[stang]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

Fishy how? When the Rangers play the Oilers, they're usually going to be playing the Canucks or Flames shortly before or after. Clearly, because the Oilers are 8-1, other teams see them as the most difficult opponent of the three.

If you have two games, and you can only play your starter in one of them, there is a school of thought that you should always start him against the easier opponent because then you've done all you can to "lock up" the 2 points in the game you should win, rather than increase your risk of losing both - one to a tougher team, and one because your goaltender was outplayed.

I'm not sure I believe the Oilers are a tougher opponent than the Flames right now, but the standings do say so.

Plus the Oilers are playing their backup too.