Edmonton Oilers: Five things to watch for against Red Wings

2. Detroit’s young talent is shining

For a team that finished in the bottom-two in goals in each of the last two seasons, the Detroit Red Wings are off to a respectable start in that department. They are getting terrific contributions from their young talent as Tyler Bertuzzi leads all skaters with 15 points. He’s been red-hot over his last two games, collecting three goals and three assists.

Aside from Bertuzzi, the Wings’ prospects are blossoming right before our eyes. Lucas Raymond drafted fourth overall in 2020, is right behind Bertuzzi with 14 points. Over his last five games, the 19-year-old has two goals and four assists.

Perhaps the biggest surprise has come from 20-year-old blueliner Moritz Seider, who has a goal and nine assists for 10 points through the first 13 games played. He’s been deadly on the powerplay, chipping in five helpers.

3. Oilers 5v5 defense against Red Wings’ 5v5 offense

The Oilers lead all teams with 14 goals forced on the man advantage as they have been converting at an absurd 50.0 percent clip. However, Dave Tippett’s even-strength defense will get a good test on Tuesday. Through their first 10 games, the Oilers have allowed 21 goals in 5v5 situations, the 12th-most in the league.

Conversely, Detroit’s 5v5 offense has been quite sharp in the early goings, tallying 23 goals and tied with the Oilers in that department. However, for Edmonton, you’d ideally like to see them not to allow nearly as many goals as they are scoring in even-strength situations.