Buchy spent the last two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Oilers and Smith spent the last two seasons as a Pro Scout with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Everyone knows about Buchy and what he brings to this team, with his 18 year NHL career (including 13 seasons with the Oil), as well as some head coaching in the minors.



Smith was a surprise announcement as there was no indication that he was being considered for the position. It has been reported that Don Hay was the Oilers first choice for this position, but when he declined the offer the Oil went with Smith. Smith was a great Oiler, helping them in winning 3 of their 5 Stanley Cups.

However, Smith will always been known for his clearing attempt that ended up bouncing off Grant Fuhr and into his own net in game 7 of the 1986 playoffs vs the Calgary Flames.

The conversation on the air waves following this announcement was very mixed, some people are staying positive and willing to give this new staff some time to turn things around, while other people are not impressed that the Oil have once again maintained the Old Boy`s Club in making this decision.

Once again, as the details came out and radio and tv interviews were conducted it was clear that once again nothing is clear. We were lead to believe by Oiler Management that Steve Tambellini was putting this staff together, based on people that he trusts and is confortable with, with no interference from Lowe. Hmmmmmm, so how exactly does Smith fit into this theory you ask, well when Smith was interviewed on The Team 1260 he explained how he had a conversation with Lowe at this years NHL Entry Draft about coaching opportunities with the Oilers.

This is exactly the type of garbage that is creating an environment of mistrust for Oiler management within the legion of Oiler fans. I for one don`t trust a word that comes out of any of their mouths.

Bottom line . . . . just get your crap together and turn this sinking ship around. If this happens, then the make up of the staff is irrelevant, if this doesn`t happen and the team continues to show little to no sign of getting back to a level of respectability then I will personally take up the leadership of a linch mob that will not be happy with anything less than Lowes head.