OILERS ALREADY ON A ROLL

By Olivia Lawrence
RP Show Intern

The Edmonton Oilers are on a three game winning streak this season after beating the Anaheim Ducks 6-5 at Rogers place Monday night. Leon Draisaitl had a four point night, putting up two goals and two assists, Zack Kassian also scored twice, and then Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard rounded out the scoring board for Edmonton. 

 “I don’t think you could even stop the stampeding stampede of Oilers Nation right now that they’re going to the Stanley Cup,” said Rod Pedersen on Wednesday’s episode of The Rod Pedersen Show. “As we said the other day, good for them, 3-0.” Rod Pedersen could not go without giving credit to Sam Steel of the Anaheim Ducks however. Steel, who is the former captain of the Regina Pats, scored two goals against the Oilers.

Oilers fans are excited, but some NHL fans are criticizing the rapidly changing, high-score game. Rod Pedersen invited Radio Host Jason Gregor from TSN1260 onto Wednesday’s show to talk about the game and the team.

“It’s early season hockey, nothing wrong with a little entertainment,” said Gregor. “I know people freak out, ‘oh geez you can’t win this way in the playoffs’, well no bleep Sherlock! Of course you can’t, but this isn’t the playoffs, it’s a third game in October, like you think the Tampa Bay Lightning every game is a Picasso?” 

Based on what we have seen from the Oilers so far, they need to reduce their shots against and scoring chances. There is no doubt the Oilers have a great offense however. And it extends all the way back to their third line with Zack Kassian, Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan. The back-bone of the Oilers offense is of course Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The two of them are the best in the world, and they have put points on the board every game so far. Even Draisaitl admitted however, McDavid and himself have not been the most consistent line, instead it has been the third line. This is good news considering the Oilers have struggled with their third line in past seasons. 

“I think if you’re looking for concern, it’s the Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman, Yamamoto line,” said Gregor.  “Nugent-Hopkins just isn’t the center anymore, he’s won 36% of his face-offs Rod, so Draisaitl and McDavid will ultimately be your centers. But for now, they’re so good together. Just keep them together, get some wins, bang some points, and then you can worry about tightening it up come March and April.”

Gregor believes another significant pairing for the team has been defensemen Duncan Keith and Cody Ceci. 

“They’re outscoring the opposition five-on-five, their expected goals or shots for, their scoring chances for, are all 58% or higher, so you’ll take that all day long,” said Gregor. 

There was a downside to Tuesday’s game for the Oilers, their starting goaltender Mike Smith left with a lower body injury in the second period, and back-up Mikko Koskinen had to finish the game. Smith is a favourite in Oilersnation, despite some concern with his goals against average. Right now he is considered day-to-day, there is no certainty if he will play Thursday (Oct.21) against the Arizona Coyotes as the Oilers look for their fourth win.