The Panic Button

With a season that can only be described as disastrous finally in the books, the Edmonton Oilers are once again heading into the off-season with many a question surrounding their roster. Though many felt the organization had turned the corner from what is known as the “Decade of Darkness” following their 2016-17 campaign, there is still plenty of work to be done in good ol’ Oil Country. 

Get Ready For Something Bold!!!

While it would be next to impossible to view the removal of Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish from their positions within the Edmonton Oilers organization as a questionable decision, Friday’s announcement that both would be relieved of their duties effective immediately was still rather shocking. 

Entertaining Hockey

Well…that was different. For the first time in what truly feels like ages, the Edmonton Oilers were involved in one heck of an entertaining hockey game. 

Finally!!!

Heading into the 2014-15 season, Dallas Eakins was walking a very fine line. While no one within the organization was publicly talking about this team as one that “absolutely had to make the playoffs”, there was no doubt the Edmonton Oilers needed to show real signs of improvement after taking a major step backwards in 2013-14. 

Where Have All The Goals Gone?

For all the bitching and moaning we have heard about the Edmonton Oilers unwillingness to play the game the “right way” over the last couple of seasons, this group’s inability to put pucks into the back of the opposing team’s net remains its biggest problem. 

The clock is likely ticking...

The Edmonton Oilers announced the signing of defenceman Jeff Petry to one year / $3.075 million deal on Monday morning and the move clearly signifies a watershed moment between the organization and player.

Step in the right direction

In the eyes of many Edmonton Oilers fans, yesterday’s decision to “transition” long time assistant coach Kelly Buchberger into a different role within the organization was long over due.  After surviving five separate head coaching changes during his six year tenure in Edmonton, the clock finally struck midnight for the former Oilers captain and no one should have been surprised.

Tambo's biggest blunder

During his near five year tenure as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, Steve Tambellini managed to become arguably the most vilified individual in franchise history. While some would say his biggest flaw as a GM was his unwillingness to make a move to improve his roster, others would suggest it was the decisions that he did make that ultimately hurt this team the most.

Could this finally be it?

Prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, the Edmonton Oilers organization decided to add former captain Kelly Buchberger to their NHL staff as an assistant coach. After working at his craft for the previous four seasons as an assistant with the now defunct Edmonton Road Runners, an organizational developmental coach and the head coach of the Springfield Falcons in 2007-08, the time had come for the fan favourite to get his chance in “The Show”.

It's not working Dallas!!!

Of all the things that have gone wrong with the Edmonton Oilers 2013-14 campaign, the one problem that stands out above the rest has been the ineffectiveness of this club’s power play. After years of struggling to produce on the man advantage, the coaching duo of Ralph Krueger and Tom Renney combined to come up with something that actually worked over the previous two National Hockey League seasons.

Firing Renney when they did, is coming back to haunt the Oilers

With the Edmonton Oilers sitting in the basement of the Western Conference with a 7-16-2 record, one can't help but wonder why this team is sitting where they currently are in the NHL standings. While their roster simply isn't good enough to be considered a legitimate playoff contender, this team should be nowhere near twenty-ninth place in a thirty team league.

Eakins has had some missteps but he isn't the problem

The moment Dallas Eakins was brought on board to be the 12th head coach in the history of the Edmonton Oilers, we all knew he wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. He strongly believes in his methods and abilities as a coach, like any good coach, is very direct and to the point in his responses to questions and can occasionally come across as being somewhat arrogant in the minds of some.

2013-14 Preview: Is Petry still part of the solution?

The 2013 season was not kind to Jeff Petry. After taking a major step forward in his overall development during the second half of the 2011-12 campaign, the Edmonton Oilers blueliner had his fair share of struggles during an abbreviated 48 game schedule. Be it because too much was being asked of the former second round pick and partner Ladislav Smid or simply chalking it up to just being one of those seasons, the final result wasn't pretty. 

Krueger actually helped the Oilers take a step forward in 2013

It has been exactly one week since Ralph Krueger was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. While no one could blame Craig MacTavish for making the move and bringing in former Toronto Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins, everyone including the Oilers GM himself, felt Krueger was dealt a pretty rotten hand. Unfortunately, very much like life itself, the world of sports isn't always about things being fair.

Oilers send Krueger packing but is coaching the problem?

Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish was once again in the news on Saturday afternoon, announcing the club had decided to part ways with head coach Ralph Krueger. The rookie GM was all business during the mid-afternoon press conference but did sound a little uncomfortable in delivering the news...and who could really blame him.

Smid - Schultz pairing could be just what the Oilers need

Heading into the 2013 campaign, the Edmonton Oilers plan was to have rookie blueliner Justin Schultz play alongside veteran Nick Schultz. While early results were very positive, not surprisingly, the pair have struggled in recent weeks. 

Oilers need to grab a pair and take care of their star players

Watching Chicago Blackhawks pest Dan Carcillo run the the Edmonton Oilers show on Monday night should have been the final straw. Taylor Hall had reached his boiling point last Thursday against the Minnesota Wild and Cal Clutterbuck. At what point is someone outside of their best player, going to stand up to the likes of Carcillo, for taking runs at their best players?

The Edmonton Oilers and Ryan Smyth are no longer a good fit

Exactly ten days ago, I wrote a piece focusing on the Edmonton Oilers having to make some tough decisions, in order to make room for Ryan Jones in their bottom six. With Jones inching closer to his return to the lineup and the recent emergence of Magnus Paajarvi over the last week and half, it looks as though the time for that decision has come sooner than expected and the odd man out looks to be Mr.Oiler himself, Ryan Smyth.

Game 11: Detroit 2 Edmonton 1

Despite a sparkling performance from netminder Nikolai Khabibulin, the Edmonton Oilers and their highly regarded power play let their veteran goaltender down on Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings, kicking off CBC's Hockey Day in Canada. Defenceman Justin Schultz continued to impress, potting his fourth of the young season, in another disappointing showing from the young Oilers.

Krueger passes first test as Oilers new bench boss

It may have been just one game but it was definitely a nice change of pace. Head coach Ralph Krueger wasted little time in showing how he intends on running his bench come crunch time. The days of watching the Edmonton Oilers playing not to lose, thankfully, appear to be a thing of the past.