Once again the Edmonton Oilers will be selecting first overall in this years draft. It will only be the second time in NHL history that a team has selected first in three consecutive years, Oilers and the defunct Quebec Nordiques. The Oilers will be the first team since the introduction of the lottery; while the Oilers have been unlucky these past years with the injury bug, they have certainly been lucky with the lottery ball.
Unlike the previous two drafts, this years draft truly has an undisputed no.1 ranked player. There continues to be some debate on whether Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the best player in their class, there will be no argument when it comes to Nail Yakupov at this years draft.
How good is Nail Yakupov, well can you say Pavel Bure! That's right, he could end up being the next "Russian Rocket." In 65 games this year he has put up 101 points in the OHL. He has lighting speed and a goal scorer instinct that will be prominent in the NHL. The only concern with Nail is his size, at 5'11 he won't be bulldozing over players but 190 pounds he won't be pushed around either.
The question many Oiler fans is where does Yakupov fit into our line-up? With Jordan Eberle and recently signed Ales Hemsky, there is no room for Nail in the top six forwards. Fans and hockey media are suggesting the Oilers may very well trade their first overall pick to acquire a much needed defenseman; even Steve Tambellini commented that with winning the lottery, more options have presented itself this summer.
Having the first overall pick does present the Oilers a number of options, but the best course of action is to keep the pick and draft Nail. Oilers need to continue the rebuild without pressing the fast forward button. Next year the team will be more experienced and with a little luck, the team will not be injury riddled. A more experienced healthier Oilers will contend for the playoffs next year regardless of what changes we make. With the addition of Yakupov, the Oilers should be a handful at even strength and the powerplay as well.
Hopefully the Oilers are able to sign soon to be UFA Justin Shultz. With these two young additions to the team, the future will be set and we will be contending for the Cup sooner than you think.
Don't forget to follow me on twitter @oilsoup
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Oilsoup: NHL Playoffs 2012 First Round Predictions
Well TSN has Maggie the monkey, well I've decided to use Wilson the ball; and no he's not related to Wilson from Cast Away. Here are Wilson's prediction for the 2012 NHL playoffs starting with the first round.
Vancouver in 5 games over Los Angeles
-It pains me to say this but Vancouver is a far better team and the Kings simply don't have the depth to compete against the Canucks.
St. Louis in 7 games over San Jose
- This will be a close series but I do believe Halak will be the difference.
Pheonix in 6 games over Chicago
- I've been extremely impressed with Yotes this year and although Toews is a game time decision I just can't see him dominating in the first few games. With home ice advantage the Yotes will win their first ever series.
Detroit in 4 games over Nashville
- Yes Wilson has lost his mind but he's a huge Wings fan. Wings have played well all year with Howard in net and shouldn't have any problems keeping the Preds of the scoreboard. Games will be close but I believe Zetterberg wants to send a message and he will be the difference.
New York in 4 games over Ottawa
- the Sens Cinderella season will come to an end in the first round. Rangers are a better team in all positions and shouldn't have any problems dispensing the Sens.
Washington in 6 games over Boston
-This is the big upset. The Caps are a better team than what they've shown this year and have all the fire power to counter the Bruins. Tim Thomas has been inconsistent and I don't see that changing in the playoffs. Bruins had a short Summer last year and the grind will take it's toll.
New Jersey in 6 games over Florida
- It will come down to goaltending and Brodeur has a couple of levels on Theodore.
Pittsburgh in 5 games over Philadelphia
- The Penguins have too many offensive threats for Flyers D to handle. Unless Pronger comes back from the dead, Bryzgalov is going to get peppered or will it be Bobrovsky?
There you have it Oiler and hockey fans; Wilson seems to be on the ball and I'm looking forward to see how the first round pans out.
Don't forget to follow on twiiter @oilsoup
Vancouver in 5 games over Los Angeles
-It pains me to say this but Vancouver is a far better team and the Kings simply don't have the depth to compete against the Canucks.
St. Louis in 7 games over San Jose
- This will be a close series but I do believe Halak will be the difference.
Pheonix in 6 games over Chicago
- I've been extremely impressed with Yotes this year and although Toews is a game time decision I just can't see him dominating in the first few games. With home ice advantage the Yotes will win their first ever series.
Detroit in 4 games over Nashville
- Yes Wilson has lost his mind but he's a huge Wings fan. Wings have played well all year with Howard in net and shouldn't have any problems keeping the Preds of the scoreboard. Games will be close but I believe Zetterberg wants to send a message and he will be the difference.
New York in 4 games over Ottawa
- the Sens Cinderella season will come to an end in the first round. Rangers are a better team in all positions and shouldn't have any problems dispensing the Sens.
Washington in 6 games over Boston
-This is the big upset. The Caps are a better team than what they've shown this year and have all the fire power to counter the Bruins. Tim Thomas has been inconsistent and I don't see that changing in the playoffs. Bruins had a short Summer last year and the grind will take it's toll.
New Jersey in 6 games over Florida
- It will come down to goaltending and Brodeur has a couple of levels on Theodore.
Pittsburgh in 5 games over Philadelphia
- The Penguins have too many offensive threats for Flyers D to handle. Unless Pronger comes back from the dead, Bryzgalov is going to get peppered or will it be Bobrovsky?
There you have it Oiler and hockey fans; Wilson seems to be on the ball and I'm looking forward to see how the first round pans out.
Don't forget to follow on twiiter @oilsoup
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