Oilers vs Coyotes Preview - Dancing in the Desert

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (6-10-0) at Arizona Coyotes (8-6-1)

Location: Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona

Time: 7:00 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet Oilers – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

Coming off of the heels of a big 4-3 victory last night against the Anaheim Ducks, your Edmonton Oilers look to build off that success and knock off the Coyotes.

When the season began I easily identified teams that the important games the Oilers were to win this season, and that was teams in the Pacific Division; More specifically, the Coyotes, Flames, Canucks and Ducks. Last season, the Oilers went winless in games played against those divisional opponents and 4-21-4 against all Pacific Division teams.

In order for the Oilers to make a push in the standings, road trips through the Pacific Division like the one the team is on now is huge for the group. Wins here means that we can make steps towards advancing out of the basement of the division. So far this season, the Oilers are 3-2 against divisional opponents which a great start to the season.

The Coyotes have come out and started strong this season despite the fact that many around the Hockey world figured they would be a front runner in the Auston Matthews sweepstakes. None the less, they currently sit third in the division and in a playoff spot.

Tonight, the spotlight is on the young guns as Leon Draisaitl and recently recalled Anton Slepyshev will face off against rookie sensation Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Slepyshev, who was recalled a mere three games after being sent to the Bakersfield Condors, draws back into the lineup alongside

The Otherside:

Arizona received a well-deserved day off Wednesday after winning road games against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings on back-to-back nights. The Coyotes have won three of four games this month. “We have to keep winning, keep getting points, especially these in our division,” goalie Anders Lindback told The Arizona Republic. “It’s really important games and even if it’s early in the season, every point matters so it’s a big win.” Arizona assigned forward Dustin Jeffrey to Springfield of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. – nhl.com

Line Combos and Starting Goalies:

Oilers (Anders Nilsson):

Oilers lineup courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com