The Edmonton Oilers were picked by The Hockey News Yearbook to finish first in the Pacific Division.

At the rate Connor McDavid, Inc is going, they’ll be lucky to finish first in the American Hockey League. Hockey critics in Edmonton are unhappy.

The Edmonton Sun calls the team “mediocre.”

Veteran SportsNet Oilers correspondent Mark Spector gave the club’s goaltending an “F” grade, as in Failure.

Right wing Zach Hyman, who scored 54 goals last season, has a total of three red lights. Big deal free agent signing left wing Jeff Skinner has the same goal total as a goose egg.

“We’re going to get better,” said veteran right tackle Corey Perry. “It’s a long season.”

That means the Rangers have a great opportunity to end their road trip tonight at Rogers Place with a W after losing by one goal in Calgary.

Calgary apologists for losing goalie Igor Shesterkin blame the Flames’ overwhelming shooting advantage for New York’s loss

In the 3-2 loss, Iggy blew the first goal and the match winner. On the opener, Shesty reflexively went down as the puck passed over him.

It’s true that Jonathan Quick, his last two straight shutouts, should start tonight. On the other hand, coach Peter Laviolette could choose Shesterkin because a slumping Oilers team could boost Iggy’s confidence.

One sure way for Rangers to win is to score the first goal.

Out of ten games, the Blueshirts record is 10-0-0 when their lamplighters go that route. The solution is there.