Brophy Off Base With Criticism

So at what point will the Edmonton Oilers bashing end? While there is no question the organization has been in complete and utter disarray since falling in Game Seven of the 2006 Stanley Cup Final to the Carolina Hurricanes, the constant targeting of the franchise by certain fractions of the eastern media has become rather tiresome. The most recent addition to that list comes courtesy of long-time hockey writer Mike Brophy.

Snipe

One would think after leading the Edmonton Oilers in scoring for three of the last five seasons that Jordan Eberle would have bought himself a little bit of rope, but apparently that is not the case. Since making his season debut on November 2nd against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the silky smooth sniper has struggled mightily to find his game. Combine that with the Oilers inability to move up the Western Conference standings and suddenly all that anyone wants to talk about is trading one or both of Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. 

Is Anders Nilsson The Real Deal?

When general manager Peter Chiarelli decided to part ways with a pair of draft picks to acquire netminder Cam Talbot from the New York Rangers, the hope was the Edmonton Oilers had finally found a goalie capable of handling the responsibility that comes with being the go-to-guy for a struggling hockey team. Unfortunately, the 28-year old has been unable to deliver on that promise and has essentially handed Anders Nilsson the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Time For A Little Perspective

Being a fan of the Edmonton Oilers has arguably never been more difficult. After having Connor McDavid fall into the organization’s lap, many were expecting this once storied franchise to start showing signs of improvement. With frustration at an all-time high, another campaign of the same old song and dance was never going to be an acceptable outcome for the 2015-16 season. While our eyes may be telling us one thing, that progression is actually being made, taking a look at the NHL’s overall standings suggests something completely different.