Before establishing himself on the left wing next to league-leading scorer Leon Draisaitl after being traded to the Oilers on Aug. 18, Vasily Podkolzin was a first-round draft pick of the Canucks, where he spent his first three NHL seasons.

The Oilers are ready answer with a more physical approach against the Canucks on Thursday but won't let the occasion take away from what makes them successful as a team

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

The shot attempts have been there for Evan Bouchard down the stretch, and we expect the Oilers defenseman to play a key offensive role with Edmonton missing Connor McDavid.

On Thursday, the Edmonton Oilers play the Vancouver Canucks for the final time during the regular season. Unlike last year, when the Canucks finished first in the Pacific Division, their spot in the postseason is far more precarious,