I missed the 1st period, so I can't comment on any of the play then, but as far as the 2nd, 3rd, and OT went, Roli should've come out of that game with 2 points.
Once again the Oilers that used to pride themselves on their transition game were out played and out chanced in that very area. Chicago, Colorado, and now Boston have beat us at our own game, and done so in convincing fashion.
Why is that the case? Well for one the breakout passes from players not named Souray and Visnovsky have been less than acceptable. Another thing would be a lack of line chemistry. One has to wonder when this team will finally look like a team. Too often has it looked like individuals, linemates and defensive partners having no idea what their teammates are doing.
Some of that can be attributed to bad line combinations, but for players like Gilbert, Grebeshkov, and the kid line, that is a poor excuse to say the least.
The biggest positives tonight were the play of Dwayne Roloson, and the play of Erik Cole. Gagner had a nice night until his giveaway that resulted in the game winning PP, but once again for the 4th time in a row this team skates odd the ice with a loss.
Where do they go from here?
The first question that needs to be asked is who gets the next start in net? If Garon is truly our #1 starter you pat Roloson on the back, say "good game" and ask him to wait patiently until you call his name again. If it's in dispute, you play him again and see if by some chance the Roli of '05-06 has made a return or if it was merely an aberration.
The next question is where Dustin Penner fits into the equation. He does not seem to have the speed or puck skill to fit in with Gagner and Cogliano. Perhaps adding Pouliot to that line instead would improve it and give the Oilers a tough to handle 4th line with big #27 leading the way. Or perhaps it's time to reunite Penner with Horcoff and Hemsky and Nilsson with Cogliano and Gagner.
A New Era of Hope
8 years ago
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