Something Positive

The Oilers have won two in a row. It would be easy to be negative and point out that the wins have come against the lowly Buffalo Sabres and an injury depleted New York Rangers squad. It would be easy to point out that the wins have come against smaller Eastern Conference opponents. It would also be easy to point out the team’s dismal record against teams in their own conference. However, I am really tired of writing and talking about how poor the Edmonton Oilers are. Droning on ad nauseam about Dallas Eakins, the lack of a centre ice depth, and the missteps of management really takes the enjoyment out of the game. Instead, I’d rather talk about something positive I’ve been noticing for a while and something that was very obvious during last night’s game- the progression of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

The rush that setup the game winning goal by Pouliot exemplifies how RNH is taking s step forward. It was an elite play by an elite player. He has gained a step or two on his foot speed from previous seasons and he looks to be a player with the confidence to square off against the other elite players in the game. I don’t think anyone ever questioned his hockey sense or skill; the only question seemed to be whether he would evolve into merely a very good player or an elite player. His play last night (and many nights this season) foreshadows an elite player in the making.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has averaged 0.73 PPG in his 3+ NHL seasons. He is averaging 0.77 this season (10 pts in 13 games). When compared to the first three seasons of other centres who were themselves recently picked in the top 3 of the NHL draft, Nugent-Hopkins is holding his own:

• Jonathan Toews (first three seasons): 222 GP, 191 PTS, 0.86 PPG
• Matt Duchene (first three seasons): 219 GP, 150 PTS, 0.68 PPG
• John Tavares (first three seasons): 243 GP, 202 PTS, 0.83 PPG
• Tyler Seguin (first three seasons): 203 GP, 121 PTS. 0.60 PPG
• Steven Stamkos (first three seasons): 243 GP, 232 PTS, 0.95 PPG

You can see some guys have been slightly better, some have been slightly worse, and Steven Stamkos is Steven Stamkos. RNH is firmly in the mix and his output should only improve. The player we are viewing nightly is a far more confident and dominant force than the ‘Baby Nuge’ we’ve witnessed in the past. Having an elite first line centre is as luxury that not all teams enjoy. The Oilers have one and a player who could fill that spot for the next ten years. If that isn’t a positive I don’t know what is.

The best part is that even though he hasn’t been scoring, Nail Yakupov appears to be stepping up his game as well and firing the puck at will. If he starts finding the net and RNH continues his ascension, the Oilers could still have a better season than last. Playoffs? I’m not that delusional. Meaningful games down the stretch? I felt before the Oilers would be playing meaningful games near the end and I still do.

Really Long Run for MS

As a person living with Multiple Sclerosis I am very fortunate. I still play hockey, run, and do most everything I was able to do before I was diagnosed. For me the worst symptoms are fatigue (sometimes extreme), issues with my balance, and constant numbness in my hands and feet. However, I am one of the lucky ones and many with this disease find simple things like walking next to impossible and there are many who can’t walk at all. Every spring my wife and I ride in the MS Bike from Leduc to Camrose. This year I have decided to run the 85 KM (one leg of the MS Bike) in a single day two weeks prior to the big ride to raise money and awareness. On May 23rd, 2015 I will begin the run in the wee hours of the morning and be met during the day by others who will run portions with me (and hopefully keep me sane and motivated). All money raised will go to the MS Society of Canada. If you would like to know more, donate, volunteer, or even join me for a portion of the run you can get more information by clicking here.