Sigh............

It's far more likely that I'm just so far ahead of the curve. I'm glad it gives you a laugh, because believe me, me and my friends love to read and laugh at comments like this just as much. The only difference is that I don't base my thoughts on group think and use actual data to develop what I think and back it up.
- James_Tanner

But, year after year, you're proven wrong. Incredibly wrong....about everything. I do like reading your stuff sometimes, but its truly remarkable that someone who is so frequently wrong can be so arrogant

I tend to side with the folks who claim that it's a click-bait sham. Only way any of this makes sense

That's pretty fair. I've stuck to the eye test and am willing to admit the Oil look a lot more legitimate with him in the lineup. Tough to take samples on last year because it was musical chairs with the LTIR list.

Given his injury history and stage in his career, I'd still put him in the margins between 2-3. All just opinion though. We'll have a better idea of where he stands if he gets +60 games next year.

Edit: just for discussions sake: where do you think the Oil finish next year? I think 21st is reasonable.
- fry

Assuming they stay relatively healthy? I'd say playoffs are possible, but I'd only bet on 18th or 19th. Klefbom is the biggest factor followed closely by Talbot and McDavid. I think the team ends up close to even in goal differential and are held outta the playoffs by a stretch where Talbot goes down with an injury.

Threw all class out the window with that last sentence. Give your head a shake.
- fry

I'll admit that was harsh. My apologies. Not to Tanner though.

I'm staying away from these articles. They are just infuriating. You're doing good at what you do Tanner. Keep writing like a moron!

Only on the Oilers... see the difference? And MBone you're usually the rare voice of reason...
Good player with the right partner...maybe.
- geta02it

The numbers don't lie. If he does what he did last year for most of a season, there'll be no question. I'm aware of the limitations of my claim due to sample size, but I urge you to at least check out his numbers to see some of where I get this opinion.

Assuming they stay relatively healthy? I'd say playoffs are possible, but I'd only bet on 18th or 19th. Klefbom is the biggest factor followed closely by Talbot and McDavid. I think the team ends up close to even in goal differential and are held outta the playoffs by a stretch where Talbot goes down with an injury.
- MaximumBone

Seems realistic. Appreciate your opinion.

Lol. This this and more this. Exactly how I felt after reading this.

When someone is just far out there it's impossible to drum up the caring meter enough to even respond.

Seems realistic. Appreciate your opinion.
- fry

No worries. It's only fair after I invaded the Flames thread to get your opinions!

Sigh............
- Iggysbff

How did you guys get rid of Richard Cloutier the first time?

All I ask of James, is he give us his "Excuse" list when the Kings and Hawks BOTH easily make the top 8 in the West. I am sure he has some ready now. And also the one for the Oilers missing, which they will. Injuries? Bad luck? Whatever it is, it won't be Tanner admitting he has once again missed the boat....lol


- hawk35

I don't think I need an excuse if I'm wrong. Anyone could easily pick 6 or 7 of the teams that made the playoffs last year and add in one new team - this is what 90% of preseason previews in magazines, websites and internet boil down to.

Myself, I know that every year there is one team that gets really unlucky, there is one team that surprises everyone by how bad they are and so on and so forth.

Even considering all that, I'm not going to just make whacky predictions for the sake of it, but I really do feel like Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and the Avs all have a chance to make the playoffs, meaning 3 of 4 teams have to come out.

Now obviously I know full well I won't be 100% right and that more than likely, 6 of the 8 teams that made it last year will still make it this year. However, there are real reasons to think the Hawks could miss the Playoffs, and same with the Kings (who missed with a better team than they have now, though I still think their team is good) and Ducks.

Anyways, if you think about it, those aren't very crazy predictions, you're just conditioned to see really safe picks because people really want to sound measured and smart. I hope I sound crazy sometimes, because in writing in general there has been a massive over correction to safe because everyone's afraid of looking like they're trolling or getting click baity.

HAHAHA you sound like Trump. You probably have all of the best stats and know the stats better than anyone. Everyone you know agrees you know and have the best stats and you are clearly the best at HockeyBuzz. It probably takes longer for you to type your articles because you have great big hands.
- mw630

That's what I was going for. I usually just give a response that is equal to the original comment in terms of it's overthetopness. I just try to give the people what they deserve.

I would assume anyone who reads this regularly is familiar with my humble nature and just general overall sense of humility. And also, I have the best words.

This is pretty unfair. Nurse started last season in Bakersfield. I know because I watched him dominate the Gulls one night early in the season. He's going to be fine if he can get some decent coaching. But he's still young by defenseman standards with plenty of time to learn the game.
- yzermaneely

Of course. No one is saying he can't turn it around or improve. He just was measurably bad last year, in the NHL. I saw him have a couple good games though, I think he's a prospect any team would be happy to want. But he wasn't good last year.

I dont mind the occasional troll blog but this was just garf level today. Rinne the worst starting goalie? Based on a stat that includes very opinionated methods of data collecting. Detroit with almost the same team minus datsyuk for 50 games the last place team? Mrazek was a top 10 goalie in the league but fell off the last few weeks of the season. Runblad seriously? He can barely make a zone exit being surrounded by some of the best players in the league. This blog was bad even by your standards.
- Wissler

I think you find really high support among people who are even just mildly interested in stats that Rinne is one of the worst, possibly worst, starters in the league.

Datsyuk was statistically the best or second player in the NHL last year. That is perhaps the biggest loss of talent for no return in NHL history.

Say what you want about Rundblad, his statistical record as an NHL player is phenomenal. It is not outside the realm of possibility that every single team could pass on a good player. Look how long it took Hudler to sign, or Brad Boyes last year. It happens a lot actually. Marc Arcobello, Sam Gagner etc.

I find it completely laughable that you question anyone's hockey IQ. You are just awful.

That's what I was going for. I usually just give a response that is equal to the original comment in terms of it's overthetopness. I just try to give the people what they deserve.

I would assume anyone who reads this regularly is familiar with my humble nature and just general overall sense of humility. And also, I have the best words.
- James_Tanner

Well James, it's better to be compared to Trump than Hillary... At least those who disagree with you do not go missing or found murdered

Well James, it's better to be compared to Trump than Hillary... At least those who disagree with you do not go missing or found murdered
- laughs2907

Plus, he can hit on his daughter........

Plus, he can hit on his daughter........
- mw630

Very true

#clickbait

James Tanner: Oilers D, Preds G and Who's Making the Western Playoffs
- James_Tanner

This year, the Oilers, Jets, Flames and Avalanche all expect to get in.

I think three of those teams will be making it at the expense of the Blackhawks, Kings, Stars and Ducks.

wow I applaud you Mr Tanner for such a bold prediction...that's pretty ballsy

Plus, he can hit on his daughter........
- mw630

Yeah. You'd have to be really sick to hit on Chelsea Clinton

Yeah. You'd have to be really sick to hit on Chelsea Clinton
- Mr.Bobby

You can definitely see the demon (Hillary) in her trying to get out...

#clickbait
- LittleRickyV2

Little Ricky knows. That's why he used the Oilers thumbnail because he knows it will automatically get hits by tricking people thinking it's Hendos blog.

Little Ricky knows. That's why he used the Oilers thumbnail because he knows it will automatically get hits by tricking people thinking it's Hendos blog.
- leonkennedy

I can't think of anything more click baity/ troll worthy than a blog with both Tanners name on it and the Oilers logo. Well played.

Runblad - a great player?






Nice trolling again, Tanner.

Well James, it's better to be compared to Trump than Hillary... At least those who disagree with you do not go missing or found murdered
- laughs2907

Oh