5 Players Who Need To Step Up
The Edmonton Oilers currently sit in 13th place in the Western Conference. While they are only three points out of a playoff spot, they have been trending downward and are 1-2-2 on their current road trip. Things don't get much easier ahead as they go into a back to back Thursday and Friday against Detroit and Nashville.
This season is one that can only be termed inconsistent. There have been plenty of positives and pleasant surprises, such as the immediate impact of Justin Schultz, or their surprise scoring leader Sam Gagner Unfortunately there have been just as many players not living up to expectations and playing below standard.
The Oilers have maintained that their goal for the year is to be in contention for a playoff spot come season's end, and at the very least be in a playoff race. While they are currently just three games back, there are a number of teams in front of them they would have to jump over. Although, with more than half the season to go, the Oilers have the talent to make some waves and could make a run over the next month. They will need to start soon and finishing their current road trip strong would be a start. In addition, there are some key players that the Oilers need more from for that to happen.
Here's five players that need to step up their game to propel the Oilers forward.
5. Devan Dubnyk
Not that Dubnyk has to pick his game up a whole lot more, rather stay consistent and give the team a chance to win every night. He has been good on the season, and the Oilers will continue to need him to be.
4. Shawn Horcoff
Currently still out due to a hand injury, the Oilers will need their captain to produce when he returns to the lineup. He will be relied on to kill penalties, take important face-offs and play against the other team's top line. Horcoff will also be relied on for secondary scoring and some production from the bottom six, something he hasn't been able to do yet.
3. Jeff Petry
Was last season's ice time and scoring leader by defense, and paired with Ladislav Smid formed an effective shutdown duo for the Oilers. He has been very inconsistent and have made uncharacteristic mistakes this season, but has also shown signs of much better play over the road trip, with five points in five games. The Oilers need him and Smid to again be a force against the other team's top line.
2. Jordan Eberle
It's not that Eberle has had a poor season — he has six goals and 17 points on the season, and has been creating chances. However, for a player that was an all-star last season and is expected to lead the offense, the Oilers will need more from Eberle. For the Oilers to make the playoffs, his production will need to reflect that.
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
It's been a frustrating year for the Nuge, and like Eberle, he hasn't played poorly. His ice time is up drastically and his overall game has improved dramatically. Unfortunately, he is the team's No. 1 centre and to be in that role, the numbers need to be there as well. He currently has just one goal and eight points in 2013, not the production required from a top-line player. For the Oilers to be a playoff team, Nugent-Hopkins' numbers will have to catch up to his play.
