Nikolai Khabibulin Arrested in Arizona

Edmonton Oiler, Nikolai Khabibulin, was charged with driving under the influence after being pulled over for speeding.  Though he was arrested on February 8th, the news of this charge didn't surface until it was reported by an Arizona blog:  Khabibulin Arrested.  For the Edmonton Oilers organization, it's another PR nightmare following the incident at the Osteria de Medici restaurant on New Years Eve.

Khabibulin, 37,  had season ending back surgery on a herniated disc on January 14, hadn't played for the Oilers since November 16th, 2009.  This past summer, Oilers GM, Steve Tambellini signed Khabibulin to a 4-year contract worth $15 million dollars.

According to reports, Khabibulin consented to both a Field Sobriety Test along with a blood test to determine his blood alcohol levels.  He failed the Field Sobriety Test and was cited with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more along with speeding charges.

Game 1 Recap:  Team Canada defeats Team Norway 8-0 at the 2010 Olympics - Mens Olympic Hockey

Team Canada's men's Olympic Hockey team defeated Team Norway by a score of 8-0 in a dominating performance tonight at Canada Hockey Place in Vancouver.  Jarome Iginla lead Team Canada with a hat trick on the night.  After a surprising scoreless end to the first period, Team Canada opened the flood gates with a power play goal from Jarome Iginla in the second period and the team itself never looked back.

It never ceases to amaze me about the unifying ability of the red maple leaf on a hockey jersey.  Issues such as Heatley not wanting to waive a no-trade clause, Jarome Iginla giving Sheldon Souray a concussion, or even Roberto Luongo just being Luongo are all forgotten when these players step on the ice for Team Canada.

After an uneventful first period, Steve Yzerman and his coaching staff made changes to Team Canada's lines which helped to create some chemistry.  In particular, moving Jarome Iginla up to Crosby's right wing helped get things moving.

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Follow the jump for the game recap.

From Team Canada's practice today, it looks like the lines have been set for tomorrow's game against Norway.  Roberto Luongo will be starting in net for Team Canada since Steve Yzerman reportedly felt that he would benefit from the familiarity of having played at GM Place Canada Hockey Place.

Two power play units were used in Canada's only recent practice before tomorrow's game (see below).  I'm pretty excited to watch the opening game tomorrow at 4:30 pm pacific time.  Go Canada!!!

Team Canada Olympic Hockey Team - Projected Lines

Game 61 Preview:  Anaheim 'Mighty' Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers - February 14, 2010 - 5 PM - PPV - Rexall Place

The Edmonton Oilers (19-35-6) host the Anaheim Mighty Ducks (29-25-7) tonight at Rexall Place.  The Oilers are just 5 points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs who've lost two consecutive games.  The Anaheim Ducks are currently in 11th place in the Western Conference as they're four points out of a playoff spot.  These two teams played recently in Anaheim where the Oilers lost by a score of 3-2.

The big question heading into this game is whether or not Ryan Getzlaf will play tonight.  If Getzlaf does not lace up for tonight's game, he won't be playing for Team Canada at the Olympics.  Instead, Jeff Carter will be his replacement.  Ryan Getzlaf had a recent ankle injury which could prevent him from joining Team Canada at these Olympic games.  He needs to be medically cleared to play tonight.

The Olympic roster freeze is in full effect until February 28th which doesn't leave much time for the Oilers to make any trades prior to the March 3rd NHL trade deadline.  It's looking less likely that the Oilers will be able to shed some veteran contracts or make any much needed roster changes this season.

2010 Olympic Hockey Preview:  Team USA roster evaluation and comparison to Team Canada

Team USA's Olympic Hockey Team assembled by Brian Burke is expected to be in contention for a medal at these Olympics games.  If you had to pinpoint their strength, at this point goaltender, Ryan Miller, stands out with his .930 NHL save percentage this season along with a 2.19 goals-against average in 51 games played.

Team USA men's hockey team will play their first hockey game at these Olympics on February 16th, vs. Team Switzerland.

In terms of roster changes, both Mike Komisarek and Paul Martin on defense have been replaced due to injuries with Tim Gleason and Ryan Whitney.

Finally, let's find out how Team USA compares to Team Canada in terms of goals vs. threshold and where Team USA might have a weakness after the jump.