Oilers will be in tough, even with an abbreviated NHL schedule

[fuhr]

Finally the wait it over! It should be a fun ride but it won't be an easy one for the Oil.

Oilers will be in tough, even with an abbreviated NHL schedule
http://www.ourhometown.ca/edmonton/sports/RS0526.php

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[lakai17]

you read too much man, Edmonton are one of the fastest skating teams today and most are well conditioned today.

 

[thadd]

A good portion of our team has been active over the lockout and our key kids have been playing together so there will be no rust as far as chemistry goes.

 

[Moonlapse Vertigo]

Whatever happens, happens. Basically, we need to stop getting our hopes up.

 

[OrangeBlue10]

I think will do good out of the gate, our top line has been playing in the ahl and dominating in point sense. ALso probably what justin need for his ahl development

 

[Toydarian]

It will be as tough as any season. Nevertheless, EDM has the best chance to make the playoffs since 06.
I'm not implying that should be the expectation, but there are a lot of positives going into this shortened season.

 

[Supermassive]

The key is to beat our divisional opponents early and often.

We need to find some willing **** disturbers if we're going to compete.

 

[molsonmuscle360]

Vegas has them as one of the second wave of favorites to win the cup in the shortened season.

 

[Jeff Lebowski]

Anything less then a playoff spot will be a failed season and a huge disappointment. At the very least, these guys have to get some playoff experience this season.

 

[McXLNC97]

I think a 48-50 game schedule can benefit the Oilers. Teams like the Canucks and Flames have had most of their players not playing any meaningful hockey since last spring. They should be able to take advantage of a few rusty teams right off the bat.

 

[Faelko]

Still think we need at least one more d-man and a 2C...Dubnyk worries me a bit as well.

 

[NewBoysClub97*]

Any announcement as to when the schedule will be out?

 

[jbean]

I predict that we will see the wrath of Nuge after a failed world jrs campaign. Let's hope the team gets off to a quick start.

 

[Oilerz]

Any announcement as to when the schedule will be out?

Being that the BOG meeting is wednesday, probably right after that.

 

[Worraps]

I predict that we will see the wrath of Nuge after a failed world jrs campaign. Let's hope the team gets off to a quick start.

I suspect Yakupov has something to prove too.

 

[lakai17]

Still think we need at least one more d-man and a 2C...Dubnyk worries me a bit as well.

oh no, we're set, we have Gagner and Dubnyk.

 

[McGoMcD]

Still think we need at least one more d-man and a 2C...Dubnyk worries me a bit as well.

Dubnyk played great at the Spengler. If Bulin is hurt though I really hope we go out and get another 1B goalie. Some one who can be had for cheap but is a reliable starter/backup.

 

[nexttothemoon]

Dubnyk played great at the Spengler. If Bulin is hurt though I really hope we go out and get another 1B goalie. Some one who can be had for cheap but is a reliable starter/backup.

Pull up Danis to the NHL as backup for Dubnyk on the Oilers until Khabi is healthy.... roll with Roy and Bunz splitting duty in OKC in the meantime. Some would say those two are too young and they need a vet goalie on the Barons... but it's only temporary until Khabi comes back and if it goes on for more than a couple weeks... they can always look for a journeyman vet goalie to help out down there.

 

[molsonmuscle360]

I suspect Yakupov has something to prove too.

Is our #1 PP unit now Hall/RNH/Yak with Ebs and Schultz on the point? Cuz if so, that's gonna be fun to watch.

 

[molsonmuscle360]

Pull up Danis to the NHL as backup for Dubnyk on the Oilers until Khabi is healthy.... roll with Roy and Bunz splitting duty in OKC in the meantime. Some would say those two are too young and they need a vet goalie on the Barons... but it's only temporary until Khabi comes back and if it goes on for more than a couple weeks... they can always look for a journeyman vet goalie to help out down there.

If they do that I hope they give Bunz a start or 2. He's been damn good in Stockton.

 

[T-Funk]

Is our #1 PP unit now Hall/RNH/Yak with Ebs and Schultz on the point? Cuz if so, that's gonna be fun to watch.

 

[Up the Irons]

yes, the Oil have a better chance to make the playoffs than in any of the past 4 years or so. but that is the same for most of the teams.

other than Columbus and Calgary, both of whom will almost surely miss the playoffs, its a crap shoot for the other 13 teams in the conference. Any of the 13 can make or miss the playoffs. its almost impossible to call. Even Vancouver, if they get off to a slow start, could have trouble.

roll the dice!!!

 

[Hoogaar23]

Is our #1 PP unit now Hall/RNH/Yak with Ebs and Schultz on the point? Cuz if so, that's gonna be fun to watch.

Come on now - don't be ridiculous. You need to leave some room for thecaptainshawnhorcoff!

 

[CanadianCommie]

There are far too many variables to be overly positive about the Oilers' chances of making the playoffs.

Dubnyk still needs to prove himself, the offence is still awfully young, the defence is still so-so and a new coach with little to no time to implement a system?

They're in tough vs. more established teams with far more stability, even if those teams haven't had a lot of players playing.

 

[Hoogaar23]

Our GA last year was 23rd overall. 20th at 5 on 5 with 153. 10th best Minnesota gave up 147. Our D should be better this year.

Biggest problem last year was the lack of secondary scoring. Our top line and PP did OK, but nobody else did. That's why a healthy Hemsky and the addition of Yakupov should help tremendously in that department.

Really - we don't need much more from Dubnyk than what we got from him last year. 2.5-2.6 GAA, around a .915 save %.

If we were to give up the same amount of goals as last year and score 25 more (prorated of course - so 14-15 goals) that would make us even and almost guarantee us a playoff spot.

Adding Hemsky, Yakupov, Schultz, healthier Whitney, Hall - I really don't see scoring .3 goals per game more being a problem.