Diana: You are going to lose your mind over this one. We’re talking about the man who just got acquitted in the Hockey Canada case, now wearing an Oilers jersey, and whether he can hold his own against the physicality of the Winnipeg Jets. Plus, we settle the debate on who is actually starting in net when the puck drops.
Adam: It’s a loaded house. Alex Formenton has signed with Edmonton, becoming the third player from that trial to get an NHL contract since July. But this isn’t just about headlines; it’s about line matchups and how the top six handles the pressure of a Pacific Division rivalry.
Diana: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of the daily sports breakdown you can’t afford to miss. I’m Diana, and I’m here with Adam. It’s September 18th, 2026, and the Edmonton Oilers are sitting pretty at first in the Pacific Division, even with a 0-0-0 record. Today, we’re previewing the Winnipeg Jets at Edmonton Oilers game on September 20th. We’ve got three big things: Alex Formenton’s immediate impact, the confirmed goaltending hierarchy, and our bold prediction for Thursday night.
Adam: Right. And for those joining us fresh, or catching up after yesterday’s deep dive into the center depth chart with Owen Michaels and Colton Dach, today we zoom out to the big picture. The stakes feel higher because we know what’s coming in Germany next season, but right now, it’s just about winning this series against Winnipeg.
Diana: Exactly. So let’s jump right into Segment One. The matchup. The Jets are coming to town. What do you see as the biggest storyline heading into this preseason tilt?
Adam: Well, Diana, if you look at the roster construction, the most interesting dynamic is the neutral-zone play. Winnipeg is known for being gritty, structured. Edmonton needs to establish zone entries cleanly. If Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid don’t get clean looks off the rush, the penalty kill might have to work overtime later.
Diana: Wait, penalty kill? We haven’t even played a game yet! You’re already worrying about the PK?
Adam: I’m analyzing the structure. Look at the defense pairings. Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard are anchors, but you’ve got guys like Ty Emberson and Spencer Stastney pushing for minutes. If the forecheck gets disrupted, you end up in trouble. That’s why the midfield competition matters so much.
Diana: Fair point. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Alex Formenton. He’s signed. He’s cleared. He’s listed as a left wing. In our last two episodes, we talked about him potentially sliding into a bottom-six role. Do you think he’s ready for that kind of physical grind immediately?
Adam: That’s the question, isn’t it? He’s been acquitted, which clears the legal hurdle, but hockey is a different beast. He’s going to be matched up against some heavy hitters. If he’s playing against Winnipeg’s checking lines, he needs to use his speed to escape pressure, not engage in board battles. That’s where he adds value.
Diana: So he’s more of a spark plug than a grinder? Because looking at the list, you’ve got Trent Frederic and Jason Dickinson there too. Those are guys who want to fight for every inch.
Adam: Precisely. Frederic brings the energy. Dickinson brings the face-off reliability. Formenton brings something else entirely—momentum. And honestly, with the NHL planning games in Germany for 2027-28, including two regular-season games for the Oilers in Cologne, the league is trying to build these international narratives. Formenton fits that new era of resilience.
Diana: I love that angle. It connects the on-ice product to the broader league culture. But back to the ice. If Formenton struggles early, does Coach Dave Tippett turn to Zach Hyman or Kasperi Kapanen on the wings? Or is the fourth line locked in with someone like Quinn Hutson?
Adam: Kapanen is likely still getting acclimated if he’s new to the system, but Hyman is a constant. He’s always going to be in the mix. The real battle is between Formenton and maybe Isaac Howard or Viljami Marjala for that final spot. It’s going to come down to who stays out of the box.
Diana: Okay, stick with us. After this break, we’re breaking down the goalies. Is Tristan Jarry really the guy, or is Frederik Andersen lurking? And we’ll tell you exactly who starts the season. Don’t go anywhere.
Diana: We are back. Let’s talk netminders. This has been the story all training camp. Connor Ingram retired at age 29. That was huge news. Now, everyone is watching Tristan Jarry versus Frederik Andersen. Yesterday, we said Jarry would start. Today, are we doubling down?
Adam: We are. And here’s why. Jarry has shown he can handle the workload. Remember, we predicted he’d start 60-plus games last time, and the data supports that. Against Winnipeg, you want the goalie who has been through the fire in high-leverage situations. Andersen is experienced, sure, but Jarry’s recent form suggests he’s the one who wants the job.
Diana: But wait—Frederik Andersen is a veteran presence. Isn’t there a risk of benching him too early? He’s got the pedigree.
Adam: Pedigree doesn’t win games in September. Form does. And Jarry’s confidence seems higher. Plus, look at the defensive structure. Mattias Ekholm is shutting down the top points. If Jarry can stay disciplined with his positioning, he doesn’t need to make highlight-reel saves often. He just needs to be efficient.
Diana: Efficient goaltending. That’s the key. So, if Jarry is the starter, who is the backup? Is it Andersen, or are they bringing in someone else? Because the roster is crowded with centers.
Adam: It’s almost certainly Andersen. You don’t cut a vet of his caliber unless you have a proven prospect. But here’s the nuance: if Jarry gets hurt or slumps, Andersen steps in. The Oilers aren’t taking chances. They’re protecting their number one seed status in the Pacific.
Diana: That makes sense. So, lineup check: McDavid-Draisaitl-Hyman on the top line. Nugent-Hopkins on the second. Formenton pushing for third-line duty. Defense: Ekholm-Bouchard. Goalie: Jarry. Does that sound like a winner against Winnipeg?
Adam: It sounds like a contender. But Winnipeg is tough. They don’t give up easy goals. The Oilers need to capitalize on the power play. Evan Bouchard needs to be lethal from the point. If the special teams are equal, this game could go to overtime.
Diana: Before we get to our prediction, I need to ask you something important. If these daily breakdowns are part of your morning routine or commute, a small contribution is what keeps this show free and daily. Please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description. Your support helps us keep digging deep for stories like this.
Diana: Thank you. Okay, Segment Three. Keys to the game and our bold prediction. We previously guessed 4-2 for the Oilers. Are we changing that number?
Adam: I’m sticking with the Oilers, but I’m bumping the score. I think they win 5-3. Why? Because of the top-end talent. McDavid and Draisaitl will exploit any gap in Winnipeg’s neutral zone. And if Formenton gets even ten minutes of effective ice time, he creates chaos.
Diana: Five to three. Bold. But let’s talk about the keys. What does Edmonton need to do to pull this off?
Adam: Two things. First, face-offs. Jason Dickinson and Leon Draisaitl need to win at least 60 percent of the dots. Second, shot suppression. The defensemen, especially Bouchard, need to clear the crease quickly. Winnipeg loves traffic in front of the net.
Diana: Face-offs and clearing the crease. Simple, effective. Any wildcards? Like, is there a player we’re underestimating?
Adam: Maybe Jake Walman. He’s been quiet, but he’s solid defensively. If he shuts down Winnipeg’s top winger, it opens up space for the Oilers’ forwards. Keep an eye on him.
Diana: Jake Walman. Got it. Alright, let’s wrap this up. We’ve got the matchup, the goalie decision, and the prediction. What’s the takeaway for the fans?
Adam: The Oilers are built to win. With Jarry in net and the top line firing, they should handle Winnipeg. But respect the grit. It’s going to be a hard-fought game.
Diana: Love it. So, subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear about the Formenton signing. Until next time, Go Oils!