**McDavid’s Heroics Fuel Oilers’ Momentum**
Fresh off scoring the tournament-clinching goal against Team USA on Thursday, McDavid arrived in Philadelphia Friday ready to extend his dominance. Teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins praised his captain’s clutch performance: “To see him get that was pretty special… you don’t really doubt he’s going to do something like that”. The Oilers’ .721 points percentage ranks 4th in the Western Conference.
**Flyers’ Goaltending Woes**
Philadelphia enters this matchup reeling with just one win in its last six games and an NHL-worst .885 team save percentage. Goalie Samuel Ersson (.896 SV%) has allowed ≥2 goals in six consecutive starts, creating opportunities for Edmonton’s league-leading scorer Leon Draisaitl (40 goals) to shine. Draisaitl scored twice in their October 15 meeting – including the OT winner.
**Rookie Debut Alert**
Edmonton debuts 21-year-old forward Matt Savoie on the second line with Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin. The St. Albert native impressed in AHL Bakersfield with 37 points in 45 games. “His skill level’s off the charts,” said Nugent-Hopkins about the rookie.
**Betting Trends**
Oddsmakers favor Edmonton (-180 moneyline) with a 6.5 over/under. Key trends:
– Draisaitl has goals in 7 of last 10 games
– Flyers average just 1.56 goals/game over last nine
– Under hit in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games
**Injury Report**
Both teams remain relatively healthy, though full injury details weren’t disclosed pre-game. Edmonton starts Stuart Skinner (1.96 GAA vs PHI career), while Philadelphia counters with Ersson.
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