The Edmonton Oilers aim to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night at Rogers Place.
Goaltender Tristan Jarry is set to start for the Oilers as part of their eight-game homestand.
Edmonton entered the matchup with a 4-3 overtime victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, though the team only has three games remaining in this stretch.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch noted that the Oilers had previously overcome challenges by winning in succession: “It took a while, obviously, but it’s nice to get over that hump and secure three wins in a row. We need to go into the break feeling good.”
The team is aiming for a better start against Minnesota, who are currently second in the Western Conference with a 31-14-10 record. “Obviously, being able to capitalize when we can has been good,” Knoblauch said. “We’d like to make it easier going into those third periods.”
The Oilers need to build off their performance against San Jose by having a stronger opening period against Minnesota. “They’re a very good hockey team with dynamic players like Kaprisov and Hughes, among others,” added the coach.
Zach Hyman scored the overtime winner in Thursday’s game, bringing his goal total to 20 in his last 25 appearances. As quoted by NHL, “I feel healthy now after major surgery, though it takes time to get back to feeling good.”