Spotlight on Nikolai Khabibulin: Backup Jeff Deslauriers started for the second time this season in the Oilers' 2-0 loss Sunday at Vancouver, but Khabibulin is expected to be back in the net against the Avalanche. The veteran Russian signed a four-year, $15 million deal as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
Avalanche: Defenseman John-Michael Liles (bruised shoulder) will accompany the team on its four-game road trip, and coach Joe Sacco said he's optimistic Liles will return to the ice before the trip is over. Liles took contact at Monday's practice, and there's a chance he might return tonight. . . . Backup goalie Peter Budaj remained in Denver, still suffering from flu symptoms. Sacco hopes Budaj can rejoin the team during the trip. . . . The Avs on Monday recalled rookie left wing Chris Durno from Lake Erie (AHL) and placed veteran Darcy Tucker (concussion) on injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 23. . . . Fourth-line center Matt Hendricks is unlikely to play tonight because of a groin injury. He's listed as day to day.
Oilers: After taking a lot of heat in past seasons for underachievement, especially in relation to his contract, winger Dustin Penner is making some progress in winning over Oilers fans. He has eight goals and 15 points in 11 games. The Oilers signed him to a $21.25 million, five-year offer sheet two years ago, when he was with Anaheim, and the Ducks didn't match it. ...
Avalanche: Defenseman John-Michael Liles (bruised shoulder) will accompany the team on its four-game road trip, and coach Joe Sacco said he's optimistic Liles will return to the ice before the trip is over. Liles took contact at Monday's practice, and there's a chance he might return tonight. . . . Backup goalie Peter Budaj remained in Denver, still suffering from flu symptoms. Sacco hopes Budaj can rejoin the team during the trip. . . . The Avs on Monday recalled rookie left wing Chris Durno from Lake Erie (AHL) and placed veteran Darcy Tucker (concussion) on injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 23. . . . Fourth-line center Matt Hendricks is unlikely to play tonight because of a groin injury. He's listed as day to day.
Oilers: After taking a lot of heat in past seasons for underachievement, especially in relation to his contract, winger Dustin Penner is making some progress in winning over Oilers fans. He has eight goals and 15 points in 11 games. The Oilers signed him to a $21.25 million, five-year offer sheet two years ago, when he was with Anaheim, and the Ducks didn't match it. ...
