Hot Links: Monday, February 8

Morning, folks!

A long weekend felt even longer with the longest sporting event on TV going yesterday and, of course, the Oilers blowing it on the national broadcast the night before. The good news is the Oilers are back in action tonight. Even better news? Tonight and tomorrow they’re up against the lowly Ottawa Senators — you don’t want to guarantee a win, but hey, Mark Messier did once and it worked out fine — which should provide them with a dose of get right and some good vibes heading into a much tougher test against Montreal later in the week.

Mike Smith is back — and honestly, it’s probably a good thing, to which I will forever despise Ken Holland for doing such a bad job at handling the goaltending this season that I actually might genuinely and unironically believe Mike Smith coming back is helpful at all, in any way — and might get the nod tonight. If not tonight, probably tomorrow. There are no softer balls than the Ottawa Senators right now. They should provide Edmonton with an opportunity to get him some reps in a low-risk setting, like they did last week with Stuart Skinner — who might be a long shot to ever play another NHL game at this point.

Whip it back around for our GAMEDAY coverage, you all are crushing the comments this season and I’m extremely here for it.*

* - But I’m almost never there for it, what with having to Tweet and such. I appreciate you all covering the blue line as I pinch down low, as it were.

Mike Smith Activated From Injured Reserve (Copper and Blue)

Game Recap: Calgary 6, Edmonton 4 (Copper and Blue)

GAME THREAD: Game 13/56 - Edmonton Oilers @ Calgary Flames (Copper and Blue)

Kings Claim Troy Grosenick From Oilers (Copper and Blue)

Oilers’ Re-Signing Nugent-Hopkins Needs To Be Top Priority (THW)

Monday Mailbag – Is This It From Kyle Turris? (ON)

Oilers Activate Goalie Mike Smith From LTIR, Loan Stuart Skinner To AHL (SN)

MATHESON: A Quick Look At Oilers Through First Month Of NHL Season (ES)

Oilers Need To Improve Defensively From Goaltending On Out (ES)

The Benefit Of Mike Smith’s Return (ON)

Oilers Understand There Are Things To Clean Up (TOR)

Need A Save There (ON)

A Disagreeable Evening In Calgary (LT)

Oil Spills: Oilers Should Be In Prove-It Mode (ES)

Edmonton Oilers Place Ethan Bear On Injured Reserve (ON)

LeBrun: Could all-Canadian division excitement lead to NHL schedule changes? (TA)

Lowetide: Bakersfield Condors are back, but true NHL prospects a roster rarity (TA)

Lowetide: Dylan Holloway caps strong NCAA season with Hobey Baker nomination (TA)