GDB 82.0: CURTAIN CALL

Tonight marks the end of an era. Ryan Smyth will play his 1270th NHL game in what will no doubt be an emotional night at Rexall Place. For those of us that were raised on Ryan Smyth, it’s definitely going to be weird to watch. I can’t imagine there will be a dry eye in the house when Smytty’s tribute is played, the only question is whether or not we’ll be able to see it at home. We’re looking at you, CBC…

It’s a strange feeling knowing that tonight will be Ryan Smyth’s last game in the NHL. I remember watching the trade deadline, in 2007, thinking that it was only a matter of time before they would announce that he had signed another contract – we all know how that turned out. After of the shock of seeing him wear other uniforms had worn off, our hometown hero came back in the summer of 2011. At the time, the rebuild was supposed to be well underway and the Oilers should have been making a push towards the playoffs. It never happened and we’re still stuck in the basement.

Ryan Smyth wanted to be here. He wanted to be traded back to the city where he started his career so that he could raise his family and retire as an Oiler. I can only imagine what it was like for him to watch the Kings win the Stanley Cup after finishing dead last on the year. I always admired Ryan Smyth for his love of the Oilers franchise and the city we call home. I’m sure the last 3 years of his professional career haven’t been easy, but he never complained. He worked hard and praised the franchise for giving him an opportunity to come home. Tonight we say farewell to the man with the flowing mop.

I’m not really sure how these GDB’s are supposed to go, I’ve never written one before. All I can tell you is, the thing that’s been on my mind all day is when next season starts Ryan Smyth won’t be parked in front of the net – we’ll never see it again. That’s weird to me and it bums me out.  Even though Ryan Smyth isn’t the player he was when he made his tearful goodbye at the airport, I hope everyone really pays attention to him tonight. Even though it’s been another shitacular season, I hope that everyone enjoys, for the last time, one of the greatest players to ever pull on an Oilers sweater. 

GAME DAY PREDICTION: Smytty’s last game as an Oiler ends up in a blowout as the Oilers crush the Canucks 5-1. He scores 2 power play goals to claim the record.

OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: The opening tribute to Ryan Smyth makes everyone at Rexall tear up. Allergies are blamed, onions are banned, and Dallas Eakins’ hair remains fantastic.

NOT-SO-OBVIOUS GAME DAY PREDICTION: Mark Fraser goes coast-to-coast, beating Dan Hamhuis wide for his 2nd goal of the season. The goal is called back due to Fraser finding a way to put himself offside even though he had the puck the entire time.