Ales Hemsky's timing on the ice is second to none for the Edmonton Oilers, but as we found out Tuesday, his off-ice timing could use some work.
Ten games to play with a playoff position on the line is no time to make selfish comments about not feeling important and not being utilized to his maximum ability. Hemsky's timing simply could not be worse.
But for the sake of argument, let's give Ales a mulligan on this one. His performance over the past six years has earned him one. And while we're at it, let's consider his point, which is well put, just terribly placed.
It is possible that a defenceman could lead the Oilers in goal-scoring this season. And his name isn't Paul Coffey. If it were, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
So with all due respect to Sheldon Souray, it is impossible to consider his team-leading 21 goals to be a healthy reflection of Edmonton's offensive system. It is clearly a sign that something is broken, and given the offensive struggles of many talented Edmonton Oiler forwards over the past seven years, it's hard not to consider that what Hemsky is saying is true: Craig MacTavish is preaching too much checking at the expense of creativity.
Sure the Oilers scored eight goals in one game last week; but as refreshing as that was to see, the offensive explosion came against the Colorado Avalanche. Let the record show that Colorado has allowed five or more goals in a single game EIGHT times since Jan. 1.
Creativity is Ales Hemsky's meal ticket. It's what he does best, and when he does it well, he's among the most electrifying players in the game. But creativity and Edmonton are two words that are rarely used in the same sentence.
The Oilers are obscenely predictable at times and it's a big reason why the power play ranks 23rd in the NHL. Zero creativity. And when Ales Hemsky is driven to the point of accusing the head coach of turning him into a checker, you have to at least consider that it might be a cry for help.
In his short time with the Oilers, Erik Cole looked like he was closer to retirement than free agency, registering 16 goals and (yaaaaawn) 11 assists in 63 games. Anyone notice Cole's numbers since his trade to the Hurricanes? Ten points in 10 games. And no, he has not played for Paul Maurice before.
Joffrey Lupul was on pace for 30 goals before injuries limited him to 20 in just 56 games last season -- his first in Philadelphia after one miserable season in E-town. And Jarret Stoll is having a bounce-back season in L.A., on pace for his first 20-goal season in four years.
It would be easy to dismiss Hemsky's comments as selfish if the Oilers were in first place and running over everyone and everything in their path, but they're not. They were two games under .500 on Tuesday morning and they may yet miss the playoffs.
And here's the kicker: Only TWO Oiler forwards are on pace for more than 40 points.
His timing is bad. But Hemsky has a point.