Back-to-back wins for the first time this month. That’s a nice change from the “win one, lose one” streak they had going on for a couple of weeks. I don’t know how I can review Monday night’s game because it’s the exact same thing I’d been talking about in my previous recaps and previews recently. First period, even. The second period was bad. In the third period, they still won, so who cares? The powerplay went 1/2, and the penalty kill went 1/2, killing off a crucial one in the last few minutes before scoring an empty netter. The only new thing I can say, which isn’t really that new if you follow this team closely enough, is another former Oiler who played a great game against the Oilers. I liked Nick Bjugstad when we had him last year and would’ve liked to see him re-sign if he were willing to take less money. He’s actually the type of player our bottom six could use, but I highly doubt he’d come back to Edmonton. He had a nice shot on those two goals of his, though.
Tonight, the Oilers start a 5 game homestand. 6 of their next 7 games, including this one, will be played at Rogers Place. What they’ve ultimately decided to do at this year’s Trade Deadline might be further determined by what their record looks like after these 7 games. And they start against a team that, even after losing key players in the offseason, just won’t stop looking good in the standings. But part of being a good team is to also beat other good teams. The keys to the game are…
Goals Against: During Edmonton’s 16 game winning streak, they went 14 straight games without allowing more than two goals. Since the 16th win, they’ve averaged 3 or 4 goals against every game, allowing 6 goals in one of them. The Bruins are 3rd in GA/G leaguewide, averaging 2.6, and have allowed more than 3 goals in only 3 of their last 21 games. The NHL’s shining example of playing two-way hockey, and with one of the league’s best goalie tandems, is never the easiest time for offense.
Points Are Points: Boston has 77 points in the NHL standings, good for first place in the Eastern Conference and second place leaguewide. 11 of those points have been in the Overtime/shootout phase. Insert “_____ merchant” comments against any team that just finds ways to be successful and not fail. Who cares how you get points? They don’t ask how, they ask how many.
Street Rats: Brad Marchand recently played in his 1000th career NHL game. If his offensive output doesn’t fall off a cliff between now and next season, he should also be able to reach 1000 points. Despite not being the biggest forward in the league, he has very well earned his reputation as being one of the NHL’s greatest pests. I fully expect him, Evander Kane, and Corey Perry to have a bit of fun in this matchup. And you know what? Leon Draisaitl likes to show off his own swagger as well, from time to time.
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