Friday, January 18, 2013
Losers
Last time the Oilers finished ahead of the Flames in the standings: 2002-2003
Closest since then: 2005-2006 (8 points back)
Last time the Oilers finished first in their division: 1986-87
Closest since then: 1987-88 (6 points back)
Closest since the NW Division was created in 1998-99: 1999-2000 & 2005-2006 (8 points back)
Position of OKC Barons in their AHL division (there are 6) the day the lockout ended and Eberle/Hall/Schultz were scratched: 3rd
Most sensible Oil fans are consciously tempering their own expectations.This can't be easy, given that the Oilers have five guys age 18-22 who are very likely to be above-average NHL players in their primes. There is probably no other franchise in the league that can say that. But the only thing a heap of young talent guarantees you is pre-season hope. Hope! Hope, that the Oilers will compete for a playoff spot, not unlike what 22-25 teams do every season.
Show me.
Closest since then: 2005-2006 (8 points back)
Last time the Oilers finished first in their division: 1986-87
Closest since then: 1987-88 (6 points back)
Closest since the NW Division was created in 1998-99: 1999-2000 & 2005-2006 (8 points back)
Position of OKC Barons in their AHL division (there are 6) the day the lockout ended and Eberle/Hall/Schultz were scratched: 3rd
Most sensible Oil fans are consciously tempering their own expectations.This can't be easy, given that the Oilers have five guys age 18-22 who are very likely to be above-average NHL players in their primes. There is probably no other franchise in the league that can say that. But the only thing a heap of young talent guarantees you is pre-season hope. Hope! Hope, that the Oilers will compete for a playoff spot, not unlike what 22-25 teams do every season.
Show me.