“It’s more about the playoffs than anything,” said EdmontonOilers captain Connor McDavid. “I know the fans and everyone want to make it about something else, but in this room, we’re focused on the two points.” (Via SportsnetSpec)
“I don’t know what a target on your back means,” Tkachuk said.
The only lineup change that would point to either team adding any genuine toughness to their lineup would be the Flames dressing tough forward Zac Rinaldo. Edmonton is countering with burly winger Jujhar Khaira, but the Surrey, B.C., native does not possess a Rinaldo-like reputation when it comes to dropping the mitts.
George Parros, the head of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, will be joined in the press box for Wednesday’s and Saturday’s Battle of Alberta games by director of officiating Stephen Walkom. The referees for both games have also been handpicked, with veteran zebras getting the assignments.“I don’t know who’s watching, how many people are watching. I’m sure it’s the same as any other game against Edmonton,” Tkachuk said. “The two cities, this is the game they wait for. These are big games.
“I’ve been around a long time, and see a lot of things happen throughout the course of different years and different games,” said the veteran Smith. “It’s fun when you’re playing for something, and we’re playing for keeps right now. Every point matters right now, and that’s what we’re concerned about here.”
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