PUYD: Hemsky, Frolov, Stafford and a Little Crazy Talk

Smokin' Ray Burnt - I don't think that Hemsky was that bad Monday night. What are your thoughts on it? Don't forget, when I rate a player, I judge him on this season, not on previous seasons. Therefore, Hemsky wasn't that bad, plus he was sick still.

Paq Twinn - I'll admit that based on this year he wasn't that bad, but in the big picture, it wasn't that good of a game either. He looked like he was using a wrong handed stick last night. His passes were off, and he had a hell of time shooting the puck. He missed the net completely when he came out of the sin bin on a break away, then in the last minute. Then for the second time THIS season, the other net is empty and Hemsky was unable to do anything, almost looked like he slipped and fell when trying to do too much. Just shoot the puck, on net, please. He was around the puck all night but didn't do anything productive with it.

Paq Twinn - Maybe he has an injury or something, but then he should come out and say so. So that we (the fans) don't get pissed at him when he looks like a bag of shit out on the ice. If he is healthy then that was a bad game, by his standards.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - I just don't get it. Big deal, so he didn't score. He took eight shots (three hitting the net) That to me is a decent night for Ales Hemsky. Are you still on the trade Hemsky band wagon? Give the guy a break. I've been hard on him, and even I'm not pissy at him for last night. Can anything please these rabid fans?

Paq Twinn - Maybe I'm expecting too much from him, but I haven't seen him make amazing tap in passes since we traded Smytty. Smytty always gushed at how he would feel the puck go off his stick before he even seen the pass. Where did that Hemsky go? Maybe it was Smytty being in the right place, I don't know. All I know is the disinterested attitude that Hemsky has shown, drives me nuts.  I remember back in the 05/06 season, my buddy James and I went to the Anaheim game, I think it was the last game of the season, that year. We won and Van lost later that night or the next day, anyway Hemsky was spectacular that game and most of the season that year. He scored 2 goals that game, 1 was the game winner, Rexall was the loudest I'd ever heard a building. My point is Hemsky took the Oilers on his back that night and almost won the game single handily, he continued to play awesome through out the playoffs all the way to game 7 of the finals. He hasn't played even close to that well since.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - Hey, it drives me nuts too. But they guy is our "star", do we really need to harass the guy to the point of leaving here? He is an amazing talent who needs someone better than Jacques to play with. He's no Ryan Smyth. I just think that Hemsky will improve to your standards and will make all the haters insert a few feet in the mouths. What was everyone expecting from this guy? 100 assists and 50 goals? There is no doubt that he will once again lead the Oilers in points once again at the end of the year. (Unless Quinn keeps him as an option for the PP, rather than the only option.)

Paq Twinn - No it would be foolish to expect those high of numbers, but I don't think that a guy with his ability should be satisfied with 20 goals and 40 assists. I believe he is capable of 30 goals and 70 assists though. But in the end you are right, in that we (the fans) shouldn't run him out of town either. Perhaps my frustrations stem from managements complete ineptitude at getting him someone better than Horcoff to play with. I'll reserve further judgement until he gets a 30 goal scorer to play with on a regular basis.

On some what related topic, I hear Frolov from the Kings may become available. Let's see how important getting Hemsky someone to play with is, in the eyes of management. Its VERY important in my eyes.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - It's important to me too. We need a guy for the LW on the first line. But would Quinn go with a little guy in that spot? Me thinks no. Has anyone thought that maybe it's Horcoff's that looks shitty and all he is doing is bringing down Hemsky? Maybe people are mad at the wrong guy?

Graham Martin - No, it doesn't matter what Horcoff looks like out there, Hemsky is a good enough player that he should look better and make his linemates look better. Now, I did think that last night was his best game of the season even though that doesn't say much. And if he had been healthy last night, maybe he finally breaks out. As for the tap in passes, he needs someone to be in the right position, and JFJ just isn't a smart enough player to go to that spot.

Paq Twinn - @GM And that's where I think Frolov would be a great fit.  @SRB I think that if the Oilers traded for Frolov, Quinn would put him on the top line. He played Comrie, Horc, and Nilsson together the other night. Those are 3 small guys, and besides I don't think Frolov is that small.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - *hangs head in shame* Yeah... he's not small.  He's 6'2", 208 lbs.  My mistake.

*For his error, Smokin' Ray leaves to get beer for the boys*

-----------

Paq Twinn - So I hear the Oilers may trade Gilbert to Buffalo for Drew Stafford. I'd much rather see the Oilers make a pitch for Alex Frolov from L.A..  I think AFro could be what Hemsky needs, and visca versca.

James Green - Huh?  Vice, versa you mean right?

Graham Martin - Stafford would be a much better option than Frolov. Frolov has been around awhile and hasn't gotten better for a while. But the Stafford for Gilbert trade won't happen without the Oilers bringing in more salary than just Stafford.

Paq Twinn - Really?!? Stafford over Frolov? Before the last 8 games I may have agreed with you. But not now, we have enough 3rd line grinders. No matter how much of an improvement Stafford may be, he's still just a grinder, 25 goal seasons are the best he can hope for. I want someone that can play with Hemsky, a natural LW that can score 30+ goals a season. Frolov even has some size at 6'2" 200+ lbs.

Graham Martin - Stafford is not just a grinder. And Frolov is not a 30+ goal a year guy. And why make a trade right now when the team is playing well and winning games. Frolov also carries with him some baggage.

Paq Twinn - Frolov has scored over 20 goals the last 5 seasons and over 30 in 2 of those years. I'm starting to learn that almost any player with game breaking ability has some sort of "baggage". The reason this comes up now, with the team playing well, is because of Frolov's situation in LA. He's on the way out at some point this year. Might as well go for it as soon as you can.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - *walks in the back door with the beer*  Visca versca... WTF guy? *laughs hard and pees a little*

Smokin' Ray Burnt - @ Graham: Frolov is a head case just like Hemsky. Very moody if not treated to his liking (just like Hemsky). But I'd still take a chance on him. I think he could be deadly with Hemsky. A RH shot that plays LW. He has the size and he's a cap hit of 2.9 million. That's only .9 more than Nilsson and he's not even playing.

Like I said on OJ.  Nilsson, Wild or Petry and a 4th. That's a little low ball but the guy is a FA at years end. But every team counters with an offer. The price will go up. So he replaces Nilsson and takes a spot from a guy like Moreau. To me that's a win, win. But as you know, I'm not a Moreau lover.

I don't want Stafford. I don't see what's so great about him. I really don't think we need him. Plus I see no reason to turf Gilbert who has a good contract. Why do the Oilers do that anyways? Sign a guy to a sweet contract and move him while we get stuck with the Pisani's and the Staios's and the Horcoff's of the world? What gives?  Anyways... I like Frolov and don't like Stafford and Smokin' Ray is awesome!

Oh... I said that if Penner plays like he is now, he should have a shot to make the Olympic team. Apparently people think I'm crazy. What's that all about? He's better than Iginla right now and he's a lock on the 1st line for TC. WHAT!?!

Graham Martin - There is no sense breaking up team chemistry to bring in a non game breaker. besides, to bring in a forward, we have to get rid of a few forwards cause there is such a back log of them.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - p.s. Nice to see James come around. *slaps him a handshake and passes him a beer*

Graham Martin - Hahaha. Me and my old man were talking about Penner the other day. But with Ryan Smyth playing the way he is, he would get that spot over Penner.  That being said, he has to at least be on the radar the way that he is playing right now. He's better than Getzlaf to right now, and Lecavalier. And ps, you don't want to give up Petry before he even gets to the show. He is similar to Chorney, but better offensive skills. He moves the puck so well. He is a guy the Oil definately need to keep.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - If Penner is in the top 20 at the time of the team selection, he better be on that team. Just sayin'...  And Smyth too. He's freaking awesome this year.

Paq Twinn - As good as Penner has been playing he should get a look, but I wouldn't say he's a lock, I doubt he'll even make it. As much as I'd like to believe he has a chance "our" country is stacked, we could ice 4 teams that could compete for a medal.

Paq Twinn - Oiler fans got a refeshing start to the season due to Quinn's "clean slate" mentality, I'm not so sure TC will work that way. I believe there's an "old boys" mentality involved there, to some extent any way.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - By the way, now that the TRADE HEMSKY poll is close to over, here are the results...

Yes, Hemsky Who? 2 (18%)
No, I Love Him *cries* 2 (18%)
Yes, if it's Value for Value 2 (18%)
No, He's too Cheap to Let Go 5 (45%)

Smokin' Ray Burnt - Ok boys.  We are out of beer.  You guys want to go and have a bite to eat and drink more beer?

Paq Twinn - Who's buying?
 
Graham Martin - You?
 
James Green  - Haha!  Sounds good.  Vámonos!

Can Frolov Get Traded To The Oilers? Around the Water Cooler #4 ...

I was talking with Paq Twinn today and we started in on Frolov and the troubles that he is having right now in La La Land.  Could he be a fit on our 1st line with Hemsky and Horcoff we wondered?  What would it take to acquire a guy like him and how much would the Oilers be willing to give?  Would he adapt to Quinn & Co or would he be as complacent as they say he is in LA?  These are all questions that need answering.  Here's what I found...

Coach Terry Murray had this to say about Alexander Frolov before benching him against the Stars, "Frolov is out. That’s really a hard one. You don’t want to take your best players out of the lineup. That’s how you win games. Your best players have to be the best every night in this game. It’s such a competitive division, a competitive conference, a competitive league, that you just have to have your top guys on their ‘A’ game every night in order to give yourself an opportunity to win. It’s a hard thing, but those are the demands that the players have to meet."

“I haven’t been happy with Fro’s game for several games. The game the other night is the straw that broke the camel’s back, in my opinion. The turnovers, the careless play… It has to be better, and you have to come out with that high level of intensity, with smart work, hard work, and you’ve got to love the game. You’ve got to love the game in order to be a player. The talent is there, but it always is the work that brings out talent. And I need more."

GM Dean Lombardi had this to say about Frolov, "He’s either going to get on board or we’ll go in another direction with him. It’s as simple as that. I like a lot of the things I’m seeing, with what we’re trying to establish here. Get or board, or there’s another way too. But like I said, this is not a knee-jerk reaction.’’

Talk about a public lashing a'la MacT.  Ouch!  We all know how that plays out.  Time for a change Frolov.  Come to E-Town.  Just bring a winter coat.

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

Why is Frolov not on the LA Kings depth chart?  Anyone else find that strange?

So it appears that LA might be close to done with this guy. Should the Oilers take a crack at him?  Is it worth it?  I think so and here's why.

Alexander Frolov.  He's 6'2" and 208 lbs.  In 6 years of playing with the Kings (not including this year) he's scored 14, 24, 21, 35, 23 and 32 goals respectively.  That's an average of 24.83 goals per year.  Now imagine for a second that he had Hemsky passes.  Imagine the kind of damage that those two could do.  He could be at 35 goals a year consistently with Hemsky.  He has the size that Quinn wants on every line, but can he use it to his advantage a'la Penner?  That's a good question that needs to be answered. 

The part I liked about what Murray said was this, "Frolov is out. That’s really a hard one. You don’t want to take your best players out of the lineup."  I guess it would be safe to say that the Oilers could acquire a real good player in Frolov.  One of LA's best.  That's a plus for sure.

Here is another question.  He has yet to play in the NHL playoffs so we have no idea what kind of person he is at that time of year.  Does that worry a GM when he's dealing for a player? 

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

Ok, so maybe now your a little more open to the idea of bringing him here (pretend for the sake of argument please).  What do the Oilers give up?  How much space ($) is there?

The Kings have about 4.5 million in cap space and the Oilers have about 1 million left in space.  With Frolov at a 2.9 cap hit the Oilers really only need to make 2 million in space.  Keeping this in mind, here is what I offer.

I would offer Robert Nilsson ($2 million cap hit), D Cody Wild (minors) and a 4th round pick. 

With that deal done, the Oilers will have about $200,000 left in cap space (not including a roster move to the minors).  So it is possible to do.  But I'm not the one pulling the strings (only wish).  However, they may want Pisani instead of Nilsson and that's ok too.  They have the space to take both of them if they wanted, but I doubt that would happen.  Hell, I'd throw in Reddox as well if need be.

The bad part of the story... He's a UFA at the end of the season.

So is that too much to give to LA?   Is it not enough?  Is it worth it for the Oilers to pursue?   I hope this gave everyone something to think about.  I'd make the deal.  Would you? 

Get it done Tambo!

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. 

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

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!

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

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.

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

**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.

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

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

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

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

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

**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.
------------------

FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 1


Edmonton Oilers - 2




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

GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Oilers Video Post Game Link

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

BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.)

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

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!

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

NEXT GAME

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

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

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

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

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.
 
---------------------
 
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

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

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.**

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