Edmonton Oilers: Three things to watch for against NY Rangers
By Ryan Sikes
The Edmonton Oilers will wrap up their three-game homestand on Friday, and here are three things to keep tabs on in their matchup against the Rangers.
The Edmonton Oilers are 8-1-0 for the second time in franchise history after topping the Nashville Predators 5-2 on Wednesday night. Dave Tippett‘s group will look to continue their winning ways in their three-game homestand finale against the New York Rangers. Here are three things to watch throughout the game.
1. Honoring Kevin Lowe before puck drop
The Oilers will honor a legend on Friday night, raising defenseman Kevin Lowe‘s No. 4 jersey to the rafters before puck drop. Drafted 21st overall in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, the Lachute, Quebec native spent 15 of his 19 seasons with the blue-and-orange while also spending four seasons with the New York Rangers.
He amassed 84 goals and 431 points while consistently being in the Norris Trophy conversation.
Defenseman Kris Russell has been wearing Lowe’s number, and he plans to change to the No. 6. He spoke about having a chance to wear the same uniform number as Lowe.
“I was very thankful that I was able to get the opportunity to wear No. 4,” Russell said on Thursday. “Selfishly, I think that it’s great for me that I was the last guy to wear it before it goes up for Mr. Lowe.”
Lowe was part of the Oilers’ glory days, winning five Stanley Cups while also winning one with the Rangers during the 1994 season.