I don't normally like doing these mid-season report cards because they are so subjective, but considering Edmonton will hit the halfway point of the hockey year on Tuesday, it seemed to be the right time and the right idea to break down the Oilers as they near game 41of the 2010-2011 schedule.
I won't do this player-by-player but by position, with the exception of the goaltenders...
Khabibulin, minus a six-game groin injury, has been durable and a very usable commodity. Considering he is coming off back surgery and turns 38 this week, he has had a strong year. His save percentage is a little lower and his goals against average has been a little higher because of that trip in November where he allowed 18 goals on 73 shots, otherwise his numbers would be better.
Devan Dubnyk: A-
A .918 save percentage and a 2.78 GAA. in 13 games has seen him pushing for more playing time, and he deserves it. It looks like his body is immersed in ice water he's so cool under pressure. He’s got a great demeanor and future for someone who didn't even know if he'd be in the NHL this year.
Defence: C-
The number that sticks out is the 138 goals allowed going into the Dallas game which is a league high. It’s a team issue from front-to-back but some of the blame does fall on the shoulders of the defenceman.
Ryan Whitney has been fantastic and since he was injured, Tom Gilbert has been better at picking up the slack. Theo Peckham is emerging into one nasty you-know-what. What's hurt the defenders is the amount of them that have played; a total of 10, once Taylor Chorney suits up, will have been in game action.
That has hampered continuity, but it has helped with development. You give up something to get something.
Forwards: C
A total of 101 goals for heading into the Dallas game makes Edmonton the lowest scoring team in the West. Injuries have been a factor since they have been without their No.1 forward Ales Hemsky and centre Shawn Horcoff.
Jordan Eberle is now out too.
Eberle was having a good year and I would put Taylor Hall in that category as well. It's been a slower transformation for Magnus Paajarvi. Sam Gagner has been very good. Ryan Jones has been a pleasant surprise. If they stay healthy I think this team will score 30-40 more goals in the second half than they managed in the first.
Coaches: B
I know it may look weird to give that kind of mark to the coaches of the 28th place team in the league, but right now it's not all about wins and losses.
One day it will be, but until that day comes I think this group has done some real strong work. If Pat Quinn was the grandfather type, then Tom Renney is the father figure. Kelly Buchberger was a good guy to keep as a go-between for the staff and the players.
As for Ralph Kreuger and Steve Smith, they are still coaching rookies in this league but their dedication to the team and to learning is evident.
General Manager: B
Steve Tambellini is hard to grade because outwardly he hasn't had to do anything. However, he should be commended for the waiver wire pickup of Jones at last year's trade deadline.
Also, whether you like it or not, he has stuck to his guns with Sheldon Souray.
The easiest move, once Souray is healthy, would be for the banished defenceman to take Whitney's spot, but it’s not going to happen.
Tambellini might be judged on what happens this year at the deadline, but he had a plan and he's sticking to it.
Agree or disagree? Let me know what you think.
Sincerely,
Professor Principe
