Wings and Oilers Pre-Game

Tonight, I'll be liveblogging the Wings and Oilers game at The Score. The Oilers sit somewhat uncomfortably in the 7th seed in the West. A win tonight would bump them to 81 points, 1 point back of the 6th seeded Blue Jackets, and give them a 5 point breathing room from rival clubs looking to crack the post-season. They certainly have a chance at doing so tonight against the Red Wings.

Detroit has come off a loss last night to the Calgary Flames and the back to back challenges of facing difficult teams, especially a team that is fighting to stay in a playoff position, could be a stronger game than most people would think.

Edmonton is also coming off a loss and has played poorly over their last 10 games, becoming streaky at best. They need to snap out of their 4-2-4 record and start leveraging the stats in the wins department. Detroit has fallen out of first in the West, 1 point back of the Sharks, and they have played 1 more game than the Sharks have. A win tonight will leap frog them back into first in the league, but regardless as to what position they finish in, it's hard to believe any of the top 3 will have a challenge in the first round.

Edmonton hopes to be that challenge, and a win tonight is a big statement to the league and to themselves.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com