Preview: Oilers at Maple Leafs TORONTO (Interstat) — Two Original Six franchises seeking consistency will meet Saturday when Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers visit Dennis Hildeby and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. The Oilers (13-17-0) arrive after a 4-3 overtime loss to Buffalo on Tuesday, a game in which McDavid scored twice. Edmonton has alternated wins and losses over its last six games. The Maple Leafs (14-15-0) are coming off a 2-0 shutout victory over Tampa Bay on Monday but have also struggled to find a sustained rhythm, going 4-6-0 in their last 10. All eyes will be on the marquee matchup between Edmonton’s superstar captain and Toronto’s emerging goaltender. McDavid is in a torrid scoring stretch, registering seven goals and five assists over his last six games. His 10 points in that span include a three-goal, one-assist performance in a 9-4 win over Seattle on Dec. 4. He will be tasked with solving Hildeby, who has been a stabilizing force for Toronto. The netminder has won three of his last four starts, posting a .971 save percentage in those three victories, including the 29-save shutout against the Lightning. His lone blemish was a relief appearance where he allowed two goals on three shots in a loss to Montreal on Nov. 22. Beyond the star power, both teams need points in a tight playoff race. The Oilers, despite McDavid’s heroics, have been plagued by inconsistency, scoring three or fewer goals in 10 of their 17 losses. Leon Draisaitl, who had an assist and seven shots against Buffalo, remains a critical secondary threat. The Maple Leafs will counter with their own high-end talent, led by Auston Matthews, who scored in the win over Tampa Bay. Toronto’s offense, however, has been sporadic, blanked twice in its last seven games. Historically, these meetings are offensive showcases. The teams split their two games last season, with the road team winning each contest. Edmonton won 6-3 in Toronto on Nov. 17, 2024. This contest opens a three-game Eastern road trip for the Oilers, who play in Montreal on Sunday. The Maple Leafs begin a three-game homestand before heading out on a four-game road trip starting Dec. 18. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.