Southeastern Wrap Up
January 25th, 2008 by jstainerThe swing through the Southeast Division was to be one of the easiest stretches of hockey that the Edmonton Oilers would face, possibly all year. After wincing their way through one of the hardest opening halves of any team in the season (based on sgtrength of schedule) there were high hopes for the team as they began to work their way through the second half. With most of the team back from injuries, 40 games under the belts of the young guys and the powerplay finally starting to click this was a chance for most of us to really get a sense of where this team was at.
After hitting up the 5 home arenas of the Southeast, the Oilers handed in a disappointing 2-2-1 record. Playing 0.500 hockey at this stage of the gamem particularly against a group of teams that are struggling themselves (with the exception of the recently rejuvenated Capitals), the writing is on the wall for the kids. This team simply is not good enough this year to get the job done. It took 2 goals late in the game by Stoll to give the team a win over the Panthers, to even leave the road trip with an even keel. It was great to see Jarret turn things around at least for a game as he has struggled mightily to find his form this year. On the plus side the Oilers setup man, Ales Hemsky hit the point per game pace, something that this team hasn’t seen in years. Sean Horcoff is not very far behind and should the Oilers boast 2 PPG players it would be a great sign.
Every team has a few guys that are essential to the team succeeding over the long haul of a season. A 3 stars you might say. It’s clear by watching teams like a Crosbyless Pittsburgh or a an Ottawa team without Alfredsson, that sometimes all it takes is 1 key injury to derail the whole operation.
With the Oilers there are 3 key players that will determine how the rest of the season will go for this young team.
Ales Hemsky - Simply put, the fortunes or failings of this team ride on the back of the skilled Czech. When he is on his game he is often the best player on the ice for either team by a wide margin. His vision on the ice and his ability to make a pass in almost any situation have made him invaluable to this team. The powerplay is better with him on the ice, Sean Horcoff becomes almost a PPG player with him on the ice and anyone else who might play on a line with him sees their production (or at least their chances) increase when he is playing. Hemsky also is not afraid to play physical and while this is excelllent, unless he learns to stop doing silly things like try and go wide so often on guys that will destroy him along the boards, he is going to be visiting the team doctor more often then the Oilers would like. If the core of this team can continue to grow and develop together, then perhaps we might see the 80-90 points Ales Hemsky that we have been teased with since he came into the league.
Mathieu Garon - As of today, Garon is the acquisition of the offseason for the team. Stolen from the Los Angeles Kings, Garon has said in recent discussions that he feels like he’s been given far more chances with this team then in his previous assignment. Really? Could have fooled me. While Garon has been getting a lot more starts, I am baffled at out how often MacTavish returns to the Roloson pool. The message might finally be clear enough though as the starts have been piling up lately for the young tender. On a team that is struggling like it has, Garon has posted a winning record and very respectable numbers of .914 Save % of 2.53 GAA. While I don’t see him being a real long term solution for the Oilers, he should be a very good stopgap solution until one of the two goalies on the farm can earn a spot with the team.
Ethan Moreau - While there are many other players who produce more and appear to be invaluable to the team (Horcoff or Pitkanen for example) it has become very clear that Moreau is the spark that this team needs game in and game out. He has picked up where he left off a hyear and a half ago when he last played, leading this team by example in his shot blocking, timely hits and patented “engery shifts” He wears the C for a reason and not only does he do everything he can to demonstrate what it takes to win games, it was a breath of fresh air to hear him call some guys out on basically cashing it in a few games ago. It’s his veteran leadership and 110% play every shift that is going to lead this team through the next couple years as the young guys develop and the team hopefully matures into a competitive playoff team in a couple years.
Other Notes:
Sheldon Souray is out again with a shoulder injury. While it hopefully shouldn’t keep him out too long, this is becoming all too familiar. Not only did this team get damaged goods when they picked him up in the offseason, but it’s becoming clear that while he has talent, his career year was more a product of an exceptional powerplay system in Montreal. That being said, the numbers with Souray manning the PP are almost twice as good as when he isn’t there. His shot does give the team more options.
Dustin Penner has been steadily improving over the course of the season after a pretty slow start. Whether it can be attributed to a Stanley Cup hangover or simply adjusting to a new team, Penner was slow out of the gates and had many wondering if we were going to be shaking our heads come draft day. His physical presence on the top line has done remarkable things for Horcoff and Hemsky and though his offensive production is still not ‘quite’ where one would want it to be, he has indirectly been responsible for the boost in offense on the first line. While it will still hurt to see a high first round pick get picked up by another team, it will sting less by the recent play of Penner.
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2 Responses to “Southeastern Wrap Up”
By The Iceman on Jan 25, 2008
Was at the Panther-Oiler game last night. Being a Panther fan I had a bad feeling before the game that Florida would not be able to beat Edmonton. Sure enough, they found a way to lose. The Oilers hung in there and pounced on the opportunity that the Panthers gave them. It’s nice to see Moreau back on the ice, you’re right, he provides quite a spark for them.
My comments about the Panthers on my blog later today.
By Ian on Jan 26, 2008
i really agree with you about Moreau. the man doesnt get near enough press for what he gives to your team. he scored his 4th the other night and i thought, “there’s a guy that does a lot and nobody notices”.
i don’t really like Garon long-term, that’s just me though.
i wonder if it’s Hemsky improving Horcoff or if it’s actually Horcoff improving Hemsky. it may be more symbiotic than you think.
Sheldon is hurt way too often and i see Tom Gilbert saying thank you for the opportunity more often.
i like Penner. he still earns too much money for what he does but at the same time, the Ducks seem to miss the extra goals too.