Let's Be Clear

Ryan Smyth was my favorite Oiler. He was the heart and soul of the team, and the incredible leader that had the capability of scoring a goal when you needed it the most, and sparking your team in other ways as well. He was the very definition of an Oiler, and he will be missed by me and other Oiler fanatics.

Now, let's be clear on something. While I am disappointed to see Smytty leave, it was in the best interest of this franchise. Many people need to remove their Ryan Smyth sunglasses and realize that this team was not making the playoffs this season with Smyth in the lineup. With a deal not yet reached, there was no choice for Kevin Lowe but to deal him rather than to risk losing him in the free agent market. Various reports have come out regarding the logistics of the deal in terms of dollar amounts, but that's beside the point. Ultimately, the deal was not reached because of a difference of several hundred thousand dollars. With Ryan Smyth and his agent Don Meehan set on their stance, Lowe was forced to increase his proposal over time. When it comes down to it, the amount was far too great for the Oilers to offer.

Over this past week I've heard several comments regarding this deal which downright piss me off. Things that included people who know relatively nothing about the business side of the NHL. Everyone is entitled to their opinion for sure, but when you don't understand the business side of hockey, you let your heart decide your opinion. Oiler fans need to use their brains, not their hearts. For example, what if the Oilers had signed Ryan Smyth to a five-year contract worth approximately $5.8 million per season? Well, I'll describe it in one word: Mediocre. The status quo, the same old, same old. That's exactly what the Oilers have been for a decade, and would continue to be if the Oilers had signed a very good (not elite) player to a ridiculous sum of money. With that signing you leave yourself no room for player acquisitions - especially when the Edmonton Investors Group sets its budget too low, which they can easily afford to raise in order to compete with the NHL's salary cap. Which, by the way, I suggest they do so issues like this can be avoided in the future.

Anyway, as I was saying...

If you're an Oiler fan and you want the Oilers to be able to compete with the NHL's best year after year, and have no issues making the playoffs and contending on a regular basis, think how the Oilers would be able to accomplish this with the current lineup. Sure, they have a great young defense core that has potential, but over the course of their 2-4 year development as NHL veterans, the need for a supreme puck moving defenseman is immense. With such drastic amounts of cash tied up in Ryan Smyth, where does the money come from to make such an acquisition? Trust me on this Oiler fans, money doesn't grow on trees, just ask the EIG - especially now in the cap era.

What does this deal do? We acquired two great young prospects in Robert Nilsson and Ryan O'Marra, whom I believe will fit in with the Oilers' system beautifully. While O'Marra is still in the Ontario Hockey League, Nilsson has seemingly developed instant chemistry with Oiler prospect, Rob Schremp. In two games with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, Nilsson has recorded 5 points, while also igniting the struggling offensive production of Schremp.

Nilsson, O'Marra, a first round pick - there you have it, three first round picks to build for the future. Best of all, we don't have to pay Ryan Smyth anything come next season. Couple that with some other roster moves, the Oilers will have a great amount of assets and cash to deal with acquisitions; may these be through trades, or the UFA market which I expect the Oilers to play a prominent role in. I would suspect that the Oilers will use one of their available first round picks to make a trade at the draft, while using their other two first rounders to draft players. Heck, if the Oilers continue to slide this season, perhaps we'll snag Esposito, Alzner, or Turris!

So if you want to financially cripple the team long term and continue to watch mediocre hockey, in which they struggle to make the playoffs year after year, then sign Ryan Smyth to that ludicrous contract. Go ahead. Tie up insane amounts of cash for a very good player (again, not elite) only to continue to struggle on the ice.

The fact is simple. This deal was made for the betterment of the franchise. It may hurt now, seeing our franchise player leave, but wait until this deal plays dividends. For those that disagree, we'll talk next year when the Oilers are battling it out for the division title.

This deal was done to make us better next season and seasons beyond. Period.

Top Shelf Uncut - Episode 2

I know, I know. I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to, but I've been pretty busy lately. But just because I'm not blogging in text doesn't mean I don't blog in audio form! Here's the second episode of Top Shelf Uncut - The Evolution of the NHL:

Top Shelf Uncut - The Evolution of the NHL

Enjoy!

The Oilers Will Make the Playoffs

The biggest goal in recent Oilers history. What a night.

Why? That's what I hope to explain. But before I begin, there are a few things I'd like to clarify. First off, I'm not saying this because I'm a defined "blind-faither", because I look at this team as objectively as possible. This rather bold statement is truly what I believe.

There will be teams whose primary action at the trade deadline will be to sell-off potential UFAs and players who take up a good portion of their team's salary, but this list of potential sellers does not include the Edmonton Oilers. Although Oil Country has been subject to frustrating play and stretches of inconsistency, the Oilers are still very much in the battle for a playoff spot. As of right now, the Oilers are currently four points behind the Minnesota Wild who sit in 8th place in the NHL's Western Conference standings, and the Oilers hold a very important game at hand - assuming the Oilers win this game at hand, that leaves them only two points out of a playoff spot. If Kevin Lowe begins to sell-off the team for future plans, look for an uproar from Oiler fans. If the GM were to give up while only one win from a playoff position, this would show a lack of commitment to success. Most people would understand the idea of a partial rebuild, but this team is realistically a few players from becoming a good team; one that can compete with the big boys of the NHL.

What's the difference between this year's edition of the Oilers compared to last year? Not a whole lot. Much of the season was viewed as complete frustration with the constant goaltending issues the Oilers had. We all thought that the Oilers were a good team, but were held back by the short leash of our average goaltending. Was this all? Although such players as Samsonov, Tarnstrom, and Spacek were added near the trade deadline, no acquisition had a greater impact than that of Dwayne Roloson - the missing link in the Oilers' hopeful success. Would the Oilers have made it to game seven of the Stanley Cup finals without Dwayne Roloson in the lineup? Hell no. Jussi Markkanen stepped up and played phenomenally well in the finals, but his regular season play as a 'starter' proved to most people that he probably wouldn't have been able to perform at that level throughout the post-season. Heck, Roli even stole a few games down the stretch to the playoffs as well. Who knows if the Oilers would have even made the playoffs without acquiring that missing link.

This year is similar. Our problem all season has clearly been the defense. Unfortunately, play in this position has a drastic effect on the performance of the rest of the team. Without a solid breakout pass and strong defensive play, it is nearly impossible to create as much offense as one would hope. When the Oilers acquire a defenseman or two, look for both the offense and the defense to improve significantly. As well as that, it should also aid in the consistency of Roloson's play; he's been facing far too many shots so far this season, so I'm hopeful that a solid puck moving defenseman(men) will assist in easing his workload.

I'm sure that a few acquisitions will improve this team to a great extent, but of course, that alone will not be enough. This is why I found these quotes to be so satisfying:

Ales Hemsky following Friday night's loss to San Jose:

"We suck. We stink. We look like we don't know how to play hockey. And you can start with me."

Are you kidding me? Someone on this team finally stepped up and said it like it is? Not only that, but he takes ownership for his own play. I applaud this quote, and that's exactly the kind of fire that he (and the team) needs to play with. Play with passion, play to win. I'm just surprised that the first one to say this was Hemsky. It's time for the others to adopt this mentality and start showing that intensity as well.

But it doesn't stop there. This was said in a one-on-one interview yesterday:

"Everybody has been saying 'You're going to be a star.' I want to get to the point where they are saying 'You are a star," Hemsky said in a revealing one-on-one interview yesterday.

"I'm in the league for five years now."

"I want people to say that all the time now."

"That's the challenge I have."

"I've learned that the most important thing is that you play good as a team. I'll be happy with 60 points if we get to the Stanley Cup final again."

"To score 120 points and don't make the playoffs is useless."

"You go home and say 'I scored 100 points' and people say 'You didn't make the playoffs."

"I want to be a leader on the team and a leader in the game."


This kid amazes me! I'm so impressed! This shows that he's committed to becoming a better player, and I'm hoping this initiates some elevation to his play. Again, I hope others feel the same way. They need to understand that everyone needs to step up. No one is above another, because this is a team game and everyone must contribute their best in order to achieve success as a group.

If everyone on this team steps up and understands their role, success is sure to follow. For me, the biggest problem that the Oilers have faced in the first 50 games has been confidence and drive. I partially blame head coach Craig MacTavish for this, but I'm relieved that they have finally understood what it takes to be successful.

There are a few things that need to happen in order for the Oilers to make the playoffs, but I firmly believe that if they continue with the drive that Hemsky initiated, in addition to a couple of acquisitions, this team will make the playoffs. And as we all witnessed last year, all you have to do is make the dance.

Time For Some Love

That's right, it's time for the Horcoff haters to eat crow. Over the past 20 games, Shawn Horcoff (aside from Ryan Smyth) has been the Oilers' best forward overall. Take a look at an average game for Horcoff, he really does it all - he kills penalties, he plays on the powerplay, he plays heavy minutes 5-on-5, 4-on-4, he takes important face-offs, he plays against the opponent's best players, and most importantly he's been racking up the points.

17 points in 17 games, including the amazing effort from our reunited top line last night which saw Shawn record three points and an impressive +4 rating in a 4-3 victory over the LA Kings.

And speaking of this 'reunited top line', I would like to hear why head coach Craig MacTavish waited 49 games to put them back together. As a group, the line of Hemsky, Horcoff, and Smyth had an impressive season last year, including much success in their remarkable run to the Cup. I'm of the belief that you don't mess with chemistry, and in this case all players benefit from each other. It's certainly refreshing to see the way each player's skill-set compliments each other on the ice.

Shawn Horcoff has taken a lot of flack for his performance this season. Why? Well some say it was because he's not a talented player, last season was a one-hit-wonder, etc. Not true. Horcoff, like most players in the NHL, develops chemistry with certain players. For the most part it's hard to explain, but results show a familiar pattern. Put together your genuine top line and success is sure to follow. Through 49 games I defended him, and the results are starting to show. Even if you don't particular like Horcoff, you simply cannot argue with his work ethic. No one on the ice works harder, and shows more determination and grit than Horcoff - of course, he and Ryan Smyth are in a dead-heat when it comes to this.

Because of his hard work and dedication to team success, it's especially satisfying to see him succeed on the scoresheet. This is the Horcoff that we saw last year, and this is the Horcoff that we're paying $3.6 million - I couldn't be happier to have him right now.

Fellow Bloggers

If you're keeping up in the world of blogging, there are several others that are a true pleasure to read. These blogs in particular or those of my friends from Top Shelf. Check 'em out!

Mannella: http://thebutterflychase.blogspot.com/

OilersAddict83: http://sportsbyoa83.blogspot.com

Bruceki: http://ts-bruceki.blogspot.com/

TheKing: http://megalodon5.spaces.live.com/

Good work, guys!

Top Shelf Uncut!

As promised, the first episode is completed. A special thanks goes out to Matt from Top Shelf for providing me with a link to a podcasting tutorial - it is much appreciated!

Top Shelf Uncut - Episode 1

Enjoy!

You can subscribe to my podcast here - Just select 'Add to iTunes' (or what other podcast service you're using).

Hello Out There!

You know the famous hockey song, and tomorrow I plan on going "on the air" to voice my opinion. As an aspiring journalist in the sports field, communication on all levels is very important. I plan on creating a 30-minute 'radio' show which can be heard over the Internet, which will be pre-recorded of course.

Seeing as how I want to make a career of this, I do plan on going all out. Eventually I hope to create this show on a regular basis - and one day make this into a subscribable podcast. I hope to present the show either tomorrow or Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Topics I plan to touch on:

• Progress of TOP SHELF and discussing its future success
• The NHL All-Star Game in Dallas
• Rants & Raves regarding the Edmonton Oilers
  

The Effects of Mediocrity

I know what you're thinking, but truly this thought has nothing to do with the frustration of an 'average' Oiler team taking to the ice each night. Rather than where the Oilers finish the conference or division standings, this issue has more to do with the steps taken in order to create an elite team.

When all is said and done, the reason we're a mediocore team is because we've been one for several seasons. Disregard the promises that were spoken when considering the hype of the 'New NHL', rather take a look at the Oilers' staff and management. I'm not one to criticize many coaching moves or managerial tactics, but this idea has me thinking. The reason this team has never taken the next step to becoming an elite team in the league is because of mediocrity itself.

When was the last time the Oilers made a big splash move that would shake up the hockey club when it's underachieving. If you can't think of one, that's no surprise. Such moves I'm referring to is firing the coach, benching our top players when they're not producing - because at the cost the Oilers have paid their 'best' players during the off-season, expectations are at a high...and production is a must. Other factors include bag skates, holding players accountable for their actions on the ice (which again relates to the benching point), calling players out, etc. There are several techniques which are tried and true, but it's been a while since we've seen one. So that begs the question, how poor does this team need to get before we see one?

23-21-4 That's not a terrible record by any stretch of the imagination, but at this point, it's not a playoff bound record. I want to see this team succeed, so I believe some of these may actually work. Coaching changes often have led to success on the ice. Just look at this season's coaching changes in St. Louis and Columbus. Some would argue that these teams don't have the tools to be successful, yet the new coaches have found a way. In Edmonton, the tools are there (minus the need for a couple new defensemen). This team is good, so when are they going to start playing like we all know they're capable of?

Something to consider.

The Twine-Bulging Error

If you're a fan of NHL hockey, I'm sure you have noticed that mistakes are a part of the game. They happen several times throughout the course of a game, and often they become costly on the scoreboard. What Oiler fans witnessed last night was a prime example of this - each mistake the Oilers made ended up in the back of their net. Knowing the Oilers' most recent struggles on the blueline, it should be no surprise that these mistakes were made. I know I wasn't surprised, but the sheer frustration of seeing the number increase on the wrong side of the scoreboard was enough for even the most modest of fans to notice.

Good goaltending in the early portions of the season masked these issues, but average goaltending which we were subject to last night exposed them. Dwayne Roloson was neither fantastic nor poor last night, but unfortunately his team left him alone in the crease fending for himself. For a player who carried this team through the early portions of the season, he was once again shown little respect from his teammates.

For those who know me, they understand that I'm not one to blame the team as a whole - never should one player be singled out after a loss, but there are certain players wearing the copper and blue whom I feel need this break more than anyone; otherwise, they would be riding the pine if I were the Oilers' head coach. Ales Hemsky had a terrible evening - and his actions leading up the Flames' third goal was harsh evidence of that. While his linemates were busy completing a change, he took the opportunity to be lazy with the puck at the opponent's blueline where he had several chances to get the puck deep. I always have a keen eye for noticing such errors, and I knew this one spelled trouble from the moment it occurred. While the play heading up ice still wasn't as threatening as it could have been, further mistakes resulted in this broken play increasing the Calgary lead to three. Ladislav Smid (who also had an off-night), played this seemingly routine two-on-two with a relaxed sense. He attempted to poke the puck of the stick of the Calgary player rather than taking the body - this led to a beautiful play by the Flames leaving Dwayne Roloson shaking his head in disgust.

This is a fine example of a game where the Oilers felt they were on the ice as individuals. Forgetting the 'team' aspect of this game is crucial, especially against a team that has had Edmonton's number in recent years and who will make their opponent pay for such glaring mistakes.

The Oilers had an opportunity to win this game. It was one of the more hyped games of the season, and the Oilers simply didn't show up. They played decently offensively, generating 32 shots on Miikka Kiprusoff, but what was lacking in this game was similar to what has been lacking all season - commitment. They generated a great amount of shots, but few of these were second chances and rebounds. Credit the Flames' steller defensive play as well, but the Oilers needed to drive to the net with more intent.

Mistakes such as these happen every once in a while, and they won't always have the same effects they did last night - but until this team realizes the simplistic side of the game, the mistakes will continue to happen.

3 Stars:

1. Zack Stortini - He was a force. Physicality up and down the ice, and he wasn't afraid to mix it up with the tough guys of the Flames. He played his role excellently, and I'm sure he's going to have more success with the Oilers as the season wears on.
   
2. Marty Reasoner - He's a small guy, but he stuck up for his teammates and fought a player much bigger than he was. If that doesn't define heart, I don't know what does.
3. Jussi Markkanen - Making a case for himself. Roli wasn't the reason the Oilers lost, but Jussi took his opportunity and played quite well in relief.
   

A New Era

So why exactly did I start my own blog? Well, there are several answers to that question, but none more convincing than my irreplaceable passion for the Edmonton Oilers. I'm an active member of several discussion boards, including one that I co-own and perform administrative duties, but here I feel as though I have an opportunity to truly speak my mind on a more relaxed scale; an opportunity to express my feelings as they arise. A journal entry as it were.

I sit here typing at 1:00 in the morning contemplating the Oilers' most recent loss to the Calgary Flames - a division rival whom the Oilers have had great struggles defeating over the past several seasons. The final score was a deflating 4-0 loss, and I suppose the frustration of it all led me to create this space of my own.

Passion for the game and caring for the organization have led me here. Let the fun - and specifically - a new era begin.