GAME TONIGHT

Finally a Game...


After four days off the Oilers are in California for a game against the San Jose Sharks tonight. It will be interesting to see whether the 6-3 win against Columbus will have any momentum for us going into tonights game.


Rookie Match-ups...


The Sharks have a great rookie playing well in Logan Couture. He is 6th in team scoring with 24 points in 33 games played. 17 of those points are goals! Couture is also tied for 1st in league rookie scoring with Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes. This Couture kid is money.


Jordan Eberle is 3rd in league rookie scoring with 22 points in 31 games, but only has 9 goals. While Taylor Hall is in a 3-way tie for 4th (currently in 4th) with 19 points 31 games played.


The Goalies...


I haven't heard yet, but I assume that Nikolai Khabibulin will be in net for the Oil. The Bulin Wall's stats are .898 SV% with a 3.46 GAA. I did just learn that Nittymaki will start for the Sharks tonight and his stats are .907 SV% with a 2.38 GAA. While Nittymaki's numbers are better, Khabibulin has played very well in the last few games! I expect nothing less from him tonight if he's the starter.


My Thoughts...


We have lost twice now to the Sharks this season. I don't think we are capable of competing on the same level as the Sharks, as they are one of the biggest teams at forward in the league. We are one of the smallest, but if a guy like Penner steps up to actually forecheck and hit well tonight, that will really help!


If the Sharks want to open the game up and trade chances, then I think we can match their skill, but if they want to play a tight checking game...the Oilers will be in tough.


I will predict a 4-3 O.T. loss for the Oil. I hope I'm wrong.


GO Oilers GO!!