from Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal,

As Craig Ramsay grappled for a way to illustrate his exasperation during the Edmonton Oilers’ lamentable trip through California, he zeroed in on one play in the game against the Anaheim Ducks.

It was late in the third period, the Ducks already had a 5-1 lead and rookie defenceman Brandon Davidson went down to block a shot.

“I thought he was going to take it in the face, but he was willing to do that,” said Ramsay, an Oilers assistant coach. “That’s the kind of thing I’m talking about.

“The players don’t quite understand what it takes to win and play consistently and challenge in the National Hockey League. You have to be ready and willing to battle and you do the hard things that allow you to win.

“It’s not about a toe-drag top-shelf-er. It’s about banging one in from the goal crease. It’s about putting your foot out (to make a block).”

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