Edmonton Oilers: Will Dr. Jekyll Or Mr. Hyde Show Up Tuesday?

If 2005-06 season was the one of big comebacks, 2006-07 the big losing streak, 2007-08 year of the kids, then this season is the bipolar season. 

The Oilers proved that once again that they are the kings of confusion on Saturday night.  After Mr. Hyde appeared against the Columbus Blue Jackets he quickly returned to Dr. Jekyll two days later.

It is a frustrating tendancy that this teams has developed.  If the team as a collective was a person they should be either on meds or going to see a psychiatrist.  

For many fans of the team it has created a sense of indifference amongst the fans.  Some fan board going so far as to question whether they would rather see Coach Craig MacTavish fired or the team get into the playoffs. 

If you are Owner Daryl Katz or anyone else in the Oilers brain trust that is a scary proposition.  Because if the fans feel they would rather see people fired than make the playoffs it may hurt their ticket buying when season ticket renewals are coming up.

Since the Stanley Cup playoff run of 2006 the fans have been very willing to buy up the tickets, creating a waiting list of over 1000 people.  They have bought the Merchandise.

In fact even in the so-called Calgary Flames strongholds of southern Alberta many stores have trouble keeping Oilers stuff in.  This has been true even with the Flames in the playoffs every year since 2004. 

If the worm starts to turn and fan annoyance turns to apathy it cannot be good for the bottom line.

As the team continues to bounce from one side or the other, holds a poor home record and generally creates a feeling that the team is dysfunctional.  Add into the mix a general economic malaise and one could argue that Dr. Jekyll better put Mr. Hyde away for good.

Now is the time for the saner side of the Oilers to take over, for players making more money than most people earn in a lifetime to realize they are not being given a free ride.  And most importantly, it is now that coaches who are considered to be good ones to make their move.

Before Mr. Jekyll takes over for the rest of the season.