GDB 34.0: AN OILERS WINNING STREAK?
Jason Gregor
March 30 2013 10:55AM
Tonight the Oilers will try to win three consecutive games for the first time this season. They've won back-to-back games only three times this year, and in their two previous attempts they lost in a SO vs. San Jose and in OT to Detroit. Their inability to put together a winning streak, even a short three-gamer, is the reason why they sit in 12th place in the west.
The Oilers are one of six teams without a three-game winning streak, and not surprisingly all six of them are out of the playoffs. Florida has won two straight game only twice, Oilers have done it three times, the Flames, Avalanche and Flyers four times and the Coyotes have won two straight five times.
No team in the history of the NHL has made the playoffs without a three-game winning streak, so if the Oilers have any post-season aspirations they need a win over the red-hot Vancouver Canucks.
GDB 33.0: STAYING IN THE RACE
Jason Gregor
March 28 2013 12:49PM
According to sportsclubstats.com the Oilers have an 8% chance of making the playoffs. Before the St. Louis game it was 4%, so the good news for Oilers fans is that your chances of watching a playoff game at Rexall Place has improved in the last 48 hours. However, the site gives the Blue Jackets a 10% chance, even though the Jackets suck on the road (3-9-2) and play 10 of their remaining 15 games on the road. So use the % at your own discretion.
Either way, both teams are longshots to make the playoffs, but if the Oilers want to keep their faint hopes alive they must beat the Blue Jackets; one of the four teams between them and 8th place.
TRADE WINDS....
Jason Gregor
March 27 2013 12:45PM
The 2013 NHL trade deadline is next Wednesday at 1 p.m. MST, and the next week will be great for those who love trade rumours. One rumour got squashed yesterday when it was reported that Mikka Kiprusoff would not report to his new team if the Calgary Flames traded him, which of course was met by laughter amongst Edmonton fans.
Thankfully there are many other rumblings, rumours and potential deals floating around.
What will the Oilers do?
GDB 32.0: SINGING THE BLUES
Jason Gregor
March 26 2013 01:29PM
The frustration is mounting in Oilersnation. The Oilers have won 8 of their past 26 games and once again they find themselves closer to the basement than a spot in the playoffs.
For the first 40 minutes last night the Oilers didn't play with the smarts, energy or passion you'd expect for a team fighting to stay in the playoffs. They were good in the 3rd period, but this team isn't good enough to play one solid period and win.
The bigger question is what is ailing the Oilers?
GDB 31.0: TWO-STEPPING IN NASHVILLE
Jason Gregor
March 25 2013 01:42PM
The Oilers enter Nashville in the midst of a dangerous dance routine; one step forward, two steps sideways and one step back. They wrapped up a crucial four-game homestand with only one win and capped it off with a dreadful performance against the Blues.
Their only victory came against the Predators, and if the Oilers have any hope of staying in the playoff race, they will need a victory in Nashville tonight.
