NHL Four-cast: Edmonton Oilers

1 - Why is this team worth watching? They are young, they are fast and they have skills. However, you may want to wait to tune in as they headed to shootouts 19 times and won 15 of them. That's insane, but so were some of the moves that were made. And just look at/listen to the crowd, purely amazing.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year? Better. They picked up a great puck mover in Lubomir Visnovsky, who will join a healthy Sheldon Souray on what should be a top flight power play. Erik Cole replaces the grit lost in the Raffi Torres-for-Gilbert Brule deal and adds skill and experience. Brule was a top draft pick but has yet to show that talent in the NHL so I wouldn't expect much there. As this is a Ranger blog, I am of course going to mention Jason Strudwick. Struds may not play regularly, but he is a classy, intelligent veteran who will add poise and character to a pretty young roster.

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy? Ales Hemsky has the skill and now the support to pick up 80, 90 points and he will be probably still be available in the late second or third round. Shawn Horcoff will be with him every step of the way, as long as he can maintain his health. Souray, who got hurt early last season should be back with his incredible slapshot in tow. Visnovsky will also get a good number of points from the point, as will Tom Gilbert, who is only getting better. As for the kids - Gagner, Cogliano, Penner and Nilsson - they may all get 50, 60 points but they are still learning so those numbers come at the cost of plus/minus. Garon will probably be the clear-cut starter this year, instead of platooning with Roloson but who knows how he will handle the workload? He is stellar in the pressures of the shootout but when given the chance to start back in Los Angeles ... well, he was notsogood.

4 - Are the Oilers the hippest team in the league? Very debatable, but they do go a long way with their awesome Oilers Guitar Hero Summer Tour. Rock out and get a chance to hang out with a player, how cool!

 "NHL Four-Cast: Edmonton Oilers - A Hockey Resurgence in the City of Champions"

Edmonton, Alberta, a city steeped in hockey tradition, is home to one of the NHL's most storied franchises: the Edmonton Oilers. While the Oilers have experienced their share of ups and downs, there's an undeniable sense of optimism in Oil Country as the team seems poised for a resurgence. In this article, we'll explore the rich history, memorable moments, challenges, and promising future of the Edmonton Oilers.

Part 1: The Glory Days of the 1980s

1. The Dynasty Begins

Relive the glory days of the Oilers in the 1980s when Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and other legends formed one of the most dominant teams in NHL history.

2. Stanley Cup Triumphs

Delve into the Oilers' five Stanley Cup championships during the 1980s and their impact on the city's identity as the "City of Champions."

Part 2: The Post-Gretzky Era

3. The Trade That Shook the Hockey World

Discuss the seismic trade that sent Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 and its profound impact on the Oilers and the city of Edmonton.

4. Challenges and Rebuilding

Examine the challenges the Oilers faced in the years following the Gretzky trade and their efforts to rebuild into a competitive team.

Part 3: The Connor McDavid Era

5. The Arrival of Connor McDavid

Explore the arrival of Connor McDavid, one of the most electrifying young talents in the NHL, and his transformative effect on the Oilers.

6. Building Around McDavid

Discuss the team's strategy to build a contender around McDavid, including key acquisitions like Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Part 4: Rogers Place and the New Arena Experience

7. A State-of-the-Art Arena

Learn about Rogers Place, the Oilers' state-of-the-art arena, and how it has revitalized the downtown core of Edmonton.

8. The Fan Experience

Explore the fan experience at Rogers Place, from the atmosphere in the stands to the innovative amenities that enhance the game-day experience.

Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How many Stanley Cups have the Edmonton Oilers won?

The Edmonton Oilers have won five Stanley Cups, all in the 1980s (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990).

2. Who holds the franchise record for the most points in a single season?

Wayne Gretzky holds the franchise record for the most points in a single season, with an astonishing 215 points in the 1985-86 season.

3. What is the "Oilers Entertainment Group"?

The Oilers Entertainment Group is a sports and entertainment company that oversees various properties, including the Edmonton Oilers, Rogers Place, and more.

The Edmonton Oilers have a storied history that includes a dynasty in the 1980s and a passionate fan base. While they faced challenges in the post-Gretzky era, the emergence of Connor McDavid and the construction of Rogers Place have ushered in a new era of optimism. As the Oilers continue to build a competitive team around their young superstar, there's a palpable sense of excitement in Edmonton, and fans are hopeful that the team's resurgence will lead to more championship celebrations in the "City of Champions."