Dick Tarnstrom News

Edmonton Oilers president Kevin Lowe signs autographs for fans in Yellowknife when the team held its rookie camp in the northern city a couple of seasons ago.

In the two-plus years since he was hired as general manager, Scott Howson has turned over the roster and turned the Blue Jackets from the laughingstock of the NHL into a playoff-caliber team with a bright future.

For seven games, Dwayne Roloson played the good teammate. He didn't vent, he put in the extra practice time.

He is the brains of the operation -- of Operation NGP -- but playing alongside Sam Gagner and Robert Nilsson has also given Fernando Pisani more offensive opportunities.

Not even remotely concerned about knocking on wood as a matter of superstitious course, Tom Gilbert was both willing and able to talk about his streak.

Both teams underwent significant changes in the off-season -- not the least of which was the trade between the two clubs.

Mathieu Roy should remember this Edmonton Oilers training camp as a nasty fight for survival.