When you're the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers you get second-guessed on a lot of things by a lot of people.
This year Craig MacTavish has had to deal with, in no particular order, the goaltending; who to use? when to use him? There is the constant scrutiny over why the team hasn't been better at home. Why are the Oilers 28th in the league on the penalty kill? Why are they so inconsistent? I'm sure I'm forgetting a few more but you get the picture. Someone always has something to say; and that's why on Sunday it appeared the head coach has had enough in the never ending thirst by the public and the media to see Robbie Schremp in an Oiler uniform.
Edmonton recalled Ryan Potulny from the minors over the weekend. Not long after MacTavish made the announcement you could see it coming like a Britney Spears bad parenting episode. The question, in short version: Did you consider calling up Rob Schremp?
Deep breath and away he went.
The coach said it's getting to the point where everytime you call someone up you have to defend why it wasn't Schremp. That was just the appetizer as MacTavish proceeded to say that Schremp, who is second in Springfield scoring, has decent hands, is okay on the powerplay but is slow, not physical and soft at this level. The coach addedhow Schremp is not helping the AHL Falcons win, so why should we believe he'll help the Oilers win?
Points made; very loud and clear. A follow up question was not necessary.
The complete and honest truth and nothing but the truth on why the forward, who in four games earlier this year had three assists, wasn't the one being called up in January. I do get why Oiler fans have a fascination with this kid but the coach doesn't. Somewhat lost in all the Schremp hype is that Ryan Potulny earned this chance. The Oilers need offence and he is leading Springfield in scoring with 36 points and goals with 17.
That's why MacTavish doesn't feel like Schremp has been Rob-bed of another chance to play in the NHL.
