250
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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