The Edmonton Oilers are set to face the Anaheim Ducks in Anaheim, California. Both teams are off to strong starts in the Pacific Division, with the Oilers holding a 2-0-1 record and the Ducks at 2-0. Last season, the Ducks had a solid performance in their division, finishing with a 43-33-6 record, while the Oilers ended with a 41-30-11 record. The Ducks recently secured a victory against the Florida Panthers in overtime. However, both teams are dealing with several injuries, which could impact their performance. Key players from both sides, including Drew Helleson and Troy Terry for the Ducks, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman for the Oilers, are currently sidelined. This matchup is significant as it could set the tone for their standings in the division early in the season.
QUESTION: How might the absence of key players due to injuries affect the strategies and outcomes for both the Oilers and the Ducks in their upcoming games?
