Game Day "Oilers VS Islanders"

From Champs to Chumps?

Both the franchises of the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers dominated the NHL in the late 70's and throughout the 80's. Amazing how the mighty have fallen and it appears they can not get back up. The Islanders have been struggling for years with high draft picks but signing bad contracts, awful managing of the team has probably been the largest criticism. The Oilers have had some bad press for their management ability but in large part, it has been blamed on players in the organization. There comes a point where management has to step up and take some responsibility.

I am of the belief that a 18th-22nd place finish may be better but if were not good enough yet, there are some incredible players in the top 6 of the coming 2012 NHL draft. Yes, I know, there comes a point where you have to move forward but since the season has pretty much gone the way down the crapper, I say let it continue to be about development and start making changes to see what our future holds.

I love Anton Lander, but let's face it, like Paajarvi, he needs development time and lots of icetime to improve on his game. He has some offensive ability and is getting it stifled playing consistently on the 4th line. Let him round out and improve his game at the AHL level. Also it may be time to trade off Eager and either Gagner or Hemsky by the trade deadline. Its not the players themselves, it's the make up of the team that is more the problem IMO.

O'Marra is a good fit for that 4th line role and can win faceoffs. Let's see what we have in him for a longer spell before we decide if he is worth keeping into next year. With some good talent in OKC we can afford to bring up a Ryan Keller and really see what he can deliver on a 3rd or 4th line role. Also once O'Mark and Hartikanen are ready, I say it's time for the big show. On defence? Well they are doing exactly the same as I am suggesting with the forwards already. Young guys are getting some experience, the Oilers are seeing what they got in some older prospects in Plante and Teubert and I am sure evaluating their future as the season continues on.

Why do this you say? Why not? Do we really believe we can attain a playoff spot now? For the Oilers to do so, they would be the talk of the NHL should they come back to make the playoffs. At least if the Oilers don't win as many games, they are evaluating for the future and developing.

I am sure some of you will think I am crazy for thinking the Oilers should continue this season the way I just suggested but let me ask you. Is not Tamby and Lowe already following this process with our defence? We all knew no defence help was coming in. We knew it was a evaluation year on defence and in goal. Sure they started the year well, but in hockey it's what have you done for me lately. Fair or not fair, circumstances changes game plans. This coming 2012 NHL Draft, top end talent has either that potential 1-3 defencemen we need or 1 more top centre. Should we falter, the consolation prize? A Generational talent as scouts say in Nail Yakupov. Personally, I think the Oilers finish the year anywhere between 20th at best to as low as 26th.

(A tribute to the beginnings of a great team and another era of Incredible hockey)

Gametime 11:00 am CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Magnus Paajarvi, The Slump Continues...

If you can believe this... 4 games with the OKC Barons and not a single goal.

One assist and a nifty shootout goal is all he has to show for during his short AHL career. It appears that he's just having a goal scoring slump in life. Not just in the NHL.

While he has played pretty decent in Oklahoma, he's there to find his goal touch. If he's not scoring down there, he'll never get called back up to the Oil. It's looking like a long road ahead of Magnus.

I'm hoping he can turn it around soon. He's too good of a player to be a wasted talent. This isn't another Rob Schremp story.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Talk Is Cheap / The Oilers Crap Out Another Stinker

Despite a couple of brutal calls by the refs tonight, the loss only reflects on the team, not the refs.

The first period was one of, if not the worst period of Oiler hockey I've seen this year. After a start like that, you can blame anything you want, but losing is still your own damn fault.

I'm getting tired of all the talk and no show from the players and coaches. Cliches are starting to sound like cliches.

"We need to play a full 60 minutes."

"Our compete level was not at 100%."

"We need to get back to the basics."

Talk is cheap boys. Put up or shut up time.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Game Day "Oilers VS Canucks"

"Burnt Toast" tonight OR "Oilers Branding" of Canucks?

(This piece of toast tasted quite delicious this morning with eggs on it for breakfast. Got my own Oiler Branding toaster for genuine Oilers toast. Not to mention got my Oiler scarf and Oiler gloves along with a cozy fluffy Oiler blanket to use during games)

Tonight RNH has his first regular season game in his hometown and has friends and family stoked to see him play. Let's hope he overcomes any nervousness and displays a top notch game for the Oilers tonight.

The Oilers have been playing a much better game as of late , so am thinking this should be a fairly good game. Last game the Vets Horcoff, Hemsky and Smyth did well in proving me wrong with no turnovers which goes a long way to a win for this team. Limit the turnovers and this team will compete any night of the week. Hard to say how either team will play so I expect good puck control varying by both teams in this game at various times.

This is the beginning of a long trip on the road for this team and a early road win against a divisional opponent would go a long way. They need 4 of 7 wins to remain even remotely in a playoff spot. Should they falter on this trip we will then only be discussing what draft placing we will have and watching to see the Stat padding that could go on with our three young guns.

It's Boxing Day! Let the boxing, show itself tonight in this game and hopefully it will be a exciting game to watch for us Oiler fans!

Gametime 8:00pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Alex Plante Recalled / More To It Than We Know?

The Oilers are in need of some help tonight (injury?) and I guess they need it from Alex Plante. He's been recalled from the Oklahoma City Barons.

Not sure if Plante will actually play tonight or not.

As steamed as I am that Colten Teubert wasn't recalled instead, I started thinking that this isn't cause Plante is the best choice, but more of an opportunity.

It's no secret he's on his last legs with the Oilers. This is make it or break it time. This is perhaps his last kick at the can? Or perhaps a little look for some other teams that might want to include him in a trade that's in the works?

Bah! I'm probably reading to deep into this...

-Written by Smokin' Ray-