Oilers insider reveals full lineups for two preseason games tonight

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Liam McCormick
September 23, 2024 (12:01)

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The Edmonton Oilers kicked off their preseason last night with a prospect-heavy lineup, but tonight, the veterans are back.

According to Jason Gregor, multiple Oilers stars will make their preseason debut tonight. The Oilers are playing two games: One at home and one on the road, both against the Calgary Flames. The home ice roster will feature Oilers stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl making their preseason debut.

Knoblauch is keeping the first powerplay unit together, and will hopefully be able to test it a few times tonight. Interestingly, Leon Draisaitl will have two young guns on his wings with Vasily Podkolzin and Raphael Lavoie. Both players had a great night last night, with Lavoie wiring a one-timer goal and Podkolzin making great plays all over the ice. It's a nice reward for both players to get something time with Draisaitl, another opportunity to prove they should make the team.

On the road in Calgary, the two biggest Oilers offseason additions will play their first game with the team. Jeff Skinner and Victor Arvidsson will play on the first line with Adam Henrique. Also to watch in this game will be a few young Oilers in Matthew Savoie and Sam O'Reilly, as well as the PTO candidates Travis Dermott and Mike Hoffman.

It's very interesting to see that Knoblauch has pegged Vasily Podkolzin and Raphael Lavoie to get the opportunity with Leon Draisaitl. Both young players are candidates to take some bottom six ice time on the Oilers this season, and they seem to be impressing Coach Knoblauch right now. As for the road game, perhaps they want to give PTO candidates more ice time that they would otherwise give to the Oilers stars.

Both games will begin tonight at 7:00 MT and will be available to watch behind a paywall on Oilers+. The Calgary Flames website will broadcast the game for free. Preseason games are back in full swing!