Pre-Game: Capitals vs Oilers

Edmonton comes into tonight's match-up with 20 wins, while Washington has 18 wins...at home. Still, that does not take away the importance of the game. The Caps are on the verge of losing a season-high three straight, while the Panthers are quietly creeping back into contention, having gone 4-0-1 in their last five.

Edmonton has not been too fond of playing in the Nation's capital of recent years. The Oilers have won just once--in 1997-- since 1990, losing the other 11 games.

Goals have become a rarity at Verizon Center with just three in as many games. Edmonton gives up the 13th most in the league on the road, including six in their loss at Calgary. Dwayne Roloson should start between the pipes and is 3-0-1 this year against the Eastern Conference. Roloson also boasts two shutouts in seven games against the Caps.

While Sergei Fedorov and John Erskine are both returning to action tonight, the Oilers are going to be without their top scorer, Ales Hemsky. Hemsky was injured on a what seemed like a regular check December 28th against Nashville, and has missed the Oilers' last five games. Edmonton will also be without Zack Stortini who broke his leg, Joe Theisman style, in a fight with Brad Staubitz on January 9th.

The Oilers have the fifth worst record (for teams above .500) when surrendering the first goal, while the Caps rank fourth in 1st period goals for... Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

NHL Image of the Night- December 19th

Ales Hemsky of the Edmonton Oilers collides with the Anaheim Ducks' goalie, Jonas Hiller. Hiller made 51 saves and the Ducks won in the shootout, 3-2 (1-0). Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

NHL Image of the Night- December 17th

Retired Vancouver Canuck captain and former Capital, Trevor Linden has his number raised to the rafters at General Motors Place on Wednesday night before the Canucks' game against the Edmonton Oilers. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

NHL Image of the Night- December 13th

Zack Stortini of the Edmonton Oilers checks Jannik Hansen off the puck during the second period. Edmonton went on to defeat the Canucks. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

NHL Image of the Night- November 30th

Dallas Stars' center Mike Modano celebrates his game-winning goal with 2:21 left in the third period against Edmonton. Modano finished with one goal and one assist on the night and now has 1300 points in his career. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

Fight(s) of the Week

This segment looks at the best NHL hockey fights of the week that was. I will try to limit the segment to one or two fights. If there is a fight that you think I missed, feel free to email me the link of the fight.