Are we having fun yet? Back in the pre-season, one tabloid columnist in town wrote, “Get giddy. The next few years are going to be a lot of fun in Edmonton.” He then proceeded to pick the Edmonton Oilers to not only return to the playoffs after two straight years out, but to win the Northwest.

A lot of people felt the same way at the time, but with the Oilers staggering down the stretch drive with just three wins in their last dozen games after a 3-2 overtime loss to Colorado at Rexall Place Saturday, the term “giddy” doesn’t come to mind. Thirteen points back of the division-leading Flames after their third straight loss and fourth OT defeat in the last six, the Oilers awoke Sunday clinging to eighth place with 73 points. With 14 games left, the Oilers might yet find a way to keep a post-season date, but let’s face it, this

isn’t a team that’s going anywhere in the playoffs except to the first tee box after four or five games against San Jose or Detroit.

JUST SAYING
Sheldon Souray hasn’t worn a visor during his NHL career, having chosen to take it off when he left junior, like many players do. Souray, however, told me last week he will consider putting the visor back on next season in the wake of the eye injury suffered by Oiler captain and close friend Ethan Moreau.

Call me crazy, but why do players who’ve worn a visor all through minor hockey and their junior careers take it off in the first place when the reach the NHL?

WHILE I’M AT IT
About 60 per cent of players in the NHL wear visors today, compared to about just 15 per cent in 1998-99, meaning there’s about 250 players out there still risking their vision for no good reason.

more sports stories

Bryant pours in 27 points in Lakers’ 94-92 victory over Raptors

TORONTO — Kobe Bryant didn’t need a huge game to dismantle the Toronto Raptors, just one good look with a few seconds left on the clock.

Metta World Peace changes his name, not his game

TORONTO - Metta World Peace is playing under a new name this NBA season but his game remains the same.

Lidstrom sets mark in 1,550th game with Red Wings

DETROIT - Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom has played in his 1,550th game, the most by an NHL player who spent his entire career with one team.

Add your comment

Comments are not reviewed before posting. If you believe a comment has violated the commenting guidelines, please alert a moderator using links provided.