OILERS VS. BLACKHAWKS

EDMONTON 29-18-8 vs. CHICAGO 33-17-5 8 p.m. CBC/630 CHED

IN THE TANK

Edmonton: Full Oilers finally back in action after a five-day break in the schedule Chicago: Two thirds Hawks playing second of back-to-back games and third in four nights

INJURIES

OILERS: Darnell Nurse (foot), RW Tyler Pitlick (leg), LW Jujhar Khaira (wrist), D Kris Russell (day to day, undisclosed). CHICAGO: D Michal Rozsival (undisclosed) NOTES: The Hawks will be playing the second of backto-back games and their third game in four nights. It is also their last game before their turn at the five-day CBA break. There is a good chance they will not be at their best in this one … Hawks captain Jonathan Toews has picked up his pace offensively, scoring four goals and 11 points in the last seven games … Chicago’s Ryan Hartman has 13 even strength goals this season, which ties him for third among rookies … The Hawks were on an 11-1-2 run when the team met on Nov. 21, when Cam Talbot posted a 31-save shutout in a 5-0 Oilers victory. It capped a stretch in which the Oilers outscored Washington, St. Louis and Chicago 12-2 … The Hawks were 10-2 in their previous 12 games against the Oilers … The Oilers recalled forward Anton Lander and defenceman Jordan Osterle from Bakersfield … D Matt Benning skated Friday evening and looks as if he’ll be available for Sunday. Kris Russell didn’t practice … G Cam Talbot ran into travel problems and didn’t make it to Edmonton in time for Friday’s practice.

WHO TO WATCH

Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Centre has always enjoyed a certain comfort level against the Hawks, putting up 12 points in 15 career games against Chicago. Blackhawks: Marian Hossa — One of the more complete players in the NHL. Big, skilled and able to take care of business at both ends of the ice. Oilers forwards should watch how he plays.