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Edmonton Oilers riding Draisaitl’s hot streak into game against Canucks

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl, of Germany, celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the first period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey). AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

The Edmonton Oilers go after their fourth straight win Thursday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks have been a thorn in the side of the Oilers this season, winning two of their three previous meetings. The Oilers needed a shootout to win the other.

“We haven’t scored five-on-five,” said head coach Ken Hitchcock. “We can’t seem to penetrate their checking five-on-five. We feel like we’ve had lots of scoring chances, but we’ve not finished.”

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The Oilers have scored only six goals against the Canucks this season and only two of them have come five-on-five.

Leon Draisaitl has been driving the Oilers offence lately with 17 points over the course of an 11-game point streak. He’s second in the NHL with 41 goals. He leads the NHL with a shooting percentage of 22.8.

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“I always knew that I had a decent shot, I’m just trying to use it a little more,” said Draisaitl. “I try to get it off my stick as quick as possible. I try to use my one-timer as much as I can.”

“He’s shooting the puck so well,” said captain Connor McDavid. “He’s definitely been shooting the puck a lot more. Guys are looking for him. He’s creating plays himself. It’s been really impressive.”

Jujhar Khaira could return to action after missing nine games with a foot injury. Hitchcock called him game-time decision.

Catch the Oilers and Canucks on 630 CHED with the Face-off Show at 5:30 p.m. The game starts at 7 p.m.

 

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