Oilers Face Capitals Without McDavid, Seek Division Lead

The Edmonton Oilers are preparing for an upcoming match against the Vancouver Canucks after facing a setback with captain Connor McDavid suspended for three games due to a crosscheck. The Oilers, currently tied for the Pacific Division lead, are looking to adjust their lineup with head coach Kris Knoblauch emphasizing team effort in McDavid's absence. In their previous encounter, the Oilers lost to the Canucks, and they are under pressure to secure a win against the league-leading Washington Capitals to reclaim sole possession of first place. Despite recent challenges, Leon Draisaitl is showcasing exceptional performance, leading the league in several scoring categories. The Oilers are also viewed as strong Stanley Cup contenders, with projections suggesting they have a 24% chance of winning, largely due to their offensive prowess. However, concerns remain over their penalty-killing performance, which ranks low in the league.