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The Difference Between 29th and 30th |
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The Edmonton Oilers looked like a decent team on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They scored three times, and pitched a shutout.
The Columbus Blue Jackets looked like the worst team in the KHL on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers. I think they had 5 and half shots on goal, and half their team fell asleep on the bench. Rick Nash got bored in the third, and went for at double-double at Timmy Ho's.
This, my friends, is the difference between 29th and 30th in the modern NHL. The 29th team looks like they could beat just about anyone if they play a full 60 minute game. The 30th place team looked worse than half the teams in the AHL.
What Went Right for the Oilers?
- The players took Tom Renney's short bout of insanity seriously. If it wasn't for absolutely terrible ice conditions (see reason #57 as to why the Oilers need a new rink), the Oilers could have scored 10 goals. Nuge himself missed three open nets because he couldn't get the puck to calm down.
- Speaking of Nuge, he sure knows how to celebrate mini-stick night. He had a Gordie Howe hat-trick, of sorts. He had a goal, and assist, and he fought the ice conditions. Nuge is such a smart player: He knows how to find open ice and to get himself in position to take quality shots. He'll be a 30+ goal guy next season.
- Taylor Hall was Taylor Hall. He flew around the ice all game, skating circles around everyone. I think we all agree he's the best skater in the NHL?
- I can't think of any Oiler who had a bad game. Eric Belanger was solid defensively. Ryan Jones battled the ice issues, and could have had a couple of shorties otherwise. The D was impressive, and Devan Dubnyk was mistake-free in net. If only the Oilers could play like this every game.
What Went Wrong for the Jackets?
Try everything.
- Extremely sloppy team defensively. Too many bad passes, especially by the D. Gave up way too many odd-man rushes.
- Completely unemotional game by Columbus. Rick Nash could have sent an empty jersey to play for him. The boy is lifeless. Lifeless. They should have traded him at the deadline, but they got greedy. His value is going to fall if he keeps pouting.
- How does Jackets GM Scott Howson have a job? The Jackets are half NHL'ers, and half players who might belong in the AHL (if not the ECHL). Absolutely awful team.
Well, the Oilers have gone and screwed up last place. Darn. Hey, like I said a blog or two ago, I'm fully on the Filip Forsberg bandwagon, or the "trade the pick for an immediate player or two" bandwagon. So I don't actually care if the Oilers finish 29th, 30th, or higher. I like saying stuff like, "I hope they finish last," because it's fun to see you folks go freaky.
Actually, my gut tells me the Oilers will be solid the rest of the way this season. Renney going animal crackers...my only complaint...is that it took him 40 games too long to do it. I don't actually believe the Oilers can't win. Actually, they could have been a playoff team this season with a deal or two and more expectation and emotion from coaches and management. It's not the players who failed the team this season; keep that in mind.
A few randoms...
- Teemu Hartikainen has been called up, but the Oilers played Darcy Hordichuk instead. Considering the Oilers next action is against the Calgary Flames and Ben Eager is injured, expect to see Hordichuk in again on Friday. The Flames are in the playoff spot hunt, and the Oilers would love to rain on their parade. Hordichuk is needed for fisties.
- The Jones/Nuge/Eberle combo wasn't half bad, but I'm not sure is stays together next game. I'm not sure Hall/Gagner/Hemsky is as fun as Hall/Nuge/Eberle.
- A number of Oilers got dings during the game. Hall took a puck in the head, Dubnyk took a puck in the junk, Eberle got clobbered and Sam Gagner got a bruise when he blocked a shot. Everyone will be fine...not big injuries; just wounds on players who gave 110.
- Did I mention the ice was bad? Maybe Tom Renney should chew out the ice makers.
- The more I see Nick Schultz, the more I approve of the Tom Gilbert for Schultz deal. He's calm. Oilers needed a calm guy back there. Hope he gets Top 4 minutes and plenty of ice next season.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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