Let us all be joyful no matter the circumstances. Let us all pray continually for God's deliverance. Let us give thanks for God's generosity in letting us being truly terrible instead of the worst kind of middling. Indeed, this sort of thankful spirit is exactly what God desires from us as we prepare to cast lots for the first pick overall. So let us not put out the Spirit's fire that burns within to cheer on our team. And let us remember the great and glorious prophecy concerning the Flames that was given in December. God is faithful!
And for Steve, test out all kinds of players and evaluate them carefully but make sure to hold on to what is good. And, most importantly, do not be deceived by good boxcar numbers.
May God, the God of peace and favour give you all confidence as you head into the summer. May every worthy part of this team be kept blameless while those parts that are evil show themselves so that they may be cut off. That way, the team will be prepared for the arrival of the Chosen Ones, Paajarvi, Eberle and Hall. God is faithful! It will be so!
And let us pray for one another. Let us think of a time when we may be together and greet one another acceptably with a holy kiss. Remember all of these words and may the grace of our God be with you all.
Anaheim Ducks (34-31-8) @ Edmonton Oilers (24-42-7)
Rexall Place, 7:00 P.M. MDT
Television: Sportsnet West
More analysis after the jump...
Visiting Team Scouting Report:
The Anaheim Ducks have been a disappointment. I picked them to win their division at the start of the season. I'm disappointed. Their fans haven't endured a season without playoffs since 2003-04. They're disappointed. And general manager Bob Murray brought in some reinforcements at the trade deadline. Since that time the Ducks have a record of 4-6-1 so you know he's disappointed. Yes, it's been a sad season for the Ducks and they're now just playing out the string but without the excitement of picking first overall. They're the worst kind of middling you can be for nine more games.
Expected Lineups
Edmonton Oilers (24-42-7):
Moreau - Horcoff - Pisani
Penner - Cogliano - Brule
Comrie - Pouliot - Stortini
Nilsson - Potulny - O'Sullivan
Gilbert - Whitney
Strudwick - Chorney
Johnson - Arsene
Deslauriers
Anaheim Ducks (34-31-8)
Ryan - Getzlaf - Perry
Blake - Koivu - Selanne
Beleskey - Marchant - Bodie
Brown - Chipchura - Sexton
Niedermayer - Wisniewski
Visnovsky - Ward
Eminger - Brookbank
Hiller
Behind the Numbers:
- As I mentioned above, the Ducks are 4-6-1 since the trade deadline. The Oilers record since the deadline is 5-5-1. You know things are bad when you're chasing a playoff spot and you have a worse record than the Oilers.
- Since joining the Ducks, Lubomir Visnovsky has 7 points in 10 games. That's more points than another former Oiler (farmhand) currently playing for the Ducks. Troy Bodie has 6 points in 35 games. If I could have picked ten guys from 2007-08 Falcons to play 40 career NHL games, Bodie would not have made my list. Good for him.
- With Sam Gagner out of the lineup because of a hip injury, Patrick O'Sullivan gets a chance to right some wrongs. With nine games to go O'Sullivan sits at -32. The worst season in Oiler history is currently Joffrey Lupul's -29. Shawn Horcoff is also in the conversation with a -28 so far this year. O'Sullivan needs to go +4 over his last nine games to make sure he avoids Oiler infamy.
- With the Maple Leafs' victory last night the Oilers' tragic number is down to eight.