A perfect 5-0 record. First place in the Pacific Division. The top two scorers in the league. A weekend team bonding trip spent in Las Vegas. A schedule that looks favourable for the Edmonton Oilers week ahead.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to see how Edmonton’s start could be any better. Especially compared to last year, when the team struggled out of the gates to a 3-6-1 start. The Oilers were able to recover, eventually finishing second in the North Division, but that rough start likely cost them a first-place finish \u2013 a scenario that may have led to a drastically different outcome in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
This season already has a different feel. The Oilers are pacing the Pacific Division in terms of points and goal differential. Their biggest contender for the crown (at least in preseason predictions), the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>, have stumbled off the block to an injury-riddled 1-4 start. Meanwhile, the Calgary<\/a> Flames<\/a> and Vancouver<\/a> Canucks<\/a> have been inconsistent, the Seattle<\/a> Kraken<\/a> no longer look like any sort of threat, and the hockey world is still trying to determine if the San Jose<\/a> Sharks<\/a> are for real.<\/p>\n A first-place finish in the Pacific, at this point, has to be goal number one for this team. Not only would it be the first time they have won a division since 1987, but the ramifications of home-ice advantage in the playoffs would be substantial. This is a year the Oilers are expected to be contenders, and playing at home for a good chunk of the playoffs certainly wouldn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n The Oilers\u2019 quest for a division crown continues this week, with two games against the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> and the Vancouver Canucks. Let\u2019s take a look at the week ahead of the Oilers.<\/p>\n Oilers fans took a collective worried gasp last Tuesday, when Mike Smith<\/a> was injured mid-game. He left with a lower-body injury and was subsequently placed on injured reserve<\/a>. On Monday he skated before practice, but was not between the pipes, as reported by TSN\u2019s Ryan Rishaug.<\/p>\n Mike Smith in a track suit helping out with the other goalies this morning. Still out with lower body injury.<\/p>\n Mike Smith in a track suit helping out with the other goalies this morning. Still out with lower body injury. pic.twitter.com\/vJXRTWT92V<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) October 25, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nMike Smith Still Hurt, Mikko Koskinen Holds Steady<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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