Team has already struggled to respond after win streak was snapped. 3 losses since. Indication that its a longer path back rather than shorter one.
Suspect as well is that the Oilers throughout season have been one of the healthiest teams around. Having almost all of their players available every game and not injured or out for any circumstance. Most teams around the league of course face this challenge that the Oilers are not.
One wonders what any attrition adversity would do to the team. This is our all in roster complement and the team is finding ways to struggle.
Don't have to say the Oilers this season already had their suck time. They can't afford another doldrum.
Yah it's not looking good if we're being honest.
5 games back from the all star break and they've given up 20 goals against. They may have lost the secret recipe.... Again. ugh.
I'm still not of the mind some trade is going to really change anything other than provide an emotional boast. They could do another run like last year post deadline but it's still a matter of time before complacency sets in. It's a vicious cycle with this team.
Whether it's urgency from losses, or emotional boosts from fired coaches and trade acquisition. It always seems to be a matter of time before they become complacent and their game goes to absolute shit. Goalies start goalie'ing them, discipline goes away and penalties pile up, defensive game gets lost.
They don't play well unless
1. they're guilty/urgent from losses. They start seasons slow and series slow.
2. Their coach got shit canned.
3. A trade was made.
There's just no accountability and pride in that locker room to take the game to the opponent and start positive. It's always negative to urgency to positive. You really have to appreciate a team like Boston who sets standards and don't put up with the bullshit hot cold.. here for a game gone for a game crap this team does.
It will be the end of the in the playoffs again. It's the Oilers.. first one is free because we don't bring our A game until we've been punched in the face. And any sort of success leads to complacency.
If I didn't think the team was so stacked I'd be ok. But taking the year as whole into account. Thumbs down boys... thumbs f***ing down.