Beers and Jeers #26 (Feb 1/09 vs Nashville Predators)

Nothing like waking up and turning on the tv for some Oiler action. It makes for a nice reason to start drinking before the Super Bowl a little later on in the day. Isn't everyone drinking?

So the game begins. Nice flow. The play goes back and forth, with the Oilers with the most forth. The Oilers looked quite good. At first I was bummed right out that Big Mac wasn't in the line up. Then 30 seconds later Sportsnet reports that Tootoo is out for the next while. Ok. Redemption will be a little later in the season I guess. But Strudwick MacT? Why not Stortini? I guess he likes to keep us guessing. All in all the 1st period was entertaining. The 2nd line was the best line, while he 1st line was the worst. Pretty sad when Penner can bring down the whole line. End of period score: 0-0.

The 2nd period started and so did the MacBlender. Brrrrrmmrmm... By the time I realised that Mac had the blender on (I thought it was sloppy line changes) Nashville scores. Crap! 1-0. Almost instantly the Oilers turn up the intensity. That continues until the period raps up. The 2nd line was still the best line when together. End of period score: 1-0 Nashville

The 3rd started and I was curios what MacT was going to do. He did the obvious... he benched Penner. So Nilsson took his spot on the 1st line. Moreau moved up to the 2nd line in replace of Nilsson. About half ways through the 3rd Nashville scores again to make it 2-0. One minute later Hemsky scored to make it 2-1. Nice shot, top corner. The game gets more intense as the game wears on. It ended up being close but no cigar for the Oilers. They came close at the end but with no avail. I suppose the lines will be different for next game. I could see Penner on the 4th line. I mean, he should be on the 4th line.

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Tonight's Starting Lines:

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (This line is drastically dragged down by Penner and his half ass play. Hemsky deserves better than this. Expect Nilsson to be on this line next game.)

Nilsson Potulny Cole (I really liked this line. Potulny looked good playing with Cole. Even Moreau seemed to fit on this line.)

Moreau Cogliano Pouliot (Pouliot is dead weight to the Oilers right now. He hasn't contributed in awhile. Brodziak may be a better fit.)

Strudwick Brodziak Reddox (This line had one good shift where they were in a good puck cycling mode. Other than that a waste of a line.)

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Final Score:

Nashville Predators - 2

Edmonton Oilers - 1

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BEERS

Ales Hemsky

- He scored a nice goal from a nice feed from Nilsson. Hemsky did what he could tonight although we all know he could have done more. He can thank the old ball and chain Penner. He played 23:17, took 6 shots and had terrible line mates all while scoring a goal. You deserve a beer my friend. Cheers!

Erik Cole

- The man of hustle and hard work showed up again today. He could have been dynamite if Gags was playing today. But he didn't and life goes on. Even though he had no points today I though that Cole was very effective. He played 22:00, took 3 shots and had a team leading 6 hits. Good job today Cole and thanks for the stick tape secrets. Frosty? Cheers!

Ethan Moreau

- Chopper was a shooter today. He took 14 shots only to hit the net 9 times. Wow. When did he become a shooter? He was good today. Pretty mistake free. All that in 15:39 of playing time. I think that's worth a frosty cold one. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Dwayne Roloson (I thought Roli was great again. He did what he could and that was a lot. But if the guys in front of you don't score then it's hard to win as a goalie)

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JEERS

Tom Gilbert

- The flub in the 2nd period cost the Oilers the 1st goal and quite possibly the game as the momentum shifted to Nashville. The Oilers played pretty solid up until that point. Gilbert did play a ton today however, and mistakes are bound to happen. But still... Booooooooooo!

Dustin Penner

- You must be some kind of a joke right? I know your a funny guy but come on. Try a little hard work once in awhile. I bet his report cards were like mine. "(Ray/Dustin) is a pleasure to have in class, but he needs to focus on better work habits in order to be sucessful." How MacT even let you play 13:26 today is beyond me. Your on the 1st line. The 1st line! Any other team and you are not. My patience is out on this guy. Boooooooooooooooooooo!

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Well I have to prepare for my own game tonight. It's a good thing I don't write B&J for my team. I would be Booed out of the arena. I hope I am not too bad tonight because the wife and kid are coming to watch. Yikes! I want to be a Souray but I'm more of a Smid. (but less spazzy)

See everyone one on Tuesday. Until then...

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 #22 (Jan 18/09 vs Phoenix Coyotes)

What a fun evening that was. Started with the Glenn Anderson Ceremony and ended with a Moreau Hat trick. The ceremony was good for the most part. Whoever wrote the Kevin Lowe speech really sucked. Lame jokes and re-used lines from past speeches. But all in all it was a good show. So #9 is gone now. Never again can it be used. Who's next? #4? #30? #27?

The game was a barn burner. Action right from the beginning. I must say the effort level was there from the get go. The team really had a shot in the arm when Hemsky came back to the line up. I think Penner and Horcoff showed their true colors when Hemmer went down for those games. Penner is overpaid and Horcoff is NOT an all star and overpaid. I would love to see a Penner/Cogliano/Hemsky 1st line. Shawn Horcoff can take the 3rd line position. I bet Cogs would be a 70 point guy too.

Kyle Brodziak had a good night in the faceoff circle. (12-2) 86%. But that's pretty much it for him. But, game after game I notice Erik Cole takes 3 or 4 faceoff's a game and usually only loses one. Why not try him out at taking the draws? He doesn't need to play center, just take faceoff's. Worth a try don't you think?

I couldn't believe that Steve MacIntyre wasn't playing. I really wanted to see him fight Carcillo tonight. For one, it would have been an easier test than say Boogaard. And two, I wanted to see him (Carcillo) get his ass kicked. I wonder if Big Mac was able to meet his hero Marty McSorley today? I hope so. This is the best season ever huh Big Mac? Lucky S.O.B.

Well let's hope that all this Oiler nostalgia and alumni guys being around for the last couple days really rubbed off on the team that we have now (young and old). I said at the beginning of the season that the Oilers are going to the SCF this year. I feel it. I believe it. And I still do. As of late, (since the closed door meeting) that the team seems to have changed. They have a hand shake clap thing that they have going on. Some guys are rocking mustaches. (Penner/Gagner). The lines are mixed now more old with new players. So I see that the team is starting to have fun again. And the ball will roll. Believe...

The lines tonight:

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (Horc/Pens suck without Hemsky. Tonight they looked great. Surprise!?!)

Reddox Gagner Cole (Are you serious? Reddox? I suppose that if you score like Schremp or Potulny or Brule you then go to the 4th line or pressbox. I just don't get it MacT? Anyone but Reddox please)

Pouliot Cogliano Moreau (the best line that played as a group. They all complimented each other nicely tonight. Nice to see Moreau play a good full game)

Strudwick Brodziak Brule (This doesn't even look right on paper. This is the line Reddox should have been on)

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BEERS

Ales Hemsky

- I can not believe the impact that this guy has on his linemates, his team and his fans. He was amazing tonight. You could hear the crowd buzzing after he would do something. Very exciting to have him back. 2 goal night. +3. Solid all around. Welcome back Hemmer. Have a cold one. Cheers!

Ethan Moreau

- Quite possibly his best ever game as an Oiler. I cheered for him tonight. To think that that was his 1st hat trick. Good for him. Maybe this is the confidence that he was looking for? Let's hope we get the same guy for the rest of the year. Have a triple sized beer Chopper. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid

- The guy was an animal tonight. He drops the gloves again. He really is not bad at fighting. In fact, he looked like he knew what he was doing. Plus he ends up with an assist. Maybe he was trying for a Gordie Howe hat trick? At any rate he was fantastic. He was dumping the puck in and was the 1st one on the puck in the corners. At times I thought that he was a forward. One of our best d men tonight. Here's a frosty beer and an ice pack for the knuckles and the ass bone. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Tom Gilbert (quietly picked up a couple of assists.), Andrew Cogliano (had a nice 3 assist game. He looked really good tonight), Steve Staios (had a 2 assist game. Played hard), Erik Cole (he really tried hard tonight.), Dustin Penner's mustache (that is one nice porn stash. Looks good.)

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JEERS

Rob "Plugs" Brown

- He is slowly turning into my #3 behind McGuire and Crawford in the dipturd catagory. Do everyone a favor sometimes and shut up. He spits out random stuff so that hopefully he looks like he knows what he is saying. eg: 10:00 left in the 3rd. "I'm sure Roli will have to make another big save for the Oilers before this game is over." No kidding smart guy. Need I say more? Oh yeah... Your bald. Deal with it. Booooooooooooooo!

Beers and Jeers #20 (Jan 15/09 vs. Minnesota Wild)

That was one of the worst games that I have seen this year from the Oilers. On one side, Minny sucks to watch. Probably my least favorite team to watch. On the other side, the entire Oiler team looked scared and timid. Until the 3rd of course. But to little to late. Penalty after penalty can't really help the cause. Plus it makes it hard to make any type of a comeback. Then the bakery opens and turnovers are served to everyone wearing a Wild jersey. (not sure why the stats were not picked up) That was a pathetic game. Just pathetic.

There was two moments that really got me going. The two fights (Smid/Sheppard fight and Souray/Weller fight) I loved how Moreau tried to steal Souray's thunder by trying to get in the fight. Loser. Learn to be a Captain. If anyone should demand anything (firing/trade/demotion) ... it should be the removal of the 'C'. It's not on the right person.

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BEERS

I am giving a beer to both Smid and Souray for their respective fights. They were both entertaining and made me actually excited about something. Smid made his fight look good by throwing the bombs. Good to see him do something. Souray absolutely killed Weller. massive lefts to the skull. A real dandy of a fight. And people really want fighting removed from the NHL? If that fight didn't entertain you then maybe hockey isn't your sport. Cheers to the both of you!

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JEERS

The entire team sucked tonight. I am surprised that I am even writing anything. Horcoff sucked. Moreau sucked. Cole sucked. Penner sucked. Gagner sucked. Cogliano sucked. Roloson sucked. Gilbert sucked. MacT sucked. Everyone sucked. Even Reddox sucked. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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I really hope that tomorrow's game is better. I'd imagine that Garon gets the start. But you never know... Could be Deslauriers.

With my wife and daughter going home to B.C. for a week, I suppose you will see a little more content on here to read. Maybe a new Mr. Belvedere? Maybe something new all together. Ohhhh.... exciting. Stay tuned.

Thanks to everyone for all the support.

Beers and Jeers #15 (Jan 5/09 vs New York Islanders)

Wow! Canada played a heck of a game tonight. Exciting as ever. I think it topped the last game for excitement. Good job Eberle and Team... The drive for 5 is done. Now on to #6.

The Oilers started the game out pretty crappy. The crap that Horcoff was doing was horrendus. Not sure why he decided to play tonight? The 2nd period was much better. The 4th line was hopping. Roli was getting better as the game wore on. The 3rd period started off good. And then it just rolled on. Cogs scored though. Made it 3-2. The faceoffs were much better tonight. Cogliano and Horcoff were the 2 worst. They need to get better. ASAP. You know it's kind of sad when your #4 line is your #1. Hurry up and come back Hemmer.

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BEERS

Jason Strudwick

- The man was an offensive dynamo. Well one goal may not make him a dynamo, he sure played well. He was hitting and doing all the small things right. I felt bad for him when everyone is high fiving him and them the goal gets changed. Ouch. But my wife said it was ok. He had the momentum to do it again. Don't tell her this, but she was right. The 4th line was a force to be reckoned with and Jason Strudwick did his share and more tonight. Great game. Have a frosty beer. Cheers!

Zack Stortini

- The big guy looked like a hockey player tonight. His improvement in the last couple of weeks is nothing short of a miracle. I said a couple of weeks ago that if Huggy wants to keep his spot then he best improve before Big Mac returns. By golly he did. He really did. I thought that he played his butt off tonight. So for a snazzy effort. Have a nice paper bagged Colt 45. Cheers!

Tom Gilbert

- Even though he didn't really put up any numbers. He was in my opinion very effective. He played the man/body very well. His decision making was very quick and correct. Overall I just really liked what he brought to the game. Have a Heineken Gilbert. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions

- Erik Cole (played a solid game. No points but a great effort.) Dwayne Roloson (good game. Made the stops that were needed.) Sam Gagner (Did very well on the faceoffs and was shooting up a storm.) Mathieu Garon (I'm sure he did a great job opening the bench door. jk)

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JEERS

Shawn Horcoff

- Why did you decide to play tonight? Nice cough up in the 1st period. How did it feel to see that puck go in the net? Probably pretty crappy I suspect. Shawn's off beat game continued throughout the entire game. Penner looked like the only one trying to do anything tonight on that line. So for playing and playing very badly... Boooooooooo!

Robert Nilsson

- I think Ricky Bobby was trying to hard tonight to look like a playmaker instead of a shooter. That is what Gagner is there for. Shoot the puck. Please. So for doing nothing but bring down your line mates. Booooooooooo!

Liam Reddox

- Not sure why Robbie Schremp isn't in your shoes right now. MacT said when a top six guy goes down then Rob would be the next call up. But they called Brule. Ok. Fair enough. But tell me why is Reddox playing on the top line? I don't understand what it is that I can't see here. I don't know... maybe it's just me? Boooooooooooo!

Beers and Jeers #6 (Dec 13/08 vs. Vancouver Canucks)

Very good game by the Oiler's. They are finally getting on track. I keep telling everyone to be patient and it looks like it's paying off. So here we go...

BEERS

Ales Hemsky

- This guy keeps on keeping on and is making himself look more and more like a star. He seemed a little stiff in the 1st period. But as the game went on his moves started to look a little more natural out there. He also had a beautiful goal tonight. (10th goal of the season) He made some great plays tonight too. All in all a pretty solid game tonight. So for another excellent game... (I'm turning you into an alcoholic) have another beer Hemmer. Cheers!

Erik Cole

- My man crush continues for this guy. I thought he played really well tonight. 2 shots, 5 hits and a takeaway. His speed is his forte' and he was using it tonight. The points will come. They will. It's the little things that he is doing right at the moment that count the most. (IMO) Great game Cole. Beer? Cheers!

Dwayne Roloson

- Shutout! Shutout! What more do I need to say? Atta a boy Roli. Maybe not a hard fought win but who cares? A win is a win and it must be nice that you can play a solid game and get rewarded with a shutout. The (old) man continues to amaze me. A big frosty Roli? Cheers!

Gilbert and Souray Pairing

- What an awesome pairing. They compliment each other like mustard and ketchup. Mmmmmm... they are good. And they make each other look better. That MacT must be a genius? You guys can share a 40oz Big Bear. Cheers Guys!

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JEERS

Marc Crawford

- Good god! Why on earth did CBC pick up this guy? Talk about over analyzing everything. He is kinda like Eklund from HockeyBuzz. If you keep spitting out crap eventually you will come out a winner. Loser! Pierre McGuire still has you beat though. However... you are a very close second. Sadly I used to love watching HNIC. Now I cringe on a Saturday. I could write about my displeasure for this man all night but I can't be bothered. So for being such a dip turd Marc Crawford... Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...

To My Dad

- You know I love you, but since you are a Nucks fan and we won... Hahaha! Booo...

If I was the Owner/GM/Coach I would... #1

Hi Everyone,

You are probably thinking... "How many segments does this guy have?" I have lots. I have OCD. (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) My brain doesn't stop. It's Oilers all day every day. Drives my family nuts. Can't help it. I mean come on...it's the Oilers! And besides I like to keep things fresh and I try not to regurgitate my material so I try and have mixed segments.

So here's "If I was the Owner/Gm/Coach..."

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If I was the Gm I would...

Before I think of doing any trades I would have to think that some of the players were untouchable. Here is my list.

Ales Hemsky

Sam Gagner

Andrew Cogliano

Lubomir Visnovsky

Sheldon Souray

Tom Gilbert

Steve MacIntyre

Not on the list? Everyone else to me can be sold. I do like Big Mac. He's very coachable and he's willing to learn. He is training really hard since he's been off and I think we will see an improvement in his game. Plus we got him for nothing and we need him for at least this year. The other six are the six I build around.

But that's just me.

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Now if I were coach...

Here is my line up that I would roll after Nilsson and Gagner come back.

Penner Horcoff Hemsky (1st line)

Schremp Cogliano Pouliot (2nd Line A)

Nilsson Gagner Cole (2nd Line B)

Moreau Brodziak Brule/Reddox (Checking Line)

No fourth line (in hockey talk). I think it is worth a try. It could be very effective. The hot players will then get a PP opportunity.

But what ever... just a thought.

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If I was the owner I would...

Be painting my face and make damn sure the crowd seen me on the Jumboton. I would show you guys that I really am a fan of the team and I am there to support it. I would be shaking hands and kissing babies at the Gretzky statue before games. I would be outside lighting cigarettes for the smokers during the intermission. I would walk in the locker room during a really crappy game and stand in the middle of the room and stare at them in silence like that commercial. The who wants to be traded look. I would randomly give $20 back to fans after a bad loss. I just made $475, 000 on that game. What is giving away a couple grand gonna kill me? I would start a "let's Go Oilers" chant when we really need it during a game. Maybe start the wave even though it's lame.

These are the things that I would do for the fans. Not much, but it helps.

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Anyways... that was another classic segment by Smokin' Ray Burnt

Thanks for stopping by.

I Like The Cut Of Your Jib! #1

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

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

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

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

However...

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

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

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

Until next time,

SRB