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

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Bad Timing Penalty™

none

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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.)

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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.

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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*

Beers and Jeers #63 (Sept 24/09 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning)

After a disappointing last two games, the Oilers tun it up here and actually played a good game.  There was so many bright spots and a little low spots.  Pat Quinn has his job cut out for him.  This isn't some make a change and POOF, Stanley Cup Champion.  Faceoffs are killing this team in the pre-season and I don't see it changing. 

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Moreau — Gagner — Cogliano
Penner — Schremp — Eberle
Nilsson — Brule — Stone
MacIntyre — Reddox — Stortini

Grebeshkov — Staios
Chorney — Gilbert
Smid — Visnovsky

Deslauriers and Dubnyk

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FINAL SCORE
 
Edmonton Oilers - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4  OT
 
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Bad Timing Penalty™
 
Steve Staios - What kind of a leader checks a guy from behind in front of his own net and the play is already headed back the Oilers way?  Steady Steve, that's who.  Good god man.  The Lightning get a PP chance with 10 seconds left in overtime. To top it off, the ensuing faceoff was located in the Oilers zone.  Faceoff win by the TBL and wham boom!  Game over on a St. Louis goal.  ~Atta boy Steve.~
 
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BEERS
 
Andrew Cogliano - The kid was flying on the wing.  He seemed pretty happy to be with Gagner again and it showed.  It was nice to see that pairing passing and skating together.  It was nice to see them "find" each other.  For awhile there, the Kid line was back together one last time (maybe not?!?). Even Nilsson looked good with them and he hasn't been great at all.  Seeing the three kids again made a little sad that that may never happen again.  But for tonight's hard working effort... have a cold one on me Cogs.  Cheers! 
 
Gilbert Brule - He wasn't flashy at all but he played a heck of a game.  He was solid in his own end and did manage to have some chances on the rush.  I was surprised to see him play like this.  Good to see "some" players still want to "make the team."  I think ol' Gil deserves a frosty for the effort.  Cheers!
 
Dustin Penner - The Flying Fridge no more.  He was finishing checks and playing his butt off.  It was nice to hear Quinn say before the game that he was one of his better players so far in the pre-season.  That's a huge compliment for a guy that was the coaches toilet paper last season.  For another solid game... a super sized beer for a super sized effort.  Cheers!
 
Tom Gilbert - He was definitely the best of the worst of the Oilers defence crew.  He managed to play better than the rest of them and was used often.  He really needs to find his groove in order to get the job done.  However, I do like Gilbert.  Well enough to sling a beer his way.  Cheers!
 
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (He didn't do any game breaking stuff, but played well.), Sam Gagner (He was great with Cogliano.  He played real well.  His passes were perfect.), Rob Schremp (He started off not so good but by the middle of the 2nd he was making plays on 5 on 5 and finished game more at the level Quinn wants.  Was this the last game for #88 as an Oiler?), Jordan Eberle (The young rookie battled hard and in return gains more of the coaches respect.), Robert Nilsson (Maybe just a little too late for him?  He was good tonight.)
 
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JEERS
 
Lubomir Visnovsky - The worst of the worst.  He's slow and useless.  He's not making smart plays.  Maybe I was wrong when I said he was good a few games ago.  Maybe I forgot how good he really can be.  Common sense would say he's not in shape.  If he wants to start the year as the 5th or 6th guy, keep playing like that.  Booooooo!
 
Denis Grebeshkov - The second worst of the worst.  Pretty much the same as Visnovsky, but worse giveaways.  Grebs had some very sloppy play tonight.  Losing the puck at the worst time (not like there is a good time), getting caught up ice pinching and his overall defensive game was terrible.  I sure hope that someone other than Souray is going to step up and help this team win some games.  Get better Grebs...  in a hurry.  Booooooo!
 
Steve Staios - I just think he's past his prime and if there is anyway to make a trade for him I'd take it.  He was a big ball of stinky tonight.  He just plain sucked... that is all.  Boooooo!
 
Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau (Did he even play tonight?  How do you spell invisible?), Zack Stortini (Did nothing), Ryan Stone (He clearly won't make the team.  Not an NHLer.)
 
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Who Should Be The Next To Be Sent Down?
 
Ryan Stone, Rob Schremp Marc Pouliot and Kip Brennan
 
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THE GOAT WATCH™
 
Ethan Moreau - He stunk.  I think I picked the right guy.  Need I say more?
 
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What an emotion filled game.  This team is like picking pedals off a flower.  We love them, we love them not.  Once again, we love them.  Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #61 (Sept 20/09 vs. New York Islanders)

As you can see, I have made some changes to the site. I hope they are for the better. But you never know until you do it. I was acquiring to much content to stay at one column and made the change to two. I'm sure you will see some more changes in the future.

Saskatoon huh? Why Saskatoon? I'm sure there is a good reason for it, but it makes no sense to me. The Islanders are the home team on paper, but the crowd is an Oiler crowd. Again, makes no sense. But what do I know?

Lubomir Visnovsky is back in the lineup and is ready to go. Need I say more? Welcome back #71, it's been too long.

If I'm Chris Minard, I would ask management to switch my number 39 so Mike Comrie can take it. It's been stated publicly that he wanted that number. Why wait till he's sent down? Or am I just over reacting? Speaking of numbers, how did Dean Arsene get #8? Is he really going to play with the Oilers this year? Probably not.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Stone-Comrie-O'Sullivan

Jacques-Potulny-Eberle

Pisani-Kytnar-Stortini

Minard-Pouliot-MacIntyre

Chorney-Visnovsky

Arsene-Grebeshkov

Strudwick-Plante

Dubynk

Deslauriers (didn't play)

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1

New York Islanders -3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

None that mattered

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Game Summary

Stat Sheet

EdmontonOilers.com Recap

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BEERS

Jordan Eberle - I sure do like this kid. Half of me wants to see him stay and the other half knows it's for the best that he goes back to junior. I just love the way he tries hard no matter what. I like the cut of his jib. That's the kind of heart this team needs. Next year is going to be sweet to be an Oiler fan. Time for a cold one Eazy E? Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - He tried hard and scored the Oilers only goal. Not really his best game at all, but worthy enough to get a beer. Quick chug this and leave. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - He played pretty solid for his 1st game back. He didn't look out of place at all, except for the 1st period. It sure was nice to see him speed around again. He was the best Oiler on the ice. Feel like a cold beer? Cheers!

Steve MacIntyre - He had a heck of a fight with Joel Rechlicz. They battled the last time they played each other and it was expected that they would go again. They didn't disappoint. Big Mac killed him for the 1st half of the fight landing some huge bombs. But Rechlicz caught a second wind and started to make a comeback landing his own big bombs. By the end of the fight they were so exhausted that the refs stepped in to stop it. Definitely worthy of a frosty beer. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (If not for Strudwick, I'd bet that spot would be for this guy.) Dean Arsene (Where did this guy come from? He's a pretty reliable player. Not many mistakes.)

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JEERS

The Entire Team - That's two games in a row where the Oilers players don't look like they want to make the team this year. There are a few exceptions. But as a whole, Quinn can't be happy with these last two games. I'm sure more cuts will be made tomorrow. Two losses in a row. Booooooo!

Marc Pouliot - His time is up. He isn't worth keeping around anymore. His lazy way to play hockey and gentle giant hitting style has cost him a spot on this team this year. Take Schremp with you. Booooooo!

Chris Minard - This guy just doesn't belong here in the NHL. Why is he not in the minors with the rest yet? Booooooooo!

Fernando Pisani - This isn't so much of a jeer, as it's more of a "what the hell man?" I still have not seen the Pisani that we have all grown to love yet in this pre-season. He has been non-noticeable and floating around. Guys like Stone are playing/trying better than you. You can't tell me Quinn doesn't notice. You better get going. Boooooo!

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From This Game, Who Should Go Down Next?

#39 Christopher Minard (Not NHL quality yet) & #64 Milan Kytnar (Not ready yet. Was rocked a few times)

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This arena had the best music that I've heard so far in pre-season and it's a junior arena. Take notice Oilers. It's refreshing. They played some Metallica which was cool. I even heard some cowbells in the crowd. That's how you know your in Saskatchewan, cowbells ringing.

Even Rod Phillips was getting frustrated during the 2nd period after watching the Oilers get worked over by the Islanders. "They couldn't make a play to save their lives." He talked about how crappy Chris Minard was playing. Referring to the team he says, "This is pretty disappointing." I couldn't have agreed more with Mr. Phillips. The Oilers were stinking it up and looked like an AHL team that didn't even belong in the AHL. They did score right after that outburst by Phillips though. Maybe he helped? ; ) Expect better next game. Right Quinn? Right?

Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #58 (Sept 16/09 vs. New York Islanders)

Well folks... the Beers & Jeers is back. It's been a long summer full of crap that we don't need to speak about anymore (READ: Heatley). It's time to move on... I'm excited.

#1 Draft pick Jon Tavares is in town with his New York Islanders. This will be the first time he wears a real NHL uniform. It's pretty cool that he's here in Edmonton for this. But they didn't bring Roli for this trip and that's too bad. I'm sure the crowd at Rexall would have liked to cheer for him one more time. Let's hope we crush these guys. Go Oilers!

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New York Islanders - 2

Edmonton Oilers - 3

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Tonight's Bad Timing Penalty™

Sheldon Souray - With :17 seconds left, he takes a Hooking penalty in the Oilers zone. The NYI don't score, but that still can't happen in the regular season. That is a excellent chance for a team to tie a game. That's pure Ethan Moreau style™. Leave it for him to do.

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BEERS

Devan Dubnyk/JDD - This is a hard choice for me. They are both solid goalies. The more I see them, the more I don't know why we took Khabibulin for 4 years. We are going to lose one of these guys next year due to waivers. Who do you keep? I call Dubynk. Beers to the both of you for tonight's win. Cheers!

Johan Motin - This is the first time I have ever seen this guy. He impressed me with his vision and smart playing. He had some minor bobbles, but overall looked close to being a NHL player someday. More or less a Honorable Mention, but still worthy of a beer. Cheers!

Sheldon Souray - Big Sexy broke the glass with his shot tonight. TWICE! That's right. Twice. By far the best Oiler on the ice tonight. He even manages to score the winning goal. If you ask me... Souray for Captain! But that's a topic for a new day. Have a frosty Big Guy. Cheers!

Jordan Eberle - He may be pushed off the puck a little too easy, but his knack for the game is evident. I'm sure he will stick around until the last cuts this year. He did way better than I expected. You can tell he's young, but mature in hockey wise. Are you even allowed to have beer? Ahh... Good game. Cheers!

Sam Gagner - He started the game off slow. By the 3rd period he found his legs. He started to want the puck more and even scored a goal and had an assist. I was thinking that the 12 89 83 line would be dynamite. But they weren't. Sam was the best one on that line and deserves a beer for the effort. Cheers!

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JEERS

Robert Nilsson - Not what I was expecting from a guy who really needs to impress. There was no flashy moves, no shooting it up like a gangster, no real pizazz. Maybe it was just nerves playing in front of the home crowd? Either way.... Boooooo!

Liam Reddox - Here is another guy that really needs to impress for a spot. As far as I seen, he didn't. The double minor penalty was a stupid blatant attempt to hit someone. You can't reach out like he did and be called with a clean hit. Unfortunately, Meyer was cut and Reddox sat for four. A little later on, he took another penalty. Not cool either. he did manage a breakaway. A 2 on 1 with Big Mac. Reddox loses the puck and that's that. (Big Mac most likely would have not scored, but you never know.) Not a good game Liam, worst on the team. Booooooo!

Ales Hemsky - No razzle... no dazzle. Hemsky wasn't bad, he was average. The words "Average" and "Hemsky" makes no sense together if he wants to be the "guy" on this team. He did have a good scoring chance, but somehow managed to hit the goalie stick at the line. After that, he was silent. I was hoping that the moody Hemsky would have left with MacT. I guess nothing happens overnight. I would expect a different guy at the next game he plays for sure. He's better than this. Booooooo!

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Smokin' Ray Burnt

Oilers Rookie Camp (We Were There)

Thanks to my main man, Paq Twinn, for being the eyes of Oilers Jambalaya this morning at the Oilers rookie camp.

No Pat Quinn on the ice this morning. Renney and Bucky are on the ice. Rob Daum is also there. Quinn, Tambo, Lowe and Katz are in the stands watching the practice. Lots of talking and laughing. I wonder if it was a Penner joke?

Practice: Good quick pace to the practice. Six goalies are at this session. Oilers new draft pick #30 Oliver Roy is one of the goalies on the ice.

Scrimmage time: Eberle looked real good. Real fast with great vision and scores a goal for Team White. #73, Burke Gallimore scored twice for Team Blue and made them look easy. Riley Nash also looked good. He plays smart and can hit like a train and take one too (he was rocked). The line of 73 62 87 was dynamite together as was the 64 23 14 line. They made some real slick passes. #50 Bryan Pitton is a huge goalie. He takes a lot of space away from the shooter.

Skaters:

63, ?
87, ?
62, Riley Nash
73, Burke Gallimore (2 Goals)
55, Jordan Bendfeld
53, Cameron Abney
66, Dalton Prout

23, Philippe Cornet
29, Johan Motin
14, Jordan Eberle (1 Goal)
76, ?
64 Milan Kytnar (1 Goal)
86, ?
65, ?
82, Jesse Dudas
59, Brett Breitkruez (1 Goal)
75, ?
48, Alex Plante
74, ?
72, ?

Goalies:

30, Olivier Roy
50, Bryan Pitton
52, ?
79, ?
70, ?
60, ?

Good practice and scrimage. Fast and high tempo. The Oilers have some good prospects in the system. The future looks good in Oil Country.

Team Blue wins 4-1 and fans win also. What a great event from the Edmonton Oilers. We needed a little hockey action. Thanks.

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