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Predators in need of a spark

Jan 3, 2008 - 1:48 PM Edmonton (17-20-4) at Nashville (18-18-2) 8:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) - After finishing last season tied for the second-most points in the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators find themselves in last place in the Central Division.

The Predators will try to find the winning formula again when they host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

After an offseason that saw the departures of stars Paul Kariya, Peter Forsberg and Tomas Vokoun, Nashville has a decidedly different look this season. The new personnel has had trouble generating much offense lately, tallying more than two goals just three times in the last 11 contests.

Chris Mason has gotten the bulk of the playing time in goal, but has struggled with a 3.09 goals-against average. Backup Dan Ellis has fared better in recent starts and earned a shutout victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday.

The Oilers finished last season at the bottom of the Northwest Division and reside there through 41 games this season as well.

Edmonton snapped a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday. It was just the second time in the last seven games that the Oilers had managed more than two goals.