As the Oilers start their Southeastern road trip with a stop in Vegas to take on the best team in the Pacific Division. The Golden Knights would have to fall apart and have the Kings or Oilers go on a streak if they are to lose their spot at the top the division. So, this game is important for the Oilers if they want to overtake the Kings for second place in the division.
The Oilers are short handed with quite a few injuries. With no McDavid and Ekholm the Oilers are heading into this game underdogs, but if the Oilers do want to win there are few things the Oilers can do to pull out the W tonight here is my top 3 keys to an Oilers victory.
1. Oilers depth needs to step up
Without Connor McDavid to drive the offense the Oilers will need some help from their depth. The Oilers depth has been up and down so far this season, but this is one game where they are going to need them to be up. Players like Janmark, Brown and Henrique will need to step up if the Oilers have any chance of walking out with the full 2 points tonight.
2. Calvin Pickard needs to be solid, not perfect
Another key injury for the Oilers is the injury to Stuart Skinner. Skinner was hurt a couple of games ago and we have yet to see him on play since he was taken out in the game against the Stars. In his absence, Calvin Pickard will need to step up. While he will not need to be lights out, he will need solid. He will need to stop all the shot he is expected to, if he doesn't let in any weak goals the Oilers will have a good chance to win this game.
3. Leon Draisaitl needs to be Hart Trophy Leon
Without their best player the Edmonton Oilers have a great option to fill in that role. Leon Draisaitl is currently in in Hart conversation after the season he is having. Even though he missed sometime he still seems to be one of the favorites ti win the award. If the Oilers want to have any chance of winning this game, Draisaitl is going to have to play like he has most of the season. His ability to take over games this year has been nothing short of spectacular and there is no reason he can't drag his team to another win tonight.
The Oilers love heading into a scenario being labeled as underdogs and tonight that is exactly what they will be. If they can put together a solid 60 minutes tonight, they have a chance to take two points away from this Golden Knights team that really doesn't have much to play for. This should be a competitive game from start to finish and I am looking forward to watching it.