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With sixteen games remaining in the regular season, The Pacific Division is crowded. Anaheim is two points ahead of the Oilers at 80, while the Flames are sitting next to the Oilers with 78 points. Things don’t get any easier for the Oilers tonight as the 2016 Stanley Cup Champions visit Rogers Place. Former Oiler Justin Schultz makes his return to Edmonton leading the Penguin defencemen in scoring. After dropping a 4-1 decision to the Islanders, can the Oilers put sixty good minutes together to trip up the Penguins?
How To Tune In
Time: 7 PM MDT
TV: Sportsnet West
Radio: 630 CHED
What To Watch For From The Oilers
Benoit Pouliot finds himself back in the lineup for the first time since mid-February when he suffered an injury during practice. There’s no beating around the bush, Pouliot’s season has been nothing to look at. With just ten points (5-5-10), Pouliot could use a point or two. Will he mesh well with David Desharnais? He’ll replace Drake Caggiula on the third line.
What To Watch For From The Penguins
From Pensburgh
When Schultz signed with the Oilers as a college free agent expectations were set high. After failing to live up to them he was sent to the Penguins where he discovered the talent that could not be summoned in Edmonton
Justin Schultz was traded last February for a third round pick. He now leads Penguin defenceman in scoring with 45 points, good for fourth on the club. Schultz’s career has recovered well since being traded to Pittsburgh. Schultz’s 45 points has helped contribute to Pittsburgh’s average of 3.51 goals per game, good for first in the league.
Final Thought
Schultz aside, the Oilers face a tall task with Pittsburgh in town. The Oilers can keep pace with the Ducks with a victory. A loss could very well allow red-hot Calgary to climb the standings.