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It was still, to this day, the most fun I've ever had covering a Stanley Cup Final. When the Oilers and Canes met post lockout it pitted two teams who had no business being there, but who had simply too much speed to be stopped. I will never forget the overtime goal Edmonton scored in game 5 that sent me on the wildest four days of endless connection and air travel from Carolina, to Edmonton and back again. I believe I had stops in Minnesota, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, and Seattle. But it was all so worth it.

Well now as we sit here with the trade freeze upon us both the Oilers and the Canes are two teams who are at the forefront of the rumor mill...but not exactly for the same reasons.

The Hurricanes have issues on and off the ice. They have already made a coaching change, but have yet to see anything really turn around.

The Oilers have improved greatly from last year, but you are looking at a team who could get 30 more points this year than last year, and still miss the playoffs by 10 points. It is possible that we look for too much from the Oilers when we call them a playoff team. What they are is a better team.

Or should I say what they are is a more talented group of maturing players...and there is the rub with both of these teams (and you could easily add the Islanders the following statement): Young talent needs guidance and veterans and chemistry to win at the NHL level. Talent and Skill may be 75% of the equation, but the last 25% is far more elusive to grasp.

Talking to sources in Edmonton I get the strong impression that they are bracing to let loose of some of their talent for a d-man with some experience.

In Carolina, the name Staal continues to creep into rumors way too often. The denials are there, but the business is also there. And the Canes needs are even more there.

What's the Buzz?

What do you think these teams must do to get to the next level?

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