Oilers vs Canucks YoungStars Game / Watch The Entire Game Replay Here

"Roy steals the show"

Saturday and Sunday, Oiler players were tweeting and awe struck by the beauty that is called beaches. Was the way they played the result of being so relaxed, they just went out and played? I doubt it. These guys have done this before. Sure there are butterflies, but after the first 5 minutes it became a game. It wasn't til the 2nd period that the Oilers took over control of this game.

Olivier Roy was solid in net tonight. Early on he looked poised and solid. Not at all the goalie who was shaken up at last years world Jr's. Roy has been known to get rattled in his confidence. Not tonight! Later in the game when called upon, Roy stood his ground once again, even on a partial breakaway. He would continue the stellar play through to the third period. With very few shots on him early on, Roy was later be called upon to come up big again.

The two goals he let in , he could not be faulted for. On a night when you will probably read several articles on the other players, I wanted to bring attention and give credit where it was due. Roy stood strong throughout the night and that has to go a long way, as Olivier prepares to move on to the pro game of hockey. I know some may think he only made a few stellar plays, but otherwise he was just ok. Something that is missed often with a goaltender is when it looks easy....it's usually because they played well enough to make it look that way.

Before I forget, did you see his new cage? Loved it! I looked for a pic of it online but could not find one. Anyone that can locate a picture, send it my way. I need it for my computer wallpaper.

Lots of excitement to gain from last night's game, but none more then a win. Yes, I said win! We Oiler fans will take any win we can get, in any form, in any fashion. Even a rookie game. Good win for the boys. What I really liked most last night was the chemistry I was seeing as a team. I'm not going to rate any players or break down the play of each player. I am waiting til the end of the tourney before giving my evaluation and take on it as a whole. As for last night, I am going to take the next 48 hours to enjoy every moment of it.

A couple notes when we are evaluating that may be important to look at. Some of the players are older and should look much better out there playing against younger guys. Also RNH should look good, he is a #1 NHL pick. What they did last night should be expected, as well as Roy should shine. I would also add, Lander and RNH are not going to be looked and evaluated as much right now as main training camp. The Oilers just want these two young guys to get their legs under them before heading back to Edmonton to compete for a roster spot with the Oilers main squad. This tourney is a great time to evaluate the other players who could be a part of the future but seldom we get to see.

What's your impression's of last night's game? Who stood out to you? Do you have any concerns about RNH's game or maybe one of the other forwards or even a defenceman? What rookie are you most excited to see at main training camp? All I can say is, I am jacked OIL hockey is BACK!

you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter/revingev

LIVE TweetCast / Oilers vs Canucks Young Stars Game 8:30pm MT Start

Welcome to the LIVE TweetCast of the Edmonton Oilers vs the Vancouver Canucks.

The TweetCast will begin at 8:00pm MT.

You can watch the game online HERE

Projected Oilers Lines For Young Stars Game vs Canucks

The Oilers announced the practice lines this morning on twitter.  I'd assume that these are the lines they go with for the first game at least.

They have one extra forward line and two extra defence pairing who will be sitting out tonight. The guys (IMO) in italics are going to sit out. I would also assume Bunz and Roy split this game, but the Oilers have given no indication on who or what they will go with for the goalie situation.

**UPDATE** Dan Tencer says that Olivier Roy will get the start for the game. He also says the Oilers will go with 11 forwards and 7 defencemen.

Don't forget to follow along at http://www.oilersjambalaya.com/ with the LIVE TweetCast starting at 8pm.

FORWARDS

Hamilton - Nugent-Hopkins - Pelss
Cornet - Lander - Rieder
Tyrvainen - Martindale - Czerwonka
Smith - Abney

Rajala - Schaber - Pitlick
Ferguson

DEFENCE

Marincin - Teubert
Fedun - Musil
Gernat - Lowery
Schmidt

Blain - Davidson
Vannieuwenhuizen


GOALIES

Roy
Bunz

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

The FIX is in

Well, this is it, the FIX is in. Oiler fix that is! Time to grab a drink, pop some popcorn, subscribe to your local cable station for Sportsnet ONE, BBQ steak, pull out the stats, sit down and read some good Oiler blogging. (the best articles can be found @oilersjambalaya.com....haha! just kidding)

This is the day, the on ice action begins. They practice (the rookies) today in Kelowna and begin their young stars rookie tourney tomorrow night. They also play, Tuesday and Wednesday night. All three games are being shown on www.edmontonoilers.com and Sunday nights game can be seen on Sportsnet West. The game times are 8:30pm.

There should be lots of excitement coming out of this years rookie tourney. It appears by twitter, and Internet blogging sites that the ones most anticipated to see are "Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Anton Lander, Curtis Hamilton, Tyler Bunz, Colten Teubert, Martin Marincin, Tyler Pitlick and David Musil." I would include "Ryan Martindale, Olivier Roy and Martin Gernat."

Regardless, it should be fun to see the boys in blue back in action. We now can go from discussing potential to actually seeing potential. While most years we discuss lots on who is competing for spots on the Oilers, this year it may be who is competing for spots on the Barons. Getting good playing time on the Barons roster will be just about as tough as getting on the Oilers roster for some.

I will be doing a post-game blog following each game in the tourney. Hopefully there will be lots of excitement and good quotes to give following each game. If you are unable to see the games or have story lines you want me to follow, email them to me at renaerts@shaw.ca or shoot them over to me on twitter @revingev.

"Let the games begin!"

you can follow me on twitter @revingev