November 16, 2009 - Game 21 - Oilers lose in shoot-out to Columbus Blue Jackets

Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers managed to get a Bettman point with their shoot-out loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Overall, it was an exciting hockey game.  The Oilers played one of their best games since the hot start to the season, but were unable to hold onto a one-goal lead with just over 8 minutes left in the third period.  Liam Reddox went to the box with a hooking penalty that he drew around the Oilers blueline. Antoine Vermette scored the tying goal in regulation with a nice redirect in front of Khabibulin.

Edmonton Oilers vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets - November 16, 2009 - Nationwide Arena - Sportsnet - 5:00 pm MT

Oilers Game 21

The Edmonton Oilers (8-10-2) play the Columbus Blue Jackets (10-6-2) at the Nationwide arena tonight.  During their first matchup, the Oilers won with by a margin of 6-4 after rallying back from a two goal deficit.  Since then, the Oilers have struggled to try and win some hockey games.  During their past ten games, the Oilers have gone just 2-7-1 with a recent three game losing streak.  In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets have managed a respectable 5-3-2 record.

Team Canada Olympic Hockey Team - 2010 Olympics - Vancouver - Goalie Selection

As previously mentioned, Steve Yzerman has until December 31st, 2009 to make his final decision for Team Canada's final 23-man roster for the 2010 Olympic games.  As part of this selection process, he will have to narrow down the 5 goalies who where invited to Team Canada's Olympic training camp to 3.  Let's take a look at the goalies invited to camp based upon their performance during the first quarter of this NHL season...

Edmonton Oilers lose 3-2 to Atlanta Thrashers at Philips arena - November 15th, 2009

With Horcoff, Hemsky, and Souray all back in the lineup at the same time, the Edmonton Oilers headed into this game relatively well-rested and stocked with players. In fact, it's one of the most complete Oilers' rosters that we've seen all season with only two key players in Grebeshkov and Pisani out of the lineup.  Patrick O'Sullivan's been described as "snake-bitten" since his arrival last season.  To date this season, his shooting percentage is just south of 5%.  In today's game, fans were suggesting that he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a bucket of rice from 2 feet away.  In contrast, O'Sullivan's able to find twine during shootouts with a 3/4 record this season.  With this recent loss, the Oilers now fall to 12th in the Western Conference (Just 3 points ahead of the bottom ranked Anaheim who've played 2 fewer games).  Over the past 10 games, the Oilers have gone 2-7-1.  Somehow, the confluence of circumstances leading to Oilers fans getting hit particularly hard this month for PPV combined with losing hockey games probably doesn't sit well with the fanbase.

Game 20 - Edmonton Oilers vs. Atlanta Thrashers - Sunday November 15th, 2009 - Philips Arena

Time:  12:00 pm MT / PPV

The Edmonton Oilers (8-9-2) will meet the Atlanta Thrashers (9-6-1) today (Sunday) at the Philips arena.  The Oilers are coming off a recent loss to the Buffalo Sabres while the Real Housewives of Atlanta Thrashers have been on a three-game win streak.  The Oilers are currently hanging onto 11th place in the Western Conference by a thread. PPV?  Yes, you're going to have to buck up to watch this game!  Will Sheldon Souray lace up his skates for this game?