The opposing view: Anaheim Calling

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A victory?  On the road?

Just 41 ticks remained in regulation time before the Oilers would sulk back onto the plane headed home for the final homestand of the season.  A third period goal by Sam Gagner helped propel tie the game at 2 and send the game into overtime.  Sam Gagner scored the only shootout goal, and the Oilers emerged from Phoenix with two points. Portions of Oil Country are flipping out because the win puts Edmonton third last in the league, lowering Edmonton's chances at attaining the coveted first round pick.  Something about chickens and counting them before they hatch.

A single point from Friday's OT loss to the Oilers puts a slight damper on Phoenix's postseason chances.  A victory by Dallas over Tampa Bay yesterday all but demands Phoenix win each of their last four games to have a good shot at the postseason.

The Oilers are saying

That's Anaheim defenceman Francois Beauchemin talking about team defence after a loss to the Nashville Predators on Friday.

When you've got 50 wins out of 77 games, it's hard to find fault with most anything that's going on for your hockey club, but Francois Beauchemin goes out and calls out the Ducks' defence.  The Ducks are the only team to have a better than a .500 win percentage when trailing after the first period (.541), but they're tenth overall in goals allowed per game and tenth overall in shots allowed (just over 29).  Reason to panic?  The Ducks have played a fair bit of catch-up over the past week, and they finally ran out of gas against Nashville.

Still reason to panic?  It might not be all roses, but breathe a little easier, Francois.  Anaheim leads the league in goals scored per game at 3.21. I'd worry if that number starts to dry up.

• According to Jack Michaels, Andrew Ference (torn pectoral muscle) "might" have played with Anton Belov against Phoenix on Friday.  That never panned out, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear something like this again today.  Also, if you're waiting to see Nail Yakupov again this season, you're likely going to be waiting for a bit.
• I've got Ben Scrivens (8-10, .916%) in net again tonight for the Oilers.  Club might try to stick Fasth in there, but I've got Scrivens because I half-believe the team wants to see Scrivens in several uncomfortable situations to see if he'll lose his mind after being frustrated for a set period of time.
• Anaheim has five games remaining on their season, 108 points and two games in hand over Pacific Division rival San Jose, who has 107 points.  If Anaheim takes this evening's game over the Oilers, it'll put the Ducks in the division's front seat with four games to go.
• UNRELATED - Hey there, Winnipeg.  I hear you're not happy with Evander Kane.  Now listen up, I'll be willing to help you get him off of your hands.  I'll be happy to throw in some "character" or "grit" to get this started.  We've got that in spades.  If you'd like to unload Dustin Byfuglien while you're at it, I'm sure we can come to a deal.  But I'm serious about Kane.  Here's my number.  Call me.