When I started this blog I had intended to write about the
Oilers, Jets, and hockey topics in general. I have posted exactly one article
on the Oilers and other topics, and primarily about the Jets. I'm not sure
exactly why that is, some of it is time constraints, but mostly I believe I
haven't wanted to write about the
Oilers. They have been bad, incredibly bad, discouraging bad. They haven't
taken a step back this year, they have fallen off a cliff. I wrote in the
pre-season they were in big trouble because of their lack of depth at center,
turns out that problem is repeated throughout the ENTIRE roster.
This is going to get worse I fear. Players are about to
start turning on each other, the coaches, and the management. Losing is death
in pro sports. Winning cures all that ails, but they cannot win enough to
change the plague that is happening to this team. The fans have had enough too,
recently throwing a jersey on the ice and bombarding the local radio and chat
boards with visceral comments about firing and trading everyone. They have
immerging young talent for sure, but you cannot win in pro sports leaning too
hard on young players. It is not wise to make young players carry the pillars
of your franchise, the load is too much to bear.
I believe Craig MacTavish is a bright guy, with a great
future as a GM in the NHL . He has
experience, education, and an eye for talent. He made several good moves this
past summer but you cannot make enough change in one off season to improve the
fortune of this program. OK, well you could if you can magically add a
"Shea Weber" type. The problem is every franchise is chasing that
dream. The problem he faces is that he is still a rookie GM and every team is
trying to kill him in a deal. He did very well in the Perron deal, not so well
in the Smid deal. The jury is definitely out on the coach he hired. Most people
felt that Ralph Krueger was a nice man and deserved a better fate. Was he the
right guy? Not sure, we'll never know. Would the team have a better record at
this very moment had he stayed, I'm starting to believe that yes it would. Say
what you want about Krueger, he had amazing special teams... Maybe Eakins is
the right guy to take them to the next level, but its hard to judge right now
because he has a shortage of real NHL
defenseman. What's worse is Eakins rubs people the wrong way and that is not
helping the public persona of this team either.
I believe every Oiler fan understands at this point that
their defensive core is weak. Not NHL level
weak. Historically weak. Bad. There are some useful pieces for sure, but they
are all playing a level (or two) too high in the line-up. Tough to gauge
anything when you can't defend. The forwards are skilled, but on average are small
and do not engage physically at all. The goalies, well...I don't expect either
to be back next year. Who will be playing goal next year? No idea, I'm not sure
the management know either.
So here is the best part. It's time to evaluate...again.
That means players moving out, but don't expect NHL
talent to return until the summer. Expiring contracts and veterans will be
moved out, with futures coming back. The OKC shuttle, which is already heating
up, will get white hot. Expect to see anyone with a pulse to get a first hand
evaluation in Edmonton . What does
that equate to? More losing. Chin up Oiler fans and remember there are always
other things to do. Go watch the Rush, Oil Kings, or U of A. All winning
programs and good value for your money. Take the opportunity to attack your
"honey do" list. Take your spouse out for dinner and a movie. Enjoy
this time to rediscover all the great things life has to offer. Does that sound
too Pollyanna? I admit it does but watching this team is making me want to
break things...
There I feel better.
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