Comparing Hall's '08-09 and '09-10 OHL Postseasons

One of the biggest arguments for Taylor Hall to be the first overall selection in the 2010 entry draft has been that he was a beast in the '08-09 postseason. He won both the Memorial Cup and the OHL Postseason MVP awards as a kid that was a year away from draft eligibility. No doubt that what he did then was special, but how does he stack up a year later with what he did last season?

By the looks of things he has been very similar in terms of statistical accomplishments, however he may end up with less points albeit in less games if Windsor completes the sweep of Barrie tomorrow. The question now becomes, has he actually elevated his game from last season or has he stagnated? In his case, stagnation is not a bad thing to say the least. Last postseason he led the OHL in points and goals while this postseason he is well behind 2 players in goals, and is just a point behind the leader in playoff scoring but has also played 2 less games than Jeff Skinner.

The names have changed, but Hall has remained dominant. Has he been AS dominant as he was as a 16 year old? That is up for debate IMO.

'08-09 OHL Playoffs
20gp. 16-20-36 +15 12pim.
(ES 10(2EN)-11-21 9-1st, 2-2nd assists)
(PP 6-8-14 5-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(SH 0-1-1 0-1st, 1-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 7
1st Star: 2
2nd Star: 4
3rd Star: 1
GWG-2 (1ot)

'09-10 OHL Playoffs
18gp. 15-17-32 +15 28pim.
(ES 9-12-21 9-1st, 3-2nd assists)
(PP 6-5-11 1-1st, 4-2nd assists)
(SH 0-0-0 0-1st, 0-2nd assists)
3 Star Selections: 8
1st Star: 3
2nd Star: 2
3rd Star: 3
GWG-3 (1ot)

Oh Taylor Hall ,How The Oilers Need Thee!

Memo to Daryl Katz and Steve Tambellini, has the light bulb gone on yet? If either gentleman (or preferably both of them) watched Tuesdays Taylor Hall highlight reel (otherwise known as Canada's 8-2 win over Slovakia), any potential doubt about what to do with the monstrosity that is the Edmonton Oilers hockey club should've been put to rest.

Rebuild through the draft and do whatever is in the Oilers means to secure the best possible chance to land Hall or Tyler Seguin. There should be no doubt at all, no more overspending on scrubs so that we don't look like we have a yearly massive exodus in Edmonton, no more chasing ghosts, land us in one of the top 2 spots of the 2010 draft!

Look to shed salary, look to weaken the team short term, and look towards the future. Worst case scenario we'll be in a similar position in 2011 as well. That said 2 picks in the top 3 in back to back years is hardly a bad thing. Treat these guys like kings, and build around them. Hopefully they repay the club with taking reasonable contracts.

It's not rocket science guys, just for once embrace the obvious choice instead of trying to go against the obvious choice.