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.