SLAPSHOT Game Preview - Trick-or-treat Edition: New York Islanders vs. Edmonton Oilers

SLAPSHOT Preview is designed to give three quick-hitting things to look for in the game.

Go into the contest with things to keep an eye on in three quick shots.

SHOT #1: Connor McDavid

In a predictable and almost formulaic move, shot number one goes to Connor McDavid.

As predictable as it may be, it’s also warranted. The Oilers’ center is off to a historic start. It’s difficult for a player with the achievements of Connor McDavid to find new ways to be historic, but he’s done just that so far in the 2026-2027 NHL season. Maybe his linemate Leon Draisaitl said it best when speaking about McDavid: "You just really run out of words."

In the Oilers’ game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, McDavid added to his remarkable resume by setting an NHL record for assists to begin a season. He has recorded an assist in each of the Oilers’ first 13 games of the season, en route to a league-leading 28 assists.

Add his 8 goals to the mix, and Connor McDavid has amassed an eye-popping 36 points in just 13 games.

So, as formulaic as it may be to start a preview of a game with the Oilers by looking at Connor McDavid, it’s more than warranted.

SHOT #2: Goaltending

Goaltending has been an area of focus for the Oilers for a few seasons now, and the 2026-2027 NHL campaign has been no different. In fact, Yahoo Sports has described the situation as approaching crisis mode.

This season’s goaltending focus has been made more necessary by the recent injury to Devon Levi. Prior to his injury in the team’s recent victory over the Hurricanes, Levi was throwing his hat into the ring as a possible answer to the Oilers’ questions in net. Despite a 3.11 GAA and .887 SV%, Levi had a 6-1-0 record.

With Levi on IR, veteran Tristan Jarry has taken center stage in net for the Oilers. Jarry has struggled a bit since joining the Oilers, but the recent victory over the Flames has given reason for optimism. In the matchup with the Flames, Jarry authored a 24-save shutout.

With Devon Levi on IR and goaltender Frederik Andersen on Long-Term Injured Reserve until at least December, the team has recalled netminder Matt Tomkins from the Bakersfield Condors.

Whoever the Oilers place in net against the Isles, they’ll have an offense that ranks first in the NHL with 4.23 GPG to support them.

SHOT #3: Trick-or-Treat

With the Oilers visiting UBS Arena on 10/31,  the obligatory Halloween theme will not escape the SLAPSHOT Preview. 

Trick or treat at UBS?

In addition to sitting atop the Pacific Division with a record of 9-2-2, the Oilers are within a game of finding themselves atop the entire Western Conference. A large part of their strong start has come on the road.

The Oilers have a 5-0-0 record on the road to begin the season.

If the Islanders hope to hand the Oilers their first loss on the road, scoring first is a good place to start. Prior to their game against the Wild, the Isles were 6-0-1 when scoring first.

Setting the tone early is always important, but it’s especially important against a team with the firepower of the Oilers. In addition to Connor McDavid’s 36-point start to the season, Leon Draisaitl comes into the contest with 12 goals, good for second in the NHL.

Look for the Islanders to try to set the tone for the game early in an effort to not only prepare for the offensive prowess of the Oilers but also to send Edmonton off without a treat from UBS Arena.

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