So, after breaking down the goalies, defense and offense, it’s time to grade the Oilers as a team overall. Goalies received a C, defenders a C- and forwards a B-. For an overall grade, that means Edmonton should fit right in as a mid-to-high C level hockey team. Seems about right, no?
Edmonton Oilers Mid-Season Grade – C+: So, at 17-21-3, I’m giving Edmonton a slightly above average grade. Why? Well, they are right on track to finish within my preseason expectations line in the sand, which was 30-35 wins. Currently they are playing at a 34 win pace, and that’s with inconsistent goaltending and key injuries.
This is a hockey team with average goaltending, I think that’s fair to say. We’ve seen both great and terrible performances from both Cam Talbot and Anders Nilsson so far this season, and that’s impacted the record and standing. I believe the Oilers are inside the postseason right now if they receive even average goaltending all year long.
The defense is still a work in progress, it needs another top-four piece, but Darnell Nurse and Oscar Klefbom have both emerged as legit options in the top-four next to Andrej Sekera. That Brandon Davidson kid is pretty good too.
The forward group needs better performances from both Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, but their track records suggest it’ll come. Losing Connor McDavid and Nail Yakupov is a damned big deal too, folks. They’ll make a difference in the second half.
All in all, considering where Edmonton has been in recent years, a C+ is pretty good for this club.
Can It Be Better?:
Yes, it can be better, and I expect it to be in the second half. For me, there are four reasons why the Oilers will have a better second half than first half in this 2015-16 NHL season.
1.) This team will be healthy in the second half of the season, at least it’s shaping up that way. Both Connor McDavid and Nail Yakupov are excepted to return to the lineup in the next few weeks, making this team that much more dynamic upfront. With those two back, the Oilers will be able to create some really, really favorable matchups the rest of the way.
2.) Familiarity with the system and each other will help. This group of players is really starting to understand how Todd McLellan wants them to play, and it’s making an impact. In the last game against Carolina, the Oilers played their first real tight checking game in years, it was boring, but really nice to see. Knowing what’s expected is half the battle.
3.) Rebound performances in the second half can be expected. Both Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have more to give and both have proven they are capable of doing big things. Anton Lander will eventually break out of his funk and, if history is any indication, Cam Talbot should find his range now. For Talbot, that has been the case the past two seasons, he’s really picked it up late.
4.) Continued development of the defense, of Darnell Nurse and Brandon Davidson. With more experience comes better play, that’s just a fact. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Edmonton’s blue-line is better today than it was at the start of the season. I think it is fair to suggest that it will be better in April than it is today, even without a big addition.
I said at the start of the season that I expected a strong second half from the Oilers. Their schedule gets easier, guys will be more comfortable with each other and the system, and the team will be healthier. It’s certainly shaping up for a strong finish from this group.
All in all, even though there were many frustrating moments, the Edmonton Oilers had a decent first half to their season. They finish with a C+ grade. What will their final 41 games have in store? Time to sit back and find out.
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