Preview of the Edmonton Oilers season: following the sadness of last year, all eyes are on the Stanley Cup
They also mounted an impressive comeback in the Cup final, forcing a Game 7 after losing the first three games to Florida.
Stan Bowman, the newly appointed general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, has emphasized that no two editions of a hockey team are the same, warning fans not to expect a repeat of last season's performance.
The Oilers came agonizingly close to winning the Stanley Cup last season, losing by just one goal in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers.
Despite this disappointment, Bowman cautions that this season is a fresh start with new challenges, even though many key players remain the same.
Last season, the Oilers were an offensive powerhouse. Zach Hyman netted 54 goals in the regular season, with 16 more in the playoffs.
Connor McDavid not only tallied 100 assists, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to do so, but also led the playoffs with 42 points, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Leon Draisaitl recorded 106 points and secured a massive eight-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the league. Defenceman Evan Bouchard enjoyed a breakout season with 82 points.
The Oilers boasted a deadly power play, operating at 29.3% efficiency in the playoffs, and an elite penalty kill, succeeding 94.3% of the time.
However, heading into the new season, changes abound. Evander Kane underwent surgery in September and is expected to miss most of the regular season.
Draisaitl will be flanked by two new wingers, Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson.
Skinner, who scored 24 goals for the Buffalo Sabres last season, is eager to contribute to the Oilers' success. Arvidsson, who struggled with injuries last season, had a strong previous campaign with 26 goals and 33 assists.
On defense, the departures of Codi Ceci, Vincent Desharnais, and Philip Broberg have left questions about the team’s depth.
Bowman didn’t invest heavily in a veteran defenseman, leaving Troy Stecher, Ty Emberson, and Travis Dermott to battle for minutes.
The Oilers' preseason performance was less than stellar, with a 3-5 record, but veteran Corey Perry and captain McDavid both downplayed the importance of preseason results.
McDavid assured fans that the team is still finding its rhythm, and Bowman remains confident that this season will have its own unique trajectory.
The Oilers began the 2023-24 season slowly, with a 3-9-1 record, which led to Jay Woodcroft’s dismissal as head coach and Kris Knoblauch stepping in.
Despite the rocky start, the Oilers rallied through the regular season and overcame a 3-2 series deficit against the Canucks in the second round of the playoffs.
They also mounted an impressive comeback in the Cup final, forcing a Game 7 after losing the first three games to Florida.
Bowman is determined to chart a new path for the team this season, and Oilers fans are hopeful that this time, they can secure that elusive extra win.
