The Edmonton Oilers (33-21-8) and their clutch power play offense host the Winnipeg Jets (35-24-2), one of the NHL’s top penalty killing teams, at Rogers Place on Friday.
Winnipeg is coming off a high-scoring 6-5 shootout loss against the Kings on Tuesday, their fourth consecutive defeat. The Jets committed five penalties in the game, conceding one power play goal. Josh Morrissey and Kevin Stenlund both scored twice for the Jets.
Connor Hellebuyck only had 32 saves on 37 shots against (.864%) in the loss.Edmonton beat the Maple Leafs 5-2 on Wednesday. Connor McDavid was the leading goal scorer for the Oilers, netting twice. Stuart Skinner saved 26 of 28 shots in the win (.928%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Jets won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 2-1 victory in December. Neal Pionk and Kyle Connor each had two points (1G 1A) to lead Winnipeg. Klim Kostin scored Edmonton’s only goal. Hellebuyck got the win, saving 31 of 32 shots (.968%).
FACING OFF
Winnipeg is averaging 3.05 goals per game for the season, 19th in the NHL, and they are taking on an Oilers team that is allowing 3.26 goals a game (20th). Meanwhile, Edmonton has found the net 3.82 times a game on average, first in the league, and the Jets are allowing opponents to score 2.69 goals per game (8th).
The Oilers’ No. 1-ranked power play offense (32.24%) will face a tough test against the Jets, who are the league’s second-best penalty killing team (84.48%). Winnipeg, meanwhile, has scored on 21.21% of their power play opportunities (15th), which the visitors will be seeking to add to against Edmonton’s 23rd-ranked 75.91% penalty killing rate.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Connor and Morrissey have been the top skaters for the Jets this season with 67 and 63 points. Morrissey is among the league leaders with his 50 assists (8th). In the net, Hellebuyck (26-18-2) is Winnipeg’s top goaltender. He has a 2.52 GAA and a .922% save percentage, fifth-best in the league.
McDavid leads the Oilers and the league in scoring with 118 points. He has 52 goals and 66 assists in 62 games, both league bests. Skinner (15-13-4) has the best goals against average for Edmonton at 2.91. He has a save percentage of .912%.
HOME AND AWAY
Winnipeg is 15-14-1 on the road this season. Edmonton is 15-12-5 at home this season.
