Showing posts with label JF Jacques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JF Jacques. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

For 2011/12, Remove Jacques and Fraser, Insert VandeVelde and Hartikainen

Just watching VandeVelde and Hartikainen these last few games, they have been really making Fraser and Jacques look like stumps. Holy hell those two stink!

Fraser has been pitiful this season and he never really did improve at all. I waited for it, but it never happened. In 67 games played he only has 5 freaking points?!?

Jacques... well... he's just not very good. At all. And to think that Stortini was shafted by being placed on waivers for this slug. Good grief!

Enter VandeVelde and Hartikainen. Both guys have made strong cases for themselves to be here next season. They play with hustle, heart and grit. They back down for nothing. They are beyond hungry for an NHL job and they are proving themselves to us with each passing game.

VandeVelde has been playing tough and he's been great in the faceoff dot. The last 5 games he went, 52.9%, 68.2%, 85.7%, 44.4% and 50%. That's damn good compared to the other Oilers players who played most of the year. Sure O'Marra has some wicked games on the dot too, but VV has been pretty consistent so far. Either way, O'Marra or VV is a huge upgrade over a disappointing Colin Fraser. I'm OK with either.

Teemu Hartikainen had a little hype when he was called up and so far he's impressed. He uses his big frame to pound guys and he even scored a nice goal the other night. As each game is played he's far more comfortable with the puck. I hope he plays out the year with the Oilers. Sorry OKC. I want to see more of Hartikainen.

Maybe it's just me, but that's how I feel.

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Oilers Add Some Meat In Jacques and Belle

The Edmonton Oilers have recalled JF Jacques and Shawn Belle from the Oklahoma City Barons.

Jacques, we all knew was going to happen (conditioning stint).

I guess for the most part, we did as well with Belle. I have been pumping his tires for weeks. Out of all the defencemen in OKC, Belle was the standout. Big, mean and can make a nice pass. Shawn Belle leads all AHL defensemen in assists (13) and points (15). All in the last 17 games.

Let's hope these guys can help this team be better. *fingers crossed*

ON A SIDE NOTE: Peckham is skating today so I don't see another defenceman being recalled at this time. The debate over Plante or Petry will continue.

IMO, the ranking of the Barons defence is as follows; Belle, Petry, Plante, Petiot, Chorney & Motin. I have talked to a few of the Barons insiders, and they say I'm not wrong with the ranking.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

JF Jacques Signs 1 Year Deal With Edmonton Oilers


It appears that JF Jacques smartly avoids arbitration by signing a 1 year deal worth $615,000. It was rumored that he wanted a 2 year deal, but for whatever reasons, he settles for a 1 year deal. The news comes from Jason Gregor of OilersNation.com.

Stay tuned for more information as we get it.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Monday, July 5, 2010

Gilbert Brule, Jeff Deslauriers & JF Jacques File For Arbitration


As per Pierre LeBrun's tweet today, the following players have filed for arbitration. Three of these players are Edmonton Oilers. Gilbert Brule, Jeff Deslauriers & JF Jacques have all filed for arbitration.

Here is the tweet;

On Monday 5th July 2010, @Real_ESPNLeBrun said:

NHLPA announces 31 players filed for salary arbitration today: James Wisniewski, Ben Eager, Andrew Ladd, Clarke MacArthur, Greg Campbell,Blake Wheeler, Tim Kennedy, Ian WhiteAntti Niemi, Jared Boll, Anton StralmanFabian Brunnstrom, Derek Meech, Gilbert Brule, Jeff Drouin-DesLauriers,Jean-Francois Jacques, Brad Richardson, Mark Fraser, Matt Moulson, Daniel Girardi,Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Daniel Carcillo, Cam Janssen, Nate Thompson, Tanner Glass, Jannik Hansen, Mason Raymond, Eric Fehr, Tomas Fleischmann, Jeff Schultz

That's quite the list. Anyone else shocked that those three Oilers have chosen arbitration?

Gilbert Brule may have a case but even so, he wasn't THAT good last season. Take what you get and play better for a year or two. The money will come with production. He made $800,000 last season.

Then we have JF Jacques. Can someone explain what JF Jacques is going to say in his defence? "Uhhhh... me play hockey." I don't know why he's trying to fight anything? Last season he made $550,000. Not bad for not really playing all season. And he wants more?

Lastly we have Jeff Deslauriers. Deslauriers chose arbitration and Dubnyk didn't. I'd say another edge for DD. Jeff made $625,000 last season and I think that's pretty fair. If he is awarded more than $1 million, that's highway robbery. I'd expect him traded by the start of the season (depending on Khabi's condition).

These three should have elected to negotiate with the team privately as feelings will get hurt. I really hope that these guys settle before arbitration starts because it never ends on great terms.

Arbitration runs from July 20th and goes till August 5.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Beers and Jeers #64 (Sept 27/09 vs. Vancouver Canucks)



It's funny I was reading various NHL stories today and I came across a story about the Oilers and the Preds maybe making a trade.  I threw out Jordan Tootoo maybe coming to Edmonton, while no one else has that I know of. I read a story about it (HERE) and it says it had good local sources that said it.  Could it be that I'm that source? *gasp while doubting it*

JF Jacques and Dustin Penner have been two out of three of the biggest surprises of the pre-season.  (Comrie being the 3rd.)  I've never been a fan of either one, but I'm starting to be now.  They have been very impressive.  Can they hold up for 82 games and then some?  How long does Jacques stay on the #1 line?  Can he score 20 goals?  Can Penner stay skinny?

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
Penner Comrie O'Sullivan
MacIntyre Gagner Cogliano (Reddox replaced Big Mac after one shift)
Reddox Brule Stortini

Souray Staios
Smid Gilbert
Strudwick Visnovsky

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 4
Edmonton Oilers - 5   OT

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

Bad Timing Penalty™

none

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

BEERS

Mike Comrie - The mini Brick had two goals and was a +1.  He keeps playing well with O'Sullivan and continues to surprise the Oiler faithful.  I still keep thinking it's some crazy screwed up dream that he's back as an Oiler.  *deja vu*  Does little Mikey want a beer?  Of course he does.  Cheers!

JF Jacques - A goal and an assist and another solid performance on the 1st line.  This guy is unreal.  I think that he can do well this year as long as his previous injuries don't comeback to haunt him.  He was awarded 1st star tonight.  For tonight's excellent performance... a cold frosty Bud.  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - 7 shots and 2 assists tonight for Hemmer.  This was his best game by far this pre-season.  About time I might add.  I was wondering when he was going to show up.  He just needed to wait until the last game I suppose.  How about a nice Harold traditional Czech lager?  Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - +3 and an assist.  This guy also needed to have a solid game tonight.  And he did.  He made a sweet 4 moves before he slid the puck over to Comrie for an easy tap in.  Over 23 minutes of ice time showed that Quinn and Co. have faith in him.  We will need Lubo if the Oilers are going to be great this year.  How about a cold beer for Lubo?  Cheers!

Shawn Horcoff - Scored a goal and an assist and was pretty solid.  Nice to see him and Hemmer meshing with Jacques.  This may be a good year for Horcoff as it seems like the coaches are not going to skate his bag off.  Solid game Horc.  Beer?  Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Gilbert Brule (He had an assist on the GWG and had a great fight.  Limited minutes, but a very solid night.), Sam Gagner (The little guy was pretty good.), Dustin Penner (Also pretty good tonight (1 assist).  Most consistent in pre-season.), Ladislav Smid (played very good tonight.  Ended up +2.), Andrew Cogliano (Seems to like to play with Gagner.  It is showing.), Tom Gilbert (Scores the winning goal and was excellent all game.)

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

JEERS

Nikolai Khabibulin - He had a real off start to this game.  He seemed really slow and kind of out off it.  He did play a little better as the game went on, but man he's starting to scare me.  4 years Tambo?!?  I'm hoping I wrong because I was fired up about the signing when it happened, but I might be getting buyers remorse.  For a pretty crappy game tonight... Booooooooo!

Sheldon Souray / Steve Staios - It's strange.  These guys suit each other in the styles that they play, but man do they suck as a pairing.  That was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.  They were the only Oilers that ended the game with a minus rating.  If I was Quinn, I would reconsider keeping these two together.  For a stinky game.... Booooooooo!

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GOAT WATCH

Ethan Moreau - Did not play.

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

Well a good game for the most part.  Lots of action and thank god the Oilers pulled off the win.  The Canucks sure seemed hell bent to beat us.  But the boys pull out a stellar/lucky win.  Some jobs were secured in this game and some were lost.  As of this writing, Devan Dubnyk, Kip Brennan, Rob Schremp, Taylor Chorney and Jordan Eberle have all been cut from the Oilers.  Eberle naturally is going back to Junior and Schremp is going on waivers.  Good luck to Rob in the future as I'm sure that some team will pick him up.  ~He will no doubt turn into a star and we will have to debate it for the next 10 years.~ 

This may have been Big mac's final game as an Oiler.  :(   I've liked him from day one.  His story is awesome and one that I was glad to watch for the past year or so.  Thanks for the memories big guy. *once again I hope I'm wrong and he sticks with the big club*

Ok... next up is the regular season.  Who excited now?  *hand up*

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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.

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

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)

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

FINAL SCORE

Calgary Flames - 5
Edmonton Oilers - 3

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

Bad Timing Penalty™

see Jeers below

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

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!

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

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...

Friday, September 18, 2009

Beers and Jeers #59 (Sept. 18/09 vs. Florida Panthers)


Pre Season game #3. Woooooo! It's not like I'm fired up for PS. I just like to see the guys that we never get to see play play. Who is this Miroslav Laso you wonder? He fast and skilled. Is Robbie Schremp ready for the jump? No. Is Penner really that fast now? Yes. We wouldn't know any of this if the NHL didn't provide us Internet access to the games. I/We thank them for that. Plus it's made my hockey season start a little early. : )
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I really like the scoreboard view of the game on the computer. I always laugh when they show stuff like the Smooch cam and it flips to two dudes sitting there. Always a gut buster. And I always seem to get a little jealous when the $18,485.00 50/50 ticket is drawn. Damn you and your winning you winners!!! *shakes fist*
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Do you ever wonder if Rod Phillips dreads calling pre season games? All these new and hard to say names. Here's Smaosjrerf over to Michakakalla. And the numbers are always strange. 86 to 53 to 79. I bet he's glad when it's all over and the Regular Season starts.
------------------------
Edmonton Oilers Starting Lineup
.
Jacques — Horcoff — Schremp
O’Sullivan — Comrie — Stone
Lazo — Brule — Linglet
Brennan — O’Marra — Stortini
.
Gilbert — Chorney
Staios — Arsene
Strudwick — Plante
.
Khabibulin and Dubnyk
------------------------
.
Final Score
.
Florida Panthers - 0
Edmonton Oilers - 4
.
------------------------
Bad Timing Penalty™
- None
------------------------
------------------------
-----
BEERS
-----
Mike Comrie - The man made good on his promise to try and win the fans' appreciation and faith back. He played his ass off tonight. He was skating and back-checking like there was no tomorrow. He assisted on every goal in this game. Plus, he fought Eric Himelfarb, four minutes into the 3rd period. The man was on a mission. I don't think that one fan walked out of that building not liking Mike Comrie. The man deserves a beer. Cheers!
-----
Patrick O'Sullivan - Same goes for O'Sullivan. He was dynamite tonight. The chemistry that him and Comrie have is uncanny. It's refreshing to see a guy bust his hump for this team. I guess this is why we traded Cole away for him. This guy is a real damn good player. With a goal and an assist, and 8 shots... It's Miller Time. Cheers!
-----
JF Jacques - I'll be honest here. I've never liked JFJ. I did tonight though. He was fierce and devastating. He created a lot of emotion and stuck up for Schremp in the 1st. He managed a goal and 5 hits. He played Pat Quinn hockey. Expect a good look for him if he keeps this up. Don't beat me up, have a beer? Cheers!
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Zack Stortini - He was on the designated 4th line with O'Marra and Brennan (Which I'm sure Brule was with the two big guys midway though the game). Storts not only went out and did his thing on the 4th line, he was also on the PK and the PP. WTF? I know... that is what I said when I seen him on the PK. But he did good. The PK he was solid and the PP he was the Penner. The whole game for him was good. Very beer worthy. Good job Zack. Cheers!
-----
Taylor Chorney - Is he the new Gilbert? He sure looked like him all game. He was jumping up in the play. He was pretty solid in his own end. This guy is one of my biggest surprises of Training Camp. He can play in the NHL right now. But he won't. For a great game... have a drink on me. Cheers!
-----
Honorable Mentions - Nikolai Khabibulin (Pulls out a shutout. Didn't face many shots but was great when he was needed.), Ryan Stone (Played really good. Good hustle. Two assists), Alex Plante (Solid D man. I can see the potential.), Tom Gilbert (Flawless but not flashy. Logged over 24 minutes of ice.), Miroslav Lazo (Fast and offensively minded. I quite liked this guy. I want to see more.)
------------------------
-----
JEERS
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Robbie Schremp - What was this guy doing tonight? After a nice 1st game, he panics tonight and plays bad. He was losing the puck and falling down. He only really looked good on the PP. Even then he looked shaky and really produced nothing. Your only screwing yourself Rob. Ding..Ding.. Last call. Boooooooo!
-----
Kip Brennan - What the hell man? Is fighting all you want to do? Get rid of this guy. With the rep he has, no one will fight him. So why waste time here? Even Big Mac tries to actually play hockey. Do we really need this guy at camp still? I don't think so. Send him on the next plane to Springfield. Booooooo!
-----
Shawn Horcoff - Now Horcoff wasn't stinky tonight. He was average. Just plain Jane average. He clearly looks lost without Hemsky. I'll give him the fact that Schremp sucked tonight. But really. Horcoff needs to be better on his own. The goal he did score was a pretty easy tap in that I'm sure even Schremp himself could've scored. With the Comrie/O'Sullivan show on the go, that is kinda bumping Horcoff to the #3 spot. Maybe it's for the best. But for tonight's whatever effort... Boooooo!
-----
---------------------
Well that's it folks... until tomorrow that is. See you then. GO OILERS!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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

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

FINAL SCORE

Anaheim Ducks - 5
Edmonton Oilers - 3
--------------

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.)

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

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!

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

Is this the end?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Beers and Jeers #40 (Mar 3/09 vs. Nashville Predators)


The day before the big day and not much is going on. Miroslav Satan, Brendan Morrison and Gary Roberts are on the waiver wire at the moment. Pretty big names, but I can't see the Oilers taking one of those guys. Is there not a way to claim them as insurance and then try to land a bigger name tomorrow? If you do land the bigger name then can you not the put that person back on waivers and it's no big deal?


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

No Nilsson tonight? Why? Is his last game as an Oiler played already? Over Jacques? Over Pouliot? Strange...


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


1st Period


Good early start by Oilers but Nashville scores at 6:22. 1-0 Nashville. Still good flow. The 4th line and the 2nd line are sure looking good tonight. Good pressure by the Oilers. Gagner scores! Yeah! 1-1 Tie Game. (Gagner from Smid at 9:55) "See ya Storts", says Gagner. With 7:30 left, Stortini has a great chance as Pekka Rinne sprawls out and loses his blocker. And the play continues. I have never seen that before. I just figured that the whistle would blow. Oilers score out of nowhere. Yeah! 2-1 Oilers. (Pouliot from Gagner and Cole at 14:25) The 2nd line is really buzzing now. Chances all over the place. Just when the game is looking more Oiler than Predator, the Preds score. 2-2 Tie Game. Grebeshkov didn't take the right guy and they scored. The 1st line sure isn't really doing anything. Maybe the change wasn't the right change?


2nd Period


Well it didn't take long for the first penalty of the game. At 3:58, Souray takes a hooking penalty and Nashville scores on the PP at 4:13. 3-2 Nashville. Right after the goal, the Preds take a penalty and now it's the Oilers turn at the PP. But the Preds actually kill theirs off. So much for a momentum change. Oh. It gets worse. Penner takes a penalty at 8:24. Then Staios takes a holding call at 13:22. Oilers kill off both and look rather crappy so far this period. Strudwick and Weber drop the gloves at 18:16 and have a pretty good tilt. With Nashville on the PK, the Oilers have some good pressure. Ler's hope the 3rd is better for the Oilers.


3rd Period


The Oilers start quick with a goal by Cogliano. Yeah! 3-3 Tie Game. (Cogliano from Pisani at 1:43) Now the Oilers have the momentum. As the 4th line comes out and causes some more havoc. Oilers score again. Yeah! 4-3 Oilers. (Jacques from Smid and Stortini at 5:15) That was JF Jacques 1st ever point and goal. He was robbed of an assist a couple of games ago, but he has that elusive point now. Good for him. The Preds have this back and forth passing play that they have been doing all night. It finally worked as they put one past Roli at 7:56. Very nice passing. 4-4 Tie Game. Now the game is in full out mode. Damn! Nashville scores again. 5-4 Nashville. But soon after it's PP time for the Oilers. But they can't really convert. Too bad. They needed a boost. Erik Cole scores! Yeah! 5-5 Tie Game. (Cole from Gagner from Strudwick at 13:52) What an exciting game.


Overtime


The Preds have the most pressure in the overtime period. Strudwick takes a high stick penalty at 1:25 and Nashville scores on the PP. Boooooo! Right before the Preds score, Roli takes a puck in the shoulder/collarbone area and gets hurt. But the play went on and the Preds score at 2:31. Game over. 6-5 Nashville. Crap...


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


Tonights Starting Lines


Reddox Horcoff Hemsky (I didn't even know that this line played tonight. They were absolutely invisible. Horcoff played 20:13 and finished -1. Hemsky was not playing well either. He had 2 giveaways and no shots. Reddox was not noticed much. He played 10:36 and really did nothing)


Pouliot Gagner Cole (A real solid line tonight. They had some defensive miscues and some bad giveaways but were all out on the offensive side. Gagner was fantastic today. Well except he was terrible on the faceoffs. (0%) Not good man. Cole looked like he belonged here as an Edmonton Oiler. It makes you wonder if this is it? I hope not. Pouliot did a great job at fitting in with Gags and Cole. He managed a goal playing with them and was good on the draw at 57% *Team High* when he had to.)


Penner Cogliano Pisani (They played well together. Penner was caught a few times being a little slow but managed 4 shots *Team High*. Cogliano was good all around, he had 3 shots and 1 goal. Pisani seemed to be getting back into form with an assist and 3 shots.)


Jacques Brodziak Stortini (This line was a good consistant line tonight. They gave Nashville all kinds of trouble. Jacques scores his first NHL goal. Brodziak played well even though he ended -1. Stortini was also good as he picks up an assist and had 2 shots and 3 hits*Team High*.)


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


FINAL SCORE


Edmonton Oilers - 5

Nashville Predators - 6


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


BEERS


Sam Gagner - The little dude had one of his best games of the season. He seemed really focused and had a knack for finding the guys around him. He had 2 assists and 1 goal. It sure was fun to watch. I wonder who is going to be with him on Thursday after the deadline? For a great effort, enjoy a nice ice cold beer Gags. Cheers!


Ladislav Smid - People just don't give Smid enough credit for being such a hard working, do anything kind of guy. He has been asked to step up and in my opinion he has done that. Tonight he picked up 2 assists and was +3*Team High* I think that the Spaz deserves a frosty. He did good. Cheers!


Erik Cole - Well if this was his last game as an Oiler than he ended on a high note. He had a goal and an assist with a +2. He sure does play well with Gagner. If only he was here for 3 more years. Gagner would love to play with him for the beginning of his young career. So maybe for the last time... Have a beer with us Erik. Thanks. Cheers! *tear*


Honorable Mention - Zack Stortini (Storts was powerful tonight. He played a real hard nosed game and managed to cause a lot of room on the ice for Jacques and Brodziak), JF Jacques (He scores his first goal. Ever. Yay!) Dwayne Roloson (He really desrves a beer tonight. He was awesome. But he did look tired. And he was hurt in the last few seconds. Good effort Roli.)


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


JEERS


Ales Hemsky - What the hell man? Where have you gone? Is it the concusion reapearing becuase you were great when you came back? I miss the old Ales Hemsky. But he proved my point tonight that he is only a wingman, not a team carrier. I hope he gets some help. But for tonight. Boooooooooooo!


Shawn Horcoff - Man o' man. What to do with this guy? He gets the minutes like no other. He gets the praise from the coach that no one else gets. (other than Hemmer) Yet he seems to depend on Hemmer and Hemmer does the same to him. But it's not working anymore. Shawn needs to go to a place and find his inner hard checking, ass kicking Shawn Horcoff that he used to be. And do it soon because if we want to make the playoffs, we need a #1 line. And right now we don't have that. Boooooooooo!


The Entire Team - Take a lesson from the Preds tonight. Steve Sullivan had 2 goals. He also took 6 shots. David Legwand had 2 goals. But he took a whopping 8 shots. Every player on the Preds that scored had at least 3 shots. Tom Drake (coached me in Rossland) said to us one year, "If you don't shoot, you won't score. Shoot from anywhere and anytime. Always take the shot." Cogliano, Cole, Pisani and Penner were the only Oilers with 3 or more shots. Goals win games. Boooooooooo!


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Well that was a very up and down game. I was happy. Then mad. Then happy again. But I ended up mad. At least it was entertaining. But as the roadie continues, the Oilers need more than one point a game.


Everyone knows that tomorow is the big trade day. I'm sure there will be lots of news on OilersNation. That's where I will be. See you all Thursday. We are going to visit the Ottawa Senators. Maybe a new look Oilers team? Maybe not. I'm guessing not.

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