Stockton Thunder Recap: Stockton 3 - Alaska 1 / #StkThunder

PRESEASON RECAP: Stockton 3 - Alaska 1

10/05/2010 9:57 PM - Tyson Sexsmith stops 31 shots in Thunder preseason opening win
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FINAL STATS: BOX SCORE

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith made 31 saves to win in his preseason debut, helping guide the Stockton Thunder to 3-1 victory over the Alaska Aces in the 2010-11 ECHL preseason opener at Sullivan Arena on Tuesday.

Sexsmith, who was assigned to the Thunder on Monday from the San Jose Sharks, kept Alaska off the board early and was helped out by two power play goals from Matt Jones and Sean Menton. Forward Chris Lawrence got the game-winning goal in the first period as Stockton led wire-to-wire.

"I thought it was a great effort and I liked the way we worked hard," said Thunder head coach Matt Thomas. "Obviously executing on power plays early in the game was crucial for us. I thought we worked it around pretty well. Defensively there's room to grow but were very solid in competing. I thought Tyson made it easy for us to play in front of him, which is always a nice thing to get from a goaltender."


Tyson Sexsmith was nearly flawless on
every shot he saw, recording 31 saves.
(photo by Sean Blair)

The Thunder came out rolling with the first two goals of the game. Jones, a recent free agent signee after starting his career on an NHL contract with the San Jose Sharks, put the Thunder ahead 1-0 on a power-play goal with 12:19 left in the opening period by knocking a shot from mid-air past goaltender Travis Yonkman, after Alaska failed on several clearing attempts.

Lawrence boosted the lead to 2-0 with nine minutes left when he hammered a slapshot from the right circle past Yonkman, all set up by Daryl Marcoux's feed.

Sexsmith a third round draftee of the San Jose Sharks in 2007, settled in by stopping all 11 shots he saw in the first period.

Alaska sliced the gap in half just 11 seconds into the second period when Garry Nunn converted off a late two-on-none break, slipping Scott Burt's feed into a near wide open net.

Rookie Sean Menton restored the two-goal cushion just 1:09 later when he collected his first goal of the preseason. Craig Valette set up the chance by barely missing wide of the net off the rush from the left wing, but Menton parked the rebound, which caromed hard off the boards, past a twisting Yonkman.

Sexsmith kept Alaska at bay with nine saves in the final period for the victory.

NOTES: The Thunder scratched Ryan Constant, Chris D'Alvise, Shane Ferguson and Steve Vanoosten ... the Thunder wore special preseason jerseys which will be auctioned off after Friday's home game against the Ontario Reign ... the Thunder officially converted at 2-for-5 on the power play and nearly had a third power-play goal just after an Aces penalty expired (Lawrence goal) ... Yonkman took the loss for Alaska in net with 22 stops.

Stockton and Alaska will square off in a rematch on Wednesday night at Sullivan Arena, beginning at 8:15 p.m. Opening Night is Friday, Oct. 15, when the Thunder opens the 2010-11 regular season at home against the Ontario Reign, starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena.

A two-time recipient of the ECHL "Award of Excellence," Thunder was voted "Best Local Sports Team" by readers of the San Joaquin Magazine, led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and drew over 200,000 fans for the fifth consecutive season in 2009-10. Season Tickets, mini-plans and individual tickets for 2010-11 are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

-Written by the Stockton Thunder-

*posted by OilersJambalaya.com with the permission of the Stockton Thunder hockey club*

How Do You Spell Bogus?

*sigh*

The Oilers training camp has come and is almost gone, and the way that it all went down, I call bogus!

There was so many problems with camp, it wasn't even funny.

Let's state the obvious.

1 - Taylor Hall did sweet jack all to earn a spot. He didn't out play anyone and almost at times, looked like he still belongs in juniors. He looked lost. Go back over my game grades and he really only had one good game (against AHL quality players). In his last pre-season game he vanished into thin air and was never heard from all game. Does Taylor Hall really need to stay with the Oilers? They have 9 games to find out.

2 - Why is Deslauriers (or Dubnyk) still here? The Oilers don't need 3 goalies. 3 goalies!?! Really? Why? Khabibulin is healthy (I think) and the market for goalies right now is very low, so why in the hell do we have 3 goalies?

3 - Liam Reddox was cut. Was it right that he was in competition with Ryan Jones for that 4th line spot? No. I don't think so. If Renney knew full well that Reddox wouldn't be picked, why have him compete for that spot? Why not give Reddox a chance to take a 3rd line spot (which I think he can handle)? What if he can win a faceoff better than Cogliano? We all know Reddox can penalty kill, doesn't that make him desirable?

*update: Reddox clears waivers and no other NHL team took a chance on him*

Let it be known, I'm not a Reddox fan either way. I don't and am not one of those people who bitched about small players being on the team a few years ago, and now bitch because those same small people are getting cut now. (pet peeve) Geesh!

4 - I guess the same can be said for Linus Omark. Why give him a tryout spot on the 4th line if you know full well he's not going to be a 4th line guy? Stupid! He's a top 6 guy. This move by Renney and his staff makes me scratch my head. I don't know what the Oilers were thinking they were going to do with Omark. No clear plan here.

5 - Richard Petiot was robbed of an NHL job. That's right, I'm saying it. Jason Strudwick has no business on the team. Petiot out played Peckham and Strudwick and he's sent packing. I just don't get it.

6 - Can someone remind me why Strudwick was re-signed this summer? What's he here for?

7 - Theo Peckham was kept over Petiot and Alex Plante because he can hit and fight. But was he the better hockey player out of that crew? *shakes head no* Peckham's good, but not better than those two.

Even Shawn Belle was a comparable to Peckham. A few times Belle played really good. He crashed and banged and tried to annoy the opposition. I want to see more of Belle in the future. He's a good pick up by the Oilers.

Plante was good/decent every game I watched him play. Before camp I thought he had no business fighting for a spot. I was wrong. Alex Plante can play the NHL game. I thought he was physical enough. I thought he did enough to keep him for at least a few more games to start the season.

8 - I never did understand why Colin McDonald and Ben Ondrus were kept for so long. Did they ever have even the slightest chance to make the team? I'm thinking no.

9 - How is that a month before camp started, I successfully predicted the Oilers team (and the OKC Barons)? The close competition at camp should have changes a few spots. But nothing changed. Can you spell bogus?

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

The Oilers Jambalaya Predictions (Smokin' Ray Picks)

Here are my BOLD picks for this season. I'm hoping I'm close this year. *fingers crossed*

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. San Jose Sharks

2. Chicago Blackhawks

3. Vancouver Canucks

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. Anaheim Ducks
6. LA Kings
7. Dallas Stars
8. Colorado Avalanche

9. Phoenix Coyotes*
10. Edmonton Oilers
11. Calgary Flames
12. St. Louis Blues
13. Nashville Predators
14. Columbus Blue Jackets*
15. Minnesota Wild

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Washington Capitals
2. Boston Bruins
3. Philadelphia Flyers
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Buffalo Sabres*
6. New Jersey Devils
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Atlanta Thrashers
9. New York Rangers
10. Florida Panthers
11. Carolina Hurricanes*
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
13. Tampa Bay Lightning
14. Ottawa Senators
15. New York Islanders

STANLEY CUP FINALS

Washington vs San Jose Sharks

*Switched after original post. Posted in error.

-Written by Smokin' Ray-

Linus Omark- Are You Kidding Me?

Today the "Swedish Youtube Sensation" Linus Omark was assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons, but not without some serious parting shots. When asked if the thought the organization gave him a fair chance he responded with "I don't want to discuss that" and when asked if he thought the Oilers were the right organization for him he said "I have no comment." Another quote worth noting from him is "It's a little bit different, it's a lot of politics." Maybe it's just me but these comments come as no surprise to me from the player who was drafted in the 4th round and expected a guaranteed spot and the maximum rookie salary(translation needed). I see he didn't learn from what happened with Rob Schremp and Riley Nash.

Some would argue that he is right in his politics comment, but it was said best during the Oilers broadcast on TSN "If Linus Omark is not one of your top 6 forwards then he is a waste of a space else where on your roster." So a question to you Oiler fans, who would you put Omark above in this list: Penner, Hemsky, Eberle, Paajarvi, Hall, Brule? He could make the team ahead of Andrew Cogliano, but what would you then do with Cogs, send him to Oklahoma? He would have to clear waivers first, and I am sure at least 25 of the other 29 teams would put a claim in for him. Maybe it's just me being fed up with players who expect things to be given to them, which I suspect in this case.

It's fine to be disappointed you were cut, but to be this mad after being cut from your first camp isn't exactly the way to win over Oilers fans. I can understand if he was the first of the players sent to Oklahoma City, but the team gave him a fair shot to win a spot over some of the incumbent players, some of it might have to do with his size, I mean we cut Liam Reddox who had a tremendous camp, Omark should thank the Oilers for the opportunity, issue an apology, shut his mouth, and impress the team with his play in the minors, I suspect that none of that will be happening, so thanks for stopping by Linus, see ya in Russia next year.

Oilers Were Snuffed Out / An Game Recap

BEERS & JEERS GAME RECAP

Welcome to another fine Edmonton Oilers Beers & Jeers Game Recap.

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FINAL SCORE

EDMONTON OILERS - 0

CALGARY FLAMES - 1

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Dustin Penner (27) - Andrew Cogliano (13) - Jordan Eberle (14)
Alexandre Giroux (12) - Sam Gagner (89) - Gilbert Brule (67)
Linus Omark (23) - Colin Fraser (16) - Ryan Jones (28)
Steve MacIntyre (33) - Ryan O'Marra (42) - Ben Ondrus (25)

Ladislav Smid (5) - Theo Peckham (49)
Jason Strudwick (43) - Tom Gilbert (77)
Richard Petiot (37) - Shawn Belle (45)

Jeff Deslauriers (38)
Devan Dubnyk (40)

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

*COMING SOON*

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BEERS & JEERS PLAYER GRADES

The Cult of Hockey Grading System:
10 perfect game,  9 extraordinary,  8 great,  7 good,  6 above average,
5 average,  4 below average,  3 poor,  2 terrible,  1 deserves to be in minors.

#2 JAMES VANDERMEER - (0) DNP

#4 TAYLOR HALL - (0) DNP

#5 LADISLAV SMID - (6) Smid had a decent game. I expect him to be more in your face though. He did get hurt in the 3rd but I think he's going to be ok.

#6 RYAN WHITNEY - (0) DNP

#10 SHAWN HORCOFF - (0) DNP

#12 ALEXANDRE GIROUX - (6) This was Giroux's, like many others, last chance to impress. He did play a well rounded game and had some good chances with Gagner, I don't think he did enough to stay with the Oilers. The Barons fans will love him.

#13 ANDREW COGLIANO - (6) I didn't mind Cogs. He tried hard to be a good player and I thought he did well. I liked that he was 56% on faceoffs. But in order for him to be on this team as a permanent fixture, he'll need more than 2 shots a game.

#14 JORDAN EBERLE - (7) BEERS He was pretty good. Probably the best Oiler tonight, IMO. He made some really nifty plays and he had some really good chances to score. He looked like a complete player tonight. Shoot, Pass, Slow Down Everything. I half expected him to score in the last few minutes of the game to tie it.

#16 COLIN FRASER - (6) He had 3 blocked shots and was a team best, 73% on faceoffs. He's a good addition to the team and I'm curious to watch him get better as the season goes on.

#22 JF JACQUES - (0) Injured

#23 LINUS OMARK - (5) He stuck out in the first few shifts and then faded till the end of the game. So disappointing. I was rooting for him but I just don't see him making the Oilers. He will go to OKC and dominate. He just isn't ready for the NHL.

#25 BEN ONDRUS - (5) I didn't notice Ondrus much this game. Well, that one time when him and Giordano crashed into the boards in the 3rd and Ondrus was cut. Ondrus will go to OKC.

#26 KURTIS FOSTER - (0) DNP

#27 DUSTIN PENNER - (5) He did have some great shifts that made me take notice, then next thing you know, he's invisible. I wonder what's up with Pens?

#28 RYAN JONES - (6) I thought he hit more guys that the stats say. Jones played an in your face game and I thought he was effective.
#33 STEVE MACINTYRE - (3) JEERS Didn't do anything but skate around and whack, slug and talk cheap. No fight for Big mac so that makes him useless. Mind you, the Flames pulled no crap, so maybe he was more effective that I think.

#35 NIKOLAI KHABIBULIN - (0) DNP

#37 RICHARD PETIOT - (6) One of my favorite defencemen tonight. Very stable but he did get caught a few times. I'd like to see him stick with the Oilers. If not, the Barons will gain a good player.

#38 JEFF DESLAURIERS - (8) BEERS He was great. He made some huge saves to keep the Flames at 1. He actually looked like he's improved and ready to take on an NHL job. But was tonight enough to persuade Renney into keeping him?

#40 DEVAN DUBNYK - (7) BEERS He looked pretty good. He did let in the only goal, but other wise looked ready to play. I still say Dubnyk stays.

#41 TAYLOR CHORNEY - (0) DNP

#42 RYAN O'MARRA - (6) Dan Tencer claimed that O'Marra was the best Oiler tonight. I don't agree with that statement, but I did think O'Marra was good. He had 3 shots and 2 blocked shots in only 9:06 of play. I can't imagine he's here on opening day.

#43 JASON STRUDWICK - (5) Meh! Same old utility Strudwick.

#45 SHAWN BELLE - (5) Did not stick out at all. He blew it tonight as he had a good chance to make the team. He was physical like he needed to be and he didn't do much.

#46 ZACK STORTINI - (0) DNP

#49 THEO PECKHAM - (7) Out of all the bubble guys, he did the best. He really does needs to either work on his foot speed or make better decisions. He turns around to late and gets burned by fast forwards. But he did hammer out 4 hits.

#54 CHRIS VANDE VELDE - (0) DNP

#57 COLIN MACDONALD - (0) DNP

#67 GILBERT BRULE - (7) I liked Brule. He played with an edge, but at times he was on that fine line of doing something stupid. As long as he can keep that in check, he's going to be great on the 3rd line this year. He had 3 blocked shots and created some chances to go along with the havoc.

#77 TOM GILBERT - (6) Normal Tom Gilbert game. He logged 24:43 of ice time and really did nothing. But let's be real, doing nothing is looking like his style. If it works, why not?

#83 ALES HEMSKY - (0) DNP

#85 LIAM REDDOX - (0) DNP

#89 SAM GAGNER - (7) BEERS He tried hard tonight and proudly wore the A on his jersey. He made some crazy plays with Eberle. He went 44% on faceoffs and while that's not good, it's an improvement over last year. Gagner is ready to get over the hump. He's ready to break 50 points.

#91 MAGNUS PAAJARVI - (0) DNP

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EVENT SUMMARY

GAME SUMMARY

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BAD TIMING PENALTY (what is a Bad Timing Penalty?)

None -

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POST GAME VIDEO

*coming soon*

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW TWEETCAST

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Cult Of Hockey - Edmonton Journal

-Written by Smokin' Ray-