The Edmonton Oilers open up a 2 game road trip as they get set to play against the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul.
10 games without a win has completely deflated the spirits of the young Oilers; and with 6 games remaining a victory would be more than a morale booster.
"It is what it is and we have to accept that fact and take responsibility for the next contest, which is tonight, and go after the win," said Head Coach Tom Renney.
"Personally, I kind of like it. We've got to have something to shoot for and it's a pretty good motivator tonight so let's not make it 16 and go for the W here."
Hopefully some offensive magic will happen tonight. Perhaps, rookie and Minnesota native Chris VandeVelde and defensive stalwart, Lady Smid can each shake the onion bag. Nevertheless, just one goal more is all they need and it doesn't matter whose stick it comes off of.
"We're going to have to do a lot by committee anyway but certainly we won't have any chance if we don't go to the net."
Gilbert Brule will be back in the line-up and there is no doubt that the vet will be more than eager to run through his opponents.
"I'm happy to be back," said Brule. "I've just got to play my game tonight, bring energy, block shots, hit, take the puck hard to the net."
The Wild come into the match up with a 2-7-1 record and are officially out of play-off contention. The club has only been able to post 3 wins for this month which has devastated their post season hopes.
"Nobody's happy where we're at, with everything that went on over the last two weeks," said Wild coach Todd Richards. "I think we'll always have that. We'll always be thinking about these two weeks and really trying to connect the dots and what happened, because we're a better team than how we've been playing."
Tom Renney has yet to announce his line-up, though Dubnyk could be the starter.
Oilers vs Wild 5pm Pacific www.atdhe.me
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