They have lost six of their last seven games overall and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak after dropping a 3-2 decision to the San Jose Sharks earlier this week. The Oilers’ lackluster third period incited an emphatic post-game press conference from head coach Tom Renney, who called his team’s work ethic and determination into question and challenged the group to play better hockey even though the playoffs are out of reach. One player who seems to have received the message is Jordan Eberle, who at just 21 years of age is leading Edmonton in goal-scoring (30) and is the team leader in total points (65).

Columbus has split the season series with the Oilers so far with each club winning on home ice. The Blue Jackets got a dramatic last-second goal in the second period back on Jan. 17 to pull even at 2-2, and Derek MacKenzie notched the game-winning marker just 32 seconds into the third period thanks to a slick pass by Colton Gillies. The first meeting of the season featured a third-period rally by the host Oilers on Dec. 2 at Rexall Place; the Blue Jackets led 2-1 after 40 minutes of play but the final stanza was highlighted by a Ryan Jones hat trick that put the stamp on a 6-3 victory.

Tonight’s game figures to be an engaging contest featuring two frustrated hockey teams. The Blue Jackets have dropped back-to-back games (both to St. Louis) after their four-game winning streak, and the Oilers are looking to get back on track – especially on home ice, where they have lost six consecutive games.

Curtis Sanford is expected to start in goal for Columbus and face Devan Dubnyk of the Oilers.

G	Nash (24)	Eberle (30)
A	Prospal (33)	Eberle (35)
PTS	Nash (47)	Eberle (65)
PIM	Dorsett (192)	Eager (92)
+/-	MacKenzie (+4)	Sutton (+7)
W/L	Sanford (10-17-4)	Dubnyk (15-16-1)
GAA	Sanford (2.64)	Khabibulin (2.64)
SVP	Sanford (.911)	Khabibulin (.911)