06/08/2006 Archived Entry: "Clinging to hope"

So there I sat Monday night, watching Roloson get run
into AGAIN around midway into the third period of the
first game of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been one
of the constants surrounding the Edmonton keeper
throughout his playoff run. Aside from his consistent
performances and stellar play, you could also count on
him being run over or interfered with in every game.
He has clearly been the most violated goaltender
during this playoff campaign (no dirty thoughts
please). The collision resulted when Marc-Andre
Bergeron, the Oiler defenceman, cut off Andrew Ladd on
his way to the net, causing them both to barrel into
Roli and crush his right leg against the post.

I heard myself saying, "I hope he's ok", as the
trainer ran onto the ice with Roli sprawled in his
crease. Following the commercial break, everything
seemed fine as Roli was back on his feet, until
Conklin (the backup goaltender) found his way into the
crease. I was in disbelief, crying out "no, no, go
away, go away!". The Oilers ended up losing the game
on a costly mistake by Conklin with 40 seconds to
spare. But honestly, the loss of the game did not
concern me, as I awaited word on Roli's status.

It didn't take long before MacTavish (Oilers coach)
declared that Roloson would be lost for the rest of
the playoffs. I found it a little suspiscious for him
to have made the declaration so early. Normally
coaches like to wait things out, keep the media
guessing, and, most importantly, keep the other team
on their toes. I clung to the hope that I would see
the golden shimmer of his mask once again...perhaps
not in game 2, but later down the line.

Questions loomed as to who would replace Roli in net
for game 2. Both Conklin and Markannen struggled
during the regular season, but the Edmonton players
and staff expressed confidence in both their
abilities. Of course they voiced their
confidence...all they need is one lucky streak and the
cup is theirs. But I'm absolutely certain that deep
down inside, they have as little faith in their
back-up goaltenders as I do. The men in blue would
have been golfing even PRIOR to these playoffs, had
the Oilers not acquired Roloson at the trade deadline.
His antics in net are definitely the reason for their
berth in the final series. Let's not kid ourselves,
the Oilers are in a dire situation.

So game 2 was played out last night with Markannen
between the pipes. With the Oilers down 3-0 by the
end of the 2nd period, I cried, "I want my Roli back!"
Lo and behold, Roli was back during the second
intermission, but CBC had clearly misinterpreted what
I meant. He returned in the form of an interview with
Ron MacLean. Excited to maybe hear of a return, hope
turned into despair when I saw him clean shaven for
the first time during this playoff run. No folks, no
smoke and mirrors this time. Roli is out for
good...:O!

The Oilers ending up losing the game 5-0. I wouldn't
have minded so much if Roli were in net and that were
the score, because I would have known that the team
played to the best of its ability. Sure, if you
listen to sports commentators or read their columns
about last night's game, they'll be sure to state that
it was not Markannen's fault. I mean, look at the big
0 posted by the Oilers in terms of scoring. But, you
must understand one thing. Psychologically, the whole
team is affected by Roli's absence. They are hiding
behind the disillusionment of being able to handle
adversity. Their level of confidence has taken a huge
hit and it's manifesting itself in how they are
playing on the ice. Sure, on a goal by goal analysis,
the loss may not have been Markannen's fault
directly...but the indirect ramifications have cheated
the Oilers of a victory.

dAN (an Oiler fAN)

Replies: 7 comments

2-1... keep on hoping.

Posted by Étienne @ 06/12/2006 09:25 AM EST

Though I very much disagree with your favourtism for Roloson I am happy to have seen the OT goal tonight which means the Oil live to see another day.

Posted by Mike @ 06/14/2006 11:28 PM EST

Disagree with my favouritism for Roli just in general or think I'm attributing too much to him? Did you see Markannen in nets? No rebound control and immense luck...he just flops in front of shots.

Posted by dAN @ 06/15/2006 09:08 AM EST

ah, sorry for the confusion, what I meant was that you are attributing too much to him.

Posted by Mike @ 06/16/2006 07:35 AM EST

Only because the Oil wouldn't even have been past the first round, were it not for him.

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