The Edmonton Oilers have points in four consecutive games and sit in the top two of the Pacific Division this morning. Regardless of how we got here, the first third of Edmonton’s season has overall been pretty good. The team has taken some huge steps forward, is in a playoff race, and has the NHL’s top scorer.
The Oilers, however, are still searching for something. This club is searching for consistency in their game. It happens with young clubs making the sojourn up the standings, and it’s happening with the Oilers right now. The Chicago Blackhawks went through it during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, the Bruins in the same two years, and the Florida Panthers in 2014-15 and 2015-16.
Edmonton defeated Winnipeg last Thursday night and then took out the Ducks on Saturday night to halt a three game skid and regain ground in the playoff race. Since then, however, the club has lost their last two games by blowing leads, one in the final 30 seconds even.
The good news? The Oilers got a loser point in both games, meaning the final result is exactly the same as winning one and losing the other in regulation points wise.
Still, the Oilers have to find a way to stop riding the roller coaster, because eventually it is going to cost them. This club cannot survive winning five in a row and then losing five in a row, winning three and then losing three. Eventually the Oilers need to turn three or four game skids into one or two game skids.
They have to find a way to stop the bleeding earlier and get back into the win column. Getting the game to extra time has saved some face these last two outings, but tonight the Oilers have to find a way to win. This game in Philadelphia is important as the race tightens and teams gain games in hand. Getting back into the win column is important for the Oilers tonight.
Another thing the Oilers have to figure out? Closing games out. The surrendered a third period lead on Saturday against the Ducks and barely hung on to force OT. On Sunday, they gave up a 1-0 lead and lost in OT before surrendering that final minute goal to Buffalo on Tuesday. I, and I’m sure many of you, would like to see that killer instinct more often with this club.
Early goals and late leads need to be protected if they want to make the playoffs.
Anthony Duclair:
Earlier this week over at OilersNation, our own Zach Laing wrote about Anthony Duclair and if the Oilers should be interested should he be made available. I want to touch on that because it’s a pretty interesting thought. Duclair is a talented young right wing that can score, but he’s struggling right now and can’t stay in the lineup.
This is a player that, just one year ago, posted 44 points in his first full NHL season with the Coyotes. This season hasn’t been as kind with only four points and a plethora of healthy scratches to this point.
He’d be a really good fit with the Oilers as he’s young, skilled and plays a position of need. I don’t see Arizona and Edmonton being a fit, however. The Oilers don’t have any assets (that they would move) that would entice Arizona. The Coyotes aren’t moving a talented young forward for someone like Benoit Pouliot, it just isn’t happening.
I could see him getting moved for a similar player, but I don’t think Edmonton has what it takes to get this deal done. Too bad, because I’d love to see him skate with Connor McDavid.
Ryan Spooner:
Another player who apparently is on the block is Boston’s Ryan Spooner. The Bruins, according to those who follow the team, are looking for a top-six forward. That’s different from what we were led to believe all summer long, which was that the Bruins were after a defender. The emergence of Brandon Carlo has changed the plans in the Hub.
Spooner had 49 points (13-36-49) in 80 games a season ago, but he’s falling out of favor for GM Don Sweeney and coach Claude Julien. After Boston’s win on Monday night, Julien was quoted as saying “He’s a good player when he wants to play.”
He’s certainly been inconsistent this season (3-6-9 in 26 games) but he’s a young center with some skill who was drafted by Peter Chiarelli. To this observer, Spooner looks like a good fit as the third line center in Edmonton if Leon Draisaitl is going to stick on the wing.
Would Boston take Benoit Pouliot back? I doubt it, and unfortunately I don’t see a fit here either. The Oilers simply don’t have enough assets on their NHL roster for trade. Maybe picks and prospects could get this one done? It’s at least worth making the call.
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