CALGARY, AB - For whatever reason, the Oilers can't seem to lose against their provincial rivals.
Edmonton has doused the Flames in each of their last seven matches, including three times this season and will look to continue the trend Tuesday in Calgary.
Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan can't quantify the reason for his club's success against their Albertan foes.
"It varies from night to night," said the Oilers coach. "We've been able to get leads and hold on, we've been able to come from behind. I don't think there's one set pattern that really describes our play or their play. It's often circumstances and often a one-goal swing one way or the other."
McLellan maintained the desire to take a stranglehold of the divisional rivalry, which the Oilers have of late.
"They're our rival," he said. "We share the province. To have success against your rivals is important."
Edmonton has assumed the role of spoiler, as the Flames sit three points back of third in the Pacific Division and two points out of the second Wild Card position.
"Right now, they have a chance to continue their season and we don't," said McLellan.
CAN'T STOP CONNOR
Oilers Captain Connor McDavid has been on a tear of late.
The 21-year-old is on a seven-game point streak, scoring six goals and 13 points in that span. He's also tallied 18 goals and 30 points in his last 19 games, giving reason to believe he could break the 40-goal mark as he sits just seven tucks away from the feat.
"He can do anything he puts his mind to," said Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira. "If he wants to hit 40, I don't doubt it for a second."
McDavid's been a subject of motivation for the rest of the club during the down season.
"He's been a man possessed it feels like," said Drake Caggiula. "He's sparking the guys and when we're not playing our best, he finds a way to elevate his game. In turn, that finds ways for us to elevate our game. The team tries to follow him and the way he plays."
McLellan was asked whether McDavid should be considered for the Hart Trophy despite the squad not being in the playoff race.
"The discussion out there will be, 'Well the Oilers aren't going to make the playoffs, so he shouldn't be considered,'" said McLellan.
"I disagree with that. Without him, we'd be in big trouble. He's been the heartbeat of our team all year."
McDavid has 33 goals and 51 points on the campaign and is four points back of Nikita Kucherov for the NHL scoring lead.
LINEUP NOTES
The Oilers held an optional skate this morning. Lineups will be made more apparent at warmups.
-- Paul Gazzola, EdmontonOilers.com
