Game 56 : Toronto 4 Edmonton 3 (OT)

Considering many felt last Monday's tilt between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs was one of the more entertaining games of the season. It should have come as no real surprise that hockey fans were treated to an even better display on Wednesday night. Tim Connolly was the unlikely overtime hero, as the Leafs edged the Oilers 4-3, in what was an absolute treat to watch. Edmonton battled back all night long and were frankly the better team. That being said, Toronto found a way to get the job done and left Rexall Place with two points that this club desperately needed.

Oilers Look To Avenge Last Weeks Loss In Toronto

With the Maple Leafs being absolutely pumped by the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, the Edmonton Oilers could be finding themselves up against one angry but tired opponent on Wednesday night at Rexall Place. Toronto is in a fight for their lives for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and last night's defeat left them in eighth spot and clinging to a one point lead over the Washington Capitals. Edmonton is coming off a three day lay off and a 4-3 overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon. While the Leafs are in desperate need of the two points, I would not expect the Oilers to just lay down and go quietly. This team felt they let an opportunity slip through their fingers last Monday in Toronto and they will also be looking to get a little pay back for last year. The Maple Leafs came into town last season and put the boot to Edmonton in more ways then one and the home side would like nothing more, then to return the favour on Wednesday evening.

Maybe Signing Ales Hemsky Isn't Such A Bad Idea

Back in late November, I wrote a piece titled "The Risk In Moving Ales Hemsky" which focused on the challenges the organization faced with what to do with the talented forward. They could have looked to move him then, when they desperately needed help elsewhere, consider re-signing him or wait until the deadline to make the move. While the scnerio surrounding the club is a little different then it was in the November, the time to finally make the decision is almost hand. With the NHL Trade Deadline now two weeks away,  I have to ask the question. Does re-signing Ales Hemsky make sense for the Edmonton Oilers?

Game 55: Edmonton 4 Ottawa 3 (OT)

It seemed rather fitting, that on the day the Ottawa Senators honoured # 4 Chris Phillips, it was the Oilers # 4, Taylor Hall, who would be the difference maker. The former first overall selection scored seventeen seconds into OT and propelled  the visitors to a 4-3 victory to kick off CBC's coverage of Hockey Day in Canada. Netminder Nikolai Khabibulin stole the show stopping thirty-nine shots and forward Magnus Paajarvi, scored his first goal of the season after being held off the score sheet the previous thirty-four games.