NHL 25/11/21 – 28/11/21: Golden Knights face Oilers, Flames pit wits against Jets

The NHL is always packed full of drama, and on Thanksgiving Weekend, fans are in for a treat. We will look ahead to three of the biggest games over the weekend, including Las Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames v Winnipeg Jets. Check out our preview to see how we think these games may unfold.

Edmonton Oilers recover from slow start to overpower Arizona Coyotes

The Oilers have been rather slick this season (excuse the pun!). However, it took them time to get going against the Coyotes earlier this week. However, after a rather tentative start, the Oilers got their act together, and they surged to a 5-3 victory. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid put on a masterclass, as they scored two goals apiece.

Draisaitl and McDavid have both been dominant forces this season. After 19 games, Draisaitl has amassed the most points in the NHL (40), and he is the first player in Oilers history who isn’t named Wayne Gretzky to have scored 40 points before the 20-game mark. And McDavid became the fourth quickest player in NHL history to record 400 assists.

Philip Broberg coming to the fore for the Edmonton Oilers

In the past three games, we have seen glimpses of what Philip Broberg can produce. At the tender age of 20, Broberg has poise and elegance beyond his years. He has seen his ice time increase, and there are some comparisons being made between Broberg and a young Jay Bouwmeester. Broberg has acquitted himself well when called upon, and he’s one to watch out for.

Las Vegas Golden Knights beginning to motor now they have Max Pacioretty back

After nearly a month out with a lower-body injury, Max Pacioretty was back on the ice for the Golden Knights. As usual, he made a notable contribution, providing an assist and scoring a point in a convincing 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators earlier this week. With the Golden Knights alleviating their injury woes, they should begin to motor now.

Toronto Maple Leafs blow out Los Angeles Kings with awesome display

The Maple Leafs were in blistering form in midweek as they swatted aside the Los Angeles Kings. A 6-2 victory saw their record for the season move to 14-6-1. However, they have played two games more than the Atlantic Division table-toppers Florida Panthers. Nevertheless, it set them up well for their California road trip, which also sees them visit the Anaheim Ducks.

Timo Meier continues to prove his worth for San Jose Sharks

Timo Meier continues to be indispensable for the Sharks, and he turned in a scintillating display as the Sharks handed the Ottawa Senators their third straight loss of the season. Meier scored, and added two assists, as the Sharks ran out comfortable 6-3 winners.

Matt Nieto, Tomas Hertl, Nick Bonino, Logan Couture, and Jacob Middleton were also on target for the Sharks, as they won back-to-back games. James Reimer was kept busy as goaltender, but he pulled off 26 saves to help his side clinch a big win.

• Toronto Maple Leafs to beat San Jose Sharks @2.05 with Casumo
• San Jose Sharks to beat Toronto Maple Leafs @3.00 with Casumo

However, one player who is unlikely to be returned to the fold soon is Evander Kane. Although Kane’s 21-game suspension is drawing to a close, Sharks coach Bob Boughner doesn’t anticipate that Kane will go straight back into the starting line-up. When asked for his thoughts, Boughner said: “As far as I know, that hasn’t happened. So, realistic? No.”

Calgary Flames set Pacific Division alight after blitzing past Chicago Blackhawks

The Flames are sitting pretty at the top of the Pacific Division, with a 12-3-5 record after 20 games played. They have been easy on the eye, and they have been scoring goals for fun. A 5-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week means they have scored 14 times in their past three NHL outings.

However, they will be coming up on Saturday against an angry Winnipeg Jets side who were dismantled by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Jets were on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline, as Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins recorded his seventh career shutout. The Flames have found new ways to win games, and the Jets could come unstuck if they are naive.

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