Why are Oilers fans so murderous? [Note: liberal arts degrees --> higher murder rate]

[Asher]

It's interesting how you give MacTavish credit for recognizing that Schremp needs to be in the minors, but refuse to do so for Sutter. The only difference between the two situations is Sutter's move with Kiprusoff is a proven commodity, while Schremp isn't even close to being one.

It's curious to me that you think the head coach of an NHL team doesn't have a whole lot to do with his players' development over a period of six years.

Do you understand how hockey works?

[Flubber]

Guys


Its funny how rabid your positions are. neither iof you could agree that today is Monday if the other had mentioned it first.


My take:

Calgary took a step back last year after their impressive cup run year. basically they let some of their key role players go-- (how did they not move heaven and earth to keep Craig Conroy)-- All last year I was worried about their general lack of scoring and it came back to bite them

This year I believe they are stronger than last year -- Tanguay alone should do that . On D they are relatively unchanged . Leopold was probably the best d-man in hockey that was number 5 or 6 on the depth chart. I actually didn't understand Calgary picking up Zyuzun since I thought their d was pretty strong as it is and I would have been looking for scoring any scoring available

Oh and small moves like getting mclelland back as the backup will be more important than it looks. He is known as a great guy "in the room" and in a backup that plays 8-15 times a year, that can be important.

Asher-- Krahn will be sent down since they won't want to have such a young goalie being that inactive. He is better off being in OMaha playing 50 games .

My prediction is a playoff spot with a similar record to last year. Phaneuf should break out even more and challenge Regehr for the #1 d spot. I could see a trade of a d man for more offence although Sutter seems to like his defensive depth. Maybe that d can start dominating games.

MY take on Edmonton vs Calgary

The oil appear slightly weaker than the cup run team of last year. Their D appears to be weaker than last year based on the loss of their workhorse and I don't see anyone there that can log those type of quality minutes. Lets see

Goal-- a good 1-2 punch . Both were excellent in last year's playoffs. Oil are deeper but Flames have the best keeper in the league.

D-- no contest -- Flames are better
up front-- Edge to the oil -- I like their spirited group of forwards

My oiler prediction is that there defense is the question mark and will be their weak spot but will overall be strong enough to secure a playoff spot



Simply put -- I look at the two teams and see a Flames team that has gotten better. The d and keeper are essentioally the smae with a forward upgrade. The oil have the keeper the same and good forwards but a big gaping hole where there #1 dman used to be. Time will tell . . .

But either way, both you asher and you nye are WRONG. Eaxch "enemy" team is far better than you could ever bring yourself to say and ther Battle of Alberta should be interesting once again

[Ming]

Hey Asher and NYE... you guys were doing really good discussing hockey... but now, I see the personal crap starting to creep back in...

It's been fun watching two passionate people discuss the sport they love... but try to leave the personal crap out...

Thanks

[SlowwHand]

You know how Canadians are.

[Ninot]

Hahaha, Oh Sloww

[SlowwHand]

[Asher]

You really think Roloson, a 36-year old goalie coming off long periods of inactivity and major surgery -- with a huge gaping hole in defense infront of him -- is going to be a good goalie?

I'm predicting Markkanen is the starter by mid-way through the season, and MacTavish will ruin it all by playing musical chairs once again.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber
But either way, both you asher and you nye are WRONG. Eaxch "enemy" team is far better than you could ever bring yourself to say and ther Battle of Alberta should be interesting once again

What exactly do you expect in a thread like this?

It's a pissing contest.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
You really think Roloson, a 36-year old goalie coming off long periods of inactivity and major surgery -- with a huge gaping hole in defense infront of him -- is going to be a good goalie?

I'm predicting Markkanen is the starter by mid-way through the season, and MacTavish will ruin it all by playing musical chairs once again.

I think that both Rolosen and Markkenen stepped it up last year when they had to and I tehrefore give them both the benefit of the doubtr. I was a big doubter last year when they traded for Roloson . .. I thought no way could he be the answer . . . but he played well and proved me wrong. I too see problems with the oilers defense though

So ya I think they have a pretty good 1-2 goalie tandem BUT I think Kipper is better. I also believe that Calgary has upgrade their backup spot but if Kipper gets seriously hurt, I don't think anyone thinks Mclelland is likley to be a number one workhorse. In that scenario I really see Krahn getting his chance.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by notyoueither


What exactly do you expect in a thread like this?

It's a pissing contest.

I suppose. I guess brainless fandom and bashing of the "enemy" is the goal. I prefer to be a little more balanced. While I am a "fan" of Calgary, I don't see any point in disengaging my brain when speaking about the oilers.

[Sava]

Originally posted by Elok
Where are these places? Canada? Canadians aren't people. Your statistics are inherently flawed.

Originally posted by
I agree.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Flubber


I suppose. I guess brainless fandom and bashing of the "enemy" is the goal. I prefer to be a little more balanced. While I am a "fan" of Calgary, I don't see any point in disengaging my brain when speaking about the oilers.

If you want a thoughtful discussion of the upcoming season, perhaps a new thread would be in order. Then people wouldn't be tripping over the bodies of people who've killed themselves.