Speculation: POLE: Where do the Oilers finish the year?

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Now that the cards have been dealt with the trade deadline complete and we’ve seen a game or two from all the teams, where do you think the Oilers finish the year?

Chances are we make the playoffs and play the Kings yet again in Round 1. Vegas looks like the team to beat in the Pacific. The Central is loaded for bear in the Conference Final and Washington or Florida appear to be the Eastern favorites.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

Not terribly confident they get past Vegas especially if they have to go on the road again. That's a tough building to win in.

They really need to tighten things up behind the blue line and get back to where they were last year.

 

[Whoshattenkirkshoes]

Can I answer after we know if we are first or second in Pacific? We Need to catch VGK!

 

[LevelingSolo]

It’s either out in second round or we winning it all

 

[brentashton]

I don’t think they make the conference final (3rd round) this year.

Still too many passengers on this ride.

 

[barry halls]

If we keep playing the Kings they're going to eventually beat us. Most contenders have a 1st round exit at some point in the middle of their championship window and with the inconsistent and sometimes listless play we've seen at times this year combined with shaky goaltending, 26th place PK, and a step back from the Bouch/Ekholm pairing I don't have any faith in a long run this year.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

I have us taking out the Kings and I think Vegas gets upset by Minnesota and we take them out but losing to the Avs in the Conference Finals.

 

[Heavy Dee]

Now that the cards have been dealt with the trade deadline complete and we’ve seen a game or two from all the teams, where do you think the Oilers finish the year?

Chances are we make the playoffs and play the Kings yet again in Round 1. Vegas looks like the team to beat in the Pacific. The Central is loaded for bear in the Conference Final and Washington or Florida appear to be the Eastern favorites.

*poll

 

[Mr Positive]

It still feels like our biggest enemy is ourselves. I know that's a cliche but if our team is rolling, we have the best game breakers in the sport, and a coach with the right system to win in the playoffs. Our team has had a lot of under performers, so what if they aren't? Then we are a deep team. I mean, it's potentially Henrique and Brown on the fourth line. They were our 3rd line last year

Skinner is an x-factor but in general if the team is playing well, he does well. Plus our team has an ability to shatter the opposition's goalies' confidence.

 

[BertMcDrai]

I have us taking out the Kings and I think Vegas gets upset by Minnesota and we take them out but losing to the Avs in the Conference Finals.

Yeah, that could be possible...maybe we can beat Vegas in the 2nd round (or Minny) but I think the Avs have done an awesome job in making their team better (especially goaltending).
I can't see us getting past them or a team like the Jets...and then you have two loaded Florida teams out of the east which we almost ever lose.

Also, I wouldn't be shocked if we lose against the Kings...but let's see the final standings first.

 

[jeffff]

I understand the lack of confidence around the team this year but despite all the negativity, we will be ok.

It sounds like an excuse but I truly believe the boys are saving themselves for the playoffs. They know EXACTLY what it takes and to blow your wad in the regular season just doesn't make sense. Its a long grind, and it took a toll on everyone. The emotional roller coaster of the final was tough.

I don't understand how our team is worse than last year. To me the regular season doesn't mean shit. Get to the post season and lets see what happens.

I'm not confident with the goalies as much as anyone but they are the same tandem that got us there last season. I suppose one has to assume its a wash compared to last year.

Lost:
McCleod (4 pts -7) 22 gp
Foegel (8 pts -7) 22gp
Holloway (7 pts +4) 22gp
Ryan (1 pt -9) 19gp
Carrick (1 pt -1) 10

So 85 games played and 21 pts....jesus I can't see our bottom 6 being worse...can it?

Fredrick, Jones, Ard, Podz, Skinner and Kap I don't care what anyone says. I'd rather have our forward group going into this years playoffs than last years. Not to mention....Way more depth!


Ceci and Broberg for Emberson and Walman.....don't know about you. But our defense is better than last year as well. Vinny played 16 games with 1 point and -9. I think Stecher and even Dineen could fill in as our 7th.

Lots of other variables obviously , PK, PP etc.

I'm an optimist though, so I could be completely out to lunch haha

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

*poll

 

[K1984]

Impossible to tell today because it's a crap shoot which version is going to show up.

McDavid and Leon flying while driving different lines, team plays with purpose, defence is stable, and most importantly, Skinner is giving us .900+ goaltending on a consistent basis? I think we can win the Cup.

One or both of McDavid and Leon underperforming, team takes a half cocked focus into games, team defence is a complete joke, and Skinner stinks? We'll get swept in the first round no matter how we play.

So anyone saying the team has a great shot at the cup is going to be equally as justified in their opinion as the guy saying we don't have a prayer because we have no idea whatsoever which version we're going to get. Don't think I can ever recall a team in all of sports that swings so much between "holy shit this team is unstoppable!" and "holy shit, this team is a complete f***ing joke!" as often or as quickly as the Oilers do.

 

[MessierThanThou]

I’d guess a first or second-round exit with this tandem. Maybe with Kane, Frederic, and Walman and McDrai going on a total tear they can delay the inevitable. I don’t think we’re getting the Ekholm we know and love when he comes back. And Stu will be Stu and implode at some point. I really hope I’m wrong here.