Oilers?

[Devlin]

I know it's a little early , but whats up with oilers? Thought they were solid contenders.

Also thought that the B's would not be contenders, though i still have doubts

{'B's fan}

[30ranfordfan]

You and me both.

Boston? For about 5 years running now, I keep going into the season thinking it will be the year that they're done being a good team. They keep proving me wrong.

Edmonton? I do think McDavid is playing hurt - but that's not the only problem. Team has zero confidence right now. The goaltending has been bad, but the defensive coverage has been worse. It's still early, they have time to get it right..... I still think they'll make the playoffs, but they're making it VERY hard right now.

Anyone who says "it's only been 12 games. There's 70 left" is 100% correct, but the math doesn't like. They have 5 points after 12 games. 100 points was needed to make the Western Conference playoffs last year. 95 points over 70 games means a record like 43-18-9..... which is about .700 hockey the rest of the way through. Can they actually pull that off?

I'm betting a coaching change happens really soon, and some kind of desperation trade for a goalie that won't solve their problems comes with it.

[Devlin]

You and me both.

Boston? For about 5 years running now, I keep going into the season thinking it will be the year that they're done being a good team. They keep proving me wrong.

Edmonton? I do think McDavid is playing hurt - but that's not the only problem. Team has zero confidence right now. The goaltending has been bad, but the defensive coverage has been worse. It's still early, they have time to get it right..... I still think they'll make the playoffs, but they're making it VERY hard right now.

Anyone who says "it's only been 12 games. There's 70 left" is 100% correct, but the math doesn't like. They have 5 points after 12 games. 100 points was needed to make the Western Conference playoffs last year. 95 points over 70 games means a record like 43-18-9..... which is about .700 hockey the rest of the way through. Can they actually pull that off?

I'm betting a coaching change happens really soon, and some kind of desperation trade for a goalie that won't solve their problems comes with it.

Ullmark?

[30ranfordfan]

Ullmark?

That rumor is floating out there. Honestly, I don't see it happening. (Binnington, Allen, Hart, Gibson, Saros are the other names that people are speculating on - I see problems with all of those moves).

Ullmark would be the best goalie the Oilers have had since Cujo. They've had some other decent ones in there - but he'd be a great fit.

I can't see it happening though. Boston is not going to take Campbell in return (I suppose they might take Skinner?). Only way trading Ullmark to Edmonton happens, I think, is if the Oilers are willing to sent RNH the other way - and I don't think they will be. Even if they would do that (RNH for Ullmark, whatever other peices might fit) - they'd be spending $13 million on goalies... plugged one hole while opening up another one... it just doesnt' make sense to me.

Saros would be the ideal guy to trade for - if Nashville would take Campbell in return (which would make the cost something like 2 1sts, 2 higher end prospects, and maybe another swap of players_.

Hart for Campbell might work too (I'm afraid this is going to be the one they do) - again, if the Oilers send a lot of draft & prospect capital Philly's way. I'd like this kind of trade, I just don't think much of Carter Hart.

I almost wonder if a Campbell for Markstrom trade would work. lol.

[Devlin]

That rumor is floating out there. Honestly, I don't see it happening. (Binnington, Allen, Hart, Gibson, Saros are the other names that people are speculating on - I see problems with all of those moves).

Ullmark would be the best goalie the Oilers have had since Cujo. They've had some other decent ones in there - but he'd be a great fit.

I can't see it happening though. Boston is not going to take Campbell in return (I suppose they might take Skinner?). Only way trading Ullmark to Edmonton happens, I think, is if the Oilers are willing to sent RNH the other way - and I don't think they will be. Even if they would do that (RNH for Ullmark, whatever other peices might fit) - they'd be spending $13 million on goalies... plugged one hole while opening up another one... it just doesnt' make sense to me.

Saros would be the ideal guy to trade for - if Nashville would take Campbell in return (which would make the cost something like 2 1sts, 2 higher end prospects, and maybe another swap of players_.

Hart for Campbell might work too (I'm afraid this is going to be the one they do) - again, if the Oilers send a lot of draft & prospect capital Philly's way. I'd like this kind of trade, I just don't think much of Carter Hart.

I almost wonder if a Campbell for Markstrom trade would work. lol.

good points. The talk here is that Ullmark, who has played well, will be dealt. I believe the B's AHL goaltender is good enough to be with the B;s. At
least thats what i hear.

[30ranfordfan]

good points. The talk here is that Ullmark, who has played well, will be dealt. I believe the B's AHL goaltender is good enough to be with the B;s. At
least thats what i hear.

If the Bruins think Swayman can be the guy (there is every reason to believe that) IMO they'd be smart to move Ullmark. His value will probably never be higher, than when he's a reigning Vezina winner (unless he wins two straight!).

I just don't see Boston dealing for futures (why would they?).

[morasha7]

I can't see Edmonton getting Ullmark. I think Boston would be nuts to give him up, unless they're trying to fill a void for the playoffs. In that case, who does Edmonton have that Boston would want? Certainly not Campbell or Skinner except as a trade filler maybe.

As for predictions, I was fully expecting Boston to be at the top again, albeit my prediction was also slight drop in wins.

[Devlin]

B's weak at center

[mooneyes]

Last season, Bruins had Bergeron, 58 pts and Krejci, 56 pts. Compared to the Oilers, and also the Leafs, that is weak, or is it actually? If you consider their salaries, and 2-way ability, plus their teams depth and ability to consistently win, maybe it's better to not have high scoring superstars. Their mega salaries make the rest of the team mediocre.

[Devlin]

they are weak at ctr, because they are not there