ALEX GIROUX GETS ANOTHER LOOK

Getting a Shot...


Even though it's been reported that Gilbert Brule is ready to play, Alex Giroux will be in the line-up again tonight against the Washington Capitals.


Giroux is leading the OKC Barons team in scoring with a 29-36-65 in 61 games for the Barons. Last year in Hershey, he scored 50-53-103 in 69 games for the Bears and he had 97 point in 2008 - 2009 in Hershey as well. This guy can score goals! I get that it's an at AHL level, and the knock on this guy seems to be that he isn't able to keep up in the NHL in terms of his skating ability. At least that's all I have personally heard about him. 


Giroux is exactly what this team needs, if the Oilers can find a spot for him as a regular in the top 6 / top 9 forwards. A forward with size AND skill. Giroux checks in at 6' 2" 200 Lbs. that makes him the biggest top 9 forward on this team. 


He scored his first goal the other night, and he looked good from where I was sitting last night in Philly. I noticed that he  automatically plants himself in front of the net. The Oilers have not had a guy do that consistently since Ryan Smyth in my opinion. Penner used to do it sporadically,but Giroux looks like he wants to be there all the time.


As stated above, it's been reported that Giroux will play in lieu of Brule tonight. I think this is an awesome decision by the coaching staff. This year is supposed to be about development, and while Giroux is a veteran in the AHL, we could definitely develop him into a useful Oiler.


I like Brule's edge to his game, he seems to be the only Oilers forward that wants to consistently be a physical presence when he's in the line-up. But, the guy just can't stay healthy. Between injury and ailment, it seems like he just can't keep the skates on. also, (probably due to injury / ailment) he hasn't been that good this year. Last year he took a bit of a step forward, getting his personal best in scoring, but this year was a step back from there.


Anyways...I got my wish last night although it is hard to cheer for losses. the thing that helped was that Ottawa beat the New Jersey Devils. This put us back into thirtieth. After this road trip we should have a solid grasp on last with a bit of a cushion.


GO ELPH GO!!