Meh - I'm not even thinking about the other teams. We're not a playoff team yet anyway. I just want to see sustained improvement.
Pre-Game Talk: Game 29 - Sharks @ Oilers: Fish and Chips anyone?
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Meh - I'm not even thinking about the other teams. We're not a playoff team yet anyway. I just want to see sustained improvement.
I just consider it realistic expectations. I still think it will be a couple years before playoff hockey comes to Edmonton.
bone
5-14-6-1
Yeah, with that it would be almost like we are starting back at 0.
No need to think .750 records being the only way in, you just need to be better than 4 of these teams from here on out, with a lot of head to heads left on the schedule (I think its ~18 without double checking).
Granted, that is a big task to accomplish considering the past 9 years, but feels much more achievable than thinking about .750 for a 50+ game stretch. Basically, it comes down to earning 65-70% of the total points earned in the HTHs (assuming some OTs in there) against these 6 teams (i.e. about 27 points) and you are sitting in a decent spot for a late season push provided you play at least .500 for the other games.
This is actually achievable.
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I mean, being a realist means you understand what is likely to happen. It doesn't preclude you from having fun with what is possible.
This is the strangest year I've ever seen in the NHL. A team with 82-84 points may actually make the playoffs in the Pacific. Why not cross your fingers and track meaningful out of town games for as long as the Oilers are close.
Well, we're all going to get our ***** handed to us by the Central. That's really what's squeezing the Pacific out.
What I like about the Oilers? Their first half schedule is harder than their second half. They've dealt with significant injuries and may be done with them (knock on wood) in another month or so. They've played a lot of one goal games against good teams and have had a level of bad luck that should normalize.
What I don't like about them? They're the Oilers. Incoming 5 game losing streak.
Mcnofool6110
Re-defining Rock Bottom since '07
#treadingwaterforMcJesus
Isn't San Jose the only team we beat all of December last year? Ugh now I don't feel good about this game.
Isn't San Jose the only team we beat all of December last year? Ugh now I don't feel good about this game.
oXo Cube
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Mr Positive
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plus, it's not like making the playoffs is a big accomplishment. You don't have to be a great team to do it. We are a team aiming to be a contender someday with the talent we have here. Even at a fraction of that potential, we could make the playoffs, but then likely get bounced out in the first couple rounds. That's what we are aiming at here. The delusional optimistic opinion is to expect a deep cup run.
Yeah, I mean, if we were to somehow make it - we'd be bounced in the first round, maybe in 4 straight, by LA. No doubt about that.
It would just be fresh air for the City and a great boost to the teams PR.
BoldNewLettuce
Esquire
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Eh, if this team makes the playoffs it means Chia acquired some legitimate top 4 d-men down the stretch, and likely improved the bottom 6 as well. It'd also mean one of Talbot or Nilsson (or both) played out of their minds for the majority of the season.
If those things happened a series win wouldn't be out of the realm of probability.
Don't think that game of margins applies to this season.
A team that would normally pick near the lottery will play in the playoffs this year. Not because of luck or unsustainable scoring rates like Calgary last year, but because it's going to take a dozen points fewer to earn a spot in the Pacific.
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You'd still be looking at a much improved team. Oilers roster as it stands is not playoff bound IMO, even in this weaker Pacific division.
Sucks to see Calgary win, but I hope they beat SJ in regulation today. Don't want the gap between 2nd/3rd place to get any wider.
McTrashBoat
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But then Calgary is up with us, no win situation eh.
Just pray for regulation I guess.
And maybe a suspension or two
I dont think bottom 6 needs any improvement THIS season. Once they get (hopefully) relatively healthy line-up I would go with:
Hall-Drai-Purcell
Khaira-RNH-Eberle
Pouliot-McDavid-Yakupov
Hendricks-Letestu-Korpikoski/Lander/Pakarinen
Hendo makes bottom 6 line work with almost anybody ! He and Letestu been really good for few games. So that looks pretty good to my eye. If Khaira fades away bit, then replace him with Hendo.
Top pairing RHD is the piece. Chia get us Shattenkirk !
Burger Baron
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Has anyone else noticed how soft our January schedule is ?
If we can come out of December with 12-14 of the 22 remaining points, coupled with the return of McDaddy in Jan, we might be in a pretty good spot come February
If we can come out of December with 12-14 of the 22 remaining points, coupled with the return of McDaddy in Jan, we might be in a pretty good spot come February
GMofOilers
Registered User
Show me a hot team, ill show you a hot goalie 
A little quote from Bob MacKenzie yesterday. Said its pretty much bang on.
A little quote from Bob MacKenzie yesterday. Said its pretty much bang on.
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Show me a hot team, ill show you a hot goalie
A little quote from Bob MacKenzie yesterday. Said its pretty much bang on.
Unless you're Ottawa, who just seem to outscore all their defensive problems.
I just don't think multiple top-4 defenseman and a bottom six forward is the difference in quality between the Oilers and four of the other six Pacific division teams.
ChaoticOrange
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McFlyingV
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Yeah if our d and goaltending can keep playing pretty good, that forward group is going to be so dangerous when they're all healthy. Loved Khaira on that RNH line last game.
duul
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We don't need to worry about Calgary. They're winning way more games than they should given their goal differential. Very lucky to start the season, and we have been relatively unlucky. Injures to key players, lots of 1 goal losses, etc.
Our team is on the up and up. Nilsson won best goalie in the KHL last year for a reason. Our terrible defence is finally getting the system. If we can bring in one or two more good D, our team is a playoff team. When McDavid comes back, we surely have a shot.
Just need to stay in the race for now.
As for tomorrow night, that is a must win. SJ should be playing their backup. Their #1 D is out. We have no excuse to lose this one. I feel like this game will be the most important one of the year for a bunch of reasons. Not to mention I bet the boys will go out there and battle for McLellan given it's his old team.
Our team is on the up and up. Nilsson won best goalie in the KHL last year for a reason. Our terrible defence is finally getting the system. If we can bring in one or two more good D, our team is a playoff team. When McDavid comes back, we surely have a shot.
Just need to stay in the race for now.
As for tomorrow night, that is a must win. SJ should be playing their backup. Their #1 D is out. We have no excuse to lose this one. I feel like this game will be the most important one of the year for a bunch of reasons. Not to mention I bet the boys will go out there and battle for McLellan given it's his old team.
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