NHL: Edmonton Oilers collide with New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes clash

The NHL has made for compelling viewing over the past few weeks and the Edmonton Oilers have gone from strength to strength. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking formidable at the top of the Metropolitan table. In this preview, we will provide our thoughts on three games this weekend — Oilers v New York Rangers, Florida Panthers v Hurricanes, and Columbus Blue Jackets v Colorado Avalanche.

Edmonton Oilers in blistering form as they brush aside Nashville Predators

The Oilers have caught fire early on this campaign. They swept aside the Predators with consummate ease. Leon Draisaitl pulled the strings, as he contributed two goals and an assist in a 5-2 win. It was an impressive performance. The Oilers have now won eight of their opening nine games for the first time since the 1985/86 season.

While the Oilers were fluid in attack, Mikko Koskinen kept out 31 of the 33 shots he faced to help secure the victory. But it was Draisaitl who took most of the plaudits. He became the first player since Mario Lemieux to hit the 20-point mark in his first nine games of the season.

• Edmonton Oilers to beat New York Rangers @2.05 with Casumo
• New York Rangers to beat Edmonton Oilers @3.00 with Casumo

New York Rangers stunned by Vancouver Canucks

Rangers will be eager to get back on track after a sloppy performance that saw them lose 3-2 in overtime to the Canucks earlier this week. The game appeared to be in their grasp, but they fumbled in the late 5-on-3 powerplay. However, Rangers announced they’ve signed Matt Rempe on a three-year contract, which will please the fans.

Carolina Hurricanes still unbeaten after tight win over Chicago Blackhawks

The Hurricanes have looked ominous so far this season. They boast a 9-0-0 record after they took out the Blackhawks earlier this week. A 4-3 victory was marked by three unanswered goals and a huge penalty kill. Frederik Anderson was once again a rock as goaltender. What’s more, this win sets them up nicely for their road trip to face the Panthers.

Seth Jarvis reveals excitement after scoring first NHL goal

Seth Jarvis is looking to nail down a regular spot on the roster, and against the Blackhawks, he netted his first NHL goal. Jarvis admitted it was particularly nice to score against Marc-Andre Fleury. Speaking after the win, Jarvis said: “I grew up watching Fleury, grew up idolising him, so to get one against him means a little more.”

Florida Panthers ready to build upon strong start

The Panthers are in the groove, and with an 8-0-1 record, they have stamped their authority at the top of the Atlantic Division. Sergei Bobrovsky, in particular, has been flourishing. The goalie has enjoyed a dream start to his season with six straight wins for the first time in his NHL career.

He has also carved out a slice of history by becoming the first goalie in Panthers history to win on at least his first five starts of the season. Bobrovsky has also been keeping things relatively tight at the back, conceding just seven times in his past five outings.

However, before the Panthers lock horns with the Hurricanes, they face the Washington Wizards. At the time of writing, the Wizards didn’t lose a game in regulation during the month of October, and they outscored their opponents 23-12 during the first two periods.

Columbus Blue Jackets enjoy thrilling win over Colorado Avalanche

In one of the most pulsating encounters of the campaign to date, the Blue Jackets left it late to beat the Avalanche. Jake Bean grabbed his second goal of the game just over a minute into Overtime, as the Blue Jackets edged out Avalanche 5-4.

Meanwhile, Cole Sillinger became only the third 18-year-old in Blue Jackets history to have a three-point game. However, there will be cause for concern for Avalanche after Martin Kaut left the ice with an injury during the second period. It also remains to be seen whether Adam Boqvist will return to action soon, after missing his third game in a row.

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