Maybe Pat Quinn has it made...

[Dobber]

I just finished the research/analysis for the upcoming article in THN\'s Ultimate Pool Guide. It\'s a rehash of the Fourth Year Magic one. Of all the NHL teams, the Oilers are the only team with more than two players heading into their fourth year:
Nilsson, Penner, O\'Sullivan

(only looking at forwards, 25 games is needed to count as a \"season\&quot
B)

[metaldude26]

Call me a cynic but does that mean we finally get to label these guys as the busts they are?

I like O\'Sully but I no longer have him up on a pedestal.

Dustin Penner :X a thousand times over.

[loco man]

couldn\'t agree more.

Penner is languishing on the wire and we have 18 teams!

On principle, I can\'t give up on O\'Sully, but I have very low expectations going forward. I remember when I was offered O\'Sully for Franzen and was roundly criticized for even considering keeping Franzen. Now, the mule looks to be a 35 goal scorer year in and year out and O\'Sully? I\'ll be stunned if he pots 30.

[natgeo]

Oh yee of little faith. O\'Sully will have a much better year in 2009-2010. I can see him hitting 60+ points, which should be a foundation he can build on.

A lot of players struggle when they\'re first traded to a different team, even veterans who have proven themselves (Olli Jokinen anyone?) The Oilers play a style of hockey that compliments O\'Sully\'s talents, and once he gets comfortable we should see some better numbers from him.

[doulos]

O\'Sullivan fits the profile for a guy who should have a great year in a couple different ways.

As an Oiler fan I sure hope so.

[angus]

I can really see a lot of the current Oilers flourishing under Quinn. Players would skate through a wall for him - he commands respect and gives it back to the players. Renney is a good balance as well - should be interesting to see how much a difference it makes. The Oilers have a ton of talent, but just need an identity.

[Sam]

Yes, I'm really liking what I'm seeing in Edmonton so far. Quinn is doing a good job with the lines in my opinion. Seems like he's keeping everything balanced and its working ok.

I'm quite surprised to see Penner and Brule off to such good starts and Comrie too. Quinn seems like he's managed to bring this group together rather quickly and some of these young skilled players might really start to blossom this year.

I know Penner has been such a disappointment for many but something tells me he's going to turn it around under Quinn. With the majority of the lineup being smallish Quinn will need somebody with some size out there and Penner is looking like a good option.

Too bad about Souray going down.