If you're just looking at the Oilers' box scores these days, you're probably smarter than I am. With two more home losses this week (4-2 vs. Minnesota and a 6-1 drubbing by San Jose), that makes 4 in a row and an NHL-worst record of 2-4 - tough stuff on the eyes. However, the numbers don't tell the whole story when it comes to evaluating the play of certain individuals - namely, that of Taylor Hall.
After being dropped to the 3rd unit by head coach Tom Renney to free him from the pressures of the opposition's top 4 defensemen (and the expectations of a rabid, impatient fan base), Hall has flourished with new linemates Andrew Cogliano and Gilbert Brule, even earning the 2nd Star of the Game honors for his efforts against Minnesota on Thursday night. Despite the goose egg in the goal column, Taylor has been a pest on the forecheck and a force in his own end, often the two biggest holes in a rookie's game.
Said Coach Renney of his phenom after the Minnesota game, "He has proven to me from the get-go that he belongs in the National Hockey League. He just made another case for himself tonight."
Words like these from a guy like Renney should ease the concerns of Oiler fans everywhere (as much as GM speak possibly can). So step back from the ledge, folks - as long as Hall is playing his game and blocking out the naysayers, the goals will come. And then, hopefully, so will the wins...
The Oilers hit the road this week as they visit rival Calgary on Tuesday, Columbus on Wednesday and defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago on Friday. In the meantime, chew on this piece from Joe Haggerty of Comcast Sports Net New England, who works the beat for the Boston Bruins and their stud prospect Tyler Seguin. It discusses Seguin's perspective on Hall's early season pressures, given that he was chosen immediately after Hall in the 2010 draft and was thought by many to be the better overall player:
http://www.necn.com/10/21/10/Seguin-sympathizes-with-Hall-adjustment-/landing_sports.html?blockID=336039&feedID=3352
No comments:
Post a Comment