Oilers` GM: We're not throwing in the towel yet

[Guest Crymson]

Oilers GM Lowe recently traded Marc-Andre Bergeron and a third rounder to NYI for Denis Grebeshkov. While trading away one of the Oilers` best D-men certainly looks like throwing in the towel on the season, Lowe insists that this is not the case; Edmonton's five remaining games against Minnesota, he says, gives the Oilers a chance at overtaking the Wild for a playoff spot.

Smyth? I dunno. 5 games against Minny is a good chance for Edmonton.

In other news, all 30 GMs will be in Naples for the next few days discussing NHL matters. Amongst these (quoted verbatim from article):

-Whether the league should award three points in the standings for a regulation-time victory;

-A re-examination of the instigator penalty;

-Pre-game ceremonies and the need to curb how long they run;

-"Soft penalties," better defining hooking calls without easing up on the officiating standard;

-Discussion on No-touch icing;

-Goalie interference - NHL netminders are once again getting run;

-The issues of goalies overfreezing the puck to gain a stoppage in play.

Most importantly, having all 30 general managers together a week before the trade deadline is sure to produce some deals, so never fear. This will be open season.

Edited February 18, 2007 by Crymson