Edmonton Oilers Doomed from Start Against Columbus
The early signs pointed to an ominous night at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Before the game started, star forward Taylor Hall fell during the pregame warmup, and was subsequently cut by defenceman Corey Potter’s skate. The gash was above his eye, and required 30 stitches, leaving him unable to play at all.
As for the game itself, it’s a similar tune for the Oilers faithful. Early lead, lackluster play and allowing an inferior opponent to claw its way back into the game. Columbus’s tying goal with just 0.8 seconds left in the 2nd period sapped the momentum away from the visitors.
The game ended with a 4-2 Columbus victory. The Oilers have been outscored 9-2 by the 30th and 29th place teams in the NHL. Are there reasons for concern after the recent efforts? Absolutely. Perhaps the biggest concern is this: Does this team hate to lose? The compete level has been absent the past several games. A Columbus team without the likes of James Wisniewski, Jeff Carter and Kristian Huselius proved too great a match for the Edmonton Oilers.
Times may be changing in Edmonton with the entire coaching staff and General Manager Steve Tambellini having expiring contracts. That will be a topic addressed on a later day. Happy Tuesday.
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