Destroyed by Chicago 7-1. This is downright embarrassing. Oilers were supposed to be this emerging dynasty with a solid core of young high end drafted players. Not even close. There's something dysfunctional with the team and it starts with upper management. This hole will not be easily fixed. They can fire the coach, but who will even want to come in to take over. Last year, it was near impossible to attract any UFA's, other than to over pay. There's really no other choice but to trade the big name players, or move the lottery pick that they'll most likely land.
MacTavish messed up right from the beginning, pretty much shipping out the veteran leadership. All you have left are a bunch of young players with long term giant guaranteed contracts. #1 spots are given to players without any real challenge. Players who should have gone back to junior or the AHL, get spots on the top 2 lines. Mediocrity and incomplete development have been rewarded, so bad habits have been left unchecked.
So obvious on the first goal. Nobody back checks or covers for Petry who brought the puck in and blasted a shot.
Looking a bit more forward, supposed the Oilers land one of the top 2 picks. If they draft McDavid or Eichel, what happens with RNH and Draisaitl? Will RNH be willing to settle as the #2C? Draisaitl at #3C? RNH just entering 7 year deal at $6M per year.
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