The Edmonton Oilers are gearing up for the upcoming NHL season and are looking to make a big impact. With a lot of talent on their roster, they have the potential to be one of the top teams in the league. However, to achieve success, the Oilers will need to focus on three key factors: a full season of Mattias Ekholm, a solid top 6, and improved goaltending. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors and why they are so important for the Oilers’ success.
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Mattias Ekholm for a Full Season
One of the most significant acquisitions for the Oilers came last season when they traded for defenseman Mattias Ekholm. He quickly became a key player for the Oilers, providing a steady presence on the blue line. He brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, and his contributions did not go unnoticed. However, Ekholm was only with the team for part of the season, and the Oilers did not get a chance to see what he could do for a full year.
This season, Ekholm will be with the Oilers for the full season, and this is a huge advantage for the team. Having a top-pairing defenseman that they can count on night in and night out is extremely important for the Oilers. Ekholm’s presence on the ice will provide stability and leadership, and his experience will be invaluable to the team. With Ekholm in the lineup for the entire season, the Oilers will be a much more dangerous team.
Solid Top 6
Last season, the Oilers’ offence was inconsistent at times. Many of the goals came from just a few players, and the team struggled to get consistent production from their top 6 forwards. This season, the Oilers need more contributions from their top 6 if they want to succeed. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are already two of the best players in the league, but they can’t do it alone.
Evander Kane and Connor Brown must step up and provide consistent scoring. If the Oilers can get production from their top 6, they will be a much more dangerous team. The Oilers have a lot of talent on their roster, and if they can get everyone firing on all cylinders, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Improved Goaltending
One of the most significant issues for the Oilers last season was the play of Jack Campbell. The team struggled to find a consistent starting goaltender, and this hurt them in the long run. Stuart Skinner had some great games but also had some rough outings. I think Skinner playing so many games in his first NHL season caused him to burn out in the playoffs.
This season, I believe the Edmonton Oilers will get a better showing from Jack Campbell. If they don’t I think they will have another disappointment in the playoffs, or they will need to make a trade for a goalie at the deadline. A strong goaltender is crucial for any team that wants to be successful, and the Oilers are no exception.
What This Means For The Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have the potential to be one of the top teams in the league this season. With a full season of Mattias Ekholm, a solid top 6, and improved goaltending, the Oilers can be a force to be reckoned with. However, these three factors must come together if the Oilers want to succeed. The team has a lot of talent, but they need to be firing on all cylinders if they want to achieve their goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
The Oilers have a tough road ahead, but they have the talent and potential to make a big impact this season. It will be exciting to see how this season plays out and if the Oilers can live up to their potential. Whether they succeed or not, one thing is for sure: the Oilers are a team to watch this season, and they will be giving it their all to bring home a championship.