I think it's going to be really hard to say where all these teams are going to be since it's going to be a long offseason with lots of moves to shake out not to mention the fact that with the CBA negotiations coming in the fall there could be rule changes. If the league responds to the reduction in scoring by making rule changes to open things up the Oilers would surely benefit while more defensive teams who have benefitted from the relaxing of the whistles by the referees will suffer.
Now I won't point any fingers but I feel as though half the teams up there directly benefitted from the relaxed attitude towards interference.
Looking at it more specifically I would say that Calgary probably falls out. Colorado could go any direction. Dallas is probably in a similar boat, although I personally like their direction with new ownership. Los Angeles could be burnt out from a long playoff run. Ditto for Phoenix, especially since they could be losing several of their vets. San Jose appears on the verge of imploding. Nashville won't be the same if they lose even one of Weber or Suter. It will be interesting to see what happens to Detroit if Lidstrom retires.
Now none of this is saying that the Oilers as they are currently constructed would pass any of these teams but as I mentioned it will be a long offseason and there is no telling that the Oilers will remain as they are currently constructed. All we know right now is that the Oilers are loaded with hungry young talent and the right coach could harness it. I don't think it is as obvious as Dobber says that the Oilers will explode for the next coach but I do think if they add a big time defenseman that they should.
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