Oilers Clinch Playoff Birth 2012-05-10 The Edmonton Oilers, who sit atop of the North West Division, became the first team in the West to clinch a playoff spot last night with their win over the blues. The Oilers have enjoyed success this season despite not being considered one of the favourites to win it all. Before the season began, many considered the oilers to be one of the teams battling for one of the final playoff positions, no one had expected the oilers to sit a top of their division ahead of the extemely talented Vancouver Canucks. A large part of the team's success has been the play of its top line, with center Ryan Kessler emerging as one of the leagues best talents. Playing in all 72 games this season thus far, Kessler has managed 39 goals and 49 assists for 88 points, a new career high eclipsing his previous total of 84 points in 2009-2010. His role on the powerplay has increased this year as he is on the first line powerplay and has managed to net 20 goals on the powerplay. Although he's been very solid offensively, one could argue that his defensive play has been even more important. Kessler has been the Oilers most important penalty killer averaging almost four minutes a game of short handed ice and has nearly blocked 50 shots this season. "He seems to do it all," said a friendly Coach Tortorella after practice. " He works his butt off and leads by example. All of our guys go out there and work hard, that's the kind of team we are but he (Kessler) really embodies it." When asked about the playoff birth Coach replied, "there's a lot of season left and that's only half the battle," before walking back to the dressing room. Obviously morale appears to be high in the Oilers locker room as they continue to over achieve this season. ----------------------------- Notes: The Oilers made a huge move at the trade deadline sending young star forward Jordan Staal to division rival Calgary flames in exchange for Derek Stepan and Luke Adam. GM MacAulay has not held a press conference or made himself available to the media since the deadline, however there have been mumbles from the front office that the move was made possible by how well the team was preforming and their abundance at center. Some Oilers fan are already very critical of the deal after Stepan has no points and is -1 in two games while Staal has been red hot for the flames garnering 5 points in only 3 games. Injury News: Max Talbot is still healing after surgery to repair his right hand. The Oilers probably will not have Max for the remainder of the regular season but do hope to have him ready to play for the first round of the playoffs.
