The Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, two of the Western Conference's top teams, will meet for the first of three crucial matchups tonight at Rogers Place. The game is significant for both teams as they jockey for position in the playoff race.

 1. The Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche, two of the Western Conference's top teams, will meet for the first of three crucial matchups tonight at Rogers Place. 

Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is uncertain to play for the Oilers tonight due to illness.

2. Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is uncertain to play for the Oilers tonight due to illness.

If Ekholm is unable to play, Troy Stecher will see his second straight game in the lineup.

3. If Ekholm is unable to play, Troy Stecher will see his second straight game in the lineup.

Goalie Stuart Skinner is expected to start for the Oilers tonight. Skinner has been impressive this season, recording 30 wins in 46 starts.

4. Goalie Stuart Skinner is expected to start for the Oilers tonight. Skinner has been impressive this season, recording 30 wins in 46 starts.

Oilers center Connor McDavid is on fire, riding a 26-game home point streak and recording 10 straight multi-point games at Rogers Place.

5. Oilers center Connor McDavid is on fire, riding a 26-game home point streak and recording 10 straight multi-point games at Rogers Place.

Winger Zach Hyman is one goal away from tying Wayne Gretzky's franchise record for the longest home goal streak of 10 games.

6. Winger Zach Hyman is one goal away from tying Wayne Gretzky's franchise record for the longest home goal streak of 10 games.

With Friday's skate being optional, the Oilers' lineup for tonight's game will be confirmed during warmups.

7. With Friday's skate being optional, the Oilers' lineup for tonight's game will be confirmed during warmups.

Some key players to watch in tonight's game include Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar.

8. Some key players to watch in tonight's game include Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar.

 Don't miss tonight's exciting matchup between the Oilers and Avalanche! It promises to be a close and hard-fought game between two of the NHL's best teams.

9. Don't miss tonight's exciting matchup between the Oilers and Avalanche! It promises to be a close and hard-fought game between two of the NHL's best teams.