It's crunch-time and the Oilers have folded like a cheap lawn chair.
The Oilers have managed to win only two games in the last two weeks.
It was a modest two-game winning streak at home -- the first
back-to-back wins at home for about five months, which is a good
indication of the Oilers struggles this season.
The Oilers are in a real turtles' race for eighth place in the
Western Conference with their hated rivals the Calgary Flames.
Right now, the Flames are one point ahead of the Oil, both with six
games remaining. The Flames occupy the eighth and final playoff
spot, while the Oilers sit one point behind in ninth spot. The
Oilers are on a three-game losing skid, and would be out of reach
of a playoff spot were it not for the similar incompetence of the
Flames.
That would be the only consolation in this race of the weak. The
Oilers have shown an inability to win in important situations. The
last three games have been a shining example of that.
Starting with the March 30th game against the Phoenix Coyotes. The
Oilers had a perfect chance to continue their winning streak to two
games. Unfortunately, the Coyotes left the Oilers howling after
the first period, as the Oil were down 5-0. Quite possibly the
worst period in the history of the Edmonton Oilers organization.
And all during a tight playoff race, no less.
Tommy Salo, GM Glen Sather's goalie-savior, was less than heroic as
he let in three goals on his first three shots before he got yanked
by coach Ron Low. Bob Essensa wasn't much better as he let in two
more goals during the first period.
It was really ugly stuff and the goaltending really let the Oilers
down. Had Salo made a couple saves during the first few minutes of
the game, maybe the Oilers could have kept their bearings and won
the game.
The same situation occurred two nights later when the Oilers faced a
serious drubbing courtesy of Cujo and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sergei Berezin had a hat trick, which would have been a four-goal
game had Chris McAlister's skate not been just over the crease.
Same story here, Salo was about as solid as O.J.'s alibi as he left
the Oilers down 3-0 by the end of the first period. The Oilers
didn't stand a chance with such shoddy goaltending. Essensa also
finished the game that night.
The Oilers won't be making the playoffs with this sort of
performance. Poor defence AND poor offense. It doesn't look like
they can do anything right.
Still, three out of the Oilers six games left will be against the
Flames. Nothing will be more crucial this season than these three
games. All the cliches apply here. And if the Oilers don't win
those three games, only more cliches will apply, as the Oilers will
be hitting the golf courses early.
