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7-16-2, .640 p/g	Ranks	13-10-2, 1.12 p/g
Western Conf: 14th		Western Conf: 10th
29th	P/G	16th
25th	ST	26th
29th	ES	28th
29th	Goal	18th

Bridgestone Arena

The opposing view: On The Forecheck

Top Story:

• Well, that was fun. After a three game winning streak against average (or worse) NHL squads, the Oilers were promptly put in their respective place on Monday against the Blackhawks. Edmonton begins a three game road trip starting tonight in Nashville. The Oilers will look to use their three days rest to their advantage against a Nashville club who was in action in Columbus on Wednesday evening.

The Oilers are saying:

"He's a friendly soul"

That's Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins on goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov fitting in with the Oilers

This is a strange thing for a coach to say. Here we are, gentle reader. There are two more games in November, and this team has won seven out of a possible 25 up to this point. This team has trouble scoring goals most nights, isn't very good on defence, but hey, Luke Gazdic hasn't been on the ice for a goal against, right? Also, we've got some friendly goalies. Anybody got an over/under on how many games it takes for this friendly soul to become an enigma to anyone with a recording device?

The Opponent is saying:

"Our defensive game was really good, and that's where the offensive part of our game evolves from"

That's Predators coach Barry Trotz on Nashville's 4-0 victory over the Jackets in Columbus.

The Blue Jackets were able to manage just nineteen shots in last night's game, while the Predators cruised to a 4-0 victory away from home. If you read that quote from Trotz in a sarcastic tone, it could very well apply to the Oilers (especially the offensive part.).

Of note:

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

Who's playing goal for Nashville? Last night it was Marek Mazanec of course. You're forgiven if you don't recognize Mazanec as a household name, as he's played in just nine games in his NHL career. Mazanec has played in every Predators game since their November 12th loss to the Islanders. Pekka Rinne is still out recovering from hip surgery. The Predators could throw a wrench in the system and play goaltender Carter Hutton, although it'd be Hutton's first action in over two weeks.

WHY YOU HEFF TO BEAT THIS TO DEATH

Ilya Bryzgalov is scheduled to get his first start for the Oilers. Bryzgalov will be looking to play his way into the hearts of fans and journalists all over Edmonton after being awarded over twenty million dollars not to play anymore for the Flyers. There's a legitimate chance that he could usurp the number one position from Devan Dubnyk and play himself into a new deal if he goes on a tear. This would require the Oilers to win some hockey games, so I'm hesitant to place a wad of cash on this actually happening.

Denis Grebeshkov has been recalled from the Barons, so unless the team pulls a Klefbom and just stashes him in the press box, I'd say he's a fair bet to be in the lineup.

God, I hope Arcobello is finally back.

Projected Lines & Pairings:

The Edmonton Oilers

Taylor Hall - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Jordan Eberle

Nail Yakupov - Sam Gagner - Ales Hemsky

Ryan Smyth - Boyd Gordon - David Perron

Jesse Joensuu - Mark Arcobello - Ryan Jones

Andrew Ference - Jeff Petry

Nick Schultz -  Anton Belov

Denis Grebeshkov - Justin Schultz

Devan Dubnyk

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The Nashville Predators

Colin Wilson - Mike Fisher - Eric Nystrom

Gabriel Bourque - David Legwand - Viktor Stalberg

Nick Spaling - Matt Cullen - Craig Smith

Rich Clune - Paul Gaustad - Matt Hendricks

Shea Weber - Roman Josi

Seth Jones - Kevin Klein

Victor Bartley - Ryan Ellis

Marek Mazanec