But they will be this season, and that will be a learning experience. (And yes I can't stand Cloutier, but I do read/watch the train wreck. Someone has to troll you guys. =) I still put EDM at 11th ahead of a lot of other teams. I just don't see them making the playoffs over the teams ahead of them.
- Steve-B

A) I think 11th is reasonable and B) I think 11th is really encouraging! Being in the hunt may as late as the trade deadline would leave me impressed. I was mostly responding to the idea that we need to re-tool now. We've got a bunch of slight kids, but a lot of them have 200 pound frames. I'd be fine giving it the year or so for them to grow.

Schneider played 33 games.. 20 more games is not going to kill his numbers when hes been so consistent.

I am surprised they have not added a veteran backup but there is still time for that.
- Steve-B

If Schneider only plays 53 games that leaves 29 for whoever the backup is. A vet backup couls handle it but I'm not sure about Lack.

Hall will grow from here on out for sure, but he's mature enough to play in the NHL by a wide measure. And I'd say he's 200 or more now.

I already mentioned that size is an issue for the oilers currently (mostly just in the top 6). That being said, as Hall, Yakupov, Gagner, Pajaarvi and others fill out, they'll all be in and around 200 pounds (Paajarvi more, Yaks less). What would be the point of making a major change with those guys if we're happy with their play. The size issue will solve itself soon enough.
- Morris

Did I not say that what they really need to do is replace Hemsky with a powerforward and give their skill guys 2 years to mature? What exactly is the point of your argument?

No one is saying EDM will stay bad or even be as bad this year as they were last year. Just that they are not ready to compete for a playoff spot which your statement right there basically says more or less.

Concur, but I don't think Detroit finishes that high. Honestly not sure they make the playoffs. The loss of Lidstrom will have a greater impact than people imagine.

Also, I'd put Phoenix in and SJ out. The winds of change continue to blow in the west. Not sure how Nashville does minus Suter either.

(frank) it. Who knows..
- GuyLaDouche

Nashville will feel the sting without Suter but it won't kill them. Minn signed two people and it makes them fly up the standings chart? Not saying that was all your point...just seen it alot lately. My point is 2 people can't fix all your problems. Same as 1 won't kill the team. That being said, here's my prediction:

IN
Nashville


OUT
Everyone else cause i said so

If Schneider only plays 53 games that leaves 29 for whoever the backup is. A vet backup couls handle it but I'm not sure about Lack.
- flamminghead

And Vancouver's defense just got stronger with a big body shot blocker named Garrison. There defense was already pretty good. I think they will be ok..

Nashville will feel the sting without Suter but it won't kill them. Minn signed two people and it makes them fly up the standings chart? Not saying that was all your point...just seen it alot lately. My point is 2 people can't fix all your problems. Same as 1 won't kill the team. That being said, here's my prediction:

IN
Nashville


OUT
Everyone else cause i said so


- Van~Damage

Your Avatar and Name get a from me. 80s & 90s action movies.

Nashville and Phoenix are losing a lot of offense, that isn't going to be filled by guys just stepping up. Nashville should probably be one of the main teams in on Ryan or Nash if they could be.

And Vancouver's defense just got stronger with a big body shot blocker named Garrison. There defense was already pretty good. I think they will be ok..
- Steve-B

I never said they won't be ok but they were the President winners last season. I'm just not sure if they can maintain that elite level.

Original post

Admit it. You're envious of the Edmonton Oilers, because they're going to be the next Canadian Team to win the Stanley Cup. The Oilers are so full of young raw talent, it's only a matter of time before the Dynasty 2.0 begins. Don't be jealous, I mean, your team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals just last year. 1982, 1994, 2011....Don't feel bad, your team will be back to the cup finals just in time for another loss.............. in 10-12 years.
- Sammy Van Hagar

My post

Admit it. You're envious of the Los Angeles Kings, because they just won the Stanley Cup. The Kings are so full of young talent mixed with veteran leadership, it's only a matter of time before the Dynasty 1.0 begins. Don't be jealous, I mean, your team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 05-06. Don't feel bad, your team will be back to the cup finals just in time for another loss.............. in 5-10 years.
- StayTunedMTC

See wat I did thar?

When it comes down to it, the team that will win or make it to the SCF is the team that clicks at the end. The Devils clicked and the Kings clicked. One could argue that Philly, Boston, NYR, Pitt all had a much better roster than the Devils did, but the Devils meshed at the right time. Same can be said about the Kings. To repeat in this league is tremendously hard to do. Some said Bruins were going to repeat and they were out in the first round. There's a good chance another team will click just like the Kings did and run over your asses, there's a solid chance the Devils won't even make the playoffs this year, barring a new top-six forward or breakout seasons.

To call the Kings a potential dynasty after one Stanley Cup ring, and an 8th place finish, regardless of any stats you want to bring up, is foolish.
- _Zippy_

To not read sarcasm and see that I was making fun of what Sammy Van Hagar said, is foolish.

Chicago and Pittsburgh say hello. I heard dynasty talk after their Cup wins also. It seems to me people don't realize that the era of dynasties is over. Its too hard to retain talent and other teams are always improving.

While I am tempted to light you up over the ridiculous and juvenile diatribe, I will digress as fans of the Cup winning team get a full year of bragging rights. I should know, as we got almost a decade worth of bragging rights a while back. Enjoy it and be happy for your team but remember, no one likes a sore winner.
- GuyLaDouche

I'm not a sore winner, I have nothing to be sore about. Don't light me up though, light your fellow Oil fan up. I was just making fun of him.

Did I not say that what they really need to do is replace Hemsky with a powerforward and give their skill guys 2 years to mature? What exactly is the point of your argument?

No one is saying EDM will stay bad or even be as bad this year as they were last year. Just that they are not ready to compete for a playoff spot which your statement right there basically says more or less.
- Steve-B

Read my above post.

Speaking specifically to Hemsky (or Gagner, the other oft-proposed guy), we're not getting Lucic for him. We're not even going to get Chris Stewart for him. Heck, We're not even gonna get Cal Clutterbuck for him. I see little opportunity to improve upon them.

And of course my sentiments on trading the kids are plainly stated. It wouldn't make sense at all.

How is anaheim a worse team than last year? We're only a second line center away from being a very competitive team.
- selanne4pres

Only a second line center? lmao. Ok pal.

Read my above post.

Speaking specifically to Hemsky (or Gagner, the other oft-proposed guy), we're not getting Lucic for him. We're not even going to get Chris Stewart for him. Heck, We're not even gonna get Cal Clutterbuck for him. I see little opportunity to improve upon them.

And of course my sentiments on trading the kids are plainly stated. It wouldn't make sense at all.
- Morris

Not that I want it to happen..

But I think EDM could pull Stewart with other assets if they really wanted him. It would be a gamble giving up their 2013 1st + say PRV or one of their defensive prospects but they could do it.

I don't think they really even need to go that high though. Just a guy like Colorado got in Downie or McGinn, someone who can throw up 20 goals and be a physical force but does not need to have the puck on their stick. A competent supporting player.

Downie cost Colorado, Quincey or a 1st depending on how you look at it.

Only a second line center? lmao. Ok pal.
- StayTunedMTC

Yeah a second line center like Evgeni Malkin.

Only a second line center? lmao. Ok pal.
- StayTunedMTC

Yeah a second line center like Evgeni Malkin.

Only a second line center? lmao. Ok pal.
- StayTunedMTC

It depends on the 2nd line centre.

But of course a lot of teams are one player away from being great. I'd include the Oilers amongst them, provided that one player is Shea Weber!

Yeah a second line center like Evgeni Malkin.
- flamminghead

great minds.

Not that I want it to happen..

But I think EDM could pull Stewart with other assets if they really wanted him. It would be a gamble giving up their 2013 1st + say PRV or one of their defensive prospects but they could do it.
- Steve-B

Well as I say, I might rather wait it out. Especially if we move up from 29th in the league to 11th in the west for free!

Did I not say that what they really need to do is replace Hemsky with a powerforward and give their skill guys 2 years to mature? What exactly is the point of your argument?

No one is saying EDM will stay bad or even be as bad this year as they were last year. Just that they are not ready to compete for a playoff spot which your statement right there basically says more or less.
- Steve-B

Having seen Morris post a lot, I can guarantee you he is not claiming Edmonton is getting a playoff spot.

Well as I say, I might rather wait it out. Especially if we move up from 29th in the league to 11th in the west for free!
- Morris

I am surprised EDM didn't attempt to get another 1st this year. I'm happier seeing the Caps get Forsberg with our pick than I would of seeing EDM add a RW like that.. lol

Maybe next draft huh?

Or hell even Tom Wilson

Yeah a second line center like Evgeni Malkin.
- flamminghead

I was thinking Sidney Pavel Stamkos III.

I watched a lot of Duck hockey last year and they didn't look good at all. They aren't just missing a second line C (supposedly).

I'm not a sore winner, I have nothing to be sore about. Don't light me up though, light your fellow Oil fan up. I was just making fun of him.
- StayTunedMTC

I realize his prediction isn't realistic but hey, he's an optimist. I won't discourage him.

Just don't be a homodouche. You're better than that.

I realize his prediction isn't realistic but hey, he's an optimist. I won't discourage him.

Just don't be a homodouche. You're better than that.
- GuyLaDouche

Nah. Just makin fun of the guy, that's all. I don't believe what I said. Ok, the eternal optimist does, but the 80% realist doesn't.

Having seen Morris post a lot, I can guarantee you he is not claiming Edmonton is getting a playoff spot.
- GuyLaDouche

I am confused as to what his argument is then..

I am surprised EDM didn't attempt to get another 1st this year. I'm happier seeing the Caps get Forsberg with our pick than I would of seeing EDM add a RW like that.. lol

Maybe next draft huh?
- Steve-B

The caps made out like bandits at the draft, but you can't say enough about competent goaltending.

As per your Downie and McGinn comments, I think the hope is that the likes of Pitlick or Hartikainen could contribute in that role, but I wouldn't be averse to throwing our 2nd and Anaheim's 2nd (pretty much on par with a late 1st) into the pot to find a guy like that.

Nah. Just makin fun of the guy, that's all. I don't believe what I said. Ok, the eternal optimist does, but the 80% realist doesn't.
- StayTunedMTC

I know this.. I cannot wait to see what Colorado's forward roster is capable of against LA @ Frozen Fury.

You guys are the Cup Champs so your going to have to get used to being a measuring stick.

I am confused as to what his argument is then..
- Steve-B

I don't think we need to change anything about this team. We will get a TERRIBLE return on Hemsky, Gagner or Paajarvi. Two of those guys are still honing their skills, and also still growing. It's not a viable solution to the size problem imo, and if we suffer for it in the standings for 1-2 years, so be it.

Although for the record, I think we both agree they'll be better than last year, and are probably more than a 2nd tier powerforward away from the playoffs anyway.

The caps made out like bandits at the draft, but you can't say enough about competent goaltending.

As per your Downie and McGinn comments, I think the hope is that the likes of Pitlick or Hartikainen could contribute in that role, but I wouldn't be averse to throwing our 2nd and Anaheim's 2nd (pretty much on par with a late 1st) into the pot to find a guy like that.
- Morris

Yeah I like Hartikainen, as long as they give him ice time with Hemsky still there. If they don't.. There is going to be lots of owies over the year for the orange blooded's top 6.