Oilers Ready to Ignite Pre-Season Rivalry Against Jets
The excitement is palpable as the Edmonton Oilers gear up to kick off their eight-game pre-season schedule. On Sunday afternoon, they will face off against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place, a matchup that promises to set the tone for the season ahead. Fans can catch the action live on Oilers+ at 4:00 PM MT or listen in on the Oilers Radio Network, including 630CHED. For those subscribed to Oilers+, there’s an exclusive Pre-Game Show that starts 30 minutes before the puck drops, featuring behind-the-scenes content to enhance the viewing experience.
This year's pre-season marks a thrilling return to the ice following a shorter-than-usual summer. After a grueling journey to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers are eager to pick up where they left off. Defenseman Brett Kulak expressed the team's hunger for success, saying, “You get so much motivation and hunger from getting there, and just the steps we took as a team and how much fun we had winning games on that run.” The determination to capture that elusive championship title is evident in every player’s return to training camp.
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With only 83 days since the end of the last season, the players are energized and ready. “It's nice when they're short and you're in the prime of your career,” Kulak remarked, emphasizing the team's desire to maximize their time on the ice. The Oilers' leadership, combined with a mix of new faces and established veterans, brings a fresh energy to the locker room, creating an atmosphere ripe for success.
As they prepare for the Jets, the Oilers are keen on solidifying their roster. With 57 players currently attending camp, including promising young talents and seasoned veterans, competition is fierce. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch has indicated that Sunday's lineup will feature a blend of younger prospects and veterans, allowing the coaching staff to assess their options ahead of the regular season.
One area to watch is the right defense position, which has seen some turnover in the off-season. New acquisitions like Ty Emberson and Josh Brown will be battling for crucial minutes on the blueline. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the pre-season as these players vie for their spots on the roster.
The Oilers are also mindful of the upcoming split-squad games against the Calgary Flames on Monday, which means that their approach in the Jets game will be critical for evaluating player performance. For veterans like Kulak and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who both logged significant ice time in the playoffs last year, the goal is to find the right balance in their pre-season appearances to ensure they are ready for the Home Opener on October 9 against the Jets.
With the anticipation building, the Oilers are not just looking to perform; they aim to set a precedent for the season. Each pre-season game is an opportunity to establish chemistry, refine strategies, and build on the foundation laid in last year’s playoff run. The road to the Cup is long, but the Oilers are ready to take their first steps in what they hope will be a victorious journey. Let’s get ready for an action-packed afternoon of hockey!
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