Oilers just played their last game before a 10 day break. The team has been through some turmoil lately and really needed a good effort and some positivity before nearly two weeks off. Shockingly that didn't happen as the Oilers figured they could participate in only the final 20 minutes of tonights game against the Detroit Red Wings. The result, a 3-2 loss and now 10 days of watching themselves slide down the standings to the bottom of the league.
It's been a while since the Oilers played a complete game and lately not showing up for the majority of the game has been a trend for Edmonton. Saturday night the Flames walked all over the Oilers before a brief push back in the later portion of the game. Sunday Carolina dominated early and the Oilers showed up for about half of the third period. And then tonight they lost to a very bad Detroit team after letting the game slip away for the first forty minutes.
It's a frustrating time to be an Oiler fan. Most nights it feels like I care more about the outcome than the players do and that's just not right. I want to cheer for players who want to win and are willing to put the effort in to win. That is not what we are seeing in Edmonton right now and it's becoming harder and harder to cheer for this team.
Earlier in the week Connor McDavid said that the only people who believe in this team right now are the people in the dressing room. After watching the last three games, it's pretty clear that's a complete crock of shit. This team has a tough time mustering up a solid period of hockey so I have a hard time buying that they believe in each other right now.
As much as it would have been nice to enter the bye week and All-Star break on a high note, I think this break is very much needed right now and some time away from the game will hopefully help the player refocus on the game.
The team should also see the return of Oscar Klefbom after the break and that will also give this club a much needed boost. The team has been in freefall during his absence and must be desperate to have him back in the lineup. The club has gone 6-12-1 since Klefbom got injured and I honestly have no idea how their playoff hopes are still alive.
It's going to be an uphill battle when the Oiler's return to action. The fanbase is revolting, management is in full panic mode, and the team will need to rebuild their confidence from scratch. Right now they sit 3 points back from a playoff spot and 6 points from being last in the league. I'm hoping the club returns with a renewed energy for the playoff push and we can put the past month and a half behind us. It's pretty clear this club isn't a Stanley Cup contender but I would view anything less than a playoff appearance as a failed season.
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