Preview: Oil Kings at Medicine Hat Tigers
Published on October 27, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release
Matchup Notes
Tonight marks the first of six meetings between the Oil Kings and Tigers this season.
Last season, the Tigers swept the six-game season series vs. the Oil Kings. Heading into last season, the Oil Kings had won six straight games against the Tigers dating back to the 2021-22 season.
Mason Finley led all Oil Kings skaters in scoring in last year's season series with five points (3G, 2A) in six games, while Rilen Kovacevic notched three points (2G, 1A) in his three appearances against the Tigers. For the Tigers, Tyler MacKenzie led all returning players in scoring vs. Edmonton with 11 points (2G, 9A) in five games.
All-time, the Oil Kings and Tigers have met 100 times in the regular season with the Oil Kings holding a record of 41-45-4-10.
Coming In
The Oil Kings are looking to snap out of seven-game losing streak after dropping a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Thunderbirds on Sunday at Rogers Place. Sunday's game was the final one of a six-game homestand for the team that saw them go 0-6-0-0.
The Oil Kings power play has been held in check in four straight games going 0-for-18 in that span, while the penalty kill has given up at least one goal against in seven straight (13-for-36).
The Tigers are returning home following their five-game B.C. Division road swing that finished with a 3-2-0-0 record after grabbing wins in Kelowna (9-2), Vancouver (3-2OT) and Kamloops (4-0).
The Tigers final stop on their trip was a wild a 7-5 loss in Prince George to the Cougars that had both teams letting multiple goal leads slip away before the Cougars ultimately pulled away in the third period with three goals in the final 5:20.
Sitting at 7-4-1-0 on the season, the Tigers hold the best win% in the Central Division.
Milestone Watch
D Carter Kowalyk is 2 games away from 100 career games.
F John Szabo is 4 games away from 100 career games.
F Nathan Pilling is 7 games away from 100 career games.
F Skyler Bruce is 4 points away from 100 career points.
Lineup Report
F Ty Nash, upper-body, week-to-week (Games missed: 12).
D Carter Kowalyk, upper-body, month-to-month (Games missed: 11).
F Nathan Pilling, upper-body, day-to-day (Games missed: 5).
F Aidan Litke, upper-body, season ending (Games missed: 2).
F John Szabo, lower-body, week-to-week (Games missed: 1).
D Reid Larson, suspension, four games (Games served: 1).
Who's Hot
F Rilen Kovacevic has 15 points (9G, 6A) in his last 22 games and 20 points (11G, 9A) in his last 29 games.*
F Marshall Finnie has 8 points (5G, 3A) in his last 13 games.*
F Adam Jecho has 10 points (5G, 5A) in his last 12 games.
F Skyler Bruce has 9 points (4G, 5A) in his last 11 games.*
F Aidan Litke has 11 points (4G, 7A) in his last 9 games.
F Ty Nash has 4 points (2G, 2A) in his last 6 games.*
*Dating back to last regular season
EDMONTON OIL KINGS (3-8-0-1) @ Medicine Hat Tigers (7-4-1-0) - October 27, 2023 - Co-Op Place - 7:00 PM
2023-24 Schedule vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
Friday, Oct 27 @ Medicine Hat
Sunday, Nov 5 @ Edmonton
Friday, Dec 8 @ Medicine Hat
Saturday, Dec 9 @ Edmonton
Monday, Feb 19 @ Edmonton
Friday, Mar 1 @ Medicine Hat
2023-24 vs. Medicine Hat: 0-0-0-0 Home: 0-0-0-0 Away: 0-0-0-0 PP: 0/0 (0.0%) PK: 0/0 (0.0%)
2022-23 vs. Medicine Hat: 0-6-0-0 Home: 0-3-0-0 Away: 0-3-0-0 PP: 3/22 (13.6%) PK: 5/18 (72.2%)
Western Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2023
- Cougars Kick off Five Game Eastern Road Swing Tonight in Moose Jaw - Prince George Cougars
- Warriors Set for Showdown with Cougars on Military Appreciation Night - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Portland's Alberta Natives Relishing Opportunity to Play in Their Home Province - Portland Winterhawks
- Wheat Kings Celebrate Willie's Birthday with Matchup against Saskatoon - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Ben Hemmerling, Austin Roest Named Co-Captains for 2023-24 Season - Everett Silvertips
- Preview: Americans at Blazers - October 27 - Tri-City Americans
- Preview: Oil Kings at Medicine Hat Tigers - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Chiefs Look to Snap Skid Hosting Rockets Friday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Game Day Preview: Game 13 vs Edmonton - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Big Weekend Coming up at the Hangar - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Wheat Kings Return Home In Style With Win Over Warriors - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Game Day Hub: October 27 at Red Deer - Portland Winterhawks
- Parascak and Laing Named to Preliminary Players to Watch List for 2024 NHL Draft - Prince George Cougars
- Warriors Drop Tight Game in Brandon - Moose Jaw Warriors
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
