The Edmonton Oilers are the Chicago Cubs of the NHL -- but in a good way

— -- What happened last night that you need to know about? Joe McDonald gives us his take on the biggest and best performances. This is where we say, "Morning, Joe."

The NHL's Cubs?: Let's start with baseball. Yes, Major League Baseball. The Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians are even at a game each in the World Series. Theo Epstein, who is the Cubs' president of baseball operations, helped the Boston Red Sox win two World Series titles, in 2004 and 2007. Now, he's given the Cubs a chance to win a championship for the first time since 1908. What's this got to do with the NHL? Edmonton Oilers president of hockey operations and general manager Peter Chiarelli helped orchestrate a Stanley Cup championship for the Boston Bruins in 2011 and a return trip to the finals in 2013. Can he do the same for the Oilers? They haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1990 and there have been some miserable seasons ever since. After losing in the Stanley Cup finals in 2006 to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers have missed the playoffs every season since. It's still early, but the Oilers are off to a flying start. Led by 19-year-old captain and 2015 No. 1 overall pick Connor McDavid, the Oilers are 6-1-0 after beating the Washington Capitals 4-1 Wednesday night at Rogers Place. McDavid had two assists to take the NHL scoring lead with 11 points. Goalie Cam Talbot had another strong game and finished with 34 saves. The addition of veteran forward and Stanley Cup winner Milan Lucic has helped the Oilers on and off the ice. And the team's young stars are finally playing with experience. This could be an interesting season in Edmonton. (And Chicago.)

Vesey continues to roll: Looks like rookie Jimmy Vesey made the right decision signing with the New York Rangers. The 23-year-old former college free agent scored one goal and added an assist in the Rangers' 5-2 win over the Bruins on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. He has four goals and one assist in his last five games and he's tied for the team lead in goals. Coach Alain Vigneault has put Vesey in a position to be successful in every situation and he's quickly gaining confidence. Vigneault said at the start of the season that "talent has no age" and the coach is right. Vesey has the ability to be successful in the NHL and he will help the Rangers win. Sure, he will experience the ebbs and flows as any rookie in the NHL, but it won't be long before his consistent play translates into more wins in New York.

Habitually good starts: Before you get excited about the 6-0-1 start for the Montreal Canadiens, just remember how the team began 2015-16 -- and how it ended. The Canadiens started 9-0-0 last season and appeared to be strong Stanley Cup contenders with Carey Price in net. Then, in November, the world-class goalie suffered a season-ending knee injury and the Canadiens spiraled out of control, finishing sixth in the Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs. This season, the Canadiens are the only NHL team without a regulation loss. This time, however, Price isn't the only goalie who is having an impact for the Habs. On July 1, the Canadiens signed veteran goalie Al Montoya to serve as Price's backup, an important decision that's already paying dividends. On Wednesday, Montoya made 26 saves to help Montreal to a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Montoya is 3-0-1 and his continued strong play will allow Price, who has won his three starts this season, an opportunity to lessen his workload and more of a chance to stay healthy this season. If that's the case, the Canadiens can finish near the top of the division standings and return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.