The New York Rangers’ side of the story from their game against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday was almost boring.
Yeah, Antti Raanta stealing the show - and reminding us that the Rangers might just have two very strong goalies - was an interesting wrinkle. Still, you can argue for “same old, same old” in the best of ways for New York in its 3-1 win.
Michael Grabner scored again and then again. Their goaltending was once-again strong. They’ve now gone 10-2-0 in their last 12 games. Maybe the Rangers won’t be able to ride these high percentages all season long, but with each passing game, it’s getting tougher to question Alain Vigneault & Co.
Instead, let’s go deeper on the team the Rangers beat on Sunday.
The Edmonton Oilers are now on a three-game losing streak. They’ve only won one game in regulation in November. They’re now 2-5-1 in their last eight games.
And while you can give them some leeway (this losing streak comes against the Penguins, Stars and Rangers), their upcoming slate could wither away much of their youthful optimism.
Tuesday: at Anaheim
Thursday: at Los Angeles
Saturday: at Dallas
Monday: vs. Chicago
Wednesday: at Colorado
Friday: at Arizona
This rendition of the Oilers has passed some challenging tests, and even when they’ve failed, they’ve mostly done so with their heads held high.
This upcoming stretch might be the biggest “sink or swim” moment for the Oilers so far in 2016-17.