 The Edmonton Oilers that dominated the 1980s to the tune of five Stanley Cups in seven years, and the same that that made a magical run to the 2005-2006 Stanley Cup Finals as a 8th seed, has fallen on some rough times the past few years. The Oilers are looking to get back into playoff contention and once again make a run as a Stanley Cup contender. Although last season ended poorly for Edmonton – missing the playoffs for the second year in a row – there was also some good news. It was announced that local pharmacy owner Daryl Katz had purchased the Oilers, therefore ensuring that the team would remain in upper Alberta for the long term, keeping a historic franchise right where it belongs. The Oilers offseason saw former player, and local legend, Craig MacTavish fired as head coach, and replaced by coaching legend Pat Quinn behind the bench in hopes of turning the team around. If that wasn't enough coaching experience to get the job done, Edmonton also managed to convince former Rangers head coach Tom Renney to join the team as an assistant coach, providing Edmonton with a wealth of coaching knowledge and experience. There was some player movement for Edmonton in the offseason, most notably the replacement of departed free agent starting goalie Dewayne Roloson, with winning goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin after his deal with Chicago expired. Amongst the other moves was the departure of semi-productive late-season acquisition Ales Kotalik to New York, and budding young star Kyle Brodziak's departure for division rival Minnesota. For Edmonton to make a solid run at the playoffs, they have to play far more consistently. This is a team full of young talent, which just needs everyone to take the next step forward. In addition to winger Alex Hemsky, who led the team last year with 23 goals and 66 points, Shawn Horcoff, Hemsky, and Penner, could form a strong top line. Behind those four, winger Sam Gagner needs to put up a strong 82-game performance after fading at the end of the past two seasons; a better year from Gagner and Andrew Cogliano would seemingly give the Oilers a much needed boost in the offense department, allowing the team to score with more regularity. The good news is that Edmonton's defense is one of the NHL's best at jumping into the play; Sheldon Souray, Tom Gilbert, Denis Grebeshkov, and Lubomir Visnovsky, all scored more than 30 points last season, while also finishing with positive plus/minus ratings. Souray's 23 goals make him especially impressive, and a key part of the Oilers' powerplay. With such solid defensemen in play, those who know hockey would agree that Khabibulin should be in for a strong year in goal. Last year Nikolai was unexpectedly Chicago's top goaltender during their run to the Western Conference Finals, and when the season ended the Hawks could not afford to keep him and Edmonton jumped at the opportunity to add a championship-caliber netminder to the mix. The good news for the Edmonton faithful is that their team should do away with some of their inconsistencies under the tutelage of Quinn and Renney. Younger players like Penner and Cogliano should be expected to have solid seasons, and with a very good group of defensemen and a great goaltender on hand, the Oilers are simply a much better team. Can the Edmonton Oilers make a return to playoff action? Get your tickets now and visit the Rexall Place to find out if the magic is back, and a new dynasty is in the future.
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