I'm assuming most of those who peruse this blog are Flames fans and that usually means an Oiler hater. But in order for your team to be successful, your team must know thine enemy. How does this relate to the fans? Well, in order to maintain intelligible debates about who is the best team in Alberta (which isn't saying too much right now), you must know enough about the rivalled team.
So with that in mind, I present to you my take on how the Greasers have fared thus far.
The season started off with a bang as the Oil managed 3 straight wins over Colorado, Vancouver and Anaheim. Things at this point were looking peachy keen. Then, all hell broke loose with seven (7) losses in a row (two of them to the Flames.. it's a good thing the Flames play 'em 6 more times this season eh?).
With the seven game skid, it was easy to point out the glaring deficiencies of the team from the north:
1) Lack of scoring. With Smyth, arguably Edmonton's only real scoring threat, out for six games, the Oilers were only able to tally 11 times over the seven losses.
2) Average goaltending. Markkanen has not been able to steal games like his Calgarian counterpart (and brother from another mother), Kiprusoff. As for Conklin, he has been demoted to the AHL for a two week conditioning stint. 'Nuff said.
3) Defensive depth. While they boast a solid 1-2 punch with Pronger and Jason Smith, their depth has been lacking. Staios and Bergeron would probably make it as 5/6 d-men on a lot of other teams but are forced into the 3/4 situation. As for the Oil's 5/6 spot, it is a rotation of defensive liabilities (a.k.a. pilons.. and expensive ones to boot).
4) Coaching. Perhaps Craig MacTavish should stick to pulling out the tongues of mascots from around the league (and perhaps from other leagues as well) because that seems to be the only thing he is good at.
Many Oiler fans were quick to suggest major shake-ups including a new coach and the tradings of players. Nothing new there but I honestly think it would be easier to just work from within: try different line combinations, sit out some non-performers and maybe call up some rookies who could spark the team. Try that before doing anything rash that could hurt the team.
And what do you know? They tried that and they have now won two in a row (outscoring the opponents 10-4)!
November, however, starts off with one game at home and then seven straight on the road. This may definitely be the make-or-break road trip. This could determine whether they need more help via trades/personnel changes or not.
Very similar predicament for the Flames. This is their make-or-break month. And they need to find some scoring. They've tried juggling their lines but to no avail. Perhaps a trade is in the works? Who knows, but I would bet that they will call up someone from Omaha before that avenue is taken.
With all the off-season acquisitions it was hard to imagine both clubs fighting it out for the Northwest Division basement but with the disappointing Octobers for both teams, it is but a reality. Hey, at least the Battle of Alberta rages on.
