Fansided

Game Preview: Thanksgiving Eve Against Oilers

By Glenn Brewer |
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 27: Tony DeAngelo #77 of the Carolina Hurricanes moves the puck against Ryan McLeod #71 of the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of their game at PNC Arena on February 27, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 2-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 27: Tony DeAngelo #77 of the Carolina Hurricanes moves the puck against Ryan McLeod #71 of the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of their game at PNC Arena on February 27, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 2-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Everyone is preparing the meals for tomorrow’s big Turkey Day, but the Carolina Hurricanes have one more piece of work to be done before enjoying the holiday with friends and family. The Edmonton Oilers will visit Raleigh for a rematch of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

The lone constant from that series is head coach, Rod Brind’Amour.

RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 05: Rod Brind’Amour #17 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck against the defense of Ryan Smyth #94 of the Edmonton Oilers during game one of the 2006 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 5, 2006 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 05: Rod Brind’Amour #17 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck against the defense of Ryan Smyth #94 of the Edmonton Oilers during game one of the 2006 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 5, 2006 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

If Caniacs think the Hurricanes have had a tough start to the season, they can take comfort in this evening’s opponent’s start. Edmonton’s pre-season expectations were similar to Carolina’s as they have a strong roster, worthy of taking a strong run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.

To date, the Oilers have just 5 victories in 17 games this season. Sitting 7th in the Pacific Division, only ahead of the San Jose Sharks, the visitors have much to catch up on.

It is never a good idea to count out a team this early in the season, especially if they have the best player in the NHL!

Just over a week ago, now-former head coach, Jay Woodcroft was fired and replaced by Kris Knoblauch. Knoblauch has a history with Connor McDavid which surely went into management’s thinking in the hire.

Since the new regime took over behind the bench, the Oilers have won 2 games but lost their last 2 games leading into tonight’s contest. With just 11 points, patience is running out North of the border. The fans and ownership are tired of seeing mediocrity while wasting good years with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Goaltending has been the problem in Edmonton for quite some time and this year’s starting goaltender, Jack Campbell, was placed on waivers and is currently in the AHL. Stuart Skinner has taken the reigns so far under Knoblauch with 12 starts and a 3.39 GAA with a dismal .873 save percentage. Skinner has 4 of the 5 team victories this season.

To no surprise, this team is led by its captain, McDavid, and Draisaitl. Draisaitl has carried the team with 6 goals and 22 points. McDavid has struggled with injuries, missing some games. He has 6 goals and 15 points.

The defense has helped out with the offense in Evan Bouchard. Bouchard has 17 points with 7 of them on the man advantage. Darnell Nurse is the backbone of the blue line and will cause the Canes to fit all night. He does not contribute much offense but does have 3 goals this season.

The always-lovely Evander Kane is having a solid season with 8 goals and 16 points. It would not be surprising to see Brendan Lemieux enter the lineup this evening to offset Kane’s physical play.

Depth winger, Zach Hyman rounds out the offense with 8 goals and 15 points. He brings speed, experience, and grit to a team full of skill.

The game could be wide open tonight, which will be fun to watch but not for the respective coaches.

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