The Coyotes snapped their losing streak last night by beating the Flames 4-1. Despite missing OEL (also missing from tonight's game) the Coyotes played a solid game against one of the NHL's best up and coming teams.
Tonight, they take on another.
By this time next year, a late season Coyotes vs Oilers matchup is going to actually matter. Both teams should be fairly decent next year - the Coyotes, if they're smart and a little lucky in the draft, will be able to legitimately compete for a Playoff spot. The Oilers are going to dominate the league and compete for the Cup.
Now, I know people will laugh at that statement - they'll think I'm saying just to say it. But I honestly and truly believe it. This year was an unfortunate year of bad injury luck that forced the Oilers into the basement - if it didn't follow years and year of ineptitude more people would agree with me on this, but I know what I know.
The crazy thing? With Klefbom out another week and Davidson gone for the year, the Oilers, who've averaged 2 star players missing from their lineup per game, all season, won't play a single game this year with their optimum lineup.
So next year, when healthy, when the already amazing Connor McDavid has actual NHL experience, when Nurse has another year and management acquires that vaunted #1 defenseman everyone is talking about, things are going to get crazy real fast.
It is so easy to think the team will suck forever, but McDavid - Draisaitl - RNH is not something any team in the NHL can match. Their D - Nurse, Reinhart, Davidson, Sekara, Klefbom - isn't even close to as bad as people think - this team is on the verge and it's going to be really fun to watch.
Anyways, I know I've said all this before, but I just think the losing has blinded people to what is going to be one of the best things we've witnessed in the NHL during our lifetimes.
So, tonight's game is fun because I don't care who wins - both teams are out of it. But it will be a preview of two of the best teams of the NHL's future.
Thanks for reading.