Flyers host prolific Oilers offense, McDavid and Draisaitl

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Flyers' Scott Laughton and Travis Konecny
Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Konecny (11) celebrates with Scott Laughton (21) after scoring a goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Following the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend, the Philadelphia Flyers lost to the New York Islanders, 2-1. They’ll begin a three games in four days stretch tonight, hosting the Edmonton Oilers.

It’s the first of two matchups this season between both teams. Next, the Flyers will visit the Oilers on February 21st, 2023.

Edmonton Oilers (29-18-4)

Over the last ten games, the Oilers are 8-1-1. The NHL’s Pacific Division is tight and Edmonton possesses the first wildcard spot, a point behind the Los Angeles Kings for a true postseason berth.

Appearing in the Western Conference Finals in 2022, this season’s been up-and-down for Edmonton, but they’re now surging.

Without a doubt, Connor McDavid (41G, 52A) will cause trouble for the Flyers’ defense. He leads the NHL with 93 points, including nine (3G, 6A) in his last five games. McDavid recorded a point in each game during the 2023 calendar year to date. He nearly averages two points per game in his career against the Flyers, totaling 21 points (8G, 13A) in eleven games.

“He’s [McDavid] the best player in the world. We need to take time and space away from him. He’s got a ton of skill, a ton of speed; it’ll be a good test for us.”

Nick Seeler; 2/9/2023

Second in the NHL with 76 points (29G, 47A) is Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers pack a one-two punch with McDavid and Draisaitl down the center of their top six. Both will be a threat on the ice in every situation, forcing the Flyers to execute their game plan to perfection.

“Staying true to ourselves and sticking to our game; playing hard and getting in on the forecheck is what’s important to us. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Nick Seeler; 2/9/2023

Here’s the tentative lineup for the Edmonton Oilers:

Holloway-McDavid-Ryan
Kane-Draisaitl-Hyman
Kostin-Nugent Hopkins-Janmark
Desharnais-McLeod-Foegele

Nurse-Ceci
Kulak-Barrie
Broberg-Bouchard

Skinner
(Campbell)

Philadelphia Flyers (21-22-9)

Carter Hart (15-15-8, 2.86GAA, 91.1%SV) starts tonight. Pressured, he played well versus the Islanders, saving 28/30 shots on goal. Versus a star-studded Oilers attack, Hart will have another busy night in the crease.

Despite a lack of scoring, Owen Tippett (14G, 14A) was noticeable on both sides of the puck. Tippett put pressure on Semyon Varlamov, tallying three shots, but also contributed two hits and blocked three opposing shots. His placement on the top line with Kevin Hayes and Scott Laughton remains the same.

On the other side, Travis Konecny (24G, 25A) is in a five-game point drought. His last point was an assist against the Detroit Red Wings on January 21st, 2023. Tonight, he has to produce if the Flyers hope to keep up with the Oilers and chase a wildcard berth.

“Not a concern, but certainly hoping that something good happens for him to get him going. He’s very close. The biggest thing with TK is him getting in his own head; he’s such a competitor and a guy that wants to help the team so badly, and knows we need his scoring, that he’ll wrap himself up into a ball.”

John Tortorella; 2/9/2023

Here’s the tentative lineup for the Philadelphia Flyers, per Giana Han:

Hayes-Laughton-Tippett
van Riemsdyk-Cates-Konecny
Farabee-Frost-Allison
Deslauriers-Brown-Bellows

Provorov-York
Sanheim-Ristolainen
Seeler-DeAngelo

Hart
(Sandstrom)

Place Your Bets

Edmonton Oilers moneyline (-190)
Philadelphia Flyers moneyline (+160)
Connor McDavid over 1.5 points (-170)
Travis Konecny over 0.5 points (-175)

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Game Information

You can watch the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Edmonton Oilers on NBC Sports Philadelphia at 7:00pm. The radio broadcast will be available on 97.5 The Fanatic and Flyers Radio 24/7.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)