The season opener goes tonight and the Oilersnation Pre-Game Podcast is here to get you set for puck drop going in-depth on tonight’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. We took a look at the Oilers line combinations, how the Canucks are shaping up this season, and what the betting lines are looking like ahead of the first game of the year.

The Oilers have historically been solid in season openers going 21-15-4 in their 40-year history. In the last five seasons though, they have gone just 2-3. Tonight, there are plenty of interesting storylines to keep an eye on including Dave Tippett’s decision to start Mike Smith and break up the duo of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. During the podcast, you’ll hear locker room audio from both of McDavid and Smith.

A pair of Oilers will also make their NHL debuts tonight. Both Gaetan Haas and Joakim Nygard will hit the ice for their first regular-season games since signing in Edmonton this past off-season. Ethan Bear won’t be making his NHL debut, but he is the only player in the Oilers lineup who qualifies as a rookie. He’ll be on a pairing with Oscar Klefbom. All of that and more was discussed in our first ever Pre-Game Podcast!

Download episode one and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts from to always be prepared on game day!