Canucks Oilers opener: Jarry faces Lankinen tonight
The Edmonton Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at Rogers Place to open the 2026-27 NHL season. Tristan Jarry starts in goal for Edmonton under new coach Mike Babcock, while Kevin Lankinen is projected to start for Vancouver with Thatcher Demko on injured reserve. The canucks oilers matchup drops the puck at 10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet.
Key Takeaways
- Edmonton opens the Babcock era at home after a perfect 4-0-0 preseason, outscoring opponents 14-5.
- Tristan Jarry gets the Oilers' opening-night start; Kevin Lankinen is projected for Vancouver with Demko on IR.
- Rookie-pro Owen Michaels is set for his NHL debut; Jason Dickinson is unavailable.
- Edmonton has topped Vancouver in seven of their past nine meetings, per Covers.
Who is starting in goal for each side?
According to the official Oilers preview, Mike Babcock confirmed Tristan Jarry as Edmonton's starter after Jarry stopped 40 of 42 shots across five periods in two preseason wins. He will work in a tandem with Devon Levi, who allowed three goals on 43 shots in exhibition play.
Yahoo Sports projects Kevin Lankinen to start for the Canucks. Lankinen faced Calgary and Seattle in the preseason, stopping 28 of 31 and 25 of 28 shots. With Thatcher Demko opening the year on injured reserve, Vancouver's tandem is Lankinen and Leevi Meriläinen.
Why does Mike Babcock's Oilers debut matter?
Babcock's first regular-season game behind Edmonton's bench caps a camp built around playing fast and responsibly. Leon Draisaitl said the juices are flowing and that the group took big steps in preseason while still working out timing under the new system.
Covers notes Edmonton allowed five goals across four preseason games and expects a more structured, lower-scoring style than a track meet. The Oilers were already a strong possession team, and Vancouver ranked poorly in goals and expected goals per 60 at 5-on-5 last season.
What else should fans watch in this opener?
Forward Owen Michaels is poised for his professional debut after earning an opening-night roster spot following an NCAA title with Western Michigan. Babcock praised his skating and two-way play; Dickinson's absence adds to Michaels' utility.
Vancouver arrived with roster changes including Brendan Gallagher, Paul Cotter, Jamie Oleksiak, and Luke Schenn. Covers also flags Vasily Podkolzin skating with Connor McDavid and Draisaitl, and lists Edmonton as a heavy home favorite with puck drop at 10 p.m. ET from Rogers Place on Sportsnet.
For more viral sports and oddball headlines beyond the rink, browse BlasterPost's Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.