Game 23: Stars vs. Oilers

This has been one of those series that the Oilers fans love to hate. They probably have an angst against Dallas that just goes on and on and on... and it could stay like that for a while. I hope it does... it makes the game just a bit more fun when it is a rivalry.

Dallas is 7-11-4 (7-15, adjusted) while Edmonton is 10-10-2 (10-12, adjusted). Dallas is dead last in the Western Conference and it would appear that pending a miracle, the Stars are out of this thing. Happy Thanksgiving, right? And if you consider the point system (which is dumb), Dallas is the worst team in the NHL right now. If you want to go by Johnny's Adjusted System, Tampa Bay is worse than the Stars... and statistically, they are worse than the Stars. After all, Tampa Bay has fewer wins and more loses... wouldn't that make them worse? You would think that, but the NHL still is holding on to some stupid things that allow worse teams have higher standing... of course, we are only disputing last and second to last in the NHL... so who really cares, right?

Stars to Watch:

• Mike Ribeiro: 19 points; 17 assists (-4)
• Brad Richards: 19 points; 13 assists (-1)
• Mike Modano: 15 points (-1)
• Loui Eriksson: 18 points; 11 goals (6)
• Marty Turco: 6-10-4 with a 3.64 GAA and a .866 SV%

Turco's numbers keep getting worse every time I post a Stars forecast. How much longer will he be goalie before someone else gets a chance?

Oilers to Watch:

• Ales Hemsky: 23 points; 17 assists (0)
• Sheldon Souray: 16 points (4)
• Shawn Horcoff: 15 points (3)
• Tom Gilbert: 12 points; 10 assists (0)
• Dwayne Roloson: 4-4-2 with a 2.82 GAA and a .916 SV%

Well, the Oilers have the better team statistically, the better record, and the angst against the Stars... what more do you need? Forecast: Again, no rocket science here. The Oilers are going to take this one, hands down... or up, if you so choose... look for a score of 4-2.

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