Solid Effort, Solid Win

Yesterday the Oilers took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a pre season matchup. Throwing all kinds of young talent at them, they showed the hometown crowd exactly what they are looking forward to. Taylor Hall scored what was probably his easiest goal of all time and MPS looked like a demon out there. 3 goals and an assist to lead the team to an easy victory.

The one thing that stood out for me right away was that this was a game they were SUPPOSED to win, and they did. Too many times over the last couple seasons they matched up against opponents that should have been easy prey and then they fell short by a goal or two. This was the kind of effort they are going to have to display through the entire season if they plan on doing anything other than finishing last again. (although a finish like that would result in a great draft pick again)

Renney seems to have really employed a system that the players can buy into. There were more than a few people that didnt like the idea that there was more of a "practice" feel to the early start of camp, but it seems to have paid off in spades. Spending all that time teaching the system rather than hoping they got it during scrimmage was the route that seems to have worked.

I also enjoyed seeing both Gagner and Hemsky on the PK a couple times last night. I'm not sure if this was due to the fact that it seemed there were more penalties than fans in the stands, or not. But it was nice to see them contribute to more than just the offence. (although both looked completely lost out there) It was also good to see Cogliano on the PK. I've said it before, this is a role he MUST embrace if he is going to find himself with a roster spot. The Oilers need a speedy guy like him that can check and PK on a regular basis.

I'm excited to see what this team looked like on the next outting. Once some of the cuts are made and they can solidify more of the roster I'm thinking that they can actually build a decent team. No, I'm not drinking the Kool-Aid... I dont think they are suddenly contenders. But I do think that they will have a great opportunity to grow and become a very solid team much quicker than most people are predicting.

It's a great time to be a fan. The leaf has been turned over and the brass is FINALLY starting things anew. This is just the first step to something great. :~D

Until next time.