I love Ray Ferraro - He says what everyone must be thinking but won't because it could harm their career. He's a beaut!


And to me this sums up the Oilers perfectly.
- Troutback

Very true. When the truth needs to be told, Ferraro does not hold back. Perhaps he should be the next GM of Edmonton?

Hiring ex-Oilers from the glory days of the '80's to manage the team instead of true hockey managers.
- Marwood

Exactly, they were all coked out of their minds back then. Come to think of it, looking at the current state of the team, they still may be...

Hiring ex-Oilers from the glory days of the '80's to manage the team instead of true hockey managers.
- Marwood

I'm increasingly of the opinion that the 80's Oilers are the hockey equivalent of Star Wars... iconic, undeniably great, and successful for reasons that are virtually impossible to replicate. The freakish accumulation of Hall-of-Fame talent on that Oilers team was lightning in a bottle, but quite frankly the rest of the roster was as replaceable as AA batteries. Guys like Lowe and MacTavish may have played important supporting roles, but were far more coincidental to their team's success than the cause of it. So placing them in charge of the team in the hopes of tapping into the excellence that team achieved is pretty much the hockey equivalent of letting Billy Dee Williams direct the next Star Wars movie.

Also, this insane merry-go-around of fringe goaltenders and obscure defencemen has to stop, as does their persistent habit of throwing their best young players to the wolves... even Billy Dee understands this.

This was posted in the oiler thread by AlEx_OiL. Ferraro's spot on.

Ray Ferraro

“I hate talking about the Oilers bc I feel like I’m a broken record. Compounded errors by making the same errors over & over again … if this is what the season looks like in 4 more games they need to get Draisaitl and Nurse back to junior … the LA game was worse than the Arizona game … The biggest issue they face is at no point did it look like the Oilers felt they could win that game against LA …

The coach looked like he didn’t have any answers. Was first time I thought they might not be able to stay the course w the coach … I thought last year it seemed like a debacle from the get go
- bloatedmosquito[in Edmonton … From almost the very first day even taking away the donuts from the writers. His focus was too wide … … You can’t change the world need to focus on what’s right in front of you & they had plenty of work in front of them … Now you get to the 2nd year & they should be more comfortable & there should be signs of improvement and there really hasn’t been … Would they be better served with a more experienced coach? They can’t be less served …

Here’s the thing, they [Edm] have all kinds of talent, but over the past few years they don’t score a lot of goals either … They [Edmonton] never score 5 on 5 …

What’s Hall 4 years in? I assume there comes a point where he thinks we’re making progress & then he says “we’re the same spot we were in 4 years ago … We saw last year how frustration burns in that kid [Hall]. He has an engine that constantly churns … I can’t imagine [Hall] wants to sit there & watch the early part of your career waste away [on a team] that can’t show improvement …

Their [Edm] model for building the team is clearly flawed. If they can’t see that, I don’t know what they’re looking at … You have to start almost again at what your model is going to be and the model can’t be getting 18/19 year olds into your lineup … MacTavish said in camp they have to find out if RNH & Eberle are great, not good players… The league is different than it was in 1985 you need to be able to defend & counter off your defense… Forwards don’t dominate the game like they did before. There’s too much back pressure… The Oilers have half a dozen forwards who are all the same. They have no variance in their lineup … it’s really difficult to find something positive to say about them [Oilers]. Sometimes I try, but I just can’t.“

Wow, spot on, honest assessment from Ferraro, does he work oilers games?

Miller's over aggressive nature always bothered me here. His knack for following a player with the puck right past the post is maddening only to watch the puck come back out in front to a wide open net.

Miller's over aggressive nature always bothered me here. His knack for following a player with the puck right past the post is maddening only to watch the puck come back out in front to a wide open net.
- twistedwrister9

Didn't you read he's going to try playing back more, and only be semi-aggressive...unless it's raining out.

I would fully place the blame for the seasons that Buffalo and Edm are having at the feet of the GM. We cannot reward incompetent GM with high draft picks. People saying Edm was supposed to have been an improved team are delusional. If you have a #1 center who has never played a full season and you are in the western conference where almost every center is a behemoth and as a GM the only thing you do od trade away the only other NHL center and hope that a 18 year old fresh from the draft will make the team and your team sucks, then that is in my books planning to tank. In contrast, Canucks traded their #2 center and got back another guy that has potential to be #2 but as insurance they got another center (Vey) to cover holes if needed. That is a team trying not to tank. Buffalo traded every single player that has some trade value for picks. And it seems they are not done yet. if they end up losing being the worst team and get 1st overall is that not tanking? This system will promote parity as there will be no reward for bone head moves like what MacT makes. It will weed out incompetent management around the league.
- Linden_4_Capt

I think this is the main takeaway point for me. I don't think EDM is trying to tank, they just run their organization like poop, so if your system removes a crutch for crap managers then that is definitely a benefit in promoting parity of skill WRT GM's, owners, coaches

This was posted in the oiler thread by AlEx_OiL. Ferraro's spot on.

Ray Ferraro

“I hate talking about the Oilers bc I feel like I’m a broken record. Compounded errors by making the same errors over & over again … if this is what the season looks like in 4 more games they need to get Draisaitl and Nurse back to junior … the LA game was worse than the Arizona game … The biggest issue they face is at no point did it look like the Oilers felt they could win that game against LA …

The coach looked like he didn’t have any answers. Was first time I thought they might not be able to stay the course w the coach … I thought last year it seemed like a debacle from the get go
- bloatedmosquito[in Edmonton … From almost the very first day even taking away the donuts from the writers. His focus was too wide … … You can’t change the world need to focus on what’s right in front of you & they had plenty of work in front of them … Now you get to the 2nd year & they should be more comfortable & there should be signs of improvement and there really hasn’t been … Would they be better served with a more experienced coach? They can’t be less served …

Here’s the thing, they [Edm] have all kinds of talent, but over the past few years they don’t score a lot of goals either … They [Edmonton] never score 5 on 5 …

What’s Hall 4 years in? I assume there comes a point where he thinks we’re making progress & then he says “we’re the same spot we were in 4 years ago … We saw last year how frustration burns in that kid [Hall]. He has an engine that constantly churns … I can’t imagine [Hall] wants to sit there & watch the early part of your career waste away [on a team] that can’t show improvement …

Their [Edm] model for building the team is clearly flawed. If they can’t see that, I don’t know what they’re looking at … You have to start almost again at what your model is going to be and the model can’t be getting 18/19 year olds into your lineup … MacTavish said in camp they have to find out if RNH & Eberle are great, not good players… The league is different than it was in 1985 you need to be able to defend & counter off your defense… Forwards don’t dominate the game like they did before. There’s too much back pressure… The Oilers have half a dozen forwards who are all the same. They have no variance in their lineup … it’s really difficult to find something positive to say about them [Oilers]. Sometimes I try, but I just can’t.“

Game. Set. Match. Ferraro

I'm so (frank)ing bored.
I think I'll just flip through this on-line catalogue of Russian wives.

Thanks Ek!
- bloatedmosquito

take Tatyana, she loves hockey and cooks great borscht

I think this is the main takeaway point for me. I don't think EDM is trying to tank, they just run their organization like poop, so if your system removes a crutch for crap managers then that is definitely a benefit in promoting parity of skill WRT GM's, owners, coaches
- bezz44

What do you think they do at this point? fire the coach? (again), move a few assets? fire McTavish, Lowe? I just don't see any sort of reprieve for this team, even if any of those aspects come to fruition.

What do you think they do at this point? fire the coach? (again), move a few assets? fire McTavish, Lowe? I just don't see any sort of reprieve for this team, even if any of those aspects come to fruition.
- Zogg

Honestly, if it was my team, I would poopcan everyone. Basically what we saw here. I also think that in terms of fan and player excitement, they need to signal that they are going in a completely new direction, not just resting on the laurels of past success. New jerseys, fresh management, and just a brand new attitude would IMO go a long way in setting these guys in the right direction. I think they also need to amp up the responsibility of their key players so that they have a vested interest in the outcome every single night.
Edit: further rant: give Taylor Hall the C and tell him it is his (frank)ing team and it sinks or swims on his back

What do you think they do at this point? fire the coach? (again), move a few assets? fire McTavish, Lowe? I just don't see any sort of reprieve for this team, even if any of those aspects come to fruition.
- Zogg

They should make a trade and shakeup the "core" some, getting stale.

Really no idea why they haven't moved Yaks yet for another center or dman or goalie or some package to address some of their needs.

I wouldn't move Hall or RNH.

And would only move Eberle if it was a crazy trade where they are getting real impact team players. what that means? I'm not going to throw out suggestions except if they could get Seth Jones or something... just spit ballin.

Honestly, if it was my team, I would poopcan everyone. Basically what we saw here. I also think that in terms of fan and player excitement, they need to signal that they are going in a completely new direction, not just resting on the laurels of past success. New jerseys, fresh management, and just a brand new attitude would IMO go a long way in setting these guys in the right direction. I think they also need to amp up the responsibility of their key players so that they have a vested interest in the outcome every single night.
- bezz44

The Oilers are an utter embaressment. and I dont say that because they are an enemy. I say that because the city of Edmonton deserves better and watching the team play defence is throw up worthy.

I wish the oilers could play hockey, I'd like to see another city in Canada put hockey back on the map.

They tried to rebuild and they failed miserably.

It starts from the top. everyone needs to go. I got shyt from oil fans before the season started because I said the oil will never succeed with the dinosaurs they still have up top.

Do i look wrong now? Mac-t should go as well as everyone that supports him.

The Oilers are an utter embaressment. and I dont say that because they are an enemy. I say that because the city of Edmonton deserves better and watching the team play defence is throw up worthy.

I wish the oilers could play hockey, I'd like to see another city in Canada put hockey back on the map.

They tried to rebuild and they failed miserably.

It starts from the top. everyone needs to go. I got shyt from oil fans before the season started because I said the oil will never succeed with the dinosaurs they still have up top.

Do i look wrong now? Mac-t should go as well as everyone that supports him.
- vancity787

Agreed. I don't get any enjoyment from the sad state of hockey in Canada. I know everyone is always poopting on the Leafs and Oil but it would be nice to see some success back in the places that care the most. They are not going to get anywhere without some very big changes. I thought they were starting to trend up the year they drafted 8th but this is just beyond embarrassing

The Oilers are an utter embaressment. and I dont say that because they are an enemy. I say that because the city of Edmonton deserves better and watching the team play defence is throw up worthy.

I wish the oilers could play hockey, I'd like to see another city in Canada put hockey back on the map.

They tried to rebuild and they failed miserably.

It starts from the top. everyone needs to go. I got shyt from oil fans before the season started because I said the oil will never succeed with the dinosaurs they still have up top.

Do i look wrong now? Mac-t should go as well as everyone that supports him.
- vancity787

The waffles will be flying in no time. I think Katz is more concerned about perfecting his Bono impersonation than his hockey team. The on ice product better change quickly or the people of Edm will not fund the new arena. The best thing about the Oilers continuing to suck, they are one step closer to moving to Seattle.

What do you think they do at this point? fire the coach? (again), move a few assets? fire McTavish, Lowe? I just don't see any sort of reprieve for this team, even if any of those aspects come to fruition.
- Zogg

Sadly, you'd need to get rid of Katz, same with Aquillini. The problem lies in the fact that all the Canadian NHL franchises are now status symbols, same with the NFL down south. The fact of the matter is, is that no matter how bad Edmonton (or Vancouver) gets, it will always be supported by fans who want to believe in things getting better. Since Katz and FA never have to worry about attendance dropping to the point where they start to lose money, where's the incentive to improve? As long as they can sell hope, Katz doesn't have to do anything, he probably quite likes having the Oilers where they are.

Can anyone tell me whats really wrong with the Oilers? I live in australia and can't catch as many games as I'd like, but I gotta think if the Oilers dont win Friday, they are F'd.

It will be a good test to see if the new canucks are like the old ones, losing in the games you'd think theyd win, except tragically under estimating and playing down to their opponent. But Edmonton should be dying to win, and get revenge for the burrows non hand pass assist on Bonino's goal... Plus Van hasn't played hockey for a week and are going to come out slow.
- Troutback

Two things:

1) Their defense is young, inexperienced and not very talented. The team is dead last in goals allowed per game, and middle of the pack in terms of goals for. The goalies they have are better than that, but the core in front of them is weak.

2) Edmonton has a really hard time attracting free agents. It's the Northern most franchise in the NHL and far away from everything. Defensemen usually hit their stride in later years but many players don't want to go there in their prime. They've been able to attract a few young players (and a few older ones) looking for a good contract, and they've been able to draft explosive centremen but can't seem to get a solid back-end anchor. The last one they had was Chris Pronger and he asked to be traded after he went to the finals.

What do you think they do at this point? fire the coach? (again), move a few assets? fire McTavish, Lowe? I just don't see any sort of reprieve for this team, even if any of those aspects come to fruition.
- Zogg

IMHO they need to trade out a hot young centre or two for a couple solid back-end guys. They've changed management and coaches so many times, that I don't think it'll make a difference...Not sure if a GM can't get it done because they suck or because solid defensemen are so rare that no one will trade for them...

Bettman did it on purpose, he owns the Russian Wife site. You can package a Helga with a 2 tix to a Panthers game for under a $100.

If you're interested in a Maria, it'll be $200 for the package, but you also get 2 hot dogs and parking.
- moondawg

What kind of hot dogs?

Honestly, if it was my team, I would poopcan everyone. Basically what we saw here. I also think that in terms of fan and player excitement, they need to signal that they are going in a completely new direction, not just resting on the laurels of past success. New jerseys, fresh management, and just a brand new attitude would IMO go a long way in setting these guys in the right direction. I think they also need to amp up the responsibility of their key players so that they have a vested interest in the outcome every single night.
Edit: further rant: give Taylor Hall the C and tell him it is his (frank)ing team and it sinks or swims on his back
- bezz44

+1

Sad to see what’s happening in Edmonton. That being said do you want the Canucks play the worst team in the NHL another 6 times? It would be nice to see some parity for the Western Canadian teams and watch some entertaining hockey. I hope they fix things.
- VanHockeyGuy

Its not sad, its pathetic. Lose yr after yr but refuse to make changes to your star players. All these patch work moves and changing coaches. Roll the dice ffs. Trade a top 3 pick, or Eberle or yaks or something? It can't make them worse

Its not sad, its pathetic. Lose yr after yr but refuse to make changes to your star players. All these patch work moves and changing coaches. Roll the dice ffs. Trade a top 3 pick, or Eberle or yaks or something? It can't make them worse
- Bieksa#3

This. What do you have to lose?

This. What do you have to lose?
- bezz44

At this point they MUST do something.

You have to kind of feel bad for Eakins. It must be a nightmare to try and coach this team (although I suppose we don't really know what's really happening behind the scenes - I guess I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt)

This. What do you have to lose?
- bezz44

I propose Lack, Tanev and Hansen for Eberle.

I'm sure the oil fans hate this but this deal helps the oilers big time with the 3 biggest weaknesses. Hell Tanev might be Edm best D man. Lack is way better then Scrivezina or Flask

I propose Lack, Tanev and Hansen for Eberle.

I'm sure the oil fans hate this but this deal helps the oilers big time with the 3 biggest weaknesses. Hell Tanev might be Edm best D man. Lack is way better then Scrivezina or Flask
- Bieksa#3

Was talking to oil fans a couple days ago. Apperently Eberle has been the worst of the bunch. Surprising. But they all said if they had to move one guy it would be him.

Over yak, I find surprising. But apperantly yaks been exceptional this year. I would NEVER move Eberle. Big game player, big time talent. thats just me though.....