Showing posts with label Edmonton Oilers Hockey Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edmonton Oilers Hockey Blog. Show all posts

Monday, July 15, 2013

Questions & more Questions in "Oilerland" pt 1

Where do I start? Between the MSM of TV and Radio, along with all our Oiler bloggers on the Internet and fans on twitter and Facebook, the world of hockey has some real crazy talk happening out there. Sure some stuff sounds quite interesting and plausible but some stuff does not even make sense. Sometimes it is simple deduction in figuring out what is ludicrous or what has possibility.

 I am like the next guy, always interested in the next possibility, be it a trade or signing or buyout. Also when trying to wade through the mud of the dirty waters of rumours and speculation, all you have to do is consider the few facts in front of you.When a team is over the cap, very low % of a chance that a team in that standing will trade for a player who has a high salary. Sure the Oilers can keep some kind of salary but unless they are getting a need met in their organization , why would they take on salary as well? Also it is unlikely a team will trade for a player unless they believe they can help their organization especially at the cost it takes. Some teams may take on salary for depth like Dallas did with Horcoff but they need the cap room first. All those small details need to be figured out.

The great insiders of the game don't just have a GUY, they have people who know or have heard that people are talking. They then do simple deduction of what are the different possibilities and demise from that conversation. After all that is done, they throw out that rumour possibility and then check out the reaction from the players, agents and the NHL clubs. Depending on what they hear, they either move forward or pull back off of the rumour. Very seldom, the great insiders know actual facts from directly within until it looks like it is almost all but over and the contract is all but signed.

There are only really 3 players who are constantly in rumour mills and could or have some kind of trade value should the Oilers make such a move. (we will all disagree of how much trade value they carry but nonetheless they still have trade value of some sort. More then say Ryan Smyth at this point of his career)

Ales Hemsky:
A rumour for picking up Zack Smith from Ottawa is possible if they consider him a option as their third line center. MacT has said Gordon is 3rd line center so trading hemsky for a guy who would be a 4th line center and keeping part of his salary and paying that high of a price? Does not make sense. Oilers might as well keep Hemsky and worse case scenario is wait til trade deadline and get what they can to a contending team. Trading Hemsky to Ottawa does not make as much sense either if there is no room in the top 6. Who wants to pay 5 million to a player on the 3rd line? Remember Bobby Ryan going to Ottawa in a trade? That closes those doors. OTTAWA? 10% chance

What about New Jersey and the Devils? Unlikely due to his contract size unless the Oilers picked some of it up on their end. If that were to happen, who does NJ have that the Oilers need? You need to have a match for that to occur. NEW JERSEY? 10% chance

Been hearing about rumours to Long Island to join John Tavares? He would look good there very likely but doubt it happens. They have been going younger and are tired of possible injury prone players, they just bought out their worst mistake in franchise recently , they don't want any part of Hemsky IMO. NEW YORK ISLANDERS? 5% chance (never say never)

Remember the CBJ rumours awhile back? With Howsen out of Columbus maybe not the same desire for Hemsky as there once was? Or is there? They have been stockpiling some talent and maybe they are willing to take him for a spin if they can unload some money back to Edmonton in a deal. Sorry Ryan Johansen will not be coming back in a deal if only Hemsky is included, does not make sense from a CBJ perspective. Just look at there roster and it may give you a couple ideas. COLUMBUS? 15% chance

Forget Philly, the Rangers or even Boston. Those locations sound too cash strapped to even consider his 5 Million and unless they send back something Edmonton really needs why would they eat some of his salary? 

What about Pittsburgh? I know they are a cash strapped team. They have spent quite a bit on their top level players already so this trade would have to have the Oilers eating some of his salary. Is that possible? Only if they send something back the Oilers want or need. They are deep in defencemen, so that is always a good possibility. Your guess is as good as mine. PITTSBURGH? 10% chance.

Unless MacT is a real salesman, I think we see Hemsky still start the year in Edmonton with the understanding if he plays good, a Stanley Cup contender may trade for him before the deadline.Worst case scenario, one of Edmonton's top 6 goes down on one of the wings and Hemsky moves up a spot to the 2nd line and actually does return to scoring again when it matters.

IMO, if you can't bring decent 2nd line defencemen back or a 3rd line winger minimum, you keep the assets and at worst send him off at the deadline for cheap or let him play out his last year in Edmonton. Hemsky can handle our 3rd line role IMO. We may be grateful we kept him if you look at our current bottom 6 forwards. btw...the total % I show is 50% chance he gets moved only. (watch now how some other team I did not mention trades for Ales Hemsky)

I have been told by a few different places to look into some other options for him to go to Vancouver, Minnesota or Anaheim. Not sure I can see that happening myself but can't say never.

NEXT POST COMING ON; Ladislav Smid

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

"Bring on the KLEFBOM" Oilers Development Camp 2013

At 6'2 and 204 lbs Oscar has becomes the 'Oilers' next great hope. Oscar Klefbom brings a good size presence in the form of a player who has game already. After years of watching Jordon Eberle, Taylor Hall, Magnus Paajarvi, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and last year Nail Yakupov, dominate the attention at Oilers Development Camp, Klefbom and fellow blueliner Darnell Nurse were the ones who were being watched closely this camp.


Klefbom had many eyes upon him last year and before his injury was actually scheduled to be at Oilers training camp in September 2012. As fate goes, he was injured and was not able to attend or even play the rest of the year. This year Nurse was all the ‘craze’ for MacT and the player he obviously was coveting if Monahan was gone at their drafting position. Center and defence is what MacT has preached and so it should be.

This years camp had maybe 75% of the total amount of fans visiting compared to 90-100% capacity at the previous 3 camps held in Edmonton and/or Sherwood Park. It’s a given without the excitement of a #1 OV draft selection, things are not as pretty as they are becoming solid. I have given MacT somewhat of a hard time in regards to what he has done, but selecting Nurse will really stabilize the back end of the Oilers defence for years to come.

This years camp was very little about the forwards (all the young prospects are already playing for the Oilers) and more about defence. With Musil. Gernat, Klefbom, Nurse and Simpson you have a pretty good group of prospects on defence to watch. You can always find ways to pick apart a defence corps in comparison to forwards but this group is looking good for the future.

Notice the size of the Oilers D-men coming down the pipe? They are big guys (maybe not all filled out yet, but will over time) but none stands out as ready as Oscar Klefbom. “The Bom” as I like to call him, stood hands above everyone else at this camp and he should. He has played against men for awhile, is big, solid muscle, good hockey IQ, a leader and solid character guy as mentioned by those closer to him. Not to mention this is his second camp and the 2nd time around is always easier. Just ask Jordon Eberle! 

Sure Oscar made a few mistakes here and there but the drills are made to expose area’s on players to show them what they will need to work on. Be it positioning, stick work, skating agility etc..every player has work too do. I have followed these camps since 2007 and each year even the #1 OV selections struggled on different drills or at different points. This development camp is not about evaluation but about development.

Having said all that, Oscar Klefbom IMO has arrived to the point of readiness. I know many fans say ‘he needs time in the AHL’! How can you make that call, when you have not seen him play against actual NHL players and in game situations. For me, Oscar is ready for that 3rd pairing role already in Edmonton but he should have to earn it. If other players are stronger back there, send him to develop in the AHL awhile but let’s not judge him to quickly. Maybe Oil Country is tired of promises only to see players fall short or not used correctly. I like what MacT is doing by loading up on depth on defence. Klefbom will have his hands full this coming 2103-2014 NHL season competing for a position but I suspect he will be the player who walks out of the battle w=victorious because he is ‘just that good’. I was OK with Oscar and where we selected him but have become even more impressed with what we may have in the future. No pressure on the young guy, let’s just give him a chance before we judge where he should play is all I say.

As far as Darnell Nurse? He showed some promising size, learned some new skills to apply at the Jr level for practice and let’s hope he shows good arrows this year in the OHL. 

NEXT POST: What Possibilities are left for the Oilers?

Monday, June 10, 2013

A look into the UFA "Defencemen" position in Edmonton


We already know there are few centremen available to the Oilers on the UFA market coming up but what about Defence? It has been mentioned now for years we need a fix. What could possibly be out there for defence? Let's take a look at the possibilities that are mentioned going into the UFA market in less then a month;


UFA Defence

Ron Hainsey
Mark Streit
Marek Zidlicky
Rob Scuderi
Jordan Leopold
Toni Lydman
Douglas Murray
Anton Babchuk
Adrian Aucion
Andrew Ference
Joe Corvo
Michal Rozsival
Adam Pardy
Scott Hannan
Wade Redden
Mark Eaton
Ben Lovejoy

These are guys on defence who I think would even be given consideration let alone actually offered a opportunity in Edmonton. There are some possibilities here but outside of Haninsey and Streit, you are not getting that top pairing defence you may be wanting in the UFA Market. How much would you be willing to pay for one or the other on the UFA Market? Your not trading for a top 2 defencemen without giving up one of the Oilers 'sacred 5' so you either pay one of those guys or continue to develop your own. IMO , other then a trade MacT may make a offer to either of these guys but no more $ then 4.5 million/year and no longer then 3 years in term. Myself, if they could land him, I really like Rob Scuderi but likely he gets resigned or signs elsewhere for more. Some have said he wants to play in the east, only time will tell.

'Keep your stick on the ice!'

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Quinn Made A Promise To The Oiler Fans


Did you watch the video that I have had on the Jambalaya Home Page today?  Watch it again, it right above this.

When I first seen it at the beginning of the season I got goose bumps.  It was an amazing thing to see - remember last year and the MacT fiasco? So do I.  So when I came across it today, a few things he said stood out for me, other than the goose bumps I got again re-watching it. 

Quinn started off by saying, "Hello, I'm Pat Quinn, the head coach for your Edmonton Oilers." 

Sweet intro line.  He had me at hello.

"This is your team and everything we do, we do it for you, our fans."

I'm even more fired up and intrigued by what he is saying and strangely enough, I started thinking about Bryan Adams. "Look into my eyes.."

"I can't sit here and make any promises about the post season.  But I can promise you this..."

Now this is where is gets exciting.  Why is that you say?  Well, remember the coaching staff saying that the team was going to win the division that one year and didn't?  This is kind of where Quinn is going with this speech.  But it's a different promise.  Maybe an easier one we hope?

"We will play tough."

Ok.  That should be a easy thing to do right?  Oh yeah... the team is filled with smurfs.  Hmmm.  I don't know if he should have said that.

"We will show grit."

Ok.  Grit I can see before toughness.  What else you got Quinn?

"And we will highlight the skill on this team."

That was probably the most believable thing he said so far.  Skill we have, but toughness and grit?

"And on every night, even when we're tired, and it's cold, I promise you this."

More promises... the suspense is killing me.

"This team will compete"

That is one hell of a statement to make.  Especially when I have watched this team for as long as I have.  I wasn't sure if he knew this team's history to not show up for games in the past 3 years (or more).  But nonetheless... I believe him.

"And when we do this... everything else will fall into place."

 By this time, I'm ready to vote him into the PM's office.  Quinn for PM!  Finally a coach that gets it.  And he's our coach.  The Oilers have found their saviour.

"We will be taking on the world... starting October 3rd."

Bring it on world... bring it on.

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Fast forward to today.  How do I feel about it today? 

I feel let down.  The players seemed to buy into what Quinn was selling at the start.  The first 7 games I was in heaven.  We all were.  I was floating on clouds.  Then the hockey gods laughed and said no more.  Now all that stuff Quinn said looks like horse plop.  We lose two pluggers like Jacques and Stone and that's it.  No more toughness?  Where did the team grit go that we had going on?  Where is the highlighted smurf skill?  Where is this teams willingness to compete?  Yeah... where is it?

 Where is all the "talk" gone to?  Are the players way to comfortable now that all these injuries have happened?  Really, it's not like they are going to lose their spot on the team, unless your name is Steve MacIntyre *starts to cry again*. 

So I have to ask myself, why would the Oilers organisation do a promo like this?  Why would you go out on a limb and say what this team can and can not do?  I just makes no sense to say anything at all.  Because look, it's game 18 and this team is in some real trouble now.  They lost to many valuable points in the last 10 games and it's going to be hard to get some back.  And really, it's all because there is no team toughness or grit.

 He said it himself,  "And when we do this... everything else will fall into place."

It maybe a bold statement... but it's true.  No grit, no win.  And right now, nothing is falling into place.

I think maybe the team should re-watch this video.  Or this season could turn into a wash in a hurry.  I don't think the fans could handle that, again.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

B&J #80 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs. Avalanche (11/08/09)





Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya - An Edmonton Oilers Hockey Blog. 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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- Hemsky, Jacques, Smid, Souray, Horcoff, Pouliot, and Stone are all injured so the Oilers called up Ryan Potulny and Liam Reddox.  Both will play in this game.

- I really am getting concerned with all the games that they have Khabibulin playing in so far.  He's only supposed to play around 55 games and he's on pace for a lot more than that. 
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Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (7-8-1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (12-3-2)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Gagner-O'Sullivan
Comrie-Brule-Nilsson
Reddox-Cogliano-Pisani
Moreau-Potulny-Stortini

Chorney-Visnovsky
Grebeshkov-Gilbert
Strudwick-Staios

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 Oilers @ Avs LIVE *TweetCast*.
- Oilers will be in tough tonight, Avs are 6-0 at home.
- Waiting for anthems and puck drop.
- Here we go, Oilers win the draw.
- Storts goes to the net, it gets rough. 17:43 1st
- Patty-O has a good rush
- Reddox gets drilled. Svatos gets 2 for boarding. Oilers PP.
- Comrie Scores!. 1-0 Oilers 5 mins in.
- Patty-O goes off for 2. Oilers PK 14:25 1st
- Khabi stones Cumiskey.
- Coincidental minors. 4on3 Oilers PK
- Oilers kill it off. 5on5
- Svatos scores. 1-1 Tie game 12 mins left in 1st
- Halfway through, it's been a pretty even game.
- Oilers doing a better job clearing their zone.
- Oilers PP 6:20 1st
- Gilbert Scores! on a point shot through traffic. PP Goal. 2-1 Oilers
- Oilers are 2-2 on PP. 2-1 Oilers 5 mins left in 1st
- 2 min warning
- With 1:19 remaining in the 1st, Oilers get 3rd PP.
- Pens Scores! on a cross ice one timer from Patty-O. 3-1 Oilers. under a min to go 1st.
- After the 1st its 3-1 Oilers.
- Oilers have been playing good tonight. They're skating and hitting again.
- Oilers need to work harder 5on5, Avs have had the advantage when even.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is underway, Oilers start on PP.
- The PP looked good but couldn't score. 3-1 Oilers 18:07 2nd
- Grebs trips an Av forward. Oilers PK 18:00
- Khabi makes a stop, falls, gets back and makes another stop.
- Oilers kill off Grebs penalty.
- Hensick scores, on ping pong point shot. 3-2 Oilers 15:04 2nd
- Shots are 20-16 for the Avs so far.
- Good pace to the game tonight.
- Hannan gets a puck in the face, and goes down. #tookitinthenose
- Comrie crosschecks Foote, after they get tangled up.
- Oilers PK 10:50 2nd
- Avs buzzing on the PP
- Oilers kill off the penalty.
- Khabi makes 2 great saves on Wolski.
- Avs outshooting Oilers 15-5 6:30 2nd
- This has turned into a grind it out type of game.
- Storts goes off at 3:12, Oilers PK
- Avs get chances but Oilers kill it off. Last min 2nd
- After 2 periods, Oilers lead the Avs 3-2.
- Avs out played Oilers in the 2nd.

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is underway.
- Good pace to start the 3rd.
- McLeod goes off for 2. Oilers PP 15:58 3rd
- Potulny Scores! after getting 2 onetimers off. 4-2 Oilers 15:15 3rd
- Jones scores. with Khabi down and out. 4-3 Oilers. 12:29 3rd
- Pace has picked up, the game is fast
- Dupuis goes for charging. Oilers PP. 9:19 3rd
- Oilers have a good PP but get one past Anderson. 4-3 Oilers 7:11 3rd
- Back and forth action, great chances.
- Avs get bench minor, too many men. Oilers PP 5:29 3rd
- Cogs Scores! just after the PP ended. 5-3 Oilers 3:20 3rd
- 2 min warning
- Avs pull goalie, last min
- Oilers Win! 5-3 over the Avs.
- Gilbert(1), Potulny(2), Penner(3) get the Stars
- Good road game and a needed win tonight. the call ups did good in their roles.
- Thanks for following this Live *TweetCast*. Next up the Senators on Tues. PPV at 5:30.

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GAME HIGHLIGHTS



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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 5


Colorado Avalanche - 3


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GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Post Game Video Reaction

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

- Avs Time On The Ice

- Faceoffs Report

- Shots Report

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He was average.  Nothing I could really get mad at.  But seeing a guy like Potulny, it makes me want to get rid of him that much more.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He played ok.  He had an assist and probably didn't piss off Quinn much tonight.  But he still sucks.

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GAME STAT LEADERS

Goals - Cogliano, Potulny, Penner, Gilbert, Comrie (1 each)
Assists - Nilsson, Potulny, O'Sullivan, Staios, Penner, Grebeshkov, Visnovsky, Gilbert, Reddox, Gagner (1 each)
Points - Potulny (2), Penner (2), Gilbert (2)
Best +/- - Staios, Pisani, Strudwick, Reddox (All +1)
Worst +/- - Chorney (-3)
Penalty Minutes - O'Sullivan, Grebeshkov, Strudwick, Stortini, Comrie (All had 2 minutes)
Most Time On The Ice - Penner (22:30)
Least Time On The Ice - Stortini (10:31)
Most Shots - Potulny (5 shots)
Most Hits - Reddox (4 hits)
Most Giveaways - Potulny (2 giveaways)
Most Takeaways - Nilsson, Potulny, Grebeshkov (All had 1)
Most Blocked Shots - Staios (4 blocked shots)
Best Faceoffs - Gagner (12W-7L= 63%)
Worst faceoffs - Brule (2W-6L=25%)

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BEERS

Tom Gilbert - He actually looked like a legit NHL player tonight.  He made very little mistakes and was actually good.  Like real good.  I was shocked.  He scores his 1st of the season and also picks up an assist.  Stellar performance for a guy that has not been good in my eyes this year.  It's about time.  How about a Molson Canadian? Cheers!

Ryan Potulny - For a call up he rocked.  He scores on the PP and picks up an assist.  He was really good.  Maybe it was just the excitement of being called up, but he sure looked ready for the chance.  He's even rockin' a Movember mustache.  Sweet.  Great stuff tonight Potsy.  How about a first ever beer from B&J?  Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - I was glad that he at least picked up an assist.  He's been busting his hump this year and has been snake bitten for the most part.  He took three of shots and really tried to do all the little things right.  He had 3 blocked shots and played an enormous 22:18 of ice time.  It think he's thirsty after that game.  How about a frosty Coors lite?  Cheers!
Sam Gagner - With Horcoff out, Gagner steps in and shows why he is the future of this franchise.  Not only did he pick up an assist, he ran the PP with ease and dominated in the faceoff circle.  Wow!  The guy stands up once again and says "Here I am, take notice".  Great game Gags.  It's Miller Time. Cheers!

Dustin Penner - He just keeps adding to his point totals.  Two more points tonight with a goal and an assist.  Am I surprised anymore? No.  Penner for Team Canada!!!  It's Bud chuggin' time.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Zack Stortini (The big guy started the emotion early and played well.), Liam Reddox (Not a bad night for the MacT fart sniffer.  He picks up an assist and had a team high, 4 hits.), Mike Comrie (The Duffman played good.  But like I said at the beginning of the season, he's only good in the first half of a game.), Lubomir Visnovsky (He was good.  He maybe missed Smid out there a little.  He's just such a fast skater it's crazy.), Jason Strudwick (He was physical and played ok. 2 hits and  3 blocked shots), Steve Staios (+1 and an assist.  He does that and 4 blocked shots.  Where's the real Steve?), Andrew Cogliano (He scores a goal and breaths a sigh of releif.  The Oilers need more games like this from him.)

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JEERS

Taylor Chorney - He played ok, but finished the game a team worst -3.  Maybe it was because Quinn has a lot of confidance in him right now and he was out a lot.  But to beat a team 5-3 and still end the game at -3 stinks.  That means you were on the ice for every goal against.  Not a good night in my books.  Booooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Nikolai Khabibulin (He was caught out of his crease a few times.  As good as he's been lately, he wasn't all that hot tonight.)

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - That was a much better game from the Oilers.  It was their effort level.  They actually had one.  It's about freaking time.  It's kind of sad when you realize that Reddox was the hit leader on this team tonight.  Seriously, what kind of damage could he really do?  Habby (I seen it on his helmet) didn't look great tonight and so it's lucky that the team potted five goals.  But a win is a win and I/we should feel good once again.  GOILERS!

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NEXT GAME

Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators

Tuesday, Nov 10/09
5:30 pm MT
PPV

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

B&J #77 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs Detroit Red Wings (10/29/09)




Welcome to Oilers Jambalaya - An Edmonton Oilers Hockey Blog. 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? Comrie and Visnovsky are to sick to play tonight.  Losing both guys is pretty harsh.  Do you know who else is out? Paq Twinn.  The poor guy has the flu as well.  At the beginning of the game he informed me that he would be missing the TweetCast tonight.  I said "What?" I couldn't let his peeps not be informed.  So as a good friend, I hacked into his Twitter account and did it for him.  Your welcome Paq.  Now you owe me. :)  Get better buddy.
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Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (6-5-1) vs. Detroit Red Wings (4-4-2)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Grebeshkov-Smid
Gilbert-Chorney
Strudwick-Peckham

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

1st PERIOD

- PaqTwinn talked to this guy who was a friend of a guy who happens to know Smid, and he now has the flu. No TweetCast by Paq tonight. :(
- Well hello folks... this is Smokin' Ray ( @OilersJambalaya ). I'm going to be a really bad @PaqTwinn tonight. I hope he feels better soon.
- Puck has been dropped. #Oilers vs #RedWings
- JF Jacques scores 42 seconds into the game. WoOOOoo! 1-0 #Oilers
- Jacques from Brule and O'Sullivan
- Gagner gets nailed by Brad Stuart and Cogs comes to his aid and so does Peckham. Nothing happens but a little bad blood to start the game.
- RedWings PP Peckham goes for roughing
- Oilers kill it off but then the bench is called for too many men. PP RedWings
- Oilers kill it off. #goodpk
- Penner scores. Penner bats it out of the air and puts it in. 2-0 #oilers
- Penner from Horcoff and Hemsky
- Oilers PP. Let's go Oilers and make it 3.
- Wooooo! #Oilers score! 3-0 A PP goal by Hemsky from Penner and Horcoff
- Oh... and theres 5:54 left in the 1st. I told you I'm no PaqTwinn. *shrugs shoulders* #smokinraysucksattweetinglikepaq
- Two minute warning. Ok.., it's actually 2:07 left
- Well that's the 1st period. Oilers are up 3-0 and Horcoff just doubled his points. #clapclap Top three lines look good. #Oilers #RedWings
- MacT is wearing a #OIlers scarf on #tsn #heissuperloyaltotheoilers
- HAHA! Cogliano dressed up as #DanyHeatley for halloweeen. #classic
- That's funny. RT lowkeyhockey @PaqTwinn penner wore a santa suit and put no trade on the back. he was No trade clause

2nd PERIOD

- The puck drops and Hemsky scores! 4-0 Oilers
- Hemsky from Penner
- I think this team is feeling better. #flubegone 4-0 #Oilers four minutes into the 2nd
- Awwwww. #RedWings score. 4-1 Oilers
- Once again folks, @PaqTwinn is sick and we hope he gets better soon. Your enjoying the broadcast by @OilersJambalaya
- If you not watching this game... it's a good one. #Oilers vs #RedWings 11:36 left in the 2nd period
- Lebda takes a hooking penalty at 8:53 and the Oilers will have a PP.
- Oilers score! A PP goal Woooooo!
-Horcoff from Penner. #holycrap #horpenskyisback #Oilers 5-1
- 8:00 minutes left and the #Oilers are like a dream. #pinchme *Paq is home and feeling better.*
- Awwwww. Chorney gets a bad bounce of of him and the #RedWings score. It's 5-2 Oilers with 7:10 left in the 2nd period
- Great action by the Oilers. Two Minute Warning
- The 2nd is over and the #Oilers are leading the #RedWings 5-2. Great game so far.

3rd PERIOD

- Penner has 1 goal and 3 assists, Horcoff has 1 goal and 2 assists and Hemsky has 2 goals and 1 assist. #Oilers starting the 3rd period...now
- Brule nails a Wing. Nice.
- Good pressure by the #RedWings with 16:10 left in the 3rd period. Grebeshkov takes a tripping penalty and it's now a Red Wing PP.
- The crazy stat of the game: Cogliano is -2 right now. The Oilers kill that penalty but the Red WIngs score 5-3 Oilers
- Damn! Red Wings score... 5-4 Oilers #ohno
- 12:00 minutes left and the game is getting exciting.
- Oilers better pick up the pace picante' #wingslookinghungry
- Game delay: broken glass 9:29 remaining in the 3rd period #oilers vs. #redwings 5-4 Oilers
- WTF? Detroit scores 5-5 tie game with 7:05 left #booooooo
- Gagner crashes the net but can't score. #heplayslikehesbig
- The crowd at Rexall seems to be about as stunned as I am right now. 5-5 Tie game with 4:24 left in the 3rd #quinnisgoingtokill
- The kid line is a combined -9 in this game. Ouch!
- Two Minute Warning
- One minute left and the kid line is getting schooled by the Wings.
- 1st line out for the last minute and they too get schooled. Why is Hemsky out there?
- 3rd period is over. It's tied 5-5 and it's going to OT. #Oilers vs #RedWings

OVERTIME

- Here we go... Puck drop for OT
- Wouldn't gloves on the glove drier spread the H1N1 flu?
- 3:14 left and nothing has happened that's important.
- Gagner takes the draw in OT. Why? He's 0 for 6. Now 0 for 7
- 2 minute warning
- Game Delay: Another glass change. 1:45 left
- Game On!
- Beauty play by Hemsky to Gilbert. Nice try. Gilbert is buzzing.
- This game is going to a shootout. Holy crap! #oilers vs #redwings

SHOOTOUT

- Gagner denied.
- Jason Williams denied
- Ales Hemsky misses wide
- Datsuk denied
- O'Sullivan scores!
- Zetterberg denied. OILERS WIN!!!
- 6-5 Oilers. Great game but could have been better. Thank god for the win.
- Thanks for following Smokin' Ray's *TweetCast*. Paq will be back next game.
------------------

GAME HIGHLIGHTS




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

FINAL SCORE

Detroit Red Wings - 5


Edmonton Oilers - 6   SO
------------------

GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

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

BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - I'm shocked.  Are you?

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

GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He was completely invisible.  He played a whopping 12:06.  Even Quinn is figuring out that you suck.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - The worst of the kid line tonight.  He should have taken the shot a few times, but didn't.  He tried to get cute.  *shakes head* That's not very impressive.

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

BEERS

Dustin Penner - The big guy was a force again.  He's so freaking good right now it's scary.  He is a total old school Cam Neely type right now.  He's great.  He had 1 goal and 3 assists tonight.  Why does everyone think I'm crazy for pushing this guy on Team Canada?  Let's get hammered once again Pens.  Cheers!

Shawn Horcoff - Where was this guy all year?  Did he only need Penner to save his season?  Horcoff had 1 goal and 2 assists tonight.  He only had two points going into this game.   Look at me now he says.  Let's drink it up Horc.  Your out of my doghouse tonight.  Frosty?  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - Hemmer is back.  He was flying out there.  He looked very happy to be with the Horpensky line again.  My only question is why did Quinn wait so long?  Hemmer had 2 goals and 1 assist.  That will add to the points total.  Killer game.  Budweiser?  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Patrick O'Sullivan (He played his butt off.  He added 1 assist to the game.), Gilbert Brule (He sure is making a point of claiming his spot on this team.  I really like him right now.), JF Jacques (He scores the opening goal and had 3 solid hits.  Good game by Jock Strap.),

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

JEERS

Jason Strudwick - He sure can't take the minutes when guys go down.  3 giveaways and was a -3.  What a terrible night for him.  But let's be real, he's really our 7th guy.  Not anything better.  Brutal game Struds... Booooooo!

Nikolai Khabibulin - He was not very good.  Sure he made some nice big saves, but overall pretty stinky.  5 goals against sucks Nik.  Boooooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): The Kid Line (A combined -9.  They looked good but they were schooled a few times in their own end.  Nilsson made this line worse.)

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

OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - Good 1st half by the Oilers, then Detroit decided enough was enough.  They storm back and push this game to a shootout.  The Oilers are lucky for the win because it should have been a win anyways.  But a win is a win and that's all that I care about now.  Glad the losing streak is over.  It's a new dawn... it's a new day.

Paq Twinn - *coughs* Sorry folks, *cough* I'm sick, *pukes* Yay Oilers! *passes out*

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

NEXT GAME

Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins

Oct 31/09
11:00 am MT
Sportsnet West

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

B&J #76 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs Colorado Avalanche 10/27/09




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


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

- The Duffman is back!  Comrie kicks the flu and gets back in tonight.  That means that Peckham and MacIntyre are watching from the press box.  Staios, Souray, Pouliot and Pisani are still injured.  Pisani did skate today and word is he may play against the Bruins on Saturday.  With people coming back, it makes the cap issues tight.  The Oilers should have hired a juggler.

- Oilers.com Game Preview

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

Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (6-4-1) vs. Colorado Avalanche (8-1-2)

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

TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

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

1st PERIOD

- Welcome to tonights LIVE Full Game *TweetCast* for the #Oilers vs #Avs
- the Oilers (6-4-1) are looking to halt a 2 game losing skid, they'll be in tough though as the Avs (8-1-2) lead the NW div.
- line up changes for the Oilers: Comrie-in, Peckham-out
- waiting for player intro's, anthems, and puck drop.
- here we go, Avs win the opening draw.
- Hejduk scores, on a spin a round shot. 1-0 Avs 19:35 remaining in the 1st
- Oilers respond to the goal, with some strong play
- Cogs get slammed into the boards head first. No call, WTF?! 4on4 after a scrum. 17:35 1st
- now Smid takes 2 for hooking. Oilers PK
- Khabi makes 2 quick great saves on PK
- Oilers kill off Smids penalty
- Oilers are looking better this game, more like the first few. Cogs is OK, taking a shift.
- halfway through the 1st its 1-0 #Avs
- Avs have a good cycle game, giving the Oilers problems.
- Chorney is havin another good game. the kid just keeps getting better
- the Oilers 4th line is looking better tonight. #gettingchances
- Oilers still handing out gifts to the opposition. #giveaways
- 2 min warning
- its been a fairly fast pace this period
- after the 1st, the #Avs lead the #Oilers 1-0
- despite giving up a goal in 25sec the Oilers played way better then the last 2 games.
- they're still giving away the puck too much, and getting outshot. Oilers need bury chances left a few out there in the 1st

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is underway, Avs win the face off
- Hemmer goes off for hooking Stastny. 19:15 2nd
- Oilers PK kill it off
- Oilers with a flurry of chances, after a 3on1.
- more good hockey here in the 2nd. 13:47
- Avs have been oppertunistic, always get shots off any turn over. #Khabistopedmost
- really good back and forth action 8:40 2nd
- Hannan rings one off the post, Brule takes it down and crashes the net.
- Oilers on the PP 8:00 2nd
- Quinn has Comrie and Patty-O on the PPpoints. #Balls
- Gallardi goes off fot 2. 6:12 2nd
- Oilers PP moving the puck well, but few shots
- Avs kill off their back to back minors.
- both Khabi and Anderson have been playing well. #scoringchances + #keysaves = #goodhockey
- 2 min warning
- crowd chants #LetsGOilers for 1st time. last min
- after 2 periods the #Avs still lead the #Oilers 1-0
- this has been a great hockey game so far. the Oilers cleaned up their game a bit in the 2nd
- The only thing that would make this more of a pleasant experience, is if the Oilers would score already.
- the Oilers have played good, just can't bury any of their chances

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is underway
- the Oilers 2nd line of 91-10-19 is getting better evey shift. #goodchance 18:00 3rd
- Pens has a great shift, gets dumped and no call. #twoblindmice
- Oilers get ornery after Avs crash their net. 14:12 3rd
- the 1st line continues to play well
- Wolski scores, on nice drive to the net. 2-0 Avs
- halfway through the 3rd, the Olers have steep hill to climb. #letsgetone #please
- Oilers pressing for a goal. #secondline
- with 5 mins remaing Oilers have a big draw in Avs zone. #needagoal
- great chances for the Oilers, but nothing
- Chorney is hit from behind, and is shakin up a bit. no call. 4on4 after the scrum. 2:50
- Oilers pull Khabi with 2:30 reaning in the 3rd
- Chorney saves a goal but it would have been penaltyshot... Wolski is awarded his 2nd goal. 3-0 Avs
- Oilers PP 1:12 3rd
- the buzzer sounds and the Oilers lose 3-0 to the Avs.
- Anderson(1) Hejduk(2) and Khabi(3) get the Stars for the game.
- for the 2nd game in a row the Oilers were shutout. is it the flu? is it the injuries?
- i'm not sure but the guys that ARE healthy and playing need to play better and capitalize when they do get chances.
- Oilers not shooting enough and again were out shot by about a 2-1 margin.
- hopefully they improve for the next one.
- Thanks for following this LIVE *TweetCast* of the #Oilers vs #Avs. Next up the #RedWings Thur. Oct. 29.
------------------

GAME HIGHLIGHTS





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

FINAL SCORE

Colorado Avalanche - 3

Edmonton Oilers - 0

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

GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Roster Report

- Faceoffs Report

- Shot Report

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

- Avs Time On The Ice

- Post Game Reaction Video

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

BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - The only real BTP was the refs not calling any on Colorado.  Twice the Oilers should have had a PP.

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

GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - Baaad!

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - Baaad!

------------------
BEERS

Zack Stortini - I liked his vigor tonight.  He played with passion and busted his hump.  If only the rest of the team played like him.  The stats don't reflect his actual play tonight.  I thought that he was good enough for a beer.  Frosty?  Cheers!

Nikolai Khabibulin - Solid, solid, solid!  He kept this team in the game and the team did nothing.  I sure hope we aren't wasting all his good energy on crappy games like this.  The Bulin wall was once again just that.  What else can we say about him?  Great game.  Miller time? Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Shawn Horcoff (He actually played pretty good.  He was trying hard.  He did good at being defensive but was really bad on faceoffs.), JF Jacques (He was hitting people and causing a commotion where ever he went.), The 1st Line (Even though they didn't score, they played pretty good.  They just needed to shoot more.)

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

JEERS

The Entire Team - Two games in a row and not one goal.  WTF? Boooooo!

Denis Grebeshkov - One giveaway (bull crap! It was way more than that.) and two blocked shots and he was -1.  The worst of the worst two games in a row.  That must suck.  Boooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Robert Nilsson (Wow. You did squat out there and was a -2.  Does he get sent to the minors first? He's my guess.), Ethan Moreau (Are you our leader?  You could have fooled me.)

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

OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - Everyone played pretty average.  It's sick to watch.  The sickest part was the absolute worst referee's ever.  Twice there was a blatant hit from behind and no call.  I wonder if the Oilers could file a complaint?  Not that it's going to change anything.  After watching Pat Quinn in his post game conference he's mad.  And rightfully so.  What else did he say? One Oiler player (he won't say who) has the H1N1 virus and it's confirmed.  Crazy huh?  Who could it be?  Buck up for the next game boys, or the Rexall crowd is going to get pissy.

Paq Twinn - I'm going to make this quick. UNACCEPTABLE. I can handle losses but not like these last two. Injuries or illness aside, getting shutout twice in a row is foul. Get better soon, on and off, the ice.

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

NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings

Oct 29/09
7:30 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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

Sunday, October 25, 2009

B&J #75 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs Vancouver Canucks 10/25/09




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

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

- Well Brule and JDD get back into the lineup tonight.  Brule has been sick and missed the last 3 games and JDD finally gets a start after Khabibulin lost last night to the fLames.  Still no Mike "Duffman" Comrie.  This must be a bad flu if guys are missing this many games.

- The loss still stings from last nights game.  Don't the Oilers know that we have to go to work on Monday and get ridiculed by fLame fans everywhere?  Three times we lost to them already.  Enough is enough.

- If you guys feel like talking hockey anytime, look us up on Facebook. (Smokin' Ray) (Paq Twinn)  We are always around.

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

Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (6-3-1) vs. Vancouver Canucks (5-5-0)

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

TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Gagner-Hemsky
Jacques-Horcoff-O'Sullivan
Moreau-Cogliano-Nilsson
SPARE-Brule-Stortini

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Chorney-Strudwick
Peckham

Deslauriers
Khabibulin

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

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

1st PERIOD

- Welcome this LIVE Full Game *TweetCast* of the Oilers @ Canucks
- Brule draws back in and JDD will get the start in net, for the Oilers
- The Oilers should play with something to prove tonight, after last nights loss
- Waiting for player intros, anthem and puck drop.
- Here we go, Oilers win opening face off.
- Good pace to this game so far
- Gilbert takes an interference call with 16:13 remaining in the 1st
- Oilers kill off the penalty. 14:00 1st
- Oilers PP as Sedin goes off for roughing at 12:29
- Mitchell goes off, Oilers 5on3 for 1:33
- Pens has all day in front but cant pick the corner
- 'Nucks kill off their penalties, Oilers got 5 shots
- With 8:55 remaining in the 1st, the game is still 0-0.
- So far there has been some play going both ways, but its a pretty boring 1st.

- Grebs goes off for interference. Oilers PK 2:44 1st
- Grabner tips in a point shot. 1-0 'Nucks 2:09 1st
- Storts vs Hordichuk, good fight, Hordichuk gets in few but Storts takes him down
- Last min in the 1st
- After the 1st period the Canucks lead the Oilers 1-0
- Well that was boring, Oilers need to pick it up. they weren't that bad, but they need to be better.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is under way. 'Nucks win the draw
- 'Nucks controlling the play early in the 2nd, JDD standing his ground.
- Edler takes 2 for interference, Oilers PP 15:17 2nd
- Storts levels Luongo, takes a penalty. 4on4 14:19 2nd
- Oilers kill off remaining time in Storts penalty
- H.Sedin tips in a point shot. 2-0 'Nucks. 10:39 2nd
- Chorney goes off for interference 10:17 Oilers PK
- Gilbert is having a hard time out there. He's fighting the puck
- Pens makes a good rush to the net.
- This period is much of the same from the first. Slow and boring 5:00 2nd

- Edler goes off for hooking 3:27 2nd
- Oilers PP looked good but no goals.
- Last min 2nd
- After 2 periods, the Canucks lead the Oilers 2-0.
- This is the first time since last April that I've seen the Oilers play like this, with a few moments of exception, they've been bad.
- The old irishman is probably going nuts in the room right now. Oilers have to play better in the 3rd. Luongo has been good.
- @AToilfan83 Oilers are feeling effects of missing all the bodies to injury/illness, and back to back games. with full roster, we'll be solid

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is under way. Oilers win the draw.
- 1st line is looking better. Has been the best for the Oilers
- Oilers are looking better this period. 16:45 3rd
- JDD has played a good game tonight. 18 saves so far. 15:14 3rd
- Lubo gets high sticked. Grabner gets 4. Oilers PP
- First 2 min are gone in the PP. Nothing to write home about

- Lubo's fine, he's out on PP now
- Oilers can't muster anything on the PP
- Pace is picking up speed. 8:00 3rd
- Gilbert falls on Khabi, knocks off the net, and Kesler snaps his stick over his knee.
- Luongo is proving to be a hard nut to crack. 2-0 'Nucks with 5:35 remaing in the 3rd
- Oilers getting some good chances.
- Oilers need a goal soon. Understatement 2:30 3rd
- Last min 3rd
- And this one is over. Oilers 0 - Canucks 2
- This was the worst game so far this year. The Oilers had chances, but no sustained pressure unless on a PP and they couldn't beat Luongo
- Thanks for following this LIVE *TweetCast* Next up, Home to face the Avs.
- This team needs some rest. Comrie coming back is good, but we really miss Stoner. He hits and skates hard.
------------------

GAME HIGHLIGHTS



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

FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 0


Vancouver Canucks - 2

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

GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Scoring Chances (MC79)

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

- Canucks Time On The Ice

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

BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - I know... I'm surprised as well.

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

GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - Not sure why Quinn doesn't just give his spot to Stortini on the 3rd line?  Moreau is just not that effective anymore.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - Average at best tonight.  I'm sure he's counting down his days as an Oiler.  When the other guys are ready to return, I'm sure he's as good as gone.

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

BEERS

None - No one was worthy of a beer tonight. The Oilers sucked. So instead, the Oiler fans get the beer.  We need it for the wasted weekend of misery.  Kegger for the people!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): The 1st Line (They were the best Oilers tonight.  It's too bad that the defence pairings (77 & 37) that played with them for a lot of the time were not very good or it could have made a difference.), Zack Stortini (Once again he plays a good game and bleeds from a fight.), Jeff Deslauriers (Actually wasn't that bad.  He didn't get any help from the team while making 27 saves.), Ladislav Smid (He is turning into a consistent defenseman.  Played another solid game.), Lubomir Visnovsky (He also played pretty good.  He needs to play more of a simple game.)

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

JEERS

The Entire Team - That was the second bad effort in a row.  It's very disappointing to see a club that is as good as they have seen lately, just to crap it up in two straight games against divisional rivals.  Just terrible.  You can only use the flu excuse for so long then it becomes redundant.  I don't want to hear it anymore, we need some action, some effort.  Booooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Denis Grebeshkov (The worst of the worst. Mr. Losethepuck), Tom Gilbert (The 2nd worst of the worst)

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

OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - The bright side of this game?  The shot total wasn't a 2 to 1 ratio.  The dark side? We lost.  Again. And to a divisional rival.  Again.  *sigh* I can not believe it.  I guess the new 1st line can't blow every team out of the water every game.  The absolute worst part of this game?  Getting shutout. Grrrr.

Paq Twinn - Well that was a stinker. Luongo was good, but the Oilers made him look better. No sustained pressure, no bodies in front. Gilbert had another bad game, and Grebs struggled too. Maybe the trade rumors are getting to them, but they need to be better with Souray and Staios out. JDD played a solid game, but like last night for Khabi, the rest of the team didn't help out much. I give this game a D grade. Get better cause the Avs are good this year. We can't lose 3 in a row.

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

NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Avalanche

Oct 27/09
7:30 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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. 

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

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!

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

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!

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

Your thoughts?  Comment below. **You can sign in as Anonymous or use a Name/Url**

Friday, October 16, 2009

Beers & Jeers #71: Edmonton Oilers vs. Minnesota Wild (10/16/09)



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.

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

- Who's Out? Ales Hemsky has a fever and will not be playing tonight.  Robert Nilsson will take his place alongside Horcoff and Comrie.  Go figure?  He's out for 4 games and POOF! On the 1st line.  Staios, Souray, Pisani, Pouliot and Peckham are injured.  Steve MacIntyre is a healthy scratch even though the big idiot, Derek Boogaard is playing.  Too bad.  That would have been a good scrap.

- I'm hearing that Robbie Schremp may be put on waivers once again. Apparently, even the New York Islanders (a really bad team) don't even need him anymore.  After 4 games he has 1 assist and is a -2.  So if they do put him back on waivers, the Oilers have 1st dibs on re-claiming him.  Would they do it? It's possible.  If I'm correct, I do believe that the Oilers can then send him straight to Springfield at that point.  But do the Oilers really need him back?  Not really.

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

Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (3-2-1) vs. Minnesota Wild (1-4-0)

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

TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Strudwick-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Chorney-Smid

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

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

1st Period

- Here we go, the Wild win opening draw.
- The Wild are dealing with some injuries, same as the Oilers, most notably, Martin Havlat
- The Wild's starting goalie, Josh Harding, takes a delay of game penalty a minute and a half in. Oilers PP
- My "goat" Nilsson, screws the Oilers PP pressure, with a bad pass.
- The Oilers have a good pace going early in this game.
- Oilers looking good in this game. so far Minny has 0 shots. 13:45 1st.
- side note: Mike Comrie's girlfriend, Hillary Duff is in the crowd tonight.
- Oilers controlling the play, Harding looks sharp.
- Storts lays out Shepard with an open ice hit. 8:00 1st
- Boogaard nailed Lubo. Everyone's hitting now
- Oilers end up with a PP, after a scrum. 6:00 1st
- Oilers PP ends with little success. 0-0 still.
- Oilers 2nd line of 27,89,19 is looking good, same with the 1st of 91,10,12.
- Brule with a great shot, but it goes off the post.
- Wild getting pressure for the first time, in the last minute.
- 1st period ends tied at 0. Oilers hit 2 posts in the period.
- This was the fastest pace period I've ever seen the Wild play. No more trap.
- Oilers looking better than the last game. they're playing a smarter game.

2nd Period

- 2nd period about to begin. Oilers vs Wild 0-0 tie game
- Oilers all over the puck early in 2nd.
- Comrie scores! pass from Nilsson, 18:11 2nd. 1-0 Oilers
- Lubo makes back to back shot blocks.
- Oilers playing their game. Hit and skate, the crowd starts chanting "lets go Oilers" for the first time tonight.
- Strudwick blocks a shot. takes a penalty shortly after. Wild PP. 13:34 2nd
- Wild rank #6 on the PP.
- Oilers doing a good job on PK
- 2 face offs outside the zone on the PK. 1-0 Oilers 11:17 2nd
- Wild get some pressure, Khabi makes some saves.
- Patty-O hits Boogaard.
- Penner scores! thanks to the hit by Patty-O. 2-0 Oilers 8:01 left in the 2nd.
- Last 5 mins are dragging by in the 2nd
- The Wild's Pouliot (Benoit) scores. 3:18 2nd 2-1 Oilers
- Last min in the 2nd period.
- Stone scores! 3-1 Oilers A last minute goal
- That goal may go to Brule. After 2 periods the Oilers lead 3-1.
- Stoner says he didnt score, during interview at intermission.

3rd Period

- Getting ready for 3rd period action.
- The Oilers 3rd goal is credited to Brule.
- Oilers take a penalty right out of the gate.
- Patty-O doing a great job on PK for the Oilers. 17:17 left in the 3rd
- Horcoff takes 2 for holding.
- Brunette scores on the PP. 3-2 Oilers
- Oilers looking sloppy and slow early in the 3rd.
- Shepard takes a hard low wrister, Save by Khabi
- The pace is starting to pick up again. 13:25 3rd
- Hilbert goes off for high sticking. Oilers PP.
- Patty-O takes 2 for slashing. PP over. 4 on 4
- Wild get :55 of PP half way through the 3rd period
- Wild out shooting Oilers 28-14 Third game in a row
- Penner scores! a great pass from Gags leads to a butey tap in by Penner. 4-2 Oilers 7:47 left in the 3rd period
- Brule scores! off a scramble rebound. 5-2 Oilers 6:01 3rd
- Penner and Brule both have a 2 goal night going. A possible hattrick maybe?
- Chorney's having another solid game. 3:00 left in the 3rd
- Boogaard hammers Patty-O late in the game, Penner takes exception. Cheap hit.
- Oilers PP looks for revenge.
- Last min of the game
- Everyone's looking for Pens or Brule for the hatty's
- Game Over. Oilers Win 5-2.
- Patty-O(3), Brule(2), Penner(1) get the stars tonight.
- Overall a good game by the Oilers tonight. But with all due respect to the Wild, this was a game we should have won.
- Next up, the Canucks on Oct.19. hope everyone enjoyed this Live **TweetCast** brought to you in part by oilersjambalaya.blogspot.com

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FINAL SCORE

Minnesota Wild - 2

Edmonton Oilers - 5

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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link
- Game Summary Link
- Video Highlights Link
- Oilers Post Game Comments Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - None that changed the outcome of the game.  O'Sullivan's slashing penalty was as close as it got for a BTP. But lucky for him the Wild already had a guy in the box and it only made it a 4 on 4 and then only gave the Wild a 55 second PP.  Plus no momentum was lost to the Oilers because of that penalty.

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He was his usual goat self.  He did nothing to contribute to the game.  Even though he didn't take a penalty late in the game (wow! amazing!), he still didn't do squat.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - Can you believe it?  He was good.  He sits out for 4 games and looks better than Hemsky has on the 1st line.  Not much of a goat tonight.

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - The temporary Assistant Captain was a real force out there tonight.  I still can not believe how fast he is this year.  It's nothing short of phenonimal.  This was his 3rd multiple point game. He had 2 goals and was a +2.  I'm kinda thinking that he's earning his money this year (so far).  Enjoy a big frosty beer.  Mmmm.  Cheers!

Gilbert Brule - This guy is slowly making me into a huge fan.  Raffi who you say?  He nails the post, scores twice w/ 4 shots and goes 7W-6L 56% on the faceoff dot.  He played his best game as an Oiler tonight.  I hope there is more of that.  *Two thumbs up*  Good job Brew.  Have a cold Kokanee.  Cheers!

Nikolai Khabibulin - The wall was solid again tonight.  So far this year it looks like the Oilers may have a solid duo.  With Bulin being an Oiler (and doing well), we at least have some hope for the playoffs.  I wasn't huge on his signing but I'm getting there now.  For another great game... It's Miller Time. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - I love this guy.  He's playing tough and is not making very many mistakes.  He finished the night with a +3 rating.  Very solid.  Glad to see him step up this year.  Quick Ladi... slam this beer. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Just when you thought that Smid had a good +/-, Lubo comes out with a +4.  He started out the season in a fragile state, he's good now, just ask Boogaard.  He played with fire and passion tonight.  He's a stud and Paq Twinn made a good call when he picked him as his "star".  How about a good cold mug of Budweiser?  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Sam Gagner (He didn't play much in the 2nd, but once he got back out, he was buzzing like a bee.  He was +2 and had 1 assist), Patrick O'Sullivan (+2 and 1 assist.  He needed to shoot more), Zack Stortini (He kept the Boogeyman at bay and was a hitting machine.), Ryan Stone (Picked up 2 assists and played pretty good.), JF Jacques (Survived a hit from behind and made a few hits of his own.  He played tough.), Mike Comrie (Maybe he should bring Ms. Duff more often.  He scored a beauty.), Robert Nilsson (Where has this guy been all season? Oh right, the press box. He did ok tonight as he picked up an assist.), Jason Strudwick (How is this guy getting points? Add another assist to the list.)

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JEERS

The Entire Team - Do you like to be outshot every game?  Is it fun to rely on your goalie?  SHOOT! Shoot lots.  I just don't get it. It's a simple concept.  SHOOT!  We're just lucky that the Wild stink right now.  Booooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): None

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GAME SUMMARY

Smokin' Ray - I am always worried when it's a PPV.  The Oilers are classic for pooping in the bed when I'm paying for it.  But tonight we got out money's worth.  The Wild killed us in shots and that's not a good thing even if your goalie is ripping it up.  I really didn't miss Hemsky tonight.  Isn't that strange to say?  But it's true.  But all in all I enjoyed myself.  I'm liking this "new look" Oiler squad.  I like it when we win. GOILERS!
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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Canucks
Monday Oct. 19/09
7:00 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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