Philadelphia Flyers to test Edmonton Oilers in only matchup of season -NHL Preview
In the only matchup of Edmonton and Philadelphia this 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL), it will definitely be a must watch contest as the Flyers are focused on given the Oilers a ride for their money going up against a young team.
Philadelphia is full of a number of veteran players that really know how to take advantage of their younger counterparts, but underestimating Edmonton on that front just might be a big mistake for the Flyers team.
What Edmonton will certainly be looking for is some good goaltending but with veteran goalie, Nikolai Khabibulin, out of the scene due to a recently acquired groin injury, the Oilers could be facing some issues in that aspect.
Edmonton’s offensive department will have to take charge and the defenseman must coordinate with the backup goaltender if they want to keep a charged Philadelphia line-up out of their end.
The Oilers played hard during the start of the season and were even ranked at the top three in the Western Conference but failed to keep the momentum going with injuries riddling their players and now stand at number 14 with 52 points.
"The results aren't there this year again, but I think we're on the right track," Khabibulin told the Edmonton Journal. "And I really do like it here. You do want to play games that mean something and it would be nice to be in the playoffs but … I want to
see this team succeed. When that happens, I want to be a part of it."
Flyers’ superstar, Jaromir Jagr, could be giving the Edmonton team a tough time as he has been on fire these past few matchups with three goals in the last two games along with a number of assists.
Sam Gagner is the only consistent player for Edmonton at the moment as he has 18 points (9 goals, 9 assists) in nine games this month.
For a number of rookies like Taylor Hall, a former top draft pick during 2010, playing against a team like Philadelphia has always been on the bucket list and with it finally happen is surely an exciting time.
"It's always in the back of your mind to play well against the team you grew up watching," Hall told the Edmonton Sun. "And I haven't even played well against them. It's nice to get that first point.”
Prediction:
Philadelphia takes the match against Edmonton by more than two goals.
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