Coming off one of their worst home performances in recent memory, the Oilers are still licking their wounds after the 9-1 blowout loss against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
The loss was the team’s third straight and has brought on frustration on multiple levels, but Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl believes the team has to accept the reality of what happened and use it as motivation.
“Sometimes it’s easier to get really whacked across the face instead of pity-patting around for another couple of weeks and win one, lose two, and never really find it,” Draisaitl told reporters on Monday. “So, sometimes a slap on the face is just what you need. And, you know, again, we got to respond.”
Edmonton will have to deal with another hurdle, with forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins set to miss at least a week with an undisclosed injury.
The Oilers are still waiting for Zach Hyman to make his season debut; he could return as soon as this week after recovering from wrist surgery.
The team will have Mattias Janmark back in the lineup, playing on the fourth line.
Edmonton hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, with puck drop set at 8:30 p.m. ET.
