Advertisement

Increased role for Kassian as Edmonton Oilers meet Vancouver Canucks

Edmonton Oilers forward Chris Kelly, left to right, forward Leon Draisaitl and forward Zack Kassian celebrate their win over the Carolina Hurricanes in NHL pre-season action in Saskatoon, Sask. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards

The Edmonton Oilers will try to knock off another Pacific Division rival Saturday night when they visit the Vancouver Canucks.

After beating Calgary 3-0 on Saturday, the Oilers are looking for another strong defensive effort.

“All four lines were good,” said winger Jussi Jokinen. “We were really solid defensively. We didn’t give up much. We took only one penalty. At the same time, that was just the first game. Now we have to do it all over again.”

Rookie right winger Kailer Yamamoto saw limited action against the Flames and will be a healthy scratch in Vancouver. Zack Kassian will move up to play with Milan Lucic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Iiro Pakarinen will make his season debut.

“I like Kass [Kassian] there now. I don’t necessarily like him there better, I like him there now,” explained head coach Todd McLellan.
Story continues below advertisement

The Oilers’ expected lineup is:

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Maroon – McDavid – Draisaitl

Lucic – Nugent-Hopkins – Kassian

Caggiula – Strome – Jokinen

Khaira – Letestu – Pakarinen

Klefbom – Larsson

Russell – Benning

Nurse – Gryba

Talbot

The Oilers have recalled right winger Anton Slepyshev from Bakersfield of the AHL.

Catch the Oilers and Canucks on 630 CHED Saturday night with the Face-off Show at 6:30 p.m. The game starts at 8 p.m.

Sponsored content

AdChoices