Edmonton Oilers: Three things to watch for against NY Rangers
By Ryan Sikes
3. Good early-season test for Dave Tippett’s group
If anything else, Friday’s game will be a good early-season matchup for the Oilers. The New York Rangers come into this one with a 6-2-2 record. Reigning Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox is pacing all skaters with 11 points, and Artemi Panarin leads all forwards with 10.
The Rangers are getting balanced production from all four lines. Chris Kreider has been lethal on the powerplay, collecting five goals through their first ten games. While Gerard Gallant‘s group is averaging just 2.40 goals per game (27th), they are stout defensively, allowing 2.20 goals per game, good for fourth-best in the league.
Draisaitl will look to continue his early-season dominance after being the first player to reach 20 points in the first nine games since Mario Lemieux did so in 1996.
“We all want to win,” the former Hart Trophy winner said. “We got a great group. The start is great for me personally and us as a group. Just looking to continue keeping the confidence, helping the team win and doing the little things right. Just continue to get better and win.”