Oilers Morning News

A couple of items in the news today on the Oilers.  Sheldon Souray and Steve Staios have "concussion-like" symptoms, Fernando Pisani has a wonky back, Ethan Moreau has an ankle thing, and Lubomir Visnovsky isn't 100% off of his shoulder surgery.   A couple of these guys would like the clock to spin backwards for awhile.

"He's always been a hard worker, but maybe he lost his confidence at times. I think this has been a good change for him."

--Steve Staios on Ladislav Smid

In the same article Staios throws blame on MacTavish for Smid's problems.  Steady Steve's hard-around clears are just as responsible for retarding the development of Smid's game.

Additionally, the Oilers are still monitoring Steve Staios, who returned to the lineup Saturday after sitting out one game with a concussion.

--Joanne Ireland, on Steve Staios' current condition.

Are the OIlers the only team in the NHL that rush people back from head injuries, or do I have some sort of selection bias?

There's no structural damage. "There's no(herniated) disc problem," said Pisani, who wanted to clear up that perception. He has to sit out 10 games or 24 days, however, so his $2.5-million US salary won't count against the Oilers' salary cap.

--Jim Matheson on Fernando Pisani's injury.

Six more games until Pisani can come back to the lineup, where he's desperately needed.  Who will go to the press box? 

He's got talent, but he's so raw. Can he think the game well enough?

--David Staples on Gilbert Brule.

At this point, no.  He's got fan support because he runs around the ice and hits people, but he's not been good thus far.

"I'm anxious to have my first start of the season."

--Jeff Deslauriers on riding the bench again this season.

Another veteran coach with some nervousness about Deslauriers.  Should be fun to watch.