Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
The way I see it, there is not enough improvement on the Oilers part to overcome the 10-point chasm that separates them from the Flames. I can see the Flames taking a step back and the Oilers making a modest improvement, and yet it would still not be enough to move them from their finishing positions from last year. Again, people seem to have forgotten rather quickly how unbelievably bad the Oilers were last year. Moreover, it is not just that they were horrible, it is that the team was mind-bendingly bad at practically every facet of the game. The rather unexceptional improvements they made in the offseason can't possibly mean much inside their climate of intoxicating rubbish.
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Yes very fair points. While we were only one place better than them in the standings we were 10pts up. I think both teams have some wild cards with something to prove. Yakupov was disgustingly bad but has sworn that he is going to be better next year and of he breaks out then the Oilera have a legit second scoring line. RNH also has the ability to see his game take a huge leap and if he can get to ppg pace he may solidify a bona fide top line.
The Flames have Sven who in my opinion has the ability to possibly come in and make a big impact offensively. In addition intriguing prospects like Gaudreau, Granlund, Reinhart who all have potential to add some needed offense.
I like the Oilers additions on the back end but Calgary still has the superior D. Both teams have young players currently on the roster that can improve. Edmonton has the mentioned RNH, and Yakupov in addition to Hall, Eberle, Schultz, Perron. The Flames have the prospects knocking on the door in addition to Backlund, Monahan, Colborne, Brodie. Both teams have top prospects just drafted and I feel the Oilers are more likely to put Drasaitl in the show than the flames are with Bennett.
At the end of the day I do feel Calgary did over achieve where the Oilers failed to take a step. It would not shock me to see Calgary finish higher in te standings next year but I think Edmonton did more to improve in addition to having more young players that can take a step forward next season in comparison to the flames. Does that mean they will close the gap on the flames? Remains to be seen