Pronger's request to flee the Alberta plains and subsequent trade, and Jaroslav Spacek's flight to Buffalo, leave the Oilers with a serviceable defense corps that lacks star power. It's also a tad to the grizzled side, because Jason Smith and Steve Staios aren't spring chickens.

Let's not forget that the team lost components from the forward corps as well. Michael Peca and Sergei Samsonov might not have been huge difference-makers, but they were veterans who filled specific needs -- Peca on defense, Samsonov on offense.

The only Oil-men who had to clean up a bigger mess last summer manage pipelines in Alaska.

But shoot, let's say something cheery about the Oilers. After all, on any given night this team has enough talent to beat any team and should contend for a playoff berth in the Western Conference.

Why? Because, dagnabbit, you have to love these forward lines: Ryan Smyth with Joffrey Lupul and Shawn Horcoff; Raffi Torres, Ales Hemsky and newcomer Petr Sykora; and a terrific third set of Ethan Moreau, Jarret Stoll and Fernando Pisani. Just ask the Hurricanes how they liked playing against that third line.

Speed, talent, toughness, scoring ability and three lines that can bring it every night: That's Oilers hockey at its best. Any and all contributions on defense will be nice. However, they still will not win the battle of Alberta

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