Hot Links: Tuesday, February 4

Morning, folks!

It’s GAMEDAY, with the Oilers on the road in Arizona to take on the Coyotes in another pivotal divisional matchup. The Oilers hold the edge in the standings, sitting 3 points clear with 2 games in hand, and will look to extend their lead tonight with another big win. Arizona will be without Darcy Kuemper for this one, too, as he’s not slated to return until Thursday at the earliest.

Sunil shared a couple thoughts on the Oilers recent success, and what it means for the Oilers’ short and long-term goals.

More on Kailer Yamamoto, who looks to have played his last game as a Bakersfield Condor.

On the flip side, with Tyler Benson and William Lagesson (as well as Caleb Jones and, of course, Ethan Bear) spending more time with the big club this season, the Bakersfield Condors have struggled to hit the same heights they did last year.

Lowetide remarks on the differences between this year’s Oilers and last year’s group.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, is a Battle of Alberta series really a matchup either team wants?

Stories abound yesterday from the medicine stealing capital of Alberta, with Eric Francis and company crushing Milan Lucic for his inaction on Saturday night. Any Oilers fan could have told him that Lucic wouldn’t have done anything after watching him permit opponents to assault McDavid for three years.

A few more bits and bobs to get through on this game day morning, but wheel it back around later for our game preview and game thread as the Oilers look to keep it rolling in the desert. See you then.

From Us

The Farm & Unincorporated Oil Country - February 4 (Copper and Blue)

Good times (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Monday, February 2 (Copper and Blue)

From Elsewhere

LAING: Edmonton Oilers Kailer Yamamoto Is Here To Stay (Oilersnation)

Flames’ Cam Talbot Amused Fight Puts Him On Cusp Of Hockey History (Sportsnet)

Edmonton Oilers Don’t Expect Emotional Letdown In Arizona (Sun)

The SuperFan Podcast – Episode 12 – Rex Codex Libris (@CodexRex) (Super Fan)

Injuries And Call-Ups Are Making Life Difficult For Bakersfield Condors (Sun)

Yamamoto’s Tenacity Against Calgary A Great Sign For Edmonton Oilers (Sun)

Should The Oilers And Flames Want To Face Each Other In The Playoffs? (Sportsnet)

Flames’ Lucic Fails To Answer The Call In Latest Battle Of Alberta (Sportsnet)

Battle Of Alberta Creating Strong Bonds For Oilers, Flames (Sportsnet)

Draisaitl Named 1st Star Of The Week (Oilersnation)

For Money

Lowetide: If Fast Is The New Big, The Oilers Are Trending In A Very Good Direction (Athletic)

The NHL Agent Poll: Agents have their say on GMs, Gary Bettman, teams on no-trade lists and more (Athletic)