Olivier Roy, ECHL Goaltender Of The Week

Congrats to Edmonton Oilers goaltending prospect Olivier Roy, as he has earned his way to the ECHL goaltender of the week.

Here is the ECHL news article about Olivier Roy.

"STOCKTON'S ROY NAMED REEBOK HOCKEY ECHL GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK
November 22, 2011

PRINCETON, N.J. – Olivier Roy of the Stockton Thunder is the Reebok Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Nov. 14-20.

The 20-year-old was 2-0-0 with a goals against average of 1.50 and a save percentage of .959 in two victories over Ontario last week as the Thunder impoved to 7-4-3 on the season.

Roy made 40 saves in a 3-2 win against the Reign on Friday to earn his first ECHL win and followed that up with 30 saves in a 3-1 victory on Saturday.

A native of Causapscal, Quebec, Roy is 2-3-3 with one shutout, a 2.32 goals-against average and a save percentage of .925 in eight appearances with the Thunder this season.

Selected in the fifth round (133rd overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Roy represented Canada at the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships. He appeared in 200 games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Cape Breton and Acadie-Bathurst going 123-57-8 with 14 shutouts, a 2.77 goals-against average and a save percentage of .906. Roy was named to the Canadian Hockey League All-Rookie Team and received the QMJHL Rookie of the Year award in 2007-08. He made his professional debut with Springfield of the AHL in 2009-10 posting a 1-1-0 record in three appearances with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage."

Game Day "Predators"

Not sure what it is about these Edmonton Oilers but they sure look different between home and away games. I know there is the difference of the last minute line change, the advantage in the faceoff circle or even the rowdy crowds you have to face that motivate the home team. In the case of last night, the Oilers won the faceoff battle and the crowd was a non factor with less then the 10,000 announced in sales.

Were they over confident against the Stars? Were they tired?

Were they distracted by the 'Georgous Cheerleaders?'

No idea other then guessing but let's hope they can reset the game plan and get back on the rails. Tonight they play another team who likes to forecheck, will clog up the neutral ice and not give you lots of room. As well their goalies are top end. The Oilers will need to be firing on all cylinders tonight if they want to pick up a big win in Nashville. They will not win a defensive battle against the Predators with their MASH unit on defence.Not to mention the Predators will be looking to avenge their earlier loss in Edmonton and show the home crowd they are a better team then they were on the road that day.

The only thing you have to wonder, can Renney out coach the Predators and my answer would be...'are you crazy?' Not Barry Trotz teams, the guy is becoming a coaching legend. Here is hoping this team hits the Nitro boosters tonight and pots 3 or more goals.

One last note before the predictions for tonight. I myself would not have messed with a winning lineup in the Case of Eager and Paajarvi. I understand time on ice is a currency for the coach to get players on track but if that's the case why play Gagner over Paajarvi? Gagner has played ok but is a turnover machine that has led to goals on his end, the play will die by his hands many times and while Paajarvi does need to create more scoring chances, he doesn't leak chances the other way. If you ask me, there is a show casing going on. Either that is happening or it is looking like they are closing a eye to the many mistakes Gagner is making on the ice each game. For the sake of Gagner and the Oilers organization, let's hope he starts to put up some points real soon.

Hoping we see Paajarvi back in the lineup tonight, maybe even in the place of Darcy? The truth probably is, this team is so young we will see inconsistencies throughout their games. All I can say is...."Bring on those dreaded Predators!"

My predictions for tonight's game in Nashville

Gametime 6:00pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 22nd/11

1. There has been very little fights this year with the Oilers but their speed has helped them get on the PP more often then not. I am going to say they will head to the PP with at least 4 opportunities throughout the night.

2. I was going to pick the Predators for the win tonight but as soon as I pick against the Oilers they go ahead and prove me wrong. When I pick them to win, they put up a stinker. What the heck' let them prove me wrong. Nashville with the win tonight (now go ahead and prove me wrong!)

3. It's time for a Oiler player to get on the scoreboard who has been struggling. A player other then Horcoff, Hall, Eberle, Jones, Smyth or RNH will light the lamp tonight

4. RNH continues to grow in his FO% from earlier in the season. I will be posting the FO% after this road trip to compare to his earlier % and also look at him and Horcoff's comparison's once again. Tonight RNH will continue to be 40% or better. I actually think it will be 50% or better but that's my hopeful thinking.

5. Because I love to follow prospects I will continue on the minutes range Teubert is playing. Judging by the last couple games, if this is a tight fought game his mins will be limited but if it is a more open game in favour of the Oil , his mins will be up there. It looks to me like they are trying to build his confidence and shelter him with easier mins like they did RNH in the earlier games. That probably shows they like his game and don't mind bringing him along slowly. Tonight will be a tough game so let's say he stays within the 13 minute maximum.

 

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 42 for 80 =52.5%)

Not sure exactly why Teubert was given so little ice time this game compared to last, yet this was a game where he delivered several checks without taking himself out of position , not to mention he played the man tough on the boards. Peckham does that as well, but takes himself out of position often. RNH continues to grow in winning draws and Belanger continues to arrow down, even though he did make the low grade I needed for my prediction.

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Game Day "Stars"

Go figure, I start to think the Oilers are falling back down to earth and they have a historic night with Hall with a Hat Trick, Eberle with a Goal and 3 assists and the 'Nuge' comes out with a record 5 assists, the youngest 18 year old to now hold that record distinction.

A true test for the Oilers will be to see if they continue to get back on the path they were early, or will they fall right back down again. The Dallas Stars have been a hurting team as of late. If there was ever a time for the Oilers to Capitalize, the time is now. With back to back games obviously Dubynk will get one of the starts in net. I myself would run with Khabby tonight. Should he play well, I would still ride the hot hand. Sure, I know, the development plan did not call for that but on the other hand, they don't seem to be following the development plan in every case anyway. If your playing for wins, then go out and give yourself the best chance to win.

I really don't think they thought they would be able to play this well, so early yet. Sure they will still have some games that they leak real bad. IMO, this team is vastly improved because of a huge factor called Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Not because as a 18 year old he can score points. It's because this guy makes others better around him, he saves plays, knows where to be on the ice at all times and steals pucks like he is stealing Grandma's cookies off the Fridge, 'with ease and elequence'.

That pivot spot in the middle is vital to the success of team's and the Oilers are no different. This team will look to discover one more gem at Centre I believe in the draft to solidify that position for the many years ahead. Of course they can pick a defenceman still, but there are 2 Centremen I believe they would grab before picking a defenceman because it is just that important as you can see with RNH, who knows truly how to play centre in every aspect and he is only 18 years old.

Winds are swirling amid trade talk and it is really starting to heat up. If you follow and believe in Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings you will know he believes what you see at the 20 game mark is a close picture of what kind of team your icing for the rest of the year. So far? I think you will have a team competing for a playoff spot.

Go Mighty Oil!

My predictions for tonight's game in Dallas

Gametime 6:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-Edm

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 21st/11

1. Belanger will not be happy about his poor FO% against Chicago, expect him to rebound with 52% or better.

2. The Oilers begin a new streak (I have learnt to not bet against them) just that this time it will be a win streak they try to build on once again.

3. RNH has some real confidence brewing now and even on the road. Seeing Dallas has been struggling some more recently, look to see RNH continue tonight with a point or more on the score sheet.

4. RNH did well in the FO% again the other night but being on the road and against a better disciplined core he will be in tough. Will hold his head once again to a min 40% however.

5. Teubert played more minutes then I expected last game and with being a road game will likely get caught out there with Dallas having some last line changes forcing the issue if they can. Over 12 minutes will be played for 2nd straight game.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 39 for 75 '52%')

Was glad the Oilers decided to prove some of my predictions wrong in the ol' win column as well as Goals allowed. Surprised Teubert received more then 12 minutes playing time, but unlike some others, I did not think he looked like a fish out of water. A couple small mistakes but for his 3rd game ever in the NHL he hung in there well enough.

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)

For Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch www.twitter.com/revingev

Game Day "Blackhawks'

Here is hoping the friendly confines of Rexall Place will give the added boost of energy that is so badly needed in this young Oilers team. After suffering 4 straight losses, the question for many a Oiler fan is 'How long will this streak continue'?

As has been said by several already, this team was probably not as good as they looked when sitting in 1st or 2nd place in the Western Conference. However, they are probably not as bad as they have looked during this 4 game losing streak either.

We can pick away at what we see as faults or use excuses for why the Oilers are struggling along, but what we can't do? We can't MAKE them win games! Some decisions are still puzzling to me. I am still hearing the right words being said...(ie: This is more about development, more about process, the larger body of work) but not seeing that action being applied in practical terms on ice.

Khabby gets the start tonight in goal. That is fine by me, but what about Dubynk? What happened to getting him more playing time this year in a very important development year for him? I can see it, when Khabby is standing on his head winning these games by himself. Has Renney seen Khabby the last 3 starts? Excuse the one bad game against the sens and the last 2 before were not all that outstanding either. Sure Dubynk in relief let in 1 soft goal of the two but c'mon! He has gotten very little ice time and it's not like Khabby plays so well against Chicago that he will give you that much of a chance at this time. If you ask me, they believe they need to end the losing streak now and feel Khabby gives them the better chance. Granted, may make sense, but it's a bloody development year. I don't mind losing if it is a part of the development. At least give Dubynk the chance to fail.

And what's it say to sit Petrell and leave Eager in? Who now plays Petrell's spot on the PK? Eager? I don't think so. This whole thing is really messed up. On the other hand, it's not like Tambo has tied Renney's hands when it comes to a fully stacked line up. Or has he?

A big question on defence is if Tambo will find a way to make a trade and bring some veteran experience in to help on the blueline. Maybe not a 1-2 top pairing but even one 3-4 top defenceman would be good. I know many MSM have continuously said trades are difficult to make this early on but I would like to challenge that. Trades for the Oilers are usually really hard to make at any time, including the trade deadline. Countless times, I hear how something can not be done and then it happens. If other GM's can do it, so can the Oilers. It takes risk and creativity. Doing the same thing will bring the same result...yup...further loses.

Maybe that is the plan after all? Fail for Nail? (Nope, Columbus will be one up on us for that one.) Finally a second top Centerman in Grigorenko who has speed, size and world class talent in the likes of Malkin? Want a defenceman? How about the highly touted Ryan Murray who is a world class mobile puck mover and could possibly fill that top 2 defenceman role one day? Or even better yet, what about Dumba, former team mate of RNH? The Riverboat Gambler would be the second coming of Paul Coffey with a mean edge?

Obviously no draft pick will help us feel good about losing and doing nothing but should the Oilers make no moves on the blueline this season other then development and call ups, one would have to start really thinking that management could use the loss of their d-corps as a reason for tanking once again this year.

All that said, I just want to start seeing some goals getting scored in bunches. I miss the constant barrage of shots we see in patches from these young oilers and the subsequent goals that can go with those shots. I want exciting hockey! I want to see intensity, a never say never spirit out there on the ice. Oh yeah, were playing the Chicago Blackhawks, chances are good we will see that happen, but most likely not from the Oilers but from the Blackhawks.

In the end, I hope the Oilers come out strong and prove me wrong. In the mean time, I am looking forward to seeing the boys take another crack at this elite team who the Flamers just burnt last night. If Calgary can do it, I say so can the Oilers. C'mon Edmonton, let's throw some Oil on the Fire!

My predictions for tonight's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 8:00pm CHED630am/CBC

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 19th/11

1. Oil fans are gonna hate on me, but I can't see the Blackhawks being limited to less then 3 goals tonight by the Oilers. Chicago with min 3 goals against the Oil.

2. The Oilers will be in tough to stop a 4 game losing streak. The streak continues, but am praying I am wrong.

3. RNH was getting the early opportunities last game, being on home ice with line matches Renney likes, should see him back on the scoresheet once again.

4. RNH also continues to grow in the FO dot with another night where he has 40% or better success.

5. Teubert will be aiming to show the coaches that the 2 game stint on his last call up was not just a one time thing. I expect a decent game again, keeping the play fairly simple but will be limited to within 12 minutes max ice time this game.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 37 for 70 52.8%)
My predictions sound like a Oiler fan who seems deflated. Maybe just too many times believing the best and seeing the worst of a team makes you hard and skeptical. Unfortunately, until I see otherwise, I don't see the Oilers faring well against the top teams in the NHL. Now go ahead Oil! Prove me wrong!

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)

For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

Game Day "Senators"

I fully expect my self appointed '106' Line of Hall, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle to come out tonight, with all guns blazing. Renney will be line matching again tonight being at home and these young guns will have prime opportunities to put some points up on the board.

As mentioned in my post last night , I will be watching closely on RNH and his zone faceoffs as well as his % when on the PP. Hoping maybe Renney looks somewhat into the stats and demises it may be time to remove Horcoff off the 1st unit PP.

Potter has somewhat come down to earth the last few games, or was that more so the fact he was playing the NHL elite? Maybe a bit of both. Either way, I expect to see a revitalized Potter out there with the rest of the defence core, manning the blueline like champs once again.

Hoping Devan can regain that early season form as I am sure he will be getting the start tonight. I say, if Dubynk comes away with a win, then they need to ride him out the next game as well. For myself, I would ride the hot goaltender and should he struggle some, switch it up the next game. Your not going to destroy either goalies ego or confidence by doing so

Let's get ready to Rumble!!!!!!!

My predictions for tonight's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-Edm

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 17th/11

1. I am sure Renney has been working on the defensive lapses that seemed to take place in the last few games so I fully expect a much better defensive effort between the defence and the Goaltender. 3 Goal maximum will be all the chances the Oilers will give to the Senators.

2. The Oilers have a perfect chance to get back onto their winning way. The Sens leak chances, the Oil have done well at home with line matching. Oilers pick up the win tonight.

3. Hall has been fighting it, but this is a home game and against a team that does allow goals more often then not. Hall will be on the score sheet once again tonight.

4. RNH fared well in facing tougher FO competition on the road, so with last stick in the dot, here is hoping he is able to continue the growing curve. Prediction is for RNH to finish the night 40% or better in his limited opportunities.

5. How long can you keep Mr. Smyth off the score sheet? I say, he gets another point up on the ol' stat sheet again tonight.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 35 for 65) (53.8% and counting)
Well, last game I really thought Paajarvi would get more then 10 minutes ice time. Finding that the game was a poor defensive showing by the Oilers Paajarvi at least was not leaking chances. He deserved more time to me. Horcoff continues to be a disappointment to me in the FO circle.

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)

For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev