Saturday night in Vancouver featured a northwest divisional battle that provided a physical nature more expected in a playoff match up, but considering the tenuous state of both the Oilers and Canucks when it comes to securing a playoff spot perhaps its what should have been expected.
In a fight filled affair at GM Place, the Vancouver Canucks made the best of their two goal lead defeating the Oilers 4-2 and jumping back into secure playoff territory with the win.
39 penalties were called during the chippy and at times down right nasty game, making for a total of 193 minutes in penalties, including seven misconducts and 15 fighting majors as the division rivals expressed their mutual dislike for each other in quite brazen ways.
The Oilers complained about cheap shots and uncalled Canuck penalties, in the end it was penalties to the Oilers that proved to be their undoing, Sam Salo scored the winning Canuck goal on a power play opportunity.
While they lost the two points, the Oilers have taken the philosphical approach to the night's activities, using it as a team building exercise, which they hope will make the team a little closer heading into the playoff stretch.
They'll need all the positive thinking that they can find, Edmonton must now climb over four teams to scratch out a playoff spot in the West.
Canada.com--Feisty Affair
Globe and Mail--Canucks beat Oilers in fight-filled game
Vancouver Province--Canucks win a rough battle over Oilers
Vancouver Sun--Canucks best Oilers 4-2
Canadian Press--Canucks beat Oilers 4-2 in rough, fight-filled game
Photo-- from Canadian Press website
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