The Oilers need grit

While I'm sure this is not a revelation, it's something that has been bothering me for a couple weeks or more now. Edmonton tends to play a passive game, and if they're behind by 2 goals, they pack it in, saying. If the other team starts to forecheck on them, they buckle.

If it wasn't for Roloson, the Oilers would be battling for dead last in the division.

There is nobody that turns the tide anymore. Stoll did it single handidly last night, but that'll be the last time he does all season. Winchester tries, but continually gets his ass kicked in the process - and is now in the press box. JF Jacques might as well just fuck off, he doesn't understand why he's on the team at all. Combine Laraque with Debrusk and you got JF Jacques, minus 71 career goals. Oh yeah, and the whole fighting aspect.

Torres can change the tide when he decides he wants to play. Which is never.

So where are the Oil at now? Someone needs to kick this team in the ass when they're slacking. It's not a popular idea, but I want Todd Harvey back. The guy would die on the ice to save a goal, or defend a team mate. He would never think twice about throwing a hit to change the momentum. He is still the same guy that captained the 93 World Junior Canadian Team to a gold medal. The guy wears his heart on his sleeve.

And he'd sign for the minimum amount of money, which at this point is less than 250k against the Oilers salary cap for the year.

The Oilers have no tough guys, Horcoff has had to step in when Liles kneed Smyth. Even the mighty Ducks have that mustachioed hero George Parros in the lineup. I say mighty in the sense they're unbeatable, not to disregard their name change.

Another area to look into. Oiler players are dropping like flies, and nobody is standing up for them. It's unfortunate that Barnaby is already employed by the Stars, he'd be a fit in Edmonton to cover both grit and enforcer.

Something needs to be done, soon. The defense might be a concern come trade deadline. The grit is a concern right now.