Looking at last years numbers and seeing how close Edmonton had come to making the playoffs I think it is pretty clear what the key will be this season.  Last season the Oilers finished with a 41-35-6 record for a total of 88 points and missed the playoffs by 3 points, but their record against divisional rivals was 13-16-3. Its pretty simple math to see that their record versus non divisional teams was 28-19-3 which is a winning percentage of 56%. If they were able to achieve the same winning percentage in the 32 games against divisional opponents they would have had a divisional record of 18-11-3 and a final season record of 46-30-6 for a total of 98 points. Well not only would that have put them into the playoffs but it would have put them at the top spot in the division and a 3rd place finish in the conference ensuring home ice advantage in the opening round.

So with all of the things to watch for this season I will be watching the divisional record the closest, and hey great start, Oilers are undefeated thus far in divisional games.

The Voice

The Voice News and Views, Predictions