The view from Edmonton

The Oilers are off to an incredible 8-2-2 start. Through 12 games last season, they were 4-6-2, and that was right before a dreadful 0-4-2 run. Are the Oilers for real? It’s too early to say, but there’s plenty of reason for hope in Edmonton. Here’s how the two local newspapers in Edmonton covered last night’s game, followed by some additional postgame quotes from the Oilers’ locker room…

Oilers win sixth straight to open six-game road trip (Edmonton Journal)

Teubert gets second chance with Oilers (Edmonton Journal)

Oilers shut out Kings (Edmonton Sun)

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COACH TOM RENNEY

(on the game…) “We managed the puck better as the game went on. We stuck to our game plan and didn’t deviate outside of that. When everybody is on the same page and going hard in the same direction, making little sacrifices to win a hockey game, you get those results.’’

(on his goaltending and the shot totals…) “The shot clock is always good when it’s in your favor, but Habby [Nikolai Khabibulin] still had to make some big saves so we’re not kidding ourselves there. We kept shots outside and he had good body position so he didn’t have to make the second and third saves, which is always big. Goaltending is huge. Your team wins or loses starting right there.’’

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RYAN SMYTH

(on the game game…) “Obviously it’s nice to get the win, that’s first and foremost. We played a great game. Habby obviously played great. We did the little things right that make the difference.’’

(on facing his former team…) “I had a short time here and it was all right. I just felt it was best for my family to move on and it’s always nice to win. After the first two games, when we lost after having the lead, we regrouped and have played well. It built some character and we’re playing for each other as a team now.’’

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RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS

(on the Oilers having high expectations…) “I think we definitely did. Coming into the season, the team really wanted to make some strides. It feels good right now. We have some confidence after a few big games on this road trip.’’

(on having Ryan Smyth as a teammate…) “It’s been great. Right when I came here, he talked to me a lot, really made me feel comfortable with the team.’’