Norris Mironov?
The local media has been tossing around talk about Oilers'
defenceman Boris Mironov getting some serious Norris Trophy
nominations. And why not at the rate he's going? Bobo and Al
MacInnis of the St. Louis Blues are leading all defencemen in
scoring, with 17 points a piece. All that and Boris has been
playing some serious defence.
He's playing around 28 minutes a game on most night, and for the
past few games, he's been doing it on one good leg. Back on
November 12th, against the Ottawa Senators, he was hit on the ankle
by an Alexei Yashin shot. A couple nights ago, in Phoenix, Rick
Tocchet blasted a shot off that exact same spot, the inside of his
right ankle.
He's getting it x-rayed to see if it's broken. Boris is a horse
though, but he had to walk with a cane just to get around Monday.
But Boris still played in the second period against the Coyotes,
which really scored points with Ron Low, who said Mironov is "one
tough character."
Return of the Old Guy
Remember Marty McSorley? Yes you must. Before the Oilers went on
that crazy home winning streak, he was injured. He has started
skating again, and he hopes to be back in two weeks against Phoenix
on Dec. 2nd. But the Oilers have been doing pretty decent without
him.think there's a spot for him?
Bob in Pain?
Goalie Bob Essensa did not play in Phoenix on Saturday, forcing
Mikhail Shtalenkov to play back-to-back games in Anaheim and
Phoenix. Playing his goalies in both back-to-back games was
something Coach Lowtide said he wouldn't do.
Apparently Goalie Bob hurt his knee during practise, he was supposed
to get it checked out Monday.
Offence Sputtering
The Oilers power play was impotent against the Coyotes Saturday
night when they had five chances. They're just 2-15 in their last
three games.
Other Guys Sputtering
Let's see, Ryan Smyth, one goal; Dean McAmmond, zero goals. Can
you guess who's in Coach Low's doghouse? You can bet Glen Sather
is looking to unload these guys to whoever will take them, but he's
in no rush, since the Oil are doing so well. They must be worth
something, Smyth scored 20 goals in 65 games, while McAmmond netted
19 in 77 games last season.
Hot Seat
Rem "the Gem" Murray is sure looking good these days. Ron Low has
moved him with Billy Guerin and Andrei (I try in contract years so
I can make big money) Kovalenko.
Hold it Todd!
Todd MacFarlane, creator of the Spawn comic books and partial owner
of the Oilers has designed a third jersey for the Oilers. He
planned to unveil it Saturday when the Oilers were in Phoenix, his
current home, but Oilers' PR guy Bill Tuele and Glen Sather put the
reins in on that. I wonder how much MacFarlane would pay to change
the name to the Edmonton Spawns?
Other tidbits: How come we can't beat those damn Maple
Leafs? Include the fact that Pat Quinn is a genius, it's because
Curtis Joseph hardly ever loses to his former teams.just ask St.
Louis. Brad Norton got some time up with the big team, as fellow
defenceman Sean Brown was suspended on that high stick to Daniel
Alfredsson a couple weeks ago. Rumour: The Pittsburgh Penguins are
looking for a bodyguard for Jaromir Jagr, they are looking at
seldomly used Oiler forward Bill (man, I don't get to play much)
Huard.
