B&J Oilers Recap (vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/22/09)

Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya. Beers & Jeers is a dual collaboration between Smokin' Ray and Paq Twinn.  We hope you enjoy our Edmonton Oilers full game recap.

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- Who's Out? More like who isn't?  The flu is running rampant in the Oiler dressing room.  Comrie is sick but playing.  Brule is sick and won't play.  Big Mac finally gets his 1st game of the year and draws in. So with the flu around, it's forced Quinn to change the lines.  Khabibulin starts in goal again.  I'm wondering why Deslauriers hasn't started again? I'm sure he will this weekend.

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Pre Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (5-2-1) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-2-0)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Gagner-Hemsky
Comrie-Horcoff-O'Sullivan
Jacques-Cogliano-Nilsson
MacIntyre-Stortini-Moreau

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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**These are Re-Tweets of Paq Twinn's LIVE TweetCast© at www.Twitter.com/PaqTwinn**

1st PERIOD

- Welcome to the Full Game LIVE *TweetCast* of the Oilers vs Blue Jackets
- I'm excited to see how the new lines will work out. Horc and Hemmer split up.
- Waiting for player intros, anthem's and puck drop.
- Here we go, Cogs thrown out, BJ's win the draw.
- Gags scores! :58 seconds in. Great slapper on a feed from Pens. 1-0 Oilers
- Oilers have plenty of jump and look sharp early on.
- A couple shifts in and the new lines look good
- Shots are 4-0 for the Oilers 15:00 remaining in the 1st.
- The new 1st line of Pens, Gags, and Hemmer looks great together
- The 4th of Big Mac, Storts and Moreau looks pretty good too
- Khabi hasn't faced a shot yet. 12:14 1st.
- The pace has been average with the Oilers controlling most of the play. BJ's not without some pressure.
- After a flurry of chances Khabi stops it and holds on. 1-0 Oilers 7:00 1st
- Patty-O gets leveled from behind by Methot. no call
- The Oilers 2nd and 3rd lines are starting to pick it up now
- Huselius scores. 1-1 tie game 3:58 1st
- Oilers PP 3:00 1st
- After some great pressure, and Garon without his stick, Pens takes 2 in the bin. 4 on 4
- BJ's go PP in the last min of play in the 1st
- Torres scores on the BJ's PP. 2-1 Blue Jacket's :23 1st
- After playing a great opening 15 mins the Oilers crapped the bed in the last 5 of the 1st. The Blue Jackets lead by one after one

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period under way. 4 on 4 after Smid gets into a skirmish at end of 1st.
- Huselius scores from Voracek. 3-1 Blue Jacket's 17:53 2nd
- BJ's getting lots of pucks at Khabi.
- Oilers 1st line comes back with a good shift.
- Followed by a good one from the 4th
- The whosillyus line is the most dangerous for Columbus. I can't spell that guys name.
- Moreau take a roughing penalty. approx 15:00 remaining in the 2nd
- BJ's had the zone most of the PP, but the Oilers kill it off.
- Now Lubo takes a holding call at 11:29 remaining in the 2nd 3-1 BJ's
- More pressure from the BJ's but Khabi's standing his ground
- Pens with a great rush, followed by a flurry from the Oilers
- Chimera scores on rush up the wing. backhand top shelf. 4-1 Blue Jacket's 8:07 2nd
- Pens Scores! from Hemmer. 4-2 Blue Jacket's 7:51 2nd
- JFJ gets hit with a high stick. Oilers PP 6:18 2nd
- despite the score the #Oilers haven't been out played that badly. #thisaintover
- nothing on that PP, new one coming up. BJs 4 - Oilers 2   3:25 2nd
- Oilers get a 5 on 3 for :17
- Hemsky Scores! On nice point pass by Lubo (my star). 4-3 Blue Jacket's
- After falling down by 3 goals, the Oilers pulled up their socks, and cut it down to 1.
- Regardless of how this game turns out, the 1st line should stay for awhile. Pens has played even better tonight, if you can believe that.
- @toxxxicity Yes, Hemmer is playing good tonight. The best this year and the game is great.

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period underway. BJ's win the draw.
- The pace is good to start the 3rd. Oilers PP 15:43 3rd
- Pens Scores! after Lubo makes a great D play to stop Nashes rush. tied 4-4
- Oilers PP looking good with the new 1st line + Patty-O on the point
- Pens, Gags, and Hemmer all have 4 points in this game.
- As long as Khabi doesn't let in "the next one" we should be good.
- Half way through the 3rd it still tied at 4.
- Lubo Scores! after a great rush up the ice. 5-4 Oilers
- Time for number six. GOILERS!
- 5 Goals, 5 Points each for Pens and Hemmer 5-4 Oilers 7:00 3rd
- Strudwick trips Chimera and goes off for 2. 6:06 3rd
- Khabi playin for keeps on this PK for the Oilers. Solid saves
- Horc had a good PK Timely clear
- Torres takes a dumb penalty, 2 mins for elbowing Oilers PP 3:14 3rd
- BJ's kill off one penalty, but take another immediately Oilers PP Last minute
- Nilsson Scores! on a flukey backhand clear from his own zone. 6-4 Oilers.
- Final score Oilers 6 Blue Jackets 4. Pens(1), Hemmer(2), Gags(3) get the stars tonight.
- Thanks for following this LIVE *TweetCast* Next game is Sat. @ the Flames. GOILERS!

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS




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FINAL SCORE


Columbus Blue Jackets - 4


Edmonton Oilers - 6

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GAME STATS
- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Time on the Ice Report Link

- Post Game Video Interviews

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

Columbus Blue Jackets - Torres and Chimera taking those penalties are the definition of a Bad Timing Penalty, especially Chimera.  Dumb, dumb penalties.  Those two must have spent to much time hanging out with Staios and Moreau.  Notice how Quinn keeps Moreau off the ice near the end of the game? Strategy. *wink*

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - I don't know what to say about him?  He clearly is a 4th liner now.  He really can't do much more than that anymore. 1/2 ways through the 3rd, Quinn had Moreau in Comrie's spot (sick) and he didn't look very good at all.  It was pretty clear that he's not who he used to be. He's a shade of Chopper now. Does anyone even say that anymore? Chopper?

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He played ok tonight.  He scores on the empty net and honestly, he really didn't make any huge mistakes.  I think he's trying to not be Paq's goat anymore.  That's just too much pressure to be a goat.

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - Wow!  His 1st ever 5 point night.  THIS GUY IS FOR REAL!  He's on a mission and he's has the whole world to prove.  He looks like and old school Mario Lemieux out there.  Busting moves and scoring goals.  He had 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points and was a +3.  If you can believe this, he had 11 shots hit the net and missed only twice.  He even went 4W & 4L on faceoffs for 50%.  I was going to give him a Lucky beer, but this performance deserves better than that.  Have a keg of whatever kind of barley based drink you want. The big guy's choice.  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - I'm sure no one is going to argue with me tonight about Hemsky.  This is the guy that Paq Twinn was talking about.  Finally he arrived this year.  I was getting worried that the old Hemsky was gone.  I'm sure this shuts down the trade talk for awhile on Hemsky.  He was fast and played like he wanted to be the best.  He had 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points.  He even fired 4 shots at the net.  Not a bad game for a guy who a game or two ago could have been traded (by the fans).  Excellent game Hemmer.  Penner won't share his keg so go and get your own. Cheers!

Sam Gagner - Is this little dude Sam the next #1 guy on the Oilers? If he plays like this,  then his butt does not move off of that 1st line. He it it up tonight with Penner and Hemsky.  All those weird and awkward games that Gagner and Hemsky had are long gone (hopefully) and I'm very excited for the next game against the fLames.  Sammy had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points.  He was a game best 7W-2L on the faceoff dot for 78%.  Wow! No one (other than Comrie 2W-0L) was that good .  Who would have guessed that?  Not I.  Studly game for my STAR Gags.  Frosty Mini Keg? Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Every game he gets better and better.  He seems really comfortable and knows that he needs step it up and perform. Since the injuries, he's been the defensive leader.  He is Paq's star and playing like that sure makes him brag.  He scores the winner and had 2 assists.  He was the best guy on the blue line for the Oilers tonight.  Good job Vish.  Care for a cold Budweiser?  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ladislav Smid (The Spaz is one of my favorite guys this year.  He fiery and explosive.  And he's a goalie on his spare time.  He earns an assist and was a +1 with 3 blocked shots. He was good.) Graham EDIT: Robert Nilsson (It was by far and away the grittiest game I've seen him play. He went to the dirty areas all game, battled hard on the boards, laid at least one big hit, and really just worked his ass off all night long)

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JEERS

None -

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Tom Gilbert (I really want to boo you, but I won't. He had a pretty sloppy game.),

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I really like Pat Quinn.  He makes such good forward lines.  I liked all the lines tonight, even the 4th line.  They really should have played more.  Is Stortini sick too?  He only played 4:02.  And Big Mac logged in 2:44.  But whatever, we won. Yay!  I was also thankful that Quinn changed Horcoff out and inserted Gagner onto the 1st line.  Hemsky sure seemed happy to play with Penner again. Maybe after all this time, 83 needs 27 more than 83 needs 10.  *mind blows*  Great game Oilers.  Let's keep this up.

Paq Twinn - Well what can I say but, wow what a game. The new 1st line was very impressive. I've been saying to break up Horc and Hemmer for quite awhile now, and bang 5,5+3 point nights for Hemmer, Pens, and Gags respectively. They had a phenomenal game tonight. The 4th played pretty good, and the other 2 lines were average at best. Khabi let in more then I'd like, but he never let in "the next one", he was great when the team needed him to be. I give this game an B+, we could have been better, easily.

EDIT: Graham Martin - I honestly think that Nilsson deserves beers, or at the very least honorable mention. I thought that was one of the better games hes played as an Oiler. It was also by far and away the grittiest game I've seen him play. He went to the dirty areas all game, battled hard on the boards, laid at least one big hit, and really just worked his ass off all night long. outside of that top line, he was without question the best Oiler.

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. fLames <---- I don't like these guys.  *grrrrrrr*

Oct 24/09
8:00 pm MT
CBC

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Boat Floaters & Ship Sinkers #1: Oilers Good and Bad

This is a segment called "Boat Floaters & Ship Sinkers"  This is about one guy I like right now and one guy that I don't. 

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BOAT FLOATER

Dustin Penner - Now here's a guy that I have not liked since he was handed the Oiler bank keys.  For the life of me I had no idea what Lowe was thinking when he signed this guy.  I'm kinda sorta figuring it out now.  When the guy wants to go, he can sure go.  He has done a phenomenal job at preparing himself and showing up ready to go this year.  He's not only has he surprised me, he's made me a believer.  After 8 games he's sitting at 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points.  That's tops on the team (so far).  No one could have told me that this guy would be kicking ass so early in the season.  But there he is.  It's crazy I tell you.  Unless he really stinks it up in the next while, I like this guy and that is why he's my Boat Floater.  KEEP!

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SHIP SINKER

Shawn Horcoff - Now when I look at this guy, I try and forget about the money he's making right now.  I don't really care as long as your good at what you do.  Count Horcoff out of the "good at what you do" category.  As of today, Horcoff has been bad.  Terrible.  Brutal.  Dismal.  No matter what term you use, he stinks.  Looking around at all the players, I see no reason for Horcoff to be bad this year.  He's still on the 1st line, regardless that he's not putting up points.  So what gives?  Quinn for the most part has given Horcoff the benefit of the doubt since day 1 and what has he shown? Nothing.  After 8 games he has 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.  He is also sporting -3 rating.  The only great aspect of his game right now is his faceoff ability, but even that blew a tire last game.  So for these reasons, Shawn Horcoff, you are the Edmonton Oilers Ship Sinker. TRADE!

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Beers & Jeers #72: Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks (10/19/09)

Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya. Beers & Jeers is a dual collaboration between Smokin' Ray and Paq Twinn. We hope you enjoy our Edmonton Oilers full game recap.

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**FEEL FREE TO COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM. NO SIGN UP REQUIRED. YOU CAN POST AS A NAME/URL OR ANONYMOUS**

- Who's Out?  Brule is out (not sure why?) and Hemsky is in (flu gone).  Nilsson also stays in because of Brule being out. Word had it that MacIntyre might play, but he didn't.

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Pre Game Records
Edmonton Oilers (4-2-1) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3-4-0)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Jacques-Horcoff-Hemsky
Penner-Gagner-O'Sullivan
Stone-Comrie-Nilsson
Moreau-Cogliano-Stortini

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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**These are Re-Tweets of Paq Twinn's LIVE TweetCast© at www.Twitter.com/PaqTwinn**

1st PERIOD

- It looks like Big Mac is in tonight with Brule out along with Hemmer and the others. Too many injuries
- Just found out that Hemsky is in the line up tonight
- Waiting for player intros, anthem and puck drop. GOILERS!
- Here we go, Canucks win the opening draw, good pace to start.
- Comrie gets an 'A' chance but whiffs.
- Storts and Rypien get into a spirited fight. Rypien with the take down.
- Oilers out shooting Canucks early. 3-2 14:30 remaining in the 1st.
- Bernier scores off a Nilsson turnover. 1-0 Canucks 13:27
- Turns out Big Mac isn't playing tonight, but Nilsson is. Ugh he didn't look good throwing that puck up the middle.
- Canucks goal is credited to Bolduc
- With 9:19 left in the 1st, the Canucks lead 1-0, and are out shooting the Oilers 8-5.
- Oilers get a PP and look disjointed. PP ends at 7:17, 1-0 Canucks
- Chorney is having a solid 1st period. Keeps getting better.
- Samuelsson with a rap-around chance but Khabi extends and makes a toe save.
- Oilers picking up the pace in last 5 mins.
- Holding penalty to Comrie.  3:42 1st
- Oilers kill off the penalty. 1-0 Canucks
- Ladi has bee in his bonnet tonight, he's chirping at anyone in a Canucks jersey.
- After the 1st, its 1-0 Canucks. Shots are pretty much even.
- Oilers need to play smarter or this one could go in the loss column
- Canucks goal is given to Bernier.

2nd PERIOD

- Patty-O scores! on a delayed penalty call. 1-1 tie 19:34 remaining in the 2nd
- Horc blocks a shot and goes on a break away. save by Luongo
- Oilers looking better here in the 2nd
- Hemsky goes off for hooking. 14:53 2nd
- Chorney get quality pk time. has Quinn's trust.
- Oilers kill penalty, Hemsky gets puck out of the box and misses
- Grabner takes a penalty for the 'Nucks. Oilers PP
- Comrie kills the PP with a slashing call. 4 on 4
- Stoner injured his left leg in 1st, will not return. Another one bites the dust.
- Halfway through the 2nd shots are tied at 13.
- Back to full strength, no real chances 4 on 4. 1-1 9:00 2nd
- Both Khabi and Luongo have looked solid in this one, not many chances though
- Sedin stopped by Khabi. Quality chance.
- Oilers PK, as Khabi trips Samuelsson on Sedins chance.
- Chorney out the 1st PK unit. 4:00 remaining in 2nd
- Canucks getting some good chances, Khabi with some good saves.
- Oilers kill it off. 1-1
- Oilers getting out played late in the 2nd
- Kesler goes off for 2 mins, 49sec remaining in 2nd #Oilers PP
- Comrie takes another penalty with 2 sec left in the 2nd
- After 2 periods its tied at 1. 3rd period will start 4 on 4
- A better period by the #Oilers but we're taking some dumb penalties at bad times Bad Timing Penalties.

3rd PERIOD

- Hemsky and Gags out to start the 3rd for the Oilers
- Oilers kill off remainder of Comrie's penalty.
- Smid with a blocked shot that surely would have gone in.
- Fast pace here in the 3rd, 5 mins gone already. 1-1 tie
- The game is fiesty but not that rough. Oilers missing Stoners hits
- Mitchell gets away with one, and knows it.
- Gags scores! on scramble in front. after a great shift by Penner 2-1 Oilers
- Gags has been playing good tonight, nice to see him get one.
- Hemsky gets dumped at center ice, no call.
- Oilers having trouble in the face off dot tonight
- Oilers with some good pressure late in the game. Last five minutes.
- Shots are 36-30 Canucks 2-1 Oilers 3:15 3rd
- And the Canucks get some pressure. 1:48 3rd
- Canucks pull Luongo at 1:27 3rd
- Hemsky can't even score on a empty net break.
- Wellwood scores at 0:00. No goal. Oilers win! 2-1
- My stars for tonights game: 1-Khabibulin 2-O'Sullivan 3-Luongo
- Overall the Oilers didn't play as well as they have in past games. but they gutted out a big win tonight.
- Thanks for following this LIVE Oilers **TweetCast** Next up the #BlueJackets on Thur. Oct. 22.
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FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 1


Edmonton Oilers - 2




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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Oilers Video Post Game Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He sucks.  He tries hard, but does nothing.  (NNC)

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He did ok.  Better than Moreau.  He didn't have any giveways (amazing).  He played somewhat good but still sucked.  Once again... better than Moreau.

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BEERS

Nikolai Khabibulin - I love this guy.  What more do I have to say?  He was rock solid and played the hell out of Louongo.  He's looking great but I'm wondering when we will see the shutout?  I gues really soon.  Solid effort once again Khabi.  Frosty beer time!  Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - He's part defence, he's part scrapper and apparantly, he's part goalie.  He made a beauty of a save with Bulin out of position and saved the game.  That and he played a heck of a game without making saves.  I am so glad that he is still an Oiler.  He's playing better than most of our higher paid defencemen.  He once again was a +1 this game. He can do no wrong.  Plus add 3 blocked shots. All hail lord Smid.  Beer sir? Cheers!

Sam Gagner - Lil Sam was stellar tonight.  Word had it, his old man was here because he works for the Canucks now.  Sam always finds his A game when he's watching.  He scores the winning goal and played a heck of a game.  He went 8W & 6L for 57% on the faceoffs.  For Sam that's a good game.  He also had 4 shots and was a +2.  Dude!  Score me a high five. *slap* It's Miller time.  Cheers!

Taylor Chorney - Since being called up he's been great.  I can't say enough about Chorney.  He doesn't make huge mistakes and he seems comfortable playing in the NHL.  I'm sure glad we have a little bit of skill in the minors.  With Chorney and Peckham, we look good for the future.  Would you like a beer young man?  Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - He seems like he likes it here now.  He's one awesome player.  He hits, shoots and plays like his bigger than he is.  He scores the 1st Oiler goal and assists on Gagners game winner.  When he isn't shooting the puck, he was also blocking shots and using his smarts on the PK. Sully seems to be a pretty complete player.  Good trade for Tambo.  Enjoy the fans love my friend.  It may not be forever.  Great game.  Frosty beer?  Cheers!

Dustin Penner - This guy is for real.  Team Canada take note.  Dustin Penner is a changed man.  He's playing that power forward bit to a "T" now.  Real Cam Neely like.  Instead of just saying that we can't believe it, we should believe it.  I like this guy, and you should too.  It's beer chuggin' time.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ales Hemsky (Maybe he has something to prove now?  He showed a lot of drive and will tonight.  And he fired a ton of shots.  A new Hemsky or just a rested one?)  DUE TO PEOPLE SAYING I'M WRONG, I'LL STRIKE IT OUT. BUT I STAND BY MY THOUGHTS.

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JEERS

Shawn Horcoff - When you have Sam Gagner at 57%, what is your excuse for being 7W 17L for 29%?  You probably don't have one.  Key situations arise in the game and Quinn picks... Gagner.  You know Shawn, if you can't do the little things right like all the people in the world give you credit for (except me), then you wouldn't be so bad in a game when we really needed some leadership.  Instead the old guy goalie and the punk kids, Gagner and O'Sullivan show you up.  Pretty sad.  Booooooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Robert Nilsson (At times he looked good.  But most of the time he was all over the place.  I really don't see him staying with this club by the end of the year.  Somethings got to give.), Tom Gilbert (4 giveaways?  WTF man?  Gilbert isn't playing his best right now.  He needs to be better.)

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I thought that for the most part it was a dry game.  I always expect a good show between these two teams.  But tonight was different.  It seemed tame.  The Oilers didn't really do well in the 1st period but got better as the game went on. Stortini's fight was a good one, but he lost.  Both goalies were really good (which I called a 5-3 Oilers win) and that made it a real low scoring affair. I was super pumped when gagner scored the winning goal and was freaking out when the Canucks almost scored in the last second. I'm getting tired of that.  But, the Oilers win and all is good in the Nation once again.

Paq Twinn - This was a back and forth game that looked like every other game between these two teams for the last couple years. The difference, the Oilers played better then the Canucks. Penner, Gags, Chorney, Patty-O, and Khabi stood out for me, they were the best Oilers tonight. Comrie, Nilsson, and Hemsky stood out for all the wrong reasons, they were simply awful tonight. The Oilers need to do something about face-offs, I hear Horton from Florida may be available. But at least the shot difference was better this game, even if they still let 35+ against, the Oilers did shoot a lot more tonight. I'll give the Oilers a B- for the game.

Graham Martin - John Garrett, if i ever see you in the streets I am gonna punch right in your stupid f*cking moustache and let you know that you are the worst color commentary guy ever! On the plus, D Penner and L Smid were fantastic tonight. and honorable mention to Gags, Sullivan and Chorney!

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Blue Jackets
Thursday, October 22/09
7:30 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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Who's The Best/Worst of the Edmonton Oilers and Hemsky for Kovalchuk?

THREE BEST EDMONTON OILERS RIGHT NOW

SMOKIN' RAY:

1) Dustin Penner: He's fast, he's skinny and he's on fire. He's leading the team in points and is making MacT look foolish. In a million years, I never would have seen this coming. Never. He's the best Oiler right now. 5 goals, 4 assists for 9 points in 7 games. Wow!

2) Nikolai Khabibulin: He struggled in the start and has been great the last 3 games he's played. He has kept the Oilers in all the games and has looked pretty casual in goal. He just may be the Oilers MVP at the end of the season.

3) Gilbert Brule: He's playing like this is his last chance. Which it very well may have been. But if he keeps playing like this, he's not going anywhere. He has 4 goals, 3 assists in 7 games. 2nd on the team in points.

Honorable Mentions: Sam Gagner/Patrick O'Sullivan/Zack Stortini

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PAQ TWINN:

1) Patty-O His point totals aren't where they need to be, yet. This guy is flying out on the ice EVERY game, you can't help but notice him. He's even throwing his 5'11" 190 lbs around like some kind of power forward. Its only a matter of time before he starts lighting the lamp with regularity.

2) Ladi Smid on a team with few "shutdown" D, this guy is pulling his weight and then some. Once heralded as an offensive type, and almost being traded away, Ladi is cementing his place on the Oilers blueline for years to come.

3) Zack Stortini This guy flat out competes every game. When he broke in few years back, all he had to do was fight, and he wasn't the best at that (huggy bear). This guy has taken his game to a new level, doing everything he can to help his team win, even score PP goals. He is turning into everything some guy named Georges wanted to be for the Oilers.

Honorable Mentions: Gags, Chorney, JDD.
 
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THE THREE WORST EDMONTON OILERS RIGHT NOW
 
SMOKIN' RAY:
 
1) Ales Hemsky: This Oilers Superstar is far from it. He's not a star and he's not very super. He maybe getting points but that doesn't mean anything when your gliding out on the ice and looking useless. Last year he pissed me off by blaming MacT for turning him into a checker. He also wanted to be the "man" of the team. Where are you this year Hemsky? *crickets chirping*

2) Mike Comrie: Mrs. Duff might be putting up points like Hemsky is, but his effort and skating speed sucks. All his points come in the 1st half of the game. Look at him in the 3rd when they show him up close. He can barely breath. He needs to get better. Or at least his conditioning.

3) Shawn Horcoff: Other than winning faceoffs, he hasn't done a thing to live up to his $5.5 million dollar cap hit. He has a whopping 1 goal and 1 assist and he's -2 so far. Maybe I don't know jack about hockey, but a 1st line guy needs more than 2 points in 7 games.

Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau/Steve Staios

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PAQ TWINN:

1) Hemsky Normally I wouldn't pick a guy that has already been done, but Hemmer has been the biggest disappointment so far this year. I once had high hopes for this guy (as did everyone else). But I'm starting to wonder if trading this guy isn't the Oilers best option.  He's worth more in the trade market right now then in an Oilers uni. Hemsky needs to man up to his "soft" predictable play. STOP circling out of the offensive zone you dolt.

2) Moreau His bad play is being covered up by his line mates superb play. But this guy has lost everything that I used to like about him. Speed-gone, Tenacity-gone, Leadership (by example or otherwise)-gone. Why is this guy our Captain again? Oh ya Jason Smith said he'd be good for the job. Who's "Quinn's" Captain?

3)Gilbert After a great rookie campaign (set Oilers rookie goal scoring record), Gilby has taken some steps backward. I expected more from this guy this season, he hasn't been awful but he's not where he should be either. I don't think its too high of an expectation, that he should get 15-20 goals this year, and with Souray out for some time, Gilby needs to step up on the PP, which he hasn't.

Honorable Mentions: Staios, Horcoff
 

*Graham walks into the room and slams his fist on the table*

GRAHAM MARTIN: Gilbert does not belong on that list! He has been much better than Staios when he has been in the lineup. I definitely agree with Hemsky, Moreau and Comrie though.

PAQ TWINN: I did say that Gilbert hasn't been awful, just not progressing the way most thought he would. I didn't want to start on Staios cause I didn't know what else to say other then he sucks. With the way the Oilers have been playing, I was hard pressed to think of guys that are sucking. Gilbert just hasn't stepped up, with Souray out. He has been that bad, I just think he can be a lot better.

GM: Gilbert has done the one thing that he is paid to do really well. He makes a great first pass out of his own zone. Him and Grebs are so patient and have such great vision back there. That is one reason why the Oilers are scoring so much, their transition game has been fantastic. They move through the neutral zone with speed and that is a direct result of the first pass.

PT: I don't particularly agree with Horoff being on the bad list, he's had to endure a winger (Hemsky) that has shown NO desire to be the player he can be, and has had a revolving door on the other side. He's not 1st line material, but he has never demanded anything. All Horc does is compete game in and game out, even when Hemmer is dragging his ass, Horc still does his job. He's not a goal scorer so I don't expect that much offense from him. Its like expecting Strudwick to win the Norris, its just not their game. How ever -2 is unacceptable in the role I see Horc in.

I don't have a problem with Gilby's passing. He needs to shoot more though, he should be the point shot on the 2nd pp unit when Souray is on the 1st unit.

I don't have anymore arguments on Gilby, but when picking 3 worst Oilers, and 83x2,91,10,and 18 are already done, who could you come up with, besides Staios cause everyone knows that he SUCKS. So come on GM, who's your top and bottom 3 for the Oilers this season?

GM: Top three have been Penner, O'Sullivan, Brule hands down. and bottom three have been Hemsky, Horcoff, Moreau. As for Horcoff, you should expect offense from him cause HE IS A 5.5MIL A YEAR GUY! He is payed like a first liner and he has shown in the past that he does have a nose for the net. He has a very quick release, he just needs to use it more. He does compete game in and game out, but he has shown so much more in the past. his game three against the sharks in the playoffs that year, was one of the best performances by an oiler that I have ever seen. I will never forget the game that he played that night. He is so much better than what he has shown.

SMOKIN' RAY:  Horcoff sucks on the 1st line.  He's a great 3rd liner, and ok 2nd liner and a below average 1st liner.  End of story. 
 
PT: If Hemsky's not the cornerstone of the Oilers franchise. Who should the Oilers build around for the future? I personally don't think we have one, so I think we should trade Hemsky and change, for one ie; Ilya Kovalchuk, Jordan Staal, or Alex Semin.
 
GM: Jordan Stall is definately not the guy. Semin....maybe. But Kovalchuk is the guy, that if there was ever a chance of bringing him in, you jump on it!

SR: I don't know who I'd take. Rick Nash maybe. I really like Milan Lucic. He'd be nice to have (he was drafted with the Oilers draft pick that they gave up for Samsonov). Maybe Vinnie out of Tampa?

But Brownlee is right, we are not going to get a top guy out of this trade. Maybe the guys we have already mentioned are not attainable with Hemsky as the key piece? Maybe he's not as good to the rest of the league like the Oiler fans all believe he is? Maybe his value isn't that high after all?

PT: The only way to find out what the value is, is shop him around, kick some tires so to speak. Hemsky alone would not land a Kovalchuk or a Nash but if you include a couple other guys like Pouliot and Nilsson, maybe. It'll be interesting to see if Atlanta can extend Kovie's contract or not, if not I think they'll trade him, then anything is possible.
 
SR: As far as building around a player... what do you mean we don't have one Paq Twinn? We have two. Gagner and Eberle. Both are going to be integral cogs to this team moving forward. Both are going to be stars in the NHL and both will be the leaders of this team in the next 5 years, long after Hemsky turns into a pair of old balls. It's going to be the 14 and 89 show.
 
**Ray, Paq and Graham all decide to head over to Fat Larry's Bar and Grill for a few beers and wings.  No more fighting for tonight. It's time to party.**

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**This was all played out on Facebook.  Add Smokin' Ray Burnt and Paq Twinn as freinds and join the fight.**

Beers & Jeers #70 (Oct 15/09 vs. Chicago Black Hawks)

Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya. Beers & Jeers is a dual collaboration between Smokin' Ray and Paq Twinn. We hope you enjoy our Edmonton Oilers full game recap.

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- It looks like the lines won't change, they will be the same as last game.  Staios, Souray, Pisani, Peckham and Pouliot are all hurt and cannot play.  Nilsson and MacIntyre are healthy scratches.

- Does it bug anyone else that Pittsburgh is using and advertising the "City of Champions" slogan as their own?  It's pisses me off.

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Pregame Records

Edmonton Oilers (3-1-1) vs. Chicago Black Hawks (3-1-1)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Strudwick-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Smid-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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**These are Re-Tweets of Paq Twinn's LIVE TweetCast© at www.Twitter.com/PaqTwinn**

1st Period

- #Oilers at #Hawks. Its game time! waiting for player intros and anthem's
- Horcoff wins the opening draw
- 30 sec in the oilers ice the puck.
- Sharp scores. 1-0 Hawks
- usually its a last minute, not a first minute goal against. lets go #Oilers!
- big hit behind the oilers net, results in the glass popping out.
- Cogs scores! 1-1 Tie at 17:30 of the 1st
- good fast pace here early in the 1st.
- Oilers 4th line has some jump tonight
- Oilers getting a few takeaways early
- Khabi's shining against his old mates. #great save
- Quinn's going with the 4th line vs Hawks 1st
- Chicago's getting lots of chances. Out shooting the Oilers
- Penner with a nice hit
- Oilers picking up the hitting.
- Brouwer with a great move in front, Great Save by Khabi
- Skille scores for the Hawks, off a point shot rebound. 2-1 Hawks
- Smid with a nice 3 on 2 breakup.
- shots are 13-4 for the Hawks with 5 min to go in the 1st.
- Horcoff is hobbling after a blocked shot
- Oilers with a great last minute chance, Niemi with the save. 1st intermission, 2-1 Hawks shots are 16-6 for Chicago.
- the Oilers manged to only be down by a goal after the first, they should consider themselves LUCKY.

2nd Period

- Hawks win the face off to start the second.
- Oilers starting the 2nd better
- Cogs in on a break...DING! off the post.
- oilers 3rd line starting to get it going.
- Storts with a rap around chance
- Versteeg scores, halfway through the 2nd its 3-1 Hawks
- Stoner gets 1st penalty of the game, 2 for roughing. 8:33 2nd shot 21-10 Hawks
- Hawks with lots of traffic in front of Khabi. The PK misses Souray
- Oilers kill off penalty, but ice the puck immediately
- Hawks are in control of this one.
- Hemsky gets a nice pass from Chorney and misses the net
- Sharp hauled down by Strudwick. Penalty Shot
- Sharp goes down and shoots, SAVE by Khabi.
- with limited to no success so far, Quinn turns on the line blender
- last minute in the 2nd period
- Strudwick having a bad game, almost gave a gift to Skille in final seconds.
- after 2 periods of play its 3-1 for Chicago.
- Oilers can still do this, but they'll have to play WAY better. If not for Khabi, the Oilers could be down 6-1.

3rd Period

- 3rd period under way. Oilers looking better, so far
- Hemsky still looking for his 1st shot.
- Comrie and Patty-O with a nice give and go. save by Niemi
- 4 mins in and the shots are 30-11 for the Hawks
- after a few good shifts by the Oilers, Hawks start winning battles again
- Hemsky draws a trip. PP Oilers at 14:36 3rd
- Getting their 1st pp gave the Oilers some jump
- Madden gives Moreau a can-opener, goes off for 2.
- Versteeg goes in on a pk breakaway, cuts in and SAVE by Khabi!
- Oilers giving up too many SOLID chances
- Oilers go 0 for 2 on pp
- Penner raps it around the net and scores...but wait, its under review
- Its a GOAL! 3-2 Hawks, 9:17 3rd
- Penner's up on the top line now
- Comrie blocks a monster shot from Seabrook
- this looks like its going to be a wild finish.
- Horc and Penner made similar blocks earlier in the game
- Toews schools Moreau, gets a good chance
- Lubo slides down from the slot, takes a shot, low glove save
- Hawks get some pressure against the 4th line
- Grebs takes penalty at 4:07 of the 3rd
- Barker scores, pp goal. 4-2 for the Hawks
- chances aren't looking good for the #Oilers.
- Grebs draws a penalty. Oilers PP for 1:38 or less
- Grebs scores! PP GOAL!!! :47 sec left in the 3rd period 4-3 Hawks
- Oilers buzzing like crazy.
- Hawks hold on to win 4-3
- Oilers gave theyre all in the final seconds.
- This was the poorest performance this season by the Oilers

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 3


Chicago Black Hawks - 4

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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link
- Game Summary Link
- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link
- Video Highlights Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY™

Denis Grebeshkov - Just when the team needed to press on for the win... you take a stupid tripping penalty at 15:49. Not cool.

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GOAT WATCH™

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - Did he even play tonight?  He didn't get a penalty so it's hard to notice him.  He really did nothing other than a sweet pass to Cogliano on the Oilers 1st goal.  Check the stats.  No hits, no shots.  Just 1 giveaway and 1 takeaway.  Yeah Goat!

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He ate 3 tubs of popcorn and drank 2 Gatorade's.  In the press box.

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BEERS

Nikolai Khabibulin - He was awesome.  He did everything but score the goals.  I thought that he was maybe a little nervous in the 1st, but really came into his own for the rest of the game.  Nice to see someone wanted to show up tonight.  By far the best Oiler tonight.  Great game Khabi.  Frosty beer? It's a cold one... Cheers!

Andrew Cogliano - 58% on the dot tonight.  That's a huge acclompishment for him.  He's used to being under 40%.  He scored a nice goal in the 1st and kept trying all game.  I thought he did well.  What is it with the 4th line?  It turns you intoo gold.  Good Job Cogs.  How about a light beer?  Cheers!

Dustin Penner - Once again he has almost a sleeper game while getting a goal and an assist.  How is he doing it?  Good job Penner.  You can have a Pilsner.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Taylor Chorney (Again the rookie was good.  Maybe he should stay around and send Staios packing?)

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JEERS

JF Jacques - Only 3 hits?  That's it? I'm starting to think that you were a 5 game fluke.  Will that Jacques please show up?  Boooooooo!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Trying to hard to do to much.  He needs to just play his game.  I understand that he's still a little gun shy with the shoulder.  I don't blame him, but geez man.  Your one of best guys on defence.  It's a good thing the season is still young.  Boooooooo!

Sam Gagner - While he did look good out there, he really wasn't.  He lost every faceoff and was a -2.  Now I don't understand where his game went.  He was dynamite, now's he juggling it.  I don't get it.  Get better Junior.  Booooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): The Rest Of The Team (You guys need to not get out shot all the time.  How about trying being the other team for once?)

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I thought that the Oilers were pretty stinky.  I can't stand these last minute finishes that always seem to follow this team.  If it wasn't for Khabi, this game would have been a lot worse.  I was a little surprised that Quinn was shuffling the lines in the 2nd.  I mean really... why put O'Sullivan with 10 and 83?  Penner goes there.  Why does Quinn refuse to play him there?  I'm sure the Oilers deserve a bag skate after that performance.  Go ahead Quinn... do it.

Graham Martin - (He said this on Facebook tonight) Now that was a frustrating game to watch. I don't mind when they get beat by a better team, but the effort was not there at all tonight. They lost most battles, senseless turnovers by just not being strong enough on the puck, and no support, and no pressure. The hawks tonight played the kinda game the oilers need to play, speed through the neutral zone and PRESSURE! The forcheck, save for a few spots, was just not there tonight. And Hemsky needs to show me something. He wants to be the guy, but it sure doesn't look like it on the ice. So many giveaways, and so many shots blocked. And that chance in the second i think where he missed the net point blank, well, if you are a superstar, down in a game, you just don't do that. He needs to use his speed, and try moving the puck through the neutral zone for a change instead of carrying it himself and forcing his linemates to wait for him at the blueline. And the last thing that seriously needs work, is how the forwards drop down so deep in their own end and leave the points so wide open. It was like that from the first shift of the game. Ethan Moreau is the worst and he just chases that puck around whereever it goes when he is penalty killing and gets caught out of position so often. The pluses for me were Cogliano, had a very good game, lots of speed and one of the forwards that actually got a forcheck going, Penner with two points and so much hard work infront of the net on the grebeshkov goal, and Khabby was very solid other than the versteeg goal but even then i can't really blame him.

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Wild

Friday Oct 16/09 7:00 pm MT

PPV

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Beers and Jeers #66 (Oct 6/09 vs. Dallas Stars)

Well I'm sure the party was good at the Pint.  The OilersNation group was there to watch this PPV game.  It sure would have been nice to meet some of these people.  If only I lived closer... :(

~Nice to see the Oilers PPV crew again this year.~ I'm finding that I still don't like Rob Brown.  It's not just the bad plug job, he's just not a Ray Ferraro in the booth.  Too plain Jane for me I guess.  Too obvious.

I also forgot about how much I dislike Marc Crawford. Ugh.  At least I don't have to hear his voice much this year. Yay! :)

Here is a link to a story about how Craig Conroy "did Gagner a favour."  Weak excuse for getting beat up by a little guy like Gagner.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
Stone Comrie O'Sullivan
Penner Brule Nilsson
Cogliano Gagner Stortini

Souray Staios
Gilbert Grebeshkov
Smid Visnovsky

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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1st Period

- Oilers get a PP right off the bat.  Cogliano sends a nice pass to the front of the net and Comrie scores (91 from 13 and 5).  1-0 Oilers
- Dallas scores and make it 1-1 Tie game.
- At 6:28, Souray takes on Barch.  He pauses, removes his wrist brace, then proceeds to give Barch a shake down/beat down. 
- Gilbert shows some crust and scrums with Morrow.  Just before then Ribiero takes a penalty for Holding.
- Oilers PP.  Hemsky is playing left wing and Staios is the QB.  Go figure?
- Stortini even see's a bit of time on the PP and he has the best chances out of all the Oilers.
- PP Stars (Brule/Holding) The Oilers do well. No shots against. They kill it off.
- Quinn is mixing up the lines for the special teams.  I have no idea who is going out.
- PP Stars.  The Oilers will have to finish killing it off in the 2nd.

2nd Period

- The Oilers finish killing off the penalty.
- Ryan Stone nails a Star player (?).  Ott comes off the bench to fight him.
- Some good punches were thrown in the beginning, then it turns into a hug fest, followed by Ott getting "jersey-ed".
- No extra penalty to Ott. Wonder why not? He wasn't on the ice for the hit. That screams instigator to me.
- Grebeshkov goes to crash the net and gets a face full of elbow from Turco as the puck trickles back down to the Oilers zone to an empty net.  Lucky enough it missed.  No penalty for that play.
- PP Oilers.  Good pressure in the first half, then the Stars score a SH goal.  Good god. *shakes head*  2-1 Stars.
- Shortly after Gagner scores on the PP at 6:35.  (89 from 37 and 13). 2-2 Tie Game.
- PP Stars.  An Dallas scores.  3-2 Stars.
- The line of 13/89/46 is on fire.  They are buzzing all over the place.
- PP Stars.  The Oilers kill it off this time.
- Sweet pass from Nilsson to Penner.  Penner then skates in and puts it top shelf on Turco. (27 from 12)  3-3 Tie Game.
- Storts and Gags mix it up with some Stars and Storts goes of to sit in the box.  4 on 4 hockey.
- Horcoff is in his own zone and gets to fancy and loses the puck. Staios hooks the guy and now he has to sit for two. *shakes head* 

3rd Period

- The 3rd starts as a 4 on 3 for the Stars. 
- Morrow scores on the PP and the crowd boo's.  4-3 Stars.
- The Oilers look flat and the crowd is quiet.
- PP Oilers.  The Stars kill it off but the Oilers score shorty after.  4-4 Tie Game. (37 from 83 and 77)
- The 1st line (22/10/83) is not doing so well.  Quinn switches Penner and Jacques and it helps big time.
- PP Stars.  The Oilers again kill it off.
- This game is getting nasty with 5:00 minutes to go.
- This game is going to overtime.

Overtime

- Exciting overtime with back and forth action.  Hemsky threw himself in front of a puck as the time was winding down.  It was nice to see him do that.  Nothing was solved in OT.

Shoot-out

Sam Gagner - gets poke checked
Patrick O'Sullivan - deflection save by Turco
Ales Hemsky - scores low right side 5-4 Oilers.

The Stars ring the last shot off the post and the Oilers win!!!

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FINAL SCORE

Dallas Stars - 4
Edmonton Oilers - 5

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Bad Timing Penalty™

none - Moreau didn't play.

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GOAT WATCH

Ethan Moreau - It was a goat watch alright.  The goat was watching from above in the press box.  He has a ankle injury but might be back next game.  How am I supposed to boo you way up there?

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BEERS

Sam Gagner - The mighty Sam was good once again.  He had 4 shots and seemed really determined to show that last game wasn't a fluke.  And by the way he played tonight, it wasn't a fluke.  He did everything good other than score in the shoot-out.  The little big guy deserves a beer tonight.  Frosty?  Cheers!

Zack Stortini - He was showing good chemistry with Gagner and Cogliano.  He was hitting and skating hard.  Quinn even gave him some PP time and he almost scored twice.  He's not just a fighting machine, he can contribute.  I think he's better than Stone and Jacques and should get a fair shake at some more ice time.  Will Quinn keep him with 89/13?  Let's hope so.  Have a cold one Storts. Cheers!

Sheldon Souray - Big Sexy played a pretty solid game, never mind the fight.  He was playing fairly smart and not to risky.  Then when he dropped the gloves with Barch in the 1st, he blows my mind once again.  He pauses, removes the wrist brace (to be fair) and does a number on Barch.  That is almost as cool like the time he pushed out Moreau to fight.  This guy should be the captain of this hockey club.  He oozes everything you need to be a leader.  Plus he led the team in ice time with 25:20.  My vote's for this guy.  Care for a Bud?  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - I was seriously mad at this guy for the first half of the game.  He was lazy and lolly gagging all over the ice.  I would have pulled him from the game.  Instead, Quinn moves Penner back to the Horpensky line and the magic continues where it left off.  Hemsky all of the sudden clicked on the nitro and came alive.  Holy crap!  He's making moves and is fighting for the puck.  He even block a shot to the chest in OT.  Again, holy crap!  This is the Hemsky that became my Jib Cutter, not the bum that we saw in the first half of this game  (and last).  That was awesome.  To top it off he scores the winning goal in OT, and the shot was a whiff.  Luck happens to those who try.  Feel like a cold one?  Cheers!

Dustin Penner - Penner also had a good game.  It's quite clear that Quinn is liking this guy.  20:00 minutes of ice tonight.  Only Horcoff played more out of the forwards. Dustin is playing great right now and he seems to be having fun.  I like the way that he made that 1st line click.  He scores a big goal and had 3 shots.  Let's see if he is with 83/10 next game.  I'm thinking so.  Miller time Pens?  Cheers!

Honorable Mentions - Ryan Stone (Had a good fight and had 6 hits), Patrick O'Sullivan (Lot's of effort, but little results.), Gilbert Brule (He played pretty good.  He was the best on the team at faceoffs with 56% (5W/4L)

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JEERS

JF Jacques - Maybe it's not fair of me to boo you tonight, you are in over your head and I don't really blame you for being in that position.  But your not good enough for the 1st line.  Against weaker opponents like in pre-season, you do great.  Against the NHL quality players, not so good.  You not living up to the hype so therefore I must jeer. Booooooooo!

Mike Comrie - Comrie had a point in last game where he was caught in the Oilers end and he became winded after a long shift.  He was pretty much toast in the 3rd.  I'm wondering if he does have a conditioning problem?  Once again today he was pretty good in the first half.  After that, he faded to the point of not really playing.  What's up with that?  Get into shape man.  Your just bringing down Sully if you can't do much.  Booooooooo!

Robert Nilsson - Before I get into the negatives, he made a sweet pass to Penner and that is why we still have him.  But other than that, I didn't see him do much, other than some errant passes that he was lucky he didn't get burned on.  I think that the Oilers are going to give up on him.  I just don't see the positives out weighing the negatives.  Booooooooooo!

Honorable Mention: Shawn Horcoff (You may have won a fair share of faceoffs and did ok on the PK, but that's all you did.  It's step up time, don't wait for Hemsky to hold hands with, be a leader.) Nikolai Khabibulin (Is it wrong that this guy scares me everytime a puck gets shot at him?  I hope I get used to him soon or I'm going to have a heart attack.)

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Well it was nice to see a win.  We needed that.  Life is looking good now in Oil Country.  Is it crazy to say that Gagner is on pace to be an 82 goal scoring 4th line machine?  Maybe.  But maybe he does it?  *mind blown* JK

Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #62 (Sept. 23/09 vs. Calgary Flames)

Well this was one crappy game by the the Oilers.  Terrible.  Let's just get right to it because there isn't much good to say.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
O'Sullivan Comrie Stone
Moreau Cogliano Brennan
Penner Brule Nilsson

Souray Gilbert
Visnovsky Grebeshkov
Smid Strudwick

Khabibulin
Deslauriers (Played the 3rd)

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FINAL SCORE

Calgary Flames - 5
Edmonton Oilers - 3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

see Jeers below

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - It's hard to say fat jokes about him anymore because he really does look slimmed down and his foot speed has definitely improved because of it.  Tonight he was havoc in front of the net and managed a goal and an assist for the efforts.  Everyone called him out to be better this year, and I really think he's trying to be.  Good on him.  Frosty cold beer Slim? Cheers!

JF Jacques - The man was trying hard tonight.  That's the kind of stuff Quinn looks for.  He scores a lucky goal and the best part of all... He landed one solid punch to Regehr and knock him silly in a quick but sweet fight.  With a punch and an effort like that, I guessing he gets a spot on this years team.  How about a 40oz of Big Bear for a big dude?  Cheers!

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JEERS

The Entire Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club - Wow!  What a crap ass game that was.  How embarrassing on your own turf.  *shakes head*  Where is the guys that need to make this team?  Ok, let's take a look at what went wrong.

Glencross scores on the first shot of the game.  Not exactly a great start.  Sure the Oilers score to tie it up, but how do expect to get ahead if Grebs and Horcoff are sitting in the box?  You don't, unless you kill it off.  (Hmmmm.... You could probably count Horcoff's penalty a BTP™.)  They did kill it off and dug up some momentum and Jacques scores.  Sweet!  A 2-1 game.

If this game was a mountain, this would be the peak for the Oilers because it's all downhill from here.  Brennan takes a goalie interference and Souray takes one of his two BTP's™ of the night.  This time the Flames score and the game is tied at 2.  The Oilers defense is playing absolutely terrible.  Every single one of them.  Quinn must have been flipping out. 

Then they start off the 2nd period on the PK and then on to the PP where you would think that they would score.  Nope.  Glencross does.  A shorthanded goal is a nice way to let the Flames have a 3-2 lead.  Then Big Bad Brennan drops the gloves.  Yeah... not so impressive.  I can't see how this guy sticks on the team and pushes Big Mac out.  I just don't see it.  Shortly after that the Flames score once again to make it 4-2.  COME ON OILERS!  Where's the effort tonight?  That is when Jacques nails a Flame player (seemed a little cheap to me) and Regehr came to help/stick up for him.  Jacques kills him with one solid punch and it's over.  JFJ gets the extra two for boarding on the initial play so he's  gone for 7 minutes.  Souray goes and takes another BTP™ and literally hands the Flames a 5 on 3.  Again.  Geez.  *shakes fist*

Deslauriers comes out to start the 3rd for the Oilers.  Oddly enough, Quinn reports after the game that Khabibulin was dehydrated and that's why he didn't came back after two periods of play.  Comrie does score on the PP a little later (13:12) on in the 3rd to make it a little closer to 4-3.  As the classic MacT Oilers always did, they showed up a little too late.  Flames snuff out the Oilers by making it 5-3 and it's bragging rights to the fLames.  Geez *shakes head*  I don't understand why Quinn put out the 12 67 18 43 5 line after scoring to make it 4-3.  Call a timeout.  Double up Hemsky and Horcoff. Anything but those guys.

Once again the fans ask, where was Hemsky?  Did he play tonight?  I didn't see him.  Was Moreau kicking people's asses?  He wasn't?  Was he benched?  No?  Wow.  ~What great leaders we have.~  That was a sad display of a team. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #53 (Mar 31/09 vs. Anaheim Ducks)

I couldn't write anything last night as I was shocked, disgusted, saddened, sombre, angry, confused and shocked again. WTF?!? For two days the Oilers preached to the fans about being the 7th man. THEY pumped up the game to the fans. We will bring our best our Captain said. Well if that was your best then you guys suck more than I think. Don't promise what you can't back up. Blame MacT all you want. He didn't crap the bed for the first 55 minutes. The players did. Gilbert took a BTP (Bad Timing Penalty) right after the Ducks score to make it 2-1, which then made it 3-1 when CFP scores on the PP. That really took the wind out of the sails. For the fans and the players.

The part that made me feel strange was when the game was over, the kids looked crushed. Heart broken that they lost this game. I felt bad for Cogs and Gags. However... when the camera was tossed on Moreau, Horcoff, Hemsky and Souray leaving the ice they looked like, "oh well." "Who gives a crap". I do. The rest of the Oiler Nation gives a crap. As much as people are ready for MacT to be gone (and I do agree now BTW), I say the same for Moreau as Captain. NNC.

Here is the summary: The Oilers look good in the first 5 minutes. The suck for the rest off the game up until 16:33 of the 3rd period. Then they score 2 quick goals. Yay! But when the luck is starting to run out, MacT tries to pull a rabbit out if his hat. But the rabbit was already dead. Game over.

GAME SUMMARY
EVENT SUMMARY

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FINAL SCORE

Anaheim Ducks - 5

Edmonton Oilers - 3

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - I liked how he played last night. He was one of the few that really brought it. He had 6 shots and was a +1. I say you played well enough to deserve a beer. Cheers!

Zack Stortini - He was one of the best Oilers last night. He was hitting guys. He had a good fight with Parros in the 1st. When MacT sent him out near the end, I was going what the hell?!? Just then... Boom! He tips in the puck. GOOOOOOOAALLLL... Awesome. He was wicked cool. That's right. Wicked cool. Enjoy a frosty Storts. Cheers!

Shawn Horcoff - I thought that he was good despite his attitude after the final whistle blew. It's just to bad that that his linemates couldn't match his play. He does need to shoot more. The more you shoot the quicker the slump stops. But for a good game... Have a cold one. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions - Steve Staios (He seemed to be trying hard to help the team win last night. He jumped up in the play a few times and played a simple type game. He just looks really tired.) J.F. Jacques (He played ok. He did was he was supposed to. Good job.)

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JEERS

Ethan Moreau - The Captain made a statement and didn't follow through. We will bring our best. No you did not. NNC. Boooooooo!

Ales Hemsky - Same for you. Talk is cheap and you did sweet f*ck all. You want to be a leader of this team? You want to get rode like a Red Mile Hooker? Why? You don't show up when needed. Like last night. Boooooooo!

Sheldon Souray - All those hard shots aren't worth a crap if you don't hit the net. Wide open net. Missed. I was expecting a different Souray last night. He also looks tired. Booooooo!

Tom Gilbert - Your stats (3 assists and 5 shots which normaly deserves a frosty beer) may say one thing but taking a BTP is unforgivable. Tough luck... but it's your luck. That sucked Tom. *shakes head* Boooooooo!

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Is this the end?

Beers and Jeers #51 (Mar 27/09 vs. Anaheim Ducks)

Well folks, last night's game was a gooder. I freaked out a little and cheered a little. And then I freaked out some more. The Ref's were terrible. Most of the calls were penalty worthy, but some were called for no reason. What happened to the good refs?

Roli started once again and it looks like he will until the Oilers secure a spot. In other words, he will play right up to the last game of the season.

Stortini finally draws back in to the lineup after missing eight games. About time MacT. And if anyone really cares... Jacques was also in the lineup.

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1st Period

The game gets going in a hurry. Penner scores right off the hop. Yeah! 1-0 Oilers. (Penner from Horcoff and O'Sullivan at 1:11) Nice start. Holy crap! Pisani scores. Yeah! 2-0 Oilers. (Pisani from Cogliano at 1:48) At this point Giguere gets pulled. For 2 seconds. Then he's back in again. WHAT?!?! Never seen that before (that I can remember anyways). Jacques and Parros decide to drop the gloves. Good quick tilt. Parros wins that one and gives Jacques a tap for a good fight. Damn! Getzlaf scores. 2-1 Oilers. The line of 21, 89 and 83 were on for that goal. Moreau takes a hi-sticking penalty at 8:04, but luckily the Ducks don't score. Marchant and Smid mix it up and they go sit for 2 minutes. With 6:36 left, Gagner coughs up the puck in the Oilers zone but nothing really comes of it. Bad Gagner... Bad. The Oilers as a whole are looking really sloppy with 5 minutes to go. Stortini and Parros decide to go now. Really good tilt as Storts out punches him. Storts with the win. Remind me again why 46 was sitting for 8 games and 85 was playing??? At 18:09, Horcoff takes an interference penalty has to think about it for 2 minutes. Aw man! Staios clears the puck out of the Oilers zone. Problem is, it's over the glass. 5 on 3 for the Ducks now for 1:20. MacT calls a timeout to go over the PK plan. The Oilers do a good job at killing the penalties but as the period winds down, Souray and Perry will start off the 2nd with a penalty each. 15 to 4 were the shots for the Ducks.

2nd Period

15 seconds into the 2nd, Getzlaf scores his 2nd and ties up the game. Damn! 2-2 Tie Game. But one of the Ducks takes a penalty at 1:07 and the Oil go on the PP. Big Dustin Penner scores on the PP. Yeah! Penner's on fire. 3-2 Oilers. (Penner from Gagner and Hemsky at 2:40) Momentum Oilers. Yeah!!! Brodziak scores for the Oilers. 4-2 Oilers. (Brodziak unassisted at 2:49) Stortini was key on that sequence. Well Giguere is pulled again. Poor guy. He was lit up tonight. At 5:17 the Oilers take a too many men penalty. They kill that off. And at 7:16, O'Sullivan sits for 2 minutes for tripping. Then at 8:06 the rough stuff and all the penalties start to happen. Staios, Moreau and Souray were involved. How come the vets never do that for the youngsters? Just asking. Roli gets a penalty and Staios gets one as well. Then a 10:43, Kotalik gets a penalty. But you can't fight this one as he shot it over the glass. Tough luck. He did save the puck from crossing the line though. Better a PK then a auto goal. At 17:48, Getzlaf takes the last penalty of the period. This was a good and intense period. It was nice to see some real emotion. Too many damn penalties though.

3rd Period

MacT sure has been messing with the lines. It is getting kind of hard to figure out what is what. It appears like he is swapping the centers around. 35 seconds into the 3rd the Oilers go on the PP. It would have been nice if they scored but they don't. At 3:25 the Ducks score on the line of 18, 10, and 34. Horcoff was standing there and Moreau was wondering around looking lost. Terrible guys. 4-3 Oilers. The Oilers are feeling the pressure now. At 5:31, Kotalik takes a turn in the sin bin. The call... cross checking. The Oilers do kill that off but the Ducks seem to want to get back in this game. Roli robs Pronger with a huge glove save on the PP. Roli, Roli, Roli!!! What a game. At 9:35, Jacques hi-sticks a guy and gets a double minor. The Ducks get 6 shots on Roli in the 1st two minutes of the PP. Shortly after, Gagner gets nailed and Roli does his patented baseball swing and bats the puck out of the zone. Nice. The game is rockin' and rollin' all the way till the last minute of play. The ducks have pulled the goalie to try and tie the game. But Kotalik puts it in the empty net for the Oilers. Yeah! 5-3 Oilers. (Kotalik from Hemsky and Souray at 19:48) The Oilers WIN!!! The 2 points are in the bag. WOOOOOOOO!!!!

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VIDEO HIGHLITES

GAME SUMMARY

EVENT SUMMARY

DAVID STAPLES REVIEW

OIL DROPPINGS REVIEW

SCORING CHANCES SUMMARY

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 5

Anaheim Ducks - 3

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Tonight's Starting Lines

For complete ratings see Oil Droppings. He did a really good job on them. Plus the lines changed throughout the game. Damn you MacT and your fancy blender.

Kotalik Gagner Hemsky

Penner Horcoff O'Sullivan

Moreau Cogliano Pisani

Jacques Brodziak Stortini

Souray Staios

Grebeshkov Gilbert

Strudwick Smid

Roloson

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BEERS

Dwayne Roloson - Roli the goalie was awesome. He made 51 saves for the win. Now do I really have to say anything else? Frosty Roli? How about two? Cheers!

Dustin Penner - The flying fridge was great. He had 2 goals and was a +2. He did his thing out there and had 4 shots and 2 hits. All this and he ony played 12:14. What a heck of a game. Pilsener for the Fridge? Cheers!

Zack Stortini - I really liked his game. He did was he is supposed to and played well. He fought. He caused a screen on the Brodziak goal. And he was hitting people. All this and he only played 4:10. Good job Zack. Glad your back. How about a cold one? Cheers!

Honorable Mentions - Jason Strudwick (He played not bad. He still isn't great but he did what he had to. +1 and 2 shots.), Shawn Horcoff (had a good night on faceoffs. He played a ton and was moved around quite a bit.), Patrick O'Sullivan (I really liked his play. He was on the PK and had some good moments on the offensive side.), Ales Kotalik (I also liked his game as well. I said from his first game as an Oiler that he needs to work on the cardio. I think he has as he played 16:54 and didn't look tired.)

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JEERS

Ethan Moreau - I have no idea what I have against him. I just didn't like the way he played. He just doesn't act like a captian. His fall at the boards all alone was slick and that made me laugh out loud. That's how I must look sometimes. lol. But seriously, he really needs to step up and become more of a leader in order for this team to be successful. We need an action type of a leader. God knows that it isn't Hemsky. So for a lackluster effort at even stength... Boooooooo!

The Entire Team - You guys really need to cut it out with all the penalties. Sure the refs were a little over happy with the whistles but come on. Way to many careless penalties. The elite teams don't take that many penalties in a game. Booooooooo!

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A win. About time. That's all I can say. About time. Next game is at 6:00 pm tommorow against the pesky Wild. Big Mac should draw in for Jacques I would suspect. Let's hope for another 2 points. Go Oilers!!!