B&J Oilers Recap (vs. Columbus Blue Jackets 10/22/09)

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.

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- Who's Out? More like who isn't?  The flu is running rampant in the Oiler dressing room.  Comrie is sick but playing.  Brule is sick and won't play.  Big Mac finally gets his 1st game of the year and draws in. So with the flu around, it's forced Quinn to change the lines.  Khabibulin starts in goal again.  I'm wondering why Deslauriers hasn't started again? I'm sure he will this weekend.

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Pre Game Records

Edmonton Oilers (5-2-1) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-2-0)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

Penner-Gagner-Hemsky
Comrie-Horcoff-O'Sullivan
Jacques-Cogliano-Nilsson
MacIntyre-Stortini-Moreau

Smid-Visnovsky
Gilbert-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Chorney

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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**These are Re-Tweets of Paq Twinn's LIVE TweetCast© at www.Twitter.com/PaqTwinn**

1st PERIOD

- Welcome to the Full Game LIVE *TweetCast* of the Oilers vs Blue Jackets
- I'm excited to see how the new lines will work out. Horc and Hemmer split up.
- Waiting for player intros, anthem's and puck drop.
- Here we go, Cogs thrown out, BJ's win the draw.
- Gags scores! :58 seconds in. Great slapper on a feed from Pens. 1-0 Oilers
- Oilers have plenty of jump and look sharp early on.
- A couple shifts in and the new lines look good
- Shots are 4-0 for the Oilers 15:00 remaining in the 1st.
- The new 1st line of Pens, Gags, and Hemmer looks great together
- The 4th of Big Mac, Storts and Moreau looks pretty good too
- Khabi hasn't faced a shot yet. 12:14 1st.
- The pace has been average with the Oilers controlling most of the play. BJ's not without some pressure.
- After a flurry of chances Khabi stops it and holds on. 1-0 Oilers 7:00 1st
- Patty-O gets leveled from behind by Methot. no call
- The Oilers 2nd and 3rd lines are starting to pick it up now
- Huselius scores. 1-1 tie game 3:58 1st
- Oilers PP 3:00 1st
- After some great pressure, and Garon without his stick, Pens takes 2 in the bin. 4 on 4
- BJ's go PP in the last min of play in the 1st
- Torres scores on the BJ's PP. 2-1 Blue Jacket's :23 1st
- After playing a great opening 15 mins the Oilers crapped the bed in the last 5 of the 1st. The Blue Jackets lead by one after one

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period under way. 4 on 4 after Smid gets into a skirmish at end of 1st.
- Huselius scores from Voracek. 3-1 Blue Jacket's 17:53 2nd
- BJ's getting lots of pucks at Khabi.
- Oilers 1st line comes back with a good shift.
- Followed by a good one from the 4th
- The whosillyus line is the most dangerous for Columbus. I can't spell that guys name.
- Moreau take a roughing penalty. approx 15:00 remaining in the 2nd
- BJ's had the zone most of the PP, but the Oilers kill it off.
- Now Lubo takes a holding call at 11:29 remaining in the 2nd 3-1 BJ's
- More pressure from the BJ's but Khabi's standing his ground
- Pens with a great rush, followed by a flurry from the Oilers
- Chimera scores on rush up the wing. backhand top shelf. 4-1 Blue Jacket's 8:07 2nd
- Pens Scores! from Hemmer. 4-2 Blue Jacket's 7:51 2nd
- JFJ gets hit with a high stick. Oilers PP 6:18 2nd
- despite the score the #Oilers haven't been out played that badly. #thisaintover
- nothing on that PP, new one coming up. BJs 4 - Oilers 2   3:25 2nd
- Oilers get a 5 on 3 for :17
- Hemsky Scores! On nice point pass by Lubo (my star). 4-3 Blue Jacket's
- After falling down by 3 goals, the Oilers pulled up their socks, and cut it down to 1.
- Regardless of how this game turns out, the 1st line should stay for awhile. Pens has played even better tonight, if you can believe that.
- @toxxxicity Yes, Hemmer is playing good tonight. The best this year and the game is great.

3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period underway. BJ's win the draw.
- The pace is good to start the 3rd. Oilers PP 15:43 3rd
- Pens Scores! after Lubo makes a great D play to stop Nashes rush. tied 4-4
- Oilers PP looking good with the new 1st line + Patty-O on the point
- Pens, Gags, and Hemmer all have 4 points in this game.
- As long as Khabi doesn't let in "the next one" we should be good.
- Half way through the 3rd it still tied at 4.
- Lubo Scores! after a great rush up the ice. 5-4 Oilers
- Time for number six. GOILERS!
- 5 Goals, 5 Points each for Pens and Hemmer 5-4 Oilers 7:00 3rd
- Strudwick trips Chimera and goes off for 2. 6:06 3rd
- Khabi playin for keeps on this PK for the Oilers. Solid saves
- Horc had a good PK Timely clear
- Torres takes a dumb penalty, 2 mins for elbowing Oilers PP 3:14 3rd
- BJ's kill off one penalty, but take another immediately Oilers PP Last minute
- Nilsson Scores! on a flukey backhand clear from his own zone. 6-4 Oilers.
- Final score Oilers 6 Blue Jackets 4. Pens(1), Hemmer(2), Gags(3) get the stars tonight.
- Thanks for following this LIVE *TweetCast* Next game is Sat. @ the Flames. GOILERS!

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS




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FINAL SCORE


Columbus Blue Jackets - 4


Edmonton Oilers - 6

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GAME STATS
- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Time on the Ice Report Link

- Post Game Video Interviews

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

Columbus Blue Jackets - Torres and Chimera taking those penalties are the definition of a Bad Timing Penalty, especially Chimera.  Dumb, dumb penalties.  Those two must have spent to much time hanging out with Staios and Moreau.  Notice how Quinn keeps Moreau off the ice near the end of the game? Strategy. *wink*

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - I don't know what to say about him?  He clearly is a 4th liner now.  He really can't do much more than that anymore. 1/2 ways through the 3rd, Quinn had Moreau in Comrie's spot (sick) and he didn't look very good at all.  It was pretty clear that he's not who he used to be. He's a shade of Chopper now. Does anyone even say that anymore? Chopper?

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He played ok tonight.  He scores on the empty net and honestly, he really didn't make any huge mistakes.  I think he's trying to not be Paq's goat anymore.  That's just too much pressure to be a goat.

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - Wow!  His 1st ever 5 point night.  THIS GUY IS FOR REAL!  He's on a mission and he's has the whole world to prove.  He looks like and old school Mario Lemieux out there.  Busting moves and scoring goals.  He had 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points and was a +3.  If you can believe this, he had 11 shots hit the net and missed only twice.  He even went 4W & 4L on faceoffs for 50%.  I was going to give him a Lucky beer, but this performance deserves better than that.  Have a keg of whatever kind of barley based drink you want. The big guy's choice.  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - I'm sure no one is going to argue with me tonight about Hemsky.  This is the guy that Paq Twinn was talking about.  Finally he arrived this year.  I was getting worried that the old Hemsky was gone.  I'm sure this shuts down the trade talk for awhile on Hemsky.  He was fast and played like he wanted to be the best.  He had 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points.  He even fired 4 shots at the net.  Not a bad game for a guy who a game or two ago could have been traded (by the fans).  Excellent game Hemmer.  Penner won't share his keg so go and get your own. Cheers!

Sam Gagner - Is this little dude Sam the next #1 guy on the Oilers? If he plays like this,  then his butt does not move off of that 1st line. He it it up tonight with Penner and Hemsky.  All those weird and awkward games that Gagner and Hemsky had are long gone (hopefully) and I'm very excited for the next game against the fLames.  Sammy had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points.  He was a game best 7W-2L on the faceoff dot for 78%.  Wow! No one (other than Comrie 2W-0L) was that good .  Who would have guessed that?  Not I.  Studly game for my STAR Gags.  Frosty Mini Keg? Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - Every game he gets better and better.  He seems really comfortable and knows that he needs step it up and perform. Since the injuries, he's been the defensive leader.  He is Paq's star and playing like that sure makes him brag.  He scores the winner and had 2 assists.  He was the best guy on the blue line for the Oilers tonight.  Good job Vish.  Care for a cold Budweiser?  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ladislav Smid (The Spaz is one of my favorite guys this year.  He fiery and explosive.  And he's a goalie on his spare time.  He earns an assist and was a +1 with 3 blocked shots. He was good.) Graham EDIT: Robert Nilsson (It was by far and away the grittiest game I've seen him play. He went to the dirty areas all game, battled hard on the boards, laid at least one big hit, and really just worked his ass off all night long)

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JEERS

None -

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Tom Gilbert (I really want to boo you, but I won't. He had a pretty sloppy game.),

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - I really like Pat Quinn.  He makes such good forward lines.  I liked all the lines tonight, even the 4th line.  They really should have played more.  Is Stortini sick too?  He only played 4:02.  And Big Mac logged in 2:44.  But whatever, we won. Yay!  I was also thankful that Quinn changed Horcoff out and inserted Gagner onto the 1st line.  Hemsky sure seemed happy to play with Penner again. Maybe after all this time, 83 needs 27 more than 83 needs 10.  *mind blows*  Great game Oilers.  Let's keep this up.

Paq Twinn - Well what can I say but, wow what a game. The new 1st line was very impressive. I've been saying to break up Horc and Hemmer for quite awhile now, and bang 5,5+3 point nights for Hemmer, Pens, and Gags respectively. They had a phenomenal game tonight. The 4th played pretty good, and the other 2 lines were average at best. Khabi let in more then I'd like, but he never let in "the next one", he was great when the team needed him to be. I give this game an B+, we could have been better, easily.

EDIT: Graham Martin - I honestly think that Nilsson deserves beers, or at the very least honorable mention. I thought that was one of the better games hes played as an Oiler. It was also by far and away the grittiest game I've seen him play. He went to the dirty areas all game, battled hard on the boards, laid at least one big hit, and really just worked his ass off all night long. outside of that top line, he was without question the best Oiler.

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. fLames <---- I don't like these guys.  *grrrrrrr*

Oct 24/09
8:00 pm MT
CBC

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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*

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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.

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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? 

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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. 

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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!

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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!

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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.

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**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.

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

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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

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**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.
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FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 1


Edmonton Oilers - 2




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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Oilers Video Post Game Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

None -

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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!

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NEXT GAME

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

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