Can Potulny and Reddox Do What the Current Oilers Won't?

One of two things has happened here in Edmonton. Either the Oilers have continued to rack up miles with the flu bug or coaching and management have said enough is enough when it comes to allowing opponents to dictate play night in and night out.

On Saturday, and likely just in time to make the trip to Colorado for Sunday's game against the Avalanche, the Oilers have recalled forwards Ryan Potulny and Liam Reddox from Springfield of the American Hockey League.

Potulny has seven points (3G, 4A) in 13 games and Reddox, has three points in 12 games this year with the Falcons. Not exactly stellar numbers that would warrant a return to the NHL for any reason other than desperation.

In Thursday's game against the Rangers, the Oilers penalty kill was horrid. With Shawn Horcoff out of the lineup, the Rangers were able to dictate the pace, set-up and frequently score on the man advantage. Reddox should help in that area.

The Oilers also down players like JF Jacques and Ryan Stone, will hope that bringing in fresh bodies like Potulny and Reddox will spark a bit of enthusiasm and "crust" into another wise disinterested looking team. Both Potulny and Reddox have been known to go into the tougher areas and battle. They'll do so now, especially to stay in the NHL.

Should Pat Quinn see what he needs from either, the chances of either player staying put are better now than they might be all season. So too, if the Oilers are lucky, the same type of response from the rest of the team that occurred when Stone and Jacques were placed on the lines will repeat itself.