Oilers knocking on the door

I have to get in a quick word about my Edmonton Oilers - this bunch of guys are truly the cardiac kids of the NHL. It really is great fun to watch such a young team come to life and mature before my eyes.

Last night's second goal by Andrew Cogliano was a nice one, and it was set up from a nifty pass by Sam Gagner. Get used to hearing the name Gagner, who right now if the youngest player in the NHL at a spry 18 years old. For those of you who don't follow the NHL, calling Gagner the Kobe Bryant or the LeBron James of the NHL is really not a stretch; he doesn't even turn 19 until after the season in August.

With the likes of Cogliano, Gagner, the über-talented Aleš Hemský and lots of great talent on defense, this team is loaded for bear. What I'm really happy about is that the Oilers are finally owned by someone with deep pockets, so the team will be able to keep a player of Gagner's talent without losing him to spend-happy teams like the Rangers and Flyers.

Right now, the Oilers are three points out of a playoff spot, so I'm not holding my breath, but they do have a real shot to make the postseason with games coming up against Minnesota tomorrow, Calgary and Colorado. By this time next week, their fate should be determined. I'll never forget seeing them in the Cup Finals in '06 - what a wild ride it was - I can't wait for it to happen again. With all of the young stars wearing Oiler silks, it's gonna happen sooner rather than later.

Go Oilers!

Oil Gusher: Cogliano hits rare air

Just a few sports notes, and then I'll get back to politics. I haven't had much reason to write about my Edmonton Oilers too much this season, but recent developments have certainly motivated me, that's for sure. The playoffs are a pipe dream for the Oilers this year, but next year, things are bound to be different.

The team is now owned by billionaire Daryl Katz, who has promised not only a new arena, but aggressive spending to get free agents.

But, best of all, there is plenty of young talent, led by #13, Andrew Cogliano (above left). Last night, the 20-year old center scored his third consecutive OT game winner, an NHL record. So much for the number 13 being unlucky. I still find it hard to believe - three games in a row, three overtime winners, all by Cogliano, a rookie sensation who will look good in Oiler silks for many years to come.

Here are the three winners, beginning with the first one vs. the Blue Jackets...

OT game winner #2 vs. the Blackhawks. This goal tied Cogliano with some pretty heady company with one of my favorite winners ever, #17, Jari Kurri, who scored two consecutive OT winners, but eight games apart in the 1980s.

And last night vs. the Blues, with just a few ticks left in OT...

Together with Sam Gagner, Robert Nilsson and Dustin Penner, along with a slew of talented, young defensemen and a surprise goalie in Mathieu Garon, Edmonton should compete for a playoff spot next season, and it can't get here soon enough.

As much as I love hockey, it really blows when the playoffs come and your team isn't in it.