A team on the rise!

This may seem like a silly title? What the hell have you been smoking tonight would be the question many might ask me.

But bear with me. Most teams on the cusp of getting start scoring a lot of goals in spurts but blead them. Why? Because as they learning and spreading their wings offensively they forget the other end, turn the puck over in the neutral zone because they want to make that pass. They are feeling their offensive oates but sometimes forget that there are two ends of the ice.

Look at some of the players that are starting to blossom for the Oilers and their ages. Dustin Penner, age 27, Gilbert Brule, Age 22, Patrick O'Sullivan age 24. Gagner is still 19 years old and we forget that Hemsky is only 26. The young talent is here and more is on the way.

Lets look at some recent examples.

Chicago Blackhawks - In 2007-2008 they missed the playoffs but scored 235 goals, the most they had scored in six years but let in 235. The next year they went to round 3, scored 264 goals and only let in 216.

Pittsburgh Penquins - In 2005-06 they missed the playoffs but scored 244 goals, the most goals they had scored in three years, the problem was they let in 316! The next year they got better, they scored 277 goals and only let in 246 and lost in round 1. The year after 247 goals and only 216 against and lost in the final, the year they won the differential was actually less but I think we can get the picture.

We can even go back with the Penquins and illustrate it again though they were a little more slow in learning! 1987-88 the Penquins score 319 goals, the most they had scored in over 10 years but they let in 316 and missed the playoffs. They even scored more goals the next year 347 but let in 349 and lost in round 2, the next year 318 goals but a miserable 359 goals against and they missed the playoffs. Bob Johnson becomes coach they score 342 goals and only surrender 305 and win the Stanley Cup.

It is usually how it goes for teams with rising young talent that is on the cusp of turning into something good.

I get that sense in this team, the young talent is starting to score but the goals against is atrocious. The young kids are starting to blossom offensively, they will continue to improve in that aspect but more importantly they will improve defensively but it won't happen overnight. In fact this season will have more ups and downs than a teeter-totter!

This team just needs to stay the course but I believe we may have something here!