NHL Series: A rare Oilers-Canucks showdown in the playoffs, in the second round

Summary

The Oilers-Canucks duel is the final series in the second round, which starts on Wednesday in Vancouver.

The two teams have not met in the playoffs since 1992 and Edmonton has won both meetings to date. It is therefore only a third meeting that starts tonight..

Vancouver swept all four meetings against the Oilers in the regular season this year. Quinn Hughes collected eight points at their expense and he has 7 in the current series.

The Canucks were somewhat unrecognizable in the first round, narrowly defeating the Nashville Predators in six games. Goals were rare and so were shots on net for the Pacific Division winners.

The Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in five games. Their best players did the job: Connor McDavid (12 points), Leon Draisaitl (10), Evan Bouchard (9) and Zach Hyman (7 goals).

Arturs Silovs will try to continue his great story, while the Canucks’ third goalie will face Stuart Skinner in front of the cage.

Coach Rick Tocchet also indicated forward Elias Pettersson will be in uniform after missing Tuesday’s practice due to a virus.

For the Oilers, Adam Henrique, who had a goal and an assist in the first round, will be out with a lower-body injury. Connor Brown will take his place in the lineup.