Blackhawks look to continue hot streak against even-keel Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers carry six more points and surer footing in the Western Conference playoff hunt than the Chicago Blackhawks entering Monday's matchup, yet host Chicago still has something Edmonton envies.
Multiple winning streaks of at least three games.
A 4-3 home shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday left the Oilers 0-8 this season when attempting to win a third consecutive game. It's an issue the two-time defending West champions want to remedy.
"Good teams are able to put together long streaks and good teams also eliminate long losing streaks," Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. "We haven't really had either one of them. I guess we're about average. We'd like to put together some wins."
Chicago returns to United Center for a four-game homestand with four straight victories and five in six games. The Blackhawks also won three in a row to close a six-game trip spanning October and November.
Chicago blanked host Nashville 3-0 on Saturday as goaltender Drew Commesso posted a 36-save shutout for his first career victory. The Blackhawks remain in flux behind the net amid an illness that has sidelined regular goaltenders Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom for the past two games, in addition to defenseman Louis Crevier.
"Something I've learned about pro hockey is there's just a lot out of your control," the 23-year-old Commesso said. "I went from not even playing in the game (for Rockford of the American Hockey League) on Friday to starting for (Chicago) in back-to-back games. You never know. It's just good to lean back on my preparation when I need it."
Regardless of their starter in the crease Monday, the Blackhawks must brace for Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who brings an 18-game point streak into the contest.
McDavid has compiled 42 of his 78 points this season during the streak. He has 19 goals during the run.
"He's a once in a lifetime player and we're obviously happy to have him on our side and happy to see the levels that he is able to get to," fellow forward Kasperi Kapanen said. "It's really remarkable to see it."
Leon Draisaitl scored twice for the Oilers while Evan Bouchard earned two assists.
Chicago is eager for its own shining Connor to get revved up again. Standout Connor Bedard collected two assists at Nashville in his second game since returning from a 12-game absence with a shoulder injury.
To Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill, Bedard, the club's leading scorer with 46 points, is trending in the right direction.
"It's just the reality of being out for a long time and kind of getting your groove back a little bit," Blashill said.
Tyler Bertuzzi, who had a goal and assist against the Predators, has seven points in six January games.
Edmonton can clinch the season series with the Blackhawks with a victory. Bouchard's goal 2:43 into overtime propelled the Oilers to a 3-2 home win on Nov. 1 as Edmonton overcame a goal and assist from Chicago's Andre Burakovsky. The Oilers are set to host the Blackhawks on April 2.