Strome resurgence at Oilers’ expense
Ex-edmonton Oiler Ryan Strome has carved a productive niche for himself with the New York Rangers, putting up 35 points to sit second in team scoring behind linemate Artemi Panarin.
The Strome-for-ryan Spooner trade (who is now in the KHL) remains one of the worst mistakes of GM Peter Chiarelli’s tenure.
Ryan Nugent-hopkins, meanwhile, is trying to rediscover his offensive form after a slow first half (20 points in 35 games).
Here are 5 Things to Watch for when the Oilers (20-17-4) line up against the Rangers (19-15-4) Tuesday in Edmonton:
1 Reversal of fortune
The last time the Oilers played the Rangers, it was the high point of the season. They posted a 4-1 victory at Madison Square Garden to improve to 5-0 and move into first place in the NHL. The rematch finds Edmonton at its lowest point of the season —
2-7-1 in the last 10 and having fallen out of a playoff spot.
2 Ready to go?
The Oilers have fallen behind 2-0 six times in the last nine starts at Rogers Place. Recently, they’ve shown up late to start the third period. They’ve given up goals at 11 seconds, 4:12, 69 seconds and 38 seconds into the third period in the last four games.
3 Killing them softly
The Oilers’ power play was best in the league for most of the first half and the penalty kill was first or second. But both are slipping. The penalty kill is eighth and the power play is on a 3-for-21 dip.
4 On the outs
For the first time this season, the Oilers step onto the ice outside of a playoff spot. They have fallen from first overall in early November to ninth in the conference at the 41-game mark.
5 Breadman cometh
The Oilers will need to keep a lid on Rangers sniper Panarin, who is coming off back-to-back threepoint games. He has 17 points in his last 10 games.
Rob Tychkowski