The beginning of the new season is almost upon us.

It is a tall order in front of the Edmonton Oilers . Since 1994, not one Western Conference team has ever three-peated in consecutive years.

But here is why the Oilers have a chance to make history.

That and more in this edition of…

9 Things

9. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins starts chasing another legendary Oiler on Wednesday. That will be career game 960 for The Nuge. Ryan Smyth played 971, the second most in franchise history. Kevin Lowe is #1 at 1,037.

8. Matt Savoie and Ike Howard will try to break the Oilers Calder Trophy drought. It may take a franchise record-setting performance to do so. Blair MacDonald holds the Oilers rookie mark for points in a season with 94 (1979-80). Next is Jari Kurri (75 points in 1980-81). Jason Arnott had 68

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