The Edmonton Oilers versus the Pittsburgh Penguins might just be the must-watch game of the night in the NHL, if for no other reason than the multiple storylines that surround this contest.
Typically, it’s Connor McDavid versus Sidney Crosby. Tonight, as exciting as that superstar matchup remains, it might be the least talked-about narrative.
Crosby has a chance to catch Mario Lemieux at 8th on the all-time NHL points list exactly 20 years to the day after Lemieux retired. Crosby needs two points to tie Lemieux for most points by a Penguins player (1723).
Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl is on a quest for his 1000th NHL point. Draisaitl is one point away from the milestone in his career, becoming the first German-born player to reach the milestone in history. Tonight is Game 824 for Draisaitl. He’ll remain on a line with Vasily Podkolzin and Matt Savoie. Some might argue that the Oilers were too focused on getting Draisaitl’s point in the loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday. Edmonton can’t make that same mistake again.
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When Draisaitl scores his 1,000th point the Oilers will become the first team in NHL history with five players to score 1000 points for the franchise. Also having hit the mark are Wayne Gretzky (1669), Connor McDavid (1134), Jari Kurri (1043), and Mark Messier (1034).
Then, of course, there’s the matchup in goal. Stuart Skinner will start for the Penguins after being cleared to play. It will be his first game as a member of the team and he’s playing against his former team that just traded him. Tristan Jarry will get his second start for the Oilers after picking up a win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Who gets the better of the goaltending duel? Both have a lot to prove, even if what they’re trying to show isn’t the same thing.
Skinner wants to prove he’s a legitimate starter the Oilers should have kept. Jarry wants to show he’s steady and can be relied upon as the starter in Edmonton over the next three seasons.
Brett Kulak also plays his first game against the Oilers after being part of the goalie trade. He’s the piece the Oilers were not excited to give up in the deal, and there is some concern that the decision could come back to bite Edmonton.
Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Oilers, Penguins, Quinn Hughes Fallout
