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Blackhawks host Oilers in Western Conference matchup

Mar 9, 2008 - 12:50 PM Edmonton (32-31-5) at Chicago (33-29-6) 3:00 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - A pair of teams with slim playoff hopes meet Sunday when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Edmonton Oilers.

Chicago had its three-game winning streak snapped on Friday in a 3-2 setback against the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks were just 23-25-5 on February 6, but have become relevant again with a 10-4-1 stretch in their last 15 games.

Patrick Sharp has nine goals during that stretch, and Chicago (72 points) is averaging 3.4 goals per contest. The scoring burst has them within six points of the Vancouver Canucks (34-24-10, 78 points) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

The Oilers (69 points) have been even more impressive of late, winning five of their past six games, including a pair of shootout wins and an overtime victory. They sit three points behind the Blackhawks in the West.

Edmonton won at Columbus, 2-1, in overtime on Friday as Andrew Cogliano tallied with 3:07 remaining in the extra session. Martin Garon made 30 saves in the contest and has been in net for each of Edmonton's last five victories.

The Oilers hold a 2-1-0 advantage in the season series, including a 4-1 victory back on February 6.