Beers and Jeers #69 (Oct. 12/09 vs. Nashville Predators)

Well thanks once again to Paq Twinn for Tweeting the game for us tonight with his TweetCast© .  You did a great job.

** For those of you that don't have Twitter, you can come here every game and there will be a box at the top of the webpage.  There you will have Paq Twinn's TweetCast© Live and up to date without subscribing to Twitter.**

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques-Horcoff-Hemsky
O’Sullivan-Gagner-Stone
Penner-Brule-Comrie
Moreau-Cogliano-Stortini

Gilbert-Visnovsky
Smid-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Deslauriers
Khabibulin

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**The Period Summaries are a Re-Post to Paq Twinn's Twitter Game Day Live Feed**

1st period

- Oilers 1st road game this year.
- Pekka Rinne in net for the Preds
- Nashville wins face-off, gets chance, save by JDD
- Good pace in opening 2 minutes
- Storts vs Grant, good tilt, lots of punches, pretty even.
- Nashville with some pressure, a few shots.
- Shots are 5-1 for the preds at 16:00
- Oilers not looking sharp early.
- Horcoff scores! from Hemsky on a 2 on 1.
- Oilers up 1-0 at 12:00 mins left in first period
- Oilers skating harder after the goal
- The top line for EDM is looking better every game. #thebesttonightsofar
- Brule scores! on a cross crease pass from Penner. 2-0 Oilers. 9:00 mins left in the first.
- Oilers starting to take over the play late in 1st Period.
- Oilers go on PP, Goc 2 for holding
- PP goal for Storts, pass from Comrie
- 3-0 Oilers 6:00 mins left in the 1st. #goodroadperiod
- Hemsky goes off for 2, 5:38
- Oilers kill it off, JDD with a couple saves
- Smid goes off for tripping. 2:55
- Oilers kill off penalty. Storts scores his 2nd. 30sec. left in 1st. 
- After a shaky start, Oilers take over and lead 4-0 Oilers. 1st intermission.
- JDD looking sharp in first start of the season. made some real nice saves.   #qualitychances
- Storts playing the game of his life tonight. Fight...check, Goal...check. check   #morethanjustaprettyface

2nd Period

- Second period. Preds win face-off
- Comrie and Brule go on a 2 on 1. Ellis makes the save. #oilerschasepekka
- Cogs scores! pass from patty-o. 5-0 Oilers 2mins into 2nd.
- Nashville starting to take chances.
- Brule and Boulion go off for 2. 4 on 4
- Oilers D looks good, even without Souray and Staios. #pickinuptheslack
- Oilers penalty, Moreau off for 2. #badtimingpenalty #goat
- 10:30 left in 2nd. :49 left in PK. Still 5-0 Oilers 
- Oilers have settled into "their" game now. #hitandskate 
- JDD with 20 saves so far tonight.
- Oilers kill off the penalty, not without chances for the Preds. 
- all the lines working well together tonight. #GOILERS 
- Erat 2 mins for interference. 7:44 Oilers PP
- Oilers are plying some good hockey, need to improve on shots for and against ratio though.
- Preds kill off the penalty. #oilersmissSourayonpp
- Smid 2 mins for interference 4:35 left in the 2nd.
- Patty-o with a good shift on PK 
- Oilers kill off penalty, Grebs scores on a nice deke. 2:00 left in 2nd. 6-0 Oilers 
- Brule and Hemsky get the assists. #grebscomesdownfrompoint #topshelf 
- Arnott scores from Hornqvist 6-1 Oilers #lastminutegoal #haventlearnedtheirlesson
- end of 2, 6-1 Oilers shots: 26-17 for the preds.
- I think that Gagner is the best young talent the Oilers got. Taylor Chorney is playing pretty good tonight. #honorablemention

3rd Period

- 3rd period. Oilers win face-off.
- Preds are pressing, for a goal, early. 6-1 Oilers
- pace has slowed. players are more methodical with their plays.
- JDD makes a nice save. #badbounce
- Sullivan in on a breakaway....Stop by JDD!
- 5 mins gone in the 3rd. 6-1 Oilers #lookingconfident
- overall a good game by the #Oilers tonight. Chorney did a good job in his 3rd #NHL game. #noglaringmistakes
- Preds taking shots from all angles now. #cantsolveJDD
- Great glove save by JDD. #southpaw 
- Deslauriers is making a case for more games. #bestiveseenhim
- Stoner goes off for 2 mins. Oilers PK 
- Oilers kill it off thanks to JDD. 6-1 Oilers 9:00 3rd
- Oilers 2nd line of Patty-O Gags and Stoner having a solid night. #soiseveryoneelse
- pace is picking up, Preds trying everthing. #Oilershavtheanswers
- 5:00 mins left in the 3rd period. #GOILERS
- JDD with 39 saves on 40 shots tonight
- Oilers have been out shot 2-1 (ratio) tonight. #secondgameinarow
- Horcoff 2 for tripping at 1:44 of the 3rd.
- Preds playing till the end. #goodonthem
- Oilers kill off the penalty and Win the game by a final score of 6-1.
- JDD(1), Storts(2) and Cogs(3) get the stars. 

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 6

Nashville Predators - 1

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Bad Timing Penalty™

None

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Goat Watch™

Ethan Moreau - Baaad!  He gets another Jeer tonight.

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BEERS

Jeff Deslauriers - The comes in for his 1st start off the year and not only has a 40 save night, but looks good doing it.  I sure hope this preformance puts some ease into the fans of this franchise.  He did well just like he did last year and I'm sure he's going to do the same this year.  Excellent game JDD.  1st game... 1st beer.  Cheers!

Zack Stortini - Mr. Zorg had one heck of a game.  Quite possibly deserved the 1st star.  Two goals on two shots and a fight that lasted an eternity.  The big guy deserves some more PP time.  Quinn rewards those who bust their asses, and Storts did tonight.  He earned the coldest beer I have. Cheers!

Denis Grebeshkov - I haven't been a huge fan of his so far in this season, but he did very good tonight.  he really steped up and ran with the ball.  He still has his moments where you want to puke, not sure if those will ever go away.  I hope so.  The goal he scored was very slick.  Top Cheese as Paq Twinn likes to say.  :) Great game Grebs... How about an imported Temne beer from Russia? Cheers!

Andrew Cogliano - What is it with getting placed on the 4th line and then finding your skills again?  Is it Stortini?  Cause it can't be Moreau.  At any rate, I like Cogliano tonight.  Let's see what Quinn does with him next.  Good job speedy.  Frosty?  Cheers!

Gilbert Brule - This guy seems like he's for real this year.  He's playing at that level where he can make a contribution to the team.  Thank god because I was hoping that he wasn't going to be a bust.  He's trying to play with a nasty edge and it seems to help him compete.  For playing a standup game... How about a Bud?  Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Shawn Horcoff (He scored his 1st of the year and played a good game), Taylor Chorney (He was called up and was put in right away.  It looked like he never left after training camp.  Good game tonight.), Ales Hemsky (He wasn't overly good, he just wasn't that bad either.), Lubomir Visnovsky (He seems to get a little better every game and he is dynamite 5 on 5.), Tom Gilbert (When he's not noticable, he's playing pretty sound hockey.  He did that tonight.), Jason Strudwick (Normal solid game from Struds.)

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JEERS

Sam Gagner - Other than ending the night even at 50% on the faceoff dot, he really did nothing.  You noticed him, but no shots or hits?  That's not how he has been succesful.  A little 4th line duty once again for Sam? Booooooo!

Ryan Stone - He's supposed to be the hitter of this team.  That's his niche and he strayed away from that.  Two more games of that and Big Mac may get a chance.  I can expect a better game from him next time. Boooooooo!

Ethan Moreau - He did nothing.  Once again the people around you are lighting it up.  He did manage to be +2 at the end of the night, but when a guy like him has no hits or blocked shots, then he didn't play well.  That's his type of game, and he was invisable.  I may just have to rekindle the old campaign from last year.  NEED NEW CAPTAIN (NNC).  Boooooooo!

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That was a great game to watch.  It was nice to be on this side of the ass whooping.  See you guys all next time...  GOILERS!!!

Beers and Jeers #63 (Sept 24/09 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning)

After a disappointing last two games, the Oilers tun it up here and actually played a good game.  There was so many bright spots and a little low spots.  Pat Quinn has his job cut out for him.  This isn't some make a change and POOF, Stanley Cup Champion.  Faceoffs are killing this team in the pre-season and I don't see it changing. 

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Moreau — Gagner — Cogliano
Penner — Schremp — Eberle
Nilsson — Brule — Stone
MacIntyre — Reddox — Stortini

Grebeshkov — Staios
Chorney — Gilbert
Smid — Visnovsky

Deslauriers and Dubnyk

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FINAL SCORE
 
Edmonton Oilers - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4  OT
 
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Bad Timing Penalty™
 
Steve Staios - What kind of a leader checks a guy from behind in front of his own net and the play is already headed back the Oilers way?  Steady Steve, that's who.  Good god man.  The Lightning get a PP chance with 10 seconds left in overtime. To top it off, the ensuing faceoff was located in the Oilers zone.  Faceoff win by the TBL and wham boom!  Game over on a St. Louis goal.  ~Atta boy Steve.~
 
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BEERS
 
Andrew Cogliano - The kid was flying on the wing.  He seemed pretty happy to be with Gagner again and it showed.  It was nice to see that pairing passing and skating together.  It was nice to see them "find" each other.  For awhile there, the Kid line was back together one last time (maybe not?!?). Even Nilsson looked good with them and he hasn't been great at all.  Seeing the three kids again made a little sad that that may never happen again.  But for tonight's hard working effort... have a cold one on me Cogs.  Cheers! 
 
Gilbert Brule - He wasn't flashy at all but he played a heck of a game.  He was solid in his own end and did manage to have some chances on the rush.  I was surprised to see him play like this.  Good to see "some" players still want to "make the team."  I think ol' Gil deserves a frosty for the effort.  Cheers!
 
Dustin Penner - The Flying Fridge no more.  He was finishing checks and playing his butt off.  It was nice to hear Quinn say before the game that he was one of his better players so far in the pre-season.  That's a huge compliment for a guy that was the coaches toilet paper last season.  For another solid game... a super sized beer for a super sized effort.  Cheers!
 
Tom Gilbert - He was definitely the best of the worst of the Oilers defence crew.  He managed to play better than the rest of them and was used often.  He really needs to find his groove in order to get the job done.  However, I do like Gilbert.  Well enough to sling a beer his way.  Cheers!
 
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (He didn't do any game breaking stuff, but played well.), Sam Gagner (He was great with Cogliano.  He played real well.  His passes were perfect.), Rob Schremp (He started off not so good but by the middle of the 2nd he was making plays on 5 on 5 and finished game more at the level Quinn wants.  Was this the last game for #88 as an Oiler?), Jordan Eberle (The young rookie battled hard and in return gains more of the coaches respect.), Robert Nilsson (Maybe just a little too late for him?  He was good tonight.)
 
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JEERS
 
Lubomir Visnovsky - The worst of the worst.  He's slow and useless.  He's not making smart plays.  Maybe I was wrong when I said he was good a few games ago.  Maybe I forgot how good he really can be.  Common sense would say he's not in shape.  If he wants to start the year as the 5th or 6th guy, keep playing like that.  Booooooo!
 
Denis Grebeshkov - The second worst of the worst.  Pretty much the same as Visnovsky, but worse giveaways.  Grebs had some very sloppy play tonight.  Losing the puck at the worst time (not like there is a good time), getting caught up ice pinching and his overall defensive game was terrible.  I sure hope that someone other than Souray is going to step up and help this team win some games.  Get better Grebs...  in a hurry.  Booooooo!
 
Steve Staios - I just think he's past his prime and if there is anyway to make a trade for him I'd take it.  He was a big ball of stinky tonight.  He just plain sucked... that is all.  Boooooo!
 
Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau (Did he even play tonight?  How do you spell invisible?), Zack Stortini (Did nothing), Ryan Stone (He clearly won't make the team.  Not an NHLer.)
 
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Who Should Be The Next To Be Sent Down?
 
Ryan Stone, Rob Schremp Marc Pouliot and Kip Brennan
 
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THE GOAT WATCH™
 
Ethan Moreau - He stunk.  I think I picked the right guy.  Need I say more?
 
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What an emotion filled game.  This team is like picking pedals off a flower.  We love them, we love them not.  Once again, we love them.  Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #54 (Apr 2/09 vs. San Jose Sharks)

Well, everyone has talked or heard about the text message so I won't talk about it. Everyone knows that I don't blame MacT 100% for this year. I blame the Captain and the Oilers leaders.

Roli started again for the 34th straight game.

Will MacT ever get his 300th win? This season?

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Kotalik Horcoff Hemsky (This line was good at times, bad at times and just average at times. Not really how a #1 line should be. But it is what it is at this point of the season. Kotalik had 3 shots and 3 hits. Not bad. Horcoff was given limited minutes. Other than faceoffs and passes, he really didn't do anything. We saw Hemsky in flashes. He didn't shoot or hit anyone so.... his passing is sick though.)

Nilsson Gagner O'Sullivan (These guys were going hard all game. Nilsson had a fairly good game. Picked up an assist but gave up the puck a little too much. Gagner had one of his best games. He was hitting people, taking shots from all over the place. He played great. O'Sullivan takes shots from the places that most guys don't. If he gets trapped, he spins away from the guy and takes a shot. He did good in this game.)

Moreau Cogliano Pisani (These guys sucked. They were awful. This line never should have seen ice in the 3rd. If you can't figure out why the PK sucks so bad, then look at this line. If they can't get it done 5 on 5, then how can you expect them to be good being a man short? I feel bad for Cogs. He deserves better linemates. BTW: This was the line that botched the line change on the 1st shift of the game that resulted in the 1st goal of the game. *shakes finger*)

Penner Brodziak Stortini (This 4th line played like a 3rd line. They not only took control of the puck and play, but they caused havoc all game. Penner had a fine game. He played like he wanted to win. Brodziak looks better when he plays with Storts. They compliment each other nicely.)

Souray Staios (They did their job. Souray does look tired but he still can shoot. Too bad he can't hit the net more. Staios was good. He did nothing fancy, just smart hockey.)

Grebeshkov Gilbert (I thought that these guys were also good. Gilbert seems to have up and down games. This one was kind of in the high middle. Grebs did fairly good but was given a BTP for taking that interference penalty that resulted in the PP goal. Bad call or not, it's still a BTP. He played the most out of the Oilers defense.)

Strudwick Peckham (These guys played as capable NHLers. Strudwick does what he does best and plays that plugger type role. Peckham seems to be adapting fairly well to the NHL. Good to see. A few guys may not be around next year so it's nice to know that there are guys that can come in and play.)

Roloson (He was burned on the 1st shift by a nice shot. After that, he looked good. He played his ass off and made huge saves. He was classic Roli.)

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FINAL SCORE

San Jose Sharks - 2

Edmonton Oilers - 1

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BEERS

Sam Gagner - He was the 2nd best Oiler. He may be small but he packs a big punch. He scored his 15th of the year and actually did not bad on the faceoff dot. I was a little surprised that MacT had him out for the last faceoff against big Joe Thorton. He did win it though?!?! Crazy huh? For a Samerific game have a cold chilly Mountain Crest beer. Cheers!

Dwayne Roloson - Roli the goalie was the best Oiler. He didn't start out great and took a BTP of his own when he flipped the puck to high and into the net. Tough luck. But Roli at this point of the season can do whatever he wants. He plays like a leader, he is our leader. When is the consecutive streak going to be over? Have a Bud Roli. Cheers!

The RX1 Crowd - The crowd was into this game right from the start. I forgot what it sounded like. I think that the team really responded to the crowd. Every person at that game deserves a frosty mug o' beer. Cheers everyone!

Honorable Mentions - Theo Peckham (Solid Game. I didn't see him waver badly once.), Denis Grebeshkov (Other than the BTP, he was good.) Robert Nilsson (I though he did his job. He managed an assist.), The 4th Line (I love this line!)

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JEERS

Andrew Cogliano/Ethan Moreau/Fernando Pisani - WTF?!? What kind of game was that? Not a very good one. Break this up MacT. Booooooooo!

The Entire Team - You guys really need to learn how to pass from stick to stick. I am not sure how many passes I seen get interrupted or missed by the guy completely. The elite teams don't do that 10 or 12 times a game. Boooooooooo!

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That was a good game. I loved that the Oilers took one of the best teams in the league to the limits and had a good old fashioned speed game. Lots of chances and excitement. Too bad the Oilers couldn't tie it up in the end.

Next game is Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks on CBC at 8:00 pm. See you all then.

Beers and Jeers #49 (Mar 24/09 vs. Detroit Red Wings)

Hemsky's statement sure caused some feathers to be ruffled. I just can't find a reason to say anything at this moment. Nevermind saying that you are being used as a checker. You don't kill penalties. You barely come into the defensive zone, so who are you kidding? A checker? Really? That's the best you can come up with? If you want more ice time then be good. Every shift. Every time you step out on that ice, score. Make something happen and MacT would have you out there all game. Instead, I have seen you give up in the 1st 5 minutes of the game and not give a crap for the rest of it. This is simply fixed. Play good = play lots.

Roli will be playing his 29th straight game for the Oilers this year. The man never ceases to amaze me. He truly is awesome.

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GAME VIDEO HIGHLITES

GAME SUMMARY

GAME STATS

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Tonight's Starting Lines

O'Sullivan Horcoff Hemsky (Very good line. Lots of quality chances. But were on the ice for 2 goals against. Hemsky and O'Sullivan are ok together. Horcoff seems to be lost lately.)

Nilsson Gagner Kotalik (Had a good game. They were on the ice for a goal for and against. Nilsson didn't register a shot though. Gagner was sharp for most of the game and Kotalik scored a nice one.)

Pouliot Cogliano Pisani (Played pretty good. They didn't get worked over often. Pouliot was a non factor. Cogliano is starting to work well with Pisani. Pisani had 3 shots.)

Moreau Brodziak Penner (Another great game by this line. They are really gelling lately. Plus Penner has been good on the PP and Moreau is playing smart hockey. No penalties.)

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Souray Staios (Not the greatest night for this pair but not all that bad either. Staios was -3. While Souray took a ton of shots.)

Grebeshkov Gilbert (A pretty average game for this pairing. Gilbert had 4 blocked shots and Grebs had a goal and 3 shots. He did have 3 giveaways and that's not good.)

Strudwick Smid (They were good. Strudwick played somewhat smart hockey. Smid seemed to really play above average tonight.)

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Roloson (The MVP was stellar once again (except for a few seconds). The team would be a lot worse without Roli.)

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FINAL SCORE

Detroit Red Wings -3

Edmonton Oilers - 2

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BEERS

Dwayne Roloson - Roli was fantastic for 55 minutes. Then he had a strange goal beat him to tie the game. But regardless, Roli was good just like any other game in the last while. His lateral movement was working well. He was pelted with 44 shots and tried his ass off to win this game on his own. But the team came up short. So for another fine effort... Have a frosty Roli. Cheers!

-

Ales Hemsky - After the statement I was expecting a standout game from Hemmer. He kind of delivered. He did manage one assist and had 2 shots. But he was also -2 at the end of the night. He did display some razzle dazzle that we have not seen in weeks, maybe months. He showed a confidence with the puck that we haven't seen in some time. He hustled, he didn't give up. He had a fairly strong game. That was Hemsky trying to be somebody. That wasn't MacT doing anything different. That was just Hemmer being good. Like I have said before, "Leadership is action... Not position" What we seen tonight was action. Not position. Heineken? Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - I really liked his game today. He played like he is adjusting to this team and his teammates. I love how he shoots from all over the place. He had 2 shots tonight and they were from good area's to shoot from. It's just too bad that he ended up -2. I personally thought that he had a good game. Have a cold one with me Sully. Cheers!

Honorable Mention - Dustin Penner (The Fridge had a good game. He created that 1st goal by drawing two guys to him then he passed it off to Hemsky who passed to Grebs.), Ales Kotalik (Scored a nice goal to bring it back to 3-2.), Andrew Cogliano (He played solid. Bad on faceoffs but played solid.), Ladislav Smid (The Spaz had 4 blocked shots and 2 shots. His defensive game was good too.)

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JEERS

Denis Grebeshkov - I'm on the fence with him tonight. On one hand he scored the Oilers 1st goal. He played pretty good with an average of 1:01of ice time, but he ended up with 3 giveaways on the night. That's just too many for me to ignore. For that alone, here's a little one... Booo!

Steve Staios - Staios has good games and bad one's. Well he was not so good with a bad -3 rating. That just can't happen when you are on the #1 pairing. Maybe all the ice time is wearing him down? Maybe Smid should get a chance with Souray? So for the -3 tonight and a so so game... Booooooooo!

The Entire Team - For losing a game that was attainable... Boooooooooooooooo!

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Well that was the one that got away. We had it in our palms and poof! Gone in 60 seconds.

Next game is Thursday against the Coyotes. A must, must win. See you all then.

Beers and Jeers #41 (Mar 5/09 vs. Ottawa Senators)

Well hello once again folks. Lots has changed since the last Beers and Jeers. Erik Cole is gone now. He went home to Carolina. He will be missed in Oil Country. At least he still has his house there. And we welcome Ales Kotalik and Patrick O'Sullivan. I sure hope these guys work out. As fans, we need them to. I really liked Cole and what he brought to the table. I am shocked that he was the one to go. No Penner? Horcoff? Nilsson? Pouliot? Schremp? Roy? But whatever... I think that this is a good deal for the Oilers in the end. But hey, maybe Cole does resign in Edmonton this summer?

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Before this game starts the Oilers are sitting in 7th. Let get some more points boys...

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1st Period

Before the game is even going, Spezza scores in the first 12 seconds. 1-0 Ottawa. Good grief! Not the best way to start a game. The new guys sure look energized tonight. That's good because so does Hemsky. You know, Jarko Ruutu is a _____. (Go ahead and fill in your own word). I really hate that guy and all that he represents as a player. He taunts Stortini enough to make him drop the gloves. Then the chicken shit skates away. Unbelievable. Smid is really having a good period. Lots of spazzing and hitting. Nice. But the real jem of the period was when the Oiler fans started to boo Comrie when he would touch the puck. It was pretty loud. And the game is in Ottawa. *Stomach hurt type laugh* Kotalik had a pretty solid period as did O'Sullivan. But when Kotalik was getting interviewed by Mean Gene, he was dog tired. He is going to have to improve the cardio if he wants to stay on the #1 line.

2nd Period

The first part of the period, it's all Senators. They are out playing the Oilers at both ends of the rink. Horcoff takes a penalty. But before the Oilers can touch the puck the Senators score. Crap! 2-0 Ottawa. Not good boys. Not good. Shortly after at 4:41, Gagner takes a holding penalty. Ottawa attack again and what? They score. *shakes head* 3-0 Ottawa. Come on Oilers. With 11:39 left to play, the Senators are really working the Oilers over. It's almost embarrassing. But thankfully Comrie sits for 2:00. Gagner gets a nice pass from Grebs and goes in on a breakaway. Scores!!! 3-1 Ottawa. (Gagner from Grebeshkov from Gilbert at 10:45.) Ok Gagner. Nice shift in the momentum dept. Oilers are going now. But as the period winds down the Senators slowly take back the momentum.

3rd Period

This was one of those back and forth periods, yet it was boring. The first 10:00 minutes went by fairly quickly. Time is slipping for the Oilers. Awwww... Senators score again at 11:58. 4-1 Ottawa. Geez. But the Oilers do manage to get a man advantage. Gagner nails the post/crossbar and the puck appears to go in. But after the long review they call it a no goal. Damn. I personally thought that it went in. So they don't score. Too bad. But a little while later at 18:07, Gagner scores again for the Oil. This time it is in. Yeah! 4-2 Ottawa. (Gagner from Staios from Smid) That was all the Oilers could muster as they lose a game that should have been 2 points.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Kotalik Horcoff Hemsky (This line looked ok. This might just work out. Kotalik is a big dude. He seems very solid and strong. He just needs better cardio. Horcoff was average tonight. Nothing great, nothing bad. Hemsky was finally trying to do something. Maybe this is his spark that he has needed.)

O'Sullivan Gagner Pouliot (This was a pretty good line. Gagner was on fire. He was saying Cole who? Jk. Pouliot was much like Horcoff. Nothing great, nothing bad. Which kind of makes him pretty good. O'Sullivan seems good. He's very fast and good with the puck. But he's just not comfortable yet. He is going to work with Gagner though. They just need a big fast body to play with. Not Penner please.)

Penner Cogliano Pisani (This line was average. They don't really seem to work all that well together. Penner had lots of hits which was good. But that's it. Where does Penner go when Moreau comes back? Cogliano was kind of Horcoff-ish as well. 50/50. Pisani still isn't Pisani yet. But he will.)

Jacques Brodziak Stortini (The 4th line was a hard hitting unit. *He he*. Unit. Jacques was not very good in my opinion. He was slow and not very aware. Brodziak seemed lifeless at times but was good on the face off dot. Stortini was duped into not fighting with Ruutu. But he played solid.)

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 2

Ottawa Senators - 4

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BEERS

Sam Gagner - This was the guy I was worried the most about when we traded Cole. I guess he will survive huh? Sammy was great tonight. He seemed to be in the right places. Not to many guys deserve a beer tonight. But Sam earned every bottle with his effort. Two goals, almost three. Five shots for the little dude. Team high. Nice. So have a case a beer and help yourself Sam. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - I don't care if anyone agrees with me. Smid was a force. He was hitting and smack talking. He was a freaking Spaz. I love that. He even managed an assist tonight. Have a big beer Smid. Cheers!

Andrew Cogliano - The man was a beast on faceoffs. Get this. 7 wins, 2 losses for 78%. Wow! For a guy that is around 37% for the season, this is huge. This is colossally massive. This is worth a beer. High five Andrew! But try scoring next time. Cheers!

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JEERS

The Entire Team - What the hell? That is the effort that we (fans) get after a interesting trade day? Totaly not good enough. *shakes head* No one in particular was really worthy off a full out boo. The team just sucked as a whole and Roli could save the day. I don't need to say anything else. We need the wins. Bad dog! *shakes finger* Boooooooo!

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That was a bad loss. The pieces have changed and yet the will to win has not. The Oilers really need to pick up some points on this roadie. It's like free points. Don't pass it up. The next game should be a gimme. Should be.

Beers and Jeers #37 (Feb 24/09 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning)

To begin, I predicted on OilersNation a 5-3 win. I usually don't like to say anything out load, but I'm changing it up a bit. Why not. What's it going to hurt?

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1st Period

Why is it that the crap teams come to E town and teach the Oilers a lesson on how to win games? I sure hope that that isn't the case tonight. *fingers crossed* So the game starts off in the favor of the Oilers. Erik Cole blasts down the right side and beats his man and scores his 15th of the year. Yay! 1-0 Oilers. (Cole unassisted at 2:20). Pretty much right after the ensuing faceoff, Big Mac and Koci drop the gloves. It was a pretty darn good fight. I would have to give the decision to Big Mac even though Koci fell on him at the end. At 5:40, Strudwick fires a knuckle puck and scores. Yeah! 2-0 Oilers. (Strudwick from Gagner) Unbelievable! This sure isn't how I pictured this game. The game then continues at a good pace. The Oilers clearly are the better team this period. It's kind of refreshing. TB takes a penalty at 13:09, and the Oilers fail to score. The PP did look a little better, so that's a good thing. The crowd seems to be unusually quiet tonight. Not sure why? The Oilers are winning 2-0. TB takes another penalty just as the period is about to expire. The Oilers will have 1:45 of PP time to start the 2nd. Hopefully another goal? As the period ends I can't help but think that the TB team has a fantastic 1st line. Beyond that they look like a beer league team. Wow! And the Oiler fans think we have it bad...

2nd Period

The Oilers don't score on the PP but they continue to play good. I hope our 1st line can get it going. We need them to be going every game. Scratch that. We need at least 2 lines going every game. If we want to be taken seriously that is. So the Oilers can't cash in on the PP and Nilsson takes a goalie interference penalty on the other end of the ice at 1:49. Wouldn't you know it. Tampa Bay scores. Boooooooo! 2-1 Oilers. Well that brings the Lightning back into the game. At 3:25, Gary Roberts takes a goalie interference penalty. Oilers can go up by two if they can score here. No dice. But Souray lets off quite a few bombs. Some hit the net. Some don't. Either way, if I am Dustin Penner, I probably stained myself a few times. Seriously... how scary must that be? During a face off, Gagner high sticks a TB player and then sits for two. Luckily for Gags, the Oil kill it off. Ok guys. Momentum time. But Steven Stamkos gets a breakaway and scores at 12:23. Booooooooo! 2-2 Tie Game. Glove High on Roli. Does everyone in the league know that it's five hole or glove high on Roli? However the Oilers storm back. Souray blasts another shot at the goal and this time it goes in. Yay! 3-2 Oilers. (Souray from Cogliano at 13:15) Right on. Back in the lead. Staios nails Recchi and makes the Lightning want to fight. No real takers but Souray let's all those female dogs know who the alpha dog is in this house. Make sense? Haha. A short while later Roli makes a huge save. Roli! Roli! Roli! Still 3-2 for the Oil. Just as the period is about to end, Cogliano busts in to the TB zone and gets hauled down. PP once again for the Oilers. But the period runs out.

3rd Period

Well they start out on the PP and the lightning kill it off. But at 2:20, Cogliano has the puck find his stick in the crease and pops in an easy one. Gooooooaaaaallll Oilers! 4-2 Oilers. (Cogliano from Stortini and Moreau) The period has some real good flow to it. The Oilers continue to fire the puck at the net. That is also refreshing to see. We usually get out shot. Nilsson slams his knee with a TB player and seems shook up. Hope he isn't gone for a long time. At 8:09, Souray and Koci each take a roughing penalty as they mixed it up in the Oilers zone. I love Souray for his hardcoreness. I wish all the defenseman on the Oil were like that. At 11:09, Halpern takes a penalty and the Oilers go on the PP. But seconds later, Gagner takes a Hi-sticking penalty to make it 4 on 4. There was some good chances but nothing really transpires for either team. At 13:46, TB does score. Damn! 4-3 Oilers. Oh no. I hope this isn't a waste of a game? Again. So the action picks up a little with the new found closeness in the score. Tampa Bay is trying hard to tie it up. At 18:15 Peckham and Reechi come together. They both take penalties and sit for two. What is it with Peckham and the Grandpa's? lol. *in my best Rosco P. Coltrane voice, "I love it, I love it"* So with a minute left in the game, TB has their goalie pulled, and Horcoff shoots it and St. Louis makes the save. What? Yeah... He didn't score. But just as the game is finishing, Souray shoots it from just past the red line and scores with 2 seconds left. Yeah! 5-3 Oilers. (Souray from Brodziak) What a finish. OILERS WIN!

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Game Summary (CLICK HERE)

Stats Sheet (CLICK HERE)

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (This line had tons of ice but came up short in the goal department. Penner was actually not bad tonight. He wasn't the squeaky wheel tonight. Horcoff wasn't all that bad. He just wasn't all that good either. Faceoffs good. Shots good. -2 bad. Hemsky was not Hemsky tonight. He seemed weird to me right in the beginning of the game. He was hit a few times and that kind of made him puck shy. Maybe it's just PMS?)

Nilsson Gagner Cole (I liked this line tonight. (2nd best line) They were real strong in the begining of the game. They were playing as a unit very well. Nilsson was shaky at times, not quite himself tonight but still good. Gagner was good. He played his position well and got an asssist on the Strudwick goal. Cole was also good tonight. He had seemed to do everything right tonight. I really enjoy watching him play. Only 3 games left. :(

Moreau Cogliano Stortini (This was the best Oiler line tonight. They were awesome. Moreau didn't take a single penalty. In fact, he managed to finish up +3. Cogliano had a goal and an assist tonight. A real sloid game for him. Stortini only played 10:55 but was great. No dumb penalties for the big guy. Nice Game 3rd Line!)

Reddox Brodziak MacIntyre (Ahhh... it's the 4th line. They really didn't do much as a line. Reddox was ok but not really noticable. Brodziak wasn't that bad. He did earn an assist at the end of the game. Big Mac only played 2:03. He did fight though. And a good one at that.)


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Final Score

Tampa Bay Lightning - 3

Edmonton Oilers - 5

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BEERS

Sheldon Souray - The man was awesome tonight. He was a mean hitting machine. He was a shot firing cannon. He was a true team leader on the ice. The Edmonton Oilers are damn lucky to have a guy like Sheldon Souray on this team. He represents the team well. Have a frosty beer Souray. Great Game. Cheers!

Andrew Cogliano - The speedy center was due for a good game. And today was the day. He scored a pretty easy goal, but a goal nonetheless. He also had an assist tonight for his efforts. A 2 point night and 12:55 of ice time. He did have 3 giveaways but I'm turning a blind eye and I must have missed them. *wink* Have a beer Cogs. Cheers!

Ethan Moreau - I have been giving Chopper a hard time all year, but tonight he showed me who the real Ethan Moreau is. He was excellent all over the ice. He played a real smart game and took no penalties. I'm sure people were waiting for it. I was. But for ending the night at +3, that deserves a nice cold one. Cheers!

Honerable Mention - Erik Cole (He had his legs going tonight. The goal he scored was a real factor in this game. It gave the Oilers the momentum.), Sam Gagner (The guy was pretty good all around.), Steve Staios (he did what he had to. He played a simple game and that works for him.) Zack Stortini (Is this the same Huggy Bear? This guy is impressing me.)

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JEERS


The 1st Line - When the game looked like they were playing a beer league team, I thought that the 1st line should kill these guys. But they didn't. In fact they looked average. This line needs to click every game in order for the Oilers to make it to the playoffs. Boooooooooo!

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That's all folks. That was an exciting game. I am relieved to get the 2 points. As of right now the Oilers are tied with 3 other teams for 7th. Minny, Anahiem and Dallas are tied with us with 65 points. One game at a time boys.

Next game is Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. We need this win as well. Let's Go Oilers!!!

Beers and Jeers #25 (Jan 30/09 vs. Minnesota Wild)

Well, was that the Edmonton Oilers? I couldn't believe my eyes. The puck just drops and Staios absolutely nails a Wild player. Then drops the gloves and backs up his actions. Nice veteran move. That instantly moved the momentum to the Oilers side. 4 minutes later Hemsky scores a lucky one. Yes! Great start. Take that Flames fans... Anyways. The guys that I have been hardest on lately we very good in the 1st period. Sure they wanted the "young" guys to take ownership for their actions. But with out the strong veteran leadership group taking charge and leading this team much like they did in this game, we would be a much better team for it. Am I wrong?

Big Mac vs. The Bogeyman #1

- This was a good fight for Big Mac. He looked really nervous at the start. But excited. The dukes went up and the waiting game began. Once the fight started it was a pretty good one. No real "big" punches that did any damage. But shots were felt. It ended a draw. Then as Big Mac was skating off you could see him grin. He felt good. He wasn't broken. And that fight did a lot for the rest of the game. Bogey was not a factor at all tonight. Mission accomplished.

Period 2 was also great. Lots of action. The play was pretty back and forth. Visnovsky scores a beauty. The Oilers PP was not great. 1for 5 for the game. This could have been a 7-1 game instead 3-1. I'm not really complaining... but I am.

The 3rd period started and wouldn't you know it. I go out for a smoke (What? you smoke Smokin' Ray? *pause* oooooooooh.... I get it, Smokin' Ray.) and the Wild score. What the hell? I know, I said the same thing. But the Oilers stared to play a tight game and really held off the Wild. Roloson was a monster (screw you Pierre MacGuire) in this game. He deserves a lot of credit tonight. He played great. Oilers hang on to win the game. All is good in the Oilers Nation once again.

---------------------------------

Tonight's Lines

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (This line was kind of a dud line. Hemsky was good. Penner was a blob of blue and copper. Horcoff... he wasn't bad tonight. Not great. But not bad either.)

Nilsson Potulny Cole (Nilsson is a ticking time bomb with the puck. It may explode. It may be a gift for the opposing team. Potulny was average as he only played 11:02. Horcoff and Cogliano took his spot on occasion. Cole was good tonight. Admit it Cole... you miss your little buddy Sam.)

Moreau Cogliano Pouliot (This line and the 4th line changed throughout the game. MacT was trying to get things going. But yet last game, the lines never changed. Go figure? Moreau - Good, Cogliano - good / he belongs on the 3rd line, Poulot - 4th line guy / average.)

Strudwick Brodziak MacIntyre (This wasn't really a line that did anything. Big Mac fought, but only played 2:13. He did mange 2 hits, and they were good ones. Strudwick was a puzzling choice. I was thinking more along the lines of Stortini in the mix tonight. But once again... what do I know? Brodziak was a faceoff machine. He was out for a lot of the "big" draws. He did ok at 6-4 for 60%.)

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FINAL SCORE

Minnesota Wild - 1

Edmonton Oilers- 3

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BEERS

Dwayne Roloson

- I will be the first to admit that I didn't think it was a good idea to put Roli in for this game. Ex team, they know his weak spots, losing record against Wild. But like I have said a million times. What do I know? He was brilliant tonight. He made huge saves when needed and was a fierce competitor till the end. I have always liked Roli, but tonight he raised my respect level for him. His mental toughness is second to none. He knows how to be a real professional. He has been since he has become an Oiler. Good days or bad days... the man is class. Have a beer Gramps. Show these kids how to drink. Cheers!

Steve Staios

- I want to say that if Steve Staios could play like that every game, he could be a real high level NHL defenseman. He did everything right tonight. I have had a huge mean streak for Staios lately, but I can say that tonight he made me stand up and cheer. He made me believe that this team is the team that I say they are. A team of champions. Hard hitting. Shot blocking. The knuckle breaking dedication that it is what it takes to get to the show. (That didn't make sense to me either.) To win the cup. Hopefully he maintains this and we continue towards that silver lining. Mr Staios sir. Enjoy a frosty. Cheers!

Ethan Moreau

- The captain came through tonight. He played the same way as Staios did. Well, except he scored. Chopper provided everything that he has lacked in the last while. The penaz. Or swagger. Whatever... he was damn good. In fact. Have a Mountain Crest Chopper. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Andrew Cogliano (I think he belongs on the 3rd line. That just may be his niche. Horcoff Jr., but better. 2 assist night with great play making. Solid game for Cogs), Lubomir Visnovsky (How good is he? How many dmen take a shot and continue into the slot and bang in their own rebound? Lubo does. And he does it well. He played a real solid game.), Sheldon Souray (When doesn't he play good?)

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JEERS

I could complain about a few little things but what the hell? We won. YAY!

Ok. Just a little...

Dustin Penner

- This guy is a slug. I really think MacT should bench him again. And again in 15 games. And repeat, until he can produce in a consistent manner. The guy is lazy. The guy drives me mad. Hello? You play on a 1st line. With Hemsky. And you do what? Lolly gag? Moron. Shape up. Booooooooooo!

Liam Reddox

- This is only because it makes me feel good, and you suck. Booooooooooooooooo!

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Sunday is the next game. 12 noon vs Nashville. Tough game. Hope the same Oilers attend that game. Until next time...

REMEMBER: You are only as good as your last game... and we were freaking awesome!

Oilers Jambalaya #3 (Random Thoughts)

Hello everybody. The All Star weekend is in full swing and lame as usual. Well, ok... only parts of it was lame. I just have a hard time seeing this weekend as a "showcase" weekend for the NHL. This (skills competition and game) is not really what the NHL is about. I get confused when I watch this stuff. Like why would you tell the public that the goalie that you brought in for the Breakaway Challenge was told "not to try"? That's just weird. I did however enjoy the final elimination shootout. And who wins that? The guy I said shouldn't be there instead of Hemsky. But what do I know right? The Hardest Shot was a good one. It's to bad Souray didn't connect like he can. But there is always next year.

Andrew Cogliano was the NHL fastest skater. Since when did they let the YoungStars participate in the Skills? I don't remember that from last year but I may be wrong here. Too bad Erik Cole couldn't have participated. But good job Cogs. You fastest skater you!

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CBC really blew it when they decided to not re new the HNIC song. Sure the guy that won the contest was from Edmonton but, the song sucks. The only "hook" of the song is the bag pipe intro. But it is soooo quiet you barely hear it. Why not Stompin' Tom? That really would have been better. And did you notice that the 5 finalists were songs that were keyboard type songs. Think of all the people that did all that hard work to write, record and release songs (Rap/Rock/Alternative/Electronica) that CBC new fully well that they were looking for a "copy" version of the old song. Thanks for wasting peoples time CBC. Why not just say that that is what you were looking for? Get a new song for next year please!

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Why is there not a cut off date for free agent signings? I mean really... Forsberg again? Neidermayer last year. Kind of Sundin this year. I think the NHL needs to change something here. This is getting ridiculus.

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All this complaining about fighting in the game is starting to bug me. This isn't the NBA. We don't hug our "Homeys" after a game. There is no "Keep it real yo!".

No, the NHL is not like other sports. We do not need to compare this great unique sport to a pile of oranges. We fight to protect ourselves. We fight to spark our team. We fight because sometimes that's out job. (well not Me.) The NHL is different and that is a good thing. I see more damage to guys on icings. That my friends is the real problem. Not fighting.

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My final question today...

Why are the Oilers locker room stalls not old guy/young guy/old guy/young guy? That may have some chemistry building mojo going on? I don't know. Just wondering.

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Next Oiler game - Jan 27/09. That's Tuesday.

Beers and Jeers #22 (Jan 18/09 vs Phoenix Coyotes)

What a fun evening that was. Started with the Glenn Anderson Ceremony and ended with a Moreau Hat trick. The ceremony was good for the most part. Whoever wrote the Kevin Lowe speech really sucked. Lame jokes and re-used lines from past speeches. But all in all it was a good show. So #9 is gone now. Never again can it be used. Who's next? #4? #30? #27?

The game was a barn burner. Action right from the beginning. I must say the effort level was there from the get go. The team really had a shot in the arm when Hemsky came back to the line up. I think Penner and Horcoff showed their true colors when Hemmer went down for those games. Penner is overpaid and Horcoff is NOT an all star and overpaid. I would love to see a Penner/Cogliano/Hemsky 1st line. Shawn Horcoff can take the 3rd line position. I bet Cogs would be a 70 point guy too.

Kyle Brodziak had a good night in the faceoff circle. (12-2) 86%. But that's pretty much it for him. But, game after game I notice Erik Cole takes 3 or 4 faceoff's a game and usually only loses one. Why not try him out at taking the draws? He doesn't need to play center, just take faceoff's. Worth a try don't you think?

I couldn't believe that Steve MacIntyre wasn't playing. I really wanted to see him fight Carcillo tonight. For one, it would have been an easier test than say Boogaard. And two, I wanted to see him (Carcillo) get his ass kicked. I wonder if Big Mac was able to meet his hero Marty McSorley today? I hope so. This is the best season ever huh Big Mac? Lucky S.O.B.

Well let's hope that all this Oiler nostalgia and alumni guys being around for the last couple days really rubbed off on the team that we have now (young and old). I said at the beginning of the season that the Oilers are going to the SCF this year. I feel it. I believe it. And I still do. As of late, (since the closed door meeting) that the team seems to have changed. They have a hand shake clap thing that they have going on. Some guys are rocking mustaches. (Penner/Gagner). The lines are mixed now more old with new players. So I see that the team is starting to have fun again. And the ball will roll. Believe...

The lines tonight:

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (Horc/Pens suck without Hemsky. Tonight they looked great. Surprise!?!)

Reddox Gagner Cole (Are you serious? Reddox? I suppose that if you score like Schremp or Potulny or Brule you then go to the 4th line or pressbox. I just don't get it MacT? Anyone but Reddox please)

Pouliot Cogliano Moreau (the best line that played as a group. They all complimented each other nicely tonight. Nice to see Moreau play a good full game)

Strudwick Brodziak Brule (This doesn't even look right on paper. This is the line Reddox should have been on)

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BEERS

Ales Hemsky

- I can not believe the impact that this guy has on his linemates, his team and his fans. He was amazing tonight. You could hear the crowd buzzing after he would do something. Very exciting to have him back. 2 goal night. +3. Solid all around. Welcome back Hemmer. Have a cold one. Cheers!

Ethan Moreau

- Quite possibly his best ever game as an Oiler. I cheered for him tonight. To think that that was his 1st hat trick. Good for him. Maybe this is the confidence that he was looking for? Let's hope we get the same guy for the rest of the year. Have a triple sized beer Chopper. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid

- The guy was an animal tonight. He drops the gloves again. He really is not bad at fighting. In fact, he looked like he knew what he was doing. Plus he ends up with an assist. Maybe he was trying for a Gordie Howe hat trick? At any rate he was fantastic. He was dumping the puck in and was the 1st one on the puck in the corners. At times I thought that he was a forward. One of our best d men tonight. Here's a frosty beer and an ice pack for the knuckles and the ass bone. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Tom Gilbert (quietly picked up a couple of assists.), Andrew Cogliano (had a nice 3 assist game. He looked really good tonight), Steve Staios (had a 2 assist game. Played hard), Erik Cole (he really tried hard tonight.), Dustin Penner's mustache (that is one nice porn stash. Looks good.)

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JEERS

Rob "Plugs" Brown

- He is slowly turning into my #3 behind McGuire and Crawford in the dipturd catagory. Do everyone a favor sometimes and shut up. He spits out random stuff so that hopefully he looks like he knows what he is saying. eg: 10:00 left in the 3rd. "I'm sure Roli will have to make another big save for the Oilers before this game is over." No kidding smart guy. Need I say more? Oh yeah... Your bald. Deal with it. Booooooooooooooo!

Beers and Jeers #20 (Jan 15/09 vs. Minnesota Wild)

That was one of the worst games that I have seen this year from the Oilers. On one side, Minny sucks to watch. Probably my least favorite team to watch. On the other side, the entire Oiler team looked scared and timid. Until the 3rd of course. But to little to late. Penalty after penalty can't really help the cause. Plus it makes it hard to make any type of a comeback. Then the bakery opens and turnovers are served to everyone wearing a Wild jersey. (not sure why the stats were not picked up) That was a pathetic game. Just pathetic.

There was two moments that really got me going. The two fights (Smid/Sheppard fight and Souray/Weller fight) I loved how Moreau tried to steal Souray's thunder by trying to get in the fight. Loser. Learn to be a Captain. If anyone should demand anything (firing/trade/demotion) ... it should be the removal of the 'C'. It's not on the right person.

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BEERS

I am giving a beer to both Smid and Souray for their respective fights. They were both entertaining and made me actually excited about something. Smid made his fight look good by throwing the bombs. Good to see him do something. Souray absolutely killed Weller. massive lefts to the skull. A real dandy of a fight. And people really want fighting removed from the NHL? If that fight didn't entertain you then maybe hockey isn't your sport. Cheers to the both of you!

-----------------------------

JEERS

The entire team sucked tonight. I am surprised that I am even writing anything. Horcoff sucked. Moreau sucked. Cole sucked. Penner sucked. Gagner sucked. Cogliano sucked. Roloson sucked. Gilbert sucked. MacT sucked. Everyone sucked. Even Reddox sucked. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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I really hope that tomorrow's game is better. I'd imagine that Garon gets the start. But you never know... Could be Deslauriers.

With my wife and daughter going home to B.C. for a week, I suppose you will see a little more content on here to read. Maybe a new Mr. Belvedere? Maybe something new all together. Ohhhh.... exciting. Stay tuned.

Thanks to everyone for all the support.

Beers and Jeers #16 (Jan 7/09 vs Vancouver Canucks)

Well...

What was that? The game was on the verge of becoming a classic but it never happened. This Oilers team is really starting to bug me. I compare them to crack. You know... you get a little taste of the good stuff. Oh man it feels great. It feels so good. You want more. OH MAN CAN LIFE BE SWEETER? (what feels like 30 seconds later...) Awww man. What's going on? Why does it hurt so much? Why can't I have more?

See what I mean? It sucks. The Oilers during the 1st period looked like a bunch of peewee hockey players. Falling down like their legs don't move. Pathetic. 3 PP's and 8 shots. Wow. Stellar.

The 2nd was almost boring to watch. Except for the Canucks kicking our ass. The 3rd at least was better. I am not sure why the Oilers insist on waiting for the 3rd before they start trying.

Top face off guy for the Oilers this game.... Sam Gagner. 5-3 (63%)

The worst face off guy... Andrew Cogliano. again. 3-5 (38%)

The most giveaways... Ethan Moreau a whopping 5 giveaways. Atta boy!

The most blocked shots... Staios and Visnovsky with 4 each.

The most hits... Erik Cole with 4 hits and multiple rub downs.

The most shots... Sheldon Souray with 5 shots and 3 attemps blocked. He out shot the forwards? Really?

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on a side note: Congrats to Souray for making the all-star game. Nice to have someone represent. What does Hemsky have to do to make an all-star game? Play in Montreal? Or Pittsburgh? The guy is an all-star that doesn't get the nod to go to the game. Bogus NHL. Explain how Doan is more of an all-star then Hemmer. (other than points) Or Dustin Brown? I don't know... Maybe I am a nut bar.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

BEERS

Erik Cole

- This guy is everything that I would want in a player. He never seems to give up. Seems like he is willing to try anything. And he can score the odd goal. He played a real good game tonight. Need I say more? Have a Beer Erik. Cheers!

Sheldon Souray

- The big boom was pretty good tonight. A couple of bad giveaway plays but more than makes up for it. His fight was nice. Seems like the Oilers are a bunch of one punchers. Your probably getting sick of beer by now? Ahhhh balderdash. Cheers!

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JEERS

The Entire Team

- Wow you guys sucked tonight. With all the trade talk, I wonder if this was the last time that we see Horcoff in an Oiler jersey? Something has got to give and I fully expect someone gone by Thursday morning. Just a bad game tonight. I am not sure the coaching staff understood you Tambo. Better say it to them one more time and a little sloooowwweeerrr. Boooooooooooooooo!

Dwayne Roloson

- Terrible game Roli. You usually play good when your mad. But not tonight. That wasn't the Roli from last game. That was the stinker Roli from last year. Sorry man but you deserve this. Boooooooooooo!

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Next up. San Jose Sharks. Hope we have the other team this time.

Beers and Jeers #10 (Dec 22/08 vs. Phoenix Coyotes)

Well let's just say it was nice to watch a game without the politics flowing in the background. Especially with it being a win. And believe me, the team really needed that win with the Christmas break coming up. Good for the Oilers.

On a side note: I would be pretty disappointed if Dan Carcillo was on my team and pulled some crap like that. That was a stupid penalty to get for yapping. I am sure Wayne will snapping on him after this is all over. He didn't look to impressed with him. Why keep sending him out? But now, back to the Oil...

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BEERS

Sheldon Souray

- He played another excellent game tonight. 28:25 of ice time. Wow. That's a lot of skating. He played his normal physical self. He was warrior tonight for the Oil. Then he pulls out the Souray bomb like no other and rips one past Tellqvist. What else can I say about him? So for the game winning goal... A beer. Cheers!

Andrew Cogliano

- For a guy that has played on the 2nd line, the 1st line and now the 3rd line... It just doesn't faze him. He plays the same no matter what. I honestly think that he has been one of the most consistent Oilers this year. Tonight he was again. The goal he scored is what Horcoff has been trying all year long. And he made it look easy. (on a side note: Hemsky is better on the LW side. Why does he refuse to play there 5 on 5?) Cogs better get used to drinking beer here at the Jambalaya with me. I am really starting to like the cut of this guys jib. Here's a BIG cold frosty mug for you. Cheers!

Strudwick and the 4th Line

- What a heck of a game by the 4th liners. Stortini with a big hit. Then goes on to score. His 1st of the year. Atta boy Storts! Then Carcillo hit Brodziak and who's there? His boy Strudwick. Crazy fight between those two. Decision... Strudwick, hands down. The 4th line even was able to get a shift at 5:00 left in the 3rd. MacT was loving those guys. Maybe it's just me, but don't you think Brodziak is more comfortable as a 4th line guy rather than a checking 3rd liner? Ready to split a 6 pack? Good Game guys. Cheers!

Honorable mention

- Ales Hemsky (Solid game again from Hemsky. He sure is making it look easy lately), Marc Pouliot (your making MacT look good), Dwayne Roloson (Not a great game, but a pretty good one), Erik Cole (He's just keeps trying his butt off every night)

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JEERS

The Entire Team

- Still can't play a full 60 minutes huh? That was a terrible 2nd period and we were lucky it was only 2 goals. The biggest down fall that the team has is taking too many penalties. It can literally cost you a game. It very well could have tonight. It's just a good thing Carcillo is a goof. And the team still has to look for that forward pass instead of passing back as a safe move. People like Staios fumble those kind of plays. So for not really looking to hot in the 2nd period. Boooooooooo!

Other than that not much to complain about. Like I said, not a bad game by the Oilers. I hope MacT leaves the lines alone because they are seeming to work. Except, I would rather have Nilsson back on the left with Gagner and Cole. Reddox just shouldn't be on a 2nd line. Besides... We could call the Nilsson/Gagner/Cole line the Desperation line.

Happy Holidays to all the Players, Coaching Staff and Management at the Edmonton Oilers. Enjoy your families and forget about us for a while. It's time to focus on the ones we love.

And a Happy Holidays to the readers. I hope all goes well with all of you in the New Year. 2009 will be good for all.

Smokin' Ray Burnt

MacT just try these...

I just want to see a game with these forward combo's. I don't mention defence because I like the pairings.

Penner Horcoff Hemsky

Gagner Cogliano Cole

Nilsson Brodziak Moreau

Strudwick Pouliot Reddox/MacIntyre/Storts/Pisani

Just a thought.

If I was the Owner/GM/Coach I would... #1

Hi Everyone,

You are probably thinking... "How many segments does this guy have?" I have lots. I have OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) My brain doesn't stop. It's Oilers all day every day. Drives my family nuts. Can't help it. I mean come on...it's the Oilers! And besides I like to keep things fresh and I try not to regurgitate my material so I try and have mixed segments.

So here's "If I was the Owner/Gm/Coach..."

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If I was the Gm I would...

Before I think of doing any trades I would have to think that some of the players were untouchable. Here is my list.

Ales Hemsky

Sam Gagner

Andrew Cogliano

Lubomir Visnovsky

Sheldon Souray

Tom Gilbert

Steve MacIntyre

Not on the list? Everyone else to me can be sold. I do like Big Mac. He's very coachable and he's willing to learn. He is training really hard since he's been off and I think we will see an improvement in his game. Plus we got him for nothing and we need him for at least this year. The other six are the six I build around.

But that's just me.

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Now if I were coach...

Here is my line up that I would roll after Nilsson and Gagner come back.

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (1st line)

Schremp Cogliano Pouliot (2nd Line A)

Nilsson Gagner Cole (2nd Line B)

Moreau Brodziak Brule/Reddox (Checking Line)

No fourth line (in hockey talk). I think it is worth a try. It could be very effective. The hot players will then get a PP opportunity.

But what ever... just a thought.

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If I was the owner I would...

Be painting my face and make damn sure the crowd seen me on the Jumboton. I would show you guys that I really am a fan of the team and I am there to support it. I would be shaking hands and kissing babies at the Gretzky statue before games. I would be outside lighting cigarettes for the smokers during the intermission. I would walk in the locker room during a really crappy game and stand in the middle of the room and stare at them in silence like that commercial. The who wants to be traded look. I would randomly give $20 back to fans after a bad loss. I just made $475, 000 on that game. What is giving away a couple grand gonna kill me? I would start a "let's Go Oilers" chant when we really need it during a game. Maybe start the wave even though it's lame.

These are the things that I would do for the fans. Not much, but it helps.

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Anyways... that was another classic segment by Smokin' Ray Burnt

Thanks for stopping by.

Hear Me Out #1

In this segment of Hear Me Out, I am going to talk trade talk. I am not one for this kinda thing but I have nothing else to do until Thursday. So here we go...

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Well there seems to be some really good players available right now. (according to sites like hockeybuzz, spectors, and the 4th period which most of the time they are wrong or full of it.) How can we not think about the possibilities out there? I don't think that any of the players listed here are really all that attainable by the Oilers but let's take a look anyways.

Marian Gaborik

- I would like to have this guy. Very fast and has a pretty wicked shot. His defensive is lacking but makes up for it with his offensive production. However he hasn't played 82 games since ... well never. He played 81 once in 2002/03. Is he worth the gamble? Not sure. He is also listed as a RW. Would he play left wing and not look out of place? Would he still be a floater?

Ilya Kovalchuk

- I would also like to have this guy. He does play left wing and shoots right. He's fast and agile. I think he could have magnificent chemistry with Hemsky. Again he isn't a very defensive minded person, but you know what? Most highly offensive people suck at coming back and helping out. So would I take a chance on this guy? Yes I would. Today.

Jay Bouwmeester

- I have already heard of talks that linked Mr. Bouwmeester to the Oilers. But do we really need to add another 4.8 million to the payroll? Imagine for a moment.. Souray, Visnovsky, Gilbert, Bouwmeester, Grebeshkov, Staios with Smid/Strudwick on reserve. I have to admit. Pretty nice defence corps. But can he survive in his hometown or crack like many others before him?

Jason Spezza

- Another injury prone guy. When he is on his game he is awesome. When he slumps he slumps. He is quick on his feet and has a pretty deadly shot. His face offs are not that bad either. All he could do is help this team. As long as he doesn't slack off for MacT.

Dany Heatley

- When the Heat is on, he's flying. At one point he was one of the best in the game. He is a natural left wing and could compliment Hemsky nicely. I am not sure I would take a chance on him. I don't think that he fully recovered mentally from the crash.

Maxim Afinogenov

- I used to think this guy was the cat's meow. But times change. I'd maybe give up Nilsson for him. But even then I think that is to steep. He still is fast which is Oiler style, but is his work ethics really all that good? And again he is a right winger who shoots left. Not really a fit for the Oilers top line.

Michael Nylander

- All I have to say is HAHAHAHAHA! That is karma for you. I am sure you all know the story behind him with the Oil. Don't want him, don't need him.

Mattias Ohlund

- While he is a quality defenceman, we really don't need him either. Pass.

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Now after all that. who would I take 1st?

Ilya Kovalchuk. He is what we need. Can we get him? Doubt it. (please prove me wrong)

So now I guess the real question is who do we give up?

Brodziak? Schremp? Garon? Roli? Nilsson? Moreau? Cole? Penner? Horcoff? Pouliot? Grebeshkov? Staios? Smid? Cogliano? Gagner? Hemsky? Souray? Visnovsky? Gilbert? Strudwick? Stortini? Brule? MacIntyre? Pisani? Deslauriers? Reddox? Some Kid in the Minors? Or #1 pick this year and next?

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What do you do?