When: Saturday, December 11, 10 p.m. EST
Watch:Bally Sports South, Bally Sports App
Listen:99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes.com/Listen, Hurricanes App
Canes Record:18-6-1 (37 Points, 3rd - Metropolitan Division)
Canes Last Game:2-1 Overtime Win over the Calgary Flames on Thursday, December 9.
Oilers Record:16-9-0 (32 Points, 3rd - Pacific Division)
Oilers Last Game:3-2 Loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday, December 9.
TRACKING THE STORYLINES:
Getting The Offense Going:Sebastian Aho single-handedly got it done for the Canes Thursday night in Calgary, but he's likely going to need some help tonight. Why? Well, he's going up against the league's co-leaders in scoring, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who are averaging nearly two points each night themselves. Edmonton averages over 3.5 goals-per-game, currently eighth in the NHL. After the Canes' win over the Flames, Rod Brind'Amour said it was a weird night where not everybody was going offensively. His team knows that that can't be the case again tonight.
Another Special Team Duel:Edmonton's power play has been a story league-wide thus far this season. They're the best when it comes to the man advantage, cashing in on nearly one out of every three chances. It's their bread and butter. However, tonight they're going to go up against the league's second best penalty kill. Carolina has been playing with fire lately in terms of penalties and they know a lack of discipline could be costly tonight. In back-to-back games now they've needed crucial third period kills to either stay ahead or keep the game tied.
Depth Production:As mentioned above, McDavid and Draisaitl need no introduction. Most are aware of the prowess they bring each time they touch the ice. However, the Edmonton offense runs through them. Thursday night against Boston they played on different lines, and if that's the case again tonight, that means there are two that pose a serious scoring threat as soon as they jump over the boards. What will the Canes do when they aren't on the ice though? That will be a big factor in the outcome of the game. Keep an eye on Jesperi Kotkaniemi's line.
Additional Notes:
Milestone Watch: Tonight is expected to be Vincent Trocheck's 500th NHL game. Brady Skjei's next assist will be his 100th in the NHL.
What Color Are We Wearing?:The team will be wearing their white sweaters tonight and every game on this trip.
Featured Merchandise Item of the Game:View tonight's item of the game on
CarolinaProShop.com here
!
Worth A Click:
Mailbag: Nine on the Tenth
Recap: Aho Scores Both As Canes Put Out Flames In OT
Pesce, DeAngelo Out Of COVID-19 Protocol
Burnside: Don Waddell's Story
