Oilers are screwed. Figuratively and literally.

After the initial shock of the news of Pisani being out indefinitely, now hits the realization that the Oilers are screwed, both figuratively and literally. With our group of 12 forwards already looking not so hot on paper, and the right side being seriously thinned out with the loss of Ferny, What's Lowe to do? Pray that Hemsky has finally learned to shoot? That Schremp will come into training camp and prove to be a GOD ready for calibre minutes in the NHL after scoring 17g-36a-53pts in 69 GP in the AHL last season? That any one of the forwards can score more than 29 goals? That the defense is really an improvement over the defense we had last season? Can he pull a trade that might actually help this team?

WHY DO THE HOCKEY GODS HATE US SO??!?!?!

Is Pisani really even replaceable? Sure, he's "only" a two-way forward that has scored an average of 14g-32pts in the last 3rd seasons, but he has become very much a heart-and-soul player on this team that plays the PK and many important shut-down minutes. Plus, he's killer in the shoot-outs. Without him we won't even be getting close to going to any shoot-outs though.
After being so darn excited yesterday for the season to be starting soon, today it just looks grim. I love my boys so, but it's going to be another painful season.
Godspeed Ferny.

Brian Burke is probably feeling pretty smug today. Dammit.