Heading into this season the one thing at Oilers fans did not want to happen is have a simliar start to the season as they did last year. For the Oilers though, unfortunately, that is exactly what happened. Last season they got blown out by the Vancouver Canucks 8-1, this season they lost 6-0 to the Winnipeg Jets. The Oilers have the chance to turn things around on Saturday against a weaker team the Chicago Blackhawks.
Last season the Winnipeg Jets were one of the top teams in the NHL and on Wednesday the Jets showed that they are still a team of that calibre. The Oilers have at least a good chance to bounce back against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks will likely finish near the bottom of the league again, so I am not going to get too concerned about the Oilers until they lose to a non-compative team. So, if the Oilers lose on Saturday then things will start to crumble in Oiler land.
For the Oilers to win on Saturday they will need to be better in every aspect of the game. They didn't have any bright spots on Wednesday and if they want to redeem their start to the season they will need to show that they can be better in every way. From their defensive coverage to creating offensive chances, the Oilers need to play a full 60 minutes and make it a hard 60 minutes.
While the season will not be over for the Oilers if they lose on Saturday, they will be starting a spiral that I know they did not want to cause. Being Stanley Cup favourites and starting the season 0-2 is not a good look. I do expect them to win on Saturday, but I also thought they would win on Wednesday. That being said if they at least have a good showing on Saturday I will feel better, but if they play a bad game again I will start geting concerned. Here's to a win on Saturday so we can all relax.