Time for the finger pointing....

I'm starting to think that Hungry Lion is onto something with his criticism
of the Oilers management, coaching staff and in particular Kevin Lowe. I
see a couple of bad decisions over the last 12-18 months which has resulted
in our dismal showing this season.

1. Not signing Todd Marchant. Is it any wonder that are abysmal showing
with our specialty team play in particular the PK can be attributed to
Todd's absence? Sure he's not lighting it up with the Jackets this season
but he was a 60 point player for us last year and our most effective penalty
killer. He sure as hell isn't worth the kind of money the Jackets signed
him to but couldn't the Oil have offered him at least in the vacinity of
2-2.5 million per season for a 2-3 year term to keep the guy in Edmonton.
The organization didn't show any sign of wanting to keep him when Kevin
didn't offer him a contract above the league average salry last season. We
greatly under valued Todd's worth to the team on and off the ice.

2. Not dropping Tommy Salo. We decided to keep the Swedish hole after a
disasterous season last year and at 3 million plus he sure as hell isn't
worth the money he's making. This money could have been used in keeping
Todd and getting Mike Comrie under contract who happens to fall under my
third point. Sure we may have had to go young in goal but I prefer the idea
of Conks and Jussi sharing playing time over Tommy any day of the week. The
playoffs last season with Dallas was my make or break with Tommy and he
didn't perform even though his workload was much lighter than in years past.
The fact that the organization couldn't identify that Salo was spent as a
number one goalie in this league is huge mistake that small market team
can't afford to make.

3. Mike Comrie. Even with all the criticism that gets thrown his way I
still like him as a player. The encumbent to Doug Weight and a player this
organization should have had for many more years is gone after only 2 1/2
seasons. Why you ask? Things got personal and too much criticism was
thrown Mike's way after our exit to the Dallas Stars. Sure he had a
difficult season last year but injuries played a part in it and he still
finished with a 50 point campaign. Instead of throwing the blame at the
feet of the team in general, hell none of our guys showed up against Dallas,
the organization pointed the finger squarley at Comrie and as a result
pushed the man out of town. How good would this team look right now with
Comrie and Marchant in the lineup? You don't take 110 points out of the
lineup and not expect to be effected by it. The guy I feel sorry for the
most is Ryan Smyth. Gone are the days of Weight and Guerin then Carter,
Comrie and Marchant. The guy has seen his linemates disappear and his
production has gone with them.

4. Drafting. Note to previous post about Zach Parise. Draft the best
player available regardless of position and team strength. Is their a book
out called drafting for dummies?

Mario

"Mario and Carole" <vanhalenmcs.TakeThisOut@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:MTJJb.21973$Vl6.3947006@news20.bellglobal.com...
> I'm starting to think that Hungry Lion is onto something with his
criticism
> of the Oilers management, coaching staff and in particular Kevin Lowe.

As much as I hate to admit it ................ so am I :<(