VANCOUVER (Interstat) — The Edmonton Oilers will visit the Vancouver Canucks in a National Hockey League game Thursday at Rogers Arena. Both teams enter with 0-0 records, so the opener offers an early chance to establish momentum before the schedule thickens.

Edmonton, the visiting team, will try to start the new campaign on a stronger note after closing its most recent action with a 5-2 loss at the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers will lean on their speed through the neutral zone and their ability to extend offensive-zone possessions. A fast start on the road could force Vancouver to chase the game.

Vancouver, the home team, also begins with a clean slate. The Canucks’ most recent result was a 6-1 loss at Edmonton, a game that showed how quickly the Oilers can turn chances into goals. Vancouver will have home ice and the last change, which can help it match lines and limit Edmonton’s top threats.

The teams’ most recent head-to-head meeting ended in a 0-0 tie. That scoreless result offers little separation, though Edmonton produced the more decisive recent win between the clubs. The Canucks will aim to tighten their defensive structure and generate chances off the forecheck. Edmonton will try to use its transition game to create sustained pressure.

Rogers Arena can be a difficult place for visitors, and the Canucks figure to feed off the home crowd early. Edmonton will attempt to quiet the building by controlling puck possession and avoiding turnovers in the neutral zone. Special teams could become important if the game grows physical, as both clubs look to set a tone for the season.

Edmonton’s upcoming schedule includes a home game against the Seattle Kraken, followed by road games at the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Utah Mammoth. The Oilers then return home for games against Utah, the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Vancouver’s next stretch begins with home games against the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights. The Canucks then travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. They later return home to meet Carolina, Detroit and Minnesota.

Because neither club has played a regular-season game yet, early execution and discipline may matter as much as talent. Edmonton’s offensive ability makes it dangerous even on the road, while Vancouver’s home-ice advantage and need for a strong start could keep the contest close. The Canucks will need clean puck management, and the Oilers will look to convert scoring chances into an early lead.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Edmonton 2, Vancouver 1.