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Oilers go for first win of long road trip vs. Blue Jackets

Feb 22, 2007 - 3:49 PM Edmonton (28-26-6) at Columbus (23-31-6) 7:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- A lack of success on a seven-game road trip may be the primary factor that determines the Edmonton Oilers' postseason fate.

The Oilers attempt to snap a four-game losing streak when they play the fifth contest of their longest trip of the campaign in Thursday's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Edmonton is tied with the Colorado Avalanche for ninth place in the Western Conference, eight points behind the Calgary Flames for the final playoff berth.

Edmonton's road mark slipped to 10-15-4 with Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators. Petr Sykora scored twice and Tom Gilbert netted his first career goal with 20 seconds left in regulation for the Oilers.

The Blue Jackets made some initial progress after Ken Hitchcock replaced Gerrard Gallant as coach before slipping into some old habits. They have dropped seven of their last nine games and are two points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings to avoid last place in the West.

Coming off a six-game homestand, Columbus suffered a 5-4 shootout loss to the St. Louis Blues. Rick Nash tied the score with just 14 seconds remaining in regulation and David Vyborny added his 14th tally.

Edmonton has won two of the three previous encounters against the Blue Jackets and are 6-1-4 all-time here.