2006-07-31 13:04:46 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Hockey
I think if they pull together despite some obvious losses, then they have a good chance. With two really good, talented scorers (Lupul and Hemsky), a guy who has all the heart and soul you could ask for and the numbers to show for it (Smyth), and a couple of good stay at home defence-men who can also score once and a while (Bergeron, Staios, and Smith), I think that the Oilers could be, once again, a force to be reckoned with. They have some great players who are coming into their own like Stoll, Horcoff, and the short-handed playoff hero Pisani.
The group behind the scenes, the scouts, Kevin Lowe, etc., have done a great job at securing young talent, and made sure that they get the training and experience they need to become producers when they move up to the NHL level.
The Oilers also don't have to deal with the question of the goalie. Roloson provides us with great talent in the starting position, and Marrkannen has prove to be a valuable asset and back-up.
Even if they don't win the Cup next year, I think the Oilers can make a good dent in the playoffs if they just shrug the changes from the off-season off. And with a coach like MacT behind the bench, I'm sure they can achieve that same greatness.
2006-07-31 15:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They had a good, though surprising run in '06 after squeaking in to the playoffs. Then they lost a bunch of their best players including both Peca and Pronger.
Chances are the Oilers will be lucky to make the playoffs.
2006-08-01 18:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by Rory McRandall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Def have a good chance the departure of Pronger and Peca hurt but i think some guys can step up and make a difference. They had a great season and i was rooting for them the whole way out of the west and being a Sabres fan def rooting for them against the Canes. If Roloson can step up and play like he did in the playoffs then they have a good shot.
2006-07-31 20:16:10 · answer #3 · answered by Trevor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After last year I guess anything is possible. Will Rolly the goalie hold up? He's getting a little long in the tooth--although stellar last season.
I agree Pecs and Prongs are big losses, they also lost Spacek to the Sabres, so I'm not betting on them----yet.
2006-07-31 21:45:16 · answer #4 · answered by Lori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously not, if you know anything about NHL playoff history. Go look up what the losing Finalists have done since 1982 or so the next season esp. low-seeded Finalists. There's your answer.
When you go to the well and come up dry, it's difficult to crank it up the next year. Plus w/o Prongy or Peca--forget it.
2006-08-02 01:05:30 · answer #5 · answered by fugutastic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just believe. they did a cinderella style story of hockey last year by squeaking into the playoffs and beating the President's trophy winner and go to the finals. it'll be tougher this time around though since there's no more Peca and Pronger.
2006-08-01 05:11:30 · answer #6 · answered by tyrone b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They'll be lucky to make the playoffs. Remember, they only JUST got in last year thanks to the shootout. Roloson isn't the saviour that the Oilers think he is, and they city is unlivable. Believe me, I used to live there. What a hole!
2006-08-07 01:14:12 · answer #7 · answered by theghostofbobmarley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Maybe never again if good players and their families can't stand living in Edmonton
2006-08-06 23:09:32 · answer #8 · answered by sme 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. With the loss of key players like Pronger and peca, I'm not sure if they have the depth to make another run.
2006-07-31 20:10:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They did great this year. They may only need time to play together more to cut the harrowing come from behind stuff.
2006-07-31 20:12:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋