Maple Leafs at Oilers
THE STORY: A win over the Edmonton Oilers just over a week ago sent notice that the Toronto Maple Leafs were set to climb up the Eastern Conference ranks. Four losses later, the Leafs are clinging to their post-season hopes as they prepare for a rematch in Edmonton. The lacklustre Leafs have been outscored 16-5 during a four-game losing skid. The Oilers are coming off an impressive 4-3 overtime win in Ottawa over the weekend. Wednesday's game marks the opener of a three-game homestand.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Leafs TV, Rogers Sportsnet West
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (28-23-6): Toronto has been clamoring for a top-6 forward for some time now, but no one player on the planet could have saved the Leafs from Tuesday's 5-1 thumping at the hands of the Calgary Flames. Back-to-back five-goal performances from the opposition has fans questioning the strength of the Toronto goaltending, which has been under scrutiny for most of the season. The Leafs have surrendered the fourth-most goals in the East.
ABOUT THE OILERS (22-28-5): Steve Tambellini is expected to make some noise at the trade deadline later this month, but veteran forward and fan favorite Ryan Smyth won't be changing addresses. Tambellini has told teams inquiring about Smyth that the Alberta native isn't available. Smyth himself said his decision to sign in Edmonton over the summer was made with family in mind, and that he doesn't want to play anywhere else at this point in his career.
OVERTIME:
1. Toronto has won three of the last four meetings between the clubs.
2. Smyth has 13 goals in 32 career games against the Maple Leafs.
3. Toronto's power play has just one goal in 14 opportunities during the four-game skid.