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Oilers lost in the Wild – Metro US

Oilers lost in the Wild

Oilers 1, Wild 5

The Skinny: The Oilers and Minnesota came into this one tied in Western Conference standings, but it wasn’t nearly as close on the ice as the Wild broke open a 1-1 game with four consecutive goals in the first game of the season series between the teams.

The Quote: “I don’t think the score dictates how the game was played,” said Oilers assistant coach Kelly Buch­berger. “We put an honest effort in … We’re not happy with the outcome of the game, but the effort was there, no question.”

The Big Play: It was already 2-1 for the Wild in the third period when Pierre-Marc Bouchard took a Sheldon Souray giveaway, cut into the slot and pounded a slapshot low past Dwayne Roloson for a two-goal lead at 8:21.

Nik Owns Oil: Stopper Niklas Backstrom continued his dominance over the Oilers with 20 saves, improving to 10-0 against Edmonton in his career. He’s recorded eight of those wins on home ice.

Tough Crowd: The Oilers haven’t won at the Xcel Energy Centre in two years, since a 2-1 decision on Jan. 16, 2007. They’re 0-7-1 since then, being outscored 30-9, and have been shut out three times.

Hemsky Update:
Ales Hemsky missed his ninth straight game with a concussion. Hemsky is with the team but is still experiencing headaches and dizziness after skating. The latest word is he might be out until after the NHL all-star break.

Milestone: Oilers defenceman Steve Staios played his 800th NHL game.

The Next Game:
The Oilers visit Denver on Friday to face the Colorado Avalanche.