Game 22 preview – Looking to stop the slide

Back at the friendly confines of Rexall Place the Oilers will look to get back on the winning track tonight against the Avalanche. With just two wins in their last 12 games the winning track is something they need to find very soon. On their most recent road trip the Oilers managed a 1-2-2 record and lost their last four games. Road warriors this team is not, their record on the road is now a pathetic 2-7-2.

As disappointing as a four game losing streak is, the Oilers played better in those five games that they did in the previous five. So glass half full – the team is progressing. The glass half empty – they’re still losing. I kicked ass at work today so I’m in a positive mood. So being all shiny and happy today I’m going to be a glass half full guy and choose to see that silver lining.

The silver lining really isn’t that hard to find either. With the recent return of Souray the Oilers once again have a much needed part of their lineup fully healed and ready to go. Souray has a cannon of a shot – this you know – but he also is one of the Oilers more physical and solid defensemen. In the two games he’s played since his return from a concussion he has had an impact both physically and on the score sheet.

More good news for Oiler fans is that both Gagner and Jacques were at practice today. Neither was skating on a regular line but at least they were there. Considering the injury woes that this team has had (110 man games lost to injury through 21 games) any good news on the injury front is worth shouting from the rooftops as far as I’m concerned.

Even more good news – I’m loving this positive thing – is that Gagner says he’s ready to go. So even though he didn’t practice on a line he could easily be back with the team as early as tonight. In his absence on Monday the top line of Penner, Horcoff, and Hemsky each played at least 23 minutes; Horcoff came up just seconds short of 27. Long term they can’t be expected to play those type of minutes and be productive offensively, Gagner back in the lineup will help take some pressure off them.

If you’re watching the game tonight you’ll get the rare treat to watch a “Battle of the Backups”. The Avs will send out Budaj and Deslauriers will guard the twine on the Oilers end. Deslauriers has seen limited action this season but has looked more than solid when called upon. Hopefully Oiler fans see more of the same tonight. If that happens then hopefully the losing streak will be halted at four and I can maintain this happy demeanour for another day or two.