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Detroit vs. Edmonton is a fascinating matchup. The record and stats are eerily similar between the two teams and it seems like you never quite know how this tilt is going to end up. Here’s what we know.
Edmonton is shopping for a “True 1B… goalie but may have to part with a first round pick to get rid of Campbell. Detroit is defense shopping and at that critical point again where the team’s performance into February will likely dictate whether they sell, buy or hold steady. With Ghost and Perron on expiring deals, those are names that a contender could be very anxious to get ahold of.
The difference make for Edmonton has been and will be (for as long as he’s there) Connor McDavid. 55 points in 35 games. 905 career points in 604 games played. McDavid, whether people want to say it or not, is a true phenomenon. I won’t even call him generational because if his career is long enough (barring injury or a sudden urge to become a sea captain) the speedy scoring machine will find himself at #1 in several categories. Matthews could well be the goal scoring champion with a long career, but CMD will have points, assists and however many other categories locked up.
It’s a pleasure to watch him play, but also very realistically a time when Detroit needs to find a way to win. That would mean quick and flawless D zone exits and extended Offensive zone pressure. Lyon will also need to be the goalie he can be. (Husso is gingerly skating again. Should still be Lyon’s net when he’s back). This is an eyes wide open test for Detroit. In terms of skater to skater, CMD does not have an equal in this league. It will take a team effort and concise defensive structure to maintain the hope of getting even an OT point in this tilt.
Detroit is coming off of a 3 game sweep of California (where Lindstrom now lives) and have had a few days off. We’ll see how they hit the ice tonight as they seek to climb in the standings.