The Edmonton Oilers probably marked the dates they play the Arizona Coyotes on their calendar, since they already know their record against them is less than admirable.
To be exact, the hapless Oilers (6-10) have a less than impressive (0-15-3) record against the Desert Dogs. And, even without their poster-boy superstar Connor McDavid, they managed to get by the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night in Anaheim. Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists to pace the Oilers.
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Of course, the drama and attraction of seeing Connor McDavid right here in Glendale was squashed when he got hurt. He will be out until the beginning of next year. It is hoped that the second of three visits to Arizona in January, will have McDavid playing against his closest competitor for the Calder Trophy, Max Domi. Watching these two talented young NHL rookie sensations will be worth the price of a ticket, and then some.
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Domi’s seven goals, and six assists puts him right behind Martin Hanzal’s team leading two goals, and 13 assists, thus far in the 2015-16 campaign. With McDavid shelved for a couple months, this will give Domi the opportunity to get some of the attention he may need to be in the running for Rookie-of-the Year consideration. If his play is this good this early in the season, he can only improve as the season progresses.
Another dose of confidence should be coming Mike Smith’s way, as he loves playing against the Oilers as well. Smith is 10-0-1 against the Edmonton hockey club, and is coming off a strong game against the L.A. Kings, making 33 saves, to a assist in a come from behind 3-2 victory for the Arizona Coyotes.
Martin Hanzal had three assists the last time he faced the Oilers December 23 of last year in a 5-1 Arizona win. The way he is playing, the Oilers will have their work cut out for them to determine how to stop him, and his “Killer D’s” line on the power play.
The Arizona Coyotes need to start playing better at home, where they sport just a 2-4 record, while being 6-2-1 on the road. It’s nice to be road warriors, and take those games when possible, but they need to show opposing teams that it’s tough to come into Gila River arena to play. A confidence booster of a home win against a team they have historically dominated, will be a welcome sight.
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We’ll just need to hold our enthusiasm to see Connor McDavid in person until January 12th, when hopefully McDavid will be healed up and ready to go. I’m sure by then, the comparisons which are already being thrown out there about Domi vs McDavid, will be intensified.