The Edmonton Oilers are finally back after a six day break. Prior to this time off, the team had won it's last four games against the Capitals, Jets, Golden Knights, and Ducks. McDavid was putting up points at ease, the powerplay was clicking, the PK was looking solid and the defense wasn't causing any egregious errors, and Stuart Skinner was playing as we saw for much of last season.

Now comes the age old question of time off versus rust. Can Edmonton keep that momentum going and have all the above mentioned details continue to click? Or will they slip back into old habits. Ironically the team they play tonight, the Hurricanes are the same team that handed the Oil their last loss, a 6-3 drubbing in which Stuart Skinner was pulled after the first period.

The Hurricanes have been having their own issues in net, specifically the unfortunate clotting issue with Andersen and the subpar play of Raanta that had them turn back to Kochetkov. Raanta statistically has been one of the worst netminders in the NHL this season. While the Hurricanes have typically been a strong defensive team, their netminders are really letting them down. Edmonton needs to find a way to limit their own mistakes and let their top guys play their game and keep this streak alive.

On a different note, Columbus is doing some interesting things right now with their LTIR and players being called up. Edmonton has been scouting the Jackets heavily for over a week now. Something to keep an eye on.

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