A Franchise Record

Wow,

So the Oilers go out and break a record. They have never in franchise history gone out and won 5 in a row on the road. Yet in a season where it appears that all is lost very early, they pull it off. Crazy! Now the one thing to keep in mind is that they werent exactly facing the elite teams out there. And when they come home for the game on Tuesday, they are gong to have their hands full with the Kings. Although not an ELITE team, the LA Kings have been considerably better this year, and have the ability to win games against even red hot teams.

If the Oilers want to keep the streak alive the first thing they have to do is make sure they DO NOT underestimate their opponent.They have to go in understanding that if they start making mistakes the Kings are going to walk all over them. The Oilers are still going through some hardships with injuries, and they have to keep the game simple. Forecheck hard, Hit everything in sight, and above all else, get pucks to the net. No fancy dancy plays, Just keep it simple.

I am really liking Stone back in the lineup. It makes no sense, a player that wouldnt make most teams this year, and isnt exactly puting up big numbers, is haveing a HUGE impact on the team. Maybe its his style that rubs off on the rest of the team. Maybe its the fact that his game is as simple as it gets. Or maybe its just blind luck. But whatever the case, Keep It Up!

Well, I for one am looking forward to see just how far this team can go. Is it possible that they actually make it back into playoff contention? And if they do, can they actually keep the spot?

Only time will tell.

Where is this team heading?

As the title suggests I want to look at the direction this team is heading in. Other than the apparent downward spiral of injuries... what is the excuse for the way they have been playing? I have looked at as many factors as I can imagine, and the only thing that sticks out for me is that the team has lost something. Confidence is one thing for sure. ALL the players seem to be honestly lacking in any confidence. Another that I want to touch on is the "head for the game"

A little tricky to define, but a factor non the less. One incindent that caught my eye recently was Hemsky getting creamed into the boards and losing the rest of the year. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! Lets be completely clear, it WAS Hemsky's fault. Dont they teach you from midget up, that it is up to you to protect yourself? Screw this idea that you can take advantage of the rules and make yourself vulnerable to draw the penalty. And not only is this Hemsky's fault, but Quinns aswell. Oh I'm well aware he wasnt out there making the hit, but he sure the hell hasnt been teaching his boys about protecting themselves either. How many injuries have there been this year? How many man games lost to injury? Thanks to James Mirtle we have THAT answer. Now I ask....how many of those injuries could have been prevented if they were taught a system that allowed them to protect themselves better? Speed and puck pressure is a great way to play the game, I am well aware. I have been openly glowing about the new system put in place. BUT there has to be a balance. There are too many peewee players on this team to be reckless in the way they approach the game.
Quinn is getting no help from Tambellini in regards to bigger stronger players. So it is up to him to create a system that reflects the players he has to work with. That "speed and puck pressure" style suits them, but it can also be a detriment if those same players are putting themselves in a position that makes them vulnerable. I think instead of "team meetings" Quinn should be working on the aspect of "head games" And dont just tell them "keep your head up" Start showing them HOW to protect themselves against the bigger stronger players of todays game.

Stauffer made a comment a season or two ago, in regards to Smid getting run by Boogard. He said that "the next time the "boogyman" comes a runnin, you put your stick out and hit him right in the teeth." Yup, there would be a penalty, probably a suspension and everyone would think there may be a bit of a "dirty" streak in you. But by god they would think twice about making a run at you.

This team needs an edge, NOT another enforcer. It needs a way to protect itself from being run,and they need to develope a strategy for playing the puck while being safe. Now I dont suggest they go out and start running others or being flat out dirty. But I AM saying that they need to find that balance. They need to send a message that they arent going to be pushed around, and they HAVE to play with that swagger. Penner is a prime example. This year he has shown that his big frame isnt going to be pushed off the puck easy. The change from last year (since he didnt exactly put MORE weight on) was attitude. There is an air of entitlement when he is out there. The rest of the team needs to take notice and start stepping it up. No more backing off whenever they are touched, and start playing with the mind to protecting themselves.

The skill is strong, but the mind is weak. Time to change that Quinn....it's all on you!

Tambellini Tambellini.....where art thou Tambellini?

Been a little while since I have had the time to write anything, real life and all.......

But I cannot stay silent on this any longer. Where the heck has good 'ol Tambi been hiding? There is a real need for some change on this team, and is it not his job to make the changes needed to get the team going again?

I can count several players that need replacing on this team, and the talk is silent in regards to making a deal.

First on the list is Pisani:  One of my long time favorite Oilers, but it is really time for this team to cut its losses and move on. Loyalty is one thing, and I have no problem with Pisani getting some sort of office job or something along those lines. Yet we hear nothing about a move, or any other way to get him and his paycheck off the roster. Ever injured and with recurring colitis, this is a situation that seems to only hurt the oilers.

Next....Ethan Moreau: I've had enough. At what point does the brass realize that this guy cannot give you any more than what they are getting right now? Leadership skills? Well maybe, but I havent seen it. This team needs an offensive leader, at this very moment in time, DUSTIN FREAKIN PENNER deserves that "C" more than moreau does. Sorry Ethan, you gave everything you had, body and soul. But it is time to either hang up the skates or redefine your game into something a little less bullish. 4th line at best, or possibly a guy that can help out the Falcons.

And then Robert Nilsson: I really wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt, you claimed to be working your ass off in the offseason......but it didnt pay off. The moments of laziness still pop up, the ineffectivness of your game is still apparent and honestly your skills AND size are redundant on this team. Now there IS some value to Nilsson, there are at least a few teams that could use the creativness and can live with his size and giveaways but this team no longer can.

Decision Time...Gagner/Cogliano:  Now this is going to be a sore spot with alot of fans, and heck I would have been upset at the start of the year. But this is the time to make a decision on these two. Who do you keep? They both have the tools needed to be a hell of a player. But neither of them seem to be making a step forward this year. I cant say if this is Quinn being unable to get through to them, or if it is simply a slump that they both have gotten into. But this team needs gamers, and neither of these two seem to have the game needed to help the Oilers out. Make a decision Tambi, and move forward.

And Another, Steve Staios: Like Moreau Staios has given alot of good years, but realisticly there is nothing left in the tank. The money is much better spent on Strudwick, who is not only younger but offers the veteran presence and just as much reliability. There isnt alot of negitive to say against Staios except that he is simply showing his age. He is slower year by year, and cannot really copmpete against the bigger guys in the league anymore. He doesnt have the head for the game, and he can no longer compensate by being a warrior. I think he is another that would really help out Springfield as there is very little value among the rest of the league.

There are other moves. Like getting Horcoff outta here (but it is completely unfair to think that Tambellini could move that contract. And he has value to the Oilers. He could very well be the top 3rd line center in the NHL.)  For now though, I would be satisfied with seeing most or all of the above mentioned players, moved or put on the waiver wire. This team needs a change.....so again I ask, Where The Hell Is Tambellini?

Boston Bruins

So this should be an interesting game. Against Colorado the Oil played like they were scared to make a play. And against Detroit they looked like they had gotten over that fear for the first half, yet like when the lights go out for a child they forgot that there was nothing to be afraid of and started playing sketchy hockey for the second half. (Small miracles for the shootout, a part of the game the Oilers have no problem with)

I am looking to see the Oilers play this afternoon like they NEED a win. Not desperate hockey, but good solid playmaking. The record isnt doing too bad. (Although I would like to see more than 1-2 games over .500) But I would like to see progress more than anything. They seemed to be making strides at the start of the season, and they were winning games they didnt nessesarily deserve to win, so everyone was happy. Lately on the other hand, they havent made any more progress and a couple players have even looked like they were regressing back into the defensive/scared to make a play hockey.

If the Oil can bring a solid effort, and make some plays they can come out of this with 2 points and maybe some confidence.

***********************************************

Injury thoughts.

Shelden Souray is expected to be out considerably longer than anyone had hoped. With no personal experience with post concussion syndrome I cant say what I think the timeline would be like. All we can hope for is for him to wake up one morning and feel better. Concussions can work that way. It is evident that missing Souray has been hurting the Oil very badly.

I think it can be said now that Staios has been replaced. If Souray and Visnovsky make it back, there is very little reason to reinstate Staios. I like the old dog, dont get me wrong. And the veteran presence is always a good thing....But with Chorney and Peckham playing as well as they have been, with cheaper contracts I see no reason to keep him around. This is a very mobile defence core, and Staios is just getting older and slower. I'm sure there will be a trade if there is one to make. I have a hard time believing that they will send him on waivers. He has been a warrior for this team for a long time, and if there is one thing the Oil are good at, is showing loyalty to their players.

Visnovsky. Come on man. Get some ColdFX in you and get back in there. We NEED you to play like you were last season for this team to be confident in making plays. Visnovsky, although quiet lately has the ability to be a second PP quarterback, a solid shutdown D and he can move the puck 5v5 as good as anyone out there. With all the discredit Lowe has taken over his team, he DID build a very respectible D-core with Vissy as a large piece of it. I think I speak for everyone when I say: WE MISS YOU VIS, COME HOME!!

Well, games about to start. Sadly I'm going to miss at least a period of it (halloween and all, there is still costumes to finish for the kiddies) Here's to hoping they arent afraid of the goblins and ghouls today, and put in a solid effort.

Cheers.

Redwings In Town

Well now. The Oilers are facing off against one of the best teams in the league tonight and they are missing some key players to boot. I'ts nice to know that for whatever reason Detroit has been struggling as of late, but not nearly as bad as the Oil, and that has me scared. One consolation might be that the Oilers have an easier time with detroit at home. And they are DUE for that bouncback game. I just keep seeing how they played against an inexperienced although very hot Avalance and thinking about how much worse the Wings are going to make them look. One mistake can and probably will cost a goal. A few mistakes will cost the game.

Current Standings

A good showing will help the Oilers retail a respectable record so lets all don the jersey, grab a wobbly pop and cheer the Oil on tonight. ( I have a feeling they are going to need it )

OUCH!!!!

So the Oilers were shutout 2 games in a row and to rub salt in that festering wound it was confirmed today that luongo shut them out with a fractured rib none the less. It sounds like he will be out for about a week.

Why were they shut out? Well the MSM seems to be explaining it as a product of the flu that blasted through the locker room and is still making its rounds. I would be inclined to agree. In a recent article I stated who was sick, but mentioned that there were probably several more that were either not as bad off, or simply manning up and playing through it. Although it's a good trait to have work ethic, I think it is a little different than going to the office. It really is too bad that the league decided that the Oilers were not in a bad enough situation to allow them an emergency callup of Gilbert Brule last week, as that would have gone a long way to alleviate the offensive woes while the go to guys were under the weather. (It also would have been nice to see him a little longer while we had the chance)

I still have a feeling this is going to take some time to work itself out, so the fans have to relax a bit and do as Bob Stauffer stated and "Ride the wave" It is a long season and this is just a few games. The record isnt exactly falling apart and if the statements that Quinn made at the season start hold true, they will battle back night after night until they have the results we all crave.

*side note* It was also stated today that Penner has been feeling the effects of the flu, and he STILL looked good last night. no points to show for it of course, but still looked effective in doing what he does. also, I still feel that the new "top line" isnt going to stick around too much longer. Flu or no flu, if they dont piss a drop in 2 games, Quinn is going to have to look at it again and re-evaluate.

I'm off to get a new surfboard..... this is going to be a rough ride.

Calgary

So next up is the Calgary flames. I would imagine that Khabibulin gets the start tonight, setting JDD up for tomorrow against the Canucks. Khabi has been playing out of this world lately and I think it will be an easy duel for him. Especially giving how Kipper has been playing the last few years (declining)

I'm going to be paying extra attention to Peckham tonight. I have this idea that Staios is starting to be very expendable and if Peckham can make a real impact tonight, it will go a long way toward staying on the team. I want to see him play a solid shutdown role and maybe add a fight in there somewhere. This is a good litmus test for the Oilers, if they can bring the toughness that they need AND still keep the offence they have been exhibiting this will be a huge game. The last two meetings between these teams have been damn good but the Oilers came up on the short end with giving up late goals. Since then they have made a concerted effort to ensuring there is no late period gaffs that costs them the game.

I'm looking forward to seeing if anyone takes a little revenge against Iginla for the slewfoot against Souray the last time they met. I know Moreau tried to fight him soon after, but please. That was about the worst fight i've ever seen and there was no real angst afterword. If Peckham takes the initiative and makes a run at Iggy tonight, he will earn alot of respect in that room.

Well here's to a good weekend of hockey. Go Oilers Go!

AHH CHOOOOOOO!!!!

Wow it's amazing how fast a flu can spread in a locker room. Communal water bottles, showers, puck bunnies? And it seems the Oilers are no exception. With no less than 3 injured players the last thing they need is to have the team come down with the flu. And yet thats exactly what has happend. Like a Wierd Al tune, it just gets ~better and better~

It sounds like Smid is good to go, and if Hemsky could play the other night I wouldnt expect him to take tonight off. But Brule is out, Comrie was sent home during practice and who knows who else is under the weather right now.

And to top it off, they play every second night until the end of the month now, and dont have any significant time to recover. If I were Quinn I would be praying to the hockey gods that no more mishaps happen for a while, and I would be shaking my fist at the ColdFX(c) head office at the same time.

At least the Blue Jackets arent exactly an elite team. No team should be taken lightly IMHO but lets just say I think there will be less wear on the Oilers tonight and if a couple players can show up offensively they will be alright.

Penner - Gagner - Hemsky line

Ok, Im not an expert on all things coaching.  So maybe Quinn has a reason to pull this move. But I have to ask....WHY??? Gagner and Hemsky have not shown any chemistry in the past, and there is NO reason to think they will now. On top of it, I dont see how putting your 2 best playmakers on a line with a guy not known for his sniper abilities is even an option. Penner has shown all kinds of motivation and is finally the player they thought they were getting. A power forward. Not a sniper. Neither Gagner nor Hemsky can be relied upon to take a one-timer and both are looking to pass more often than not. Is Penner expected to suddenly bust out a Souray type shot? Or maybe Gagner and Hemsky plan on shooting every chance they have....but whatever the reason it better be good.

My guess is that the line will not see more than a few mins in the first before they are broken up.

Oh well. Game time is in about an hour and a half. Time to run to the beer store and don the jersey. I guess we will see what we see.

***update***

Well it appears that I was completely wrong about that particular line. Hemsky and Gagner showed that all elusive chemistry and Penner was a beast. Not just a beast, but a beast with a shot. (not Souray esc...but still decent)

I will still hold judgment on the line for now. I still say that it will be difficult for a power forward to take advantage of 2 playmakers. Yes he needs passing, but they both seem much more interested in getting the one-timer off. And before tonight he didnt seem the type to capitalize on those. But if they can keep that up, it will be a hell of a line.

Next Up

Vancouver Canucks

Well the Oilers have shaken off the beating they took in Chicago. And after taking two points against the Wild, they are looking like they are ready to lay a beating on the Canucks no? Well I see a small problem with this. That problem is on the shotclock. Again they were outshot pretty badly. 19 shots total again for the Oilers when the visitors got 31. Khabibulin is working overtime proving that he is the real deal and worth his rather large contract. If he wasnt, they would have been blown out or at the very least they would have lost the game by a goal or so.

The Oilers have to find a way to fix the shot problem. They know what to do with it when it DOES get to the net. The goal totals have reflected that. But if they want to sustain that, they simply have to throw more rubber at the net. That or prevent the opposition from getting that much towards Khabi.

Vancouver has lost some of it's bite lately, and are ripe for the picking. But if the Oilers cant test Luongo early AND often this will be a low scoring game and I hate to say it, but the Canucks could come out on top. They are looking for a rebound game, and they always seem to play well against the Oilers. If the Oilers underestimate the Canucks, or cant pull the trigger at least ten more times this game, they are going to be hanging their heads tomorrow night.

I have faith that the Oilers will continue to get better and I really hope they pound another nail into the Canucks coffin, but if they play the same game against Vancouver as they have for the last few games it wont be tomrrow that the nail gets set.

And I Missed A Good One

So of course my own req team had to have its yearly fundraiser on a night where the Oilers took the Wild to school. And although I have yet to see the box scores or any real game breakdown, one thing I am noticing, is: A- Mr Dustin Penner ( AKA Donair express ) is showing no signs of slowing down. And: B-  Brule is adjusting back into the NHL like a real pro should. I am really liking the progress this team has been making in terms of the system and compeditivness. Now if only they can get Hemsky to show a little interest and this team would start flying. Im not sure what Hemmers problem has been so far this year. He is doing a decent job producing, and yet he looks like he could give so much more. I know he usually starts slow and based on what he has done so far he will damn near hit the 80 point mark, which he has not done since 05/06 and given a few great multi point games he MAY even hit 90. But something seems off in him. Disinterest? Undisclosed injury? Or maybe system adjustment (although I recently wrote about how he seems to be buying in lately) It is just so hard to pinpoint it.

In any case, there is alot to be happy about right now with the oilers. they are middle of the NW division and look like they are just getting their feet under them. to me that means that by the end of the year they may actually be able to at least compete for that top spot in the NW. And THAT is something to celebrate. Even if they dont capture another banner to hang in the rafters, they are still going to make the playoffs regardless of the rankings they recieved before the year started. The kids can finally get a taste of the post season and that alone will make wonders for the team. That is the type of experience I want to see this team get so they can have something to aim for. A focus for the season. (IMO the main reason they had so many problems in the past couple years.) It doesnt seem so bad to lose something you have never had. But once you have tasted success it is hard to sit back and just let it slip ever again.

I just hope Quinn can hold them all together for the full season so they DO feel thatt success. "Keep them motivated and give them something to shoot for" should be the mantra the Oiler brass should be chanting.

In the meantime I'll continue to ride the rollercoaster that is the Oiler season and take pleasure in watching them mature as a team.

It's On It's Way.....I Swear!

There has been alot of adjustment to the Oilers this year, and the poor play to start the year clearly shows it.
There is a lack of dicipline, and cohesivness that stares them down every night. But there is one thing I can say about them, They are getting better.  There is a whole new system to learn. The players that felt they were "safe" had to actually show up to obtain their roster spots. There is actual accountability on this team. Those are large adjustments. Especially for the long serving vets on this team. But there is a turn around coming. When we see things like Hemsky laying down to block shots. And Stortini potting two goals in one night. It is a clear indication that everyone is starting to get on the same page. I think everyone would be in agreement that Storts got lucky and that is all. But bottom line is he was in the right place because he was playing the role he was asked to play. Just like Hemsky laying down to block shots. He is starting to buy into the system, even if we wont see him doing the blocking often.

I love how Quinn has them using the natural speed they have to constantly pressure the puck. they have the ability to two man another player, and still get back in time to cover the play. There has been alot of adjustments along the way. Many players have been caught out of position. I even noticed a couple plays where both men went to cover the same area "defensivly" only to leave the middle wide open for the opposition to walk right in. But just like "Garbagekov" from last season, they are starting to stink less and less as they put some polish on this new system.

All in all I think they Oilers are going to flounder a bit, soon before they take off. Unless of course they fix some of the problems before lady luck takes a steamer on them. I see it coming though. Slowly they are begining to wake up and make use of the system the way they are supposed to. The chances last night were farther and fewer than most people would wish but it is coming around. At least they know what to do with it when the opportunity arrises.

JDD & Zack Stortini

What can I say about the performance out of JDD tonight? Spectacular is a good start. 40 Saves in a game that the Preds really took it to the Oilers in stretches, and even when they were up by 5 goals he wasnt holding anything back. Did anyone else notice just how well he moves for a big man? A very active goalie tonight and he is really showing that he deserves to be here. (I know there were contractual reasons that he stayed with the club and Dubnik went down for another year. but with how well Dubnik played in the preseason and based on how well he is playing right now in the AHL, he is making a case for himself aswell, and the Oilers are going to have to make a decision on who to keep.)

JDD is the real deal. He may not steal the starter from Khabi, but he is going to push him for every game. And now I`m not so concerned that Khabi wont be playing a full season, and they would have to rely on JDD for stretches during the season. I am alot more confident that the Oilers can survive a few games with Khabi out, if they are going to get the game's from JDD that they got tonight.

Zack Attack

Now I`m sure  it would be unfair to ask Storts to get 2 goals a period again. :P But I am extatic that he was rewarded for the hard work he puts in every night. If the hockey gods would have smiled on him a little more often in the past, maybe the rest of the team would have bought into the same work ethic.

A fight under 2 minutes in slowed the preds down from a very good start, and watching him pot 2 goals in the first period was priceless. If JDD hadnt made 40 saves, Storts would have had first star for sure. Good on ya Zack, not many people thought you would have stuck with the team, never mind making an impact most nights and having a game like this once in a while.

Matt Greene

I would like to first say that there is no way I would redo the trade that brought Visnovsky here. I would do it over and over again and I wouldnt think twice about it.

But now that there has been time, and it is clear that we miss a guy like that on the team, I would ask. "What would you give up to get Greene back"? I had a chat with a buddy yesterday about this, and the reply was "damn near anything" I imagine a defense core that consists of:

Gilbert - Souray

Greene - Visnovsky

Smid/Staois/Grebs - Peckham

That would be one of the top defense anywhere. It would be a great blend of speed, toughness, puck movement, shot power, AND defensive reliability.

So to start the talks, I would offer any 2 of the three unknowns on the 3rd pairing. Smid/Staios/Grebs. then I would throw in Nilsson, and then either a pick, AHL prospect, or one of the "garbage" players on the roster.

if that wasnt enough I would try to throw in a late round pick or two just to sweeten it a bit. 

So where is your limit? how far up the depth chart would you go to entice LA to trade off their assistant captain and defensive leader?  oh I know its a tough sell. but LA seems to be primed as a trading partner with the Oilers and if we can solve a problem or two for them, I think a deal can be made.

Thoughts?

Thank God And Good Riddance

This made him a Youtube legend, but his drive, compete level and overall gamesmanship was about as effective as a peewee player in the bigs. Shremp got himself a rude awakening after his draft year when it was realized that he couldnt skate, 5v5 play was a bust and he didnt seem to care enough to use the gifts he was given to actually make an impact.

MacT was right about him from the get go. and after years of being hounded by fans and MSM alike, he finally gets his last laugh. Shremp was placed on waivers and picked up the next morning by the New York Islanders. So Shrempy finally gets his shot, all be it on the worst team in the league. And now all the Shremp boasters will finally get to see just how bad he is, on a regular NHL shift.

My prediction, he will get 30-40 games before he either gets traded or sent back on waivers. And if the worst team out there has no use for him, all the people that didnt buy into the hype will be vindicated.  

Nuclear Deterant.

So,

Here we are at the last game of the pre season, and there are a couple decisions to be made on the roster spots still available. One of those decisions are going to be if Macintyre has a spot on this team. Some people say that a deterant is everything and others say that as long as someone can take care of buisness it is all they need. ( a la Stortini )  Sure I like Macintyre, and he really does bring an element we havent seen here since Big Georges left. But on the other hand, when there is so many youngsters on this team, Quinn is going to revert back to his idea that "if you cant eat up mins" for him, you wont be playing. and I have to agree with him.
Its funny that the best fighter they have is the lowest player on the depth chart. I personally think that the team is better off with a guy that can skate/hit/fight and even chip in a couple goals a year. IMHO this means Stortini, or possibly JFJ.

Best case scenario is that he becomes an extra forward and plays a handfull of games this year. Worst case and he gets picked up on waivers and he kicks the crap outta Stortini this year......

Team Makeup

Let me start by saying that I was, and still am very high on having Quinn as the new head coach. I think he can bring a dynamic to this group that we havent seen yet.

But there is a disturbing trend going on and I hope it gets nipped in the ass right away.

By this I mean the crazy lineup combo's. Oh sure I understand that Quinn is looking at all his options and seeing if there are any surprises there that he can use. But by now it should be clear that moves like JFJ on the top line, are NOT going to work on the best of nights. I like the philosophy of finding duo's rather than 3 person lines with chemistry. It is a good way to use players to their strengths and maximize potential by finding players that compliment the duo rather than a single player. But on the same token, the team IS built in such a way that there is going to be 2 scoring lines, a shutdown line and an energy line. It may not be to Quinn's taste, but simply put, the team isnt designed any other way. And until some moves can be made that put "Quinn's" team together, he should be looking at a lineup that at least works with the players.

I am honestly hoping that the opening day roster has predictable lines. I dont want to see Pouliot centering the second line with JFJ on the wing with Hemsky and Horcoff.

I am holding out hope that this is what we will see, and Quinn has just been taking a longer look than we are used to seeing because he needs a full evaluation of the organization. I have not yet been able to see the practices, but I would hope that the guys that are GOING to be on the team are showing Quinn what they can do, and the rest are just trying out for potential callups.

When this team skates out for the regular season I want to see a cohesive unit that supports their other team mates. I want to see a team that plays to its strengths and win's because of it.

No more gambles, no more guesses. Tonight is the night that will make or break several players on this team. Come next saturday we should ( I would hope ) see a team that can compete with the rest of this division.

Preseason is here.

Wow, what a long offseason. We had precious few things to talk about this summer. There was free agency.....bore. There was the draft with a surprise pick of MPS, and the whole Heatley saga kept us yapping for a while. The changing of the coaching guard was a big bonus, and was well worth the pages and pages from dozens of forums, but that was early in the summer and didnt last long.

But now it begins. Preseason is where it all starts. There are a few hundred kids around the league looking to make an impression or risk being sent down. Coaches are looking for that special combination that will propel the team into greatness. GM's are waking up from their UFA hangovers and wondering who the hell gave them a pen to sign "this that and the other" players. And of course there is the perrenial comeback story.

This is also when all the predictions start flooding in, and this is what I want to delve into today. where do the Oilers fit in the whole scheme of things? Did they get better? Get worse? Or make a sideway's move?

Here is how i see it.

PRO's
Coaching change - Not enough can be said about the benifits that a coaching change is going to make. I think that MacT had ran out his time and it was needed for this team to move on. Quinn will not only bring another style and attitude, but he will also shake up the mentality of this team. (doing so already by aboloshing the "seniority" mentality) I expect to see a different attitude and mentality from the team this year.

Con's
No Deals To Improve The Team - This is kind of hard to identify, there are so many "what if's" but there was no moves to maximize assets this offseason, and im a little dissapointed. I am one that believes that if there is a log jam in a position, it is the GM's job to fix it. If there is an over abundance of a certain type of player it is again his job to make a deal to fix that. Now it's not like the Oilers have an un-servicable team. Quinn may even find a lineup that takes them to the next level. But I think there was a move or two that would have made sense. Something to address the needs of the team would have been an instant PRO, but standing pat, in my opinion, makes it a CON.
Trading Brodziak - I have to say that this is probably the worst move this team could have made. There wasnt such a big need for the 99th (Kyle Bigos)and 133rd (Oliver Roy)  picks to justify trading a dependable faceoff man. This is a guy that could have centered Pisani and Moreau, and he has been getting better as he goes. If they would have replaced him, then it wouldnt have been so bad. but by itself, this is a horrible move.

Sideway's
Comrie Signing - I dont think this is going to hurt the team, but I dont see many way's it will help the team either. Sure from a PR perspective it is great. The guy that started the "players hate edmonton" mentality came back, and willingly.  There is a bonus in  the fact that he can help show the kids how to play with an edge. But there is a downside to the fact that he is injured all the time and it is going to push one or more of the kids out of the lineup. Overall its not bad, but not really an upgrade either.

Khabibulin Signing - This is a signing that bothers me a bit. He is a great goalie, but not really an upgrade on Roli. He is also aging and has been a starter a long time, his body has taken abuse that roli's hasnt. And 4 years is a long time to commit to a goalie when the team has at least one other prospect in the AHL that they will want to see in the next year or two.

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There are other small changes, I just did the ones that stuck out for me. I like that they addressed the need's in Springfield. but most dont effect the big club enough to matter.

Overall I think the team will be better. I actually liked the way the team was put together last season and I think a coaching change is going to make a big enough difference, that the team will not only be in the playoffs, but will be somewhat higher than 8th place. There are alot of players that will be looking to have better seasons. There are guys coming back from injury that will help quite alot.

I'm looking forward to this upcoming season. It has the smell of change. Will we see the usual November/December slump? Will they come flying out of the gate in the preseason, only to fall flat for the 10 games after?  Will the Oilers hold a playoff spot until the last 2 months of the season when they suddenly fall out? Or worse, will they have to scramble for that spot, possibly losing it again?

I dont think so, and thats got me excited.

Comrie.....sigh

all i can ask is why?

Why, when the organization made a commitment to a youth movement, would they go and sign a guy that does nothing for the team other than push one (or more) of those kids out of the picture?

I dont think Comrie is a bad player. And i think in a different situation he could be a nice addition to most teams. especially with a $1.125M price tag. but what does he bring to THIS team, at THIS time that the oilers already arent abundant in?

Granted he can take care of himself. And has proven he can score at this level. but he hasnt potted 30+ goals in a season since 05-06. and he hasnt played more than half a season more than 4 times. GP since entering the league: 41-82-69-21-28-80-24-41-76-41-20

Is this really the direction the Oilers are heading in? Have they given up on the youth and have decided to go with what they know? It would sure seem that way considering there is at least one youngster that will be pushed out of the lineup.

the only way i can see this being healthy for the organization is if there is another trade in the works that sends a guy like nilsson ( IMO will not make team anyway ) for another player that fills a role. like 3rd line center. or if the player they send to the minors is a guy they dont have to risk on waivers and can send down for some more development.

I for one just hope the fans didnt go through 3 years of growing pains, only to have the Oilers scrap the plan and change the direction.

Can Hemsky make the leap from fringe skill player to leader?

Ales Hemsky has all the makings of a great NHL player. But he has a hard time it seems to become the #1 guy. He goes to the hard area's, and the battle in him shows promise. But can he make that jump? Can he be the guy that doesnt take no for an answer and buries the puck by any means nessesary?

There is a serious lack of offensive leadership on this team. Scoring by committee is a nice idea, and a powerful one in the playoffs. But there is always at least one guy on a real contending team, that will pick up the team and put them on his back.

Can Hemsky finally break out of his shell and be this guy? We see flashes of greatness from him and he is still young, but how long is Tambellini going to wait before he decides that the return he will get for for an amazing setup man with an even better contract, is worth more than the man himself?

So I ask, would you keep hemsky even after Gagner has shown he is 1st line worthy? IMHO it becomes redundant to have two very skilled setup men on the same line. Would you relegate Hemsky or Gagner to the second line forever just to keep both? or would you find a way to maximize the asset and move him for a piece that is desperatly needed?

Keeping both would be preferable of course. but in this day and age when the Oilers are NOT the destination of choice, sometimes asset management is the only way to maintain a compeditive team.

So for arguments sake, does hemmer still fit in the long term plans of this team? Or would he be better suited to be dangled ( pun intended ) to prospective suitors and be sold off to the top bidder for a sniper and/or something else? and if you feel he still belongs, who would you use to get someone that will compliment him?