Koskinen starts ahead of Smith against Stars

The Oilers are playing a matinée today as they host the Dallas Stars. The Oilers are coming off a great 6-2 win against the powerful Colorado Avalanche. They will look to keep the momentum going with a W over the Stars.

On Thursday, Mike Smith had a great night in front of the net for the POilers and played a huge role in keeping the menacing Avalanche at two goals. Despite his clutch performance and the day of rest between Thurday's game and this afternoon's matchup, coach Tippett will give Mikko Koskinen the start.

The rest of the lineup should look identical as the one that faced Colorado as Caleb Jones plays his second game with the Oilers this year.

Here is Edmonton's projected lineup for this afternoon's game according to NHL.com correspondent Derek Van Diest:

Forwards:

Leon Draisaitl - Connor McDavid - Zack Kassian

James Neal - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Josh Archibald

Joakim Nygard - Gaetan Haas - Alex Chiasson

Jujhar Khaira - Riley Sheahan - Patrick Russell

Defencemen:

Darnell Nurse - Ethan Bear

Oscar Klefbom - Caleb Jones

Kris Russell - Matt Benning

Goaltenders:

Mikko Koskinen

Mike Smith

Markus Granlund, Sam Gagner and Joel Persson will be the healthy scratches, while both Brandon Manning and Adam Larsson are on the injury reserve.

The Stars are currently on a great 6-0-1 run and will be tough opponents to play. On the Oilers' side, McDavid is coming off of a hat-trick performance and will look to continue dominating his opponents.

It should be a great Hockey game!