Record: 16-25-5. 37 pts Conference Rank: 15th Division Rank: 5th Top Scorer: Dustin Penner (21 goals, 20 assists, 41 points) Top Goalie: Nikolai Khabibulin (7 wins, 3.03 GAA) Midseason Grade: D-
Does it get any worse in Edmonton? After a summer spent dreaming about Dany Heatley and his lethal scoring ability, the Oilers were once again left on the outside, as the superstar spurned the frozen tundra of Edmonton for the sunny beaches of San Jose. Looks like he made the right choice. San Jose is at the top of the West, Edmonton at the bottom.
The Oilers could definitely have used the services of a top sniper like Heatley, but their offense isn’t their main problem. Nikolai Khabibulin is turning out to be a costly mistake, as the aging Russian netminder has only 7 wins and a GAA over 3 this season. The Oilers have one of the worst defenses in the West, and have allowed more goals than anyone except the Blue Jackets.
Don’t despair, Edmonton fans. If Carolina keeps up their recent winning ways, you’ll be a lock to finish last, and should get the top pick in this year’s draft. With Canadian junior star Jordan Eberle already in the Oilers system, adding super-prospect Taylor Hall to the fold should make things a lot more exciting in Edmonton.