So. The Oilers are embroiled in another mad-dash for the playoffs come mid February.
"Same shit, different year" seems to be the motto, cuz well, it is the same shit (currently sitting 9th in the Western Conference with 58 pts after 55 games, 8 points out of 8th place.)

Today they take on the Atlanta Thrashers who played (and lost) in Vancouver last night.
Now, you would think that the Oilers would try to take advantage of a team coming in to Edmonton that played last night, and crank up the physical play on a most likely sleep-deprived team.
History suggests other wise; the Oilers are famous for laying out the welcome mat and handing over two points.
This season, like many past, (say the last 10 years), the Oilers are in no position to 'hand over' two easy points.
Unlike seasons past, the Thrashers are not a bottom feeder anymore. They currently lead the Southeast Division with 69 points in 55 games, good for 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
I have not watched many Thrashers games this season, mostly due to the fact that they don't really interest me, and they play way out in the Southeast.

I really hope the Oilers prove me (and their historic track record) wrong and come out tonight playing a good, hard physical game and wear down a team that is playing the 2nd game of a back-to-back on the long road trip thru the the Northwest.

Should be a good battle!

At the very least, with the current NHL schedule of seeing some Eastern teams only once every 3 years, Iyla Kovalchuk should be worth the price of admission; with 32g-27a-59pts in 55 gp.

If you are not a big Kovalchuk fan, Ryan Smyth and Ales Hemsky of the Oilers are always worth the price of admission. Shawn Horcoff has picked up his game as of late too; he has 5 pts in his last games, both his goals coming as GWG goals.

GOILERS!

Another mad dash to 8th place is on!