Questionable goaltending and lack of true goal-scoring forwards.
That was the two main concerns coming into this season. Early on, these concerns have come to the forefront.
After a strong pre-season, and an impressive first 4 or 5 games, declared starter, Mathieu Garon, has been just brutal as late. So much so, that GM Seaman went out and improved his insurance policy by marginally upgrading backup goaltender Sebastien Caron to Cristobal Huet, but, it is no secret that he is still not happy with this duo. Expect changes to come.
A similar problem last year, Edmonton seems to be loaded with 2-way forwards, with no standout offensive weapons. A main reason why Mike Ribeiro was brought in, was to attempt to curb that, but, apparently, more needs to be done in this area as well.
These problems are despite an active off-season, where Edmonton was heavily involved in trading, the free agent market and the waiver draft. But these move, at least in the extreme short term, have done nothing to improve the team.
It is still far too early in the season to write this team off, and it could be just a question of chemistry holding this team back, but if this slide continues, expect a heavy shake-up in Alberta.