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JiriHrdina · 04-14-2009, 12:51 AM

The #8/#1 match-up in the West has a chance to be one of the opening round's closest series.

Although the Oilers struggled with an inconsistent series they still have a lot of talent, including arguably the best goalie in the CPHL.

The match-up breaks down like this:

Forwards

The Wild don't have a mega-superstar in their forward ranks, but are extremely deep with seven 20 goal scorers. Nathan Horton led the team in scoring during the regular season, but the Wild will likely depend heavily on a pair of veteran Swedes - Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg.

The Oilers are one of the few teams in the CPHL that can match the Wild in terms of depth - with eight 20 goal scorers. The Oil have some younger forwards and will likely need the veteran Brendan Shanahan to have a huge series.

EDGE: Even

Defense

The Wild also focus on offense on their blueline with four elite offensive d-men in Tomas Kaberle, Jay Bouwmeester, Shea Weber and Ryan Whitney. However the third pairing is not great with the veteran Nic Wallin trying to steady the young and rowdy Jack MF Johnson. If injuries strike the Wild's blueline the ranks get thin quickly. Kaberle is the lone hold over on the Wild from their 2007 championship team

On paper the Oiler's blueline is not as strong...but Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell are both under-rated dmen. Similar to the Wild, the depth is not great and any injuries to a top four dmen could spell disaster for the Oil.

EDGE: Wild

Goaltending

Tomas Vokoun had an outstanding season for the Wild leading the circuit in wins and minutes played. Freddie Norenna is a capable back-up that can step into play when called upon but is at best a .500 tender. The Wild do have the added depth of Scott Clemenson meaning if Vokoun is in need of a rest Minny can completely scratch him

The Oilers have arguably the best goalie on the planet in Bob Luongo. Although he struggled with other teams his stats with the Oil are outstanding across the board. Pekka Rinne, who has a bright future, at this point isn't a great back-up option and in a long series could be a real weakness unless Edmonton figured how to get Bob Esche or Jocelyn Thibault back up.

Edge: Edmonton

Special Teams
The Wild's PP ranked #5 in the CPHL at 18.8% while the Oil check in fifteenth at 16.6%. Although that's ten places in the standings the difference is negligible.

The Wild's PK unit is #3 at 86.1% while the Oil rank #7 at 85.3%. Again - not much to quibble over.

The Oilers on average take on more minor penalty per game than Minny which could be a slight edge for the Wild

Edge: Meh.

Should be a good series!

04-14-2009, 12:51 AM	#1
JiriHrdina I believe in the Pony Power Join Date: Jul 2003 Exp:	Wild/Oilers series preview The #8/#1 match-up in the West has a chance to be one of the opening round's closest series. Although the Oilers struggled with an inconsistent series they still have a lot of talent, including arguably the best goalie in the CPHL. The match-up breaks down like this: Forwards The Wild don't have a mega-superstar in their forward ranks, but are extremely deep with seven 20 goal scorers. Nathan Horton led the team in scoring during the regular season, but the Wild will likely depend heavily on a pair of veteran Swedes - Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg. The Oilers are one of the few teams in the CPHL that can match the Wild in terms of depth - with eight 20 goal scorers. The Oil have some younger forwards and will likely need the veteran Brendan Shanahan to have a huge series. EDGE: Even Defense The Wild also focus on offense on their blueline with four elite offensive d-men in Tomas Kaberle, Jay Bouwmeester, Shea Weber and Ryan Whitney. However the third pairing is not great with the veteran Nic Wallin trying to steady the young and rowdy Jack MF Johnson. If injuries strike the Wild's blueline the ranks get thin quickly. Kaberle is the lone hold over on the Wild from their 2007 championship team On paper the Oiler's blueline is not as strong...but Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell are both under-rated dmen. Similar to the Wild, the depth is not great and any injuries to a top four dmen could spell disaster for the Oil. EDGE: Wild Goaltending Tomas Vokoun had an outstanding season for the Wild leading the circuit in wins and minutes played. Freddie Norenna is a capable back-up that can step into play when called upon but is at best a .500 tender. The Wild do have the added depth of Scott Clemenson meaning if Vokoun is in need of a rest Minny can completely scratch him The Oilers have arguably the best goalie on the planet in Bob Luongo. Although he struggled with other teams his stats with the Oil are outstanding across the board. Pekka Rinne, who has a bright future, at this point isn't a great back-up option and in a long series could be a real weakness unless Edmonton figured how to get Bob Esche or Jocelyn Thibault back up. Edge: Edmonton Special Teams The Wild's PP ranked #5 in the CPHL at 18.8% while the Oil check in fifteenth at 16.6%. Although that's ten places in the standings the difference is negligible. The Wild's PK unit is #3 at 86.1% while the Oil rank #7 at 85.3%. Again - not much to quibble over. The Oilers on average take on more minor penalty per game than Minny which could be a slight edge for the Wild Edge: Meh. Should be a good series!