EDMONTON, AB – Savoie’s chance to shine.
Matt Savoie will get an opportunity to play alongside superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the top line on Thursday night when the Edmonton Oilers play host to the streaking Montreal Canadiens in a one-off homestand at Rogers Place.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch will go with the same lineup that came away with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday, with winger Vasily Podkolzin swapping spots with Savoie by moving to the third line with Noah Philp and Trent Frederic.
The 21-year-old Savoie is coming off a strong performance in Ottawa with an assist on defenceman Jake Walman’s game-winner and a couple of excellent chances at picking up his first career NHL goal.
“He’s playing really well,” McDavid said. “He’s got a great engine on him. He skates really well, and with a little bit of luck, he scores one or two last game and he’s off and running. But he’s playing really well. He’s dug in defensively, done a great job on the penalty kill, and done everything that’s asked of him, so that the offensive side will come.
The St. Albert product has an assist in seven games this season and two helpers over 12 career NHL games.
