Beers and Jeers #63 (Sept 24/09 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning)

After a disappointing last two games, the Oilers tun it up here and actually played a good game.  There was so many bright spots and a little low spots.  Pat Quinn has his job cut out for him.  This isn't some make a change and POOF, Stanley Cup Champion.  Faceoffs are killing this team in the pre-season and I don't see it changing. 

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Moreau — Gagner — Cogliano
Penner — Schremp — Eberle
Nilsson — Brule — Stone
MacIntyre — Reddox — Stortini

Grebeshkov — Staios
Chorney — Gilbert
Smid — Visnovsky

Deslauriers and Dubnyk

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FINAL SCORE
 
Edmonton Oilers - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4  OT
 
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Bad Timing Penalty™
 
Steve Staios - What kind of a leader checks a guy from behind in front of his own net and the play is already headed back the Oilers way?  Steady Steve, that's who.  Good god man.  The Lightning get a PP chance with 10 seconds left in overtime. To top it off, the ensuing faceoff was located in the Oilers zone.  Faceoff win by the TBL and wham boom!  Game over on a St. Louis goal.  ~Atta boy Steve.~
 
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BEERS
 
Andrew Cogliano - The kid was flying on the wing.  He seemed pretty happy to be with Gagner again and it showed.  It was nice to see that pairing passing and skating together.  It was nice to see them "find" each other.  For awhile there, the Kid line was back together one last time (maybe not?!?). Even Nilsson looked good with them and he hasn't been great at all.  Seeing the three kids again made a little sad that that may never happen again.  But for tonight's hard working effort... have a cold one on me Cogs.  Cheers! 
 
Gilbert Brule - He wasn't flashy at all but he played a heck of a game.  He was solid in his own end and did manage to have some chances on the rush.  I was surprised to see him play like this.  Good to see "some" players still want to "make the team."  I think ol' Gil deserves a frosty for the effort.  Cheers!
 
Dustin Penner - The Flying Fridge no more.  He was finishing checks and playing his butt off.  It was nice to hear Quinn say before the game that he was one of his better players so far in the pre-season.  That's a huge compliment for a guy that was the coaches toilet paper last season.  For another solid game... a super sized beer for a super sized effort.  Cheers!
 
Tom Gilbert - He was definitely the best of the worst of the Oilers defence crew.  He managed to play better than the rest of them and was used often.  He really needs to find his groove in order to get the job done.  However, I do like Gilbert.  Well enough to sling a beer his way.  Cheers!
 
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (He didn't do any game breaking stuff, but played well.), Sam Gagner (He was great with Cogliano.  He played real well.  His passes were perfect.), Rob Schremp (He started off not so good but by the middle of the 2nd he was making plays on 5 on 5 and finished game more at the level Quinn wants.  Was this the last game for #88 as an Oiler?), Jordan Eberle (The young rookie battled hard and in return gains more of the coaches respect.), Robert Nilsson (Maybe just a little too late for him?  He was good tonight.)
 
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JEERS
 
Lubomir Visnovsky - The worst of the worst.  He's slow and useless.  He's not making smart plays.  Maybe I was wrong when I said he was good a few games ago.  Maybe I forgot how good he really can be.  Common sense would say he's not in shape.  If he wants to start the year as the 5th or 6th guy, keep playing like that.  Booooooo!
 
Denis Grebeshkov - The second worst of the worst.  Pretty much the same as Visnovsky, but worse giveaways.  Grebs had some very sloppy play tonight.  Losing the puck at the worst time (not like there is a good time), getting caught up ice pinching and his overall defensive game was terrible.  I sure hope that someone other than Souray is going to step up and help this team win some games.  Get better Grebs...  in a hurry.  Booooooo!
 
Steve Staios - I just think he's past his prime and if there is anyway to make a trade for him I'd take it.  He was a big ball of stinky tonight.  He just plain sucked... that is all.  Boooooo!
 
Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau (Did he even play tonight?  How do you spell invisible?), Zack Stortini (Did nothing), Ryan Stone (He clearly won't make the team.  Not an NHLer.)
 
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Who Should Be The Next To Be Sent Down?
 
Ryan Stone, Rob Schremp Marc Pouliot and Kip Brennan
 
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THE GOAT WATCH™
 
Ethan Moreau - He stunk.  I think I picked the right guy.  Need I say more?
 
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What an emotion filled game.  This team is like picking pedals off a flower.  We love them, we love them not.  Once again, we love them.  Until next time...

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.

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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

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Bad Timing Penalty™

see Jeers below

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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!

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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 #61 (Sept 20/09 vs. New York Islanders)

As you can see, I have made some changes to the site. I hope they are for the better. But you never know until you do it. I was acquiring to much content to stay at one column and made the change to two. I'm sure you will see some more changes in the future.

Saskatoon huh? Why Saskatoon? I'm sure there is a good reason for it, but it makes no sense to me. The Islanders are the home team on paper, but the crowd is an Oiler crowd. Again, makes no sense. But what do I know?

Lubomir Visnovsky is back in the lineup and is ready to go. Need I say more? Welcome back #71, it's been too long.

If I'm Chris Minard, I would ask management to switch my number 39 so Mike Comrie can take it. It's been stated publicly that he wanted that number. Why wait till he's sent down? Or am I just over reacting? Speaking of numbers, how did Dean Arsene get #8? Is he really going to play with the Oilers this year? Probably not.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Stone-Comrie-O'Sullivan

Jacques-Potulny-Eberle

Pisani-Kytnar-Stortini

Minard-Pouliot-MacIntyre

Chorney-Visnovsky

Arsene-Grebeshkov

Strudwick-Plante

Dubynk

Deslauriers (didn't play)

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1

New York Islanders -3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

None that mattered

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Game Summary

Stat Sheet

EdmontonOilers.com Recap

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BEERS

Jordan Eberle - I sure do like this kid. Half of me wants to see him stay and the other half knows it's for the best that he goes back to junior. I just love the way he tries hard no matter what. I like the cut of his jib. That's the kind of heart this team needs. Next year is going to be sweet to be an Oiler fan. Time for a cold one Eazy E? Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - He tried hard and scored the Oilers only goal. Not really his best game at all, but worthy enough to get a beer. Quick chug this and leave. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - He played pretty solid for his 1st game back. He didn't look out of place at all, except for the 1st period. It sure was nice to see him speed around again. He was the best Oiler on the ice. Feel like a cold beer? Cheers!

Steve MacIntyre - He had a heck of a fight with Joel Rechlicz. They battled the last time they played each other and it was expected that they would go again. They didn't disappoint. Big Mac killed him for the 1st half of the fight landing some huge bombs. But Rechlicz caught a second wind and started to make a comeback landing his own big bombs. By the end of the fight they were so exhausted that the refs stepped in to stop it. Definitely worthy of a frosty beer. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (If not for Strudwick, I'd bet that spot would be for this guy.) Dean Arsene (Where did this guy come from? He's a pretty reliable player. Not many mistakes.)

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JEERS

The Entire Team - That's two games in a row where the Oilers players don't look like they want to make the team this year. There are a few exceptions. But as a whole, Quinn can't be happy with these last two games. I'm sure more cuts will be made tomorrow. Two losses in a row. Booooooo!

Marc Pouliot - His time is up. He isn't worth keeping around anymore. His lazy way to play hockey and gentle giant hitting style has cost him a spot on this team this year. Take Schremp with you. Booooooo!

Chris Minard - This guy just doesn't belong here in the NHL. Why is he not in the minors with the rest yet? Booooooooo!

Fernando Pisani - This isn't so much of a jeer, as it's more of a "what the hell man?" I still have not seen the Pisani that we have all grown to love yet in this pre-season. He has been non-noticeable and floating around. Guys like Stone are playing/trying better than you. You can't tell me Quinn doesn't notice. You better get going. Boooooo!

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From This Game, Who Should Go Down Next?

#39 Christopher Minard (Not NHL quality yet) & #64 Milan Kytnar (Not ready yet. Was rocked a few times)

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This arena had the best music that I've heard so far in pre-season and it's a junior arena. Take notice Oilers. It's refreshing. They played some Metallica which was cool. I even heard some cowbells in the crowd. That's how you know your in Saskatchewan, cowbells ringing.

Even Rod Phillips was getting frustrated during the 2nd period after watching the Oilers get worked over by the Islanders. "They couldn't make a play to save their lives." He talked about how crappy Chris Minard was playing. Referring to the team he says, "This is pretty disappointing." I couldn't have agreed more with Mr. Phillips. The Oilers were stinking it up and looked like an AHL team that didn't even belong in the AHL. They did score right after that outburst by Phillips though. Maybe he helped? ; ) Expect better next game. Right Quinn? Right?

Until next time...

Beers and Jeers #60 (Sept 19/09 vs. Vancouver Canucks)

First off, it's going to be nice to see Brad Lukowich a little more this season (traded to Canucks in the summer) as he has spent a lot of his career in the east. I've known him since Jr. High in Cranbrook and he's a real good person. Never in a million years did I think that he would be in the NHL, never mind winning the cup twice (lucky bugger). But when it's game time vs. the Oilers, he's a piece of trash. ; )

This game was real dry and not very exciting. At times it was painful to watch. There was no fights or hatred on the ice which is weird for a Canucks/Oiler game. I'm sure Quinn wasn't impressed. But going up against Luongo is always going to be difficult. Tonight wasn't any different. He was good. But so was Deslauriers. They had a good goalie duel. Unfortunately, Vancouver came out on top. Damn you Canucks!

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Edmonton Oilers Starting Lineup

Brule— Gagner — Hemsky

Penner — Cogliano — Eberle

Moreau — Pouliot — Nilsson

McDonald — Reddox — MacIntyre

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Smid — Souray

Motin — Grebeshkov

Taylor — Young

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Deslauriers

Dubynk

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1

Vancouver Canucks - 3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

Robert Nilsson - Not only did he take a penalty in the 1st period, which the Canucks scored on to start the game off, he took the BTP™ at 7:27 of the 3rd period. The game was in a lull and either team needed some kind of spark to get going. Nilsson goes for tripping and the crowd really gets into the PP. The Canucks can't score but the crowd is involved and loud. A minute and change after the penalty expires, the Canucks ride the crowd momentum and score to make it 2-1. Crap!

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GAME SUMMARY

STAT SHEET

EDMONTONOILERS.com RECAP

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BEERS

Sheldon Souray - Big Sexy does it again. He blasted a beauty past Luongo in the 1st period with 6 seconds left in the frame. He played good tonight. He led the team with 25:45 and didn't look winded. The man is a leader. For doing you best Souray... Have a frosty beer. Cheers!

Jeff Deslauriers - After watching Dubynk play so far, I sort of dismissed JDD as the future of the Oiler goalies. But tonight he was rock solid. He covered the net well and did a good job at controlling his rebounds. The Oilers are going to have a tough decision ahead of them next year. I'm glad I don't have to pick. For a standout game tonight... It's (insert french beer) time. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - The Spaz sure has changed since last season. He seemed calm and cool out there. He seems confidant in his playing ability. He's the one guy who I have waited to screw up and he hasn't. he's been good. He logged 25:39 of ice time and made a good partner for Souray. Your effort was beer worthy Mr. Smid. Can or Bottle? Oh... Big Bear. Cheers!

Honorable Mention - Johan Motin (He played well again. I can't believe he's only 19.), Jordan Eberle (He sure makes it look easy. He has been good.)

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JEERS

Robert Nilsson - See the BTP™ section above. Nilsson was at fault for this loss. He seems to be playing himself out of a job with the Oilers. Sadly... I don't really care anymore. Boooooooo!

Marc Pouliot - Another guy who needs to shine and doesn't. Ending the night at +1 isn't good enough. Where's the desperation? Where's the fire? The lack of desire to be in the NHL is enough to drive a guy like me mad. Boooooooo!

Gilbert Brule - He wasn't all that bad. It's pretty clear that he suits a more 3rd/4th line type role. I just don't see him as a top six guy. Oh well... accept what you are and develop it. If you want to be in the NHL that is. Booooooo!

The Entire Team - You guys were stuck in a medium pace for the entire game. What a boring game to watch. I was really expecting some more guys trying their butts off to win a job. I guess I was expecting to much. *gasp* I bet the next squad will be fired up after watching that crappy game. Boooooo!

Honorable Mentions - Ales Hemsky (Needs to be better. Maybe he misses Horcoff?), Sam Gagner (Not meshing with Hemsky at all.), Ethan Moreau (Nothing more than a fourth line player now.)

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Who Should Get Sent Down Next?

#57 Colin MacDonald, #81 Jake Taylor, #28 Brian Young

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Oh well... new game tomorrow. Let's Go Oilers!!!

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

.

Jacques — Horcoff — Schremp

O’Sullivan — Comrie — Stone

Lazo — Brule — Linglet

Brennan — O’Marra — Stortini

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Gilbert — Chorney

Staios — Arsene

Strudwick — Plante

.

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!