Oilers at Canucks
THE STORY: The holiday break couldn't have arrived fast enough for the slumping Edmonton Oilers. They'll look to rediscover their early season form Monday as they retun to action against the host Vancouver Canucks. Edmonton once had the best record in the Western Conference but has gone into a tailspin since, entering the break with just six wins in its previous 20 games. The Oilers' post-holiday schedule won't do them any favors, either: Monday kicks off a seven-game road trip necessitated by the arrival of the World Junior Hockey Championship to Alberta. The Oilers looked good in their final post-break game, getting a pair of goals from standout sophomore Jordan Eberle in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Wild. Vancouver went into the break just one point behind the Wild for top spot in the Northwest Division, having won seven of its last 10 games. Monday marks the finale of a four-game homestand for the Canucks, who play three games in four nights in California to finish off 2011.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Rogers Sportsnet West, Rogers Sportsnet Pacific
ABOUT THE OILERS (15-16-3): The young trio of Eberle, Taylor Hall and rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have impressed fans and opposing teams all season long - but the club's marathon road trip will put all three players to the test. The three are a combined minus-21 away from Edmonton so far this season. Nugent-Hopkins has just nine points in 16 road games, while Hall has just three goals in 14 contests - two coming in one game earlier this month.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (21-12-2): Vancouver opted to keep D Keith Ballard out of the lineup for Friday night's loss to the Calgary Flames. Back spasms have kept him on the sideline, and while he was able to take the pregame warmup, the club decided it would be best to sit him out another game. Fellow blue-liner Alexander Edler is also dealing with back soreness, but had treatment Thursday and was able to play against the Flames.
OVERTIME:
1. This is the third meeting between the teams this season, but the first in Vancouver. The clubs split the first two encounters.
2. Canucks F Alex Burrows saw his season-high four-game goal-scoring streak halted against Calgary. Burrows shares the team goal lead with 13.
3. Nugent-Hopkins has had Vancouver's number so far, registering three goals and an assist in two meetings.