Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 13:53:45 GMT -5
Bill Skinner here in Edmonton, where I had a chance to talk with Chris Mitchell regarding his thoughts, and future plans, involving the Oilers franchise.
Bill Skinner: "Chris, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Now that you have had some time to think about the season, what are your thoughts on how the team performed overall?"
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill. I cant say that Im happy that its over already, but at the same time, Im not surprised. There is a lot of work to do with this team, but the season overall was pretty good. I wish we were still playing, and this interview was going to be later on, but as I said prior to the season starting, I didnt expect too much in the first year. We finished above .500 with a record of 42-33-7, and that put us 17th in the league overall. Considering how tight the race was coming down the stretch, I feel we held our own for the most part. The guys should be proud of themselves for putting up such a fight and hanging on until the end."
Bill Skinner: "As far as the team goes, did anyone really stand out for you this year?"
Chris Mitchell: "All the guys played well. Some had more struggles than others, which is typical in this league. Ryan Getzlaf and Johan Franzen both played in all 82 games for us, and both put up some decent numbers. Getzlaf led our team with 27g-42a-69p and Franzen posted 26g-25a-51p, so they basically carried this team up front all season long. On our defense, we had our struggles, but someone who really impressed me was Calvin de Haan once we acquired him. He is still very young, but he played a big part for us this year, and he definately has opened some eyes here with the franchise. In net, I really dont know what to say about Ben Bishop. He appeared in 61 games for us, and posted a 33-23-4 record, to go along with a respectable 2.34GAA and a 0.916 save percentage. Its a shame that he didnt get more goal support, and that is something we will look to add during the offseason through the draft, as well as the free agency period. He really carried us all year, as our backup goaltending was definately a weak spot. Again, the whole team had its good moments, and bad moments. But overall, Im happy with how we performed. We have room to grow, and that is what we will do going forward into next season."
Bill Skinner: "Talk about special teams play if you will for a moment. How did your team do overall on the PP and PK?"
Chris Mitchell: "I was hoping you wouldnt want to talk about that. Both our PP and PK really struggled all season long. Our PP was ranked 18th overall in the league, and our PK was ranked 21st. Teams werent afraid to take penalties against us, and when we took penalties, well, the puck usually ended up in the back of our net. Our special teams play will have to improve quite a bit next season if we are to improve as a team."
Bill Skinner: "One last thing before I let you go. How confident are you that this team will be at least a playoff contender next season?"
Chris Mitchell: "I would have to say that as long as I make the right moves in the draft, as well as signing the right free agents, there is no reason this team shouldnt make the playoffs next year. We came very close this season, so I see no reason why this team cant be in the playoffs at this time next season."
Bill Skinner: "Thanks for your time Chris. I look forward to our next meeting after the draft."
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill. See you soon."
There you have it. The Oilers are beginning the planning for next season already. It will be a long summer here for sure, but it should be worth the wait for next year. Reporting live from Edmonton, this is Bill Skinner.
Bill Skinner: "Chris, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Now that you have had some time to think about the season, what are your thoughts on how the team performed overall?"
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill. I cant say that Im happy that its over already, but at the same time, Im not surprised. There is a lot of work to do with this team, but the season overall was pretty good. I wish we were still playing, and this interview was going to be later on, but as I said prior to the season starting, I didnt expect too much in the first year. We finished above .500 with a record of 42-33-7, and that put us 17th in the league overall. Considering how tight the race was coming down the stretch, I feel we held our own for the most part. The guys should be proud of themselves for putting up such a fight and hanging on until the end."
Bill Skinner: "As far as the team goes, did anyone really stand out for you this year?"
Chris Mitchell: "All the guys played well. Some had more struggles than others, which is typical in this league. Ryan Getzlaf and Johan Franzen both played in all 82 games for us, and both put up some decent numbers. Getzlaf led our team with 27g-42a-69p and Franzen posted 26g-25a-51p, so they basically carried this team up front all season long. On our defense, we had our struggles, but someone who really impressed me was Calvin de Haan once we acquired him. He is still very young, but he played a big part for us this year, and he definately has opened some eyes here with the franchise. In net, I really dont know what to say about Ben Bishop. He appeared in 61 games for us, and posted a 33-23-4 record, to go along with a respectable 2.34GAA and a 0.916 save percentage. Its a shame that he didnt get more goal support, and that is something we will look to add during the offseason through the draft, as well as the free agency period. He really carried us all year, as our backup goaltending was definately a weak spot. Again, the whole team had its good moments, and bad moments. But overall, Im happy with how we performed. We have room to grow, and that is what we will do going forward into next season."
Bill Skinner: "Talk about special teams play if you will for a moment. How did your team do overall on the PP and PK?"
Chris Mitchell: "I was hoping you wouldnt want to talk about that. Both our PP and PK really struggled all season long. Our PP was ranked 18th overall in the league, and our PK was ranked 21st. Teams werent afraid to take penalties against us, and when we took penalties, well, the puck usually ended up in the back of our net. Our special teams play will have to improve quite a bit next season if we are to improve as a team."
Bill Skinner: "One last thing before I let you go. How confident are you that this team will be at least a playoff contender next season?"
Chris Mitchell: "I would have to say that as long as I make the right moves in the draft, as well as signing the right free agents, there is no reason this team shouldnt make the playoffs next year. We came very close this season, so I see no reason why this team cant be in the playoffs at this time next season."
Bill Skinner: "Thanks for your time Chris. I look forward to our next meeting after the draft."
Chris Mitchell: "Anytime Bill. See you soon."
There you have it. The Oilers are beginning the planning for next season already. It will be a long summer here for sure, but it should be worth the wait for next year. Reporting live from Edmonton, this is Bill Skinner.
