2009-2010 Edmonton Oilers Preview

The franchise that dominated the 1980s (behind the all-time great play of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri and Grant Fuhr) to the tune of 5 Stanley Cups in 7 years has fallen on hard times in the past three seasons after their magical run to the 2005-2006 Stanley Cup Finals as the Western Conference’s 8th seed. After finishing just out of the playoff picture in each of the past two years, can the Oilers finally make a return to playoff action?

Looking Back at 2008-2009

Last season ended in tough fashion for the Oilers, as an uninspiring 7-9-4 record in March and April led to a final mark of 38-35-9 and a 4th place finish in the Northwest Division. Unfortunately, this was only good enough for an 11 th place finish in the Western Conference and was the second consecutive year that the Oilers finished just outside of the playoff picture. However, there was some good news: local pharmacy owner Daryl Katz’s purchase of the team ensured that the Oilers would remain in upper Alberta for the long term, keeping a historic franchise in its rightful place.

The Offseason

The Oilers had a tumultuous offseason in many regards. Former player and local icon Craig MacTavish was fired as head coach after failing to get the team into the playoffs and was replaced by coaching legend Pat Quinn behind the bench. If that wasn’t enough experience, the Oilers managed to convince former Rangers head coach Tom Renney to come aboard as an assistant coach, leaving Edmonton with a wealth of experience behind the bench.

There was also plenty of player movement. Starting goalie Dewayne Roloson left as a free agent and the Oilers brought in Cup-winning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin after his deal with Chicago expired. The only other movement featured late season acquisition Ales Kotalik bidding adieu for New York City after a semi-productive 19 game stay and budding young star Kyle Brodziak’s departure for division rival Minnesota.

However, Edmonton’s offseason was marred by the big trade that never happened. Petulant superstar Dany Heatley refused a trade from Ottawa and the details leaked, leaving young stars Dustin Penner, Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid wondering where their future with the team truly stood after they nearly were dealt away. Smid didn’t seem to miffed, signing a multiyear extension but the other two have to have some serious concerns about their future with the Oilers.

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2009-2010 Outlook

For Edmonton to make a run at the playoffs this season, they have to play far more consistent than they’ve shown the past two years. This is a team full of young talent but the question is when they’ll actually take the proverbial step forward. The maddening inconsistency can be embodied by the enigmatic Penner, who has struggled for two straight years since signing a big deal as a restricted free agent after Edmonton struck out on acquiring Buffalo’s superstar scorer Thomas Vanek. Penner simply has to be better than his 17 goal, 37 point showing from last season, especially considering his hefty price tag.

However, there is some proven offense on hand for the Oilers, beginning with winger Alex Hemsky, who led the team last year with 23 goals and 66 points. Along with Shawn Horcoff, Hemsky and Penner could form a strong top line. Behind them, 3rd year winger Sam Gagner needs to find a way to put up a strong 82 game effort after fading in each of the last two springs. However, a better year from Gagner and Cogliano would likely give the Oilers a much needed boost in the offense department. On the down side, I don’t see any more than two lines available that can score with any regularity.

The good news is that Edmonton’s defense is one of the league’s best at jumping into the play (perhaps the best ice in the league has something to do with it?). Sheldon Souray, Tom Gilbert, Denis Grebeshkov, and Lubomir Visnovsky all scored more than 30 points last season while finishing with positive plus/minus ratings. Souray was especially impressive with 23 goals and is a key part of the Oiler’' powerplay. Edmonton has a great group of defensemen on hand.

With such solid defensemen on hand, you have to assume that Nikolai Khabibulin is in for a strong year. After struggling two years ago, Chicago brought in Cristobal Huet for big money to take over as the number one keeper in the final year of Khabibulin’s contract. Unfortunately, the move backfired as the Bulin Wall outplayed Huet and was the team’s top goaltender during their run to the Western Confernce Finals. Thus, when the season ended, the Hawks couldn’t afford both goalies and Edmonton jumped at the opportunity to add a championship-caliber netminder. This is a great upgrade for the Oilers.

PREDICTION: The good news for the Edmonton faithful is that their team should do away with some of their inconsistencies under the tutelage of Quinn and Renney. Younger players like Penner and Cogliano should be expected to have solid rebound seasons after disappointing a year ago. With a very good group of defensemen on hand and a great goaltender, the Oilers are simply a much better team.

The bad news is that their division is extremely difficult with four other excellent teams. While I like the Oilers to have a strong year, they’re going to have to exceed my expectations to jump over Calgary, Vancouver or Minnesota and I can’t justify picking them any higher than 4 th in the Northwest Division. Unfortunately, I expect to see the Oilers finish in 9 th place in the Western Conference, just short of the playoffs for the 3 rd consecutive season. However, don’t despair Oiler fans, there is the foundation for a very good team in place and the Oilers will be a contender in the near future.

By Matt Baxendall
DFN Sports & ProHockey-fans.com Staff Writer

Feel your team is underrated? Tell Matt Baxendell why at matt.baxendell@gmail.com

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