Leafs, Oilers must fix slow starts before talking playoffs

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The Oilers and Maple Leafs used to be near the top of everyone’s all-Canadian dream Stanley Cup final.

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These days, both will settle for just seeing their name among solid playoff positions. Toronto is two points out of a wildcard spot, Edmonton holding one in the West, but Chicago and Utah were threatening before each of the latter played Friday night.

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So when Edmonton comes to town Saturday night, its much-hyped lone visit of the year, it’s less about Connor McDavid versus Auston Matthews than both captains’ clubs turning the corner.

The Oilers just got a shot of adrenalin via a couple of trades, the main move acquiring stopper Tristan Jarry from Pittsburgh for a player and draft package. Consistent goaltending was one area the Leafs could claim an advantage with Dennis Hildeby carrying a .933 save percentage into the game.

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His strong play in the week Joseph Woll was on injured reserve earned him this Hockey Night In Canada prime time assignment, even though Woll likely could’ve returned if needed.

“I was disappointed (with another lower body injury), but the Beast has been awesome,” Woll said.

Leafs dealing with defence injuries

The stress will mostly be on Toronto’s defence, already missing Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo and now likely Oliver Ekman-Larsson (lower body). Marshall Rifai likely makes his season debut against McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman and a few other members of the back-to-back Western Conference playoff reps.

“Best player in the league right there so it’s always a challenge,” said Simon Benoit, who will be among the blueliners trying and tag McDavid, while in a second game with new AHL call-up partner Henry Thrun. “You’re trying to do the best you can just to contain him.”

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Season full of inconsistency

So far this year, both clubs have seen big swings of inconsistency, the Leafs losing five straight before six in a row with at least a point heading into Saturday. Edmonton has yet to put three consecutive victories together, often following their uplifting efforts with letdowns against pedestrian teams.

“They had a big win (Thursday against Detroit),” Leaf coach Craig Berube reminded. “Number 97, and Draisaitl, Hyman being back … that’s a good team and their power play is dangerous.

“We have to check those guys and discipline is going to be a big factor. We can’t go to the box.”

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It’s not clear if Jarry will be settled enough after meeting the team in Toronto to play the Leafs. His career record against Toronto as a Penguin is 11-6-4 with an .897 save percentage – and interestingly, he goes from Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin as his superstar scoring support up front to McDavid-Draisaitl.

Berube says the effects of a big trade before such a game (the perception by most around the league was Stuart Skinner wasn’t going to win a Cup for Edmonton) are unpredictable.

“They’re losing a guy who was there a while, who was well liked and had done a good job for them. But that’s part of the game and trades happen. I don’t know where their emotions are at.”

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby

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