Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Gut Check and Coaching Check Wrapped Into One


When the Chicago Blackhawks come calling today, they will undoubtedly expect a shit storm coming at them from the Oilers after their last meeting saw the (at that time) worst home loss for the Oilers in over a decade.

As we all know the Oilers have since eclipsed that 9-2 shellacking with a wonderful 10-2 effort against the Buffalo Sabres. Unlike Buffalo, the Oilers have a chance at revenge with the Blackhawks this season.

But will they take it? Even if in theory this team has quit on the coach, no man should be left without a bitter taste in his mouth after Chicago poured it on like they did. It should still be fresh in their minds, and it should be a game where the players look to do unto Chicago as they did to them.

The odds of the Oil pasting the Hawks 9-2 are astronomical, however this should be a must win game on home ice. This should be a game where they try to make it right for the fans that sat through December's massacre and come out with a compelling victory.

This should also be an indication of the coaches ability to adapt the teams game to make sure that we don't end up getting embarrassed again by the same team on home ice twice in less than 2 months time.

If this team cannot come out with a hard fought victory, then there needs to be changes. Nothing short of a W will suffice in my eyes. The Oilers and their coach should be feeling the same way. Why is it that I doubt that they will take this game as seriously as I am?

This could be the turning point of the season, or it could be the widening of the hole in the hull of the ship.

1 comment:

Traktor said...
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