The Edmonton Oilers will have to make sure their sights are set sharp Tuesday night when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes allow the fewest shots per game in the NHL, with an average of 28.6.
“They are a quick team. They force and pressure pucks all over the rink. They have a relentless forecheck,” head coach Todd McLellan said. “They play with so much pace. You really have to get your skating game going.”
It’s the third game of a four-game road trip for the Oilers. Pontus Aberg will return to action after sitting out against Florida and Tampa Bay on the weekend.
The Oilers’ expected lineup on Tuesday is:
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Rattie
Caggiula – Draisaitl – Aberg
Lucic – Strome – Puljujarvi
Slepyshev – Khaira – Pakarinen
Nurse – Larsson
Russell – Bear
Auvitu – Benning
Talbot
Zack Kassian and Andrej Sekera will miss the game with injuries. Defenceman Oscar Klefbom has left the team to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
Catch the Oilers and Hurricanes on 630 CHED with the Faceoff Show at 3:30 p.m. The game starts at 5 p.m.
Oilers prospect Ostap Safin has signed an amateur tryout contract with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. Safin had 58 points in 61 games with the QMJHL’s Saint John SeaDogs this season. He signed an entry-level contract with the Oilers on March 6.