Game Notes Countdown To The NHL - #1 Edmonton Oilers

Andy Devlin. Getty Images.

NHL Team: Edmonton Oilers

Conference: Western

Division: Pacific 

2022-23 Recap: Ryan Whitney’s Oilers finished 2nd in the Pacific by ending the season on a run for the ages. They could not lose. It was really incredible.  McJesus and The German are the best duo in the game and it's not even close, both had seasons that were historic.  Once again in playoffs, the lack of depth and mediocre goaltending kept #97 from a Stanley Cup Final.

Biggest Loss: Kailer Yamamoto -  A smaller winger who showed flashes of being a top-line player, but the consistency was not there. The Oilers felt they needed more size and toughness around McJesus so Yamamoto is in Seattle now.

Best Addition: Conor Brown - Adds some grit on the wing and he played junior hockey with McDavid in Erie so it'll be interesting to see if they can re-create the chemistry they had as teenagers.  His injury history calls for concern but if he is healthy and plays with 97 this could be really good.  Plus the low cap hit is really good for the Oilers. 

2023-24 Outlook: The McDavid and Draisaitl show will be electric and we'll have to listen to Whit saying "Once an Oiler always an Oiler" every episode of the podcast. If Skinner can play like an All-star goalie every night, we could finally get the best player in the World in the Stanley Cup Final.

Player To Watch: Phillip Broberg - The Oilers 1st Round pick in 2019, needs to elevate his game at this point in his career. With Nurse on that atrocious contract, they need someone with a low cap hit to really step up and improve the D corp.  The 8th overall pick needs a big season and playoffs if the Oilers want to bring the cup to the Cactus Club and have Whit ride on a float.

2023-2024 Season Bet:  Presidents Trophy +800, Oilers and Overs all season long, and a trip to the hot tub for Army when they win the Cup.

Everybody Rides!!!

Twitter: mattmurley19

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