A brief respite

Things briefly look up for the Oil

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Last week was an oasis in a sea of shite for Oiler fans. The Oilers welcomed Detroit and won 3-2 after a shootout. Then the high-flying San Jose Sharks came to town and the Oilers beat Joe Thornton and his gold medal buddies 5-1. The homestand continued with a visit from Vancouver and a 3-2 Oiler win. Read this paragraph again—just for fun!

The 1-2 pick With a number one draft pick virtually sewn up the latest pipe dream bouncing around the internets is parlaying a deal with Boston to secure what could be the number two pick in the draft. The prospect of a 1-2 or even 1-3 selection could mean drafting Hall or Seguin plus Cam Fowler, leaving the team with a promising forward and a solid d-man. To get that valuable pick, the Oilers would have to move somebody of substance to Boston. The name coming up going to Beantown most often is Ales Hemsky. Hemmer is pretty much the only Oiler with enough immediate attraction to another team to give up something of value. Even if the rumours are true, Steve Tambellini can't make the deal until the season is complete and we know what team actually holds the best draft picks.
So, that said, is it time to jettison Hemsky, the perennial almost-made-it-to-full-potential guy?
Rebuilding means blowing things up. Moving the most talented player is gutsy and sends a message. With his age and workable contract the Oilers could shuttle Hemsky out for solid prospects, high draft picks or other building blocks necessary to rebuild. But in the end, trading Hemsky scares me because Murphy's Law says Hemsky will finally have that breakout, stellar season we've been waiting for. And he'll do it for someone else's team. That would hurt.

Second choice With the end of the regular season mercifully looming, I suppose I've got to find some team to follow into the playoffs. Here's the teams I'll be half-heartedly supporting:

Phoenix Coyotes – Underdogs always have appeal. Despite being in the upper echelons of the standings, they're still David, not Goliath.

Chicago Blackhawks – It's Chicago's turn. This city has but 3 Cups since 1926 and have witnessed only two playoff appearances since 1998.
They've got an exciting young team.

Calgary Flames – Kidding! V

In the Box

A brief respite

Things briefly look up for the Oil

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