It’s early still, just two rookie games and several weeks of captain’s skates into the season, but I’ve come to now expect the unexpected when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers early this season. Article content

Here’s what I now predict will shake out: Article content Article content

1. Ike Howard’s defensive game is going to need some work based on what I saw in the two rookie game. Howard is not super fast or agile. But he plays fast. He moves the puck well, shoots it well.

The key for him in advancing as a pro? Can he win, hold and move pucks on the boards? I bet he can.

The second key? His defensive fundamentals. He’s going to need some work there, so I expect to see him starting the year in Bakerfield, a reasonable expectation. If he is solid there for half a year or so, I ca

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