Game 57 Preview:  Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche - Denver Pepsi Center - February 6, 2010 - 8:00 PM - CBC

The Colorado Avalanche (31-19-6) are currently in a slump having lost four of their past five games.  As we all know, the Edmonton Oilers (18-32-6) are last in both the Western Conference and the league.  With the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Buffalo Sabres last night by a score of 4-3, the Oilers are now 5 points behind both the Canes and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As for the season series, it's currently split at two games for each team though the Oilers were shutout in both of their losses including a 6-0 loss in their most recent game against Colorado.

Around the NHL, the pre-Olympic trade deadline trades have been heating up.  Most recently, the Detroit Red Wings have traded Ville Leino to Phildelphia for a 5th round pick in 2011 and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.  The Tampa Bay Lightening have officially been sold to Jeffrey Vinik, A Boston hedge fund manager.  Of course, we all know that the Atlanta Thrashers made a deal with the Devils.  It looks like the Devils may have gotten the best of it too.  How much will Ilya Kovalchuk's presence tilt the current balance of power in the Eastern Conference?

Denver's Pepsi Center

After spending much of this season at either one of the bottom of the roster or attached to Ethan Moreau's hip, Andrew Cogliano is getting some time on the top line lately with Sam Gagner and Dustin Penner.  Some might interpret this as him being showcased for a possible trade.  Andrew Cogliano has struggled this season in terms of offense with just 13 points (5 goals) in 56 games.  Last night, Dan Tencer remarked that he thought Cogliano wasn't a great fit for the top line since he lacks finish.  Tencer suggested Brule as a better option for this line.  What's interesting is that it sounds like Gilbert Brule will again be a healthy scratch tonight along with Robert Nilsson.

Speaking of a potential trade involving Andrew Cogliano, it's likely that he still have some value despite a poor season this year.  Will it be enough to get much of a return for the Oilers or would they try to use Cogliano to sweeten the pot on another potential trade?  The logjam that the Oilers have of small, skilled players, will only get worse next season with Linus Omark and Jordan Eberle entering the picture.

The Colorado Avalanche are an unusual team.  To date, despite giving up 5.3 shots against per game, the Avalache have outscored their opponents by .27 goals/game.  It seems like the Avalanche have been riding Craig Anderson like a mechanical bull.  He's played in 48 games this season already with a .922 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average. The Avs have a middling power play, but are pretty solid at killing penalties (82.2%).

Daily Line: The Colorado Avalanche are substantial favorites to win this game with the money line being (-250/+210) in their favor.

Edmonton Oilers Projected Lineup:

Comments (4)

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written by DraftTylerSeguin, February 06, 2010

It sounds like Craig Anderson will be starting tonight. The Oilers won't likely be making any changes to their lineup. I'm not sure why Brule and Pisani are sitting though.

I would predict a 5-2 win for Colorado tonight.

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written by FlyingFridge, February 06, 2010

From Dan Tencer, it's the same lines as last game with Brule, Nilsson, Smid, and Staios all out.

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written by Racki, February 06, 2010

Brule is sitting because Quinn doesn't think he's had the same jump in his game lately. Maybe he's confusing 27 and 67. :P

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written by Jay, February 06, 2010

Yeah, I agree with you on that one Racki. 27 really has been lacking jump in his game lately especially compared to earlier this season.

Brutal first period for the Oilers! Stortini failed to clear the puck which lead to Chorney getting undressed and Visnovsky headed to the penalty box. Then Horcoff took a bad holding penalty in the neutral zone. Good start for Deslauriers is about the only positive for the Oilers so far.

This game kinda reminds me of the old days when the Oilers were outplayed badly by the Avalanche when they had Forsberg and Sakic.

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