The Oilers will ice a more veteran laden lineup tonight in their pre-season tilt against the Islanders Rexall.

**UPDATE***

The Islanders have Tavares listed as playing tonight along with Doug Weight. Some other interesting names to watch for the Islanders include netminder Mikko Koskinen, their 2nd round pick. They are really high on him. If you are looking for some fisticuffs, Joel Rechlicz is tough and would be more than willing to dance with Steve MacIntyre.

Some interesting combos tonight:

Nilsson — Gagner — Hemsky
Penner — Cogliano — Eberle
Cornet — Pouliot — Pisani
MacIntyre — Reddox — Trukhno

Souray — Smid
Grebeshkov — Motin
Taylor — Young

Reddox started the first half of practice in the middle with Pisani and Cornet, but then he switched jerseys with Pouliot half way through.

I’m surprised Reddox is playing the middle tonight; I can only assume that the coaching staff wants all the returning players to get in one of these first two games. Visnovsky is the only guy who isn’t playing. Khabibulin hasn’t dressed yet either, but they plan on getting him in once and maybe twice over the weekend. Brule didn’t finish the season here, so he doesn’t count, and he is the only guy with a chance to make the team that hasn’t played yet. He will be in on Friday it sounds like.

Although it is a bit surprising to see Reddox in the middle and not Brule, it’s only one pre-season game, and don’t fret thinking the Red Ox will play down the middle this year.

Nilsson has a chance to impress tonight playing with Gagner and Hemsky. Mike Comrie had two points last night, and from where I sit I think those two are in a direct battle for a spot in the top six. I just don’t see how Comrie can play centre on this team, unless they move Cogliano to the wing and go with three offensive-oriented lines.

If you are going to the game or watching online, keep an eye on Motin, he wears #29. The swede is not a “chicken Swede”, by any stretch. He doesn’t crush guys, but he plays a style that will piss off the opposition.

Starting today the always jovial Brownlee will be on Just A Game twice a week. You can listen to the sultry tones of Brownlee twice a week now, Wednesdays and Thursdays. But his weekly IRRITANTS will only air on Thursdays.