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Reeling Oilers look to end skid against Blue Jackets

Nov 18, 2008 - 1:15 PM Edmonton (8-8-2) at Columbus (8-7-3), 7:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- After starting the season with an unblemished record, the Edmonton Oilers have been in a downward spiral.

Looking to snap a three-game losing streak, the Oilers attempt to get back on track when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

Edmonton fell to 4-8-2 in its last 14 games - after starting the season 4-0-0 - with a 4-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. Prior to that contest, the Oilers suffered a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday and a 3-2 edging by the Colorado Avalanche two nights later.

The Oilers have scored just eight goals in their last five games and will be forced to wake up from their offensive slumber without right wing Fernando Pisani, who broke his ankle against Detroit and will miss at least one month.

Winners of four of their last six, the Blue Jackets look to rebound from a 3-2 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Prior to that contest, they cruised to a 6-1 thrashing of the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.

The Blue Jackets have scored just 20 goals in 10 losses and have 35 goals in their eight wins.

Rookie goaltender Chris Mason has started five of the last six games for Columbus, going 3-1-1 in that span. The 20-year-old was recalled from Syracuse of the American Hockey League on November 5 in the wake of Pascal Leclaire's injury.

Leclaire has since returned to action and made 36 saves in the victory over Buffalo.

Captain Rick Nash had a goal and an assist in the team's most recent loss and has recorded six points in the last five games.