NUMBERS GAME

12 consecutive games with two goals or fewer for the Oilers, who have been outscored 44-11 in their 0-11-1 streak.

SKRASTINS' RECOVERY

Avalanche defenseman Karlis Skrastins, who is recovering from a sprained knee, is getting closer to returning to the lineup. He is on the trip and might be allowed to take part in contact drills today or Friday, coach Joel Quenneville said.

"There's a chance that he could play at the end of the trip," Quenneville said, referring to Sunday in Vancouver.

Skrastins participated in skating and shooting drills Wednesday morning but didn't play against the Oilers, sitting out his 11th consecutive game. He was injured during a game Feb. 24 in Los Angeles when he extended his NHL record for a defenseman by playing in his 495th game in a row.

Defenseman Jordan Leopold, who suffered a broken wrist Feb. 15 in Calgary, isn't on the trip and hasn't skated with the team. He underwent surgery Feb. 21 and has missed the past 16 games.

"He's been skating on his own," Quenneville said. "We'll see when we return (home) how close he is (to practicing)."

SAKIC NEARS MARK

Avalanche captain Joe Sakic, who has a team-leading 87 points, needs three in the final nine games to become the fifth player in NHL history to record at least 90 points at age 37 or older.

He would join Gordie Howe (103 points at age 40 in 1968-69), John Bucyk (93 points at 37 in 1972-73), Mario Lemieux (91 points at 37 in 2002-03) and Wayne Gretzky (90 points at 37 in 1997-98).

HE SAID IT

"Some places, you just seem to have good luck."

Tyler Arnason, Avalanche forward, who has two goals and four assists in three games at Rexall Place this season.