So how many Oiler fans wish they could see the Oilers play The Blackhawks 82 times a year? This was a great game to watch (minus the last 2 mins where the hawks looked like they threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Oilers to try and tie it up)
Taylor Hall looked like a demon again, Cogliano has been showing a much more complete game of late and Khabibulin stood on his head on more than one occasion tonight. Gagner was a noticible piece as well tonight, he not only had the go ahead goal on a gritty effort but he seemed to be stepping up and being the leader on his line. Hemsky showed his usual flashes of insight but again I spent all night wishing he had a little more in him. (as offensive as he is he seems to give that impression nightly)
Tonights game was a real stepping stone for the fourth line as well. It was nice to see them not only generate a great forecheck but it was also nice to see them be as defensive as anyone else tonight. Jones especially impressed me on a play in the 3rd period. Regardless of how well Khabi had been doing, he actually dove bodily into the crease behind Khabi to ensure that if something squeeked past his tender there wouldnt be a goal. I am loving this kind of play from him, it is the kind of rounded out game and total buy in that Renney can use.
over all, regardless of the win i have been more impressed with the Oilers as of late. They have been showing the growth that I was hoping for this year. Playoffs? nope, said so before the season started and its getting easier to stick by that prediction as each game passes. But growth? HELL YA! players like Gagner/Cogliano/Brule etc... have been showing an ability to step up and not be left behind as the new kids make a name for themselves. The real glaring problems with the team at the moment are continuing to improve and even the weak ass Defense they are icing are getting more consistant if not overly better.
I am still waiting for the coaching staff to change up the lines so they can work to the others strengths, but slowly Renney is getting there and when he does, I think it will be a short ride before they begin to become a force in the NW division.
