The Desperation Line

With how this season has started for some players, you would think Edmonton Oilers coach Tom Renney would simply create the Desperation line out of... well, desperation.

The Oil have three players who really need to get the offence going. So why not make them play together? It's not like they are contributing on any other line.

On left wing I'd put Magnus Paajarvi. He needs to get it going like no other Oiler and perhaps a solid set line is what he might need to find some chemistry and rhythm. I like Paajarvi and I think he needs sone help. He's not a "throw away" player like some suggest.

Next, I'd put Sam Gagner at center. He's his best when patrolling center ice and he's at the point of his career where he's got to take the bull by the horns. He's starting to show it now with his fight last night. He always picks it up after dropping the gloves. Paajarvi will benefit from Gagner's leadership and skills. These two together could be dangerous.

Lastly, I'd have Anton Lander on right wing. While he has been playing pretty good (at center), a little offence would give him that added piece of confidence. Lander can, and probably would mesh well with Paajarvi. This line can help both find the goal sheet if given a solid chance together.

The other bonus to having Lander on this line? Faceoffs. If Gagner is booted out, Lander can take the draw. Win-win for this line.

So there you have it. The Desperation line.

Paajarvi - Gagner - Lander

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Oilers 2012 Draft Watch "Matthew Dumba"

REVS 2012 Prospects List (Oct 3rd/11)

1.Nail Yakupov

2.Mikhail Grigorenko

3.Ryan Murray

4.Alex Galchenyuk

5.Morgan Rielly

6.Mathew Dumba

7.Nick Ebert

8.Filip Forsberg

9.Griffin Reinhart

10.Martin Frk

11.Derrick Pouliot

12.Cody Ceci

13.Olli Maatta

14.Zemgus Girgensons

15.Jacob Trouba

Today we examine the #6 ranked player from REVS 2012 Prospects List . Each player is unique in their own right and full of talent. The ranking does not reflect a mock draft of who a team may actually pick but rather who I would place as the best player available in that spot.

6. Matthew Dumba

Pos: D

HT:6'0 ft
WT:172lbs

Born:  Calgary, Alberta

2009/10  Rebels WHL  Games 6    G 0   A 2   PTS 2
2010/11  Rebels WHL  Games 62  G 15 A 11 PTS 26
2011/12  Rebels WHL  Games 22  G 7   A 11 PTS 18

 

Matthew Dumba is a strong and very swift skater who has a big shot and a uncanny ability for delivering open-ice hits with his six-foot, 172-pound frame. Scouts are very impressed with his lateral movement and the physical element of his game. Dumba can run a powerplay well, which will bode well for some teams. Dumba has a hard and accurate shot that he gets through to the net consistently and his puck control is top notch.

Matthew is the kind of player who is able to beat others one on one and drives to the net like a power forward. Great acceleration and a powerful skater, very strong on his feet and very mobile. One of the biggest things about Matt’s game is that he makes very few mistakes, and the few mistakes he does make, he’s able to recover from by using his good hockey sense. Truth is, this guy hit's players like a truck! Only caution I would have as a NHL team, "will his checking ability cause concerns with the new crackdown on bad hits in the NHL?" Some of his hits over the last couple years have been questionable to me. Many consider him a player in the mold of a Dion Phaneuf and a Mike Green. He likes those comparisions but would love to be like Drew Doughty one day

Dumba like his friend and former teammate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also won the WHL Rookie of the Year. Dumba was absolutely lights out at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, where he led all scorers with 12 points in 6 games, en route to leading Team Pacific to a bronze medal. In 2008-09, in his last season of bantam with the AMBHL’s Calgary Bronks, he racked up an outstanding 20 goals and 38 points through 33 games.

The "D" train 

2008/09 Highlights

2009/10 Highlights

U17 Tournament

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

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