Series as best he could. And while

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(SportsNetwork.com) - The Edmonton Oilers have been in spoiler mode for a while now, however as the season winds down they become more and more dangerous to opponents fighting for a playoff berth. Next up is the Nashville Predators at Rexall Place on Tuesday. The Oilers, who are headed for an eighth straight year out of the playoffs, were able to halt a two-game slide in their last trip to the ice. Justin Schultz scored a tiebreaking power-play goal in the third period to help Edmonton edge the Carolina Hurricanes, 2-1, on the road. "Finally, our power play was able to chip in and win us a game," said Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins. Ben Scrivens made 29 saves for Edmonton, which went 2-1-1 on a four-game road trip and will now begin a six-game stay at Rexall Place. The Oilers are 12-16-3 as the home team this season. The Predators missed the playoffs for only the second time in nine seasons last spring and the club is nine points out of the last postseason berth in the West with just 14 games remaining on its schedule. Nashville hopes to pick up a much-needed win when it kicks off a four-game road trip Tuesday against the Oilers, who are 11 points behind the Preds in the Western Conference standings. Edmonton, however, has won the first two of three meetings with the Predators this season. The Oilers posted a 3-0 win in Nashville on Nov. 28 and then recorded a 5-1 win at Rexall Place on Jan. 26. The Oilers have won three of four in the series overall and Nashville has lost two in a row and four of its last five tilts in Edmonton. Nashville was on a three-game winning streak before running into the NHL- leading St. Louis Blues on Saturday. Patrik Berglund scored twice and Ryan Miller turned away 30 shots to help the Blues record a 4-1 road triumph in the Music City. Eric Nystrom scored the only goal of the game for the Predators, while Pekka Rinne gave up all four goals on 26 shots in the loss. "It was just one of those games where we couldnt get much going," said Nashville head coach Barry Trotz. "And when we did get shots on net, their guy was on top of it." Nashville won all three games on its recent winning streak on the road and is 14-12-6 as the visiting team this season. The Preds also will make stops in Vancouver, Calgary and Chicago during this important road trip. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . Left-handed reliever Boone Logan agreed to a $16.5 million, three-year contract on Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку!. Lupul injured the hand in a fall at practice on Thursday. He will wear a cast for a minimum of 10 days before he can put a glove back on it and get some mobility back, said Carlyle, who added the winger wont go on the teams upcoming road trip. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! .com) - The Oakland Athletics needed to rely on a lot of young pitchers to win an American League West title this season. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . TSN Hockey Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie both reported Thursday that there have been ongoing trade discussions between the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings over forward Sam Gagner.KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Luke Hochevar and the American League champion Kansas City Royals completed a $10 million, two-year contract Thursday that includes a mutual option for 2017.The right-hander will earn $4 million next season and $5.5 million in 2016, and the option includes a $500,000 buyout, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club does not release contract details.The Royals decided to sign the former No. 1 overall draft pick to a multiyear deal in part because he is coming off Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss last season, and it is unclear just how quickly he will be back to full strength.By signing Hochevar, the Royals have several expensive bullpen pieces under control.They exercised their option on setup man Wade Davis, which means he will earn $7 million next year and now has an $8 million option for 2016 with a $500,000 buyout. And if the Royals exercise that, they would have a $10 million option for 2017 with a $250,000 buyout.All-Star closer Greg Holland remains under club control through 2016, but hes eligible for arbitration and likely will earn more than $9 million next season. Kelvin Herrera is also eligible for arbitration and should receive a significant salary bump after a stellarr season.ddddddddddddith the Royals still needing to find another starting pitcher to replace James Shields and a designated hitter to replace Billy Butler, it is possible they will explore trading one of their expensive relievers. Holland figures to net the most in return.Hochevar struggled for years as a starter but was dominant after switching to the bullpen, no longer nibbling at corners but throwing straight heat. He went 5-1 with a 1.92 ERA in 2013, at one point becoming so good that the Royals considered moving him back to the rotation.In spring training, though, Hochevar felt a twinge in his elbow. An MRI exam a couple of days later revealed a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, resulting in Tommy John surgery.While he spent the entire season rehabbing, Hochevar always seemed to be around the club, enjoying its run to the World Series as best he could. And while he watched, Herrera, Davis and Holland become one of the most dynamic relief trios in baseball, pitching Kansas City to its first pennant in 29 years.Now, it appears general manager Dayton Moore is going to give Hochevar a chance to contribute in a more tangible way next season. Hochevar is expected to be ready to pitch when the Royals report to Surprise, Arizona, for spring training in mid-February. ' ' '