Breathe easy Oilers fans. A month ago, there was uncertainty whether or not the captain of the Edmonton Oilers would even be in the lineup to start the season, but now, Connor McDavid enters the lineup to play his first pre-season game.
Nothing else matters tonight. #97 is back.
OILERS LINEUP Draisaitl-McDavid-Kassian Gagner-RNH-Neal Khaira-Sheahan-Archibald P.Russell-Cave-Chiasson
Klefbom-Persson Nurse-Larsson K.Russell-Benning
Smith
- This very well could be the Oilers opening night roster. Nygard took a skate in the cheek last game and will sit this game out and Jurco is a little banged up. - I am a little surprised that Anton Burdasov isn't in lineup tonight but he will likely be right back in for the game against Winnipeg. Burdasov coming into camp late is going to have a tough time making the team right out of camp. If the team is willing to offer him a two-way contract and start him in the AHL it will be intriguing to see how the player responds. - Kris Russell will play his first game tonight and Matt Benning is his victi.... linemate. - Mike Smith will get the start tonight.
COYOTES LINEUP
(Will update when available)
OILERS PLAYER TO WATCH - JOEL PERSSON
Many will be curious about how Mike Smith fairs in his first game but this is another big test for the young prospective defender. Persson has looked confident with Klefbom thus far and tonight he will play against likely the most complete roster he has faced.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1.) The Top Line. Fans are clearly excited to watch McDavid tonight but this will also be the first time we see the trio of Draisaitl, McDavid, and Kassian play together. No doubts McDavid and Draisaitl will clearly play together well but Kassian needs to continue proving he belongs there.
2.) Open Spot On The 2nd Line. Gagner seems to have the inside track on the second line but should by no means be considered a lock. Burdasov looked decent and I'm willing to bet he will rotate into that spot against Winnipeg. Samwise needs to show he belongs tonight.
3.) Mike Smith - The Oilers are going into the season with two big question marks between the pipes. Koskinen was fine in his last game but still hasn't done enough to put the naysayers minds at ease. A strong game from Smith won't mean much, but a poor performance will cause more worry.
FILM OF THE DAY
McDavid is back! When Connor is on the ice he makes every player on the team better. He doesn't just move the bar up inches, he moves it up miles. That really awkward analogy was really just an excuse to get everyone even more hyped by playing one of the greatest sports speeches in film.