Blood has yet to be drawn in Friday night's match up of the NHL's Northwest Division leaders. The first period was clean and evenly played, with a plus-2 shots on goal margin for the Avs and only two total penalty minutes (assessed to Oilers defensemen Ladislav Smid). The low scoring affair would seem to benefit Edmonton, who at 17 total goals on the season, is one of the worst offensive teams in the NHL.
Both teams have notable streaks intact coming into this game. For the Oilers, it's a three game winning streak, which has included wins over the New York Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks and, on Thursday night, a victory over the Washington Capitals. The Avs' streak is on the dispiriting side, as the team has yet to win a single game at home this season. Friday night would be as good as any night to break that slide though, especially considering that it would award Colorado sole possession of first place.