Oilers' Nikolai Khabibulin and Dustin Penner Shine in an Otherwise Nasty Loss

In what can only be deemed a reality check and real gauge for the current status of the Edmonton Oilers roster, last nights loss to the Chicago Blackhawks had a couple, but very few positive notes.

The hype over Nikolai Khabibulin was warranted as he stopped 34 of 38 shots on net. Being peppered from the start of the game and continually through 60 minutes of play, (including two break-aways and a penalty shot) Khabibulin kept this game close, at times allowing the Oilers chances to get back into the contest, including a period of about 8 minutes in the 3rd, that made it an interesting game. As Quinn noted in his post-game comments, "the score was deceiving". If not for Khabibulin, this game could and would have likely been a blowout. The goaltending situation bodes well for Edmonton as both their starter and back-up have had great showings in the past two games.

Dustin Penner was the other shining star for the Oilers. Coming in, Penner had 5 points in 5 games and left with two more bringing him to higher than a point a game player so far this season. While it's still early, it has to be noted that Penner didn't have this many points until somewhere around game 20 of last years season and if his pace continues, he's on pace for 40 goals and 95 points.

Sure, Dustin Penner isn't likely to finish at this pace, but what we can say, is that Penner hasn't looked this good since his first year in Anaheim, and it can be argued his focus, drive, and motivation to improve is better this year than at any point in his NHL career to date. His points aren't coming on sloppy and lucky plays, but hard work, hockey smarts, and sheer determination — attributes missing from his game since coming to Edmonton. Expect Penner to be popped up to the first line with Hemsky and Horcoff, both of whom have had slower starts. Hemsky silently has 5 points, but he's been less than effective in many situations.

All that said, the Oilers have a lot to work on if they intend to keep the pace they've set to start the year. No one expected them to finish the first couple weeks of the season with a 3-2-1 record. They have Minnesota coming up on Friday in a must win game if they expect to bounce back in terms of confidence and Minnesota is struggling just 1-4 out of the gate. Last year, Edmonton couldn't seem to beat the teams they should. This year, they're going to have to, in order to keep above the .500 level. 

Our prediction:

Deslauriers gets the start and if the Horcoff/Hemsky/Penner line is a go, they put up at least 4 points between them.