Most stories will convey that Christmas is a time for giving, but for many the focus will be on what is received.
Let’s take a look at what the Edmonton Oilers might have found under the tree this season.
More games for goalies
The obvious gift here would be the health of Tristan Jarry. There is certainly a chance that Jarry is an outright upgrade on Stuart Skinner. At this point only more games from Jarry as an Oiler can prove that. A prompt return to health for Jarry could quell the Oilers biggest concern.
However, the chance for other goaltending related gifts presents itself. Connor Ingram now finds himself back in the NHL after a long time away. Though his AHL results have not looked too promising on paper, Ingram has shown the ability to be a strong part of a tandem. The Oilers AHL affiliate Bakersfield Condors have not necessarily made their goalies look good this season, so his AHL results might not be too relevant.
Ingram has shown flashes of returning to form, and anything close to his best hockey represents an upgrade to the Oilers crease as a whole. Once again the answer lies in a bigger sample size behind the Oilers. Ingram could soon prove to be a meaningful upgrade to the Oilers tandem.
Elsewhere, the Oilers would do well to give some prospects much deserved AHL starts. Samuel Jonsson has proven himself in the ECHL this season just as he did in the Allsvenskan the year prior. Connor Ungar is more than ready for AHL starts, and seems primed to challenge for the starters role now that Ingram has been elevated. It would be inexcusable for the Oilers not to give both some AHL games this season, as both goalies have earned that chance.
The division crown
The Oilers have habitually started slow through the fall portion of the regular season schedule. This has been balanced by superb performances the rest of the season, something the Oilers seem primed to replicate. The team has come to life, in no small part due to the player of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Recent returns of Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins help this cause as well.
Regardless of their goalie carousel, the Oilers have what it takes to take flight as the second half of the season approaches. Despite their tepid start, the Oilers find themselves within striking distance of the Pacific Division lead. With a lot of home games coming up as the season progresses, a new look in net, and improving play overall, the Oilers have a legitimate shot at winning the division.
While the race for seeding might not seem important given the Oilers playoff successes in recent seasons, this could be a big deal. Staying clear of a Wild Card spot means avoiding an impressive Central Division team in the first round. Naturally this would help build some positive momentum heading into the playoffs, some belief that the team will make it a bit further this season.
Bet like a pro here with Bet99—Ontario’s go-to for elite odds and nonstop action. And outside Ontario, Canadians bet better here with Bet99—bringing top-tier odds and action from coast to coast.
Continued growth within the lineup
An added element to this season is the youth that the Oilers have injected into the lineup. While not all young players will show consistent progress, there are a lot of positive signs from the Oilers youth this season. To some extent we might expect a continuation of this trend as these players become more confident in their abilities.
Matthew Savoie is the foremost forward, already pushing his way up the lineup. His production has already begun an upswing, and Savoie might prove to be a consistent source of secondary scoring down the stretch. Vasily Podkolzin seems to be more effective this season too, and more influence seems possible. Connor Clattenburg made a splash in an energy role, and might well grab hold of this spot more permanently.
There are other forwards who can follow suit, especially in the AHL. Quinn Hutson and Isaac Howard have already made brief appearances in the NHL this season. Not to be forgotten, Viljami Marjala has continued to impress in the AHL after a strong training camp.
The forwards are not alone, as there have been some subtle developments on the blueline. Spencer Stastney joins Alec Regula and Ty Emberson as NHL regulars, and improved play from the trio is both possible and meaningful. In the AHL Beau Akey and Damian Carfagna are a bit further away, and not necessarily in range of NHL action this season.
