With the Edmonton Oilers still searching for a way to climb in the standings trade rumors continue to circulate. Since the hiring of the new GM Allan Wranger, Oiler fan favorites Ryan Smyth and Mike York were both dealt to the Phoenix Coyotes for newcomers Radek Bonk and Oleg Saprykin. Since joining the Oilers, both players continue to struggle to find their offensive legs with this fast, hard skating club. Further trades this week include the strugling Brad Isbister going off to Toronto for Forwards Mikael Renberg and Chad Kilger. Speculation is strong that Kilger (once a previous Oiler) was picked up as more roster movement is expected.
Many of the Oiler players feel a bit stunned by the sudden change in personnel, but don't expect the trading to stop in the near future. Ty Conklin has been on the trade block for more then a week, along with other high profile Oilers, including Alexi Semenov, Raffi Torres, Eric Brewer, Ales Hemsky and Ethan Moreau. Trade speculation continues with the always heated rival Calgary, the Nashville Predators, as possibly with the new GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Oilers most recent games have been back to back games against a powerful Colorado Avalanche team, in which the Oilers lost the first game in a heartbreaking 2-1 OT loss. The late tying goal by Colorado was scored with under a minute left in the game, while the Avalanche enjoyed a questionable powerplay advantage. Early through the OT period, Alex Tanguay scored the game winner to leave the Oilers with one point, while righteously deserving 2. In the second meeting, the Oilers found themselves up by two goals mid-way through the second period when disaster struck again. Two unanswered goals by Colorado, one in the second and one in the third, and the game again went to overtime. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they were unable to take advantage of the 2 shots on goals they had in the overtime period, as once again, David Aebischer stood his ground.
The Oilers next game is coming up against the Vancouver Canucks, a team 8 pts ahead in the standings, with a game still in hand. A disappointing loss by the Canucks in their last games almost guarantees the Vancouver players will have a chip on their shoulders while playing in GM Place.
