Truth & Rumors > NHL

Promo_BaseballChallenge_638x30

How Gagner got his game back

Views
3271
Comments
7

The transition from rookie to regular contributor was supposed to be an easy one. At least that's what Sam Gagner was thinking when he returned to the Edmonton Oilers last fall. He'd put in extra time during his off-season workouts, he had last year's success to draw on and he had the same linemates. What could go wrong? How could he fall prey to the dreaded sophomore jinx? "I worked pretty hard in the off-season and I thought I was pretty prepared. I had pretty high expectations of myself coming in. When it doesn't happen right away, you begin to panic," said an older, wiser, more productive Gagner on the eve of yet another must-win game. "I started to get my game back and now I'm feeling a lot better," Gagner continued. There's been an ankle injury to play through, questions about his ability to find the game that netted him 49 points in his debut year, and a team struggling to generate more offence. Gagner's game has improved defensively too. On March 2, he was minus-5. Today, he is even.

Edmonton Journal

Sam Gagner, AP Sam Gagner, AP

Comments (7) Add A Comment

April 8, 2009  07:55 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

OK? That's a pretty short period of time to be praising someone for. Either way, it at least goes to show you that you need to work as hard as possible all the time, to be able to be in shape to compete at that level.

April 8, 2009  10:09 AM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

*Announcement*--searching for a Canes fan to participate in a Playoff avatar challenge and represent their team. If interested, FM BGM, bernie parent or myself.

April 8, 2009  12:00 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE
QUOTE(#2):
Originally posted 10:09 AM ET  04.08 by LGP: Stanley Cup Champs

*Announcement*--searching for a Canes fan to participate in a Playoff avatar challenge and represent their team. If interested, FM BGM, bernie parent or myself.

LGP...are you also hooked on the movie, Desparately seeking Susan?
--------------
OK? That's a pretty short period of time to be praising someone for.
---------------
Mo...some had the Habs all set to upset the Bruins or Caps in the 1st round for their short stint over the bottom 4 in the Eastern conference....Hahahahaha-hahahaha- Now they have lost 2 straight and the best is yet to come...Bruins & Pens...LOL
Chitty-chitty-bang-bang...cough-spurt-cough...cry. Go habs. hahahaha & their homer fans rejoice...Yes, I can say these things, I live in Montreal. What a laugher seeing this stuff first hand...Tabernac!

April 8, 2009  12:38 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

Mr B-ded

Habs are done like dinner. But you knew that.

April 8, 2009  01:19 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE
QUOTE(#3):
Originally posted 12:00 PM ET  04.08 by Baun-ded=PUCKHEAD

LGP...are you also hooked on the movie, Desparately seeking Susan?--------------OK? That's a pretty short period of time to be praising someone for.---------------Mo...some had the Habs all set to upset the Bruins or Caps in the 1st round for their short stint over the bottom 4 in the Eastern conference....Hahahahaha-hahahaha- Now they have lost 2 straight and the best is yet to come...Bruins & Pens...LOLChitty-chitty-bang-bang...cough-spurt-cough...cry. Go habs. hahahaha & their homer fans rejoice...Yes, I can say these things, I live in Montreal. What a laugher seeing this stuff first hand...Tabernac!

That was my prediction at the time, and yeah... I was wrong... totally wrong...

April 8, 2009  04:03 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE

I hope Gagner lights 'em up for their last two games...need the Coilers to beat the other hick-ville team in Cowtown to help the 'Nucks win the NW crown.

 
April 8, 2009  04:30 PM ET
Report Abuse | QUOTE
QUOTE(#8):
Originally posted 04:03 PM ET  04.08 by Linden16

I hope Gagner lights 'em up for their last two games...need the Coilers to beat the other hick-ville team in Cowtown to help the 'Nucks win the NW crown.

I hope he mails in his effort....

If Columbus can pip 5th your boys would be playing in C Town which would be a great series.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


The Si.com Cover Hub Go to the Cover Hub

Stub Hub

The 2009 schedule has been released. Search for tickets!

Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Meeting with fans backfires on Browns owner
    Views
    20206
    Comments
    847
  2. 2
    Canseco wants to fight A-Rod
    Views
    32301
    Comments
    190
  3. 3
    Yankees ace recruiting LeBron to Knicks
    Views
    16444
    Comments
    75
  4. 4
    Can Red Sox re-sign Bay?
    Views
    5526
    Comments
    70
  5. 5
    Brady denies influencing officials
    Views
    5090
    Comments
    61

Most Active Users

Comments + Blog Posts + Throwdowns

  1. 1
    Porkins: F U to Hell, BCS
  2. 2
    RobertMenn: You stole my rake
  3. 3
    Perfectpats
  4. 4
    sign here
  5. 5
    Oso: Yankees win again?

Message Boards

  1. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    CFB Game Day 11/7/2009
    Views
    267
    Replies
    105

  2. NCAAF > General NCAAF

    Rivalries/hated teams
    Views
    228
    Replies
    27

  3. NFL > General NFL

    Ok, who would you consider to…
    Views
    188
    Replies
    45

Blogs

SI.com

Swimsuit

Jessica GomesJessica Gomes
Danica PatrickDanica Patrick

SI Photos

Tweets of the WeekTweets of the Week
Did You See That?Did You See That?