By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

November 9, 2024

The Canucks are back in town. The Edmonton Oilers (6-7-1, 5th Pacific Division) take on Vancouver (7-2-3, 3rd Pacific Division) at Rogers Arena in the first game of a 6-game homestand for the Canucks.

Last Game

Vancouver completed a three game sweep of NHL California teams on a road trip, capping it off by defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 on Thursday night.

The Oilers were defeated 4-2 by the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night, in the return of Connor McDavid to the Oilers lineup.

Team Trends

This Pacific Division clash pits two teams trending in opposite directions.

• The Canucks are riding a three-game win streak after sweeping their California road trip
• The Oilers have dropped three of their last five and two in a row. Edmonton will be desperate to get back in the win column, especially after a disappointing 4-2 loss to Vegas in their last outing.

Home vs Road

• Vancouver has a 1-1-3 home record to begin the season, and while they have been almost unbeatable on the road, the Canucks need to transfer that road game play to games at Rogers Arena sooner than later…6-game homestand great time to start.
  • Canucks have 14-GF and 21-GA. Also, they are 2 for 19 on the PP; while opponents are 3 for 14 at Rogers Arena.
    • Canucks home power play is dreadful, needs beefing up.
    • With the Oilers PP spinning in place so far on the road, if the Canucks get a couple of power-play goals, that could be the difference between winning and losing.
• Edmonton is 4-2-0 on the road this season. They have 18-GF and 17-GA. They are 2 for 18 on the PP; while opponents are 5 for 14.
  • Edmonton’s power-play is bound to get going on the road, just a matter of time….let’s hope it isn’t against the Canucks

Special Teams

• Power Play: Edmonton boasts a lethal power play, driven by the elite skill of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They’ll look to exploit a Canucks penalty kill that has been middle-of-the-pack this season.
• Vancouver’s power play has been decent overall…17.9%, but not at Rogers Arena (10.5 percent). Canucks will need to be opportunistic against an Oilers penalty kill that has struggled mightily, currently 64.3 percent on the road, 31rst overall.
• Key Stat: Edmonton’s PP is clicking at 14.29%, while Vancouver’s PK is operating at 84.21%.
• Penalty Kill: As mentioned, Edmonton’s PK has been a major weakness. They’ve given up 15 power-play goals already this season, second most in NHL.
  • Vancouver needs to capitalize on this vulnerability to gain an edge. The Canucks’ penalty kill has been more respectable, but they’ll need to be disciplined against an Edmonton potent attack that’s bound to get unleashed sooner than later…hope it’s later for the Canucks fortunes.
• Key Stat: Vancouver’s PP is converting at 17.95% (17th), while Edmonton’s PK is at a dismal 59.6% (32nd).

5-on-5 Play

• Edmonton: Despite their offensive firepower, the Oilers have surprisingly struggled at 5-on-5. Their expected goals-for per 60 minutes is actually lower than Vancouver’s. They’ll need to generate more quality chances and improve their defensive zone coverage to win this game.
• Vancouver: The Canucks have been solid at even strength, relying on a balanced attack and responsible defensive play. They’ll need to limit Edmonton’s odd-man rushes and keep McDavid and Draisaitl in check to maintain their strong 5-on-5 play.

Transition and Odd-Man Rushes

• This is where the game could be won or lost.
• Edmonton thrives on quick transitions and creating odd-man rushes with their speed and skill.
  • Vancouver’s defensemen, led by Quinn Hughes, will need to be sharp in their gap control and breakouts to prevent these dangerous opportunities.
• Conversely, the Canucks can generate offense off the rush as well. They’ll look to exploit any defensive lapses by the Oilers and create their own odd-man situations.

Goaltending

• Edmonton: Stuart Skinner is projected to start for the Oilers.
  • He’s had a tough start to the season with a 3.28 GAA and an .885 save percentage. He’ll need to elevate his game against a Canucks team that can score.
• Vancouver: Kevin Lankinen is likely to get the nod for the Canucks.
  • He’s been more reliable than Skinner, but he’ll need to be sharp against Edmonton’s high-powered offense.

Key Matchups

• McDavid vs. Hughes: This is a battle of two of the most dynamic players in the NHL.
  • McDavid’s speed and skill will be a constant threat, while Hughes will need to use his skating and puck-moving ability to counter.
• Draisaitl vs. Pettersson, Miller: Three elite centers going head-to-head.
  • Draisaitl’s power and playmaking will be a challenge for Pettersson, Miller and the Canucks’ defense.

Team Stats

Prediction

• This game has all the makings of a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair.
  • Edmonton’s offensive firepower is undeniable, but their defensive woes and struggling goaltending are a concern.
  • Vancouver is playing with confidence and has home-ice advantage. If the Canucks can limit Edmonton’s odd-man rushes and capitalize on their power play opportunities, they have a good chance of extending their winning streak.
  • However, if McDavid and Draisaitl are on their game, the Oilers could easily steal a win on the road.

Sources: nhl.com, statmuse.com, natural stat trick