The main reason for RNH and Eberle's struggles this season compared to last year is that they're not getting the same sheltered minutes that they got from Renney last year. Last season, Renney would limit their defensive zone faceoffs while giving the line more offensive zone starts. Also they were mostly not playing against the other team's top line and defenders. This year, Kreuger is using RNH's line in all types of situations and they're going up against other team's top lines and top pairing dmen. Unless your name is Crosby or Malkin, thats no small feat for any 19 year old player. And even though RNH hasn't produced like he has last year, his 2 way game is still excellent and he hasn't looked out of place at all going up against players like Toews and Datsyuk.
This season hasn't been a complete disaster for the Oilers. Hall, Hemsky, Gagner, Schultz, and Paajarvi have all played relatively well. I think if Eberle and RNH had maintained their pace from last season, the Oilers would be in a playoff spot right now. Having said that, after seeing the continuing struggles of the Oilers, I am questioning whether this team has the right make-up to be successful going forward. They have alot of skill and talent, but they lack the grit and size in the top6 to be true contenders. Also defence and goaltending need to be shored up as well. Still lots of work left to do and I'm not too confident in Tambellini/Lowe in getting that job done.
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