ilers: @ :stars: PreviewLast 10: Edmonton 3-5-2; Dallas 5-4-1
Season series: Though the Oilers are ticketed for a last-place finish, they've won two of three from the Stars, both in shootouts -- 5-4 on Oct. 6 and 3-2 in their last visit to American Airlines Center on Dec. 5. The Stars won 4-3 on Jan. 22 at Edmonton in the only game that was decided in regulation.
Big story: The Oilers are playing for next season -- they're already assured of finishing last in the overall standings, meaning they will draft no lower than second. The Stars' playoff hopes are still flickering -- with 82 points, they're seven behind eighth-place Colorado with just five games to play. But Dallas isn't giving up, as it showed on Wednesday in a 5-1 thumping of conference-leading San Jose.
Who's hot?: Edmonton defenseman Tom Gilbert is coming off a two-goal night in Detroit. Andrew Cogliano has 10 points in 10 games, including a pair of assists against the Wings. … Ott, who scored at even strength, on the power play and shorthanded, has matched his career high with 19 goals. He also had 19 last season. Loui Eriksson, who leads Dallas with 29 goals after scoring the winner against the Sharks, has 10 points in his last nine games.
Injury report: The Oilers have seven players gone for the season, but could get forward Ryan Jones (right knee) back for this game. Sam Gagner is also day-to-day with a hip injury. … Dallas’ Mike Modano hopes to return after undergoing an appendectomy on March 16.
Stat pack: The Stars were among the NHL's best shootout teams -- until this season. Dallas leads the League with 10 shootout losses, and Marty Turco is 0-5 in shootouts at home. … Edmonton goaltender Jeff Deslauriers has lost 13 of his last 14 starts away from Rexall Place.
