Andrew Cogliano's Unnatural Hat-Trick

To put this Edmonton rookie's achievement in perspective, Andrew Cogliano has scored more game-winning goals in his last three overtimes than Danny Briere has scored in 69 regular season games. From the Edmonton Sun:

Last night the Oilers rookie became the first player in NHL history to score three consecutive overtime winners as Edmonton defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-3 at Rexall Place. "I actually don't think my game was that good tonight, I don't think I was very good in the first two periods," Cogliano said. "I think the overtime was my best five minutes of the game. I had a couple of chances to score before that, but I was lucky to get open in front of the net and score the goal." Cogliano converted a pass from Sam Gagner with 4.9 seconds remaining in OT to salvage the victory.

As the regular season comes to an end -- and with Edmonton likely missing the Stanley Cup Playoff cut -- the emotional momentum for the Oilers heading into next season is stunningly positive, considering where their No. 1 draft pick this summer currently resides. Players like Cogliano, Gagner and Tom Gilbert are solidifying a core of talent that, when healthy, could have this team back in the hunt by next season -- provided that Mathieu Garon actually is the answer in goal and Kevin Lowe doesn't try his hand at the RFA market again. It's an impressive group of young players, and any time a talented group can grow together, it promises something special down the road. Gagner said it best, to the National Post:

"The team as a whole likes to hang out together; we like to be around each other. And as the year has gone on, we have got a lot better, and that's starting to show now, too. We're building that foundation for the future: a great group of core guys, we're getting better as a team and enjoying every moment."