TAMPA, FL - The Oilers are coming off a big win on Saturday against a team in a desperate battle for a playoff race and today face an even bigger test against a team battling for first place in their division in the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Adding to the intrigue, today's game features three players in the NHL's top six in scoring including the top two in Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov. McDavid sits two points behind League leader Kucherov.
"It's two of the more dominant players in our League. Two guys who are at the top of the scoring race. It's always about team first and I know Connor will approach the game that way," began Oilers head coach Todd McLellan.
"In the same breath, it can be a motivating factor for our team, wanting an individual to do well and accomplish something so maybe we'll help him out in that case.
"The number one priority is to build our game and move the needle forward. I thought we did a pretty good job of that yesterday. We responded well when we needed to and now if we can carry it over against one of the top teams in the League, we'd be happy."
Ethan Bear added that having a teammate in the scoring race is a big motivator for the team.
"I wasn't even paying attention to that myself but that's cool to know. When you have a teammate like that going for the scoring race it's always exciting and you just hope for the best for him," Bear stated, adding that he feels the team has played very well lately (4-1-1 in their last six).
"Everyone's playing really well. There's a lot of excitement in the dressing room. You can tell guys just aren't giving up and packing it in. Guys are still gearing up, getting ready to go. It's good to see for myself."
TOUGH TEST
The Lightning have dropped each of their last two games but before that had picked up a point in 10 straight. The Oilers realize they have a tough test in this one.
"They're one of the top teams in the League and are going to go for the Cup this year. Those games are always fun to play. A lot of superstars on that team. Those are the kind of guys you want to be on the ice against," noted Leon Draisaitl.
Coach McLellan added that there's a lot to admire about the organization.
"Their ownership has done a tremendous job coming in and establishing grass roots. It's prior to even this new owner but this one's carried it on. They do a tremendous amount of work in the community. They draw a huge fan base from the bay area. Steve Yzerman's put himself together a pretty good group of players that can compete and entertain.
"A lot of Canadians that are down here. Snow birds that like to come out and watch hockey. Give Tampa credit for what they've done, not only on the ice surface but off the ice in the community."
Ethan Bear said he was thrilled to be playing in his first game in Tampa.
"Tampa's a good team. You watch their games growing up and see the crowds they get. This is an amazing, beautiful city. Getting to look at the rink just from the outside looks pretty crazy. I'm pretty excited for it."
LINEUP UPDATES
Al Montoya will get the start in goal tonight and Zack Kassian will not play.
"We'll make one change to the lineup due to an injury. Zack Kassian will come out. Montoya will start in goal and everything else will likely stay the same," McLellan said.
-- Marc Ciampa, EdmontonOilers.com
