Tulsa Oilers Game Preview
*Long time, No See:* The Tulsa Oilers host the New Mexico Scorpions tonight in the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Not only is it the first meeting of the season, it's the first time the two teams have played each other since December 19, 2004 when the Oilers won 3-0 at New Mexico. It's New Mexico's first visit to Tulsa since opening night, October 22, 2004. New Mexico won that game 4-3
*Records: *Oilers are 15-30-8 for 38 points in fourth place in the Northeast Division.
New Mexico is 22-30-2 for 46 points in third place in the Southwest Division.
*Season Series: *This is the first of two meetings this season between the two teams. They will meet again on March 15^th at New Mexico.
*Recent Action: *The Oilers lost last night at home 4-2 to Rocky Mountain. New Mexico saw a three game winning streak end in a 6-3 loss at Odessa.
*Playoff Picture:* The Oilers lost last night officially eliminates them from playoff contention this season. Rocky Mountain needs just two points (or Rapid City to lose two points) to secure the fifth and final playoff spot in the Northern Conference. Colorado, Mississippi, Bossier-Shreveport, and Oklahoma City have already secured playoff spots (although seeding is still to be determined) in the North. The South is a far different story. Odessa and Texas have earned spots. Currently Laredo and Rio Grande Valley are in the third and fourth position. But only four points separate Arizona (50), Corpus Christi (49), and New Mexico (46), battling for the final playoff berth.
*Kai One On:* The Oilers welcomed back right winger Kai Magnussen to their roster last night. He started the season with Tulsa, was traded in December to Rocky Mountain and signed yesterday as a free agent. Magnussen has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 47 games this season. The Oilers waived Randy Johnston.
*Next Up: *The Oilers continue this six game homestand, their longest of the season, Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7:05 p.m. New Mexico returns home and hosts Colorado on Tuesday night.
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Tulsa Oilers Game Preview
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