GDB 42.0: PLAYING FOR PRIDE
Jason Gregor
April 16 2013 12:23PM
The Oilers won't reach their goal of making the playoffs. For them it sucks. They want to win, and missing the playoffs for the 7th consecutive season must feel like a swift kick to the junk. However, the Oilers need to suck it up and compete in their final seven games.
If they don't, then new genernal manager Craig MacTavish will have a much more difficult job trying to re-shape his team. If the Oilers don't have enough competitive players, it doesn't matter how much skill, speed or size they assemble. You can't win if you aren't willing to match the intensity, desperation and desire of the opposition.
THE CAPTAIN SPEAKS
Jason Gregor
April 15 2013 11:04PM
Shawn Horcoff has spent all 12 of his NHL seasons in Edmonton. He started as a fourth line centre, worked his way up to the top-line in 2006 and led all Oilers forwards in scoring during their miraculous 2006 Cup run. He's played for four different coaches and tomorrow he'll play for his third general manager.
He experienced one glorious playoff run, a few other postseason appearances, but lately he's mostly experienced losing. I sat down with him to discuss the firing of Steve Tambellini, but I also got his thoughts on the type of team the Oilers have, and what they need to add moving forward.
WEEKEND WRAP: MACTAVISH IS BACK AS GM
Jason Gregor
April 15 2013 01:20PM
What a weekend. So many big stories in sports. Some great races in the NHL, the Masters, Kobe Bryant injury, a great comeback by the Edmonton Rush and the Edmonton Oilers final implosion vs. the Calgary Flames, and the subsequent calling for change.
There is no doubt change is needed, but it can't just be changes to fringe players.
That was my intro to my story early this morning, but then the Oilers went out and actually made some changes. General Manager Steve Tambellini was fired and replaced by Craig MacTavish while Scott Howson returns to the Oilers this time as Vice President of Hockey Operations.
DAY OF MOURNING
Jason Gregor
April 14 2013 09:23AM
The Oilers won't be making the playoffs, again, but watching them fall apart during the most meaningful stretch of the season has been painful, and a bit surprising.
I doubt anyone expected them to score a measly four goals in five games when battling for the 8th and final playoff spot.
GDB 40.0: STAYING IN THE RACE
Jason Gregor
April 10 2013 01:11PM
At the start of the season the Oilers' goal was to be in the playoff hunt, and they are, but they need to win tonight to stay near the pack. So far, the Oilers are 0-3 in this stretch drive, and I suspect the players will be hungry to show they can win a meaningful game, not just play in them.
