Oilers 2012 NHL Draft Watch "Morgan Reilly"

Today we examine the #5 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.

5. Morgan Reilly

Pos: D

HT:6'0 ft
WT:190 lbs

Born: Vancouver BC

2010-11 WHL Warriors Games 65 G 6 A 22 PTS 28

2011-12 WHL Warriors Games 17 G 3 A 15 PTS 18

Morgan Reilly will be a highly sought after player at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Being a mobile defenseman, with slick offensive capabilities is considered a rare commodity these days. Before being drafted into the WHL  he put up 55 points  in 43 games for the Notre Dame Hounds, and  had  9 points in the playoffs, while leading them to a Saskatchewan Midget AAA Provincial and Telus Cup Championship. As a 15-year-old Morgan was drafted 1st round pick (2nd overall) in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.

Morgan is considered in the same mold as Duncan Keith. He is an exceptional skater,  unreal hockey sense and vision, not to mention  a great shot. Does not panic , and makes those around him better with his ability to create offense off the rush.  He brings a fearless sense of playmaking ability. Tyler Boldt has stated ‘At such a young age, he’s a pretty dynamic and fearless defenseman on the offensive side of the game”

Reilly represented Canada at the under 18’s and the Ivan Hlinka tournament as well took part in the NHL’s Research and Development Camp. He really has done all the elite things that elite level players do up to their draft time.

Morgan is #5

'Dreaming'

-- Whitney/Reilly

-- Gilbert/Smid

-- Teubert/Petry

-- Potter

While I know Morgan could not step into that role immediately as first line pairing, he is definitely looking good to be a player in that potential should he continue to grow as he has shown each year to date. A date with the World Jr team this New year would go a long ways to gaining more attention from scouts come draft time.

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 "Canadians"

 As the Oilers take to the ice tonight against the most storied franchise in the history of the NHL, they will do so with a chip on their shoulders. As much as can be said that Edmonton has been lucky to win the numbers of games they have, you can also say, they had to be that good. They are not to happy with the latest outcome recently against the Coyotes, and will look to get back in the win column tonight. While Montreal is no powerhouse anymore, they also are very hard to play in their own barn.

Look to see the Veterans with a bounce back game, as they attempt to really take the game of dump and chase to the Canadians. The '106' Line of Hall/RNH/Eberle will no doubt be trying to get on the board early and fast. Speaking of this line, I surely hope Hall dumps a few more pucks in rather then getting crushed when taking the puck in from the outside. After last game, I was sure to hear how he was nursing some kind of injury. He definitely is feisty and determined but I can't see him taking that kind of physical punishment game after game and still be healthy enough to play all the games this season.

Sounds like Paajarvi spent some time in length in conversation with Coach Renney yesterday at practice, let's hope we see his play move up in a positive arrow. Also would be nice to see Gagner create less turnovers with the puck in a game. He is a smart player and maybe he is still getting his legs under him and struggling to gel as a RW player. Time will tell.(Edited..Paajarvi will be in the press box now as Hemsky comes in to play with Horcoff and Smyth and Jones replaces Magnus. I have a feeling the pressbox will now be used on a rotation for players not performing to peak levels. Could Gagner be next? Not sure how I feel about this, but the players need to know they either perform at the top of their game or they will be sat a game or two. Good incentive)

Unfortunately, sounds like Teubert will be sitting in favour of Barker coming back into the lineup but life is as it is and Teubert will likely be headed back to OKC real soon. Not because his play has been poor but because of contracts and numbers. I expect him to be 1st call up next time a defender goes down, that is, unless Petry gets sent back to OKC upon the return of Andy Sutton.

Cheers to all Oiler Fans in hopes of another win on this long and nasty road trip.

My predictions for tonight's game in Montreal 

Gametime 5:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 8th/11

1.  The scoring will continue from RNH. With a smaller team his main focus will have to be speed but being elusive and adaptive, I am sure he will find a way to make it happen.
2. The Oilers will be on the PK a minimum of 2x or more facing a much faster team as they will be trying to slow them down.
3. Belanger came through last game but Horcoff has seemed to drop off quite abit from early season in FO%. The Oilers as a team will win the higher % of FO wins tonight.
4. Having scored only two goals last game, I expect to see that up to 3 or more this game. This team has to break out one game, why not the Canadians?
5. Khabby will play tonight and keep the goals against, no more then 2. Lets hope he can keep riding this lucky horseshoe.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 24 for 45)
A loss and a bad FO% by Horcoff really disapointed me but have to leave that behind and jump back behind the wheel. (53% and counting)

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 "COYOTES"

Today's game should be a interesting tilt between these two clubs. As Eberle has even noted, their is some swagger the team is showing and displaying right now. Confidence is building with each win this team has and each game that goes by that our Goals Against is kept to within 2. This team really believes each time they hit the ice, they can defend against any top notch line in the NHL. That can only be a good thing.

I was actually glad to see the '106' Line (can't decide on that name or PIPE Line) get knocked around some, out there against LA. The tougher it is to play for them, the more they will grow, learn and adapt. By the end of this road trip, I don't think you will see as much protection for these young stars because they simply will not need it as much as they did early on.

Some people have mentioned how the Horcoff line has been really coming on as of late. One factor that can be forgotten when playing on the road? The '106' Line will garner the top checkers from the other team, thus freeing up Horcoff, Smyth and Jones some. When they play at home, with line matching Renney is able to then use Horcoff/Smyth/Jones as the checking line primarily and let the '106' Line show there stuff. I can easily see the kids doing the bulk of the scoring at home while Horcoff and Smyth doing the bulk when on the road.

What does cause some concern long term for me, is the lack of production from our third line. They face weaker opposition yet still fail to produce much offence. I like Belanger a lot, but not really sure I see him as a point producer or playmaker. I know history has shown he can put up some points but to this point he looks like a player who is filling in on a third line but perfectly suited for fourth line, PK and key defensive draws. Time will tell, and as long as the Oilers continue to win, Renney probably will not mess with what is happening. Personally I would like to Have Lander sit out a couple games and experiment with Belanger moved to fourth line for two games, while placing Gagner back in the middle but with Paajarvi and Hemsky playing the RW. I would rather tinker with Hemsky a couple games on third line while he slowly works back into the lineup. (besides the competition would be weaker) Hemsky can always be moved after those couple games and a decision made on Lander. Let's face it, a trade can happen, a injury can happen and those lines could all be messed up soon enough.

Having said all that, I am fine with the lineup as it looks and not tinkering with anything for at least this game. Gonna enjoy sitting back tonight and seeing the Oilers back on the ice. Go Oilers!

My predictions for tonight's game at Jobing.com Arena

Gametime 8:00pm CHED630am/CBC

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 5th/11

1.  RNH played a good game in LA with big opponents, against a top shutdown line and the top two defenders on the Kings. It won't be the same physical game it was on Thursday night but RNH will be prepared for it regardless. This kid adapts like EVOLUTION. Should be able to find himself back on the scorecard tonight.
2. The Oilers will continue to surprise fans and media with yet another win to make it 7 games in a row.
3. Belanger was awful on the official FO % according to the stats. I was sure I saw him and Horcoff win more then was recorded. Bottom line, it was not good enough. Belanger and Horcoff both rebound with over 50% in FO %..
4. The Oilers are looking more relaxed and poised as each game passes, I suspect they will also continue to score. Looking at min 3 goals for Oilers tonight.
5. Teubert played well in his first NHL game, so I look to see him continue doing so. I expect some more ice time tonight will come his way as long as he continues to manage well with the ice time he does have. Over 12 minutes tonight. Let's hope he puts some caution into those forwards to enter his zone.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 22 for 40)
Belanger really disapointed me last game with a poor FO% and I was sure RNH would pick up a point.55% and climbing

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

Can This Be For Real? Is This A Dream?

After 12 games to start the NHL season, the Edmonton Oilers are tied for 1st in the west and are tied for 2nd in the league.

Holy sh*t!

With a record of 8 wins, 2 losses and 2 overtime losses, the Oilers have exceeded expectations by a long shot. Sure is a far jump from dead last two years in a row.

I know this won't last, but I'm enjoying every minute if it.

GOILERS!!!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Game Day "KINGS"

Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!

How many days since the Penner trade last season? How many days since the Smyth trade? Los Angeles must be sick of dealing with the Edmonton Oilers by now. Every time they make a trade with the Oilers, something goes wrong. Wait, I think that trade with the Oilers in 1988 looks pretty good on them. They only traded for undoubtedly the best player to ever play the game right? Yeah, they paid a KINGS Ransom, but that King known as Gretzky also reestablished the presence of the Kings with the elite in the NHL.

Who knows, maybe Penner has a stellar season yet. Possibly he is fighting a injury that is being kept quiet. Maybe Fraser will be their depth Center they need come the playoff run. He should be back by then should he not?

In the end, all those trades, debate of future prospects, the squabble with the NHL head office, does not matter. What truly does matter is this game tonight. Both teams have gotten off to a tremendous start to the season. The Kings are looking to start putting some space between them and the rest of the western conference while the Oilers are looking to ride the streak that has made them the talk of the NHL. Surely Edmonton is wanting to gain as many points as they can early on in this rodeo trip, so as to take the pressure off future games. Not to mention, the more points the Oilers can gain on their western conference rivals early on, the better. Should reality start kicking in soon and the Oilers not be fortunate enough to be playing .500 hockey, these early season points could be the difference between a playoff spot or not.

Tonight will also be a big difference for our young line of 'Hot shots' when they have to face tougher opposition due to the Kings getting the line matching they are wanting with having last change. It will be a good test as to just how sheltered they have been, or how far they have come in 11 games. Win or Lose, it's good to just see this team working hard and loving the game on the ice and off the ice. GO OILERS!

My predictions for tonight's game at Staples Center Los Angeles

Gametime 8:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 3rd/11

1. I know with the line matching sure to take place tonight, it will be difficult for our PIPELINE (that's the name I like) to play the softer minutes but I expect with RNH rested for this trip to be all over the ice tonight and to pick up his 1st road point and 1st point in Los Angeles.
2. The total amount of goals scored combined will be no more then 5 as two of the best Goals against teams will play one another.
3. Belanger will give Stoll a run for his money on FO% tonight but at nights end he will still come in over 50% which is all the Oilers need. Let's hope he wins the crucial draws in his defensive zone when it counts.
4. With Smyth returning to Los Angeles tonight, I am sure the Boo birds will be out in full force. I could predict Smyth will be booed, however that is too obvious. King Muck as Renney has called him will pick up another point as he will be highly motivated tonight in his return.
5. Teubert playing his first NHL game against the team that traded him will get his minutes but not as many as 13. He will be in tough against a team who will try hard to take advantage of his TOI with their last minute changes at home.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 19 for 35)
If not for Potter falling 1 minute short in ice time last game, my predictions would have been 5 for 5. Regardless, I hope to continue to climb up in my prediction winning % tonight once again. Hitting 50% 2 games ago really hurt my ego.(54% and climbing)

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

Dan Ringwald Called Up To OKC Barons

Dan Ringwald Earns First Call-Up
Published on November 2nd, 2011
Written by: Stockton Thunder Staff
Second year blueliner earns first AHL recall of season after torrid start

STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, announced defenseman Dan Ringwald has been loaned by the Thunder to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Ringwald, 25, will make his AHL debut upon suiting up for the Barons during this regular season. He began the season scoring four points (1g-3a) and posting four penalty minutes in his first six games with the Thunder.


Dan Ringwald
The 6-foot-2 and 190 pound blueliner was signed by the Thunder as a free agent on Aug. 25, 2011. He skated last year under an AHL contract with Hartford/Connecticut and was loaned to the Thunder on Oct. 31, 2010. After making his ECHL debut with the Greenville Road Warriors, he finished the 2010-11 campaign leading all rookie Thunder defensemen with 23 points (1g-22a) in 61 games while totaling 27 penalty minutes.

Ringwald skated in four Kelly Cup Playoff games with the Thunder last season.

The Thunder also announced the following transactions:

> Jason Morgan (C) – placed on three-day injured reserve

> Jody Pederson (D) – placed on seven-day injured reserve

> Mike Little (D) – activated off injured reserve

> Sebastian Owuya (D) – activated off injured reserve

The Thunder returns to play on Friday, hosting the Utah Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. at Stockton Arena for the start of Thunder Goes Pink VI presented by St. Joseph’s Medical Center in association with BloodSource, Union Bank and Food-4-Less. Radio coverage of the game will be available at 1280 KWSX. Online coverage is available for viewing (pay-per-view video charge) and listening (free of charge) at www.StocktonThunder.com, courtesy of AmericaOne.

The Thunder have frozen most Season Ticket prices for the 2011-12 season, which are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (209) 373-1500 or by visiting www.stocktonthunder.com. Thunder Season Ticket Holders enjoy the highest-demanded seating locations in Stockton Arena, benefits including admission to Season Ticket Holder-only events, discount opportunities on Thunder merchandise, a free e-newsletter, an exclusive gift, admission to the first two rounds of the Kelly Cup Playoffs and more.

For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit http://www.stocktonthunder.com/.

Oilers 2012 NHL Draft Watch "Alex Galchenyuk"

Today we examine the #4 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.

4. Alex Galchenyuk

Pos: C
HT:6'2 ft
WT: 185 lbs
Born: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Season:

2010-11

Sarnia Sting

OHL

Games 68

G 31

A 52

Pts 83

Alex was selected first overall in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, Alex Galchenyuk had a lot of pressure on him to perform at an elite level and was looking good til his recent injury in the pre-season with the Sarnia Sting. There is high expectations for the 6'2 teenage star but his draft positioning may end up changing somewhat by years end due to his season long injury and recovery. Alot will depend of how fast he recovers and gets back into the lineup. Should he recover well enough to rejoin the team for the seasons end and into the playoffs, it would go a long way into keeping his high ranking.

 Galchenyuk was drafted into the OHL from the Chicago Young Americans after absolutely dominating the league, scoring 87 points in just 38 games. Galchenyuk has lived in four countries so far, including Germany, Italy, and Russia. His father was a veteran of the Russian Super League, and Alex moved around a lot.

 Former NHL star Igor Larionov has compared Alex Galchenyuk to Marian Hossa, and believes, along with the majority of hockey scouts, that Galchenyuk has a bright hockey future ahead of him. Galchenyuk has top-notch skill, including outstanding goal scoring ability, and the NHL team that selects him in the 2012 NHL Draft will be selecting what could potentially be a future All-Star for many years to come. Galchenyuk told me he was quite disappointed with this setback in his injury but this kid is a fighter and will be back. Here is hoping it is sooner rather then later.

'Dreaming'
-- Hall/Nugent-Hopkins/Eberle
-- Paarjarvi/Galchenyuk/Hemsky
-- Smyth/Horcoff/Hartikanen
-- Eager/Lander/Jones
Not a bad looking line up of talent if I say so myself. Of course that would mean, many pieces of the current puzzle would have to be moved. Personally I really like this Galchenyuk kid and believe he will be taking an important role of a NHL team in the very near future.

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

Alex Plante Recalled To The Oilers

Plante is on his way to join the Oilers in Edmonton after being recalled earlier today. Sounds like Andy Sutton will be suspended for a few games (5?) and that's why there has been a recall.

I'm a little surprised that he's the choice. Is this his last kick at the can? Is he doing more for the Barons than I know? I just don't get this call up.

Me personally, I would have recalled Colten Teubert.

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Game Day "Blues"

Here we go again. Only question for me, 'when will we see a outburst of goals?' This team is learning to win by keeping with the systems play, working hard and relying tough on the goalies. Let's hope the young guns find that early chemistry that was not as evident against Colorado. (In all fairness, I am sure they were dog tired against the Avalance)

Hearing Petry should be back in the lineup, which will help in moving the puck up, but Peckham will need to play better and more reliable if this is not going to become another scramblefest on defence. If anything, this game is going to be a good indicator of exactly where it looks like this team is going. They will be on the road trip from hell real soon, thanks to the rodeo coming to town, so every win at home becomes vitally important. Seeing the team even winning more at home is a great sign of development, not to mention great for fans who pay to see the team live.

My predictions for tonight's game at Rexall Place. Gametime 6:00pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Oct 30th/11

1. Someone from the line of Hall/RNH/Eberle will net another goal tonight. You know the saying "Can't keep a good man down!"
2. The Oilers will be walking away from this game with another W in their stats.
3. After a tough last game on FO, I fully expect Belanger and Horcoff to recover from their poor FO % and both post a min of 50%
4. With Smyth on the prowl looking to have a career year, I expect to see him gain yet another point in what is fast becoming a NORMAL thing to see each game.
5. Potter will be at 20 mins or more playing time again tonight with the changes on the blueline happening.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 15 FOR 30)
two games in a row Belanger failed to produce in the FO dot. All I am asking is for 50%, is that really bad? Had the amount of penalties right but predicted winning goal on PP and was wrong. Also could not believe the little amount of time Paajarvi was played. Looking at my batting average of 50% now, I seem to be about as good lately at predictions as the Oilers are at FO's.

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

OILERS 'Rant & Rave" Oct 29th/11

Ok, normally I am a very positive, see the glass half full kind of person. However as each game passes and I see different things taking place, I have come to the conclusion, I should probably balance that out, not only with rave reviews but also some rants. Why? Because I am probably not alone on some of these things I want to rant on about or rave about. So I thought to myself , 'Self, why not write a blog on your Rant and your Rave?' So that is how this blog of mine has transpired. Granted I will have some of your disagreeing with me on either, but I am fine with that. That's what makes sports so exciting. We don't have to agree to have a opinion.

Because I like to have a feel good ending to most my posts I blog on, I am going to start with my 'Rants' and then end with my 'Raves'

RANT

Granted the Oilers are winning games but in doing so, there are some trends that I am seeing that has me cautious about long term success. Being outshot and still winning games when you have little puck possession time is not a good thing to be excited about. Yes, to win a game here or there is a great example of teamwork, dedication and heart. What it is not though, is sustainable. No team in the history of the NHL has ever had a winning season by winning games like the Oilers have won a few this year. Win a couple here or there like this, great. Eventually it will come to catch you and nip you in the backside.

Let's say for those who are ok with how ice time and zone starts are managed right now, we break this down a little. The young stars are being protected is what I am hearing and what I am seeing. We don't want to lose important faceoff draws at crucial moments of the game. We don't want to line match with the young guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Hall and Eberle so as not to expose them to failure. We want to bring them along slowly. I get all those reasons and understand the reasoning behind it all. At points I even agree with it. Heck, I am even excited about winning and being in 1st place in the Western Conference after 10 games, even if it will only be for one night.

Following the win over Colorado, I realized something. I wasn't excited and happy I watched that whole game. In fact, I felt somewhat ripped off, of the time I invested into my evening. Why, I started asking myself. Yes, parts of the game were exciting, but all in all, I was not that impressed and in no way feel like the Oilers are as good as a team as some are starting to think they are. I will say this one thing though. Renney is showing he is a good coach in the decisions he is making to win games for the Edmonton Oilers. If the whole goal of this season is to win games and get into the playoffs, then I believe what we are seeing could very possibly get us there. BUT if this season is about continued development, then it is starting to look like they might be going off the rails.

Looking at the ice time of the young stars of this team you can see, they were protected by the veterans like Horcoff and Smyth. I am fine for the most part, but not every single time there is pressure should we be playing the veterans on the ice. How else do these young players grow and learn? Maybe by watching you say? Granted that can help, but there is nothing like actually maybe playing the kids under pressure? RNH loses important faceoffs? Have you seen Horcoff on those IMPORTANT faceoffs? In fact on the PP he seems to lose the draw more often then not and then is on the ice for the remainder of the PP time with the young stars. The play is usually dying with him, not the kids. Belanger brought in to help with those all important faceoffs in the defensive zone right? Well when I watch and see, he loses more crucial draws then he wins. Like I said, I am fine with using them sometimes out there, but let the kids learn by experience. If RNH loses draws, he will have to work harder to win more. All great stars are that way. If a player is making mistakes I am fine with sitting them some of the game and playing the more responsible veteran but that is not what is happening. Our veterans make mistakes, yet dont have to sit?

Right now it is very noticeable the team is learning the systems play well. What does have to happen however, is allow them to be equally as creative on their own in the offensive zone as well. Development means giving the kids opportunities to succeed and fail. When they fail, sometimes it may mean a game in the press box or some time on the bench. They will learn, but being babied is not how these great young players will learn.

 

RAVE

Having said how frustrated I am with how much time the veterans are being put on the ice by Tom Renney, I want to state that I am pleasantly surprised how well our veterans players are doing. Props to Horcoff and Smyth as they truly are showing they are the veterans on this team. Smyth especially has impressed me not only with his relentless forechecking and backchecking but with ability to still put up some points.

Nice to see when Hall/RNH/Eberledefenceman were pushing up on the play. Also nice to see Smid continuing to show how valuable he is as a shot blocker on this team. The guy bleeds Oiler colours for sure. Would be a shame to see him leave should he ever be considered in a trade someday.

Goaltending has been superb! To be honest, I was not expecting Devan to have a game like the one we saw last night against the Avalance. He is showing such good promise and with Khabby pushing him even more this year, it has to be a boost to the rest of the team to feel confident in their goaltender should a mistake happen.

JORDON EBERLE

This guy has got to be one of the biggest steals the Oilers have found in the NHL draft in a long time. Not enough credit is given to the scouting on him. Remember he was drafted before his FAME with the world Jrs. Eberle is always mentioned in the untouchables yet few and far between find a gem this far in the draft. There are some, but don't forget the teams that passed him by, thinking he was too slow, maybe to small. I like what I am seeing from his game this year and how patient he is with the puck and without the puck.

That's all for today, but look to post a few more of these posts every once in awhile. Should be a good game tomorrow again. How do I know? They are playing at home, we get the benefit of line matching. Imagine, last year some of you thought Renney did not know the meaning of line matching. Cheers everybody!

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 "Avalance"

7 Days before the 2011 NHL Draft, I photo shopped this picture of RNH into a picture inside Rexall Place and added the Oiler emblem. Once that was completed I had this picture put onto the front of my white NHL draft shirt with Nugent-Hopkins name on the back and his number 93. Turned out I was right and the rest for me was history. It was no secret that I was a believer in this young hockey player's success this year and that he would not be returning to Jr. I had predicted he would get anywhere between 8-10 points in his first 9 games. No word on the official call from the Oilers brass, but who are we fooling? Nobody, that's right.

 Taylor Hall tweeted on the plane trip to Colorado

@hallsy04Taylor Hall

New equipment guy for the year

.

My guess? While there was no announcement made to us the fans, he has been told and Hall was teasing him about his new job for the YEAR. Like I said last blog, this team makes things so much nicer to follow, cause they are just being real. Living life as it should be, playing in the greatest sport to you and I in the world.

Now, with RNH receiving so much attention due to being a rookie this year, how about say we talk some about Hall and Eberle? Umm..nope! Going to save that for next game day post on Sunday. Exciting year in Oil Country, hold onto your hats! Or should I say 'get ready to throw some more hats this year?' Personally I am expecting a game real soon where not only our new 'Pipeline' is scoring but also the rest of the crew not named Ryan.

My predictions for tonight's game in Denver. Gametime 7:00pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-Edm

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Oct 28th/11

1. RNH will once again post at least 1 more point to make it a point a game through now 10 games and officially kick off a incredible season. (unless he gets sat out, since they have not officially said he is staying up for the season..lol)
2. Dubynk will post the win fighting hard to keep pace with Habby his mentor.
3. Belanger should not have been schooled by the Capitals in the faceoff dot so will yet again predict him with yet another 57% or better % when the game is done.(don't let me down Eric, or that's two in a row)
4. A minimum of  8 penalty calls will come into play as the winning goal will be on a PP.
5. Paarjarvi See's at least 13 minutes of ice time this game. (here is hoping he gets a point as well).

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 14 FOR 25)
Can't believe Belanger only got 50% in faceoffs last game and Potter played less. Could have really brought up my %. I am  now batting 56% on my predictions but to be a true predictions guru I need to see that around the 75% mark.

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 "Capitals"

Tonight is a BIG night for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. According to this pic taken by Jordon Eberle, it looks like the 'Nuge' has put on some weight. What do you all expect? Everyone wanted him to weigh more, did they not? Well, looks like he did his best in the buffet line to do his part and make sure the other team's couldn't just push him around. (haha!) Ok, enough with the silly talk, we all know this pic was just another example of what we are loving about this team.

It's so fresh to see this youthfulness in display. There is nothing worse then that feeling that everything has to appear as perfect. I love to see the guys relaxing, enjoying their job of playing hockey and just being 'good ol boys playing hockey'.

(ie: Ryan Whitney ribbing Eberle on spelling)

ryanwhitney6Ryan Whitney

by ebs_14 Everyone give a warm welcome to the gap toothed Canadien world junior legend Jordan Eberle who finally gave in to twitter

followed by a response from Jordon Eberle

ebs_14Jordan Eberle

@ryanwhitney6 dude u chirp me and @hallsy04 about our hangman game and u can't even spell Canadian

Anyway, I love the fact we get to see the authenticity of this team. Real people who are hockey players with great skill playing the game in front of millions of viewers worldwide. So let's continue to enjoy this ride for all it's worth. These guys WILL have some bad nights but they also will have nights that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout most of the game. And if were lucky? Maybe standing in our seats come playoff time in a year or two?

 

My predictions for tonight's game at Rexall Place. Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/TSN

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Oct 27th/11

1. RNH will make the most of his 9 games and finish this game with at least 1 more point.
2. Hall will be a beast out there and be driving the puck so hard we should definitely look at a point from him as well.
3. Belanger will school the Capitals in the faceoff dot with yet another 57% or better % when the game is done.
4. The Oilers will slow the Capitals down tonight on offense to no more then a max of 3 goals allowed in regulation time. (Let's hope even less)
5. Potter will continue to play higher minutes and be above 23 minutes ice time tonight yet again.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 11 FOR 20)
not bad. I am batting 55% on my predictions but to be a true predictions guru I need to see that around the 75% mark.

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 "Canucks"

 

As much as we want to make this game and next about the Oilers playing a team game and winning, is it not more about how well Ryan Nugent-Hopkins plays? As much as the Oilers try to take the spotlight off of RNH, it continues to shine and the question looms. Maybe 10% of people actually believe it is in the best Interest of Nugent-Hopkins to go back to Jr and maybe 10% that believe it is in the best interest of the Oilers to send him back to Jrs based on ELC. Bottom line? Does he continue to shine or does he start to find it harder getting to the open ice as these last two games play out? I tend to be the believer that he will be fine. Time will tell, and that time continues tonight at Rexall Place against the Vancouver Canucks.

 

Not sure how I am feeling about tonight's game against those hated rivals to the west. The difference between Vacouver and the other teams we have played is there potent offence. Tonight will be a true test to see where the Oilers are at in regards to goaltending and defence. In order to hold the Canucks to 2 goals or less will be a accomplishment worth bragging about. (besides , I need the Sedins shut down, so my hockey pool doesn't get hit as bad from those dreaded Sedin Sisters)

 

I expect a pretty good game will be taking place tonight, you won't want to miss this one. If you can not catch the game live, make sure to record it, or have a buddy do so, cause it will be a high speed game of thrills. (Are the hockey gods going to curse me and now have them play a slow and uninspiring game?)

 

 

My predictions for tonight's game at Rexall Place. Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Oct 25th/11

1. The Oilers will create more chances tonight and the puck will find the back of the net more then usual (3 goals or more tonight)
2. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins knows his 9 games are closing in and will be near the top of his game tonight. RNH will at least be on the ice for 1 goal that is scored for the Oilers
3. Hall will be gunning for some goals tonight to break out of this funk he is in. (He is in a funk? Not really but he thinks he is) I expect to see Hall on the scoresheet once again tonight.
4. I expect to see a fight of some short tonight , let's just hope it's not another staged fight that the NHL has come to be known for
5. Belanger has been a beast in the faceoff dot. That won't change and he will be over 55% tonight again but against a much tougher team who does win faceoffs.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 7 FOR 15)
Unfortunately I was unable to blog the last game day predictions for the Rangers game, however I was 5 for 5 on my predictions (haha!) Of course I can't prove it, so my % is still needing a comeback as I can not include that in my numbers. As long as the Oilers continue to win, no problem.

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