The set-up: I've noted this before, that the Edmonton Oilers were a 'sexy' pick to win the Western Conference and reach the Stanley Cup finals prior to the season. However, after winning their opener 3-0 at home over the Flames, the Oilers have los three in a row (two at home), while scoring a total of just five goals. 1-3 Edmonton will host the 1-1-1 Carolina Hurricanes tonight, before heading out on a three-game road trip. The Hiurricanes know all about struggling to score as well, as Carolina has been limited to just one goal in back-to-back losses to Columbus (in OT) and Winnipeg, respectively. "I think we just need to be more hungry. We have opportunities," alternat captain JeffSkinner said. "More hunger, more desperation. It's disappointing when that's the reason because that's in your control. We need more hunger and more desperation for sure."

Carolina: The offense has been stuck in neutral but off-season acquisition Scott Darling has been "hitting on all cylinders." He's started in goal all three games over Cam Ward, who has been the team's No. 1 netminder for the majority of 12 seasons. Darling has turned away 44 of 48 shots in the last two games. "He gives us a chance every night," head coach Bill Peters of Darling. "... It's a race to three (goals) in the National Hockey League. You've gotta be able to get to three to get a point, if not two points." Peters also told the league's website, "We've got to get to the net. There's too many times where (the goalie is) seeing it. If you're shooting from distance with no traffic, they're going to make the save and there's nobody there for seconds and thirds. That's what that is."

Edmonton: The Oilers' injury list is growing. Head coach Todd McLellan confirmed Monday that center Leon Draisaitl would miss his second straight game with an eye injury and concussion-like symptoms. Draisaitl finished eighth in NHL scoring last season with 77 points. Left winger Drake Caggiula, who has missed the Oilers last two games, joins Draisaitl by being placed on injured reserve. Caggiula is out with an undisclosed ailment. Connor McDavid recorded a hat trick in the season-opener and has notched an assist in back-to-back games but Edmonton needs more from him. The Oilers are also just 1-for-12 on the power play through four games.

The pick: Sure, the Oilers are off to a slow start but their season is just four games old. Workhorse goaltender Cam Talbot has been gashed for 12 goals on 73 shots in his last three games (all losses) but there is a silver lining. Talbot owns a 4-1-0 mark with two shutouts, a 1.18 goals-against average and .955 save percentage in five career games against Carolina. Make Edmonton an 8* play.