HomeCarolina Hockey NetworkHurricanes, Oilers so similar in many ways
Hurricanes, Oilers so similar in many ways
November 25, 2015 Peter Koutroumpis Carolina Hockey Network, Carolina Hurricanes, Triangle Sports Network, Triangle Sports Roundup
RALEIGH, N.C. – When the Carolina Hurricanes face off against the Edmonton Oilers at PNC Arena on Wednesday, expect to see a high-scoring affair.
At least that's what the two teams' encounters posted last season – a split with the Hurricanes winning 7-4 back in March, while the Oilers claimed a 6-3 win last October.
In their first of two meetings on the season, the two squads are at similar positions in terms of overall records – Carolina at 7-10-4 with 18 points while Edmonton sits at 7-13-1 with 15 points.
Also, both teams are still in the midst of retooling, rebuiliding – whatever other 'R' word that can be inserted – these teams are doing it in similar manners.
A look at their rosters highlight two similar, youthful teams – the Hurricanes roster averages 26.3 years old, while the Oilers average a slightly more mature 26.5-year old squad.
With the exception of a handful of veterans who hover at and above 30-years old on each team, this game will feature many exuberant, talented players who want to and can score goals that will unfortunately result in both starting goalkeepers taking a big hit on their stat totals.
In still developing under the current 'defense-first' NHL-style of game, it's not a shock to see both teams averaging three goals against while scoring less – Edmonton averaging 2.6 goals for compared to Carolina's two goals per game.
However, defense will likely go out the window, particularly with the upswing in scoring that the two teams' leading scorers are currently on.
While forward Taylor Hall leads the Oilers in points (24), is tied for the team lead in power play points (6) and ranks fourth in NHL scoring, defenseman Justin Faulk leads the Hurricanes with 16 points (8g, 8a), as well as leading the league in power play goals with eight, and is tied for the league lead in goals amongst all rearguards.
Expect nothing less than a 4-3 score with an overtime or shootout ending.
What better way to end Thanksgiving Eve than with an exciting, high scoring finish between these two teams.
So similar in many ways and equally exciting when their players are allowed to execute their equally explosive styles – It's who they are.
Justin Faulk
Taylor Hall
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