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.
1 comment:
Shawn Horcoff is looking like the Horcoff we all saw in the Oilers cup run. I was suprised with the slow start but knew he would return to regular form eventually.
I can understand breaking up a top line for a few games if struggling, but 49 games was too much. I agree with you that team chemistry should not be messed with.
Nice blog! Keep it up.
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