NHL Playoffs 2006: Round II

Nightfall · Jun 9, 2006

I thought you lived in Texas...

Arnwyn · Jun 9, 2006

Welverin said:
That post was pre game 2, so I think he can be allowed a little wishful thinking on that one.

No. It would have been questionable if used as a prediction even before the series started, and certainly unreasonable when made after the Oiler's game 1 loss and Roloson's injury. Game 2 was irrelevant.

devilbat · Jun 9, 2006

Knightfall1972 said:
I don't agree with you about Markkanen. He was good (not fantastic). The Oliers simply didn't play well enough in front of him, and Carolin got, at least, 3 or 4 lucky goals (i.e. deflections).

Knightfall,

With absolutely all do respect to you, of course you disagree with me, you're an Oilers fan. Have all the faith in the world in your team, but game 2 showed they have no faith in their back up. I think they played like a team ready to go golfing. Calling deflection goals lucky is offbase. A guy standing in front of the net, deflecting a 100 MPH slapshot, is anything but lucky. Lucky is getting a goal when the goalie coughs it up, with 30 seconds to play. Now that's lucky.

I'd love to see a seven game series, as it would be good for the NHL, who are already struggling with two small market teams in the finals. But the Oilers need to play vastly better, to stand a chance agains Carolina's potent offense, and out of his mind play of Cam Ward.

Knightfall · Jun 10, 2006

Nightfall said:
Yeah like for the past 10 years huh? Maybe 15. I know it's been longer than 5. Every year it's like "Gee let's see how much we can break NF's heart this season." I'm just like "Damn it! This year I'm cheering for the Sabres!" Too bad they didn't make it.

I was hoping for the Sabres to come out of the East, but too many injuries to their "D" limited their ability to beat Carolina.

As for the Oilers, I am a lifetime fan, and I will support them to the bitter end. I lost faith when they were down 2-0 to the Sharks, and they proved me (and everyone else) wrong.

Yes, devilbat is right in saying they didn't show any confidence in Jussi, but I think that will change in Game 3, as I'm sure MacT ripped them a new hole. MacT will likely change the lineup and mixup the lines in order to shake up the team. I doubt he'll take Jussi out, and I think that will show Markkanen that MacT believes in him, at least.

Also, they didn't play the style of game that got them here. They only had 7 blocked shots in all of Game 2; that's not Oilers hockey. They have to block way more, clear the front of the net, and not take stuipid penalties. Penalties are okay, if they take away a Carolina scoring chance, but bonehead plays, away from the puck, are unacceptable.

The reality is, that the Oilers will either win or lose, As A Team. There are a lot of good players on the Oilers roster, they simply have to believe in each other, not just in the goalie. Roloson being knocked out of the series has obviously hurt their confidence, and hopefully, the bad result in Game 2 showed them that they can't rely on just the goalie, in order to win.

Do I beileve they can come back and win? I have to, or I can't call myself a diehard Edmonton Oiler fan. Will they, well that remains to be seen, but I can hope for it to happen.

Do I think Carolina can sweep the Oilers? It's a troubling thought, but if the boys in blue don't play better then they're risking disappointing the home crowd, completely. However, I think the Oilers have too much pride and talent to get swept in four games. They will win at home, and make this series.

I still believe in my team.

Go Oilers Go!

KF72

devilbat · Jun 10, 2006

Knightfall1972 said:
As for the Oilers, I am a lifetime fan, and I will support them to the bitter end. I lost faith when they were down 2-0 to the Sharks, and they proved me (and everyone else) wrong.

Really? See, when the Sharks had them down two, I knew the series was far from over. What that Oiler team did to the Redwings was so impressive that I knew (and dreaded) that the series was a long way from finished.

Them spanking Anaheim did surprise me though.

Knightfall1972 said:
Yes, devilbat is right in saying they didn't show any confidence in Jussi, but I think that will change in Game 3, as I'm sure MacT ripped them a new hole. MacT will likely change the lineup and mixup the lines in order to shake up the team. I doubt he'll take Jussi out, and I think that will show Markkanen that MacT believes in him, at least.

You heard him folks, I was right

Also, this just in:

Today's paper reports that Roloson has been fitted for a brace, and Craig McTavish has changed his tune regarding whether his star goalie can come back. He is now referring to a comeback as doubtful, rather then admitting "he's done for the series".

Agamon · Jun 10, 2006

devilbat said:
Today's paper reports that Roloson has been fitted for a brace, and Craig McTavish has changed his tune regarding whether his star goalie can come back. He is now referring to a comeback as doubtful, rather then admitting "he's done for the series".

And the question remains: is it doubtful he'll be ready for Game 7? I'm more in the camp of, it's doubtful there will be a Game 7.

Go Wardo! How can you hate this guy, he's from Sherwood Park!

Lord Zardoz · Jun 10, 2006

devilbat said:
Today's paper reports that Roloson has been fitted for a brace, and Craig McTavish has changed his tune regarding whether his star goalie can come back. He is now referring to a comeback as doubtful, rather then admitting "he's done for the series".

More recent news postings say that this is pure rumor. Besides, I would say that the Oilers may be desperate, but not stupid. It makes no sense to rely on a goalie who is that badly injured. I would rather they put the guy 3rd in line behind Conklin and Markkanen than Roloson at the moment.

END COMMUNICATION

Knightfall · Jun 10, 2006

Lord Zardoz said:
More recent news postings say that this is pure rumor. Besides, I would say that the Oilers may be desperate, but not stupid. It makes no sense to rely on a goalie who is that badly injured. I would rather they put the guy 3rd in line behind Conklin and Markkanen than Roloson at the moment.

END COMMUNICATION

I don't think Roloson would be back before Game 6 or Game 7, but they could always dress him as the backup to give the team (and crowd, at Rexall) a boost. However, I expect Jussi to be the man in goal for the rest of the series, unless Roli makes a remakable recovery.

Regardless, the TEAM has to play better, not just the goalie.

Going to Whyte Ave tonight.

Go Oilers Go!

KF72