Here's why the Rangers shouldn't be afraid of Connor McDavid and the Oilers.
The Edmonton Oilers were picked by The Hockey News Yearbook to finish first in the Pacific Division.
At the rate Connor McDavid, Inc, is heading, they'll be lucky to finish first in the American Hockey League. Edmonton hockey critics are unhappy.
The Edmonton Sun calls the team "Mediocre."
Mark Spector, veteran SportsNet Oilers correspondent, gave the club's goaltending a grade of "F," as in Failure.
Right wing Zach Hyman, who tallied 54 goals last season, has a grand total of three red lights. Big deal free agent signing left wing Jeff Skinner has the same goal total as a goose's egg.
"We'll get better," says veteran right wing Corey Perry. 'It's a long season."
Which means that the Rangers have a dandy chance to end their road trip tonight at Rogers Place with a W after the one-goal loss in Calgary.
Apologists in Calgary for losing goalie Igor Shesterkin blame the overwhelming shot advantage enjoyed by the Flames for New York's loss
In the 3-2 defeat, Iggy blew the first goal and the game-winner. On the opener, Shesty reflexively went down while the puck went up and over him.
By rights – his last two consecutive shutouts – Jonathan Quick should start tonight. Then again, coach Peter Laviolette might opt for Shesterkin on the grounds that a slumping Oilers team could bolster Iggy's confidence.
One sure way for the Rangers to win is by scoring the first goal.
Out of ten games the Blueshirts record is 10-0-0 when their lamplighters go that route. The solution is there.