I'm not hopping on a bandwagon, since I already stated I liked them...but...
Let me just say, watching the Oilers the past few weeks, I've just been re-energized as to how exciting hockey can be. Yes, it was also worth it being up until 3am to watch triple OT in Game 3, which spelled the beginning of the end for San Jose. I didn't think Dwayne Roloson would be that good a goalie, but he did what he had to and was great when he needed to be. I also figured the Thorton-Cheechoo combo would be devastating, but then again, how good can you be when you line up across from Jason Smith (totally underrated) and Pronger (Who I thought was overrated and blew in the Olympics, but redeemed himself in my view for this series).
There's been plenty said about Ryan Smyth, and I needn't say too much more, but goddamn, how can't you love the guy? He embodies all that is good with hockey. Hustle, grit, toughness, determination, willingness to take a beating in front of the net, good speed, decent scorer, and not a defensive liability. When he took the puck in the face I was thinking oh shit there goes the series, not because of his scoring, but just because he seems to be all about what Edmonton is.
I think I should have written this entry right when the Oilers squeezed into the playoffs, but it applies just as much now, and I think I would have written this if they'd been eliminated anyhow, because for the last 4 games I really feel like I've been watching inspired hockey, not necessarily the best team there, the most skilled, or anything like that, but just seemed like they believed, and almost willed themselves to win. Mind you scoring 12 goals in 2 games don't hurt yer chances either.
Its the kind of hockey my Habs were playing for 2 games before they ran into Cam Ward and the rest of them, and the kind of hockey that fancy schmancy teams like Ottawa could learn a thing or three from. If you were to watch an Edmonton game (even during the regular season to some degree - because lets face it, they won't ever be a top seed) you really feel like they WANT to win, and they're not leaving anything on the table. Ottawa, and other teams just haven't looked like they wanted it. Calgary in Game 7 against Anaheim for instance,,,did they even CARE? I mean ya sure they did, but coulda fooled me.
I'd also like to attribute some of this to Craig MacTavish. Like most guys my age, I grew up and becoming aware of hockey, it was Gretzky, Moose, Coffey, Fuhr, Moog, Kurri, and all the rest of the mighty Oil machine. MacT was part of that team, and I think he carries some of that legacy onwards to the next generation of Oilers. In fact, I heard that MacT was the one who scored to put them into their last Conference Final in 92. Also seem to recall he was one of the last to not wear a helmet...not that this is an admirable trait, but it seems to personify some of what today's oilers are about. put the team first, damn the consequences. Also seems to adhere to what Gretzky said once about when they lost to the Islanders in the finals one year, and they were able to walk out onto the bus/plane whatever home, and they walked by the dressing room and see just how banged up and in pain the Islanders were, and it was then they realised what it meant to really play and put out your best.
Sorta like todays Oil, where I swear they must block on average 15 shots a GAME. They are fearless. They might not play gorgeous hockey like some teams, but they sure don't play boring hockey, and I think the 'new' Game benefits them more than just financially, it also lets them just go out there and Give'R.
THat might be enough rah rah now, so forgive me if you found it tedious, but I have to thank them for making me care enough to watch again.
There's been plenty said about Ryan Smyth, and I needn't say too much more, but goddamn, how can't you love the guy? He embodies all that is good with hockey. Hustle, grit, toughness, determination, willingness to take a beating in front of the net, good speed, decent scorer, and not a defensive liability. When he took the puck in the face I was thinking oh shit there goes the series, not because of his scoring, but just because he seems to be all about what Edmonton is.
I think I should have written this entry right when the Oilers squeezed into the playoffs, but it applies just as much now, and I think I would have written this if they'd been eliminated anyhow, because for the last 4 games I really feel like I've been watching inspired hockey, not necessarily the best team there, the most skilled, or anything like that, but just seemed like they believed, and almost willed themselves to win. Mind you scoring 12 goals in 2 games don't hurt yer chances either.
Its the kind of hockey my Habs were playing for 2 games before they ran into Cam Ward and the rest of them, and the kind of hockey that fancy schmancy teams like Ottawa could learn a thing or three from. If you were to watch an Edmonton game (even during the regular season to some degree - because lets face it, they won't ever be a top seed) you really feel like they WANT to win, and they're not leaving anything on the table. Ottawa, and other teams just haven't looked like they wanted it. Calgary in Game 7 against Anaheim for instance,,,did they even CARE? I mean ya sure they did, but coulda fooled me.
I'd also like to attribute some of this to Craig MacTavish. Like most guys my age, I grew up and becoming aware of hockey, it was Gretzky, Moose, Coffey, Fuhr, Moog, Kurri, and all the rest of the mighty Oil machine. MacT was part of that team, and I think he carries some of that legacy onwards to the next generation of Oilers. In fact, I heard that MacT was the one who scored to put them into their last Conference Final in 92. Also seem to recall he was one of the last to not wear a helmet...not that this is an admirable trait, but it seems to personify some of what today's oilers are about. put the team first, damn the consequences. Also seems to adhere to what Gretzky said once about when they lost to the Islanders in the finals one year, and they were able to walk out onto the bus/plane whatever home, and they walked by the dressing room and see just how banged up and in pain the Islanders were, and it was then they realised what it meant to really play and put out your best.
Sorta like todays Oil, where I swear they must block on average 15 shots a GAME. They are fearless. They might not play gorgeous hockey like some teams, but they sure don't play boring hockey, and I think the 'new' Game benefits them more than just financially, it also lets them just go out there and Give'R.
THat might be enough rah rah now, so forgive me if you found it tedious, but I have to thank them for making me care enough to watch again.
posted by Gavin27 @ 8:16 PM
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