Like Lambs to the Slaughter

Arriving home after a glorious month of a driving holiday, a nasty surprise awaits. Not only has Ryan Smyth (in my opinion, the ultimate hockey warrior) been traded to the backwater NY Islanders, but half of the remaining roster is unknown to me! Has not the Eskimos missing the playoffs been sufficient punishment for any misdeeds of the faithful? Apparently not. It is painfully obvious that the self-styled "City of Champions" will witness both their professional teams sitting out the post-season this year.

As the Oilers play out the string, last night they met the Anaheim Ducks. Now, more than a few of us have picked the Ducks to be Stanley Cup finalists this year. There would, however, be some small measure of redemption if the Oilers could upset these said Ducks. After all, anchoring their defense is the mighty Chris Pronger - the Oilers best hope for a repeat of last years Cup challenge, had he not fled the North Country for the charms of southern California. Alas, stud Chris is out with a broken ankle, so no consolation victory is even available there.

Doesn't matter. In addition to underperforming all season, five of the Oilers seven starting defensemen are in the injury bay, along with an additional five forwards. So, with 10 rookies in the lineup (you call that a lineup??) the chances for an upset are about as remote as all your kids remembering your birthday.

Sure enough, after watching episode 2 of season 5 of 24, (Sorry Meg - but everyone gets killed in this episode), I check in on the game, just in case.......

Like lambs to the slaughter, its 4-1 Ducks in the third. Ends up 5-1.

Sigh. But maybe there's hope for next year. I hear that the Oilers will be signing Joe Thornton, Alex Ovechkin, Jerome Iginla, Sidney Crosby, David Beckham and the Sedin Twins for next season.