The Edmonton Oilers (15-10-2) will host the Tampa Bay Lightning (14-9-2) at Rogers Place, with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM MT (9:00 PM ET). The Oilers are currently on a two-game winning streak and aim to complete their three-game homestand with a victory over the Lightning. This matchup marks the first of two meetings between Tampa and Edmonton, with the second game taking place on February 25th in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Lightning are also on a two-game winning streak after victories over San Jose and Vancouver so far through their four-game road trip.
Historically, Tampa Bay holds a record of 21-20-5 against Edmonton, including a 4-3-0 record in the past five seasons. Last season, the Lightning swept the two-game series against the Oilers, winning 6-4 on November 18 and 7-4 on December 14. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov each tallied six points against Edmonton last season, while defenseman Mikhail Sergachev scored four points (1 goal, 3 assists). Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has a career record of 6-3-0 against Edmonton, with a save percentage of .905.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch provided an update on the team’s injuries earlier today but had little new information regarding forward Evander Kane. Kane underwent surgery during the offseason to address several injuries and is not expected to return for some time. Coach Knoblauch stated that it will be at least a month before any significant updates on Kane’s recovery can be given, as there is currently no established timetable for his return. The hope is that Kane will be back in time for the playoffs, especially because of the physical presence he brings when fully healthy.
Additionally, Coach Knoblauch noted that Viktor Arvidsson has been skating on his own, and he is hopeful to rejoin the Oilers for practice sometime this week. Arvidsson will miss his twelfth consecutive game tonight.
Edmonton Oilers Lines:
RNH – McDavid – Hyman
Podkolzin – Draisaitl – Kapanen
Janmark – Henrique – Skinner
Perry – Ryan – Brown
Ekholm – Bouchard
Nurse – Stecher
Kulak – Emberson
Skinner
Pickard
Tampa Bay Lightning Lines:
Guentzel – Point – Kucherov
Hagel – Paul – Atkinson
Gonclaves – Geekie – Chaffee
Girgensons – Glendening – Eyssimont
Hedman – Raddysh
McDonagh – Moser
Lilliberg – Perbix
Vasilevskiy
Johansson
Where to Watch/Listen:
SN1
TVAS-D
FDSNSUN
630 CHED
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