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Is Goal Scoring Going To Be An Issue For Edmonton? |
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So far this offseason the Edmonton Oilers have not added much in the way of scoring talent to the chagrin of many. The lack of true top 6 depth on the Oilers on the wing is known to be a major issue... to everyone except for general manager Peter Chiarelli.
During his post season presser Chiarelli spoke on how he felt confident about the team's depth on the wing. Is there any chance he is right?
No.
However there is a similar point to discuss, and that is the Oilers goal scoring prowess going into next season. On most nights it was one of McDavid, Draisaitl, or RNH burying the puck in the net. Those three players were the only ones who scored 20 goals or more on last seasons roster. The next closest was Ryan Strome with 13. Clearly that does not scream elite offensive talent however the Oilers were still average enough to manage to finish 20th in terms of goals scored.
20th is clearly nothing to be excited about but if we look at Edmonton's even strength goal ability we see a better team, Edmonton's 187 EV goals was good enough to be 14th in the league. That 187 goals was more than playoff teams LA, San Jose, Colorado, Anaheim, and New Jersey.
The big reason Edmonton finished so much lower in terms of total goals was of course the laughably awful powerplay. Edmonton finished last with 31 power play goals... that is 7 fewer goals than the Ducks or the Blues who both finished with 38. On a side note I really don't see Anaheim as a playoff team next season. If they don't get the same astounding work done by Gibson they are going to be in trouble fast.
The Oilers management correctly in my opinion kept Todd McLellan but removed his assistants from the NHL team. Gulutzan, Yawney, and Viveiros have come on to the staff and one of their key roles will be addressing the special teams.
Let's imagine just for a moment that Edmonton has an average PP next season... not a world class one but simply average. Average in the NHL last season was 50 goals on the PP. The additional 20 goals would leap Edmonton into 11th in the league. It would also be just a hair above the production of the 2016/2017 playoff version of the Oilers.
At some point in August I will release my point predictions for all players. For now let me say I expect most players on the Oilers roster to produce close to the rate they did last season, not accounting for injury. It stands to reason that in terms of EV production the Oilers will once again be a middle of the pack team. Even a reasonable powerplay will account for many more wins and could alone be enough to put this team back towards playoff contention.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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