Oilers turn to Devon Levi for rematch with Canucks
Levi makes his first Edmonton start Thursday as injuries reshape the forward lines after a 6-5 overtime loss.
What's newDevon Levi will make his first Oilers start Thursday, with Josh Samanski expected to centre the fourth line.
Devon Levi will make his first regular-season start for the Edmonton Oilers against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Thursday, Oct. 1. The club confirmed the goalie change for the rematch, which begins at 10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet.
Levi, 24, enters with 39 NHL appearances and 36 starts, all with Buffalo. He told Sportsnet that experience has made him better prepared for this opportunity, while his immediate focus is on Thursday's game rather than securing the starting job for the season.
Edmonton's projected top line has Vasily Podkolzin alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Josh Samanski is expected to centre the fourth line between Isaac Howard and Trent Frederic after his emergency recall from the Bakersfield Condors.
Zach Hyman will miss the game with an upper-body injury, joining Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matt Savoie and Jason Dickinson among the unavailable forwards. Coach Mike Babcock said the absences give younger players a chance to establish their roles as the staff learns more about the team.
The Oilers are also looking for better execution after losing Tuesday's opener 6-5 in overtime. Tristan Jarry stopped 17 of 23 shots. Evan Bouchard recorded a hat trick and two assists, and Podkolzin scored twice as Edmonton rallied from a 5-2 third-period deficit to earn a point.
Paul Cotter scored his second goal of the game 1:59 into overtime to win it for Vancouver. Thursday's game gives Edmonton a chance to split the home-and-away series.
