2006 Edmonton Oilers Preview

2006 Edmonton Oilers Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Edmonton Oilers Hockey Season Preview

Okay, it’s time to wake up from the dream season. Or is it? One area that has suffered greatly in the off-season is defense. The Oilers have lost one of the best D-man in the NHL, Chris Pronger, and another sound one, Jaroslav Spacek. Yet, they may still be able to get back into the playoffs and amaze fans.

The offense, which placed 15th last season, has its team point leader Ales Hemsky (19 G, 58 A, 77 Pts) and goal leader Ryan Smyth (36 G, 30 A, 66 Pts) back. Hemsky is a young talent who continues to improve. Center Shawn Horcoff (22 G, 51 A, 73 Pts) is at the top of his game, while Joffrey Lupul (28 G, 25 A, 53 Pts), acquired from the Ducks, is another fine developing presence. Fernando Pisani (18 G, 19 A, 37 Pts) is a smart, gifted player who exploded in the playoffs.

The defense (rated 12th) still has toughness and determination but looks limited. Veterans Jason Smith (4 G, 13 A, 17 Pts) and Steve Staios (8 G, 20 A, 28 Pts) will try to hold down the fort, while Marc-Andre Bergeron (15 G, 20 A, 35 Pts) is a solid force. The penalty kill, which ranked eighth last season, will be challenged this year.

In goal, Dwayne Roloson (43 GP, 14 W, 24 L, 5 OT, 2.73 GAA, .908 SP) proved that it was never too late to step up. Traded in mid-season from Minnesota, he was inconsistent at first and then amazingly dependable as the season came to an end. In the playoffs, he was phenomenal, going 12-5 with a 2.33 GAA and a .927 SP. An injury forced him out of the finals against Carolina. Backup Jussi Markkanen played well. Roloson is back as is Markkanen.

The offense should be there, but a depleted defense could be this team’s undoing. Roloson could be the difference maker. Playoffs? Maybe.

For more information on the 2006 Edmonton Hockey Club check out the Oilers team website.