GLENDALE, AZ - While the Oilers continue a tough stretch, having lost five in a row, their upcoming competition - the Arizona Coyotes - have bagged at least a point in each of their last five.
The two teams face off Saturday in a matinee match, which haven't been good to the Oilers this season. The club simply wants to prove they can play better than what they've shown recently.
"We've got to play a better game than we've been playing in the last five, in all areas and aspects," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. "From the goaltender on out."
Edmonton has been outscored 25-14 during the current skid, dropping four of five to Pacific Division foes. Arizona, meanwhile, has outscored their opposition 20-11 in the past five.
"It doesn't matter who's struggling and who isn't," said McLellan. "We haven't been successful in that area of the game (starts). In Vegas, it wasn't the first five minutes that cost us, it was some details after that that cost us.
"In this building, the way they're feeling, we'll want to come out and play good early."
That sentiment was echoed around the room.
"The key tomorrow is the start," said defenceman Oscar Klefbom. "We have to be ready and hopefully we can get the first goal. They're playing good hockey right now, so we have to be ready."
LARSSON REUNITED WITH OILERS
Defenceman Adam Larsson returned to the club on Thursday in Las Vegas, NV, after going to Sweden to be with his family. Larsson's father, Robert, passed away in late January and the blueliner said uniting with the team is a positive form of therapy.
"Even through this tough time, I think hockey is the best therapy for me right now," said Larsson. "Being around the guys gets your mind off everything. I'm glad to be back."
McLellan wants his club to continue supporting the defenceman and hopes his presence can motivate them on the ice.
"In some strange way, he can probably uplift our spirits a little bit. We all deeply care about him so it can be something we rally around."
It's unknown when Larsson will get back into game action.
"We want to make sure he's put in a situation where he can succeed or has a chance to," said McLellan. "That will be determined by the training staff and Adam himself."
PLANS BETWEEN THE PIPES
The Oilers will play a pair of matinee back-to-backs, getting Arizona on Saturday and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
McLellan said the Oilers had a plan in place in regards to who would start between the pipes over the weekend but backup Al Montoya took a high shot in practice on Friday and needed to be evaluated following the skate.
"We had a tentative plan but we'll see what we get from the health report," said McLellan.
LINEUP NOTES
Lines and starters will be made more apparent Saturday during warmups.
-- Paul Gazzola, EdmontonOilers.com
