[browna]

Meh, McLellan rode them like horses too.

Besides Oiler coaches knowing that these guys are a unique talent, I’m fairly certain the coaches in that organization past and present have their edict from higher up in the organization to make sure that those two have the spotlight on them every night, at any cost and however ridiculous to the team concept.

Be it padding points or taking 6 minute shifts, if the media in the league league are talking at or marvelling at Oiler players like that, Lowe can have his ego fed and validated around the league by having two such players that wisp sepia toned memories for fans, back to Messier and Gretzky.

Similarly, Hall as a top player, was pumped up by McT and Lowe as being bigger than the team, and as a result had no respect of authority for the coach, and the when clashing with the coach (in the Flames game where he sprayed water, and am sure many times behind the scenes) he won the organizational battle over Eakins. Which leads to more instability with coaches, further players agents and coaches avoiding the Oilers, Oilers having to over pay to attract average talent, and then when the cap runs dry, backfilling with AHL talent and missing the playoffs and the promise of another high draft pick.