2013 Edmonton Oilers Early Season Stock Report

The Edmonton Oilers are in a familiar position, being on the outside looking in at a playoff spot in the NHL's strong Western Conference. 

With 11 games completed, the Oilers have a record of 4-4-3 but have been extremely competitive in the process.

Six out of 11 contests have gone into overtime, and the Oilers have managed to capture three victories.

Here is the Oilers' early season stock report, highlighting the things that have worked and the aspects that have failed thus far in the season. 

Stock Up: Power Play

The Edmonton Oilers' power play has been red-hot so far in the 2013 season, and it is currently ranked fourth in the NHL.

In fact, if it wasn't for the power play, the Oilers would only have a total of 10 goals this season. 

The power play has accounted for 58 percent of the Oilers' total offense and has immediately benefited from the additions of Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz, who have three and four power-play goals, respectively. 

Stock Down: Ryan Whitney

For the first time in his career, Ryan Whitney was a "healthy scratch" and was forced to watch the game against the Vancouver Canucks on February 4 from the press box. 

Whitney has looked extremely shaky so far in 2013, and his suspect performance has landed the veteran blueliner in head coach Ralph Krueger's doghouse. 

Entering into his final year of a six-year, $24 million contract originally signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2007, Whitney is the Oilers' highest-paid defenseman. He has failed to provide any presence, either offensively or defensively, for the team so far.

Considering Whitney is tied for a team-worst plus-minus rating with minus-six, it wouldn't be a stretch to assume Steve Tambellini and Co. will be exploring replacement options before the trade deadline passes. 

Stock Up: Penalty Kill

Discipline has been a major problem for the young Oilers squad in 2013 and has resulted in the team having the fifth-most penalties in the NHL.

The Oilers' penalty kill has played a huge role in keeping the team in close games so far this season.

With a penalty-killing percentage of 85.19, the Oilers currently hold the eighth-best penalty kill in the league.

Veterans such as Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Smyth have been stalwarts on the penalty kill, while Finnish power forward Teemu Hartikainen has been a pleasant surprise, combining size and speed to aid the penalty kill.

Stock Down: Even-Strength Offense

Considering the Oilers have a roster that boasts such offensive superstars as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers haven't been putting up the offensive numbers that many predicted the team would heading into the 2013 season.

The Oilers have struggled to find any momentum during five-on-five play, and this is a significant reason that the Oilers' overall goal total is near the bottom of the league.

Ten out of the Oilers' 24 goals have been even-strength markers—a number that is inexcusable for a team with the offensive options on the Oilers' roster.

Stock Up: Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz

Nail Yakupov, the No.1 overall pick in last year's NHL entry draft, and Justin Schultz, the highly sought-after free agent out of the University of Wisconsin, have been as good as advertised so far in 2013. 

The two extremely talented rookies have a combined 15 points this season and have accounted for nine of the Oilers' 24 total goals.

Yakupov has established excellent chemistry with linemates Sam Gagner and Alex Hemsky and has benefited from the open ice that the two playmakers have afforded him so far.

The talented Russian has managed to score some extremely timely goals for the Oilers and has also played with a surprising amount of physicality so far.

Not to mention, Yakupov also had the celebration of the year after his game-tying goal with 4.7 seconds left to go against the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.

Justin Schultz has been equally impressive this year, and while his offensive skills were highly touted, the 22-year-old has been a rock on the Oilers' blue line this season.

Ralph Krueger has relied on the rookie in key situations this year, showing a significant amount of trust in his abilities to perform in the defensive zone. 

Stock Up: Devan Dubnyk

Devan Dubnyk is slowly establishing himself as a legitimate No. 1 goaltender in the NHL with his play so far in 2013.

The big-bodied goaltender has made some miraculous saves and has kept the Oilers in multiple games this season. 

Currently holding a 2.60 goals-against average (GAA) and a .923 save percentage, Dubnyk has been a rock for the team. 

If his strong play continues, it wouldn't be a stretch to believe Dubnyk may indeed be the goaltender of the future for the Edmonton Oilers. 

Stock Up: "The Kid Line"

The trio of Taylor Hall, Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins, or "The Kid Line," has done all of the heavy lifting in 2013 for the Oilers.

Hall is second on the team with 10 points, while Eberle is third with eight points. While Nugent-Hopkins has yet to find the back of the net this season, he has played extremely well off of the puck and has collected five assists so far.

Shoulder problems could have played a part in RNH's struggles in 2013 and could be a factor going forward into the season. 

Stock Down: Injuries

The Oilers have been decimated by injuries early into the 2013 season.

Injuries to Shawn Horcoff (broken knuckle) and Eric Belanger (foot) have left the team short in the middle of the ice, and on a team that already struggles in the faceoff circle, losing its two best faceoff men has been costly.

Recent call-up Anton Lander is also out with a broken foot, leaving the team extremely thin in options for call-ups from within the organization.

Even Nugent-Hopkins has missed a game due to a lingering shoulder problem that may lead to some substantial time missed this season if precautions aren't taken. 

The team has currently lost 64 man games due to injuries this season.