The Oilers -- looking forward to next year...
March 27, 2009
Don’t get me started about hockey. I don’t want to go into a full-fledged rant about the Edmonton Oilers and the fact that, while they are a nice bunch of young men and really fine hockey players – they’re not good enough to make the playoffs. They probably don’t deserve to be as close as they are. Tenth place is where they likely belong in the standings. It’s okay. This version of the team just didn’t gel. All year, they’ve been “professional” in the worst sense of that word – competent, more-or-less hard working, but heartless. No team chemistry. No desire to win. No pressing need to excel. This team doesn’t seem to want to be in the post season. There’s always next year. I certainly do not expect the home-town team to always make the playoffs…I would like a really intense work-ethic, and I would like to see some fun out there on the ice. This season, I got the sense that I was watching a bunch of millionaires who played hard enough to justify their $50,000 a game, but didn’t want to do anything that might hurt, or cause an injury. Oh, there were a few bright spots…a couple shot-blockers, and fisticuffers, and drive-to-the-net and damn the torpedo players. I hope some chemistry occurs next year, because it’s been awful to watch the Oilers this year. Even when they won games, there was no real joy. Every game had that sort of overriding feeling -- a miasma of apprehension -- that yes, they were about to implode and let any team with a little heart back into the game. At least this misery was consistent. If the Oilers manage to squeak into the playoffs (not holding my breath), don’t expect Detroit to role over for this lame edition. They’ll be gone mercifully quick. No miracles this year. Not a chance. But really, don’t expect the Oil to sit above 10th spot come the end of the season. That's exactly where they ought to be.
4 Comments
1. thomas had this to say: Mar 30, 2009 ~ 09:35 ~ #
Monday, March 30 — Oilers comfortably in 10th spot in the rankings.
2. Mike Gravel had this to say: Mar 31, 2009 ~ 14:14 ~ #
I’m always torn on hockey. When the team is winning, I’m there. When they suck, I don’t care. Fair weather fan, I guess. I got wrapped up in the 2006 run like everyone else. It was exciting and it electrified the city. If it happened again, I’d be there again.
I went to an Oilers game a few months back and walked away pissed off. I got free tickets, so it didn’t hurt too much. In terms of entertainment value, putting aside high-minded ideals like the beauty of sport and the philosophical underpinnings of cheering for a team of hired guns, a hockey game in Edmonton right now is probably your worst bet for a fun night out. Two tix will run you $150.00 or more. Parking, food, and a beer or two is another $50.00 at least, $40.00 on the 50/50, and let’s not forget putting up with the lager louts. All to see a mediocre team lose. And they try, yes, they try. Not the players, the event managers. There are many distractions designed to take your mind away from the fact that the team blows dead puppy.
I’d rather play hockey than watch it except when the Oilers are winning. And even then I’d probably rather read.
3. thomas had this to say: Apr 01, 2009 ~ 14:07 ~ #
Wow. I can’t add anything to this. Except, the game has changed. The game is changing. Not sure about the motivation factor to actually be in the playoffs. It’s not money. These players get plenty of coin. And the playoffs don’t offer much compensation. Pride? Maybe. Bragging rights? Maybe. It might mean something to have your name on the cup. But really, what motivates a millionaire hockey player to bring his heart to every game? The NHL got themselves into this scenario. So much emphasis on the season. The post season hardly matters. Even if you’re in it. Although, it means huge cash dividends for the team in the way of ticket sales…but for the players? It means playing hard for very little money. A shortened summer holiday. The potential of a career-ending injury. Why bother…For most of us, the game exists in a dream-like memory anyway.
4. thomas had this to say: Apr 01, 2009 ~ 14:22 ~ #
When a team starts talking about the mathematical possibility of making it into the playoffs…it’s time to put the proverbial fork in ‘em — they’re done. Time to go back to the drawing board and look at the teams that are in first and second place, learn what they’re doing — ask Why do they win so many games.. apart from having a big roster of talented players…