Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers
How to watch
Puck drop: 9:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM PST
In the Canadiens region: TSN2 (English), RDS (French)
In the Oilers region: Sportsnet West
Elsewhere: NHL.tv/Rogers NHL Live
The Montreal Canadiens have no doubt shocked fans and media alike this season, putting up solid numbers and rarely giving up. Another resilient effort was put forward in their last game, on Saturday night, when they welcomed back former team captain Max Pacioretty. Despite trailing 2-0 after the first, they clawed back and edged Vegas 5-4 on a goal by former Knight Tomas Tatar’s seventh of the campaign.
Tale of the Tape
| Canadiens | Statistic | Oilers |
|---|---|---|
| 9-5-3 | Record | 8-8-1 |
| 0-2-0 | H2H Record (17-18) | 2-0-0 |
| 53.7% (5th) | Corsi-for pct. | 50.5% (13th) |
| 58 (6th) | Goals for | 46 (26th) |
| 55 (22nd) | Goals against | 54 (19th) |
| 13.6% (29th) | PP% | 20.0% (14th) |
| 81.7% (12th | PK% | 72.7% (27th) |
| L-W-L-OT-W | Form | W-L-L-L-L |
The Canadiens got contributions from everyone in Saturday’s game, including Max Domi, who in his first season in Montreal, is already up to 21 points. Rookie sensation Jesperi Kotkaniemi also got his third goal of the young campaign, while compatriot Antti Niemi made 34 saves for his fourth win of the season.
For the Oilers (8-8-1), it has been a struggle getting going this season. Despite starting well, they have dropped their last four decisions, all in regulation. Their usual contributors have still been producing, with Connor McDavid co-leading the team with 10 goals and atop the leaderboard with 23 points. Teammate Leon Draisaitl also has 10 goals, and his 17 points are being matched by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. But then the point productivity in Oil Town dips to eight, as offence beyond the top line has dried up.
Both Montreal and Edmonton are searching for consistency from their number-one goaltenders. Carey Price has five of his team’s wins, but his 3.07 goals-against average and save percentage of .892 are far below the Vezina Trophy winner’s standards. On the other side, Cam Talbot‘s stats mirror Price’s, with a 3.09 goals-against average and a save percentage of .895.
Other interesting stats that should be monitored on Tuesday night are those for the special teams. Despite having the manpower, the Habs’ power play is ranked 29th, going in at a measly 13.6%. However, the Oilers’ penalty kill is also found near the bottom of the league, at 72.7%, which ranks them 27th.
Edmonton came out on top in both contests last season, by scores of 4-1 and 6-2. It should be an interesting contest, with shaky defences and offences full of firepower set to clash.
