Apples and Oranges or a Juicy Steak?

There have been many comparisons done between the Oilers and Blackhawks rebuilds. Here's my take on which pieces the Oilers have in place. These are not position for position but more player type and role analogies.

Blachawks(Cup Winners)     Oilers(Now)

Toews                                       Eberle

Kane                                   Nugent-Hopkins

Hossa                                        Hall

Sharp                                      Gagner

Keith                                        Smid?

Seabrook                                    ?

Niemi                                     Dubnyk?

I believe those were the key pieces to the Hawks Stanley Cup team. There were other guys that stepped up and had big games and/or moments that also helped, but these guys were the keys.

I also believe the Oilers have most of these pieces in place. Providing Smid continues to progress as a shutdown d-man and Dubnyk can continue his recent play on a more consistent basis. I also think Gagner has an important role on this team. He has really come into his own over the course of this season and I personally think the Oilers Nation has Mr. Pat Quinn to thank. If it wasn't for that rough ride he gave Gags back in 08, would Gags be the multi dimensional, "crusty" player that he is today? I don't think so.

We still need that PP QB, maybe he's in the system, maybe not. Either way, this team looks like a great steak. Just needs one more spice and some marinating time. The more patience the better the flavor. Enjoy Oilers fans!

-WRITTEN BY PAQ TWINN-

Devan Dubnyk Relegated To #3 For Team Canada?

Yes, it's true. Earlier today Team Canada coach, Ken Hitchcock finally said publicly that Devan Dubnyk has been bumped down to the #3 spot on the World Hockey Championship team.

It was clear that that was the current situation when Jonathan Bernier became the Canadian backup two games ago (plus he started and won one of those games). Once the Los Angeles Kings were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, Bernier joined the Canadians for the WHC. That gave the Canadians 3 goaltenders, so it wasn't hard to do the math. But still...

Dubnyk made himself quite clear before the tournament started that he had no desire to be the #3 goalie this time around. That was a spot he graciously filled the last time he came to play with Canada at the WHC.

Dubnyk was the backup for 3 games at this tournament and he did play in one game for 13:50 in the 3rd period. He made 8 saves and let in no goals.

This situation makes me disappointed with Team Canada. Where's the loyalty? Why not give him a chance at playing a full game before this decision was made? What the hell?

I feel bad for Devan.  He didn't deserve this.

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Canada's 2011 World Championship Roster

Here are the players that have committed to playing for Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship:

Forwards:

Cal Clutterbuck, Minnesota Wild; Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche; Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers; Evander Kane, Atlanta Thrashers; Andrew Ladd, Atlanta Thrashers; Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets; Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators; Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes; Chris Stewart, St. Louis Blues; John Tavares, N.Y. Islanders; Antoine Vermette, Columbus Blue Jackets; Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils.

Defencemen:

Brent Burns, Minnesota Wild; Marc Methot, Columbus Blue Jackets; Dion Phaneuf, Toronto Maple Leafs; Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues; Luke Schenn, Toronto Maple Leafs.

Goalies:

Devan Dubnyk, Edmonton Oilers; James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs.

GO CANADA GO!!!

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY -

Jordan Eberle and Devan Dubnyk Join Team Canada at World Hockey Championships

Good news for a couple of the Edmonton Oilers today. Both Jordan Eberle and Devan Dubnyk have been selected to represent Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships.

It's good to know that there will some familiar Oilers players that we can root for. At least the season isn't completely shot. We still get to follow some guys. WooOOooOooooOOo!!!!

GOILERS!!!

- WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY -

Devan Dubnyk April Wallpaper by @SAVEMEX29

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Story Lines For Tonight / Oilers vs Kings

Los Angeles Kings (43-26-6) at Edmonton Oilers (23-41-11)

- As we all know, Dustin Penner is facing the Oilers tonight in what should be an emotional game for Penner. He went through a lot with the Oilers and while no doubt going to the Kings was refreshing for him, this game should bring back the memoriesm (good and bad) that he's had with this hockey club. It will be interesting to see him in a Kings jersey.

- Rod Phillips is calling it a career after tonight's game. This will be his last game ever for the Oilers. After 37 years he's finally walking off into the Arizona sunset. I'm going to miss Rod and the way he calls games. He truly is a classic element of the Edmonton Oilers organization. Good luck in the future Rod, Oil Country loves you!



- Nik Khabibulin will get the start in net tonight. Not sure why. Dubnyk needs the development time so why waste 60 minutes on a drunk bag of bones? Pfft! WE WANT DUBNYK!

- The same lines as last game are expected to be iced tonight.

- Watch for the Kings Jarret Stoll to score the game winning goal tonight. He's scored 2 out of 3 goals in this season series so far. Can he go 3 for 4?

GOILERS!!!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-