Edmonton Oilers reveal lines and starting goalie for game against Canucks

Oilers forward Victor Arvidsson did sustain a minor injury in the last game, but seems available to play in today's game.

According to Tony Brar from Oilers practice, Arvidsson is expected to play, while Derek Ryan, Kasperi Kapanen, and Josh Brown will remain out of the lineup.

UPDATED: After practice, Oilers Coach Knoblauch instead hinted that the team would go with 11 forward and 7 defence tonight, meaning one more forward will be scratched, and Josh Brown will play.

It's surprising to see Arvidsson back in after confirmation of taking an injury, but if he can't play, Kasperi Kapanen could easily enter the lineup in his place.

Knoblauch seems to want to stick with the winning lineup from an incredible effort last time out against the Colorado Avalanche.

It's also curious to see Jeff Skinner get two straight games in the lineup after his healthy scratches ramped up earlier this week. Skinner only played 8:56 last game, and recorded no shots on goal.

The Oilers' other Skinner, Stuart, will be getting the starting goal after a classic performance against the Avalanche. Skinner surrendered three goals quickly, but then held the fort for the entire game to allow the Oilers an impressive comeback win.

Earlier this week, an anonymous NHL goalie claimed that Skinner's biggest talent is his X-factor ability to bounce back from a tough goal. Last night's game was a perfect example.

After the Oilers have played a stretch games with a heavy travel schedule, no fan would've faulted the team for a loss out in Colorado. The Oilers team proved instead that they're never out of a game, and that they always have the talent to win.

Hopefully tonight, the Oilers can send that message to the flailing rival Canucks, and take control of the Pacific Division for the first time this year.