It is not time not announce the official time of death for the Oilers 2018/2019 season, but it is hanging by a thread and likely the most merciful thing for everyone would be to simply pull the plug, go to the bar, and talk fondly about the good memories we had.

Edmonton has one win in their last 10 games... normally this is where I would make a joke about how at least that is better than the Ducks have been playing... except for the fact that Anaheim is still two points above the Oilers. The idea that a couple of weeks ago, this organization felt they could be buyers is insulting. They are trying to please the fans, and ensure their ticket sales don't drop next year... it's like trying to hold water in their fists.

Over the next few days there are a number of Oilers that could be on the move with varying levels of return.

Zack Kassian - Has gone on a bit of a surge after being moved to the Oilers top line and has 10 points in 14 games. The McDavid factor is clearly on display here however it does show other teams he is capable of complimenting high end skill. The fact that he has another year on his deal after this will make him less desirable. Likely value - 4th round pick.

Alex Chiasson - For the Chiasson enthusiasts around here, #39 does not have a goal in his last 15 games. The run he went on was great to watch, but the numbers he was scoring at were clearly unsustainable and honestly I am shocked the Oilers have not already locked him up to a long term deal. At only 650,000 and a UFA after this season he will have suitors. Likely value - 3rd round pick

Matt Benning - With Sekera returning, we are going to see some shuffling on the backend. Matt Benning is a young player with another year on his deal, but on a team with more depth I believe he could excel on a third pairing. Likely value - 2nd round pick.

Tobias Rieder - I doubt many are interested in a guy who has yet to score a goal, but if a team has cap space and is looking for another depth forward he could get a passing glance. Likely valule - 5th round pick or low end prospect

Brandon Manning - Please oh please oh please. Likely value - non-existent

LINEUP

OILERS

Draisaitl-McDavid-Kassian
Rieder-Nugent-Hopkins-Gagner
Lucic-Brodziak-Chiasson
Malone-Cave-Rattie

Klefbom-Larsson
Nurse-Russell
Sekera-Petrovic
Gravel

Koskinen

COYOTES

Crouse-Stepan-Archibald
Galchenyuk-Cousins-Keller
Kempe-Richardson-Hinostroza
Garland-Weal-Fischer

Ekman-Larsson-Hjalmarsson
Goligoski-Chychrun
Lyubushkin-Oesterle

Kuemper

4 KEYS TO VICTORY

1) Foot On The Gas...But Not Too Hard. Andrej Sekera makes his debut tonight, after being sidelined since the summer due to a foot injury. Sekera has not been the same since his injury in the 2016/2017 second round of the playoffs. Last year when he returned he was a shell of the player he was and failed to provide Edmonton with any meaningful minutes. He has had some game action in the AHL so he won't be completely rusty. He is the player to watch tonight.

2) Gagner with Nuge. My last blog ran long so I didn't get much of a chance to bring up Gagner in the game day report. I thought his first action with Edmonton was fine against the Islanders was fine if unspectacular. There is an some familiarity between Gagner and RNH, plus Samwise will have had some time to practice with the team instead of simply stepping off of a plane. Gagner for now will work on the second line and with some depth next year he could work well on a third line.

3) Top 10 Teams Facing Off...Sort of. The one area that has clicked for Edmonton this season has been their PP, specifically their first unit. The Oilers sit 8th in the league with a PP% of 22.09% and the Coyotes have the top PK in the league with a kill of 85.38%.

4) An Elite Player. That is what Leon Draisaitl is. He has 11 goals in his last 10 games and if anyone other than him or McDavid could find the back of the net this season might have had a happier ending. Leon sits tied for third in goals in the NHL with 35. He is outscoring the likes of Kucherov, Pastrnak, Monahan, Matthews, and Scheifele to name a few. For fans looking for something to cheer for; celebrate the brilliant season Draisaitl is having.

Join the Discussion: » 290 Comments » Post New Comment

» Oilers vs Kings Round 1... Round 3

» Game 82

» The Games Don't Matter

» Oilers vs Team Eviction - Coyotes Come To A Merciful End

» Holloway Must Stay In The Lineup