Familiar Foes: Tom Renney is now officially the head coach and he will lead a young team into the Garden. No matter how hard they tried to trade them, Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano are still Oilers. They are just two of the few veterans on the Edmonton roster nowadays. Shawn Horcoff keeps playing out his contract, Sam Gagner was inexplicably extended and Ales Hemsky is coming off injury. Dustin Penner was one of the few bright lights of last season, showing incredible hands of a player with his size. Huggy bear Zack Stortini is the defender of the franchise while our old friend Jason Strudwick is the extra voice in the locker room. Nik Khabibulin is still on their roster but good ole Twitchy is as good as gone after he gets out of jail. N00bz: Jeff Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk have taken over the crease but neither one has really shown the capability to pull away and be a NHL starter - Deslauriers did it last season but most Oiler fans don't see him as the starter to lead the team into the future. That future is bright as the Oilers should start to reap the benefits of failure. Taylor Hall, Magnus Paajarvi and Jordan Eberle are all set to step into the lineup and they are studs. Other youngsters worth watching will be Theo Peckham, Linus Omark, Liam Reddox and Ryan O'Marra. Not surprisingly, Edmonton was quiet in the free agent market. They added Martin Gerber for some goaltending insurance and made a stellar signing in Kurtis Foster.
Last Year: Thursday, November 5th, 4-2 Ranger win.
This Year: Sunday, November 14th at MSG.
What They Mean To Blue: One of just two or three 'easy' games in a busy November. It is a 12:30pm Sunday afternoon game that will surely see the Garden full of kids - on the ice in the Oilers themselves and off it in those children dragged by dad as part of a fun day in the big city. Plus, in Hall, the Rangers can see what they missed out on by making that futile late season surge at the playoffs.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers, a franchise with a storied history in the NHL, are gearing up for another exciting season of hockey. As the puck drops on a new campaign, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Edmonton Oilers in the upcoming season.
In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a dedicated Oilers fan or simply intrigued by this dynamic NHL franchise, our preview has got you covered.
Edmonton Oilers Roster Analysis
The Edmonton Oilers have been a team to watch in recent years, thanks in large part to their dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:
1. Offense:
The Oilers boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, led by captain Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid is a generational talent known for his incredible speed and playmaking abilities, while Draisaitl is a versatile forward with elite scoring skills. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jesse Puljujarvi add to the team's offensive depth.
2. Defense:
On the blue line, Darnell Nurse is the team's anchor. His physical play and offensive contributions make him a key player. Ethan Bear and Tyson Barrie provide support on defense.
3. Goaltending:
In goal, Mike Smith is the Oilers' starting goaltender. His experience and ability to make crucial saves are pivotal to the team's success.
Recent Performance
The Edmonton Oilers have shown significant improvement in recent seasons, largely due to the brilliance of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. In the 2020-21 season, they finished second in the North Division and advanced to the playoffs.
However, their playoff journey was cut short in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets. Despite this setback, the Oilers have made moves to strengthen their roster, and their fan base has high expectations for a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.
Key Players to Watch
Connor McDavid: McDavid's exceptional speed and playmaking ability make him one of the most exciting players in the NHL. He is a perennial MVP candidate and a game-changer every time he steps on the ice.
Leon Draisaitl: Draisaitl is an offensive force who can score goals and create opportunities for his teammates. His chemistry with McDavid is a significant asset for the Oilers.
Darnell Nurse: Nurse's physicality and ability to contribute offensively from the blue line are essential to the Oilers' success. He is a workhorse on the back end.
Mike Smith: Smith's experience in goal is crucial. His ability to make big saves and provide stability in the crease will be closely monitored.
Jesse Puljujarvi: Puljujarvi's development and contributions on offense are key. His chemistry with McDavid and Draisaitl can help boost the team's scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Oilers compete for the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season?
The Oilers have the talent to compete for the Stanley Cup, but their success will depend on their performance and adaptability during the playoffs. Their dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl gives them a strong chance.
2. How important is Connor McDavid's leadership to the team?
Connor McDavid's leadership extends beyond his on-ice abilities. He sets the tone for the team and leads by example, making him a vital presence in the locker room.
3. What is the Oilers' playing style known for?
The Oilers are known for their high-octane offense and their ability to score in bunches. They emphasize speed and offensive creativity.
*4. Are there promising prospects in the Oilers' organization?
Yes, the Oilers have promising prospects in their system, including Evan Bouchard and Philip Broberg. These young players could play significant roles in the team's future success.
*5. How has the addition of Tyson Barrie impacted the team's defense?
Tyson Barrie's offensive contributions from the blue line add an extra dimension to the Oilers' game. His ability to quarterback the power play and provide scoring from the back end is valuable.
The Edmonton Oilers, a franchise with a rich history and a dynamic present, are poised for another exciting NHL season. With the league's most electrifying duo leading the way, they aim to build on their recent success and compete for the Stanley Cup.
As the new NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Oilers as they strive to make a deep playoff run and capture championship glory. Whether they achieve their goals or not, one thing is certain: the Edmonton Oilers will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they pursue excellence in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another thrilling season of Oilers hockey as they aim to make their mark once more in the NHL.
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