The dive for five is now a full blown collapse!
Perhaps I should view it as a good thing, but frankly I can not. Basically the team did not pick a direction and stick with it and thus they were in limbo and now everything has crashed down and put them in this position.
There is nothing to celebrate, nothing to get excited about. Yeah the Oilers have completely failed and now in all likliehood will get a top 5 draft pick! Oh goody! It makes me angry, upset and sick to my stomach.
I don't need to starve to death to appreciate a good meal, but there really is no alternative. The Oilers need to dump contracts, dump anyone not considered core and let youth take over. No chasing rainbows (Heatley, Jagr etc), no expensive free agents.
It is now the only course of action that makes sense and that makes it a sad time to be an Oiler fan!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Its the worst of times...
Really not much to say about this team. They are bad.
I have never been one to comment on Captains etc, because we just don't see what goes on in the dressing room but I think we have to start questioning Ethan Moreau.
The Oilers had the momentum were playing well and he takes a stupid penalty. Knocks over Luongo, did he really think he was going to get into Luongo's head? Poor Potulny then clears it over the board and the Oilers are two-man short and the game is virtually over as the Canucks score twice.
After the game, he questions the penalty killing? Perhaps Mr. Moreau needs to look at the mirror, why not question taking the penalty in the first place? Instead of calling out your teammates perhaps look in the mirror and acknowledge you are one of the problems. I wonder if Moreau will still be here by the end of the year?
I have truly enjoyed watching the Oilers prospects in the World Junior Tournament. Eberle gets it already, no he isn't as flashy as a Paajarvi-Svensson but he also doesn't make the mistakes or takes the chances that will result in turnovers that result in digging the puck out of his own net. The puck just follows him as it does for all great players and he finds the open man in a flash.
I also have enjoyed watching Hartikainen. He is most likely not going to put up big numbers at the NHL level but he is hard to play against, has a nose for the net and is not afraid to shoot the puck. The Oilers don't have enough of players like him, so I am rooting for him.
The Oilers play Calgary tonight, will the Oilers be the panacea for what ails the Flames? I hope not.
Go Oilers Go!
I have never been one to comment on Captains etc, because we just don't see what goes on in the dressing room but I think we have to start questioning Ethan Moreau.
The Oilers had the momentum were playing well and he takes a stupid penalty. Knocks over Luongo, did he really think he was going to get into Luongo's head? Poor Potulny then clears it over the board and the Oilers are two-man short and the game is virtually over as the Canucks score twice.
After the game, he questions the penalty killing? Perhaps Mr. Moreau needs to look at the mirror, why not question taking the penalty in the first place? Instead of calling out your teammates perhaps look in the mirror and acknowledge you are one of the problems. I wonder if Moreau will still be here by the end of the year?
I have truly enjoyed watching the Oilers prospects in the World Junior Tournament. Eberle gets it already, no he isn't as flashy as a Paajarvi-Svensson but he also doesn't make the mistakes or takes the chances that will result in turnovers that result in digging the puck out of his own net. The puck just follows him as it does for all great players and he finds the open man in a flash.
I also have enjoyed watching Hartikainen. He is most likely not going to put up big numbers at the NHL level but he is hard to play against, has a nose for the net and is not afraid to shoot the puck. The Oilers don't have enough of players like him, so I am rooting for him.
The Oilers play Calgary tonight, will the Oilers be the panacea for what ails the Flames? I hope not.
Go Oilers Go!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Caps at Oilers, keep it simple stupid edition
This game looks like it has all the components of a nightmare for the Oilers, a team which looks completely lost defensively and against a goaltender that really doesn't make the big save at the right time.
But this team has shown it is completely bi-polar, it has played games where they play well defensively and we know they can create offence. The key for this team is how they move the puck, it all starts in their own zone.
When the defence isn't panicking and makes that first good pass out of their zone, you know the Oilers will have a good game. Conversely when they panic and just wrap it around the boards at full speed or hesitate on the boards you know it is going to be a long night.
In the offensive zone, do they try to get too fancy and make that extra pretty pass that invaribly gets intercepted, or do they shoot the puck and go for the rebound. The Oilers have been far more successful when they just shoot the puck and go for the rebound, but far too often think that those impossible passes that lead to highlight goals is the way to go. There is a reason those highlight reel goals make the sportscast! They are rare, most goals are scored on rebounds and by hard work, they are not pretty!
The key to both of these points is to keep it simple, move the puck, shoot the puck when you have the opportunity and the game will take care of itself. The Oilers try to make it a much more complicated game than it is!
The Oilers are now in the midst of going the wrong way, they need to turn this around and now!
Go Oilers Go!
But this team has shown it is completely bi-polar, it has played games where they play well defensively and we know they can create offence. The key for this team is how they move the puck, it all starts in their own zone.
When the defence isn't panicking and makes that first good pass out of their zone, you know the Oilers will have a good game. Conversely when they panic and just wrap it around the boards at full speed or hesitate on the boards you know it is going to be a long night.
In the offensive zone, do they try to get too fancy and make that extra pretty pass that invaribly gets intercepted, or do they shoot the puck and go for the rebound. The Oilers have been far more successful when they just shoot the puck and go for the rebound, but far too often think that those impossible passes that lead to highlight goals is the way to go. There is a reason those highlight reel goals make the sportscast! They are rare, most goals are scored on rebounds and by hard work, they are not pretty!
The key to both of these points is to keep it simple, move the puck, shoot the puck when you have the opportunity and the game will take care of itself. The Oilers try to make it a much more complicated game than it is!
The Oilers are now in the midst of going the wrong way, they need to turn this around and now!
Go Oilers Go!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Now what? Oilers get blasted 6-3
The Oilers defensive zone coverage was simply awful last night and Deslauriers wasn't up to the task and the Oilers got demolished 6-3. They simply had no answer for Nashville's forechecking, they didn't decide they need to cover the point until it was far to late. There is no one person to pin this loss on, it was a total team collapse.
Quinn blasted them for a 3-2 loss on Tuesday and Thursday's effort was much worse. Now what? What is he going to do, yell some more?
This team has continued it's 2 steps forward and 3 steps back philosophy.
I like Quinn and I really still think it was time for Mactavish to go, but it really is very obvious the coaching was the least of this teams problems.
The unbalance we talked about before the season is still a huge problem and no amount of great coaching is going to make up for that.
It was great to have a 5 game winning streak, but this team quickly turned it into a mirage. It's back to square one. I thought this game was very important as I wanted to see how the team reacted to being held accountable, we got our answer in spades. The team folded like a cheap tent!
It's back to the drawing board but I think this coaching staff is running out of answers! It was management that got this team into this mess and it won't be easy to correct!
Quinn blasted them for a 3-2 loss on Tuesday and Thursday's effort was much worse. Now what? What is he going to do, yell some more?
This team has continued it's 2 steps forward and 3 steps back philosophy.
I like Quinn and I really still think it was time for Mactavish to go, but it really is very obvious the coaching was the least of this teams problems.
The unbalance we talked about before the season is still a huge problem and no amount of great coaching is going to make up for that.
It was great to have a 5 game winning streak, but this team quickly turned it into a mirage. It's back to square one. I thought this game was very important as I wanted to see how the team reacted to being held accountable, we got our answer in spades. The team folded like a cheap tent!
It's back to the drawing board but I think this coaching staff is running out of answers! It was management that got this team into this mess and it won't be easy to correct!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Predators vs. Oilers - St. Patrick's day Spat
The Predators come in as one of the hottest teams in the NHL so this will test the Oilers squad tonight.
Yesterday was like a soap opera in Oilersnation. Patrick O'Sullivan had his say and Pat Quinn had his, and it wasn't even St. Patrick's day. I am not going to put O'Sullivan under the bus, he hasn't had a great season and it would have been better for him to keep his mouth shut yesterday but it seems like he is an emotional guy and sometimes you have to let people be human.
I am more interested in his response and how he plays in the future than his comments. I will leave it at that.
Quinn admitted in making a coaching mistake by switching his lines yesterday, he admitted in a round-about way that he took some suggestions from his player and that might have been a mistake. Quinn is not afraid to be brutally honest but, he doesn't give himself any quarter either.
It will be interesting to see how the team responds, in the past they would have rested on their laurels after having a good road trip, been happy that they played a fairly good game against LA. It promptly led to complaincy and a two to three game losing streak. Which led to a constant two step-three steps back result.
I am anxious to see how the team responds tonight. It is easy to say all the right things to the press (as all the leadership group did) it is another thing to prove it on the ice.
Go Oilers Go!
Yesterday was like a soap opera in Oilersnation. Patrick O'Sullivan had his say and Pat Quinn had his, and it wasn't even St. Patrick's day. I am not going to put O'Sullivan under the bus, he hasn't had a great season and it would have been better for him to keep his mouth shut yesterday but it seems like he is an emotional guy and sometimes you have to let people be human.
I am more interested in his response and how he plays in the future than his comments. I will leave it at that.
Quinn admitted in making a coaching mistake by switching his lines yesterday, he admitted in a round-about way that he took some suggestions from his player and that might have been a mistake. Quinn is not afraid to be brutally honest but, he doesn't give himself any quarter either.
It will be interesting to see how the team responds, in the past they would have rested on their laurels after having a good road trip, been happy that they played a fairly good game against LA. It promptly led to complaincy and a two to three game losing streak. Which led to a constant two step-three steps back result.
I am anxious to see how the team responds tonight. It is easy to say all the right things to the press (as all the leadership group did) it is another thing to prove it on the ice.
Go Oilers Go!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Oilers win streak over, they lose 3-2
Quinn went ballistic after the game but it really wasn't that bad of an effort. For Quinn it comes down to changing the culture. He is trying to turn this team into a winner and playing Ok isn't good enough. I have no problem with that.
That being said, the Oilers dominated most of the game, Penner must have had 5 grade A chances. If he lights the lamp we are most likely having a different conversation. On the other side of the equation, they passed up prime scoring chances by not shooting the puck, the powerplay was simply awful and they were not sharp for a lot of the night. So I could see why he was upset.
It looks like O'Sullivan has run out of chances, before the game he was demoted on the fourth line and in the third period I don't think he saw a shift. He is a player that has completely lost his confidence but I don't see the work ethic or determination to try to change things. His body language gives me the impression that he has given up! Does he feel he needs a change of scenery? Or is he just completely frustrated with himself?
In an earlier blog, we talked about determining which players we need to keep to build around and players that we need to dump. Nilsson and O'Sullivan were my prime candidates to be traded. Nilsson has slowly climbed out of the doghouse (though I am still not convinced that he will stay out) and O'Sullivan looks like he will be a casuality.
It should be interesting to see how the team responds to Quinn's bashing on Thursday. Will they feel that Quinn was too hard on them? Are will they respond with a great effort? Will they see that Quinn is trying to change the culture and giving them some tough love? Or will they feel sorry for themselves?
As I said yesterday, this team is very much a work in progress and how they respond will tell us a lot about which direction this team is heading.
Go Oilers go!
That being said, the Oilers dominated most of the game, Penner must have had 5 grade A chances. If he lights the lamp we are most likely having a different conversation. On the other side of the equation, they passed up prime scoring chances by not shooting the puck, the powerplay was simply awful and they were not sharp for a lot of the night. So I could see why he was upset.
It looks like O'Sullivan has run out of chances, before the game he was demoted on the fourth line and in the third period I don't think he saw a shift. He is a player that has completely lost his confidence but I don't see the work ethic or determination to try to change things. His body language gives me the impression that he has given up! Does he feel he needs a change of scenery? Or is he just completely frustrated with himself?
In an earlier blog, we talked about determining which players we need to keep to build around and players that we need to dump. Nilsson and O'Sullivan were my prime candidates to be traded. Nilsson has slowly climbed out of the doghouse (though I am still not convinced that he will stay out) and O'Sullivan looks like he will be a casuality.
It should be interesting to see how the team responds to Quinn's bashing on Thursday. Will they feel that Quinn was too hard on them? Are will they respond with a great effort? Will they see that Quinn is trying to change the culture and giving them some tough love? Or will they feel sorry for themselves?
As I said yesterday, this team is very much a work in progress and how they respond will tell us a lot about which direction this team is heading.
Go Oilers go!
Kings at Oilers - going for six in a row
I have read a lot of blogs about the five game winning streak and how it didn't mean anything because the Oilers beat bad teams. Huh?
Lets be realistic, the Oilers are not a good team, even after winning five in a row they sit 11th. The win streak basically gave them a chance to compete for a playoff spot, but to say it didn't mean anything because they beat bottom dwellers? Get a clue and look at the standings before each of those games. Hello, Mcfly! What do you think we were? We really aren't that far from that now. There is still a lot of work to do, but for the dive for five sanction, it ain't happening. No matter what happens, no matter where the Oilers sit. They are not going to tear the team apart and start again!
I have read all about the dive for five and how it wonderful it will be because we might have the chance to draft Taylor Hall. A couple things ignored by this faction. What do you think the constant losing would teach Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Gilbert Brule, etc, etc. This team needs to learn how to win, needs to learn how to become a team. Tanking a season most likely will not get us Taylor Hall (as we simply won't be bad enough) and it will teach our kids how to be perennial losers.
Secondly, lets just ignore the poor hard-working people who pay the freight. The season ticket holder. No, I am not going to gently sit by and watch a team purposely lose and buck up next year when they ask! I can not imagine many season ticket holders feel differently! If they are trying their best and lose we can handle that, we can handle the many injuries this team had that put a bubble team over the brink. But tanking on purpose, not a chance!
Thirdly, do you really think that Darryl Katz hired argubly the most expensive coaching staff in the NHL to tank the season? He hired them to teach the kids to win, he wanted them to change the "culture" of this team. A fancy way of saying that he was sick of losing! Anyone dreaming of a giant sell job are dreaming in technicolor. As I have said previously, if the Oilers are out of the race they may dump a couple of contracts but they won't tear the team apart and start again. It is not going to happen.
Changing a culture and teaching this team to win is not a overnight proposition and the Oilers may end up falling short and getting a high pick anyway but it won't be because they "tanked" the season.
Now back to the game. I worry about tonight's game, the Oilers are coming back from a long road-trip, teams generally do not play well in this scenario and the Kings lost last night so will be hungry. The Oilers need to make sure that they don't get "fat and satisfied" (you have to love Quinnisms)
Go Oilers go!
Lets be realistic, the Oilers are not a good team, even after winning five in a row they sit 11th. The win streak basically gave them a chance to compete for a playoff spot, but to say it didn't mean anything because they beat bottom dwellers? Get a clue and look at the standings before each of those games. Hello, Mcfly! What do you think we were? We really aren't that far from that now. There is still a lot of work to do, but for the dive for five sanction, it ain't happening. No matter what happens, no matter where the Oilers sit. They are not going to tear the team apart and start again!
I have read all about the dive for five and how it wonderful it will be because we might have the chance to draft Taylor Hall. A couple things ignored by this faction. What do you think the constant losing would teach Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Gilbert Brule, etc, etc. This team needs to learn how to win, needs to learn how to become a team. Tanking a season most likely will not get us Taylor Hall (as we simply won't be bad enough) and it will teach our kids how to be perennial losers.
Secondly, lets just ignore the poor hard-working people who pay the freight. The season ticket holder. No, I am not going to gently sit by and watch a team purposely lose and buck up next year when they ask! I can not imagine many season ticket holders feel differently! If they are trying their best and lose we can handle that, we can handle the many injuries this team had that put a bubble team over the brink. But tanking on purpose, not a chance!
Thirdly, do you really think that Darryl Katz hired argubly the most expensive coaching staff in the NHL to tank the season? He hired them to teach the kids to win, he wanted them to change the "culture" of this team. A fancy way of saying that he was sick of losing! Anyone dreaming of a giant sell job are dreaming in technicolor. As I have said previously, if the Oilers are out of the race they may dump a couple of contracts but they won't tear the team apart and start again. It is not going to happen.
Changing a culture and teaching this team to win is not a overnight proposition and the Oilers may end up falling short and getting a high pick anyway but it won't be because they "tanked" the season.
Now back to the game. I worry about tonight's game, the Oilers are coming back from a long road-trip, teams generally do not play well in this scenario and the Kings lost last night so will be hungry. The Oilers need to make sure that they don't get "fat and satisfied" (you have to love Quinnisms)
Go Oilers go!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Oilers win, 5 in a row
For the first two periods it seemed that Oilers streak would die a painful death but with 10.9 seconds left the Oilers made it 3-1 and the third period was completely dominated by the Oilers first line.
Penner looked unstoppable and gave Kevin Lowe and Steve Yzerman something to think about. I still think it is a longshot for Penner to be selected but he is making it difficult to leave him off the team. The only way to stop him when he moves his feet and skates like he can is to take a penalty. Really fun to watch him dominate every team's best dman.
Gagner really has not looked like he deserved to be on that line, he has looked uncomfortable and not very confident but last night he had one of his best games of the season as he was helping cycle, making very good passes, including a perfect pass to Brule on the second goal. A goal scorers goal, one timer, howitzer in the top part of the net, just under the crossbar.
I want to add a new feature after wins, it is the unsung hero. The guy that didn't get the star but probably should have been or just had a great game.
The winner this game. Shawn Horcoff. Completely dominated the faceoff dot, was on for almost the whole last few minutes, scored the winning goal and really dominated the shift by stealing the puck making a nice pass and beating the defender to get the shot into the net.
Now, it is back to Edmonton. This team has to guard against complacency. All Pat Quinn has to do is show them the standings. The five wins has been great but the Oilers are still in 12th place, 3 points out of a playoff spot. Lots of work still to do!
Go Oilers Go!
Penner looked unstoppable and gave Kevin Lowe and Steve Yzerman something to think about. I still think it is a longshot for Penner to be selected but he is making it difficult to leave him off the team. The only way to stop him when he moves his feet and skates like he can is to take a penalty. Really fun to watch him dominate every team's best dman.
Gagner really has not looked like he deserved to be on that line, he has looked uncomfortable and not very confident but last night he had one of his best games of the season as he was helping cycle, making very good passes, including a perfect pass to Brule on the second goal. A goal scorers goal, one timer, howitzer in the top part of the net, just under the crossbar.
I want to add a new feature after wins, it is the unsung hero. The guy that didn't get the star but probably should have been or just had a great game.
The winner this game. Shawn Horcoff. Completely dominated the faceoff dot, was on for almost the whole last few minutes, scored the winning goal and really dominated the shift by stealing the puck making a nice pass and beating the defender to get the shot into the net.
Now, it is back to Edmonton. This team has to guard against complacency. All Pat Quinn has to do is show them the standings. The five wins has been great but the Oilers are still in 12th place, 3 points out of a playoff spot. Lots of work still to do!
Go Oilers Go!
Friday, December 11, 2009
5 in a row?
According to the Sports Bureau, Edmonton has never swept a 5 game road trip. If they win tonight it would be the first time in history. Now I hate to nitpick (ok maybe I don't) but in reality this is a six game road trip, though the Oilers came home after losing to the Canuckleheads 7-3 but I digress.
This should be a good game, both teams have identical records in the last 10 games,
(6-3-0-1) they are only a point apart in the standings, albeit the Blues have two games in hand. Interestingly the Blues have not been that great at home 5-9-1-1.
St. Louis doesn't score a lot of goals, in fact no team has scored less (71) but they excellent defensively with only 77 goals allowed.
This is a winnable game, but I have some worries after a third period where the Oilers looked very lackadadaisical against Tampa Bay. Lets hope they bend and don't break.
It would be great for the Oil to come home on a 5 game winning streak!
Go Oilers Go!
This should be a good game, both teams have identical records in the last 10 games,
(6-3-0-1) they are only a point apart in the standings, albeit the Blues have two games in hand. Interestingly the Blues have not been that great at home 5-9-1-1.
St. Louis doesn't score a lot of goals, in fact no team has scored less (71) but they excellent defensively with only 77 goals allowed.
This is a winnable game, but I have some worries after a third period where the Oilers looked very lackadadaisical against Tampa Bay. Lets hope they bend and don't break.
It would be great for the Oil to come home on a 5 game winning streak!
Go Oilers Go!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Total negativity a byproduct of a bad team.
It is interesing to note fans reactions in Oilers nation to a four game winning streak. The majority are happy that the Oilers have at least given them a chance to compete for the playoffs, many are just happy that they are more entertaining.
But.... there is a very vocal minority that will find things to complain about no matter what the result.
Why? I find that an interesting question. My conclusion.
Those fans are not less of an Oiler fan, or fake fans for the most part. They are as passionate as anyone but I submit they are sick of being dissapointed and want to be right. Better not to get your hopes up and then have them dashed, better to complain and be able to say I told you!
It is the byproduct of at team that has missed the playoffs for three years in a row. That attitude for those fans won't change until the Oilers consistently start winning and then they will gladly just say we were glad to be wrong!
It is impossible for that vocal minority, to be dissapointed, hurt or wrong. It is like having a relative that constantly dissapoints you, you have no expectations and when they do something that looks positive you are automatically suspicious and look for the negatives in anything positive as you just know that is the way it will turn out.
I do not think it the funnest way to enjoy the sport and always looking for the negative has got to be taxing! What I hate is that the Oilers make that type of fan look right more than wrong.
But those fans aren't silent in their attitude, they make sure all of us know how they feel and it makes it hard to be an Oiler fan in Oilers Nation! All we can hope is the Oilers can finally shut them up and make them say "I was glad to be proven wrong"
That would be beautiful!
Go Oilers Go!
But.... there is a very vocal minority that will find things to complain about no matter what the result.
Why? I find that an interesting question. My conclusion.
Those fans are not less of an Oiler fan, or fake fans for the most part. They are as passionate as anyone but I submit they are sick of being dissapointed and want to be right. Better not to get your hopes up and then have them dashed, better to complain and be able to say I told you!
It is the byproduct of at team that has missed the playoffs for three years in a row. That attitude for those fans won't change until the Oilers consistently start winning and then they will gladly just say we were glad to be wrong!
It is impossible for that vocal minority, to be dissapointed, hurt or wrong. It is like having a relative that constantly dissapoints you, you have no expectations and when they do something that looks positive you are automatically suspicious and look for the negatives in anything positive as you just know that is the way it will turn out.
I do not think it the funnest way to enjoy the sport and always looking for the negative has got to be taxing! What I hate is that the Oilers make that type of fan look right more than wrong.
But those fans aren't silent in their attitude, they make sure all of us know how they feel and it makes it hard to be an Oiler fan in Oilers Nation! All we can hope is the Oilers can finally shut them up and make them say "I was glad to be proven wrong"
That would be beautiful!
Go Oilers Go!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
4 wins in a row!
This is surely much more fun that hoping for a lottery pick!
Is there any player that gives more and works harder than Zack Stortini. Tonight he earns first star with the Gordie Howe had trick? Looked like a sniper on the wrap around, finding the far corner.
Every time he scores you cheer just a little louder! I am sure his goals have the same effect on his teammates.
Word comes out tonight that Dustin Penner is under consideration for the Canadian Olympic team. I still think he is a long shot but it is a compliment to even be mentioned in the same breath as the players that will make roster. Canada could field two medal contenders.
Deslauriers is now looking more comfortable, still too easy to score on him high (not considering the Hedman goal tonight as that was just a great shot) but he is looking confident.
Everybody seems to now be buying into Quinn's system, a much more simpler game. Bend but don't break, it's ok to dump the puck out or lose it but you better work hard to get it back.
Still a lot of work to do to fight themselves back into playoff contention but this team is battling, competing and working hard every night. Great to see.
Go Oilers go!
Is there any player that gives more and works harder than Zack Stortini. Tonight he earns first star with the Gordie Howe had trick? Looked like a sniper on the wrap around, finding the far corner.
Every time he scores you cheer just a little louder! I am sure his goals have the same effect on his teammates.
Word comes out tonight that Dustin Penner is under consideration for the Canadian Olympic team. I still think he is a long shot but it is a compliment to even be mentioned in the same breath as the players that will make roster. Canada could field two medal contenders.
Deslauriers is now looking more comfortable, still too easy to score on him high (not considering the Hedman goal tonight as that was just a great shot) but he is looking confident.
Everybody seems to now be buying into Quinn's system, a much more simpler game. Bend but don't break, it's ok to dump the puck out or lose it but you better work hard to get it back.
Still a lot of work to do to fight themselves back into playoff contention but this team is battling, competing and working hard every night. Great to see.
Go Oilers go!
Oilers at lightning.
Good news for Oiler fans as both Bell and Shaw are having free previews of Centre Ice and the NHL and the Oilers have lifted the blackout for tonight's game. The game is also available on the Oilers website.
Quinn has warned this team not to let complacency set it. You would think a warning like that would not be necessary for a team that is in 12th place but this team seems to settle in and get comfortable when they have a little bit of success.
I will be watching Robert Nilsson closely tonight, he has come back with a renewed sense of try and compete but if past history is any indication it won't last.
Tampa Bay has struggled, had team meetings, spirited practices. They will be ready tonight and the Oilers may have to weather an early storm. If they can get past the first 10 to 15 minutes without too much damage they will most likely win this one.
Go Oilers Go!
Quinn has warned this team not to let complacency set it. You would think a warning like that would not be necessary for a team that is in 12th place but this team seems to settle in and get comfortable when they have a little bit of success.
I will be watching Robert Nilsson closely tonight, he has come back with a renewed sense of try and compete but if past history is any indication it won't last.
Tampa Bay has struggled, had team meetings, spirited practices. They will be ready tonight and the Oilers may have to weather an early storm. If they can get past the first 10 to 15 minutes without too much damage they will most likely win this one.
Go Oilers Go!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Oilers better without Hemsky?
I don't like to pick on Oilersnation, we are a passionate bunch but sometimes misguided.
The Oilers have won three in a row without Hemsky in the lineup so some in Oilers nation have concluded that the Oilers should trade Hemsky as they are better without him.
I think they have forgotten that injuries to Jacques and Stone left holes in their lineup that left the team completely unbalanced. This team plays much better when Quinn is able to insert some grit and sandpaper.
The Oilers are not better without Hemsky, in reality they are just better with some players that can provide some grit and hitting. Without them the Oilers are too easy to play against.
Can you hear it? Yes it is the sound of Nilsson slowly climbing out of the doghouse. He has been very good since being inserted back in the lineup and Quinn even singled him out for his defensive play. He even got inserted on the second line on occasion last night.
I loved to see him in the defensive zone stripping a forward off the back, and on another occasion deep on the zone helping Smid dig out the puck.
He also quarterbacked the powerplay on the goal and did an excellent job and I was surprised to see him on the bench as the first powerplay unit came on the ice for the next ones. I am not yet convinced that he has turned the corner as Nilsson has been known to play good in stretches and then completely dissapear but when he is on his game he is a delight to watch.
Visnovsky is out of this world right now! What a delight! Watching him completely control the puck in the d-zone, he rarely makes an error. Offensively see him rush up the ice with complete confidence and shoot the puck at will and on target. As soon as he gets the puck and starts rushing up the ice, you know he is going to create something. A perfect pass, a perfectly timed rush, a great shot. Is there a more underrated defenceman around the league than Lubo?
The Oilers have won three in a row without Hemsky in the lineup so some in Oilers nation have concluded that the Oilers should trade Hemsky as they are better without him.
I think they have forgotten that injuries to Jacques and Stone left holes in their lineup that left the team completely unbalanced. This team plays much better when Quinn is able to insert some grit and sandpaper.
The Oilers are not better without Hemsky, in reality they are just better with some players that can provide some grit and hitting. Without them the Oilers are too easy to play against.
Can you hear it? Yes it is the sound of Nilsson slowly climbing out of the doghouse. He has been very good since being inserted back in the lineup and Quinn even singled him out for his defensive play. He even got inserted on the second line on occasion last night.
I loved to see him in the defensive zone stripping a forward off the back, and on another occasion deep on the zone helping Smid dig out the puck.
He also quarterbacked the powerplay on the goal and did an excellent job and I was surprised to see him on the bench as the first powerplay unit came on the ice for the next ones. I am not yet convinced that he has turned the corner as Nilsson has been known to play good in stretches and then completely dissapear but when he is on his game he is a delight to watch.
Visnovsky is out of this world right now! What a delight! Watching him completely control the puck in the d-zone, he rarely makes an error. Offensively see him rush up the ice with complete confidence and shoot the puck at will and on target. As soon as he gets the puck and starts rushing up the ice, you know he is going to create something. A perfect pass, a perfectly timed rush, a great shot. Is there a more underrated defenceman around the league than Lubo?
Monday, December 7, 2009
trade rumours...
Since the summer and off and on we have heard the rumours about Sheldon Souray.
Is it possible? First we have to preface any trade of Souray with the qualification that he has a no trade clause and he would have to approve any trade.
Do I think it is possible that the Oilers are shopping Sheldon Souray? I don't know if they are actively shopping him but it would make sense that the Oilers may be having discussions about trading a defenceman due to the contracts and depth at that position.
I am not sure any trade will happen right now, more likely at the trade deadline but I would think that the Oilers are starting to have discussions about a trade of a defenceman.
Who they trade and what they get may be more determined by where they are or close to the deadline.
Is it possible? First we have to preface any trade of Souray with the qualification that he has a no trade clause and he would have to approve any trade.
Do I think it is possible that the Oilers are shopping Sheldon Souray? I don't know if they are actively shopping him but it would make sense that the Oilers may be having discussions about trading a defenceman due to the contracts and depth at that position.
I am not sure any trade will happen right now, more likely at the trade deadline but I would think that the Oilers are starting to have discussions about a trade of a defenceman.
Who they trade and what they get may be more determined by where they are or close to the deadline.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Smid the hero! 3-2 Win
It was heartwarming to see Smid the warrior score the game tying goal. 151 games without a goal and he pops one with just over 3 minutes left in the third period.
He has went from Oiler fan whipping boy to our most valuable defensive dman and it has been fun to watch.
Meanwhile, Visnovsky continues to show why he is our best dman period. He always makes simple plays that sometimes go unnoticed. My favourite play was actually last game when Smid was being chased by a charging forward and Visnovsky just skated in his way and held his position. Subtle but very effective and Smid gets out of the zone.
Right now he is piling on the points and Quinn is rewarding him with more minutes. This team has a long way to go and still look like a fire drill in their own zone on numerous occasions but not as often.
I was extremely worried about how Deslauriers would respond to the first goal, it was high, he should have had it and he has shown that goals like that bother him. Tonight, nothing changed, he played very well even after the goal. Nice progression.
Quinn's comments recently show that he knows his team is making progress, the progress has been glacial but nevertheless it is coming.
Go Oilers Go!
He has went from Oiler fan whipping boy to our most valuable defensive dman and it has been fun to watch.
Meanwhile, Visnovsky continues to show why he is our best dman period. He always makes simple plays that sometimes go unnoticed. My favourite play was actually last game when Smid was being chased by a charging forward and Visnovsky just skated in his way and held his position. Subtle but very effective and Smid gets out of the zone.
Right now he is piling on the points and Quinn is rewarding him with more minutes. This team has a long way to go and still look like a fire drill in their own zone on numerous occasions but not as often.
I was extremely worried about how Deslauriers would respond to the first goal, it was high, he should have had it and he has shown that goals like that bother him. Tonight, nothing changed, he played very well even after the goal. Nice progression.
Quinn's comments recently show that he knows his team is making progress, the progress has been glacial but nevertheless it is coming.
Go Oilers Go!
Game day - Oilers at Stars
The Oilers still are not completely out of the playoff hunt but I am still watching this season with a view of watching who bails, who surprises and who develops.
The player that remains an inigma to me is Patrick O'Sullivan. Some games he doesn't seem to want to compete and shies away from contact, other games he is forcing turnovers, skating like the wind, jumping into the holes.
If he can be more consistent in the latter than we may have a player here.
He has the tools but it could be that he loses confidence quickly or just hasn't learned what it takes to be consistent at this level.
I will continue to watch him so I can decide for myself if this is a player that should be here over the long term. For me the jury is still out.
Go Oilers Go!
The player that remains an inigma to me is Patrick O'Sullivan. Some games he doesn't seem to want to compete and shies away from contact, other games he is forcing turnovers, skating like the wind, jumping into the holes.
If he can be more consistent in the latter than we may have a player here.
He has the tools but it could be that he loses confidence quickly or just hasn't learned what it takes to be consistent at this level.
I will continue to watch him so I can decide for myself if this is a player that should be here over the long term. For me the jury is still out.
Go Oilers Go!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tank the season....
Oilernation is full of lets tank the season and lets vote for the Oilers to lose. Let me say first that I understand the sentiment but I won't vote for them to lose and frankly they don't need any help to tank the season.
They are last in the Western Conference and in the bottom 5 in the standings, they can't do much worse and I do not see the Oilers doing a thing to improve their standing.
What I don't understand is the mixed signals in Oilersnation, on one breath they are hoping and cheering for them to lose, but you have the same fans getting upset when they don't in a claim for every reject that gets put on the waiver wire, and are upset that Tambellini won't make a trade to improve the roster?
I haven't seen a player on the waiver wire that was going to help the Oilers get a playoff spot or turn their fortunes around, it was just add cap space that the Oilers can not afford.
There is no trade that is going to turn this season around and make this team a playoff team. At the trade deadline it will make sense to try to trade a contract or two but it isn't going to happen now. They are sellers and no one is buying right now.
Really the best option as boring and as frustrating as it may be to some Oiler fans is do nothing. Doing nothing is doing exactly what Oilers nation is hoping for, the Oilers are a lottery team. I won't vote for them to lose, but the reality seems to be inevitable.
Oh by the way, the Oilers play tonight!
They are last in the Western Conference and in the bottom 5 in the standings, they can't do much worse and I do not see the Oilers doing a thing to improve their standing.
What I don't understand is the mixed signals in Oilersnation, on one breath they are hoping and cheering for them to lose, but you have the same fans getting upset when they don't in a claim for every reject that gets put on the waiver wire, and are upset that Tambellini won't make a trade to improve the roster?
I haven't seen a player on the waiver wire that was going to help the Oilers get a playoff spot or turn their fortunes around, it was just add cap space that the Oilers can not afford.
There is no trade that is going to turn this season around and make this team a playoff team. At the trade deadline it will make sense to try to trade a contract or two but it isn't going to happen now. They are sellers and no one is buying right now.
Really the best option as boring and as frustrating as it may be to some Oiler fans is do nothing. Doing nothing is doing exactly what Oilers nation is hoping for, the Oilers are a lottery team. I won't vote for them to lose, but the reality seems to be inevitable.
Oh by the way, the Oilers play tonight!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Season a write off...
Oh the panic has set in and everybody is calling for Lowe's head, etc, etc. I am not in the same mindset.
This is a team that was going to struggle to make the playoffs when healthy. The Oilers now have over 150 man games lost to injury. So they go from a bubble playoff team to a possible lottery pick, it really is not that surprising or shocking.
I have stopped worrying about wins or losses because frankly this team will not compete on a nightly basis. I am interested in two things.
1. Who deserts the sinking ship? What players will rise above a season of adversity and which players are going to abandon ship. Potulny, Penner, Moreau, Gagner, Brule, Jacques, Stortini are all still giving their all every night and are showing why they should continue to be on this team moving forward. Smid has made himself indespensible with his play this season. Staios? He still battles and gives it his all but you wonder if he will be dispensed with at the trade deadline as he believe he could have some value with a playoff contender.
Patrick O'Sullivan who infamously got caught avoiding a check on Hockey Night and Canada, and I saw it again last night is a player that looks like he has already bailed, Robert Nilsson bailed last year and most likely will not finish the season here. Reddox played well for a few games but quickly crashed down to earth and was sent back.
2. Which players are most likely trade bait?
Cogliano is a player that still tries but doesn't seem to have it on most nights, he skates like the wind but doesn't accomplish much. Deslauriers is looking more like a suspect that a NHL goaltender and if he doesn't recover quickly you could see the Oilers try Dubnyk. Players like O'Marra and Macdonald may start getting some more ice time. Gilbert is an offensive dman that just doesn't show enough to warrant another year here when the Oilers have many dman with the same skills sets.
Horcoff is always a common trade conversation piece but I don't see that anyone will take on his contract now or at the trade deadline.
Many fans think the Oilers will blow the whole team up. I don't see that happening either. The Oilers won't do a lot to stop the slide because in reality they are powerless to do much about. Oh, there may be some contract dumps but I don't see every high priced contact being traded. The Oilers are in a unique position to evaluate what they have because with the injuries the fans are going to accept that this team is going nowhere fast and will not put the pressure on the management to make a quick fix.
The Oilers will be smart to establish who are the players that have abandoned ship, and which players are not needed going forward. The mantra should be to dump the deadwood.
So I will watch this season but with a completely different mindset and will see if the Oilers come to the same conclusions as I do as the season wears on. Will some different players step it up? Will some different players show themselves expendable? It won't be as fun as hoping for a playoff time but fun nonetheless.
This is a team that was going to struggle to make the playoffs when healthy. The Oilers now have over 150 man games lost to injury. So they go from a bubble playoff team to a possible lottery pick, it really is not that surprising or shocking.
I have stopped worrying about wins or losses because frankly this team will not compete on a nightly basis. I am interested in two things.
1. Who deserts the sinking ship? What players will rise above a season of adversity and which players are going to abandon ship. Potulny, Penner, Moreau, Gagner, Brule, Jacques, Stortini are all still giving their all every night and are showing why they should continue to be on this team moving forward. Smid has made himself indespensible with his play this season. Staios? He still battles and gives it his all but you wonder if he will be dispensed with at the trade deadline as he believe he could have some value with a playoff contender.
Patrick O'Sullivan who infamously got caught avoiding a check on Hockey Night and Canada, and I saw it again last night is a player that looks like he has already bailed, Robert Nilsson bailed last year and most likely will not finish the season here. Reddox played well for a few games but quickly crashed down to earth and was sent back.
2. Which players are most likely trade bait?
Cogliano is a player that still tries but doesn't seem to have it on most nights, he skates like the wind but doesn't accomplish much. Deslauriers is looking more like a suspect that a NHL goaltender and if he doesn't recover quickly you could see the Oilers try Dubnyk. Players like O'Marra and Macdonald may start getting some more ice time. Gilbert is an offensive dman that just doesn't show enough to warrant another year here when the Oilers have many dman with the same skills sets.
Horcoff is always a common trade conversation piece but I don't see that anyone will take on his contract now or at the trade deadline.
Many fans think the Oilers will blow the whole team up. I don't see that happening either. The Oilers won't do a lot to stop the slide because in reality they are powerless to do much about. Oh, there may be some contract dumps but I don't see every high priced contact being traded. The Oilers are in a unique position to evaluate what they have because with the injuries the fans are going to accept that this team is going nowhere fast and will not put the pressure on the management to make a quick fix.
The Oilers will be smart to establish who are the players that have abandoned ship, and which players are not needed going forward. The mantra should be to dump the deadwood.
So I will watch this season but with a completely different mindset and will see if the Oilers come to the same conclusions as I do as the season wears on. Will some different players step it up? Will some different players show themselves expendable? It won't be as fun as hoping for a playoff time but fun nonetheless.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
A team on the rise!
This may seem like a silly title? What the hell have you been smoking tonight would be the question many might ask me.
But bear with me. Most teams on the cusp of getting start scoring a lot of goals in spurts but blead them. Why? Because as they learning and spreading their wings offensively they forget the other end, turn the puck over in the neutral zone because they want to make that pass. They are feeling their offensive oates but sometimes forget that there are two ends of the ice.
Look at some of the players that are starting to blossom for the Oilers and their ages. Dustin Penner, age 27, Gilbert Brule, Age 22, Patrick O'Sullivan age 24. Gagner is still 19 years old and we forget that Hemsky is only 26. The young talent is here and more is on the way.
Lets look at some recent examples.
Chicago Blackhawks - In 2007-2008 they missed the playoffs but scored 235 goals, the most they had scored in six years but let in 235. The next year they went to round 3, scored 264 goals and only let in 216.
Pittsburgh Penquins - In 2005-06 they missed the playoffs but scored 244 goals, the most goals they had scored in three years, the problem was they let in 316! The next year they got better, they scored 277 goals and only let in 246 and lost in round 1. The year after 247 goals and only 216 against and lost in the final, the year they won the differential was actually less but I think we can get the picture.
We can even go back with the Penquins and illustrate it again though they were a little more slow in learning! 1987-88 the Penquins score 319 goals, the most they had scored in over 10 years but they let in 316 and missed the playoffs. They even scored more goals the next year 347 but let in 349 and lost in round 2, the next year 318 goals but a miserable 359 goals against and they missed the playoffs. Bob Johnson becomes coach they score 342 goals and only surrender 305 and win the Stanley Cup.
It is usually how it goes for teams with rising young talent that is on the cusp of turning into something good.
I get that sense in this team, the young talent is starting to score but the goals against is atrocious. The young kids are starting to blossom offensively, they will continue to improve in that aspect but more importantly they will improve defensively but it won't happen overnight. In fact this season will have more ups and downs than a teeter-totter!
This team just needs to stay the course but I believe we may have something here!
But bear with me. Most teams on the cusp of getting start scoring a lot of goals in spurts but blead them. Why? Because as they learning and spreading their wings offensively they forget the other end, turn the puck over in the neutral zone because they want to make that pass. They are feeling their offensive oates but sometimes forget that there are two ends of the ice.
Look at some of the players that are starting to blossom for the Oilers and their ages. Dustin Penner, age 27, Gilbert Brule, Age 22, Patrick O'Sullivan age 24. Gagner is still 19 years old and we forget that Hemsky is only 26. The young talent is here and more is on the way.
Lets look at some recent examples.
Chicago Blackhawks - In 2007-2008 they missed the playoffs but scored 235 goals, the most they had scored in six years but let in 235. The next year they went to round 3, scored 264 goals and only let in 216.
Pittsburgh Penquins - In 2005-06 they missed the playoffs but scored 244 goals, the most goals they had scored in three years, the problem was they let in 316! The next year they got better, they scored 277 goals and only let in 246 and lost in round 1. The year after 247 goals and only 216 against and lost in the final, the year they won the differential was actually less but I think we can get the picture.
We can even go back with the Penquins and illustrate it again though they were a little more slow in learning! 1987-88 the Penquins score 319 goals, the most they had scored in over 10 years but they let in 316 and missed the playoffs. They even scored more goals the next year 347 but let in 349 and lost in round 2, the next year 318 goals but a miserable 359 goals against and they missed the playoffs. Bob Johnson becomes coach they score 342 goals and only surrender 305 and win the Stanley Cup.
It is usually how it goes for teams with rising young talent that is on the cusp of turning into something good.
I get that sense in this team, the young talent is starting to score but the goals against is atrocious. The young kids are starting to blossom offensively, they will continue to improve in that aspect but more importantly they will improve defensively but it won't happen overnight. In fact this season will have more ups and downs than a teeter-totter!
This team just needs to stay the course but I believe we may have something here!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Dean Arsene plays his first game
Ok in normal circumstances this is not much of a story. Ok a rookie gets his first game, big deal.
This rookie is a little different though. He is 29, Has played 317 AHL games coming into this season, 109 ECHL games and 338 WHL games without a single sniff at the NHL.
He didn't get much ice time in his debut. 6:24 to be exact and his stat line is full of 0's. He was even in plus minus had no shots on goal. It wasn't glorious but it wasn't a disaster either. It was a fine game for his first NHL start but certainly nothing to write home about.
I just wanted to write about him because you can't help pulling for a guy like this. A guy that has paid his dues three times over and was just so excited to be in the show!
Congrats, Mr. Arsense! I will be pulling for you.
This rookie is a little different though. He is 29, Has played 317 AHL games coming into this season, 109 ECHL games and 338 WHL games without a single sniff at the NHL.
He didn't get much ice time in his debut. 6:24 to be exact and his stat line is full of 0's. He was even in plus minus had no shots on goal. It wasn't glorious but it wasn't a disaster either. It was a fine game for his first NHL start but certainly nothing to write home about.
I just wanted to write about him because you can't help pulling for a guy like this. A guy that has paid his dues three times over and was just so excited to be in the show!
Congrats, Mr. Arsense! I will be pulling for you.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The next 10 games should give us an idea of where the Oilers really are
I submit that we really don't what this team is yet.
The first 10 games disguised some weaknesses, their shooting percentage was unsustainable and you knew that their record was better than their play.
Then the injuries and flu bug hit and the Oilers played worse than what they are.
The next 10 games are critical, the Oilers must play well to keep them in the playoff hunt and with the team being relatively healthy we should get a better idea what we have and if Quinn's coaching really is making any difference.
5 games at home, 5 games away. Seems like a fair test!
The first 10 games disguised some weaknesses, their shooting percentage was unsustainable and you knew that their record was better than their play.
Then the injuries and flu bug hit and the Oilers played worse than what they are.
The next 10 games are critical, the Oilers must play well to keep them in the playoff hunt and with the team being relatively healthy we should get a better idea what we have and if Quinn's coaching really is making any difference.
5 games at home, 5 games away. Seems like a fair test!
Monday, November 16, 2009
A few positives
I have been pretty negative about our Oilers lately so I am going to note the positives from the road trip.
The team didn't really get the results it wanted as they were only able to get 4 out of 10 points on the road trip but there were some encouraging signs.
You really appreciate what Sheldon Souray means to this team even though he has only been back for two games. He makes the powerplay better. His shot and the opposition's fear of that shot opens up space for the team and particularly Ales Hemsky to dangle. The opposition can not cover all the options and with Hemsky's passing ability he will find you open. It also opens up the shooting lane for Hemsky if he can't find a pass to his liking.
So it was really no coincidence that Ales Hemsky had his best game tonight and as much as there are many in Oilersnation that think trading Ales Hemsky is a good idea. As Ales Hemsky goes, so do the Edmonton Oilers.
The Emergence of Brule, Brule still gives me fits defensively but he is starting to create offence. Every time he gets the puck he creates something in the offensive zone. He looks confident. I think we start seeing more offense and production.
Dustin Penner just continues to shine. I really thought that he would slow down but I was wrong. We are now seeing the emergence of Dustin Penner as a legitimate star power forward.
Team concept. It was slow in coming but this team is starting to look more and more like a team and not a bunch of individuals.
Team Health. They Oilers are starting to get healthy again and they are still in striking distance of a playoff spot. I still think they are a playoff bubble team but perhaps we saw the beginning of what could be a productive homestand?
The team didn't really get the results it wanted as they were only able to get 4 out of 10 points on the road trip but there were some encouraging signs.
You really appreciate what Sheldon Souray means to this team even though he has only been back for two games. He makes the powerplay better. His shot and the opposition's fear of that shot opens up space for the team and particularly Ales Hemsky to dangle. The opposition can not cover all the options and with Hemsky's passing ability he will find you open. It also opens up the shooting lane for Hemsky if he can't find a pass to his liking.
So it was really no coincidence that Ales Hemsky had his best game tonight and as much as there are many in Oilersnation that think trading Ales Hemsky is a good idea. As Ales Hemsky goes, so do the Edmonton Oilers.
The Emergence of Brule, Brule still gives me fits defensively but he is starting to create offence. Every time he gets the puck he creates something in the offensive zone. He looks confident. I think we start seeing more offense and production.
Dustin Penner just continues to shine. I really thought that he would slow down but I was wrong. We are now seeing the emergence of Dustin Penner as a legitimate star power forward.
Team concept. It was slow in coming but this team is starting to look more and more like a team and not a bunch of individuals.
Team Health. They Oilers are starting to get healthy again and they are still in striking distance of a playoff spot. I still think they are a playoff bubble team but perhaps we saw the beginning of what could be a productive homestand?
Time to face facts... This team is just bad.
Two years ago I argued it is not the coaching, Toe Blake couldn't coach this team. Perhaps I should have stuck with that thought!
Last year though, I thought that perhaps coaching was the difference; that if we just replaced Mactavish with another coach, things would be different somehow. I certainly was not convinced it was all coaching but I thought it would make a difference.
Oilersnation thought the same in varying degrees. Some thought that it was all coaching but that doesn't really matter.
Perhaps it was just wishful thinking on all of our parts. It was easier to blame the coaching than admit to ourselves that this team really is bad.
Certainly we all knew the team was unbalanced, too small, lacked grit but we convinced ourselves a coach would make a difference. Ah, how easy it is to fool ourselves!
Perhaps it has been all injuries and the team will improve but I fear that I am just fooling myself.
Oilers management seems to be under the same trance but if you listen to Quinn really closely I think he knows that this team doesn't have the smarts, grit and team spirit to compete!
Folks, I don't think it was coaching and I don't think it is the injuries either. This team isn't a good one and it is time for management to face those same facts!
Last year though, I thought that perhaps coaching was the difference; that if we just replaced Mactavish with another coach, things would be different somehow. I certainly was not convinced it was all coaching but I thought it would make a difference.
Oilersnation thought the same in varying degrees. Some thought that it was all coaching but that doesn't really matter.
Perhaps it was just wishful thinking on all of our parts. It was easier to blame the coaching than admit to ourselves that this team really is bad.
Certainly we all knew the team was unbalanced, too small, lacked grit but we convinced ourselves a coach would make a difference. Ah, how easy it is to fool ourselves!
Perhaps it has been all injuries and the team will improve but I fear that I am just fooling myself.
Oilers management seems to be under the same trance but if you listen to Quinn really closely I think he knows that this team doesn't have the smarts, grit and team spirit to compete!
Folks, I don't think it was coaching and I don't think it is the injuries either. This team isn't a good one and it is time for management to face those same facts!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The injuries just keep on piling up.
The Oilers injury list keeps changing but it is never for the better.
It is getting completely frustrating as a fan and I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for the Oilers. This is a team that was going to be in tough for a playoff spot and with the injuries you have to wonder if they will be in a hole that they just won't be able to dig themselves out of.
Steve Tambellini is in a bind, even if he wants to make a trade, it would almost be impossible as he doesn't have enough healthy bodies to dangle. He also has no idea what he has or doesn't have.
Coaching, has it made a difference? Who in the hell knows?
This was a team that was going to be in full battle mode just to make the playoffs with a healthy lineup! The Oilers are clearly in survival mode and all they can hope is that the playoffs are still in reach when they are healthy.
It is getting completely frustrating as a fan and I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for the Oilers. This is a team that was going to be in tough for a playoff spot and with the injuries you have to wonder if they will be in a hole that they just won't be able to dig themselves out of.
Steve Tambellini is in a bind, even if he wants to make a trade, it would almost be impossible as he doesn't have enough healthy bodies to dangle. He also has no idea what he has or doesn't have.
Coaching, has it made a difference? Who in the hell knows?
This was a team that was going to be in full battle mode just to make the playoffs with a healthy lineup! The Oilers are clearly in survival mode and all they can hope is that the playoffs are still in reach when they are healthy.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Hemsky...The new Scapegoat
Every year Oilersnation will pick a scapegoat when things are not going well.
This years target. Ales Hemsky! Unbelievable!
True, every game he will circle and make bad passes, true, every game he will deke two players and then the third and will fail. All this is true, but wait!
It is also true that every game Ales Hemsky will make plays that every other player on the Oilers can only dream about making. They simply do not have the talent, the vision or the skill to make those plays.
The play on the goal was an example of one of many Hemsky beauties. The puck bounces off Visnovsky, Hemsky finds it makes a great play at the blueline to keep the puck in and makes a perfect pass to O'Sullivan who one-times the slapper into the net! Why doesn't that happen more? Simply put, the Oilers would rather make an even prettier pass!
Hemsky will always pass more then he shoots because he has the vision and talent to do so but the problem with this team as they all feel that they should try to be Ales Hemsky!
What this teams needs is more players that want to shoot the puck! Alex Hemsky is going to create a multitude of scoring opportunities every game.
What this team needs is someone to actually take advantage of those opportunities and shoot the damn puck!!
This years target. Ales Hemsky! Unbelievable!
True, every game he will circle and make bad passes, true, every game he will deke two players and then the third and will fail. All this is true, but wait!
It is also true that every game Ales Hemsky will make plays that every other player on the Oilers can only dream about making. They simply do not have the talent, the vision or the skill to make those plays.
The play on the goal was an example of one of many Hemsky beauties. The puck bounces off Visnovsky, Hemsky finds it makes a great play at the blueline to keep the puck in and makes a perfect pass to O'Sullivan who one-times the slapper into the net! Why doesn't that happen more? Simply put, the Oilers would rather make an even prettier pass!
Hemsky will always pass more then he shoots because he has the vision and talent to do so but the problem with this team as they all feel that they should try to be Ales Hemsky!
What this teams needs is more players that want to shoot the puck! Alex Hemsky is going to create a multitude of scoring opportunities every game.
What this team needs is someone to actually take advantage of those opportunities and shoot the damn puck!!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
O'Marra called up
In the latest attempt to just be able to field a lineup, O'Marra gets the call up and as long as he can make it in time for game time should play his first NHL game tonight. Nilsson is the latest injury casuality and MacIntyre got claimed by the Florida Panthers today. Chorney out, Smid in.
O'Marra has had a rocky road to make the NHL and last year got demoted to the ECHL. Whispers are that is finally getting it and understanding that his future in the NHL will be as a checker.
O'Marra's offensive numbers are not great, 2 goals and 2 assists but he could help the Oilers if he can use his size, face-off ability and show some grit. In fact he is one of the few forwards in the system that has a lot of size.
Should be interesting to see how he does tonight.
O'Marra has had a rocky road to make the NHL and last year got demoted to the ECHL. Whispers are that is finally getting it and understanding that his future in the NHL will be as a checker.
O'Marra's offensive numbers are not great, 2 goals and 2 assists but he could help the Oilers if he can use his size, face-off ability and show some grit. In fact he is one of the few forwards in the system that has a lot of size.
Should be interesting to see how he does tonight.
Monday, November 9, 2009
MacIntyre on waivers.
This was not unexpected.
The writing was on the wall early when Quinn gave his philosophy on players that can fight with their dukes but do not provide much else.
The writing on the wall turned into a giant neon banner when both Horcoff and Hemsky were injured and instead of MacIntyre drawing into the lineup, the Oilers called up Potulny and Reddox.
From a hockey perspective, it is not surprising or even shocking.
But, Steve MacIntyre was a gentleman, cared about the community and was one of the good ones. From a human perspective he will be missed!
Good luck, Steve. Wherever you end up I will be rooting for you unless you play the Oilers of course!
The writing was on the wall early when Quinn gave his philosophy on players that can fight with their dukes but do not provide much else.
The writing on the wall turned into a giant neon banner when both Horcoff and Hemsky were injured and instead of MacIntyre drawing into the lineup, the Oilers called up Potulny and Reddox.
From a hockey perspective, it is not surprising or even shocking.
But, Steve MacIntyre was a gentleman, cared about the community and was one of the good ones. From a human perspective he will be missed!
Good luck, Steve. Wherever you end up I will be rooting for you unless you play the Oilers of course!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Trades...When is the right time?
Every player will go through times when they struggle, but if it were up to many in Oilers nation every player that struggles would be dealt for a bag of pucks and a used jockstrap.
The reasons given are always, "trade him quick before the rest of the NHL notices." That reasoning doesn't hold water. Do we really believe that the NHL GM's are oblivious to Tom Gilbert's struggles right now? Not a chance. Do we really believe that an NHL GM would love for Steve Tambellini to panic and unload Tom Gilbert for a song? You bet your bottom dollar!
This is not to say Tom Gilbert may not be traded. The Oilers will need to make some moves sometime this year as they are right against the cap and despite Gilbert's early struggles he has value around the NHL.
If I was a betting girl, I would bet on Gilbert as the guy to go unless the Oilers feel Grebeskhov will be hard to sign. Let's not be fooled though, Gilbert will not be traded because of his early struggles.
The reasons given are always, "trade him quick before the rest of the NHL notices." That reasoning doesn't hold water. Do we really believe that the NHL GM's are oblivious to Tom Gilbert's struggles right now? Not a chance. Do we really believe that an NHL GM would love for Steve Tambellini to panic and unload Tom Gilbert for a song? You bet your bottom dollar!
This is not to say Tom Gilbert may not be traded. The Oilers will need to make some moves sometime this year as they are right against the cap and despite Gilbert's early struggles he has value around the NHL.
If I was a betting girl, I would bet on Gilbert as the guy to go unless the Oilers feel Grebeskhov will be hard to sign. Let's not be fooled though, Gilbert will not be traded because of his early struggles.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Flu ridden or harbinger of things to come?
It wasn't pretty to watch and it certainly did not build confidence in our team.
They looked like last years team for most of the 120 minutes of hockey this weekend and they were still a train wreck in their own zone.
There were few highlights and positives and when the going got tough they looked like the Mactavish coached Oilers and showed nothing of the new regime under Pat Quinn.
I will give them a pass as most of the team were in various stages of sickness and will hope that was the reason and not a sad excuse that proves hollow in the end.
They looked like last years team for most of the 120 minutes of hockey this weekend and they were still a train wreck in their own zone.
There were few highlights and positives and when the going got tough they looked like the Mactavish coached Oilers and showed nothing of the new regime under Pat Quinn.
I will give them a pass as most of the team were in various stages of sickness and will hope that was the reason and not a sad excuse that proves hollow in the end.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
When will this team get it?
The Oilers are off to a good start this year but Quinn keeps making the same comments.
The Oilers get some adversity and they abandon the game plan and you start seeing the solo efforts, one guy trying to beat 4 opponents. It ends in a turnover every time.
The same guys keep making the same mistakes. Tom Gilbert and Denis Grebeskhov look like a fire drill when handling the puck in their own zone and the latter made a silly "fancy Dan" (I love that Quinn-ism) play on the PP that cost them a short handed goal and I thought that was the momentum shifter, the goal that sealed the Oilers fate.
Despite the Oilers record this year I have yet to see a complete game on both ends of the ice. A game that would truly convince me that the Oilers are headed in the right direction, a game that would convince me that this team is anymore than a bubble team.
Yes you can give them some slack, they are learning a new system and that takes time, hard habits are hard to break. Nada, nada, nada.
But this team needs to start showing that they are not a fire-drill in their own zone, won't abandon their system at the first sign of trouble and won't stop playing as a team when things aren't going well.
Then I will be convinced they get it and can truly believe that this team has what it takes to make the playoffs.
The Oilers get some adversity and they abandon the game plan and you start seeing the solo efforts, one guy trying to beat 4 opponents. It ends in a turnover every time.
The same guys keep making the same mistakes. Tom Gilbert and Denis Grebeskhov look like a fire drill when handling the puck in their own zone and the latter made a silly "fancy Dan" (I love that Quinn-ism) play on the PP that cost them a short handed goal and I thought that was the momentum shifter, the goal that sealed the Oilers fate.
Despite the Oilers record this year I have yet to see a complete game on both ends of the ice. A game that would truly convince me that the Oilers are headed in the right direction, a game that would convince me that this team is anymore than a bubble team.
Yes you can give them some slack, they are learning a new system and that takes time, hard habits are hard to break. Nada, nada, nada.
But this team needs to start showing that they are not a fire-drill in their own zone, won't abandon their system at the first sign of trouble and won't stop playing as a team when things aren't going well.
Then I will be convinced they get it and can truly believe that this team has what it takes to make the playoffs.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Passion, Hockey...What drives us?
My niece asked me an innocent question last week.
Why do you like hockey so much? I tried to answer her but I was unable to come up with an answer, she might as well have asked me why I like to breathe so much?
I tried to remember where and why my love of hockey started, but it was love at first sight. My father was watching a game and I sat down to watch it with him. I must have been 2 or 3 and I was instantly transfixed. Then I got the hockey stick and the skates and instant love affair turned into a passion. My story is similar to many other Canadian children, perhaps the only difference is that I am female...though that part is not as unusual anymore either.
The passion for the Oilers is almost as old except that the Edmonton Oilers did not exist so I started my NHL fanhood as being a Montreal fan because I thought Montreal was closer to Edmonton. Oops I was or three....what can I say? Geography wasn't my strong point. But as soon as the Oilers entered the NHL, that was it I was hooked. Oiler fan for Life!
As I examined my fanhood, I thought of the passion of Oilersnation. Most of us live and breathe hockey and the Oilers. We don't always agree on what ails the Oilers, why they are playing well, who they should trade, who they should keep, who they should draft. In fact we are one huge disfunctional family, but we stand together because we do have one thing in common. We love our hockey and our Oilers and perhaps for many of us, that order would be reversed.
We come to Oilersnation because we have a found a place (whether it be a blog we enjoy, a message board, a sports talk show) that we can discuss the Oilers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It feeds our insatiable thirst and hunger for anything Oiler.
During Hockey season, There are game days and waiting for game days. Tonight is game day and we hope our team can douse the team to the South of us.. Man we hate them (oh oh that would be a whole other blog)
Its game day Oilersnation!! Enjoy
Why do you like hockey so much? I tried to answer her but I was unable to come up with an answer, she might as well have asked me why I like to breathe so much?
I tried to remember where and why my love of hockey started, but it was love at first sight. My father was watching a game and I sat down to watch it with him. I must have been 2 or 3 and I was instantly transfixed. Then I got the hockey stick and the skates and instant love affair turned into a passion. My story is similar to many other Canadian children, perhaps the only difference is that I am female...though that part is not as unusual anymore either.
The passion for the Oilers is almost as old except that the Edmonton Oilers did not exist so I started my NHL fanhood as being a Montreal fan because I thought Montreal was closer to Edmonton. Oops I was or three....what can I say? Geography wasn't my strong point. But as soon as the Oilers entered the NHL, that was it I was hooked. Oiler fan for Life!
As I examined my fanhood, I thought of the passion of Oilersnation. Most of us live and breathe hockey and the Oilers. We don't always agree on what ails the Oilers, why they are playing well, who they should trade, who they should keep, who they should draft. In fact we are one huge disfunctional family, but we stand together because we do have one thing in common. We love our hockey and our Oilers and perhaps for many of us, that order would be reversed.
We come to Oilersnation because we have a found a place (whether it be a blog we enjoy, a message board, a sports talk show) that we can discuss the Oilers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It feeds our insatiable thirst and hunger for anything Oiler.
During Hockey season, There are game days and waiting for game days. Tonight is game day and we hope our team can douse the team to the South of us.. Man we hate them (oh oh that would be a whole other blog)
Its game day Oilersnation!! Enjoy
Friday, October 23, 2009
Horcoff demoted!
This move had most fans in Oilersnation in glee yesterday as they saw Shawn Horcoff demoted.
I am not sure about the demotion angle, he will will play log a boatload and take almost every important faceoff but I hope it works.
Horcoff was put in a position that he was not suited for and it was not his fault. He really is not a first line forward. The Oilers simply had no one better for that role. His paycheque numbers get yelled from the stands after every botched effort and that cry will grow louder and louder if he continues to struggle putting points on the board, but looking past that cap hit (and yes that is almost impossible to do) is what is best for the Edmonton Oilers.
Last nights little experiment bore fruit, ok it exploded into a fireworks display which we have not seen in these parts since I did not have to look for grey hairs.
If Gagner can turn into a first line centre and Hemsky and Penner can produce this puts the Oilers in a better position than they were before. It will allow Horcoff to be where he should be and cap hit be damned that is the most important thing.
I am not sure about the demotion angle, he will will play log a boatload and take almost every important faceoff but I hope it works.
Horcoff was put in a position that he was not suited for and it was not his fault. He really is not a first line forward. The Oilers simply had no one better for that role. His paycheque numbers get yelled from the stands after every botched effort and that cry will grow louder and louder if he continues to struggle putting points on the board, but looking past that cap hit (and yes that is almost impossible to do) is what is best for the Edmonton Oilers.
Last nights little experiment bore fruit, ok it exploded into a fireworks display which we have not seen in these parts since I did not have to look for grey hairs.
If Gagner can turn into a first line centre and Hemsky and Penner can produce this puts the Oilers in a better position than they were before. It will allow Horcoff to be where he should be and cap hit be damned that is the most important thing.
The thriller in Edmonton!
There were a lot of reasons for the Oilers to lose last night's game. Injuries, reposts of up to 12 players suffering from flu symptons and then they got down 4-1. Safe to say last years team would have packed it up and called it a night.
Not this team....they rode incredible performances from Dustin Penner (did I say I need convincing whether this guy was for real, ok, ok, he has won me over) and an example of what Hemsky can do when he has some talent playing with him. 5 point nights all around. A standing ovation for The Penner as he has now been affectionally dubbed in Oilersnation.
Really, I have been wanting convince myself that this team might be for real but today I am not even going to think about that.
Watching Oilers hockey is fun again! The atmosphere at the rink last night was electric!
Go Oil Go!!
Not this team....they rode incredible performances from Dustin Penner (did I say I need convincing whether this guy was for real, ok, ok, he has won me over) and an example of what Hemsky can do when he has some talent playing with him. 5 point nights all around. A standing ovation for The Penner as he has now been affectionally dubbed in Oilersnation.
Really, I have been wanting convince myself that this team might be for real but today I am not even going to think about that.
Watching Oilers hockey is fun again! The atmosphere at the rink last night was electric!
Go Oil Go!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Establishing an identity
An identity.....
It's something that the Oilers of old established early. They were talented, young, cocky and fast. Glen Sather also made them work hard albeit not always on both ends of the ice, he gave his young stallions plenty of room to operate and run and gun was allowed. He would supplement his stable with some hard working clysedales along the way. Some examples, Lee Fogolin, Dave Lumley, Dave Hunter, Craig Mactavish, Pat Hughes just to name a few.
The talent slowly get sold off for spare parts but you could always count on the Oilers to work hard, though they didn't have the talent to compete. We really never had a chance to beat the Stars on a regular basis but you would never accuse the Oilers of taking a night off or not earning their keep. They skated hard and were a physical team.
The Oilers of the last few years were long on potential talent but short on grit and even shorter on doing the work necessary to compete on a nightly basis. They tried to get by on talent alone, but no team can get away with that if they want to be in the playoffs. They skated but with no seeming purpose on any given night, they played as a bunch of individuals wearing the same jerseys but you couldn't call them a team.
Quinn quickly realized the problem and asked this team what identity they wanted. The answer was a return to Oilers Hockey! This team is a work in progress but early on this season I really haven't noted any passengers.
The Oilers have not changed their roster significantly but do have some young talent, but that was never going to be enough. Quinn recognized quickly the biggest weakness on the Oilers last year. It was lack of identity, lack of team and fixing that problem will go a long way into turn this team into a playoff contender.
The Oilers may not have the clysedales and the sandpiper to be as gritty and hard hitting as the playoff teams that lined up against the Dallas Stars, but they do have more offensive weapons to throw at the opposition.
Yes it is a work in progress and I look forward to this team completely establishing that identity that has been missing for the last three years!
.
It's something that the Oilers of old established early. They were talented, young, cocky and fast. Glen Sather also made them work hard albeit not always on both ends of the ice, he gave his young stallions plenty of room to operate and run and gun was allowed. He would supplement his stable with some hard working clysedales along the way. Some examples, Lee Fogolin, Dave Lumley, Dave Hunter, Craig Mactavish, Pat Hughes just to name a few.
The talent slowly get sold off for spare parts but you could always count on the Oilers to work hard, though they didn't have the talent to compete. We really never had a chance to beat the Stars on a regular basis but you would never accuse the Oilers of taking a night off or not earning their keep. They skated hard and were a physical team.
The Oilers of the last few years were long on potential talent but short on grit and even shorter on doing the work necessary to compete on a nightly basis. They tried to get by on talent alone, but no team can get away with that if they want to be in the playoffs. They skated but with no seeming purpose on any given night, they played as a bunch of individuals wearing the same jerseys but you couldn't call them a team.
Quinn quickly realized the problem and asked this team what identity they wanted. The answer was a return to Oilers Hockey! This team is a work in progress but early on this season I really haven't noted any passengers.
The Oilers have not changed their roster significantly but do have some young talent, but that was never going to be enough. Quinn recognized quickly the biggest weakness on the Oilers last year. It was lack of identity, lack of team and fixing that problem will go a long way into turn this team into a playoff contender.
The Oilers may not have the clysedales and the sandpiper to be as gritty and hard hitting as the playoff teams that lined up against the Dallas Stars, but they do have more offensive weapons to throw at the opposition.
Yes it is a work in progress and I look forward to this team completely establishing that identity that has been missing for the last three years!
.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Dustin Penner - is he the real deal or a mirage?
Mention the name Dustin Penner to an Oiler fan last year and you were most likely going to get an ear full or a quick joke about donairs.
This year he is a revelation, but is his progress that much of a surprise? I am not sure if he will continue to score at this pace and would most likely argue against it but his start to the season isn't as surprising to me as some others in Oilers nation. He was in Mactavish's dog house and while his conditioning was obviously an issue he really didn't deserve to stay there.
Power forwards take longer to develop. Just a few examples, Todd Bertuzzi, Billy Guerin, John Leclair who all had their breakthrough years between the ages of 23 and 25.
Really it could be argued that Penner had his breakthrough year in his first year when he scored 29 goals, but as he admits he is just starting to get it. He talks about a maturation process and confidence. He now feels he has the confidence to rush up the ice and is not scared to make a mistake.
Obviously coaching has made a difference for Penner as he and Mactavish were not on the same page. I would argue that his rise was part of the inevitable rise of a talented power forward and it will up to him if that rise continues.
That last sentence is what concerns me....
So far he has had a clean slate and has certainly painted a beautiful picture but I sense that sometimes he lacks the drive and personality to continually compete at a high level. I believe it was that part of his personality that Mactavish was trying to unleash,he was trying to stroke that competitive fire. It backfired but that doesn't necessarily mean that Mactavish was wrong.
Perhaps that drive and ambition that has been lacking is part of that maturation process that he talks about but until I truly embrace Penner as a revelation I need to see it for a longer period of time.
I want to believe but I need a litle more convincing.
This year he is a revelation, but is his progress that much of a surprise? I am not sure if he will continue to score at this pace and would most likely argue against it but his start to the season isn't as surprising to me as some others in Oilers nation. He was in Mactavish's dog house and while his conditioning was obviously an issue he really didn't deserve to stay there.
Power forwards take longer to develop. Just a few examples, Todd Bertuzzi, Billy Guerin, John Leclair who all had their breakthrough years between the ages of 23 and 25.
Really it could be argued that Penner had his breakthrough year in his first year when he scored 29 goals, but as he admits he is just starting to get it. He talks about a maturation process and confidence. He now feels he has the confidence to rush up the ice and is not scared to make a mistake.
Obviously coaching has made a difference for Penner as he and Mactavish were not on the same page. I would argue that his rise was part of the inevitable rise of a talented power forward and it will up to him if that rise continues.
That last sentence is what concerns me....
So far he has had a clean slate and has certainly painted a beautiful picture but I sense that sometimes he lacks the drive and personality to continually compete at a high level. I believe it was that part of his personality that Mactavish was trying to unleash,he was trying to stroke that competitive fire. It backfired but that doesn't necessarily mean that Mactavish was wrong.
Perhaps that drive and ambition that has been lacking is part of that maturation process that he talks about but until I truly embrace Penner as a revelation I need to see it for a longer period of time.
I want to believe but I need a litle more convincing.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Coaching - what a difference a year makes!
To be clear, it was obvious to almost anyone with a pulse last year that the Oilers had completely tuned out Mactavish and perhaps were playing to get rid of him but, I would be lying if I thought there would be such a huge difference.
Accountability...Quinn demands it and without singling out players by name in his comments to the press he is not scared to make it clear on any given night where the problems lie.
Honesty....He tells it as he sees it and you can't argue with his conclusions.
His quotes can be quite funny...."I think we just backed up and prayed", referring to the almost goal by Wellwood in the last second.
We all note the problems after every game and Quinn...right on cue comments on them as well.
This team is winning but certainly has not completely grasped his (and Renney's) system and still revert to bad habits when pressured but I am starting to believe that they will get it, they will buy in and perhaps will make the playoffs.
Accountability...Quinn demands it and without singling out players by name in his comments to the press he is not scared to make it clear on any given night where the problems lie.
Honesty....He tells it as he sees it and you can't argue with his conclusions.
His quotes can be quite funny...."I think we just backed up and prayed", referring to the almost goal by Wellwood in the last second.
We all note the problems after every game and Quinn...right on cue comments on them as well.
This team is winning but certainly has not completely grasped his (and Renney's) system and still revert to bad habits when pressured but I am starting to believe that they will get it, they will buy in and perhaps will make the playoffs.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Game day - Canucks at Oilers - Will youth be served this year?
So far it has been a rather interesting season and one wonders if this is the season of the breakout.
The Oilers have produced without any real impact from Horcoff and Hemsky due to balanced scoring. Hemsky will miss a second straight game due to illness. The balanced scoring has been great but lets get real, this team will need Ales Hemsky going at all cylinders if it wants to be a playoff team this season.
Tonight O'Sullivan gets added responsibility by playing the point on the PP in Souray's absence. Patty has been excellent this season, albeit a little snake bit around the net. I became an instant fan of Patty when after being knocked on his can by the devil himself - Boogard, he dusted himself up skated up the ice, stole the puck and made a great pass for an Oilers goal. He shows all sorts of hustle and knows how to play defensively as well. He is 24.
My eyes will also be in Smid. Ladi has started the season getting more responsibility, more ice time and so far has thrived. At the tender age of 23, this could be the start of a long, dependable career as a solid defensive dman.
I am still not convinced that the Oilers are a playoff team this season but the difference between last year and this year could be the kids turning into players. If that can continue and we get consistent performances from the veterans this team goes from a bubble team to a playoff team.
The Oilers have produced without any real impact from Horcoff and Hemsky due to balanced scoring. Hemsky will miss a second straight game due to illness. The balanced scoring has been great but lets get real, this team will need Ales Hemsky going at all cylinders if it wants to be a playoff team this season.
Tonight O'Sullivan gets added responsibility by playing the point on the PP in Souray's absence. Patty has been excellent this season, albeit a little snake bit around the net. I became an instant fan of Patty when after being knocked on his can by the devil himself - Boogard, he dusted himself up skated up the ice, stole the puck and made a great pass for an Oilers goal. He shows all sorts of hustle and knows how to play defensively as well. He is 24.
My eyes will also be in Smid. Ladi has started the season getting more responsibility, more ice time and so far has thrived. At the tender age of 23, this could be the start of a long, dependable career as a solid defensive dman.
I am still not convinced that the Oilers are a playoff team this season but the difference between last year and this year could be the kids turning into players. If that can continue and we get consistent performances from the veterans this team goes from a bubble team to a playoff team.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Expectations or just plain scared?
A blog....
I have always thought of starting an Oilers blog but I really do not consider myself a great writer... nor funny... and don't tell great stories...but what the hell. I am not a great follower of advanced stats but have loved the game since as early I can remember.
My blog will just give opinions on some of the issues that Oiler fans are talking about and other things that might hit my fancy. I will leave the advanced stats for the other Bloggers who truly do a masterful job of covering them. I want to give a thank you to Lowetide, who a long time ago said that I could write a blog and would when I was ready. Lowetide, I am not sure if I am ready but here it goes -
My first topic: Expectations.
Perhaps, expectations is not really the right word; let me first give credit to a really good news article this morning.
Terry Jones has this in the Edmonton Sun - http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/columnists/terry_jones/2009/10/18/11440881-sun.html
I think this article is a good basis for what has been in the back of my mind since the season started.
Do we truly get excited about the Oilers start? I believe the answer for myself and the majority of Oiler fans is NO!
Even if their were not warning signs, Shot discrepancies, a lot of time in our own zone, injury concerns, Hemsky and Horcoff seemingly off to slow starts we would still be apprehensive and for good reason....
Oilers nation has had so many bad things happen since that magical carpet ride thriller playoff ride. The Pronger baby bed burning fiasco, The Heatley just let me wait to make decision - but it won't be Edmonton Saga, The Nylander wife cold shoulder (ok perhaps that one didn't turn out so bad but I digress) and of course, we haven't seen a playoff performance since that magical ride, so I think the general pall of negativity can be forgiven and understood.
But alas there have been positive signs, Penners fast rise from the crypt, Comrie getting his career back on track, Brule showing the promise of his draft year, balanced scoring, winning despite not completely playing to Quinn's system - but will those last?
Oops.....I guess I am a true Oiler fan after all. For better or worse this season I will wait to see what we can expect from my team (our team) and will hope that this start will not be a mirage but a harbinger of things to come.
So Oiler fans grab a beverage and hang on for the ride!
I have always thought of starting an Oilers blog but I really do not consider myself a great writer... nor funny... and don't tell great stories...but what the hell. I am not a great follower of advanced stats but have loved the game since as early I can remember.
My blog will just give opinions on some of the issues that Oiler fans are talking about and other things that might hit my fancy. I will leave the advanced stats for the other Bloggers who truly do a masterful job of covering them. I want to give a thank you to Lowetide, who a long time ago said that I could write a blog and would when I was ready. Lowetide, I am not sure if I am ready but here it goes -
My first topic: Expectations.
Perhaps, expectations is not really the right word; let me first give credit to a really good news article this morning.
Terry Jones has this in the Edmonton Sun - http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/columnists/terry_jones/2009/10/18/11440881-sun.html
I think this article is a good basis for what has been in the back of my mind since the season started.
Do we truly get excited about the Oilers start? I believe the answer for myself and the majority of Oiler fans is NO!
Even if their were not warning signs, Shot discrepancies, a lot of time in our own zone, injury concerns, Hemsky and Horcoff seemingly off to slow starts we would still be apprehensive and for good reason....
Oilers nation has had so many bad things happen since that magical carpet ride thriller playoff ride. The Pronger baby bed burning fiasco, The Heatley just let me wait to make decision - but it won't be Edmonton Saga, The Nylander wife cold shoulder (ok perhaps that one didn't turn out so bad but I digress) and of course, we haven't seen a playoff performance since that magical ride, so I think the general pall of negativity can be forgiven and understood.
But alas there have been positive signs, Penners fast rise from the crypt, Comrie getting his career back on track, Brule showing the promise of his draft year, balanced scoring, winning despite not completely playing to Quinn's system - but will those last?
Oops.....I guess I am a true Oiler fan after all. For better or worse this season I will wait to see what we can expect from my team (our team) and will hope that this start will not be a mirage but a harbinger of things to come.
So Oiler fans grab a beverage and hang on for the ride!
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