The Okotoks Oilers hosted the Lloydminster Bobcats last night, February 10, and it wasn't the outcome they were looking for.

Forward's Tanner Laderoute and Jordan Xavier each put a point on the board but in the end it wasn't enough as the green and gold fell to the Bobcats 3-2.

Laderoute says this far into the season they should not be underestimating any team, not even the north division last place Bobcats.

"I don't think we prepared well, I think we just thought that we were going to get this win but in this league and when you're getting farther into the season wins don't just fall into your lap."

The teams went back and forth all night but the Oilers came up short and Laderoute says they have no specific part of their game to blame.

"I think it's us as a whole. I think we don't really know how to play against, not lower teams but like maybe less skilled teams. I find that we play down to their level and try to win with a little bit of extra skill and I think we just need to figure out how to play our best every night. No matter if it's Brooks, the Mustangs, Camrose or whoever."

With playoffs around the corner, the Oilers currently have a spot sitting second in the south division.

But Laderoute says a loss to a last place team is the last thing they need during a tight race towards post season.

"It's awful. We are pretty much in the tightest race I've ever seen in the AJHL and you give up points to a team that's not even in a play off spot right now. We just really need to figure it out as a team because that is a really big set back for us. We just really need to regroup and figure it out quick here.

The Oilers are currently sitting second in the south division standings with 67 points, with the Calgary Canucks and Canmore Eagles right on their heels with 66 points.

The home team hits the ice again on Tuesday, February 14, to take on the Canmore Eagles and game time goes at 7 p.m. at the Pason Centennial Arena.