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5 Takeaways From Edmonton Oilers’ Early-Season Play

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5 Takeaways From Edmonton Oilers' Early-Season Play

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The Edmonton Oilers seemed like a team that could take a step forward this season. It may be early, but that hasn't happened yet. They have a new coach and some new pieces that are taking time to fit in. Edmonton is a city that hasn't seen a lot of success, especially lately. Here is what we learned so far this season.

5. Taylor Hall Is Their Best Player

5. Taylor Hall Is Their Best Player
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5. Taylor Hall Is Their Best Player

5. Taylor Hall Is Their Best Player
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Many expected Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to become one of the best players in the NHL at this point. That hasn't happened. He is playing better this season, but he is not the star. That is Taylor Hall. Prior to his injury, Hall scored 10 points in 11 games. He looks like the player who will become the superstar on the Oilers.

4. They Need A Veteran Coach

4. They Need A Veteran Coach
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4. They Need A Veteran Coach

4. They Need A Veteran Coach
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Dallas Eakins deserves a chance, but it seems to be more and more clear that this team needs a veteran coach. They need someone who can work with these talented kids. Even getting some veterans would help. The problem is, can they get them to come to Edmonton?

3. They Need A Better Power Play

3. They Need A Better Powerplay
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3. They Need A Better Power Play

3. They Need A Better Powerplay
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Special teams is where one would think this team would thrive. With players like Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov, their talent will score when they are a man up. That hasn't been the case so far this season. The team is ranked 26th in PP at a paltry 12 percent. That needs to get better.

2. Ben Scrivens Needs To Play Better

2. Ben Scrivens Needs To Play Better
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2. Ben Scrivens Needs To Play Better

2. Ben Scrivens Needs To Play Better
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Ben Scrivens has had an up-and-down career up until now. He looked like a great acquisition last season. He played well at times, but looked like he was being hung out to dry. Now, he just isn't playing well. He has a .900 save percentage. He needs to add at least 15 points to help his team win games.

1. There Is More Work To Do

1. There Is More Work To Do
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1. There Is More Work To Do

1. There Is More Work To Do
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The team just isn't as put together as they look like on paper. They need many more pieces to be a contender. It looks like it is another season at the bottom of the standings. With teams like the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks playing so well, it is that much more disappointing to see how terrible the Oilers have played so early.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports.  He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content.  You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

Nick Villano is a writer for RantSports.
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