On Wednesday when Oilers GM, Craig MacTavish gave an impromptu State of the Team Address and his quotes were shared with the Twitterverse, I loved how honest he was with his assessment of the team and himself as the GM and the support he was willing to give the players and the direction the team was heading as a whole. Since then, I've heard from Oilers fans about how offended they were by what he said and I've since watched the entire press conference - multiple times - and even transcribed some of his quotes in an attempt to find what's so offensive and have come to the conclusion that MacTavish is right…you are too close and can't see the forest for the trees.
I know you want the team to win and you want them to win now. Do you honestly feel like you're the only party involved in this situation that wants that? That the players don't want to win? Or the coaches? Or the management? Or the owners? That they're happy being in the NHL basement for the fifth year in a row?
If they hadn't made wholesale changes this off season - didn't hire a new GM , a new coach and bring in several new players in an attempt to vastly improve this team - I'd say you have every right to make a stink and claim it's not good enough, but they are trying and right now, what they need is support.
I know that at some point in your life, you've known what it feels like to walk on eggshells - whether it be with your parents, a teacher, your significant other, a co-worker or your boss - and I know that you know how much that feeling hinders your ability to go about your business and find success in whatever capacity the situation calls for. On the flip side, when that person says, "I know you're going through tough times right now, but I have full confidence that you'll get through it," it's like drinking a RedBull….it gives you wings.
MacTavish gave his team wings on Wednesday. Instead of allowing negative thoughts penetrate deeper into their mind, he gave them a reason to think less about not making a mistake due to the thought of an imminent trade and more about the present and what they can do today, this game, this period, this shift to help the team. As I like to say…let's live in the Land of What Is instead of What If.
With that thought in mind, this team is not where they thought they'd be 20 games into this season and they are fully aware of that fact. This team is focused on being better as a group and there is open communication between all arms of the organization - management, coaches and players - about what is expected from each in an effort to achieve that. This team is closer to achieving sustained success than their current record would suggest and it's not a matter of if they'll turn it around, but when. This team is not willing to sacrifice long-term success for short term gain. This team is lead by a GM that is eager to stand by his off-season moves and give the team he's put together a chance to work through the growing process before making a rash decision. This team is coached by someone that demands a strong work ethic and preaches team defense, two things the team has vastly improved upon since last season. This team is composed of very skilled players who know what it takes to win - a strong work ethic, a willingness to sacrifice for the team and a good mental attitude. This team is trying and they need fans that have their back…so be passionate, get angry or upset when the results are frustrating, but, above all, support them.
Give them wings….let them fly.
Julie
JulieLovesHockey@gmail.com
Follow @JulieRobenhymer
Facebook