Edmonton Oilers

[metaldude26]

I don't think anyone disagrees with those notions. I'm pretty sure, "It has to get better" has been the motto of the past two or three years. I think it will get better. But it won't get good, which means it doesn't really make a difference.

[doulos]

I think the Yakupov thing is a little early to tell since he has played very little hockey thus far and has shown flashes of how good he can be. Aside from that, the team sucks, and has for ages and ages. Nothing new here. You'd think there was something new and interesting to talk about, but bashing the Oilers is a fun little game everyone likes to play, and it's easy, so hey, why not.

[Axeman33]

I do think they will be better this year but I don't have big expectations. I have learned over the years to be realistic in my hopes.

[metaldude26]

I do think they will be better this year but I don't have big expectations. I have learned over the years to be realistic in my hopes.

It's as much about who they have to compete against for a playoff spot as it is anything else. No way they are better than San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles so it's down to the Wild Card and they've got an improved Canucks team in their own division plus the Central might have six playoff teams, which is impossible but also real. I put their playoff odds at one in a million. Queue the, "So you're saying there's a chance?"

[northernnuck]

Hindsight is 20-20, but........ This may have been a well-planned move by management. Put two elders with a kid to carve out his ego into something with only one tool: hardcore reasonably success hockey-sense experience. Go Yak! Batting 82 points this year!

[rainydrinkwater]

Two good periods followed by a horrid 3rd and inconsistent goaltending. Seems a familiar theme in the season opener.

[ztking]

Two good periods followed by a horrid 3rd and inconsistent goaltending. Seems a familiar theme in the season opener.

This could also be tagged in the Leafs thread...

[rainydrinkwater]

This could also be tagged in the Leafs thread...

Agreed.

[metaldude26]

If they can't even beat the Flames...

[rataylor22]

But actually is anyone surprised at this point? Haha.

[metaldude26]

But actually is anyone surprised at this point? Haha.

Of course not.

[doulos]

Just got back from the game. Oilers actually played alright but had all of their momentum killed by that dagger of a third goal. Hopefully it won't get to their heads and they can play the same type of game (minus the two prime giveaways) that they played in the first two periods against the Canucks on Saturday. Yakupov looked great, but his decision making is almost too fast for other players out there. I thought the top line was pure crap and the fourth line was absolutely amazing. Lots of positives, but ultimately another loss. Glad they gave out free towels at the game to wipe up my tears,

[yougo]

If they can't even beat the Flames...

Who were on the 2nd leg of a back to back.

[doulos]

Who were on the 2nd leg of a back to back.

Back to back is pretty meaningless in my books. Particularly when it's this early on in the season.

[havanablast21]

Two good periods followed by a horrid 3rd and inconsistent goaltending. Seems a familiar theme in the season opener.

I wouldn't expect more than inconsistent goaltending out if Skrivens. That's his M.O. Or atleast was in Toronto where he's played the majority of his prof hockey career. Hope Fasth can be better.