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.