TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button was hard on the Oilers early on in the season for their struggles but has their 11-game win streak convinced him that Edmonton is a Stanley Cup favourite?
Not convinced. I think they need a couple of pieces to complete the puzzle. As much as I like Sknny, the shellacking by Tampa proved that a team needs a Vezina goalie to win.
I will admit I was wrong about Paul Coffey and as much as I’m sad Woodys gone Knobs has been the right replacement and one that was needed. 19-3 in there last 22 games is unreal. This is the best I’ve seen this club play in the McDavid era.
Two months ago Button said the Oilers were “deeply” flawed and were no where near a contender. I knew they had enough talent to compete with ANY team. You can teach defense, you just need to find the right system for your team. Defense by committee is much easier than offense by committee.
As an Oilers fan TSN kept saying Boston was a cup contender last year and look what happened. So picking "cup contenders" means nothing. Results in the spring means something.
They are on a good streak and are playing well. But again this streak only means so much if they can translate it into the playoffs. If they can? Yes they absolutely are, if not, then the regular season (both the good and the bad) was nothing but a fluke of inconsistencies. Right now, all many people in the NHL can do it just wait.
Like Craig, I was one of the naysayers and unbelievers 1-2 months into the season. At that time, there were 7 teams above the Oilers JUST to make the WC#2 position. I was thinking there is no way they are climbing over 7-8 teams and man was I WRONG. Gotta hive the new coaches all the credit for turning the team around and of course THE PLAYERS for buying into the culture change and doing the work. They have always had ample top 6 production but bottom 6 has improved BUT mostly the "D" is MUCH BETTER especially Nurse who was not playing well early on. Way to go Paul Coffey for getting the "D" on track. End Result: the Oilers are now a bonefide Cup contender.
It is rare that a team has the opportunity in one season to experience hopelessness and then dominating success. No one wants to face a team like that.
All 3 canadian teams are playing good the only difference is oilers have a game changer which no other nhl teams have #97…..as for canucks they are just winning bcoz of demko….oilers all the way…….
17 Comments
I would say the oilers are good but my opinion are that the Canuck’s are better
The Jets and Vancouver are way better and have been most of the season unlike Edmonton.
I love how Mathews gets out of the way of the McCloud shot.
McDavid is gonna lift the cup!! WE BELIEVE
Not convinced. I think they need a couple of pieces to complete the puzzle.
As much as I like Sknny, the shellacking by Tampa proved that a team needs a Vezina goalie to win.
They playing really well .
I will admit I was wrong about Paul Coffey and as much as I’m sad Woodys gone Knobs has been the right replacement and one that was needed. 19-3 in there last 22 games is unreal. This is the best I’ve seen this club play in the McDavid era.
lol no.
Two months ago Button said the Oilers were “deeply” flawed and were no where near a contender. I knew they had enough talent to compete with ANY team. You can teach defense, you just need to find the right system for your team. Defense by committee is much easier than offense by committee.
As an Oilers fan TSN kept saying Boston was a cup contender last year and look what happened. So picking "cup contenders" means nothing. Results in the spring means something.
Ya Calucks
They are on a good streak and are playing well. But again this streak only means so much if they can translate it into the playoffs. If they can? Yes they absolutely are, if not, then the regular season (both the good and the bad) was nothing but a fluke of inconsistencies. Right now, all many people in the NHL can do it just wait.
Like Craig, I was one of the naysayers and unbelievers 1-2 months into the season. At that time, there were 7 teams above the Oilers JUST to make the WC#2 position. I was thinking there is no way they are climbing over 7-8 teams and man was I WRONG. Gotta hive the new coaches all the credit for turning the team around and of course THE PLAYERS for buying into the culture change and doing the work.
They have always had ample top 6 production but bottom 6 has improved BUT mostly the "D" is MUCH BETTER especially Nurse who was not playing well early on. Way to go Paul Coffey for getting the "D" on track.
End Result: the Oilers are now a bonefide Cup contender.
Canucks fans fuming people aren't paying attention to them, meanwhile Winnipeg fans are silent knowing the regular season cup means nothing.
Let’s go Oilers!
It is rare that a team has the opportunity in one season to experience hopelessness and then dominating success. No one wants to face a team like that.
All 3 canadian teams are playing good the only difference is oilers have a game changer which no other nhl teams have #97…..as for canucks they are just winning bcoz of demko….oilers all the way…….