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Oilers to visit Senators for first time since 2007

Mar 5, 2009 - 11:15 AM Edmonton (31-26-6) at Ottawa (23-29-10), 7:30 pm EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) -- Following a busy day at the trade deadline, the Edmonton Oilers will visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday for the first time in over two years.

The Oilers, who are in the thick of a tight Western Conference playoff race, were buyers before Wednesday's deadline. Edmonton acquired Patrick O'Sullivan in a three-way swap and snared Ales Kotalik from the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round pick.

"Both are outstanding players," Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said. "With Patrick, he's becoming a prominent player in the NHL. He had a great year last year."

"With Ales, he's a proven performer. His areas of strength are obvious - a heavy shot, intelligence and skill. They're both strong players. There was so much discussion over the last week. We knew what we were looking for."

Edmonton has not come to Scotiabank Place since suffering a 4-3 shootout loss to the Senators on February 20, 2007.

Sam Gagner, who has not visited Ottawa as an NHL player, recorded a goal and two assists during Tuesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators.

Ottawa is hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. The Senators were handed a 6-3 setback by the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.