Like it or not the schedule is a factor. The stats support that teams in the 2nd game of back to back games have a losing record by a large margin. So i doubt you looked at the article if you think its a non factor.
I agree they are turning a corner and points wise are the best Canadian team, there is no debate there. Again one good season does not make a good team.
Look at corsi and other advanced stats and tell me which team has been more lucky, it certainly isn't the Flames. Advanced stats show that the Flames have had poor puck luck and poor goal tending, in every other category they are top half in the league. This isn't me just stating an opinion it is the facts. But yes the Oilers are more successful where it matters most which is the standings.
Not sure what point you are getting at in regards to Oilers not being consistent yet and the Flames being mediocre pace is irrational.
Yes Flames goal tending sucks (which proves why Talbot is so important to your team), team toughness goes to the Oilers, depth forward is really a wash, we do have power forwards too but ours have performed about as well as Lucic has which isn't good.
Yes it is possible that Oilers can become elite and that Flames will not so we can agree on that it is possible. The reality that I see happening is that both the Oilers and Flames can become elite (hopefully), as our division weakens with Anahiem and San Jose eventually fading. There are no guarantees though and like it or not the Oilers and Flames are in the same position in trying to build a team towards consistency and making the playoffs every year.
McDavid will be the best player in the NHL in 3 years that's where he will be. Having the best player wont guarantee success and cups though. Look at the Pens struggles that they had before they finally got that second cup with Crosby.
You are right I am a sore Flames fan, they haven't performed well mostly due to the start of the season. Since game 15 of the season they have made ground and kept pace and managed to work their way into a playoff spot. It has been a very frustrating season though that's for sure.
That last question I cant answer. So much can change in 3 to 5 years and the teams will have completely different players aside from the core players. But I can see it being a toss up honestly. With the salary that McDavid, Draisaitl, and Talbot will command in their next contracts is going to make it really difficult to build a team with good depth because they will be right up against the cap. Only time will tell!
I'm not bashing the Oilers, I am only stating a non Oiler fans perspective. I can admit that my team sucks and that we need improvement and that we have work to do before being set up as a consistent contending team. I can admit that the Oilers are the team getting better results right now. Reality is that they haven't shown enough to definitively say which team is better long term since that's what you seem to be trying to do. I really want to see all Canadian teams doing well and be on the top of the league. Do I still want the Flames to be better than all other Canadian teams? I sure do. So hopefully we can watch both teams have success on a consistent basis in the near future as it is great for the league and the fans! Its less fun when one team is doing way better than the other.
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