Time's Up For Nail

There has arguably been no player in recent Edmonton Oilers history that has created as a much a divide among the fan base as Nail Yakupov. After being selected first overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and putting together a fairly productive rookie campaign, the sky appeared to be the limit for the former Sarina Sting standout. Yet here we are, four years later and Edmonton is on the verge of moving the 22-year old in a trade that will likely net this organization a rather underwhelming return. 

Parting Ways

It wasn’t supposed to go like this. After having the good fortune of winning the 2012 NHL Draft Lottery, theEdmonton Oilers used their third consecutive No. 1 pick to select Sarina Sting forward Nail Yakupov. With fellow first overall selections Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins already in the mix, adding the talented Russian to the equation looked to be a move that would eventually help put the Oilers rebuild over the top. Unfortunately, that is not how things have played out and we are now on the verge of watching the two sides part ways after just four seasons together. 

A Dose Of Reality

When it comes to the 2015-16 NHL season, not much has gone according to plan for either the Edmonton Oilers or current Montreal Canadiens netminder Ben Scrivens. While the Oilers continue to spin their wheels when it comes to moving up the Western Conference standings, the 29-year old has watched his career continue to spiral out of control following what was a rather forgettable 2014-15 campaign. With that said, the comments Scrivens made about his former organization following his first win of the season in the Canadiens 5-1 victory over the Oilers on Saturday afternoon were not only surprising but frankly laughable. 

Power Play Success Or Bust

So here we are. Mere hours away from the start of another Edmonton Oilers season and hockey fans across Oilers Nation can barely contain themselves. While winning games during the 2015-16 campaign will still prove to be a challenge for this group, the addition of Connor McDavid has allowed the masses to focus on the future with renewed optimism. 

The Todd McLellan Show

Following what was yet another disastrous campaign in 2014-15, the hammer finally fell on the Edmonton Oilers so-called “Old Boys Club”. While the organization did not completely cut ties with the trio of Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish, and Scott Howson, none of the three wield the sort of power they have in years past. 

A Mistake That Should Pay Off

Back on June 10, 2013, the Edmonton Oilers made the official announcement that they had decided to part ways with their current head coach, Ralph Krueger, and re[lace him with the much-hyped but fairly inexperienced Dallas Eakins. While the former bench boss of the Toronto Marlies was a favourite of many in the eastern media, he proved to be the wrong man for the job in Edmonton.

Get Ready For Something Bold!!!

While it would be next to impossible to view the removal of Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish from their positions within the Edmonton Oilers organization as a questionable decision, Friday’s announcement that both would be relieved of their duties effective immediately was still rather shocking. 

The Finish Line Is Finally In Sight

While playing out the string is something the Edmonton Oilers have specialized in for far too long, the conclusion of their 2014-15 campaign simply cannot come soon enough. 

Hard To Imagine

Coming off what was a rather embarrassing 7-4 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon, a game in which Todd’ Nelson’s crew managed to squander a three goal lead in matter of minutes, the Edmonton Oilers were handed what was arguably the biggest slap in the face of all on Monday evening. 

The Return Of The Yak

While the Dallas Eakins Era did not last very long, suggesting the former Toronto Marlies head coach was the main reason the Edmonton Oilers struggled to the degree they did during his one hundred and twelve games behind the bench would be more than a bit of stretch. 

Two Points And Another Solid Night From Oscar Klefbom

After coming out with what was less than a flattering performance against a struggling Toronto Maple Leafs squad on Saturday night and an upcoming schedule that will be far from easy, the Edmonton Oilers were in dire need of a solid showing against the New Jersey Devils. 

Entertaining Hockey

Well…that was different. For the first time in what truly feels like ages, the Edmonton Oilers were involved in one heck of an entertaining hockey game. 

Anything For A Save and Some Killer Instinct

As tough as last night’s 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames may be for fans of the Edmonton Oilers to digest, it is not as though anyone should have been surprised with how things played out. 

Finally!!! (Take Two)

Ending losing streaks is something the 2014-15 edition of the Edmonton Oilers have become all too familiar with. While last night’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Florida Panthers was their first since November 9th, it also marked the fifth time this season in which this group had snapped an extended skid.

Confidence

When Todd Nelson took over as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, this team was headed in the wrong direction. While going out and winning a bunch of hockey games would have been great, expecting the worst team in the league to simply snap their fingers and start piling up victories with a new voice behind the bench, was never a realistic option. 

One Question...Why?

There is nothing quite like going into the National Hockey League Christmas Break with a bang or at the very least…a rather noisy thud. As if the Edmonton Oilers 2014-15 campaign wasn’t already tough enough to take, last night’s 5-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes was a little extra special.

Losing Ugly

With just over twenty-one minutes to play and a three goal advantage staring them squarely in the face during what was a rare Sunday afternoon tilt at Rexall Place, the Edmonton Oilers seemed poised to put an end to their most recent losing streak against the defensively challenged Dallas Stars. 

Not Good Enough

For those who were hoping to see some sort of positive response from the Edmonton Oilers in their first game after the dismissal of former head coach Dallas Eakins, last night’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes probably wasn’t how things were supposed to play out. 

Finally!!!

Heading into the 2014-15 season, Dallas Eakins was walking a very fine line. While no one within the organization was publicly talking about this team as one that “absolutely had to make the playoffs”, there was no doubt the Edmonton Oilers needed to show real signs of improvement after taking a major step backwards in 2013-14. 

Where Have All The Goals Gone?

For all the bitching and moaning we have heard about the Edmonton Oilers unwillingness to play the game the “right way” over the last couple of seasons, this group’s inability to put pucks into the back of the opposing team’s net remains its biggest problem.