Things sure have changed in Edmonton.
Thanks to a four-game win streak, boosted by Monday's shutout over Los Angeles, the Oilers' record is as good as it's been in quite some time.
EDM back-to-back wins in regulation over LA for 1st time since spring 2006. Oilers 15 games over .500 for 1st time since spring 1988.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) March 21, 2017
It should be noted that Edmonton is 15 games over .500 in regulation decisions, having gone 39-24. However, the team has dropped nine games in overtime, which would shrink the overall difference between wins and losses.
Still, the Oilers are on track for a top-ten season in franchise history in terms of point percentage, with a rate of success unseen since Edmonton was home to one of the great dynasties in hockey history.
| Year | Point % |
|---|---|
| 1983-84 | .744 |
| 1985-86 | .744 |
| 1981-82 | .694 |
| 1984-85 | .681 |
| 1982-83 | .663 |
| 1987-87 | .663 |
| 1987-88 | .619 |
| 2016-17 | .604 |
| 2005-06 | .579 |
The NHL standings are sorted differently now, of course, with the advent of the shootout and loser point coupled with the elimination of ties. It's probably more fair to compare this year's team with the 2005-06 Oilers that just so happened to come within one win of a Stanley Cup championship.
And at this point, the 2016-17 version appears to be even better.
Much of the credit is due to Connor McDavid and Cam Talbot, but it would be unfair to suggest Edmonton is a two-man show. It's no longer a matter of whether the Oilers can finally get back to the playoffs, but rather just how far they can go.
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