Playoffs and Scattered Thoughts

Well round 1 of the playoffs will wrap up tonight with 2 great game 7's on the schedule. I'm watching the Capitals vs Rangers as I write this and Fedorov has just scored to give the Capitals the go ahead goal late in the 3rd. This also marks (approximately) the anniversary of our beloved Oilers knocking of the #1 seed Red Wings 3 long years ago. Ring a bell Sharks? Oh wait didn't we knock them out that same year? The only thing I didn't enjoy about seeing the Sharks loose last night was that it was at the hands of the Anaheim Dorks. Ah, well someone has to win I guess, though I did take the Sharks in my pool.

Last night I went out and watched the Blackhawks knock off the Flamers of cow-town, it was great to watch. I love playoff hockey I really do but when the Oilers aren't in it, it's just not as much fun. I usually find myself cheering against teams rather than for anyone. And then once all the teams I dislike are eliminated I find it barely worth even watching. Though every time I see the Stanley Cup awarded, regardless of the winner, I always find myself getting a little teary eyed. With the exception of the Hurricanes in '06. After they potted the empty netter I grabbed my slightly warm pint glass and walked out to the patio. I still to this day haven't seen the rest of that game after the empty netter.

Anyway back to the playoffs. At the start of the season I obviously hoped for a better outcome for the Oilers and to have them at least in the playoffs. However, I took the Blackhawks as my darkhorse team, meaning if I had to take a team other than the Oilers who would it be? Yes I took the Hawks. I didn't enjoy loosing to them 3 out of 4 times this year including a good shellacking in one of our losses, but once the Oilers were out and the Hawks were in well, what can I say, I'm riding the Blackhawks through the playoffs this year. It didn't hurt having them line up with the Flamers in the first round, that's win-win for me. I would have been cheering against the Flamers either way, but if the Blackhawks can do the deed? Well I'm ok with that, and they did! And now the Hawks have another great win-win for me. Their next challenge will be the Canucks, another team I love to see loose. I think it will be a tough series for both. Both are riding hot goalies, but Vancouver has been sitting for 2 weeks and I think they'll be rusty. Chicago is young and ready to rock. I haven't made my official prediction yet, but I think I'm leaning towards the Hawks in 6. Other teams I've been following are the Capitals simply because they are an entertaining team to watch, and I want to see what Ovechkin can do past round 1. And as luck would have it, they've just beaten the Rags in a thrilling game 7 coming back from being down 3 games to 1! I also enjoy seeing the Rangers loose, except in '94, that was cool! I don't care too much about any of the other teams in the East. I would rather New Jersey win over the Canes, (still a little bitter I guess), I don't like the Bruins so I will likely be cheering against them in round 2 and the Penguins are whatever to me. I guess that makes the Caps my East team. Hmm, a Capitals vs Blackhawks final? Could happen, lot's of work to be done first though.

Back to some Oilers. Hmm, I haven't really been thinking Oilers much since the MacT firing. I'm still waiting to hear from MacT publicly, I guess he isn't obligated to speak to the media, but knowing his track record I'm sure he will eventually. Maybe once he knows what he will do next he'll speak.

There are a few Oilers playing at the worlds, Horcoff, Roloson, Hemsky, Kotalik, O'Sullivan, Grebeshkov, and prospect Omark. I will probably try to watch a few games later in the tournament, but for now, ho-hum. I have taken some time to reflect on the Oilers season but I'm still not ready to put my thought to this blog yet. I've also been working on a series of posts that I will post over the summer. It's more of a story of my history as an Oilers fan. All of us who grew up in Edmonton in the 80's have stories, and great ones at that. I look forward to posting them during the off season.

For now though, back to the Oilerless playoffs.

The end of the MacT regime

Alright so what can I say here that hasn't been beaten to death over the entire season? It's no shock today as Oilers GM Steve "Tambo" Tambellini announced that Craig MacTavish has been relieved by the organization. MacT coached the Oilers for 8 seasons from 2000/2001 to 2008/2009. First the stats:

2000/2001:
93 points 39-28-12-3
6th place in the West
Lost in quarter finals to Dallas 4-2

2001/2002:
92 points 38-28-12-4
9th place in the West

2002/2003
92 points 36-26-11-9
8th place in the West
Lost in quarter finals to Dallas 4-2

2003/2004
89 points 36-29-12-5
9th place in the West

2004/2005
lockout

2005/2006
95 points 41-28-13
8th place in the West
Won quarter finals 4-2 over Detroit
Won Conf semi-finals 4-2 over San Jose
Won Conf finals 4-1 over Anaheim
Lost Stanley Cup finals 4-3 to Carolina

2006/2007
71 points 32-43-7
12th place in the West

2007/2008
88 points 41-35-6
9th place in the West

2008/2009
89 points 38-35-9
11th place in the West

To me the most glaring statistic throughout these 8 seasons is the fact that the Oilers have made the playoffs only 3 times. Prior to the lockout they could use the "small market" team excuse. The season following the 2006 cup run they could blame the sudden departure of one Chris Pronger, coupled with the teams collapse after the Ryan Smyth trade and not to mention a pretty injury riddled squad. Last season they came close but fell just short. This year was the year that I, and most Oilers fans, have had the most trouble with. They had the playoffs in their grip down the strecth and fell apart like a cheap tent in the clutch. This team had a different dynamic this year and I'm sure it goes well beyond what the media or the players themselves state publicly. One thing is obvious, the Oilers need a shakeup. They were not playing Oilers hockey this past season and MacT has taken the first bullet.

I'm not a MacT hater, though I do beleive it was time for a change. Perhaps even a year past time for a change. None the less here we are, our 2nd worse finish in 8 seasons, not even close to meeting our expectations and we have some salary cap issues ahead of us.

But first off, what do we do about a new coach? I would like to see someone with NHL experience from outside the organization. I'm not going to begin to sit here and say what makes a good NHL coach, or who the top candidates should be. But after listening to Tambellini's presser this afternoon it does seem to me like this team is ready to do what it takes to win. The GM spoke about accountabilty throughout the organization and it sounds like he has a plan.

He breifly touched on the idea of MacT staying on with the organization in some capacity but said that ultimately MacTavish would take some time and decide what's best for him. I've speculated about this in the past myself thinking that MacT would step down as coach to accept a position in upper management. While I do beleive Craig MacTavish has a great hockey mind, and will be an asset to whatever team in whatever capacity he is in, I think the Oilers would be best to move on without him for 2 reasons. 1, I think they need to move away from the "Ol boys club" and yes that means that I think Bucky, and Huddy should probably be on their way out along with the rest of the coaching staff. And 2, we need to inject new blood, and new perspective into the organization from the players up.

The team has stated that they want to pursue a more offensive style. Tambellini also mentioned today that a large priority will be to get bigger, tougher, and grittier something the Oilers haven't been in some time now. I watch them night after night get pushed around by less skilled teams. They let lesser opponents dictate the flow of the game. The Oilers for years have been always consistent at putting out a hard working, fast, and aggressive team. Not always the most talented, but as an opponent you knew a win vs the Oilers was going to be earned. This year was the first year that I can remember as an Oilers fan that they were a "gimme" for many teams in the league and even lesser opponents knew they had a good shot at beating the Oilers, especially at Rexall.

So where to next? I hope we get a great coach that can help our young players develop and dictate leadership throughout the roster. Perhaps our captains should also be reevaluated. Will the veterans be back next season? Moreau, Staios, Pisani? They're all under contract still but maybe it's time to change up the leadership group. I think Staios has served the team well but he could easily be replaced and the same goes with Moreau and Pisani. I think We'll be stuck with Horcoff and his contract, however I still beleive that he can be our #1 center if we can get an elite #1 left winger to play with him and Hemmer. But we've got months to kick all this around.

All in all, I like MacT and I wish him the best in whatever he does. I know I will circle the date on my calendar when the Oilers face him in the future, and I am pretty sure they will. I think he still wants to coach and I don't think he'll have a hard time finding work. Good luck Mac, you'll always be that helmetless #14 to me!

Technorati Tags: mactavish, mact, coach, oilers, fired, tambellini

Game Review, vs Calgary - Apr 10th 2009

I've been reading about people debating what's better for the Oilers, beat Calgary in a meaningless game, or loose to grab a better draft pick? I've mentioned before that I don't believe in teams tanking for draft picks and what sort of professional athlete goes out with the intention of loosing? We've all seen the Oilers at times playing like they don't appear as though they want to win this season, but I'm sure that they do. Sports is so much about psychology, if one team is more mentally prepared than the other, even if they're less skilled I think 9 times out of 10 they will win.

But to get back on track, the Oilers are going to finish 11th in the West regardless of how tonight's remach vs the Flamers turns out or how the out of town scoreboard goes. We could tie with the Wild, but I'm pretty sure they have the tie breaker because of winning the season series, and Dallas could tie us but we would win that tie breaker on a count of more wins. The Eastern teams are also all set, at least as they pertain to the Oilers finish in the overall standings and unless my math is off, or I'm missing something the Oilers will have the 10th draft pick this spring no matter what happens in Calagary tonight or anywhere else.

Anyway, last night's 5-1 win over the Flamers was proof of 2 things. 1, the Oilers are a good team when they want to be, and 2, the Flames are a bit banged up right now. It's looking like Vancouver is going to take the division unless lowly Colorado can muster up a win over the Canucks. However if Vancouver does somehow manage to beat the last place Avs in a Saturday matine, tonight's battle of Alberta will be for nothing except pride for both teams. I suppose this is good for our Oilers because the Flamers will know if there is anything on the line by the time the 2 teams hook up this evening. If Vancouver does loose, and Calgary beats our Oilers they can then tie Vancouver but get the division because of more wins. I like the idea of playing a dejected Flamers team tonight even though the thought of Vancouver winning the division is a little unsettling. But six of one, half dozen of the other. A divisional rival is going to win the NW no matter what, we might as well get something out of it by dousing the Flamers 2 nights in a row.

Last night, well what can I say. Horcoff with 3 points, Sheldon (future Oilers captain) Souray with 3 points, and JDD with a solid performance after riding pine for nearly the entire season. All I had on my wish list for these final 2 games was a split with Calgary and competitive hockey. With the second half of the back to back going tonight we have already got at least the split. A win in Calgary is never a bad thing, and I think it would be nice to send the Flamers into the post season on a loosing streak.

To recap: Tonight's game will have no bearing on our draft pick. If Vancouver wins this afternoon tonight's game will have no bearing on Calgary's post season spot. An Oilers sweep of the back to back vs Calgary would send us into the long off season on a positive note.

My prediction: Oilers 4 Calgary 2

Technorati Tags: oilers, flamers, win, nhl, hockey, battle of alberta

Off Day.... Not much?

Hmm, not a whole lot going on in Oilers land. Since our playoff hopes are now gone, head coach Craig MacTavish announced that back-up goal tender Jeff Deslauriers will be starting both games vs Calgary to end the season. Not a surprise since he hasn't started a game since November.

I have to wonder if Dwayne Roloson has played his last game as an Oiler? He is of course a UFA as of July 1st after signing his post '06 cup run 3 year contract extension. I've heard lots of speculation about Rollie: he wants to resign in Edmonton, he wants to play in the East closer to his family, but one thing is for sure, Rollie ain't done. And after the season he's had why would the 39 year old late bloomer call it a career?

My prediction? Rollie will sign a 1 year deal with the Red Wings this summer. Why? Closer to home, chance to win a cup, and play for a team that will limit his shot exposure, thus extending his career. He can't face 35+ shots a night and expect to last much longer, Detroit will have him probably averaging around 25 shots/games plus they will have a back-up that will be able to handle 20-25 games.

I would like to see Rollie back with the Oil for 1 more season, but at the same time I think if he takes off I can't say I would blame him. He deserves to do what's best for him and his family.

Game Review, vs L.A. - Apr 7th 2009

So, we're now officially done following a 2-1 loss to the Kings combined with a St. Louis win last night. I mean we've been done for about 2 weeks now so this isn't really as heartbreaking as say last year when we were actually putting up a fight down the stretch. It's actually quite anti climactic to be honest. Normally we go on our hot streak through March/April and the fans are all kept on the edge of our seats/couches/computer chairs, but this year not so much. This team had the feeling of a "non-playoff" team for much of the season. When the Oilers beat the Blackhawks a few weeks ago I felt like we were turning a corner and were going to make it. But then the loss to Minnesota followed by the collapse vs Detroit seemed to spawn the proverbial late season collapse that we aren't really accustomed to.

However back to last night's game, what can I say. We had chances, we put up shots, we could and probably should have won that game but we ran into a hot goalie and some bad bounces. No excuses though, good teams will win that game, and well we are just not good enough yet. I'm not going to bag on them too much though. We still have a young team that at times have shown glimpses of the talent they possess. We've got all summer to reflect and analyze.

My post on Monday I made a pretty bold prediction. I said Wayne Simmonds of the L.A. Kings would score and guess what? He scored the winning goal at 3:46 of the 1st period. I'm on fire! Perhaps I jinxed the game with my L.A. scoring prediction and shutout references. If we had of been actually in the playoff race I may feel guilty, but alas I don't.

So we wrap up the 2008/2009 season with a home and home back to back series with Calgary on Friday and Saturday. I think I may even go to the bar and watch one of them. I think we will split the 2 games, winning the home game on Friday.

Technorati Tags: oilers, kings, playoffs, season, wayne simmonds,

Off day drivel...

Tomorrow night we play the Kings in what will be another tease from our sunken Oilers and their playoff hopes. None the less I'm hoping for a big win. I don't mean big as in a 7-1 shellacking, or dare I even say it a shut out (hah, look I jinxed it a day before!) I mean I want to see a hard played game where we show the Kings that we are the better team. Play like we played against the Canucks or the Sharks, gain momentum heading into the 2 final games vs the Flamers.

This brings me to some random thoughts. I'm not too familiar with the Kings roster aside from the big guns, but they also have the greatest hockey name on their squad. Now before you roast me over the coals, who is the greatest player ever? Obviously #99 Wayne Gretzky. My last name is Simmonds and though I'm not much of a hockey player these days, I did win goalie of the year once in my floor hockey league in my teens? That's gotta count for something! Plus I love the number 17 for a jersey number. Who is this masked man? Playing right wing for the Los Angeles Kings, #17 in your program: Wayne Simmonds! I think the Oilers need to find a way to pick him up this summer, not great numbers only 6-12-18 in 78 games this season, he's tall and lanky?

Ok maybe we don't need him, but when we beat the Kings tomorrow night, and assuming we don't shut them out (damn, I jinxed it again in one post!) I'm calling Wayne Simmonds scores a goal! That's right, you heard it here first! Just like in '06 only moments before Tobbey Peterson scored his one playoff goal, I called it. Really I did, I had witnesses that can confirm this happened. Mind you we were pretty drunk, but it happened.

All kidding aside, let's hope for a an entertaining game tomorrow night and a big win!

Game Review, vs Vancouver - Apr 4th 2009

Well, I have to say there is only 2 things I enjoy more than seeing the Canucks loose, the Oilers beating the Canucks and the Oilers beating the Flamers. Nice win, and an entertaining game. I didn't expect to be close in shots since the Canucks are pretty offensively aggressive and well, we are not. None the less hats off to Rollie for another stellar performance, and nice job by Gagner with a beautiful goal and 2 helpers.

I pretty much predicted this would happen. Not beating Vancouver specifically, but I figured the Oilers wouldn't go down without a fight and they would get us a little excited again, but ultimately fall short of the post season for a 3rd consecutive season. The Oilers fan in me still holds onto hope that we can win our last 3 vs L.A. and 2 vs Cgy. Calgary however is still battling for the division and let's face it they are a better team than us this year. Realistically we should be able to beat the Kings, and maybe split the home and home with the Flamers giving us 87 points on the season. That won't be enough and quite frankly even if we run the table and win our remaining 3 games to finish with 89 points it woul take a complete collapse by Nashville, St. Louis, and Minnesota for us to squeek into 8th.

I don't believe in the argument for tanking games to get a better draft pick. This team needs a strong finish, make it interesting, keep pressure on the other teams. Why? Because the kids need it, and the vets need to lead. This team hasn't come together all season as one cohesive unit and this is something they need to address in the off season. A strong finish will at least give them something positive to take into the long off season.

But for today, I feel good about the Oil for the first time in a while. I like the way they have played 2 games in a row and I am looking for a strong finish to the season.

Technorati Tags: oilers, canucks, flamers, win, season

Yep, no one saw that coming!

So it's no surprise that we lost to the Sharks last night. What did surprise me was that the Oilers played a pretty decent game loosing 2-1 and out shooting the best team in the NHL. Why didn't they play like that against EVERY team this season? If they did they would have probably clinched a playoff spot and possibly even the division already. You're not going to beat the Sharks on many nights let's face it, but that's not the game we needed to win. Phoenix, Minnesota, Colorado, Nashville, Anaheim, etc. These are the teams who we needed to beat when we had the chance, yet time and time again we would flounder what should be easy points. I'm not expecting us to go 4-0 or 6-0 against these guys but come on, beat the teams you should beat more often then not and then take .500 vs the top teams and guess what? You'll make the dance.

I'm very frustrated with this team lately. Perhaps more so than ever before. I think my feelings are echoed throughout Rexall place and people watching on tv or listening on the radio when I say, I am fed up with mediocre hockey. 3 years since our last playoff game. 3 years since our thrilling miracle cup run that got us all so filled with hope. 3 years of disappointment. From the Pronger debacle, to the Smyth trade, to the inability to land a big free agent (aside from Souray, top marks for that one!), to poor asset management (Garon), when is this team going to begin to have the feel of a truly top notch NHL franchise? Detroit, Chicago, the Rangers, Bruins, hell even lowly teams like the Blues and Kings don't seem to have trouble building up a good reputation as good places to play. Vancouver looked to be in shambles last summer, loss of key players, new inexperienced GM, and look, now they may win the division.

What to do, what to do? Clean house? New management? Coach? Players? Maybe do what Toronto is doing and start from scratch? I doubt we will see changes that drastic, nor do I want them. 3 years without playoffs to me is unacceptable and management/ownership know it. They will find some sort of hype this summer to get people pumped up again. Maybe they can somehow sign Jagr, or Hossa, or Gaborik. They would all help, and get people talking, but would they get us to the playoffs in 2010? I don't know. Once again, we'll have plenty of time to discuss, analyze, and over analyze over this long off season.

Technorati Tags: oilers, playoffs, hope, coach, players, offseason,

Oh my, what have they done...

Well, did I pick the wrong time to start an Oilers blog or what? Here I thought I would start my blog right before the Oilers make their return to the playoffs, but no. Instead before I've made 5 posts on this here blog, the Oilers tank and there playoff hopes for this year are hanging only by a fraying thread. I thought, gee I love the Oilers, I contribute to other blogs and forums why not start my own? I mean, there's no way in hell they'll miss the playoffs for a third straight year right? Well guess what folks, it's happened. I'm too lazy and uninterested to look up the stat at the moment, but have the Oilers ever gone 3 years in a row with no post season? Maybe I'll muster up the interest at some point to look it up. But for now, I could care less.

Tonight we face the NHL leading San Jose Sharks. Let's just go out and bomb this one, I mean what's the point. But I can see the Oilers coming out in the next five games with energy and intensity and heart, make a run of it but ultimately fall short, probably with the Flamers putting the last nail in our coffin.

You know what, I love my Oilers and always will but this has been a tough season as an Oilers fan, more so than recent years. I mean, what's with this team? Why do they completely lack the intensity that has always been a trait of Oilers hockey? Even during the gloomy seasons in the mid 90's and early 2000's if nothing else they always played a fast and intense game. A road team visiting Edmonton may have been able to leave with the 2 points, but they would always have to earn them. Now, it just seems trivial.

This season, the Oilers are one of the best road teams in the league, and one of the worst home teams. Has the pressure caught up to them at home? Has MacT lost the room? Do the players care? I'm not going to sit here and guess what the problem is with this edition of the Edmonton Oilers, but one thing is apparent, SOMETHING is wrong.

I'm not one of those people that think this is all the coaches fault either. However, like many others I think MacT's tenure has run it's course. Maybe even a season or 2 over. Regardless, he has one year left on his contract after this season and playoffs were an expectation this year. I have liked him at times as a coach, but without knowing what actually goes on behind closed doors, or on the ice at practice, or in meetings with the players how do we really know how he operates or how he truly runs the team. All we see is what happens on the ice. The Oilers powerplay has historically struggled under MacT, but Penalty killing has usually been excellent. At least until this year. That leads me to believe it's more of the players not executing, or better yet not having the right players this year. Can't pin that on MacT.

But before I sound like a supporter of the man to formerly wear #14 with your beloved Oil, I must restate, he needs to go. It's time for some new blood. This team has been trying to adopt a more offensive system this year, so let's get an appropriate coach. I'm not an expert on who's available for a replacement, so I will leave that for others to debate. I just think this team is trying to turn a corner and they've got caught up on the curb. Maybe they even hit a mailbox too. Something's got to give.

Perhaps I'll end my rant now and save the rest for the off season, lord knows it's going to be another long one.

Technorati Tags: oilers, playoffs, season, coach, mact