Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY SPORTS

A few weeks back, Canadian Hero Nazem Kadri did a great job in giving Connor McDavid an excuse for his underwhelming performance “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this” game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Some call it a brilliant shutdown performance by Kadri , some call it a cold night for the best player in the world, some call it subtle tanking while the clock winds down to July 1st, 2022.

It was probably a mixture of A and B, but whatever it was, they’re going to give it another go tonight in Edmonton.

Toronto Maple Leafs lines courtesy of Daily Faceoff

I believe in a day where Hunlak is no longer a thing. It still isn’t today. Free Frank Corrado.

Edmonton Oilers lines courtesy of Daily Faceoff

If the Oilers win tonight, it’s entirely because of Kris Russell, just like it always is. People will point to his on-ice shooting and save percentages, but they haven’t done enough research into his will to win per sixty.

Okay, sass aside, I’m just really excited to see Connor play more hockey, he’s the best. Now, back to the sass.

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we’re likely looking at Andersen and Talbot again. Both are playing well, both have gotten some rest, and neither team seems to believe much in their backup.

If we’re being honest about the whole thing, the Oilers have first change and they’re going to try to get McDavid’s line out there against Bozak or Smith, rather than Kadri or Matthews. If they’re successful, this could get a little silly, but I guess we’ll have to see.