Colorado Avalanche @ Edmonton Oilers Game Five Preview

Avs (2-2-0, second place) @ Oilers (2-2-0, second place)
7:30 p.m. MST | Sportsnet West

Top Story: Both teams are coming off of beatings by their elders. The Oilers were outplayed badly by the Flames and the Avalanche were whipped by the San Jose Sharks. Jordan Eberle and Gabriel Landeskog took big hits and both skated away without a problem The Avs still have yet to sign Ryan O'Reilly and it's affecting the entire lineup. Matt Duchene is a fine young player, but O'Reilly became a toughs killer last season. The Avs need him back and the Oilers need to take advantage of the hole in the lineup tonight.

The Oilers are saying:

"We haven’t proven anything yet. A bunch of first overall picks, if you look back in history, that doesn’t guarantee success. For every Pittsburgh and Chicago there’s a Columbus and Florida. It doesn’t guarantee anything."

--Shawn Horcoff on the future of the Oilers.

The Opponent is saying:

"I want him to play his game, and I want others to follow suit," Sacco said before Tuesday's home opener against the Los Angeles Kings."

--Avs Coach Joe Sacco, on Gabriel Landeskog and the rest of the Avs.

Key matchup: Assuming Shawn Horcoff matches up against Paul Stastny, Sam Gaginer against Matt Duchene is going to be the key to the Oilers night. If Gagner draws even, the Oilers should have an a big night. Assuming Ralph Krueger tries to match lines at all, that is.