Sunday, December 27, 2009

From Good, to Bad, to Ugly...

That has been the story for the Edmonton Oilers as of late. The Oilers went on a winning rampage through their roadtrip, coming away with 5 straight victories! However, after there 4-1 loss to the Cannucks last night, the Oilers have now dropped 6 straight!

We could blame it on the injured:
It could be because, their best player, Ales Hemsky is out for the season with shoulder surgury. It could also be because their starting goaltender, Khabibulin, who the Oilers aquired in the offseason on a 4 year, 15 million dollar contract has been out for quite some time now with an ailing back. On the latest injury update from the Oilers they also have Pisani as out "indefinately" and Mike Comrie out 10-14 days. I don't count on us getting Pisani back anytime soon, nor do I think he would make that much of an impact if we got him back, but the sooner we get Comrie back the better! Comrie was first believed to have to flu, then was tested for Swine flu, then had trouble breathing due to his athsma and now finally has been diagnosed with Mono!


We could blame it on the call-ups:
It could possibly be due to the Oilers having to work with call-ups constantly, causing them to have to re-establish chemistry nearly every other game as a result of new line combinations. Only one call-up, Potulny, has made an impact in the Oilers line up now having 12 points in 22 games. But other call-ups haven't been so lucky. The Oilers have called up Reddox, McDonald, O'Marra, Chorney, Arsene and Peckham non of whom had very much success with the big boys.


We could blame it on the Young-Guns:
Perhaps it is because the young-gun Cogliano hasn't been producing and isn't having the amazing season that the fans knew he would have to have in order for the Oilers to be an over .500 team. Jacques seems to be in the same boat as Cogs. JFJ had a great camp this summer, and even started the season on the top line, but he only was 6 points in 30 games! Thankfully, Gagner has finally started to contribute offensively after a horrible start to the seaosn, he now sits with 21 points in 37 games but will have to continue to climb on the stats chart in order for the Oilers to be able to turn their season around.

Whatever the reason may be, their is still a lot of hockey to be played for the Edmonton kids. They have won 5 straight before, they can do it again. If the Oilers are able to get back a few more players from the injured reserve list, have a few more players step up and help out on the scoresheet the Oilers may be able to save the season after all. The Oilers are in action on the 28th against their Albert rivals, the Calgary Flames!

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