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.

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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.