B&J #78 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs New York Islanders (11/02/09)

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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- I apologize for missing the Boston vs Edmonton game.  I moved this weekend into a bigger house and my internet provider sucks and I didn't get it going until today.  It doesn't really matter anyways because the Oilers sucked in that game getting shutout 2-0.  Not a good score at all.  Now that I have my lifeline (internet) back, I/we won't miss a thing.

- This team is like a revolving door.  Horcoff is out.  No wait.  He's playing now and Comrie is out.  See? It's hard to keep track.  What's the deal with Comrie anyways?  Smid had the H1N1 and never missed a game.  Comrie has the flu and he's out for 10 days. *meow*

- So... I'm paying for this PPV, and no Schremp?  What a rip.

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Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (7-6-1) vs. New York Islanders (4-4-5)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Visnovsky-Smid
Gilbert-Strudwick
Grebeshkov-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

1st PERIOD

- The puck has dropped and it's a good pace to start. #Oilers vs #Islanders
- 5:00 minutes played and the Islanders are giving good pressure to the Oilers
- Halfway through the 1st and Gagne has the best Oiler chance. Grebeshkov has a giveaway. #surprise
- Oilers score. A cheap shot from behind the net by Moreau and it redirects past Roli. 1-0 Oilers
- 7:00 minutes left and the #Oilers are looking better.
- Damn! Islanders scored 1-1 Tie game
- Not all that of an exciting game. 1:30 left in the 3rd.
-  FIGHT! Jacques vs Sutton. Sutton wins
- The fight started because Gilbert was hammered by Sutton. Jacques came to help
- Period is over and the Oilers have to finish of the PK when the 2nd starts

2nd PERIOD

- The 2nd has started and the Islanders scored. I guess I missed it. Sorry for being crappy at this, PaqTwinn is stuck at work
- This is brought to you by @OilersJambalaya 's Smokin' Ray. #notpaqtwinnhesgoodatthis
- Horcoff hits the post with 14:20 left in the 2nd
- The Islanders 2nd goal was by Witt. 2-1 Islanders
- 14-13 the shots are in favor for the Islanders
- Oilers 1st line is looking hot right now
- Goals or no goals, this 1st half of the game is not something to write home about. But it sure is getting better #actualemotionnow
- Islanders are also now looking better. 9:00 minutes left in the 2nd
- UGH! Witt scores again. 3-1 Islanders
- 3:30 left and it's been all NYI. Oilers reeling bad. What is going on Oilers?
- 1:00 minute left and the #Oilers just had a good shift by the 1st line.
- Shots are now 17-13 for the Islanders. Grebeshkov shoots the puck over and it's a PP for NYI
- 2nd period is over

3rd PERIOD

- Let's hope the #Oilers come out flying in the 3rd. Puck dropped now...
- 1:00 left in the Islanders PP.
- The Oilers kill it off.
- PP Islanders. Chorney sits for two.
- Smid pushes down Tavares, Penner bowls over Roli and Horcoff gets nailed by Sutton. I tweeted these but they never tweeted. #wtf
- The Oilers kill it off. 8:22 left and it's 3-1 Islanders
- Why is this team so bad right now? #thefluisnotanexcuseanymore #Oilers
- 3:00 minutes left in the 3rd
- Sutton nails Hemsky 3 different timees in one shift. #playBigMac 3-1 Islanders
- Goalie is pulled
- 1:15 left in the 3rd
- O'Sullivan, Hemsky and Smid have looked good tonight.
- 40 seconds left
- Gagner gets mugged Okaposo and all hell breaks loose. #Ilikegagnersfire
- It's game over. 3-1 Islanders If you didn't waste your money on the PPV, you're smart. Thank you and good night.
- How did Moreau get 2nd star? And Witt is 3rd star with 2 goals?

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GAME HIGHLIGHTS




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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1


New York Islanders - 3


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GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Scoring Chances (MC79)

- Post Game Reaction

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - Jacques going to fight Sutton for no reason was pretty close to a BTP.  What are you thinking when it's a clean hit?

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - The freaking guy scored.  What?

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He sucked.  I bet he doesn't last the season here.

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BEERS

Ladislav Smid -  He was awesome.  I love the Spaz!  He tossed down Tavares and stuck up for himself and didn't look afraid.  I like the cut of this guys jib and so does Quinn (23:07 of ice time).  In a game where your team loses 3-1, and you end up +1, that's a good game for a defenseman.  He had 2 hits, two takeaways and 3 blocked shots.  Studly game Spaz.  Drink up, it's Miller time. Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - He really did look good.  For once he carried the 1st line and not Penner.  He did a lot out there but failed to score any points.  But that's ok, it's not his fault his line mates were crappy.  Good hustle tonight Hemmer.  Frosty beer? Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Him and his partner in crime (Smid) are turning into a solid duo.  Lubo never ceases to amaze me.  His stick work is unbelievable.  He can strip anyone of the puck (Tavares included).  He's just a great defenseman to have as an Oiler.  Beer Bong? Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Nikolai Khabibulin (He was pretty good even though the guys in front of him couldn't score.), Sam Gagner (He also played better than his linemates.  I liked how he was willing to go to the net.), Patrick O'Sullivan (He had four shots and was creating chances.  He's better than the 3rd line.)

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JEERS

Denis Grebeshkov - What happened to the old Denis from the beginning of the year?  This guy stinks. And stinks bad.  -3 for the night and did nothing but bring down Chorney.  Sad dude.  Boooooo!

Robert Nilsson - Maybe you should just stay in New York.  If I was Tambo, I'd put you on waivers today.  But I'm not and I can't.  But I can boo you. Boooooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Taylor Chorney (It really wasn't his fault.  Everyone looks bad with Grebeshkov)

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - What a waste of money.  Do the NHL and the Oilers organization really think that people should have to pay for that?  I say bring on more free Internet TV and not make us pay more than we allready do.  This team sucks right now and it better turn around soon.  Are the players complacent now because the roster is somewhat set?  Where's the urgency?  Gagner was trying hard in the last half of the game and Quinn started to put him out.  Does the team really need Stone that much?  Can the Oilers bounce back from these losses and get back on track?  I hope we find out soon.

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NEXT GAME

New York Rangers vs Edmonton Oilers

Nov 5/09
7:30 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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B&J #74 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs. Calgary Flames 10/24/09

- Who's Out?  Comrie and Brule are both sick and won't play tonight.  So with those two out, the Oilers have recalled Theo Peckham and not a forward.  It seems that the Oilers are going to roll with 11 forwards and 7 defense.  I'll trust Quinn on this one.

- Looking at the NHL stats sheet today, they have Deslauriers as the best goalie in the league right now.  He's played once.  I don't get it?

- The Springfield Falcons seem to be the same as the parent club, the Edmonton Oilers.  The were out shot tonight as well.  This seems to be a trend for both teams. I wonder why?

- The best part about the start to the season so far? The Leafs off to the worst start in the history of the franchise. Ouch! *points finger and laughs*

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Edmonton Oilers (6-2-1) vs. Calgary Flames (6-2-1)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Smid-Visnovsky
Grebeshkov-Gilbert
Peckham-Chorney

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

1st PERIOD

- Welcome everyone to 3rd Battle of Alberta. Oilers @ fLames LIVE *TweetCast*.
- This is the 3rd BoA already this season. The scheduler should have left some for the rest of the season. Too many BoA's too soon
- Comrie will be out tonight (flu). Peckham draws in and Strudwick will play on the 4th line wing.
- Waiting for player intros, anthem and puck drop.
- Here we go, Oilers win the opening draw.
- 30 sec in and the 1st line gets their first shift.
- Oilers PP as Iginla runs Khabi. 18:50 remaining in the 1st
- Lubo Scores! sneaking in from the point for a one timer. 1-0 Oilers 17:30 1st
- Big Mac vs McGrattan. Good long fight, give the edge to McGrattan. 1-0 Oilers 16:30 1st

- Fast pace, good hockey being played.
- Smid and Lubo are playing great so far tonight. Great chemistry
- Storts is running guys all over the ice. Looking to make impact
- Oilers getting better puck retrieval this game. 1-0 Oilers 11:24 1st
- After some pressure by the fLames, Khabi snatches the puck on a good shot.
- Johnson for the fLames goes off for 2. Oilers PP 9:54 1st
- Bourque cross checks Grebs, goes on a 2 on 1 and finishes. 1-1 tie game 8:00 1st Refs missed one
- fLame fans chant "Whoop there it is" WTF?
- Good back and forth action here in the 1st. 1-1
- The 1st line is picking up right where they left off. Playing great. Best line tonight.
- The refs are are either missing calls or just letting it go. Cogs tripped at center ice. 2 mins remaining 1st
- Storts rocks Iginla right in front of the fLames bench, big scrum ensues. Iginla takes a roughing call. Storts is bleeding.
- Oilers PP for 1:54 to start the 2nd.
- After the 1st period, the game is tied at 1 a piece.
- Kiprusoff has been letting out a few rebounds, the Oilers would be wise to send a guy to the front.
- Good first, felt like the 80's....almost.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is under way.
- Oilers don't get a shot on the PP. 1-1 tie 17:30 2nd
- Dawes scores on behind the centering feed. 2-1 fLames
- Nystrom scores after a scramble in front of Khabi. 3-1 fLames 15:31 2nd
- fLames are carrying the play in the 2nd. Oilers need to pick it up. Call a timeout?
- Quinn had something to say, during a commercial break. Oilers are playing better.
- Grebs slashes Iginla's stick. Oilers PK
- Khabi standing tall, on PK. 10:10 2nd
- Phaneuf with point shot, gets deflected and goes in.
- All the Oilers say it was deflected by a high stick, goal is under review.
- PP goal stands, it does look like a high stick though. 4-1 fLames 9:30 2nd
- Oilers have their work cut out for them now. This ain't the BJ's
- The Oilers seem to have lost the hitting element to their game. Only Storts is hitting.
- After the Oilers take a delayed penalty, Smid goes nuts on a fLame in the corner.
- Smid and Bourque go off, Smid picks up an extra 2. Oilers PK 7:42 2nd
- Despite the score Khabi has played well, making some big saves. Not his fault.
- Shots are 17-7 for the fLames, in the 2nd period only. 5:35 remaining in the 2nd
- Peckham needs to be more physical if hes going to stick with this team. I haven't noticed him much.
- Oilers are trying to make something happen, missing bodies are taking their toll.
- Horc makes a nice play, JFJ cant finish.
- Smid vs Giordano good fight by Smid.
- After the scrum, the refs try figure things out.
- Oilers get the PP out of it. 4-1 fLames 2:19 2nd
- Pens Scores after Gags send the puck through the crease. PP goal 4-2 fLames 1:25 2nd
- Jokinen goes off for holding. Oilers PP
- Sarich takes a 4 min high sticking call, with 6 sec left in the 2nd. Oilers 2 men up to start the 3rd.
- Well the end of that period sure makes things more interesting. Oilers PP is 2-4 tonight so far.
- If the Oilers play the rest of the game the same as the last 5 mins they could complete another come back. after 2 per its 4-2 fLames

 3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is under way
- Patty-O cant finish on a great chance. 5 on 4 for 3mins.
- Horc hits the post on a great slapper from the high slot. Oilers PP
- Langkow gets a step on Gilbert, and Gibert takes a holding call. 4 on 4 for now
- Now Giordano goes off for slashing, Oilers PP 4 on 3
- At 16:07 it 4 on 4 again.
- Chorney havin a good shift, rused the net and made a good keep in at he line.
- With 14:21 remaing in the 3rd its back to 5 on 5
- Pens with another good rush.
- Patty-O get robbed by Kippers glove.
- Halfway through the 3rd the pace has settled
- Horc takes a tripping call. 4-2 fLames 9:29 remaining n the 3rd
- Oilers need a big PK here.
- Dawes scores. 5-2 fLames PP goal. that one may have done in the Oilers
- That last goal sapped the energy right out of the game. 5:50 3rd
- Oilers are making a go of it, picked up their play a bit.
- fLames are closing this one out, shuting down all Oilers.
- Last minute in the 3rd period. 5-2 fLames
- Final score 5-2 for the fLames. This time the Oilers were out played.
- In the end Big Mac's fight was a micro-cosom of the game, he/Oilers got a few in but McGratton/fLames got in a few more.
- The stars tonight are Bourque(1), Dawes(2), and Penner(3)
- Well that does it for this LIVE *TweetCast* of the Oilers @ fLames. Next up Oilers @ Canucks tomorrow. The Oilers need to be better.

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GAME HIGHLITES



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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 2


Calgary fLames - 5


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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Post Game Video Reaction Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

Shawn Horcoff - It was a bad way to lose a game.  The Oilers were down 4-2 and Horcoff takes a tripping penalty and the fLames score on the PP.  Now it's 5-2.  That kind of makes it hard to come back now. 

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He was ok.  No worries though, he still sucked.  He really isn't a 2nd line guy, and he's barely a 3rd liner.  Just throwing that out there Quinn.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He was the best out of our two goats.  No matter what, he will be the odd man out when there needs to be roster changes.  He's just not good enough to stick with the Oilers.

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BEERS

Zack Stortini - The guy was on a mission.  He was trying to be a complete guy tonight and was the only one to mess with Iginla.  It's a little shocking when you look at his stats for this game. 1 shot and 1 hit.  That's it?  Something's wrong here because he was all over the place.  I think you deserve a frosty mug of beer. Cheers!

Dustin Penner - The big guy played well.  He really is deserving of his ice time this year.  He scores again to increse his point totals.  Can this guy do any wrong?  For an excellent game, enjoy a cold Pilsner Pens. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - He also scored tonight.  He's been the best defender that we have and I even think it's helped out Smid so far this year.  He led the team in ice time and had 4 shots on net.  Not a bad night by Lubo.  Let's get drunk to forget the loss.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ladislav Smid (He was scrappy and fiesty.  He plays like he has something to prove this year.), Sam Gagner (Looks good with 83 and 27.  It's nice to see Gags excel after a 4th line start to the year. 2 assists tonight.), Ales Hemsky (He is also looking good since the shake up.  He picked up two nice assists and had a solid game.), Steve MacIntyre (I don't get why he only played 0:51 seconds?  His skating has improved big time this season.  At least he had a good seat to watch the game.)

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JEERS

Tom Gilbert - He was the definition of crappy tonight.  A lot of errors were caused by him and Grebs.  Just a bad night for Tommy G. Booooooo!

Denis Grebeshkov - Same goes for Grebs.  Also a really bad night.  I was calling this pairing the "mistake" pairing all game.  Get better because we need you two. Booooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): none

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - How many posts must the Oilers hit? Geez Louise.  Ping! That's all I heard tonight.  This could have been a 10 -5 game for the Oil.  But nooooo.  Now I have to go to work and hear the jackbutt's brag about how great their team is.  That's for that Oilers.  Let's just hope that we kill the Canucks tommorow.

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Canucks

Tommorow
8:00 pm MT
Sportsnet West
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B&J Oilers Recap (vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/22/09)

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

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

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Pre Game Records

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

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

1st PERIOD

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

2nd PERIOD

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

3rd PERIOD

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

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS




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FINAL SCORE


Columbus Blue Jackets - 4


Edmonton Oilers - 6

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GAME STATS
- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Time on the Ice Report Link

- Post Game Video Interviews

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

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

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GOAT WATCH

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

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

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BEERS

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

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

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

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

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

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JEERS

None -

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

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

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

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

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

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

NEXT GAME

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

Oct 24/09
8:00 pm MT
CBC

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

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

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

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

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Pregame Records

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

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Strudwick-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Smid-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

1st Period

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

2nd Period

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

3rd Period

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

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

FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 3


Chicago Black Hawks - 4

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GAME STATS

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

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

BAD TIMING PENALTY™

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

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

GOAT WATCH™

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

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

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

BEERS

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

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

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

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

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

JEERS

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

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

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

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

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

OUR GAME SUMMARIES

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

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

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Wild

Friday Oct 16/09 7:00 pm MT

PPV

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Beers and Jeers #67 (Oct 8/09 vs. Calgary Flames)

There was a wind/snowstorm in Alberta today.  Very cold out considering we were at 30 degrees two weeks ago.  Brrrrrr.  What happened to Fall?  Are we not getting it? *shakes fist at Mother Nature for skipping Fall*

Rob Schremp is wearing 13 and didn't look very good tonight with the NYI.  I'm not really sad any more  and I'm kind of relieved that he's gone.

Just found out that Center ice is free right now.  Wish I knew and I wouldn't have paid for the last PPV.

Quinn shuffles the lines in practice to fool the fLames.  Crazy old fox.

Staios and Nilsson are out / Moreau and Strudwick is in

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

Tonight's Starting Lines

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

Souray Smid
Gilbert Grebeshkov
Strudwick Visnovsky

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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1st Period

- Good start.  All 4 lines look good.  Fast pace.
- The first 10 minutes went by fast.
- Bulin's looking good.  He's been making some great saves.  He seems confidant.
- It only took a game and a half period of this season for Kevin Quinn to say, "He has to get a new cue." for a broken stick.
- Gagner and Stortini belong together.  There's just something about them that seems right.
- PP fLames (Moreau at 14:18):  The Oilers kill it off with no real chances for the fLames.
- Moreau steps out of the box and gets a breakaway. SCORES!!!  1-0 Oilers (18-67-37 at 16:27)
- Moreau is now revved up and so is Gagner. 
- Bouwmeester rocks Smid and Smid gets pissy.  Iginla comes in and has words with Smid.
- PP Oilers (Bouwmeester at 19:28) Visnovsky SCORES!!! 2-0 Oilers (71-91-19 at 19:46)
- Great period by both teams.  Great action.

2nd period

- Souray and Iginla come together into the boards and Souray goes head first.  His head is cut and he leaves the game with a mild concussion.
- PP Oilers (Iginla at 0:18) The fLames kill it off with the Oilers not really doing much.
- At 5:50, Bulin comes out and plays the puck.  The crowd cheered. 
- Fight!  Moreau vs. Iginla at 6:09.  Moreau tosses a few, slips, Iginla doesn't kill him when he's down, Moreau gets up, Iginla chucks a few uppercuts while the refs break it up, it's over.
- PP fLames. (Stortini at 8:47)  Before you know it...
- PP fLames 5 on 3 (Grebeshkov at 9:14) What the hell man?  Talk about a killer.  This games BTP™.
- Smid takes a puck off the ankle (blocked shot) during the PK. Ouch!
- The Oilers kill off both penalties and somehow get some life.
- PP Oilers (Bourque at 11:54)  Just as the 5 on 3 is over, he takes a tripping penalty.
- The Oilers can't do anything on this PP.  They waste the 2 minutes.
- PP fLames. (O'Sullivan at 16:35) The Oilers keep the PK rolling and kill it off.
- Flames score. Boooooo! Another redirection by an Oiler.  This time Strudwick.  2-1 Oilers. (22-17-5 at 19:31)
- Good period by both teams.  It's a pretty close game.

3rd Period

- Another good start to a period by the Oilers.
- Regehr nails Gagner and then roughs him up a bit.  Stortini gets there quickly and gives Regehr an ear full.  At one point (I read his lips) he says, "Your dead Regehr".  How do you not love this guy?
- fLames score. Ugh! Boooooo!  Another redirection but by a fLamer.  2-2 Tie Game. (15-8-17 at 4:11)
- Intense game so far.
- Grebeshkov will a brutal giveaway at 8:10
- Oilers SCORE! Yeah!!!!  Hemsky with an easy slid in.  3-2 Oilers.  (83-10-37 at 13:30)
- In the last 5 minutes Quinn went with these lines: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 4th, 1st.
- With 30 seconds left, Quinn puts out the big boys to finish off the game. 27-10-18-43-77
- It doesn't work.
- fLames score. It looked like a high stick but it's called a goal. Boooooo! 3-3 Tie Game (17-4-3 at 19:58)

Overtime

- PP Oilers (Girodano at 0:35)  Quinn rolls with two sets. (89-19-91-71) & (10-83-27-37)
- Kipper is on fire and the Oilers can't score.  Penalty is over.
- What a Battle of Alberta.

Shoot Out

- Gagner - poke checked
- O'Sullivan - shoots and scores
- Hemsky - rings it off the post

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FINAL SCORE

Calgary Flames - 4
Edmonton Oilers -3  SO

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

Bad Timing Penalty™

Denis Grebeshkov - With the Oilers already a man down, Grebs manages to take a stupid hooking penalty and turn the man advantage into a 5 on 3.  Not really a good thing to do to your team when you have a two goal lead. 

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BEERS

Sam Gagner - Once again he was good.  He didn't score, but he was all over the place.  He was even playing like a big guy.  After a crappy pre-season, he's on fire so far.  He had 5 shots and was 67% on faceoffs.  That's huge for him.  Frosty beer Gags?  Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - This guy is finaly getting better.  He also hasn't been great up until this game.  He was playing hard all game and stepped up even more when Souray went down.  He scores a goal and plays over 24 minutes.  He also had 3 hits and 3 blocked shots and took 8 shots with only 3 hitting the net.  Great game tonight Lubes.  Miller time. Cheers!

Nikolai Khabibulin - If we won he would be the hero.  But we didn't.  He was good tonight.  The best I have seen him in an Oiler uniform.  He made great saves and was burned/fooled on the last goal in the 3rd.  I can hardly fault him for it.  He made 25 saves and made me less nervous.  So why not?  Let's have a beer together.  Cheers!

Zack Stortini - Storts was a machine tonight.  He really blends well with Gagner and I hope he gets more time with him.  I would just put Cogs there with them. It's wierd he didn't get more stats but no matter, he was good enough for my liking.  Good job Storts. Frosty? Cheers!

Ryan Stone - I never liked this guy yet, but tonight I did.  He was trying for the big hit all night. He landed a few good shots and made people look twice to see when he's coming.  He had 4 hits on record.  Who knows... he may be better than I thought.  A cold mug o'beer? Cheers!

Tom Gilbert - He may have been the best defenceman out there tonight.  He just played really good.  he made solid, sound decisions.  He played over 25 minutes, with 2 shots, 2 take aways, and 2 blocked shots.  I hope this is the beginning of a great year for Mr. Gilbert.  Thirsty?  Sure you are. Cheers!

Honorable Mentipns: Patrick O'Sullivan (Had an assist on the Visnovsky goal.  Played well.), Mike Comrie (He still needs to work on his conditioning.  But he played ok.), Jason Strudwick (Not bad for his 1st game of the year.), Ales Hemsky (Needs to show up quicker in the game.  He can't wait till the end to bring it.  He scores his 1st of the year.), Shawn Horcoff (He did nothing special, but played good enough.), Denis Grebeshkov (Had 2 assists but had 3 giveaways.  That has to improve soon.), Ladi Smid (He played a solid game.)

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

JEERS

None worth complaing about.

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

That was a good game, I just can't believe that we lost to the fLames again.  And again to another crappy goal.

Next game is Saturday, so I see you all then. 

Don't forget you can be friends on Facebook with Smokin' Ray Burnt and Paq Twinn.  We are always talking hockey. Come join us.

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.~
 
-----------------------
 
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.)
 
-------------------------
 
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.)
 
--------------------------
 
Who Should Be The Next To Be Sent Down?
 
Ryan Stone, Rob Schremp Marc Pouliot and Kip Brennan
 
---------------------------
 
THE GOAT WATCH™
 
Ethan Moreau - He stunk.  I think I picked the right guy.  Need I say more?
 
---------------------------
 
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...

Official Jambalaya Predictions

Official Jambalaya Predictions

Well here we go folks. We are leaving it all out on the ice. These are our picks for this season.

Hope we are relatively close considering more moves may happen. Oh well... it's go time!

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

Who's in the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Finals?

Smokin' Ray - Chicago vs. Washington

Paq Twinn - San Jose vs. Washington

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

Last year on OilersNation.com we picked our Hero's and Goat's.

Here at OJ, we picked some for this season.

Smokin' Ray HERO Sam Gagner GOAT Ethan Moreau

Paq Twinn HERO Lubo Visnovsky GOAT Robert Nilsson

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

There you have it folks. What/who are you picking?

Beers and Jeers #25 (Jan 30/09 vs. Minnesota Wild)

Well, was that the Edmonton Oilers? I couldn't believe my eyes. The puck just drops and Staios absolutely nails a Wild player. Then drops the gloves and backs up his actions. Nice veteran move. That instantly moved the momentum to the Oilers side. 4 minutes later Hemsky scores a lucky one. Yes! Great start. Take that Flames fans... Anyways. The guys that I have been hardest on lately we very good in the 1st period. Sure they wanted the "young" guys to take ownership for their actions. But with out the strong veteran leadership group taking charge and leading this team much like they did in this game, we would be a much better team for it. Am I wrong?

Big Mac vs. The Bogeyman #1

- This was a good fight for Big Mac. He looked really nervous at the start. But excited. The dukes went up and the waiting game began. Once the fight started it was a pretty good one. No real "big" punches that did any damage. But shots were felt. It ended a draw. Then as Big Mac was skating off you could see him grin. He felt good. He wasn't broken. And that fight did a lot for the rest of the game. Bogey was not a factor at all tonight. Mission accomplished.

Period 2 was also great. Lots of action. The play was pretty back and forth. Visnovsky scores a beauty. The Oilers PP was not great. 1for 5 for the game. This could have been a 7-1 game instead 3-1. I'm not really complaining... but I am.

The 3rd period started and wouldn't you know it. I go out for a smoke (What? you smoke Smokin' Ray? *pause* oooooooooh.... I get it, Smokin' Ray.) and the Wild score. What the hell? I know, I said the same thing. But the Oilers stared to play a tight game and really held off the Wild. Roloson was a monster (screw you Pierre MacGuire) in this game. He deserves a lot of credit tonight. He played great. Oilers hang on to win the game. All is good in the Oilers Nation once again.

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

Tonight's Lines

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (This line was kind of a dud line. Hemsky was good. Penner was a blob of blue and copper. Horcoff... he wasn't bad tonight. Not great. But not bad either.)

Nilsson Potulny Cole (Nilsson is a ticking time bomb with the puck. It may explode. It may be a gift for the opposing team. Potulny was average as he only played 11:02. Horcoff and Cogliano took his spot on occasion. Cole was good tonight. Admit it Cole... you miss your little buddy Sam.)

Moreau Cogliano Pouliot (This line and the 4th line changed throughout the game. MacT was trying to get things going. But yet last game, the lines never changed. Go figure? Moreau - Good, Cogliano - good / he belongs on the 3rd line, Poulot - 4th line guy / average.)

Strudwick Brodziak MacIntyre (This wasn't really a line that did anything. Big Mac fought, but only played 2:13. He did mange 2 hits, and they were good ones. Strudwick was a puzzling choice. I was thinking more along the lines of Stortini in the mix tonight. But once again... what do I know? Brodziak was a faceoff machine. He was out for a lot of the "big" draws. He did ok at 6-4 for 60%.)

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

FINAL SCORE

Minnesota Wild - 1

Edmonton Oilers- 3

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

BEERS

Dwayne Roloson

- I will be the first to admit that I didn't think it was a good idea to put Roli in for this game. Ex team, they know his weak spots, losing record against Wild. But like I have said a million times. What do I know? He was brilliant tonight. He made huge saves when needed and was a fierce competitor till the end. I have always liked Roli, but tonight he raised my respect level for him. His mental toughness is second to none. He knows how to be a real professional. He has been since he has become an Oiler. Good days or bad days... the man is class. Have a beer Gramps. Show these kids how to drink. Cheers!

Steve Staios

- I want to say that if Steve Staios could play like that every game, he could be a real high level NHL defenseman. He did everything right tonight. I have had a huge mean streak for Staios lately, but I can say that tonight he made me stand up and cheer. He made me believe that this team is the team that I say they are. A team of champions. Hard hitting. Shot blocking. The knuckle breaking dedication that it is what it takes to get to the show. (That didn't make sense to me either.) To win the cup. Hopefully he maintains this and we continue towards that silver lining. Mr Staios sir. Enjoy a frosty. Cheers!

Ethan Moreau

- The captain came through tonight. He played the same way as Staios did. Well, except he scored. Chopper provided everything that he has lacked in the last while. The penaz. Or swagger. Whatever... he was damn good. In fact. Have a Mountain Crest Chopper. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Andrew Cogliano (I think he belongs on the 3rd line. That just may be his niche. Horcoff Jr., but better. 2 assist night with great play making. Solid game for Cogs), Lubomir Visnovsky (How good is he? How many dmen take a shot and continue into the slot and bang in their own rebound? Lubo does. And he does it well. He played a real solid game.), Sheldon Souray (When doesn't he play good?)

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JEERS

I could complain about a few little things but what the hell? We won. YAY!

Ok. Just a little...

Dustin Penner

- This guy is a slug. I really think MacT should bench him again. And again in 15 games. And repeat, until he can produce in a consistent manner. The guy is lazy. The guy drives me mad. Hello? You play on a 1st line. With Hemsky. And you do what? Lolly gag? Moron. Shape up. Booooooooooo!

Liam Reddox

- This is only because it makes me feel good, and you suck. Booooooooooooooooo!

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Sunday is the next game. 12 noon vs Nashville. Tough game. Hope the same Oilers attend that game. Until next time...

REMEMBER: You are only as good as your last game... and we were freaking awesome!

Beers and Jeers #23 (Jan 20/09 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets)

That was a good game to watch. Great 1st period by the Oilers. A nice hard bomb by Visnovsky. My two picks for having a good game today was Visnovsky and Souray. Lubo played well. Damn he's fast. Souray was ok. Not his best game. Maybe his mind is on the All Star game?

The 2nd period was one of those "I wanna mess with your mind" periods. One minute I'm pissed off. The next I'm in an euphoric state... then BAM! Sad and wondering where it all went wrong. We looked so good. And now it's catch up time once again.

The 3rd started off with good energy. Chances were had by all. Back and forth. Back and forth. Then Boll runs Roli and the intensity rises. People around the league should know by now that there is some players (Iginla is one) who play better when they are mad. Roli is another one of them. And that made him mad. Thank you Mr. Boll. Then comes a Blue Jacket penalty. Hemsky makes one of those crazy passes back door. But Horcoff wasn't there. Grebeshkov was. He Scores!!! Tie game.

Well now what?

So I say, "Ummm... Hello? Mr. Hemsky? Can you do something?" "Sure kid.", he says. "Can you score the Nation a goal?", I ask. "Well since I'm not busy going to the All Star game... why not. How about a wrist shot?" Well wouldn't you know it. The guy is magic. The Oilers win. All of the sudden we are 6th in the standings. Yeah! Life is good again. Way to go team. Enjoy the break. But not too much. MacT won't have that.

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The Lines Tonight

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (they looked good. Penner was slow tonight. But Hemsky was magic.)

Nilsson Gagner Cole (Cole and Gags played good. Nilsson didn't look like he was back to normal yet.)

Moreau Cogliano Pouliot (These guys also played a solid game. Pouliot was the weak link on this line.

MacIntyre Brodziak Brule (I liked this line. I would probably make this a more usable line. I'd give Big Mac a little more ice. Not much. But a little.)

FINAL SCORE

Blue Jackets - 3

Oilers - 4

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BEERS

Ales Hemsky

- The man is back. And back with a bang. A 4 point night. He was unbelievable tonight. He was everything that we want him to be. An All Star. Yeah... I said it. An All Star. Have a frosty beer. In fact have as many as you want Hemmer. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky

- 2 point night for Lubo. I thought that he was great tonight. Good back checking. Good shooting. Good all around game. I say you deserve a beer Mr. Visnovsky. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid

- If you were watching the play you probably didn't notice him much. But I like to watch the corner of the screen to see what is going on behind the play. There was Smid. Digging and grinding. My wife calls him the "SPAZ". One minute he's all good. The next he's frothing at the mouth ready to bite. Maybe because I am a little scared of him, have a beer Smid. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Dwayne Roloson (When Roli gets fired up... so do I. I love this guy. Tambo made the right decision.), Tom Gilbert (2 assists tonight. Jumped up in some plays. Finished +1), Shawn Horcoff (he played pretty good tonight. Threw his body around and was skating hard.)

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JEERS

I don't have any. I've got nothing. I am actually happy.

Ok then. Well I guess I should go now. Hmmm. This is weird.

Beers and Jeers #12 (Dec 28/08 vs Nashville Predators)

Well, that was a good game to watch. It was a real total team effort tonight folks. Amazing what can happen when you play a full 60 minute game. About time. Nice to see three lines producing goals tonight. No one really stood out as playing bad. Well one. But you have to read on to find out. Good job Oilers!

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BEERS

Erik Cole

- What a stellar game from Erik Cole tonight. I knew if he kept plugging along things would turn around for him. And see what happens when you move him to the desperation line (Nilsson/Gagner/Cole). Magic. I guess I could say told you so but I won't. Maybe MacT has been reading my blog? How do you know? lol. Anyways... these three guys need to produce and they did tonight. I am afraid that I am making Mr. Cole into an alcoholic. So for playing an excellent game... Have a cold one Erik. Cheers!

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Sam Gagner

- The little dude was awesome tonight. Slick moves, nice passes and great down low work along the boards. By rights he should have received an assist on the Souray bomb. He did all the work but was the 4th guy to touch the puck. But regardless Gags played a hell of a game. Beer Sam? Sure you will... Cheers!

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Visnovsky/Souray

- These two guys are one of the main reason we are still in a some what respectable position in the standings. Their work ethic and their never give up attitudes are really showing lately. 2 points each tonight. I try and think of when we have had a better duo in Edmonton. I have to go way back for that. No guys... Further back then the dreaded Janne Niinimaa/Roman Hamrlík duo. I am pretty excited that we have these guys locked up for quite some time. Then you add Gilbert and Grebs. This could be one of the best top 4 in the league. So here Boys... One frosty each. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Dwayne Roloson (Another outstanding game for Roli. We needed a rock and he became one.) Dustin Penner (Good hustle out there tonight. Really showed that he was trying. Maybe even more than Horcoff and Hemsky.) Kyle Brodziak (He was pretty good on faceoffs tonight.)

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JEERS

Shawn Horcoff

- Oh why, oh why do you annoy me so much? Where did your heart go? Stats are not everything. Sure you had a goal. That was good. But... You were pretty bad on the faceoff dot tonight. When you are the one that is sent out on the important draws you need to win at least 50%. 60% or higher would be more ideal but we will take anything over 50%. Your back checking was average. When Hemsky went down and managed to come back, the only guy on that line that was trying his butt off was Penner. I expect more out of Horcoff I guess. To me he just isn't "getting it done" and he is one of our leaders. It's like he is just trying to be an offensive dynamo. And he's not. He just really needs to focus on his defensive game. So for annoying me tonight. Booooooooo!

But like I said... Good game Oilers! Let's keep this train rollin'. Woot Woot!!!