The sporting world held its collective breath last night as the NHL's two best teams took to the ice in what can only be described as the battle of the century.

The Coyotes record vs Edmonton this year: 5-0

The Coyotes record vs the rest of the NHL: 7-18-4

Yes, when the 'Yotes go up against any other team in hockey, they win one game out of three - but put them on the ice with Oilers and they're the '72 Habs.

And what about Former Oiler Sam Gagner? He had a four points last night, or to put his season in perspective: 25% of his points came last night. Although, to be perfectly honest, that isn't a fair statement. Gagner has been better than given credit for this season. Despite not really having a defined role (Gagner has skated at least 60 minutes with six different forwards, playing mostly centre behind Vermette and Hanzal, but also occasionally the wing) he has still been a positive Corsi player, posting a CF% of 52.

He also has a low shooting percentage and a low PDO, suggesting bad luck. Dave Tippet has failed to employ Gagner properly in order to take advantage of his skill set - playing him most commonly with the past-his-prime Doan and the offensively weak Korpiskoski while giving the superior talent of Gagner almost a minute less on the PP than Vermette (and subsequently not getting on the ice with OEL and Yandle on the PP).

There is no doubt Gagner has failed to live up to his talent, but the fact is, his stats show he's been better than his 16 points would suggest and that his coach has utilized him poorly.

(All stats from Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com, except PP ice time, which is from NHL.com)

The loss last night was the Oilers 19th loss in the last 20 games and the game even featured an Erat sighting as well as a goal and an assist from Branden Gormley - perhaps the most important development of the game.

Overall, at least it was a game that didn't require the patience of a saint to watch, but
honestly, if you're a Coyotes fan, perhaps Max Domi's World Junior hat trick was more important than a meaningless game between the NHL's two worst teams.

The Coyotes are now off until Saturday when they'll play the Ducks. I am off to the in-laws for Christmas.

Have a safe and happy Christmas and hopefully Santa will bring you what you want as long as what you want is legal and socially acceptable - which really speaks to the need for a more rock and roll Santa.

Holiday tip: Cash is the gift-card for everywhere.



Thanks for reading.

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