Julie Robenhymer: Season Previews: The Northwest Division

I think the combination of the Oilers' youth and the fact that all of their young guys have been active during the lockout will help make them a playoff team. Their goaltending remains a weak point though.

I think the combination of the Oilers' youth and the fact that all of their young guys have been active during the lockout will help make them a playoff team. Their goaltending remains a weak point though.
- NickTheKid87

Dubnyk's actually a much better goalie than people realize. It was the weak defence that hung him out to dry more often than not. If Whitney can actually stay healthy for a full season, the Oilers could see a drastic improvement, as much as it pains me to admit it.

Honestly I think the Wild will struggle in this short season. Even with the addition of Suter, I think the Defense is still very much lacking. Parise will no doubt immediately upgrade the offense but mixing in rookies like Granlund, Coyle, Zucker and possibly Phillips or Larsson, the Wild will struggle with team and line cohesion. Unless guys like Seto and PMB can make more of an impact this season, I'm doubtful they'll have a ton of success.

The Wild defense will take a couple of more seasons to come together until they can develop and add players like Brodin and Dumba.

THey should look much better with 48 games under their belts going into a full season next year. I'll be surprised if they make the playoffs this season.

I think the combination of the Oilers' youth and the fact that all of their young guys have been active during the lockout will help make them a playoff team. Their goaltending remains a weak point though.
- NickTheKid87

I think it's safe to say that ALL the young players/prospects for every team were active in either the AHL, QMJHL, Juniors or wherever. Not sure how this gives the Oilers an edge over anyone else.

I think it's safe to say that ALL the young players/prospects for every team were active in either the AHL, QMJHL, Juniors or wherever. Not sure how this gives the Oilers an edge over anyone else.
- MnGump

They sure have the guns up front for it, and Dubnyk keeps getting better. But not sure if the D is quite ready, a stay at home add would certainly help. I thought Z Michalek would have been a good pickup for them if they could have swung it. Either way would love to see them make it though, sure are fun to watch.

They sure have the guns up front for it, and Dubnyk keeps getting better. But not sure if the D is quite ready, a stay at home add would certainly help. I thought Z Michalek would have been a good pickup for them if they could have swung it. Either way would love to see them make it though, sure are fun to watch.
- cryptical77

Their top 2 lines offensively will be an unstoppable force once they solidify the blue line. With the talent they have up front it's going to be scary once these guys get hot.

Julie Robenhymer: Season Previews: The Northwest Division
- jules

1 question Julie:

1) Can you rank how you think the division will finish?

1 question Julie:

1) Can you rank how you think the division will finish?


- IWatchHockey

I don't like to do rankings, but I will put some predictions together next week during training camp!

1 question Julie:

1) Can you rank how you think the division will finish?


- IWatchHockey

I can;

1) Vancouver

2) Calgary

3) Minnesota

4) Colorado

5) Edmonton

I can;

1) Vancouver

2) Calgary

3) Minnesota

4) Colorado

5) Edmonton
- MnGump

LULZ!

LULZ!
- BigDre

I think after this short season Edmonton and Minnesota will move to the top of the Northwest.

I can;

1) Vancouver

2) Calgary

3) Minnesota

4) Colorado

5) Edmonton
- MnGump

Short seasons are such a crapshoot... It's all about catching lightning in a bottle.

There's a real possibility that this list would flip completely, or end up anywhere in the middle.

Goaltending is going to be key.

I think it's safe to say that ALL the young players/prospects for every team were active in either the AHL, QMJHL, Juniors or wherever. Not sure how this gives the Oilers an edge over anyone else.
- MnGump

I think he was referring to their young players also being their best players; not necessarily the case for Vancouver or Minnesota.

Here is my thought. I understand that Eberle, RNH, Hall, Schultz and virtually half the Oiler team has been playing but when you look at the AHL standing they are just on the cusp of a playoff spot. Edmonton's issue is goals against and defensive hockey. Has that been solved? Can that be solved in a short training camp and little time to tinker with line ups.

I can;

1) Vancouver

2) Calgary

3) Minnesota

4) Colorado

5) Edmonton
- MnGump

I like it... I think the NW is a crap shoot.

I think he was referring to their young players also being their best players; not necessarily the case for Vancouver or Minnesota.

Here is my thought. I understand that Eberle, RNH, Hall, Schultz and virtually half the Oiler team has been playing but when you look at the AHL standing they are just on the cusp of a playoff spot. Edmonton's issue is goals against and defensive hockey. Has that been solved? Can that be solved in a short training camp and little time to tinker with line ups.
- bcoop

Goal tending! I think if Edmonton had a top ten goalie, they'd be contenders.

Oilers are still small and their D is meh. Calgary is a bad team but kipper can do his thing. I have always hated minne. And Colorado is my team so who the hell knows.