Notes

• Connor McDavid is tied for No. 10 in points this season. A better power play would have him higher.
• He is No. 8 in even-strength points.
• Jesse Puljujarvi has 10 shots in four games. He’s getting some good looks and could be part of the solution this year on RW. The progress on starboard has been galling but if Edmonton can solve that 2R situation this season it’s one less bell to answer next summer.
• If you want to know who the coach trusts (and possibly who is injured) on the blue line check the even-strength time on ice per game. Among the unusual results: Kris Russell as the No. 5 option on the blue line. A little of that is pairing setup but Matt Benning is the de facto No. 2 RHD on this team. Russell is also No. 4 in PK TOI/game, although he’s clearly in the regular rotation.
• Frank Seravalli has an article up on Peter Chiarelli’s comments yesterday.
• This road trip has the potential to vault Edmonton back into contention or make Oilersnation absolutely miserable. Dallas, St. Louis, Detroit, Buffalo, Boston. Can they win three of those games?
• SportsClubStats has Edmonton’s chances of making the playoffs at 11 percent.
• Cam Talbot has straightened out his season. His October save percentage was just .904, November is .917 and on the road Talbot is .933 for the season.
• The Oilers have to stay out of the penalty box. Their PK percentage is 73.4, good for No. 29 overall.
• Edmonton’s PP percentage is now spiking. It is now 20.8, No. 11 in the NHL.
• As difficult as this season has been, we’re 20 games in as of today. Plenty of track for the club and they are getting healthy.
• Dallas is as miserable as Edmonton. This could be an ugly game if one team or another gets a big lead.

GAME NOTES BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PINT