Flyers-Oilers preview: For first time, Connor McDavid vs. Nolan Patrick
The Flyers are 2-1 on their five-game homestand, which continues Saturday afternoon against the Oilers.
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TEAMS: Oilers (2-4) vs. Flyers (4-3).
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Wells Fargo Center.
BROADCASTS: TV–NBCSP.
RADIO: 97.5 FM.
SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE: Twitter —@BroadStBull; @samdonnellon.
KEY PLAYERS: Keep an eye on Flyers center Sean Couturier trying to contain Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid, who had a goal and two assists in each of the two games vs. Philadelphia last season. Brian Elliott will get the start for the Flyers. This is the first time Flyers rookie Nolan Patrick, 19, will face the 20-year-old McDavid in his young NHL career.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Voracek each have 10 points to lead the Flyers, while McDavid has nine points to pace Edmonton. The Oilers are averaging just 2.17 goals per game, while the Flyers, despite being shut out twice, are averaging 3.71 goals per contest.
INJURY REPORT: Edmonton is hoping Leon Draisaitl can return after missing three games with a concussion. Wayne Simmonds, Jordan Weal, and Taylor Leier will be game-time decisions for the Flyers.
HEAD TO HEAD: This is the first meeting between the teams this season; they will also meet Dec. 6 in Edmonton. The teams split their two meetings last season, with the Flyers winning at home, 6-5, on a late goal by Michael Raffl, and losing in Edmonton, 6-3.
In the all-time series, the Flyers have a 33-31-8-1 record against the Oilers.
FLYERS' UPCOMING GAMES:
Tuesday: 7 p.m. vs. Anaheim at Wells Fargo Center.
Thursday: 7 p.m. at Ottawa.
Saturday: 7 p.m. at Toronto.