B&J #74 Edmonton Oilers Recap vs. Calgary Flames 10/24/09

- Who's Out?  Comrie and Brule are both sick and won't play tonight.  So with those two out, the Oilers have recalled Theo Peckham and not a forward.  It seems that the Oilers are going to roll with 11 forwards and 7 defense.  I'll trust Quinn on this one.

- Looking at the NHL stats sheet today, they have Deslauriers as the best goalie in the league right now.  He's played once.  I don't get it?

- The Springfield Falcons seem to be the same as the parent club, the Edmonton Oilers.  The were out shot tonight as well.  This seems to be a trend for both teams. I wonder why?

- The best part about the start to the season so far? The Leafs off to the worst start in the history of the franchise. Ouch! *points finger and laughs*

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Edmonton Oilers (6-2-1) vs. Calgary Flames (6-2-1)

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TONIGHT'S STARTING LINES

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

Smid-Visnovsky
Grebeshkov-Gilbert
Peckham-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 everyone to 3rd Battle of Alberta. Oilers @ fLames LIVE *TweetCast*.
- This is the 3rd BoA already this season. The scheduler should have left some for the rest of the season. Too many BoA's too soon
- Comrie will be out tonight (flu). Peckham draws in and Strudwick will play on the 4th line wing.
- Waiting for player intros, anthem and puck drop.
- Here we go, Oilers win the opening draw.
- 30 sec in and the 1st line gets their first shift.
- Oilers PP as Iginla runs Khabi. 18:50 remaining in the 1st
- Lubo Scores! sneaking in from the point for a one timer. 1-0 Oilers 17:30 1st
- Big Mac vs McGrattan. Good long fight, give the edge to McGrattan. 1-0 Oilers 16:30 1st

- Fast pace, good hockey being played.
- Smid and Lubo are playing great so far tonight. Great chemistry
- Storts is running guys all over the ice. Looking to make impact
- Oilers getting better puck retrieval this game. 1-0 Oilers 11:24 1st
- After some pressure by the fLames, Khabi snatches the puck on a good shot.
- Johnson for the fLames goes off for 2. Oilers PP 9:54 1st
- Bourque cross checks Grebs, goes on a 2 on 1 and finishes. 1-1 tie game 8:00 1st Refs missed one
- fLame fans chant "Whoop there it is" WTF?
- Good back and forth action here in the 1st. 1-1
- The 1st line is picking up right where they left off. Playing great. Best line tonight.
- The refs are are either missing calls or just letting it go. Cogs tripped at center ice. 2 mins remaining 1st
- Storts rocks Iginla right in front of the fLames bench, big scrum ensues. Iginla takes a roughing call. Storts is bleeding.
- Oilers PP for 1:54 to start the 2nd.
- After the 1st period, the game is tied at 1 a piece.
- Kiprusoff has been letting out a few rebounds, the Oilers would be wise to send a guy to the front.
- Good first, felt like the 80's....almost.

2nd PERIOD

- 2nd period is under way.
- Oilers don't get a shot on the PP. 1-1 tie 17:30 2nd
- Dawes scores on behind the centering feed. 2-1 fLames
- Nystrom scores after a scramble in front of Khabi. 3-1 fLames 15:31 2nd
- fLames are carrying the play in the 2nd. Oilers need to pick it up. Call a timeout?
- Quinn had something to say, during a commercial break. Oilers are playing better.
- Grebs slashes Iginla's stick. Oilers PK
- Khabi standing tall, on PK. 10:10 2nd
- Phaneuf with point shot, gets deflected and goes in.
- All the Oilers say it was deflected by a high stick, goal is under review.
- PP goal stands, it does look like a high stick though. 4-1 fLames 9:30 2nd
- Oilers have their work cut out for them now. This ain't the BJ's
- The Oilers seem to have lost the hitting element to their game. Only Storts is hitting.
- After the Oilers take a delayed penalty, Smid goes nuts on a fLame in the corner.
- Smid and Bourque go off, Smid picks up an extra 2. Oilers PK 7:42 2nd
- Despite the score Khabi has played well, making some big saves. Not his fault.
- Shots are 17-7 for the fLames, in the 2nd period only. 5:35 remaining in the 2nd
- Peckham needs to be more physical if hes going to stick with this team. I haven't noticed him much.
- Oilers are trying to make something happen, missing bodies are taking their toll.
- Horc makes a nice play, JFJ cant finish.
- Smid vs Giordano good fight by Smid.
- After the scrum, the refs try figure things out.
- Oilers get the PP out of it. 4-1 fLames 2:19 2nd
- Pens Scores after Gags send the puck through the crease. PP goal 4-2 fLames 1:25 2nd
- Jokinen goes off for holding. Oilers PP
- Sarich takes a 4 min high sticking call, with 6 sec left in the 2nd. Oilers 2 men up to start the 3rd.
- Well the end of that period sure makes things more interesting. Oilers PP is 2-4 tonight so far.
- If the Oilers play the rest of the game the same as the last 5 mins they could complete another come back. after 2 per its 4-2 fLames

 3rd PERIOD

- 3rd period is under way
- Patty-O cant finish on a great chance. 5 on 4 for 3mins.
- Horc hits the post on a great slapper from the high slot. Oilers PP
- Langkow gets a step on Gilbert, and Gibert takes a holding call. 4 on 4 for now
- Now Giordano goes off for slashing, Oilers PP 4 on 3
- At 16:07 it 4 on 4 again.
- Chorney havin a good shift, rused the net and made a good keep in at he line.
- With 14:21 remaing in the 3rd its back to 5 on 5
- Pens with another good rush.
- Patty-O get robbed by Kippers glove.
- Halfway through the 3rd the pace has settled
- Horc takes a tripping call. 4-2 fLames 9:29 remaining n the 3rd
- Oilers need a big PK here.
- Dawes scores. 5-2 fLames PP goal. that one may have done in the Oilers
- That last goal sapped the energy right out of the game. 5:50 3rd
- Oilers are making a go of it, picked up their play a bit.
- fLames are closing this one out, shuting down all Oilers.
- Last minute in the 3rd period. 5-2 fLames
- Final score 5-2 for the fLames. This time the Oilers were out played.
- In the end Big Mac's fight was a micro-cosom of the game, he/Oilers got a few in but McGratton/fLames got in a few more.
- The stars tonight are Bourque(1), Dawes(2), and Penner(3)
- Well that does it for this LIVE *TweetCast* of the Oilers @ fLames. Next up Oilers @ Canucks tomorrow. The Oilers need to be better.

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GAME HIGHLITES



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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 2


Calgary fLames - 5


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GAME STATS

- Event Summary Link

- Game Summary Link

- Scoring Chances (MC79) Link

- Post Game Video Reaction Link

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BAD TIMING PENALTY

Shawn Horcoff - It was a bad way to lose a game.  The Oilers were down 4-2 and Horcoff takes a tripping penalty and the fLames score on the PP.  Now it's 5-2.  That kind of makes it hard to come back now. 

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GOAT WATCH

(Smokin' Ray) Ethan Moreau - He was ok.  No worries though, he still sucked.  He really isn't a 2nd line guy, and he's barely a 3rd liner.  Just throwing that out there Quinn.

(Paq Twinn) Robert Nilsson - He was the best out of our two goats.  No matter what, he will be the odd man out when there needs to be roster changes.  He's just not good enough to stick with the Oilers.

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BEERS

Zack Stortini - The guy was on a mission.  He was trying to be a complete guy tonight and was the only one to mess with Iginla.  It's a little shocking when you look at his stats for this game. 1 shot and 1 hit.  That's it?  Something's wrong here because he was all over the place.  I think you deserve a frosty mug of beer. Cheers!

Dustin Penner - The big guy played well.  He really is deserving of his ice time this year.  He scores again to increse his point totals.  Can this guy do any wrong?  For an excellent game, enjoy a cold Pilsner Pens. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - He also scored tonight.  He's been the best defender that we have and I even think it's helped out Smid so far this year.  He led the team in ice time and had 4 shots on net.  Not a bad night by Lubo.  Let's get drunk to forget the loss.  Cheers!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): Ladislav Smid (He was scrappy and fiesty.  He plays like he has something to prove this year.), Sam Gagner (Looks good with 83 and 27.  It's nice to see Gags excel after a 4th line start to the year. 2 assists tonight.), Ales Hemsky (He is also looking good since the shake up.  He picked up two nice assists and had a solid game.), Steve MacIntyre (I don't get why he only played 0:51 seconds?  His skating has improved big time this season.  At least he had a good seat to watch the game.)

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JEERS

Tom Gilbert - He was the definition of crappy tonight.  A lot of errors were caused by him and Grebs.  Just a bad night for Tommy G. Booooooo!

Denis Grebeshkov - Same goes for Grebs.  Also a really bad night.  I was calling this pairing the "mistake" pairing all game.  Get better because we need you two. Booooooo!

HONORABLE MENTION(S): none

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OUR GAME SUMMARIES

Smokin' Ray - How many posts must the Oilers hit? Geez Louise.  Ping! That's all I heard tonight.  This could have been a 10 -5 game for the Oil.  But nooooo.  Now I have to go to work and hear the jackbutt's brag about how great their team is.  That's for that Oilers.  Let's just hope that we kill the Canucks tommorow.

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NEXT GAME

Oilers vs. Canucks

Tommorow
8:00 pm MT
Sportsnet West
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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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