EDMONTON, AB - The Oilers host the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Place Wednesday.
Both Edmonton and Philadelphia's most recent victories came against the Calgary Flames, with the Oilers beating them 7-5 on Saturday and the Flyers winning 5-2 on Monday.
Prior to Philadelphia's win against Calgary, the team hadn't filed a 'W' into the win column since November 9. Despite Philly's recent struggles, the Oilers are aware they can't take the Flyers, who defeated Edmonton 2-1 on October 21, lightly.
"I watched a number of those games in the pre-scout and many nights they were the better team," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan of Philadelphia's 10-game winless slide. "They're the top team in the League as far as giving up 5-on-5 goals against, so that tells you something about how well they are and how committed they are to checking."
The Flyers have allowed only 41 goals against at 5-on-5, which is the fewest in the League.
"Our task tonight is not easy by any means," said McLellan.
POWER OUTAGE
Edmonton hasn't scored a power-play goal in seven games. Their last man-advantage marker was on November 18, against the Dallas Stars, and it came courtesy of Connor McDavid.
"Our power play hasn't been very good," said the Oilers Captain. "Everyone knows that, so once we can figure out how to get that producing, it will really help."
McDavid believes the power play units have to do a better job of providing puck support.
"I don't think we really had sustained zone time," he said. "We were keeping guys away, leaving them on an island and not helping them or not supporting them. Once you bring numbers to the puck I think it helps keep the play alive, ultimately."
Although they haven't been scoring on the power play, the Oilers have found success at even strength. The club scored six of their seven goals against Calgary while even, and sit seventh in the League with 56 goals while playing 5-on-5.
"We're finding a way to produce 5-on-5, which is important," said McDavid.
McLellan attributes the recent 5-on-5 scoring hike to puck luck.
"Rebounds are ending up on our tape a little bit more, we're doing a better job in the goaltender's eyes than we have in the past, we sustain more offensive time and our forecheck has been a little bit better," said McLellan.
BROSSOIT BACK IN
Edmonton nearly squandered a 6-1 lead in their game against Calgary, allowing four unanswered third-period goals against until Ryan Nugent-Hopkins iced the match by making it 7-5.
McLellan is going with Laurent Brossoit, who started in Calgary, against the Flyers.
"I had a quick chat with LB to let him know he was starting," said McLellan. "I wanted to show confidence in him. It will be a big night for him."
Brossoit admitted himself he had got complacent when the Oilers were up by five against the Flames. McLellan let Goaltender Coach Dustin Schwartz speak with Brossoit about the outing. The players, meanwhile, are remaining positive with their keeper.
"Since he's stepped in, he's been solid for us," said Nugent-Hopkins of Brossoit. "Late in that game (against Calgary) when they made it 6-5, he made a timely save for us. Against Toronto, he made some big saves to really keep us in it.
"We can definitely help him a little more."
LINEUP NOTES
It appears the Oilers will go with the same lineup as they had in Calgary.
Lucic - McDavid - Puljujarvi
Maroon - Nugent-Hopkins - Cammalleri
Caggiula - Draisaitl - Strome
Khaira - Letestu - Kassian
Nurse - Russell
Klefbom - Benning
Auvitu - Gryba
Brossoit
Ellis
-- Paul Gazzola, EdmontonOilers.com
