Preview: Sharks @ Oilers

Nabby>Irbe   10 January 2017

Ah, the Oilers. That sad pathetic franchise only just beginning to pull itself out of that tailspin it began nearly 11 long years ago. The franchise so many had termed as the NHL’s Browns, but now it seems they are actually the NHL’s Raiders, and have only now started to pull themselves back to respectability. As weird as it is to see the Oilers at/near the top of the Pacific division standings, here they are, halfway through the season. I guess they’re good now?

Last 10 games: 6-2-2

Playoff Position: 3rd in the Pacific(wtf)

The scoop: The Oilers, as I’ve stated above, are just weirdly good this season. Having just wrapped up a 4 game road trip where they went a respectable 2-2, tonight marks the beginning of a 6 game home stand for those poor souls stuck in Edmonton. The Oilers have been led this season by their false Saviour, Connor McDavid, and been getting good goaltending from Cam Talbot, acquired in the same offseason as the true Saviour, His Holiness Martin Jones.

Why you should hate this team: Because this is the luckiest fucking franchise on the face of the Earth. Seriously, they got Gretzky, then traded him away. Then, after years of sucktitude, and THREE FIRST OVERALL PICKS IN A ROW, they manage to land the best prospect since Crosby in a year when they didn’t even have the worst record. Then they expect you to feel sorry for them. Absolutely not.

Exciting Player to Watch: Connor McDavid, C. I thought about putting someone else, but I really can’t. McJesus got voted in as the Pacific Division captain, making this year his first All-Star appearance. He’s their captain at 19, and has 48 points in 42 games. So I guess he’s like, sorta fun to watch. Whatever.

First Goal Watch: Kris Russel, D. Since joining the league in 2007, Russel has been known for primarily one thing; blocking shots. His offense, though not even the third thing mentioned about him, is usually good for about 3-5 goals per year. So far, through 35 games, he has 0. Expect that to change tonight, because Shorks gonna shork.

Meanwhile, in San Jose: 5 goals! The Sharks reached that fabled land on Saturday, putting up 6 on the Red Wings. The win prevented an embarrassing 0-2-1 homestand, salvaging it to just a disappointing 1-1-1. The Sharks now start a quick 2 game Alberta road trip. Earlier today 3 Sharks got named to the Pacific Division All Star team which gives the Sharks the tie with the Blackhawks for the most All Stars. Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski, and Martin Jones all got All Star nods while our fearless leader Pete DeBoer will coach the division. In good news, everyone’s favorite pickle made the trip to Alberta. Vlasic remains a gametime decision, but there is finally hope that the Sharks shut down defenseman can return the lineup. And boy do they need him. In the 4 games that Vlasic has missed, the Sharks opponents have averaged 3.25 goals per game. That’s a full goal above the Sharks season average. While it’s unlikely that fellow injured defenseman Schlemko will play, it’s a good sign to see that Vlasic’s sojourn on the injury list might finally be over.

Goalies: Our Lord and Saviour starts for the Sharks, while Cam Talbot is in for the Oilers.

Go Sharks!