Gameday: Canucks vs. Oilers

Game 74 for the Canucks sees them travelling to Edmonton to take on the Oilers, and it will be the first time the 2 teams have met since that fight-filled contest in February. The Oilers have quietly snuck up the standings to get within striking distance of the 9th place Nashville Predators, and are 5 behind the Canucks, Flames and Avalanche. Worst case scenario for the Oilers? Regulation loss to the Canucks and OT in the game between the Flames and Avs. Let's face it, that the Oilers clawed their way back to get this close is admirable. They have suffered through injuries as much as anyone in the league, and with hot & cold goaltending and a slew of youngsters the Oilers somehow have managed to not yet be eliminated from playoff contention. But they have about as much chance of making it as the Leafs do, it would take a big time hot streak and a lot of help. The Canucks are coming off big wins over Dallas and Phoenix, and would love to take another person off the long scoring drought list tonight. Henrik Sedin had a pair and Taylor Pyatt got his first in 20 games in the 3-1 win over the Coyotes. Only Daniel now remains on the list, but a couple assists against Phoenix shows he and his brother may be coming out of that funk at just the right time. As always, Roberto Luongo will start for the Canucks tonight, while considering his recent good play, Dwayne Roloson should get the nod for Edmonton. The Oilers have won 3 in a row and are 10-0-2 in their last 12, it makes for a good test for the Canucks. Expect Ryan Shannon back in the lineup tonight as Mason Raymond will be gone a minimum of 4 weeks after a 2nd degree MCL sprain in that knee on knee hit by Phoenix's Keith Ballard Monday night.

It's good to be back... and the podcasts will be returning on the weekend with post-game wrapup of the Friday night tilt against the Wild. We're gonna be at the game, and hope to have some good pics to post when we return.