B&J #86 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs Chicago Black Hawks (11/21/09)

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

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- Who's Out? Who's in? Holy crap it just gets worse for the Oilers.  Khabibulin is out now because he has back problems.  Is this the beginning of the end for Habbi this year?  Let's hope not, that's the last thing this team needs.  However, Torrie Jung from the Oil Kings has been signed to an amateur tryout so he could be the backup for Deslauriers tonight.  That's twice I've seen that now by the Oilers in the last few years.  It looks like Jacques is in after missing quite a few games.  So we have Nilsson, Pisani, Chorney, Grebeshkov, Khabibulin, Stone and Comrie are all out due to injury/illness.

- Deslauriers is looking sharp in his orange and blue retro gear. Even the mask looks old school.  Damn I miss the 80's.

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Pre-Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (9-10-3) vs. Chicago Black Hawks (13-5-2)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Horcoff-Hemsky
Reddox-O'Sullivan-Brule
Jacques-Gagner-Cogliano
Moreau-Potulny-Stortini

Smid-Visnovsky
Souray-Staios
Strudwick-Gilbert

Deslauriers
Jung

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

1st PERIOD

- Welcome to the #Oilers vs #Hawks LIVE *TweetCast*.
- The boys will have a big game tonight, i can just feel it. #GOILERS
- Waiting for intros, anthems and puck drop.
- Here we go, JFJ throwing hits early.
- JDD, with Orange pads and all, gets the start tonight.
- Khabi is out with a bad back. #getwellsoon
- Quick pace to the start of this game.
- Bickell tries to get a hit on Pens, bickell goes down for the count
- Toews scores off a terrible give away by Smid. 1-0 Hawks 16:10 1st
- Pens SCORES! after getting a whack at it, Barker puts in his own net. 1-1 Tie Game  15:30 1st
- Crowd starts the chant. #LetsGoOilers 15:00 1st
- Brule and Reddox get a nice chance on a 2on1
- Versteeg scores, after getting 2 whacks alone in front. 2-1 Hawks 12:40 1st
- Kane scores on a nice move. 3-1 Hawks on 6 shots. 7:20 1st.
- Oilers have a WHL goalie for a back up tonight, on a tryout contract.
- Oilers runnin around, fans booing, #Hawks with all the pressure.
- JDD makes a save, and with that its 2 min warning time.
- Oilers losing faceoffs on a regular basis now. When is Tambo going to do something about it, he's known about it for a year now.
- Pens is the best we got on the dot at like 48%, thats bad for team best.
- After one, its 3-1 for the #Hawks over the #Oilers.
- I swear I felt the Oilers would be better. Thankfully theres still 2 more periods for them to prove me right.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is underway.
- Souray has been credited with the Oilers 1st period goal.
- Cogs has a nice chance at the side of the net.
- Seabrook goes off for hooking. Oilers PP 16:43
- Oilers PP pass it around a bit. JDD makes nice glove save on Madden
- No shots for the PP, back to even strength.
- Brule goes off for roughing. Oilers PK 13:41 2nd
- Oilers kill it off
- Halfway through a slow and rather boring 2nd, its still 3-1 Hawks.
- Madden scores at the back door, after a nice line rush. 4-1 Hawks 8:52 2nd
- Oilers need something positive to happen soon, or this one is all but done.
- Toews goes off for 2 with 30 sec remaining in 2nd.
- Hemmer SCORES! off a faceoff win, point shot, rebound. With .1 sec in 2nd. 4-2 Hawks.
- Officals looking at goal, making sure it went in before time expired.  Back to 4-1 Hawks
- No Goal, the clock stopped before the puck went in. 4-1 Hawks after two

3rd PERIOD

- Oilers will start the 3rd on the PP, if they can pull themselves together after the no-goal call. #deflatingcall
- 3rd period is underway
- Shots are 23-14 for the Oilers
- Staios blasts one, Pens tips it in front and SCORES!! 4-2 Hawks 18:24 3rd
- Things are heating up now, Oilers back in this game
- Smid gave Eager the puck, hits the post. #morebadgiveaways
- Smid's play tonight is as bad as his 'Movember' stache.
- Moreau takes another BTP for running Huet. Oilers PK 11:23 3rd
- Toews scores topshelf, 17 sec into PP. 5-2 Hawks
- Oilers looking life less, 5 min until this one is over.
- Last min in the game
- Game Over.
- Well that wasn't what i thought was going to happen, Oilers proved me wrong tonight. Maybe next time.
- Toews(1) Kane(2) Pens(3) get the stars tonight
- Thanks for following this Live *TweetCast*. Next up, the #Coyotes on Mon. 7 pm start. #GOILERS
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GAME HIGHLIGHTS



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FINAL SCORE

Chicago Black Hawks - 5


Edmonton Oilers - 2

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - Ethan Moreau's penalty would have been a BTP, but in my opinion, that was not his penalty.  He was pushed into Huet and was wrongly put in the box.

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GAME STAT LEADERS

Goals - Penner, Souray (1 each)
Assists - Horcoff, Staios, Penner, Visnovsky (1 each)
Points - Penner (2 points), Horcoff, Staios, Souray, Visnovsky, (1 each)
Best +/- - 8 Players tied with 0
Worst +/- - Smid, Brule, Visnovsky, Reddox, Gagner (-2 each)
Most Penalty Minutes - Brule, Moreau (2 minutes each)
Most Time On The Ice - Penner (22:15 of ice time)
Least Time On The Ice - Stortini (7:37 of ice time)
Most Shots - Penner (6 shots)
Most Hits - JF Jacques (7 hits)
Most Giveaways - Lubomir Visnovsky (4)
Most Takeaways - Lubomir Visnovsky (2)
Most Blocked Shots - 6 Players tied with 2 each
Best Faceoffs - Penner (11W-7L=61%) Gagner (7W-6L=54%)
Worst Faceoffs - O'Sullivan (3W-7L=30%)

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - He was the only Oiler capable of winning a game.  The rest of the guys were so bad it's not even funny.  Penner uses his body so well with the screening that it's helping the team even when he's not rewarded with a point.  But tonight he had a goal and an assist.  The fans couldn't ask for better tonight from Penner.  It's Bud Light Lime time. Cheers!

JF Jacques - 7 hits in 9:01 of ice time.  Why didn't Quinn play him more?  It makes no sense.  I didn't think his game was that great to deserve a beer, but having 7 hits in that little amount of time is definitely beer worthy.  Have a Black Star w/paper bag. Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Shawn Horcoff (In the grand scheme of things... he was ok.)

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JEERS

Sheldon Souray - *sigh...* The Big Sexy was the Big Unlucky tonight.  On the second goal he was protecting the net and swiped the puck out of the air and into the Oilers net.  Ouch!  It was just not a good game for him  at all.  Boooo!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Where did the all star go?  He was terrible tonight.  His turnovers were horrendus and his sloppy play rubbed off on Smid.  Four giveaways is brutal and should be subjected to the coaches anger.  The defense corps is the big reason why we lost this game.  Boooo!

Ladislav Smid - He really blew it for the team early with the turnovers (he seemed to have more than the stats give him credit for.) The guy should be a baker instead of a hockey player.  I couldn't believe that this was the same guy that I've seen at every other game.  This guy is terrible.  Boooo!

Sam Gagner - Looked like a junior player out there.  But worse.  At first I was going to blame the guys he played with tonight.  But it wasn't then.  He sucked.  Bad.  Boooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S):  The rest of the players who sucked (You guys sucked!)

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - I don't know.  He was average but still was called on a late game penalty.  Does that stuff just follow you around or what?

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - Did Not Play

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - This was one of those that really was pain full to watch.  Everything that could go wrong, did go worng.  I sure hope that the team can forget about this one quick.  Ugh!  That was a brutal game.  *Other than Penner*

Paq Twinn - That was depressing game to watch. I'm not sure what the worst part is, that the Blackhawks play the way I want the Oil to play, or that the Blackhawks represent another team that has hit bottom and come up faster then the Oil. Why are we always bottom feeders in the standings. Every year Oil fans watch as another team gets better and passes us in the standings. When are the Oilers going to get better, every year we stumble along between 7th and 12th. I and all other Oil fans have been waiting for the Oilers to be better for far toooo looonng. Sometimes I wonder why the Oilers haven't been blown up and rebuilt, now it would be difficult to do that with the salary cap. Anyway, bad game by the Oil tonight, they had nothing going all night. Good game by the Hawks, they made us look exactly like we are. Game grade: D

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POST GAME REACTIONS



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GAME STATS

- Game Summary

- Event Summary

- Scoring Chances (MC79)

- David Staples Player Grades (Cult of Hockey)

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

- Opponents Time On The Ice

- Faceoff Reports

- Shots Report

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NEXT GAME

Edmonton Oilers (9-11-3) vs. Pheonix Coyotes (12-9-1)

Mon, Nov 23/09
7:00 pm MT
PPV

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Thanks for stopping by and reading the Edmonton Oilers Full Game Recap. Don't forget that you can agree or disagree with us on Facebook and Twitter. Just look for Smokin' Ray Burnt and Paq Twinn. We will see you all next game. GOILERS!

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(Cult Of Hockey) Player Grades - Oilers vs Avalanche (11/18/09)

The Cult Of Hockey Player Grades have arrived at Oilers Jambalaya.  This is Smokin' Ray coming at you live pre-recorded from two sites, mine and at The Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal. 

David Staples had asked me if I would like to contribute to the player grades that he does and I accepted graciously.  David has supported me from day one so it's going to be nice to give back a little.  Is this good for you the reader?  I hope so.  Enjoy!

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Despite the Oilers bad Power Play, they manage to win 6-4.  Not a bad game to watch that's for sure. To top it off... it was free on TSN.

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Ales Hemsky (8) - He was solid all game except for his blunder with Visnovsky that led to a chance for the Avs.  He had a goal and an assist for two points tonight.  He even took 4 shots.  Not bad for a playmaker.

Sam Gagner (7) - He had a really slow start, much like everyone else did, but really turned it on at the halfway point of the game.  He scores a huge goal (for him and the team) and his pain seemed to fade away.  His hip is bothering him right now and with all the other Oiler problems, this is one guy we don't need to miss any time.  He would have scored an 8 if he didn't start so slow.

Shawn Horcoff (7) - Despite having a bum shoulder right now, he played pretty decent.  I'm not sure why Quinn has him taking 15 faceoffs in a game when he goes 33%.  He's better than that, but not right now.  At least pair him up with another center on the PK like O'Sullivan.  He scores a nice goal on a Hemsky rebound and helps to get the Oilers going early on in the game.  He made no real huge mistakes, but he is clearly hampered by his injury and his game reflects that.  You just tell he would have been awesome tonight if he was 100%.

Dustin Penner (8) - He may not have scored any points, but it's the intangibles that he brings to the table that make him worthy.  His screening and tipping is top notch right now.  He even busted his stick on a Souray tip.  How do you even see a Souray shot, never mind tipping it?  He had 7 shots tonight and was the best faceoff guy on the team.  He went 7W-8L for 47%.  Who would have thought that he could do it all?  Literally. I'd say that both him and Hemsky were close to being a 9 in my books.

Ladi Smid (7) - I think we should all tell Kevin Lowe that he was right on the Pronger trade. Ok.. let's not go quite that far yet but he sure is looking simply amazing this year.  He tallies an assist and finishes the night tied for team best, +3.  Looking at the stats you would think it would show more hits for him as he was ramming and slamming guys all game.  He is playing a consistent and reliable game for Quinn. Thank you Dany Heatley for nixing that deal.  Penner and Smid are studs for this team this year.  And it's all because of you. Sort of.

Sheldon Souray (6) - He is one mean dude.  Shortly after Moreau takes an elbow to the head, Souray does a little chin music of his own.  The refs seen that one though.  So you can hardly be mad at him for taking the penalty, it was just at the wrong time as Stortini was assessed a instigator penalty 1:01 before that.  He also finished a -1 and that doesn't help a guys rating.  Did I mention the 2 giveaways?  Yeah...  But still.  If it wasn't for all that he could have had an 8.  To make an excuse for him, he was on the ice for a lot of tough minutes.

Lubomir Visnovsky (8) - Holy cow!  When he plays well, he plays well.  He made great plays all night and he was a pleasure to watch.  His only black mark was a screw up between him and Hemsky which gave him a 1 in the takeaway column.  He had 2 assists and finished a +3 tied with Smid for the team lead.  I really would have given him a 9 if not for the giveaway.  Yes folks... he was that good.

Tom Gilbert (4) - He had a soft 1st period and was a -2 for the night.  Quinn even benched him for most of the 2nd as he only played 1:22.  He did get an assist on the Potulny goal.  That was pretty much his only good point of the game.

Dean Arsene (5) - For a guy who was playing in his 2nd ever game in the NHL, he looked calm.  I didn't see any major mistakes other than an errant pass that was picked up by the Avs late in the 3rd.  But you know Quinn is liking him when he's out there quite regular in the 3rd period.  I want to see more of this guy.  I'm liking what I see.

Patrick O'Sullivan (5) - He finally scores a goal.  It's been way to long and you could see him breath a sigh of relief right after it went in.  He had 5 shots and was 45% on the faceoff dot.  He needs to play better for a whole 60 minutes and he needs to shoot that puck with conviction.

Ryan Potulny (6) - He had a pretty solid game and was rewarded with more ice time.  He scores the tying goal and gives the crowd and the team a huge lift.  He definitely is a good call up.  Glad we have him.

Zack Stortini (3) - He spent 17 minutes not playing because of the fight (for the Moreau hit) and only played 5:16 after that.  The fight even sucked.  Wilson tied up his arms and that was it.  They struggled and it was over.  Not his greatest night.

Ethan Moreau (5) - He really wasn't all that bad before the hit to the head.  He had a shift after that and that was it for him as he didn't return.  So with him gone and Stortini not lighting it up, that was it with the 4th line.

Gilbert Brule (6) - He didn't have a bad night and he didn't have a great night either.  He was on the ice for Hejduk's 2nd goal and on the ice for the Cuminsky goal.  Both times he could have been harder on his check but wasn't.  On the good side he was on the ice for some of the Oilers goals as well.  But it is nice to see him be more consistent this year.  I was starting to wonder why we traded Torres for Brule.  But the kid is alright.

Liam Reddox (6) - He played a good enough game and earned an assist.  It's too bad he's not a bigger guy because he sure does throw his tiny little body around.  He plays a smart game and does the little things well.  But have no fear Reddox haters, he will go back when the Oilers get bodies back. 

Jason Strudwick (4) - All he really did was block some shots and take up some minutes from Gilbert.  He seems to have some trouble keeping up with the more quicker players.  On the Avs second goal, he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off and was a major reason why that goal was scored.  With the emergence of these younger guys, I don't see the need for him past the trade deadline.

Andrew Cogliano (5) - He had flashes of brilliance and then would fade away.  He is the only one out of the Heatley three that hasn't flourished this season.  He had a good chance tonight being on a line with Gagner but failed to produce.  Maybe he needs to see a head shrink to get his groove on.  Or dancing lessons.

Jeff Deslauriers (4) - He was super stinky in the 1st two periods.  In the first 25 minutes, he let in 3 goals on 7 shots.  I was waiting for Quinn to pull the plug but he didn't.  Maybe it's the lack of games or maybe he's not as good as we all though he was.  If I was him, I'd get serious because Dubnyk will be knocking on the door next year.

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Well that's it folks.  I hope I did this game justice. Thanks for reading.

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My normal Beers & Jeers Edmonton Oilers Recap to follow.

Shawn Horcoff - Two Heads Are Better Than One

Well good afternoon folks.  With having this many days in between games a persons mind starts to wander (and not for the best).  I think I've looked at everything that is Oiler related in the last few days.  But something made me look twice when I was going over the Edmonton Oilers injury report today. 

I've always noticed that Shawn Horcoff was a different looking person and a different kind of player.  One minute he's on a hot streak.  The next he's on an ugly streak.  Plus on top of that, he's has the two different colored eyes and that always makes a person look different.  But as I looked at his picture, I started to see two different people.  So I thought...

What if I draw a line to see what happens.  What do you see?  Is there two guys there?

See.  Am I right or am I right?  This explains a lot on why he is such a streaky player don't you think?  I know, I know.  I'm a strange dude. 

But you think I could just leave it alone and move on to something else?  Of course not.  So I went one step further and made him into the two different people.  The right side of him and the left side of him. 

Here is Mr. Right Side.  He's handsome and confidant looking.  Maybe this is the side that's the 1st line center and $5.5 million dollar player?  Maybe this is the guy that gets 70 points a year?  Maybe this guy is an allstar?

Now I'm going to guess that Mr. Left Side is the 3rd line checker guy?  The back of the room drinking Pilsner by yourself kind of guy.  He may not be a ladies man, but he sure can kill a penalty and block shots. 

So there you have it.  The Two Horcoffs.  Are two heads really better than one?  I'd say Shawn thinks so.

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

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


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

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

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Grebeshkov-Smid
Gilbert-Chorney
Strudwick-Peckham

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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

1st PERIOD

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

2nd PERIOD

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

3rd PERIOD

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

OVERTIME

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

SHOOTOUT

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




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FINAL SCORE

Detroit Red Wings - 5


Edmonton Oilers - 6   SO
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GAME STATS

- Event Summary

- Game Summary

- Full NHL Play By Play

- Oilers Time On The Ice

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None - I'm shocked.  Are you?

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GOAT WATCH

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

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

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BEERS

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

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

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

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

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JEERS

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

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

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

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

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

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

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NEXT GAME

Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins

Oct 31/09
11:00 am MT
Sportsnet West

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Boat Floaters & Ship Sinkers #1: Oilers Good and Bad

This is a segment called "Boat Floaters & Ship Sinkers"  This is about one guy I like right now and one guy that I don't. 

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BOAT FLOATER

Dustin Penner - Now here's a guy that I have not liked since he was handed the Oiler bank keys.  For the life of me I had no idea what Lowe was thinking when he signed this guy.  I'm kinda sorta figuring it out now.  When the guy wants to go, he can sure go.  He has done a phenomenal job at preparing himself and showing up ready to go this year.  He's not only has he surprised me, he's made me a believer.  After 8 games he's sitting at 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points.  That's tops on the team (so far).  No one could have told me that this guy would be kicking ass so early in the season.  But there he is.  It's crazy I tell you.  Unless he really stinks it up in the next while, I like this guy and that is why he's my Boat Floater.  KEEP!

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

SHIP SINKER

Shawn Horcoff - Now when I look at this guy, I try and forget about the money he's making right now.  I don't really care as long as your good at what you do.  Count Horcoff out of the "good at what you do" category.  As of today, Horcoff has been bad.  Terrible.  Brutal.  Dismal.  No matter what term you use, he stinks.  Looking around at all the players, I see no reason for Horcoff to be bad this year.  He's still on the 1st line, regardless that he's not putting up points.  So what gives?  Quinn for the most part has given Horcoff the benefit of the doubt since day 1 and what has he shown? Nothing.  After 8 games he has 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.  He is also sporting -3 rating.  The only great aspect of his game right now is his faceoff ability, but even that blew a tire last game.  So for these reasons, Shawn Horcoff, you are the Edmonton Oilers Ship Sinker. TRADE!

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

Beers & Jeers #72: Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks (10/19/09)

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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**FEEL FREE TO COMMENT AT THE BOTTOM. NO SIGN UP REQUIRED. YOU CAN POST AS A NAME/URL OR ANONYMOUS**

- Who's Out?  Brule is out (not sure why?) and Hemsky is in (flu gone).  Nilsson also stays in because of Brule being out. Word had it that MacIntyre might play, but he didn't.

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Pre Game Records
Edmonton Oilers (4-2-1) vs. Vancouver Canucks (3-4-0)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

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

- It looks like Big Mac is in tonight with Brule out along with Hemmer and the others. Too many injuries
- Just found out that Hemsky is in the line up tonight
- Waiting for player intros, anthem and puck drop. GOILERS!
- Here we go, Canucks win the opening draw, good pace to start.
- Comrie gets an 'A' chance but whiffs.
- Storts and Rypien get into a spirited fight. Rypien with the take down.
- Oilers out shooting Canucks early. 3-2 14:30 remaining in the 1st.
- Bernier scores off a Nilsson turnover. 1-0 Canucks 13:27
- Turns out Big Mac isn't playing tonight, but Nilsson is. Ugh he didn't look good throwing that puck up the middle.
- Canucks goal is credited to Bolduc
- With 9:19 left in the 1st, the Canucks lead 1-0, and are out shooting the Oilers 8-5.
- Oilers get a PP and look disjointed. PP ends at 7:17, 1-0 Canucks
- Chorney is having a solid 1st period. Keeps getting better.
- Samuelsson with a rap-around chance but Khabi extends and makes a toe save.
- Oilers picking up the pace in last 5 mins.
- Holding penalty to Comrie.  3:42 1st
- Oilers kill off the penalty. 1-0 Canucks
- Ladi has bee in his bonnet tonight, he's chirping at anyone in a Canucks jersey.
- After the 1st, its 1-0 Canucks. Shots are pretty much even.
- Oilers need to play smarter or this one could go in the loss column
- Canucks goal is given to Bernier.

2nd PERIOD

- Patty-O scores! on a delayed penalty call. 1-1 tie 19:34 remaining in the 2nd
- Horc blocks a shot and goes on a break away. save by Luongo
- Oilers looking better here in the 2nd
- Hemsky goes off for hooking. 14:53 2nd
- Chorney get quality pk time. has Quinn's trust.
- Oilers kill penalty, Hemsky gets puck out of the box and misses
- Grabner takes a penalty for the 'Nucks. Oilers PP
- Comrie kills the PP with a slashing call. 4 on 4
- Stoner injured his left leg in 1st, will not return. Another one bites the dust.
- Halfway through the 2nd shots are tied at 13.
- Back to full strength, no real chances 4 on 4. 1-1 9:00 2nd
- Both Khabi and Luongo have looked solid in this one, not many chances though
- Sedin stopped by Khabi. Quality chance.
- Oilers PK, as Khabi trips Samuelsson on Sedins chance.
- Chorney out the 1st PK unit. 4:00 remaining in 2nd
- Canucks getting some good chances, Khabi with some good saves.
- Oilers kill it off. 1-1
- Oilers getting out played late in the 2nd
- Kesler goes off for 2 mins, 49sec remaining in 2nd #Oilers PP
- Comrie takes another penalty with 2 sec left in the 2nd
- After 2 periods its tied at 1. 3rd period will start 4 on 4
- A better period by the #Oilers but we're taking some dumb penalties at bad times Bad Timing Penalties.

3rd PERIOD

- Hemsky and Gags out to start the 3rd for the Oilers
- Oilers kill off remainder of Comrie's penalty.
- Smid with a blocked shot that surely would have gone in.
- Fast pace here in the 3rd, 5 mins gone already. 1-1 tie
- The game is fiesty but not that rough. Oilers missing Stoners hits
- Mitchell gets away with one, and knows it.
- Gags scores! on scramble in front. after a great shift by Penner 2-1 Oilers
- Gags has been playing good tonight, nice to see him get one.
- Hemsky gets dumped at center ice, no call.
- Oilers having trouble in the face off dot tonight
- Oilers with some good pressure late in the game. Last five minutes.
- Shots are 36-30 Canucks 2-1 Oilers 3:15 3rd
- And the Canucks get some pressure. 1:48 3rd
- Canucks pull Luongo at 1:27 3rd
- Hemsky can't even score on a empty net break.
- Wellwood scores at 0:00. No goal. Oilers win! 2-1
- My stars for tonights game: 1-Khabibulin 2-O'Sullivan 3-Luongo
- Overall the Oilers didn't play as well as they have in past games. but they gutted out a big win tonight.
- Thanks for following this LIVE Oilers **TweetCast** Next up the #BlueJackets on Thur. Oct. 22.
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FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 1


Edmonton Oilers - 2




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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Oilers Video Post Game Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He sucks.  He tries hard, but does nothing.  (NNC)

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He did ok.  Better than Moreau.  He didn't have any giveways (amazing).  He played somewhat good but still sucked.  Once again... better than Moreau.

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BEERS

Nikolai Khabibulin - I love this guy.  What more do I have to say?  He was rock solid and played the hell out of Louongo.  He's looking great but I'm wondering when we will see the shutout?  I gues really soon.  Solid effort once again Khabi.  Frosty beer time!  Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - He's part defence, he's part scrapper and apparantly, he's part goalie.  He made a beauty of a save with Bulin out of position and saved the game.  That and he played a heck of a game without making saves.  I am so glad that he is still an Oiler.  He's playing better than most of our higher paid defencemen.  He once again was a +1 this game. He can do no wrong.  Plus add 3 blocked shots. All hail lord Smid.  Beer sir? Cheers!

Sam Gagner - Lil Sam was stellar tonight.  Word had it, his old man was here because he works for the Canucks now.  Sam always finds his A game when he's watching.  He scores the winning goal and played a heck of a game.  He went 8W & 6L for 57% on the faceoffs.  For Sam that's a good game.  He also had 4 shots and was a +2.  Dude!  Score me a high five. *slap* It's Miller time.  Cheers!

Taylor Chorney - Since being called up he's been great.  I can't say enough about Chorney.  He doesn't make huge mistakes and he seems comfortable playing in the NHL.  I'm sure glad we have a little bit of skill in the minors.  With Chorney and Peckham, we look good for the future.  Would you like a beer young man?  Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - He seems like he likes it here now.  He's one awesome player.  He hits, shoots and plays like his bigger than he is.  He scores the 1st Oiler goal and assists on Gagners game winner.  When he isn't shooting the puck, he was also blocking shots and using his smarts on the PK. Sully seems to be a pretty complete player.  Good trade for Tambo.  Enjoy the fans love my friend.  It may not be forever.  Great game.  Frosty beer?  Cheers!

Dustin Penner - This guy is for real.  Team Canada take note.  Dustin Penner is a changed man.  He's playing that power forward bit to a "T" now.  Real Cam Neely like.  Instead of just saying that we can't believe it, we should believe it.  I like this guy, and you should too.  It's beer chuggin' time.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ales Hemsky (Maybe he has something to prove now?  He showed a lot of drive and will tonight.  And he fired a ton of shots.  A new Hemsky or just a rested one?)  DUE TO PEOPLE SAYING I'M WRONG, I'LL STRIKE IT OUT. BUT I STAND BY MY THOUGHTS.

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JEERS

Shawn Horcoff - When you have Sam Gagner at 57%, what is your excuse for being 7W 17L for 29%?  You probably don't have one.  Key situations arise in the game and Quinn picks... Gagner.  You know Shawn, if you can't do the little things right like all the people in the world give you credit for (except me), then you wouldn't be so bad in a game when we really needed some leadership.  Instead the old guy goalie and the punk kids, Gagner and O'Sullivan show you up.  Pretty sad.  Booooooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Robert Nilsson (At times he looked good.  But most of the time he was all over the place.  I really don't see him staying with this club by the end of the year.  Somethings got to give.), Tom Gilbert (4 giveaways?  WTF man?  Gilbert isn't playing his best right now.  He needs to be better.)

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I thought that for the most part it was a dry game.  I always expect a good show between these two teams.  But tonight was different.  It seemed tame.  The Oilers didn't really do well in the 1st period but got better as the game went on. Stortini's fight was a good one, but he lost.  Both goalies were really good (which I called a 5-3 Oilers win) and that made it a real low scoring affair. I was super pumped when gagner scored the winning goal and was freaking out when the Canucks almost scored in the last second. I'm getting tired of that.  But, the Oilers win and all is good in the Nation once again.

Paq Twinn - This was a back and forth game that looked like every other game between these two teams for the last couple years. The difference, the Oilers played better then the Canucks. Penner, Gags, Chorney, Patty-O, and Khabi stood out for me, they were the best Oilers tonight. Comrie, Nilsson, and Hemsky stood out for all the wrong reasons, they were simply awful tonight. The Oilers need to do something about face-offs, I hear Horton from Florida may be available. But at least the shot difference was better this game, even if they still let 35+ against, the Oilers did shoot a lot more tonight. I'll give the Oilers a B- for the game.

Graham Martin - John Garrett, if i ever see you in the streets I am gonna punch right in your stupid f*cking moustache and let you know that you are the worst color commentary guy ever! On the plus, D Penner and L Smid were fantastic tonight. and honorable mention to Gags, Sullivan and Chorney!

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Blue Jackets
Thursday, October 22/09
7:30 pm MT
Sportsnet West

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Who's The Best/Worst of the Edmonton Oilers and Hemsky for Kovalchuk?

THREE BEST EDMONTON OILERS RIGHT NOW

SMOKIN' RAY:

1) Dustin Penner: He's fast, he's skinny and he's on fire. He's leading the team in points and is making MacT look foolish. In a million years, I never would have seen this coming. Never. He's the best Oiler right now. 5 goals, 4 assists for 9 points in 7 games. Wow!

2) Nikolai Khabibulin: He struggled in the start and has been great the last 3 games he's played. He has kept the Oilers in all the games and has looked pretty casual in goal. He just may be the Oilers MVP at the end of the season.

3) Gilbert Brule: He's playing like this is his last chance. Which it very well may have been. But if he keeps playing like this, he's not going anywhere. He has 4 goals, 3 assists in 7 games. 2nd on the team in points.

Honorable Mentions: Sam Gagner/Patrick O'Sullivan/Zack Stortini

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PAQ TWINN:

1) Patty-O His point totals aren't where they need to be, yet. This guy is flying out on the ice EVERY game, you can't help but notice him. He's even throwing his 5'11" 190 lbs around like some kind of power forward. Its only a matter of time before he starts lighting the lamp with regularity.

2) Ladi Smid on a team with few "shutdown" D, this guy is pulling his weight and then some. Once heralded as an offensive type, and almost being traded away, Ladi is cementing his place on the Oilers blueline for years to come.

3) Zack Stortini This guy flat out competes every game. When he broke in few years back, all he had to do was fight, and he wasn't the best at that (huggy bear). This guy has taken his game to a new level, doing everything he can to help his team win, even score PP goals. He is turning into everything some guy named Georges wanted to be for the Oilers.

Honorable Mentions: Gags, Chorney, JDD.
 
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THE THREE WORST EDMONTON OILERS RIGHT NOW
 
SMOKIN' RAY:
 
1) Ales Hemsky: This Oilers Superstar is far from it. He's not a star and he's not very super. He maybe getting points but that doesn't mean anything when your gliding out on the ice and looking useless. Last year he pissed me off by blaming MacT for turning him into a checker. He also wanted to be the "man" of the team. Where are you this year Hemsky? *crickets chirping*

2) Mike Comrie: Mrs. Duff might be putting up points like Hemsky is, but his effort and skating speed sucks. All his points come in the 1st half of the game. Look at him in the 3rd when they show him up close. He can barely breath. He needs to get better. Or at least his conditioning.

3) Shawn Horcoff: Other than winning faceoffs, he hasn't done a thing to live up to his $5.5 million dollar cap hit. He has a whopping 1 goal and 1 assist and he's -2 so far. Maybe I don't know jack about hockey, but a 1st line guy needs more than 2 points in 7 games.

Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau/Steve Staios

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PAQ TWINN:

1) Hemsky Normally I wouldn't pick a guy that has already been done, but Hemmer has been the biggest disappointment so far this year. I once had high hopes for this guy (as did everyone else). But I'm starting to wonder if trading this guy isn't the Oilers best option.  He's worth more in the trade market right now then in an Oilers uni. Hemsky needs to man up to his "soft" predictable play. STOP circling out of the offensive zone you dolt.

2) Moreau His bad play is being covered up by his line mates superb play. But this guy has lost everything that I used to like about him. Speed-gone, Tenacity-gone, Leadership (by example or otherwise)-gone. Why is this guy our Captain again? Oh ya Jason Smith said he'd be good for the job. Who's "Quinn's" Captain?

3)Gilbert After a great rookie campaign (set Oilers rookie goal scoring record), Gilby has taken some steps backward. I expected more from this guy this season, he hasn't been awful but he's not where he should be either. I don't think its too high of an expectation, that he should get 15-20 goals this year, and with Souray out for some time, Gilby needs to step up on the PP, which he hasn't.

Honorable Mentions: Staios, Horcoff
 

*Graham walks into the room and slams his fist on the table*

GRAHAM MARTIN: Gilbert does not belong on that list! He has been much better than Staios when he has been in the lineup. I definitely agree with Hemsky, Moreau and Comrie though.

PAQ TWINN: I did say that Gilbert hasn't been awful, just not progressing the way most thought he would. I didn't want to start on Staios cause I didn't know what else to say other then he sucks. With the way the Oilers have been playing, I was hard pressed to think of guys that are sucking. Gilbert just hasn't stepped up, with Souray out. He has been that bad, I just think he can be a lot better.

GM: Gilbert has done the one thing that he is paid to do really well. He makes a great first pass out of his own zone. Him and Grebs are so patient and have such great vision back there. That is one reason why the Oilers are scoring so much, their transition game has been fantastic. They move through the neutral zone with speed and that is a direct result of the first pass.

PT: I don't particularly agree with Horoff being on the bad list, he's had to endure a winger (Hemsky) that has shown NO desire to be the player he can be, and has had a revolving door on the other side. He's not 1st line material, but he has never demanded anything. All Horc does is compete game in and game out, even when Hemmer is dragging his ass, Horc still does his job. He's not a goal scorer so I don't expect that much offense from him. Its like expecting Strudwick to win the Norris, its just not their game. How ever -2 is unacceptable in the role I see Horc in.

I don't have a problem with Gilby's passing. He needs to shoot more though, he should be the point shot on the 2nd pp unit when Souray is on the 1st unit.

I don't have anymore arguments on Gilby, but when picking 3 worst Oilers, and 83x2,91,10,and 18 are already done, who could you come up with, besides Staios cause everyone knows that he SUCKS. So come on GM, who's your top and bottom 3 for the Oilers this season?

GM: Top three have been Penner, O'Sullivan, Brule hands down. and bottom three have been Hemsky, Horcoff, Moreau. As for Horcoff, you should expect offense from him cause HE IS A 5.5MIL A YEAR GUY! He is payed like a first liner and he has shown in the past that he does have a nose for the net. He has a very quick release, he just needs to use it more. He does compete game in and game out, but he has shown so much more in the past. his game three against the sharks in the playoffs that year, was one of the best performances by an oiler that I have ever seen. I will never forget the game that he played that night. He is so much better than what he has shown.

SMOKIN' RAY:  Horcoff sucks on the 1st line.  He's a great 3rd liner, and ok 2nd liner and a below average 1st liner.  End of story. 
 
PT: If Hemsky's not the cornerstone of the Oilers franchise. Who should the Oilers build around for the future? I personally don't think we have one, so I think we should trade Hemsky and change, for one ie; Ilya Kovalchuk, Jordan Staal, or Alex Semin.
 
GM: Jordan Stall is definately not the guy. Semin....maybe. But Kovalchuk is the guy, that if there was ever a chance of bringing him in, you jump on it!

SR: I don't know who I'd take. Rick Nash maybe. I really like Milan Lucic. He'd be nice to have (he was drafted with the Oilers draft pick that they gave up for Samsonov). Maybe Vinnie out of Tampa?

But Brownlee is right, we are not going to get a top guy out of this trade. Maybe the guys we have already mentioned are not attainable with Hemsky as the key piece? Maybe he's not as good to the rest of the league like the Oiler fans all believe he is? Maybe his value isn't that high after all?

PT: The only way to find out what the value is, is shop him around, kick some tires so to speak. Hemsky alone would not land a Kovalchuk or a Nash but if you include a couple other guys like Pouliot and Nilsson, maybe. It'll be interesting to see if Atlanta can extend Kovie's contract or not, if not I think they'll trade him, then anything is possible.
 
SR: As far as building around a player... what do you mean we don't have one Paq Twinn? We have two. Gagner and Eberle. Both are going to be integral cogs to this team moving forward. Both are going to be stars in the NHL and both will be the leaders of this team in the next 5 years, long after Hemsky turns into a pair of old balls. It's going to be the 14 and 89 show.
 
**Ray, Paq and Graham all decide to head over to Fat Larry's Bar and Grill for a few beers and wings.  No more fighting for tonight. It's time to party.**

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**This was all played out on Facebook.  Add Smokin' Ray Burnt and Paq Twinn as freinds and join the fight.**

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.)

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

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 #62 (Sept. 23/09 vs. Calgary Flames)

Well this was one crappy game by the the Oilers.  Terrible.  Let's just get right to it because there isn't much good to say.

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

Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
O'Sullivan Comrie Stone
Moreau Cogliano Brennan
Penner Brule Nilsson

Souray Gilbert
Visnovsky Grebeshkov
Smid Strudwick

Khabibulin
Deslauriers (Played the 3rd)

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FINAL SCORE

Calgary Flames - 5
Edmonton Oilers - 3

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

Bad Timing Penalty™

see Jeers below

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

BEERS

Dustin Penner - It's hard to say fat jokes about him anymore because he really does look slimmed down and his foot speed has definitely improved because of it.  Tonight he was havoc in front of the net and managed a goal and an assist for the efforts.  Everyone called him out to be better this year, and I really think he's trying to be.  Good on him.  Frosty cold beer Slim? Cheers!

JF Jacques - The man was trying hard tonight.  That's the kind of stuff Quinn looks for.  He scores a lucky goal and the best part of all... He landed one solid punch to Regehr and knock him silly in a quick but sweet fight.  With a punch and an effort like that, I guessing he gets a spot on this years team.  How about a 40oz of Big Bear for a big dude?  Cheers!

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

JEERS

The Entire Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club - Wow!  What a crap ass game that was.  How embarrassing on your own turf.  *shakes head*  Where is the guys that need to make this team?  Ok, let's take a look at what went wrong.

Glencross scores on the first shot of the game.  Not exactly a great start.  Sure the Oilers score to tie it up, but how do expect to get ahead if Grebs and Horcoff are sitting in the box?  You don't, unless you kill it off.  (Hmmmm.... You could probably count Horcoff's penalty a BTP™.)  They did kill it off and dug up some momentum and Jacques scores.  Sweet!  A 2-1 game.

If this game was a mountain, this would be the peak for the Oilers because it's all downhill from here.  Brennan takes a goalie interference and Souray takes one of his two BTP's™ of the night.  This time the Flames score and the game is tied at 2.  The Oilers defense is playing absolutely terrible.  Every single one of them.  Quinn must have been flipping out. 

Then they start off the 2nd period on the PK and then on to the PP where you would think that they would score.  Nope.  Glencross does.  A shorthanded goal is a nice way to let the Flames have a 3-2 lead.  Then Big Bad Brennan drops the gloves.  Yeah... not so impressive.  I can't see how this guy sticks on the team and pushes Big Mac out.  I just don't see it.  Shortly after that the Flames score once again to make it 4-2.  COME ON OILERS!  Where's the effort tonight?  That is when Jacques nails a Flame player (seemed a little cheap to me) and Regehr came to help/stick up for him.  Jacques kills him with one solid punch and it's over.  JFJ gets the extra two for boarding on the initial play so he's  gone for 7 minutes.  Souray goes and takes another BTP™ and literally hands the Flames a 5 on 3.  Again.  Geez.  *shakes fist*

Deslauriers comes out to start the 3rd for the Oilers.  Oddly enough, Quinn reports after the game that Khabibulin was dehydrated and that's why he didn't came back after two periods of play.  Comrie does score on the PP a little later (13:12) on in the 3rd to make it a little closer to 4-3.  As the classic MacT Oilers always did, they showed up a little too late.  Flames snuff out the Oilers by making it 5-3 and it's bragging rights to the fLames.  Geez *shakes head*  I don't understand why Quinn put out the 12 67 18 43 5 line after scoring to make it 4-3.  Call a timeout.  Double up Hemsky and Horcoff. Anything but those guys.

Once again the fans ask, where was Hemsky?  Did he play tonight?  I didn't see him.  Was Moreau kicking people's asses?  He wasn't?  Was he benched?  No?  Wow.  ~What great leaders we have.~  That was a sad display of a team. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Until next time...

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

Pre Season game #3. Woooooo! It's not like I'm fired up for PS. I just like to see the guys that we never get to see play play. Who is this Miroslav Laso you wonder? He fast and skilled. Is Robbie Schremp ready for the jump? No. Is Penner really that fast now? Yes. We wouldn't know any of this if the NHL didn't provide us Internet access to the games. I/We thank them for that. Plus it's made my hockey season start a little early. : )

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I really like the scoreboard view of the game on the computer. I always laugh when they show stuff like the Smooch cam and it flips to two dudes sitting there. Always a gut buster. And I always seem to get a little jealous when the $18,485.00 50/50 ticket is drawn. Damn you and your winning you winners!!! *shakes fist*

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Do you ever wonder if Rod Phillips dreads calling pre season games? All these new and hard to say names. Here's Smaosjrerf over to Michakakalla. And the numbers are always strange. 86 to 53 to 79. I bet he's glad when it's all over and the Regular Season starts.

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Edmonton Oilers Starting Lineup

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Jacques — Horcoff — Schremp

O’Sullivan — Comrie — Stone

Lazo — Brule — Linglet

Brennan — O’Marra — Stortini

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Gilbert — Chorney

Staios — Arsene

Strudwick — Plante

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Khabibulin and Dubnyk

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Final Score

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Florida Panthers - 0

Edmonton Oilers - 4

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Bad Timing Penalty™

- None

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Full Game Summary by Jen Sharpe

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BEERS

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Mike Comrie - The man made good on his promise to try and win the fans' appreciation and faith back. He played his ass off tonight. He was skating and back-checking like there was no tomorrow. He assisted on every goal in this game. Plus, he fought Eric Himelfarb, four minutes into the 3rd period. The man was on a mission. I don't think that one fan walked out of that building not liking Mike Comrie. The man deserves a beer. Cheers!

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Patrick O'Sullivan - Same goes for O'Sullivan. He was dynamite tonight. The chemistry that him and Comrie have is uncanny. It's refreshing to see a guy bust his hump for this team. I guess this is why we traded Cole away for him. This guy is a real damn good player. With a goal and an assist, and 8 shots... It's Miller Time. Cheers!

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JF Jacques - I'll be honest here. I've never liked JFJ. I did tonight though. He was fierce and devastating. He created a lot of emotion and stuck up for Schremp in the 1st. He managed a goal and 5 hits. He played Pat Quinn hockey. Expect a good look for him if he keeps this up. Don't beat me up, have a beer? Cheers!

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Zack Stortini - He was on the designated 4th line with O'Marra and Brennan (Which I'm sure Brule was with the two big guys midway though the game). Storts not only went out and did his thing on the 4th line, he was also on the PK and the PP. WTF? I know... that is what I said when I seen him on the PK. But he did good. The PK he was solid and the PP he was the Penner. The whole game for him was good. Very beer worthy. Good job Zack. Cheers!

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Taylor Chorney - Is he the new Gilbert? He sure looked like him all game. He was jumping up in the play. He was pretty solid in his own end. This guy is one of my biggest surprises of Training Camp. He can play in the NHL right now. But he won't. For a great game... have a drink on me. Cheers!

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Honorable Mentions - Nikolai Khabibulin (Pulls out a shutout. Didn't face many shots but was great when he was needed.), Ryan Stone (Played really good. Good hustle. Two assists), Alex Plante (Solid D man. I can see the potential.), Tom Gilbert (Flawless but not flashy. Logged over 24 minutes of ice.), Miroslav Lazo (Fast and offensively minded. I quite liked this guy. I want to see more.)

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JEERS

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Robbie Schremp - What was this guy doing tonight? After a nice 1st game, he panics tonight and plays bad. He was losing the puck and falling down. He only really looked good on the PP. Even then he looked shaky and really produced nothing. Your only screwing yourself Rob. Ding..Ding.. Last call. Boooooooo!

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Kip Brennan - What the hell man? Is fighting all you want to do? Get rid of this guy. With the rep he has, no one will fight him. So why waste time here? Even Big Mac tries to actually play hockey. Do we really need this guy at camp still? I don't think so. Send him on the next plane to Springfield. Booooooo!

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Shawn Horcoff - Now Horcoff wasn't stinky tonight. He was average. Just plain Jane average. He clearly looks lost without Hemsky. I'll give him the fact that Schremp sucked tonight. But really. Horcoff needs to be better on his own. The goal he did score was a pretty easy tap in that I'm sure even Schremp himself could've scored. With the Comrie/O'Sullivan show on the go, that is kinda bumping Horcoff to the #3 spot. Maybe it's for the best. But for tonight's whatever effort... Boooooo!

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Well that's it folks... until tomorrow that is. See you then. GO OILERS!