Sunday, September 26, 2010

Log Jam: Roster spots

More jam please


I could almost start this blog off exactly like I did the previous one. Jordan Eberle - get use to hearing the name. Alright, I suppose it isn't necessary as Jordan Eberle is almost a house hold name among hockey fans anyways. He continues to force people to take notice as he played a stellar game tonight with line mates Horcoff and Hall.

 Jordan Eberle and Shawn Horcoff had two goals and one assist each and led the team to a 8-2 walloping over the Vancouver Canucks. I'm really liking this combo of Hall, Horcoff and Eberle. It will be interesting to see what the regular season will dictate, this paring would look great as the Oilers second line. A rejuvenated Horcoff is a huge bonus too boot, he certainly appears to have an extra step in his stride and looks like he's well on his way for a comeback year.

Linus Omark finally had a come through game. He had a better supporting cast with Penner and Brule which allowed Omark some free range. He displayed his silky soft hands and scored an absolute beauty and topped it off by chipping in with two assists. Omark is 23 years old and will be 24 in February. He has played 4 years of professional hockey in Sweden and will really need to make a case for himself during preseason if he wants to crack this line up. There isn't much room for a small one dimensional player on a team that sees Hemsky and Eberle taking the RW spots on the first two lines. It will be hard to justify giving a gifted player a 3rd or 4th line role where he will be competing with Stortini, Jones and possibly Cogliano. There may be a trade in the works if Omark wins the hearts of Oilers management, he has the tools to make this a really hard decision.

What could possibly be the end result if Linus Omark demands a roster spot? It isn't ideal to go with 3 scoring lines, the defensive game is just as important in winning hockey games. These type of players also demand playing time and need to reap power play opportunities. A log jam is in full effect on the Oilers roster, someone will need to go.

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4 comments:

  1. I really like 'the fonz line' haha "EHH!" (eberle horcoff and hall)

    signed oilredemtion

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was trying to think of a clever name for the line, but couldn't think of anything. Thanks for that one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope they give Omark a real shot. If he turns out to be a capable 1st or 2nd liner, the Oilers should really consider moving Hemsky. Once Hall and Paajarvi are established, trading Penner might be a smart move next season as well. They could really build up a strong 3rd line with 2 way players, or bring in a really good d-men by dangling Hemsky and Penner.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I doubt I need to share my feelings on Hemsky; I wouldn't be hurt in the slightest if they traded him.

    If you don't know my opinion on Hemsky, here's a previous post:

    The Oilers Should Trade Hemsky
    http://www.etownhockey.com/2010/07/oilers-should-trade-hemsky.html

    ReplyDelete

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