Game Thread: Oilers @ Canadiens

The Edmonton Oilers did all they could to overcome the Islanders in Long Island two nights ago. Unfortunately, they failed to beat the team that has pulled out miles ahead of them in the rebuild game as well.

Tonight, the Oilers continue their road trip in the daunting Bell Centre against a Habs team that sits fifth in the NHL in overall standings with a record of 35-15-3 (19-7-2 at home).

How to Tune In

The game starts at 5:30 PM MT on Sportsnet West.

What to Watch for From the Oilers

With two and a half weeks to go until the NHL Trade Deadline, GM cellphones will be undergoing multiple charges as conversations intensify and develop. This week saw a major blockbuster go down between the Jets and the Sabres, as well as an all-but-official announcement concerning a Maple Leafs rebuild that should see Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf leave Toronto.

All that said, the Oilers are likely to do some house cleaning in the next few weeks and all we can hope for are strong performances from pending UFA players like Jeff Petry, Victor Fasth, and Derek Roy.

Guys, now's your chance to play your way out of Edmonton and onto a contending team for the 2015 cup run.

What to Watch for From the Habs

More from our team sites

Montreal Canadiens

Follow

Eyes On The Prize predicts a feisty effort from the home team tonight:

Tonight, working with home-ice advantage, the Habs should be highly motivated to get their two points. By beating Philadelphia on Tuesday, combined with Tampa Bay's loss to theNashville Predators, the Canadiens are now a mere point back of the Lightning, with three games in hand to boot. A victory tonight would give the Habs a mantle they have long sought, but rarely claimed this year: first place in the Eastern Conference.

Final Thought

Step one towards a new Rat Hole now complete. MT @GlobalEdmonton: Rogers Place has achieved a significant milestone: http://t.co/EXVkdUgFzV

— Ryan Batty (@ryan_batty) February 12, 2015