Dustin Penner - I Like The Cut Of Your Jib #6

The 6th installment of "I like the cut of your Jib", belongs to Mr. Dustin Penner, born on September 28 1982 in Winkler, Manitoba. Here is a guy that took the road less traveled to the NHL. He refused to take "NO" for an answer.

Minor Days

His hockey career started in Winkler playing for his high school team, the Garden Valley Zodiacs. After high school Penner was cut by several teams, including 3 times by his local Jr. team. Penner took the only opportunity available and went to play for Minot State University-Bottineau for 2 years. It was either that or get a "real" job. He broke his femur the 1st year and won "Most Determined Player" award in his 2nd season, scoring 20 goals and 33 points in 23 games, in 2001-2002. Penner then went to an evaluation camp in Saskatoon, averaging 3 points per game, he was noticed by U of Maine asst. coach Grant Stanbrook. He helped take the U of M Black Bears to the NCAA championship game, where they eventually lost 1-0 to Denver.

Anaheim Days

On May 12 2004, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim signed the undrafted free agent. He recorded 28 points his 1st year in Cincinnati, and in the 2nd, he amassed 39 goals and 84 points in only 57 games for Portland. In 2006-2007 Penner found himself with a full time spot on the Anaheim Ducks roster, where he set a team record for rookie scoring with 29 goals and 45 points, good for 2nd in team scoring and helped Anaheim win their first Stanley Cup. That was all Kevin Lowe needed to see and sent out a 5 year, 21.25 million dollar offer sheet for the 6'4" 240+ lbs left winger. When Anaheim elected not to match the contract, Penner was off to Edmonton.

Edmonton Days (MacTavish)

In Penner's 1st season with the Oilers, he scored a team high 23 goals and improved his point total to 47 on the season. Penner's 2nd season as an Oiler is where his character was truly put to the test. After showing up to training camp out of shape and starting the season slowly, then head coach Craig MacTavish, publicly called out his big power forward numerous times. It must have bothered Penner, but he always showed class and took the high road. Penner's family was hurt by the actions of MacTavish. Frank Penner the manager of Norpine Auto Supply in High Level, a former customer of mine and Dustin's uncle, conveyed these thoughts to me. The expectations and pressure that were placed upon a 4th year pro were simply unrealistic. In hindsight he (Frank) was absolutely right. It's not as though Dustin was drafted with a high pedigree, he was never drafted at all.

Edmonton Days (Quinn)

It's amazing what can happen in one year. After being leaked as part of a package offered to Ottawa for Dany Heatley, which was rebuked by Heatley (NTC), Penner took his game to the next level. Today with the wily old Pat Quinn behind the bench, Penner is a man transformed. It can be argued that he has never played better. I don't know what sweet nothings Quinn and Asst.Tom Renney whispered in his ear, but it worked. Quinn has gotten everything MacT wanted and more out of the farm boy from Manitoba. He has been far and away the most consistent performer for the Oilers this season. He has already surpassed his goal totals for last year and only needs 2 more points to pass his point totals for last year as well. Penner is currently on pace for 92 points and 46 goals, which is almost double his most productive 47 point season, which was his first as an Oiler.

So for all the hard work, determination and perseverance, as well as a healthy appetite for "wheat and barley based beverages", I like the Cut of your Jib. Go get'em big guy.

-PaqTwinn-

BREAKING NEWS!!! Edmonton Oilers Steve MacIntyre is Put On Waivers

Sadly Big Mac's days are done in Edmonton.  It's too bad.  He was one of my favorite players and he wore the number of one of my other favorite players.  Today the Edmonton Oilers placed MacIntyre on waivers.  If he clears waivers then he will be sent down to the Springfield Falcons AHL club where he can beat up people down there.  I have my fingers crossed he doesn't get picked up.  Really... his services aren't in demand out there. 

Here is the link to his Jib Cutter post. He will be forever immortalized here at Oilers Jambalaya.

Good luck wherever you go Big Mac.  You're a good person.

I lIke The Cut Of Your Jib #5

Well folks with the season wrapping up, I look around the dressing room and I see some more Jib Cutters sitting there still. Some will still be here next year so I am not really in a panic to do them right away. But there is one guy who may not be back. He has been a favorite of mine right from the first game I seen/heard of him. He may not contribute like other players do but I don't care, I love his story.

Steve MacIntyre

Born: August 8, 1980 in Brock, Saskatchewan

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 250lbs

Position: Left Wing (Oilers), Defense (Minors/Juniors)

In 1997 he started his junior hockey career by playing one game with the Saskatoon Blades. At that time I was hell bent on learning how to play the guitar. The year after that he played in 55 games for the Blades. By the time he "made it" in the NHL, he has fought 180 times. Wow. That's a lot of knuckles to the face.

His story is one that made me like him that much more. I had no idea who the big gnarly looking guy was when the Oilers first claimed him on waivers September 30, 2008. But his "be afraid of no one" attitude is great. And away from the rink he's a nice guy. Funny too.

Steve only played 20 games this year for the Edmonton Oilers. They may be the only 20 games he may ever play in the NHL. But I'm sure he's enjoyed his stay here in Oil Country. He even scored a goal. I cheered so freaking hard. EDIT: He scores #2 against the fLames tonight. It was an even better goal this time. And he played a ton (11:04. Lots for him). He also had 3 shots on goal. That is what he had all season. Great game for Big Mac. Maybe he plays his 22 game tommorow?

Steve, for being such a great ass kicker for this hockey club, we thank you. We needed you this year. You did good. You showed Stortini that there was more to fighting than just tying up a guy and hugging him. You showed us that no matter what, punch him some where and fast. (face/head/ribs/stomach/anywhere that hurts) If you haven't seen this he shows you how to fight.

You showed all of us that dreams can come true.

I like the cut of your jib, you Jib Cutter you!

Steve MacIntyre Oiler Fights

vs. Riley Cote

vs. Vandermeer

vs. Godard

vs. Boogaard

vs. Brandon Prust

vs. David Koci

vs. Rob Davison

I Like The Cut Of Your Jib #4

When I think of Jib Cutters, I think of Dwayne Roloson. What isn't to like about Roli? He's a true professional 100%. He does what is asked of him without complaining. He shows up ready to play every game. And he rarely takes a night off.

At first I didn't know what to make of this "career back up" when he first came to the Oilers in 2006. I thought that Kevin Lowe lost his mind. Why did we pick up a non proven player? It made no sense to me. But...

The 06' playoffs made me a believer. I seen a guy that could not only be composed in all situations, but a guy that was ready for a chance to show his stuff. There was no doubt in my mind that Roli would have won the Conn Smythe if a certain someone didn't push Andrew Ladd into Roli and caused the injury. (That still to this day, pisses me off.) With Roli down and out so was the Oilers guaranteed Stanley Cup. Carolina wins in the 7th and final game. *tear rolls down face*

Fast forward to this year. He went from being a hero, to being the team goat (07/08) and now today, back to hero. I love Roli. He has good "game" as MacT puts it. He is what he is. A capable goalie that will do anything for his team. My favorite part of Roli is when he gets pissed off. He plays better mad. The other teams should know that by now and should just leave him alone. But they don't and when that happens he excels. Another favorite of mine is when he does his patented baseball swing, where he bats the puck down the ice instead of shooting it. It's freaking great. (as long as he doesn't miss it that is.) He has also started using his mask/head this year. He hits the puck soccer style. It really does look cool and it has been effective. His real only major weak spot is his 5 hole. He gets burned there at least once a game. His other weak spot... Glove high. The other team goes for there as well.

Weaknesses aside, Roli is the man. This very well may be his last season with the Oilers. And if it is... we thank you. We thank you for coming into our lives. We thank you for being a professional. We thank you for the commitment when others wouldn't. (Spacek, Samsonov, Pronger, etc...) We thank you for putting the Oilers 1st and family 2nd. (Roli has seen them only 3 or 4 times this year as they are back in Ontario) WE JUST THANK YOU FOR BEING AN OILER. Roli, Roli, Roli!!!

Dwayne Roloson, I like the cut of your jib... you jib cutter you.

I Like The Cut Of Your Jib #3

Well with all the speculation and basically a bleak future for some of the guys around here, I have decided to write this before he has been traded. Yes folks... Erik Cole will most likely be traded sometime between now and the trade deadline on March 4th, 2009. Unless, of course he signs a new contract before the deadline. But we all know that that is unlikely. He will fetch more in the open market than the Oilers are willing to pay. Too bad. I like him.

Erik Cole was acquired in the Joni Pitkanen trade before the season started. Since he has been an Oiler, the Oswego, New York native has been pretty good in my eyes. While most people have been disappointed with his goal output this year, I for one have really enjoyed watching his gamesmanship and effort night after night. (Check out past Beers & Jeers) His relentless hits on our opponents day after day. Erik Cole has been a real eye opener for me. He has showed me that hard work and a little dedication to making yourself and others around him better can win the hearts of the people of Edmonton. (Ok. Maybe just me.) He has been class throughout his stay with the Oilers. From the news interviews that I have watched, to the newspaper clippings that I have read, he has for the most part enjoyed his time here. He liked the fact that he was able to build his Son a back yard rink. He seemed to be adjusting to the city. But all good things come to an end eventualy.

But for whatever the reason (money/warmer climate/homesick), there just doesn't seem to be interest on either party to extend this "marriage". I personally would rather have a $4 million dollar Cole than a $4 million dollar Penner. But I don't get to decide those kind of things.

Erik Cole has been the team leader in hits this year. That's awesome! (and something that this team will miss when he is gone.) He is sitting 9th on the team in points with 22. (not so good) 5th in goals with 12. Considering the leader is Hemsky with 17, that's not bad. Not great... but not bad. It's not like he hasn't tried, he is 3rd on the team for shots with 126.

Bottom line: Erik Cole in my eyes is 100% a Jib Cutter. I am going to miss him very much. I just hope that some day the original Pronger trade can come to a rest. (Brewer for Pronger, Pronger for Lupul, Lupul for Pitkanen, Pitkanen for Cole, Cole for ?)

So thank you Mr. Cole for the hard work, effort and class that you showed here and I truly do Like The Cut Of Your Jib!

I Like the Cut of your Jib #2

This instalment of Jib Cutter is about the kid from the Czech Republic. The master of flash. The juke and jive king. The one the only... Mr. Aleš Hemský. (<---- I guess that is the proper way to spell his name)

This guy is an incredible player. His offensive skills are something you would have to sell your soul for. Most games he does something that makes me go...what?!? And I love him for it. The Oilers (IMO) were really lucky to land him at 13th in 2001. You would have to think that teams probably would have picked him sooner. I mean come on... Stephan Weiss at #4. Here take a look for yourself. I feel very fortunate to have this man as an Edmonton Oiler. I think we all should. Besides, he could have been a Bruin. (When we traded Guerin to Boston for Anson Carter, 2001 2nd rd pick and the option to switch 1st round picks in the 2001 or 2002 draft. In 2001 we chose to change the first-round selection (19th overall) for the Bruins' (13th overall). Thus giving the Oilers the 13th pick).

This season he has really been making strides in his game. He shoots a lot more now. I've noticed that we don't really have to scream at him anymore. "Shoooooot". Kinda nice huh Hemmer? He still has that deadly passing. He finds people in the strangest places sometimes. But then again, that is what makes him so special. He finally seems to be that point a game player that we all hoped for. I am very excited for him. He seems excited by it too. He has stated publicly that he want to be that guy. The "guy" the coach can look at to do something. Mind you Hemmer hasn't had all that much help this year, he is leading quite well.

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

So for all the hard work and dedication it took to become and keep going as a great Edmonton Oiler. Here's to Hemmer... I like the cut of your jib young man.

I Like The Cut Of Your Jib! #1

In this instalment of "I like the cut of your jib", I will be talking about Sheldon Souray. The big man #44 from Elk Point, Alberta.

This guy is a Jib Cutter 100%. The man ooze's class like he's sweating on a hot day. He is as mean as Rita McNeil waiting in line for the buffet and you budge in front of her and she kicks you ass sooooo bad that she eats you as an appetizer. His shot is so scary that even I have nightmares about blocking them and I don't even play in the NHL. And his style of dress makes even Versace look like a homeless guy. He's smooth and violent all at the same time. The man is awesome plain and simple.

Two games ago against Dallas, the kid line was out and the period just ended. Someone (can't remember who) started to beat on Gagner a little. While everyone else was heading off to go back to the dressing room, there stood Souray on the bench. Waiting... Watching... Then after the scrum was over and the opposing player skates by.... Souray unloads a verbal assault on the guy and you could tell that he meant it and that it couldn't be repeated around small children. He sticks up for his own guys and that alone is classy.

When he came here from Montreal, I didn't really know what to expect. (except for his shot) Last year I was quite upset that we are paying this guy a boatload of $$$ and he only plays 26 games. 10 points and was -7. Wow. 6.25 Million and that is what we got. Bogus. Joni #2.

However...

This is the Souray people expected. He's on pace to beat his own personal best of 64 points. Finally. Finally Edmonton gets a winner. And finally a true leader. I personally would give him the C right now but I can't. He's great. He hits, shoots, fights and brings a certain level of excellence that few can provide. When he's on he makes others around him play better. He has been pretty solid with Gilbert. He was even willing to play the left side so Visnovsky could be on the right. What a team player. Teams can't find enough of these guys.

I think our D corps is finally coming together. We have Souray under contract until 2011/12. Visnovsky until 2012/13. And Gilbert until 2013/14. I say the future looks pretty darn good.

So for all your hard work... Sheldon Souray, I like the cut of your jib. You jib cutter you.

Until next time,

SRB