SECOND BEST - AND I LIKE IT

In all the Trade Deadline hub bub you may have missed the newsy little passing of the torch that transpired in Edmonton last night.

The Wings and Oilers traded final minute goals to send the tilt to overtime, where, as per usual in this NHL, nothing was settled.

So they went to a shootout to find a winner and a winner they did find.

The Oilers – again – for the 13th time this season.

Alas, that 13th victory broke a tie with the 05-06 Dallas Stars for most shootout wins in a season and transferred the lofty title of ‘Greatest Shootout Team in NHL History’ to the 07-08 Oilers.

And you’re asking how can this be good?

First, these newly minted G.S.T.I.NHL.H (bad acronym, I know)Oilers defeated the Red Wings which in turn helped the Stars move one point closer to first overall.

The other positive? – Quick, how many playoff games have been won in a shootout since the league adopted the format to break ties? Right, zero.

And so, congratulations Garon, Gagne and Company. There’s one to toast during your 5 month summer.

For you Stars fans – this is a sign, a harbinger of good things this Spring.