Players need to do more

In a decade of bad losses, last night’s 3-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs with a goalie playing his first NHL game ranks near the top. 

The Oilers are not a good team, again, and while it is nice to assume they will eventually climb up the NHL standings, until it actually happens this group of players need to take a long look in the mirror.

Every player can do more.

This team does not work hard enough. They are not competitive enough, especially to the level necessary to compete and win games, and once again this team is without an identity.

These traits have zero to do with coaching. Coaches don’t play the game.

The players are the ones losing battles.

The players don’t stand up for themselves or each other regularly enough.

The players don’t play with urgency.

The players are consistently inconsistent.

I recognize this team does not possess enough good players to be a playoff team, but they sure as hell shouldn’t be in 30th place, again. 

Their play on the ice suggests losing has become acceptable. I’m certain they don’t think it is acceptable, but their performance reflects the true personality of the entire team.

They have to stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Sure, a trade or two could help the team, but as individuals they need to do more and stop waiting until a new arrival who will do the dirty work.

I don’t believe this team is playing their best. As stated earlier, I believe their best is still not playoff worthy, but on too many nights their effort and execution does not equal their actual ability. This team is underachieving and what is most disturbing for me is how little push back and competitiveness they have when they are losing.

This has been an issue for years in Edmonton, and until the group of players decide anything less than being 100% committed on every shift and every game is unacceptable, they won’t improve.

One trade won’t solve the issue. The return of Connor McDavid will not solve the issue. 

The players on the ice need to decide. They can’t be out worked by teams like Carolina and Toronto and other below average teams. The Oilers aren’t skilled enough to win games on skill alone. They need to work harder, smarter and more consistently.

They don’t have the talent to suddenly leap up the standings, but the results through 25 games is beyond disappointing. 

It is time to look in the mirror, rather than wait for others to cure all the losing.

Our fifth annual Month of Giving begins today. Every weekday from today thru to Wednesday, December 23rd, we will be auctioning off a package on my radio show with all the proceeds going to various charities including Santas Anonymous, Operation Friendship Senior Society, The Christmas Bureau and a few others.

We will have a new package every day, and packages will include sports memorabilia, signed jerseys, golf packages, wine packages, jewelry, training sessions for you kids, dinners and much more.

Courtesy of The Base by RVH….

12-week summer hockey dry land program (Bantam-College
players) in June-August.
or
12-week Power Training Program- For power sports or anyone looking to build
strength and power. All ages and levels.

And a pair of seats for this Friday’s Oilers/Stars game. You can watch Seguin/Benn vs. Hall/Draisaitl

You can bid by calling 780.444.1260 or text 101260 between 2-6 p.m. today.

Thanks in advance. All proceeds will help out The Christmas Bureau.

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