Changing my mind

I have to admit that when Dustin Penner was traded for a first round pick and Colten Teubert last year, I assumed Teubert was a toss in. I looked him up on the Internet and wasn’t really impressed with what I saw.

Over the last couple of games he has begun to change my mind….but he still has a way to go to convince me he should be a regular.

It is no secret what kind of player he needs to be to become a solid NHL’er. He needs to hit, play solid defense and move the puck as quickly as possible.

He has shown his aggressiveness. He likes to hit but so far he is not a player than runs all over the place to get a hit which often results in an odd man rush for his partner. Very important.

I have been surprised by his defense at this level. He seems to have a solid grasp of positioning. His good stick positioning was very evident in Monday’s game versus the L.A Kings. Twice he broke up plays with his stick. Many young players take longer to use their stick properly.

His challenge is with the puck and moving it quicker. When given time he makes the first pass, it is under pressure where he needs to be able to move the puck faster.

‘See a pass, make a pass’. I can still hear my old coach, Black Jack Mcilhardy telling me that every game. Teubert should adopt this style into his play.

This summer he should focus his energy on getting faster through off ice workouts and on ice training with a professional skating instructor. Three or four months of intense focus on this part of his game will make a big difference for his training camp next September.

Is there a future for him on the Oilers? At this point it is up to him to round out his game but I for one am becoming a believer.

If you missed the game between Pittsburg and Philly Sunday you really should make time for their next one this Saturday. That has become a great rivalry and we should all pray they meet in the first round of the playoffs.

I hope the Hulkster look a like makes a repeat appearance! That exchange between him and Hartnell was a classic!