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G23: Oilers vs Blackhawks

November 30, 2022, 7:25 PM ET [9 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Oilers have managed two exciting come-from-behind victories in their past two games and the underlying numbers suggest Edmonton deserved these wins. Hopefully this has rejuvenated the team and they can focus on something that has once again eluded them this season; strong starts.

As I wrote in my last blog, Edmonton's next 10 games are all against teams that have fewer points than they do. This is a stretch that the Oilers should not just win, but dominate in if they want to be taken serious once again.

The Hawks are a rubbish team. They have allowed the 8th most 5 on 5 goals against this season at 50... the bad news is Edmonton has allowed the 9th most at 49. Chicago also has scored the second fewest 5 on 5 goals this year... Edmonton has scored the 6th fewest. Edmonton has an elite powerplay and that is helping them through this ice cold stretch that has seen McDavid and Draisaitl both contributing very little at even strength. All goals count the same, however 5 on 5 play accounts for roughly 80% of a game. If a team is constantly struggling to score during 80% of the game they are going to get eventually get burnt.

Tyler Benson makes his season debut tonight in place of Klim Kostin. Kostin has to get his work visa renewed (was on a temporary one which allowed him in the last two games) and should be able to play again soon. I'm looking forward to seeing Benson pick up where he left off during the pre-season with his physical and energy building play. The bottom six have been crucial to securing these past two wins and I hope to see that trend continue.

I thought that Jack Campbell might get the start tonight with Stuart Skinner going in tomorrow against the Wild but it is the opposite. Skinner in tonight, Campbell tomorrow.

Jesse Puljujarvi has been making some great plays lately and has come so close to scoring. Call it a hunch but I think he nets his second goal of the season tonight.

I'm curious to see how Darnell Nurse comes out tonight. One has to think his coaching staff sat him down and had a discussion after last game and his many errant plays. Will we see a Darnell Nurse cheating for defense tonight, or will the staff continue to let him play his wandering floating game?

Suddenly the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks are figuring out their own game and now the Pacific Division is wide open as far as potential playoff teams are concerned. Edmonton needs to keep pace and do whatever they can to keep distance between themselves and their divisional opponents. Tonight is a good start to making that happen.

Enjoy the game!
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