It feels repetitive to open each blog discussing how close the Pacific Division and Western Conference is as a whole but it remains the most important story line for the Oilers as they continue to fight for a trip to the playoffs.
Seeing three Canadian teams fighting for dominance of the division was not something anyone would have predicted before the season began, but the Coyotes being in the mix might be a bigger story. Originally the team was relying on strong defensive play and two great goaltenders but Chayka wasn't happy just standing pat and a month ago added an elite winger in Taylor Hall.
Injuries to Kuemper and Raanta have hurt this team in the short term, as they have gone 5-4-1 through their last 10 games, allowing 17 goals through the last 5 games. Adin Hill has provided solid if only average goaltending for the Coyotes. Here are his last 6 games:
Edmonton has had three days off and been able to have some solid practice time during this period. Having a stretch of practice days in the middle of the season isn't a small thing. Tippett can use this time to help clean up the issues that have crept into some players games. Young guys like Yamamoto, Jones, and Bear aren't used to logging this many games a week and having a stretch to take stock of a few things is a huge boon.
Early afternoon games haven't always been the Oilers forte but on the plus side this is a home game. The players were able to wake up in their own beds and head to the rink while the Coyotes flew in last night and were greeted by the lovely -35 conditions. Who says everything is bad about this weather?
After today there are no NHL games for over a week because of the All Star Game. Aside from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl most other Oilers will be booking flights to somewhere warm. The players need to keep their minds on today's game and exert all their effort tonight, knowing they will have plenty of time to relax after.
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3 KEYS TO VICTORY
1.) Hall In The Pacific (Just Not Where You Want Him) - Taylor Hall is back in the Pacific Division and including today the Oilers will face off against him two more times. Despite the fact that many ex-Oilers have done well against their former team, Hall hasn't been one of them. Through 7 games Hall has a goal and two assists against the Oilers. Edmonton needs to continue that trend and prevent the elite winger from finding the back of the net.
2.) Keep Scoring Archibald - Rumours are abound that the Oilers are getting close to a deal with Zack Kassian. The 28 year old winger has been having a career year on McDavid's wing and is set to be a UFA after this season. Anything exceeding 3 million a season should be seen as an overpay for the Oilers. The reason? Josh Archibald has 2 goals in his last 3 games as a result on playing on McDavid's wing due to Kassian's suspension. Maybe if Archibald pops a few more goals tonight, Holland will realize that maybe almost anyone can play with McDavid and you shouldn't break the bank signing one.
3.) Keep Riding The Hot Hand - It looks like Mike Smith will once again get the start as he has been the Oilers best netminder for the past couple of weeks. The Coyotes are 9th in the league in total shots, with Keller, Garland, and Kessel leading the way in that category. Edmonton needs to keep all of the Coyotes players to the perimeter and give their goalie a win against his former team.
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FILM OF THE DAY
After today the Oilers can escape from the bitter cold for a week. Maybe they can relax, take stock of a few things, or finish that vampire musical they have always dreamed about. Watch this scene from Forgetting Sarah Marshall and dream of warm beaches.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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