Nick Schultz was booed by the crowd in Anaheim on Monday.

The boos were meant for his teammate Justin Schultz who refused to sign with the Ducks last season and became an unrestricted free agent, eventually signing with the Oilers. Some fans in Anaheim could not distinguish between the two and hence Nick was booed. He scored his first goal of the season in a 2-1 loss. Maybe the boos were good for him.

Nick Schultz thinks Oilers coach Ralph Krueger is getting through to the team.

"They're still showing things after games where we need to be better," Schultz said. "Guys are starting to buy into that and realize that the good teams we come up against, like Chicago and other teams that are playing well and having success, they stick to their game plan, stick to their system. If it means being back in a certain spot, even though you're an offensive guy, you've got to do it. That's how you generate chances and win games, and ultimately, that's what you want." Edmonton isn't short on talent, but it might take some time before their young core can help transform the Oilers into a genuine Stanley Cup contender. In the meantime, the Oilers still have a shot to make the playoffs in 2013.

Nick Schultz is "a little bit optimistic" that the Alberta Labour Relations Board will rule in the NHLPA's favor.

The NHLPA is trying to block the lockout in Alberta. In the province, a mediator must be appointed and given 14 days to work with both sides before a lockout vote can be held. The NHL did seek a mediator, but the union said that the league ended mediation a mere three days into the process. "Each province implements laws for a reason," Schultz said. "These are the guidelines in Alberta and if they weren't followed, for whatever reason, or if we can help out anyway to change the way negotiations are going (we will). We're just looking at different avenues, so we can get back onto the ice."