GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers @ Nashville Predators

Edmonton Oilers () ()

Nashville Predators () ()

6PM MST

Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN

TV: Sportsnet West

Radio: 630 CHED

SB Nation Opponent: On the Forecheck

After a relatively uneventful and, ultimately, disappointing trade deadline day for the Oilers, they bring their captain-less selves into Nashville for a battle against a Predators team struggling to hit the heights they did last season.

Three Things

The Oilers have to endure one more game without their peerless leader. Smashville hasn’t been especially welcoming to most teams most times of late, but the Oilers and their newly-minted goaltender Mikko Koskinen found some joy earlier this season to the tune of a 4-0 shut-out. Hopefully tonight will go something like that did.

Still technically alive, the Oilers elected to keep their pending UFAs. Let’s see if this decision helps them win 20 straight to get into the playoffs. (HockeyViz)

Sam Gagner continues to reacuaint himself nicely with his former club. Will his run of good form continue in the Country Music Capital of the Country Music Capital?

Leon Draisaitl has been doing god’s work in McDavid’s absence. Will he continue to prove haters like me wrong and play well without The Captain?

OK, so four things.

Mikko Koskinen gets the start against Pekka Rinne.

OK, so five things.

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of the Oilers’ performance at the deadline today in the comments. Keep your stick on the head up out there.