Horcoff remains a critical piece to the Oilers lineup

He may only have one goal and one assist on the season but much of the Edmonton Oilers recent struggles seem to coincide with the absence of one Shawn Horcoff from their lineup. Before being knocked out of action by the Phoenix Coyotes Shane Doan, the Oilers were 4-2 on the year. Since than, Edmonton has gone 2-5-2-1 and have plummeted down the Western Conference standings.

Oil Notes: NHL hands Hall two game suspension, Jones set to return

While Taylor Hall has been the talk of the National Hockey League since nailing Minnesota Wild pest Cal Clutterbuck with a controversial open ice hit during the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 loss on Thursday night, many felt the young Oiler forward was headed for a suspension of some sort.

Hall sends message with open ice hit on Clutterbuck

No one wants to see a player get hurt but Minnesota Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck plays the game on the edge and his number came up on Thursday night at Rexall Place, courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers Taylor Hall.

Game 16: Minnesota 3 Edmonton 1

Another game played and another two points down the drain for the Edmonton Oilers. To make matters worse, Thursday night's 3-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild proved costly in another area, as Taylor Hall was assessed a five minute kneeing major for a hit on Cal Clutterbuck, late in the third period.

Hall - Gagner - Hemsky trio could be the look the Oilers need

With all due respect to Sam Gagner and his fast start to the 2013 campaign, Edmonton's two best forwards this season have been Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky. In a perfect world, having your two top performers spread out over a team's top two lines would be an ideal situation.

Game 15: Los Angeles 3 Edmonton 1

It was an odd night at Rexall Place for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. After peppering the Colorado Avalanche with fifty-six shots just three nights earlier, the Oilers reverted back to their old ways against the visiting Los Angeles Kings.

Oilers Hall has outclassed Bruins Seguin, in Taylor vs Tyler debate

The goals have yet to come for Taylor Hall this season but that has now been the case in each of three NHL campaigns. The difference between this year and his rookie and sophomore campaigns, is the Edmonton Oilers leading scorer is, more often than not, the best player on the ice...for either side.

Game 14: Edmonton 6 Colorado 4

Now that's more like it. While it may not have been how head coach Ralph Krueger drew it up on the whiteboard, the Edmonton Oilers 6-4 victory over the visiting Colorado Avalanche, is the type of hockey that fans across the league expect to see from this group of talented youngsters.