Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers were a thorn in the side of the Washington Capitals last season. Will that change this season?
The Washington Capitals and the Edmonton Oilers are among the most improved teams in the NHL. They took different paths while doing so, but the Washington Capitals and Oilers both look like they should be exciting teams in 2015.
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The Edmonton Oilers have been the NHLs “tank team” for the past few seasons. They’ve had quite a few first overall picks in the last few years, in fact they’ve had four out of the last five, with the most recent one being Connor McDavid. Last season the Oilers posted a record of 24-44-14, which got them 62 points, dead last in the division, and Connor McDavid. Guess you could call that a win?
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The Oilers got what they wanted, dropped Todd Nelson, and hired Todd McLellan as the new head coach. While hiring McLellan was a great decision, it does not guarantee success. McLellan’s former team, the San Jose Sharks were a regular season power house, much like the Washington Capitals of previous times, and then they would falter in the playoffs.
Making the playoffs, or even going above .500 would be a huge improvement for the Oilers, but unless McDavid is actually the second coming of Wayne Gretzky, you can cross off the idea of a Stanley Cup any time soon.
The Oilers added a lot of players this off season, let’s start with the big one. The Oilers traded for goaltender Cam Talbot, who put up impressive numbers as Henrik Lundqvist‘s backup, and stepped up for the New York Rangers when Lundqvist went down with an injury. Talbot is almost guaranteed to be the Edmonton starter come opening night.
The Oilers also acquired Andrej Sekera, Mark Letestu, Eric Gryba, and Lauri Korpikoski. The Sekera signing is huge, because the Oilers get a great defenseman for 6 years. The Oilers will be a better team this season, but young guys still need to develop and mature. If Nail Yakupov doesn’t show improvement in his game, he could see himself traded away, which might bring a nice player in for the Oilers.
Last season the Washington Capitals and Oilers played twice. The Oilers took both games. John Carlson, Mike Green, and Andre Burakovsky led the Washington Capitals against the Oilers with three points each.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and noted Washington Capitals killer Teddy Purcell also led their team with three points a piece against the Washington Capitals. Braden Holtby played both games. He posted a poor .863 save percentage and a GAA of 3.40. Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth both recorded wins against the Washington Capitals.
I interviewed Sammi Silber from Oil On Whyte and asked her opinions about the Oilers for the upcoming season, here’s the interview.
Q: Do you think McDavid will live up to the hype?
A: “He already is. Only 18 years old, the kid already has shown dedication to this team, as well as great skill and speed when he’s on the ice at camp or for exhibition games. I think he will. He knows his expect arms but also has great potential that he will work to meet. Even if he doesn’t lead in goals, those assists will come quick.”
Q: Will Cam Talbot be the number one goalie the Oilers need?
A: Cam Talbot is a great addition. The Oilers are in need of a stable goaltender, due to the fact that the defense under performs (which will hopefully end this year with our additions). If he is able to be a number one goaltender is a great question. He has always served as the backup, and this is the first time he’s really being thrown into the crease to start a season. But, just like when the Rangers needed him to perform like a starter when Lundqvist was out, he will do everything he can to establish his potential and position as a number one NHL level goaltender. So yes, he can perform.
Q: Can Edmonton make the playoffs this year with this roster?
A: It depends honestly. The roster has improved dramatically, and the new front office is no-tolerance and is a smart system featuring tough coach Todd McLellan. While these factors will help, I cannot guarantee we make the playoffs in our first recovery season. I will keep my answer as a simple “I honestly can’t tell you,” but I think they can cut close. It depends on how other teams perform, really.
The Washington Capitals will play the Oilers twice again this season. With the Capitals improved roster, they should at least split the season series.
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