Game Day "Oilers VS Sabres"

"Will the Oilers apply the SWORD or take the SWORD?"

The Oilers tonight are in Buffalo taking on the Buffalo Sabres and are pretty banged up on the injury front once again. RNH has now gone done with a self inflicted shoulder injury from most reports and Tom Gilbert is out with a knee problem. No word officially on Gilbert but should be out some time I am thinking, based on how much of a ironman he is. Tom plays through pain often but to miss a game makes this pretty legit.

As has been reported already here at Oilersjambalaya and several other sites, Josh Green and Colten Teubert have been recalled from OKC. A great opportunity for these guys to prove their solid worth to the organization.

Colten has now been recalled 4x, so this is becoming a positive sign for him this season. I hear some people look at him as a 7th defencemen and while he may not quite be ready for the big show in the NHL on a regular basis yet, I would still have him as my 6th ahead of any other player on this team this year. The way he plays the body can really wear and tear down the opponent. If he could work more on his foot speed over the summer, Colten has a good chance to stick with this club full time next year for sure as the rotating 6th-7th defencemen. Colten is probably a career 4-5th defencemen at best, but remember how many real jobs in the NHL is there for that position? It's a hard job and since he is not flashy people don't give him enough credit for the small plays he contributes, plus I really like his shot from the point.

I was not impressed once again with Renney's icetime and how he handed it out for Hartikanen. He played 8 plus minutes only, yet played at a level he is expected to play and created havoc in the opponents end. I have to admit, he looked good with Eager out there. There is talk, Eager may get that 3rd line playing time rather then Hartikanen tonight. If it is true, if Eager does not follow up last games effort in the first period against the Sabres, I say move Hartikanen up there and let him bang bodies and create havoc in the offensive zone again.

I will give Renney props as some others have, for playing Dubynk and Eager after a poor showing in Long Island. They were pleasant surprises, even though I was real worried about Devan after that first goal. Gagner played a strong game with Hall and Hemsky and Sutton had a strong game I thought on the backend.

I have no idea how this game will play out tonight, but I will say, I am looking forward to how they will respond on yet another back to back game. If past is a indicator, it won't be good. Let's hope they bang out a win for the Edmonton Oiler faithful tonight!

Gametime 5:00pm, CHED630am/Sportsnet-Edm

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

Former Oilers Player Josh Green Recalled With Colten Teubert

I was going to suggest this the other day before the injuries happened but figured I'd be ripped for saying it. Josh Green has been recalled.

If you remember, Green was an Oiler not that long ago. He was a utility type player while he was here and I'd expect him to fit right into what ever plans Tom Renney will have for him.The last time we seen Green on Rexall ice as an Oiler was 2003.

On this current club, he'd fit in a 4th or 3rd line role nicely. He's been playing well in OKC and I believe the Oilers made the right call.

In 19 games, Green has 7 goals, 10 assists for 17 points. It seems that the old dogg still has some bark.

I'm interested in seeing him play with the Oil.

It's just too bad he's not going to play in Edmonton. I'm sure the fans would have given him a welcome back salute.

Colten Teubert was also recalled to replace the injured Tom Gilbert.

GOILERS!!!

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Injured Shoulder vs Blackhawks

Edmonton Oilers superstar rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was injured in the 1st period of the Oilers vs Blackhawks game tonight. It appears to be a shoulder injury after he caught an edge and banged into the boards on his own.

No word yet on the severity of his injury or how long he will be out.

We will update this as we hear more.

**EDIT** (9:21pm MT) RNH left the arena wearing a sling. Tom Renney was asked about his condition and all he said is that RNH and Gilbert will not play tomorrow. If he's in a sling, that sounds like it could be long term. I'd guess he's out for a week at least.

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-

Game Day "Oilers vs Blackhawks"

"The RISE Of HaRtiKAnEN"

Just last game I brought mention to this exactly happening. Teemu would have most likely even got a earlier call from Tamby had he not fallen to injury. He is exactly IMO the type of player the Oilers need to have in their top 9, Sure he is a rookie still but Teemu is not exactly a green rookie. He spent some good time in OKC last year, came up and did a splendid job in a limited time to round out the year. This year he has once again been consistent as a player in OKC and I am sure is licking at the chops to get his NHL chance once again.

At this point of time, it is Teemu's chance to prove his worth. If he plays the same way in Edmonton as he has in OKC he will be sticking with this club on a permanent basis. It will take consistency and hard work but as long as he doesn't become a defensive liability at the NHL level, I expect he won't be sent back. I do have one hesitation however. We were told when Hartikanen was sent down to OKC that he is a player that is not suited for a 4th line role. He is a top 9 player who needs the ice time because of the kind of game he plays. How will he be played here in Edmonton? I am really interested to see how Renney handles this one. I am one who feels Renney mishandles his line-up and icetime with his players but until we see what comes of this call-up I will stay quiet on that point.

RNH has been quite average as of the last couple weeks (hence not being selected rookie of the month) but the pressure, travel, wear and tear of players top end defencemen, banging and fighting for the puck night in and night out, must take its toll on his smaller frame. I know he has still put up some points, but I do expect things to change pretty soon for RNH. IMO, Nugent-Hopkins needs a player like Hartikanen to help take some of the load in the cycle zone with banging and crashing yet who carries soft hands. I doubt at this stage we see that, but it something that can be a possibility as Hartikanen improves at this level.

Last game once again Horcoff, Smyth and Hemskey (oh yeah don't forget Gagner) were give away machines again. Mostly Gagner and Horcoff but what is the consequence when they make these horrid mistakes? Nothing in my eyes. When the kids make these mistakes , you see them miss a shift or two. Their excuse is they are young and learning, what's the veteran's excuse? It's ok, as a fan, I have come to expect to see at least 4-5 giveaways in the offensive zone every game and 1-2 in the defensive zone as well.

The Blackhawks are a top elite team and chances are good the Oilers get schooled in this game once again. Some solid consistent goaltending would be nice, along with steady defence and lots of shots on net. You want to beat Chicago? Play a puck possession game and gets shots on net. They beat them bad once before this season, I know they can at least pull out a 1 goal victory in Chicago.

Questions is, "Which Oiler team shows up tonight?"

Hartikanen Hit

Hartikanen Goal

Gametime 6:30pm, CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

 

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

OKC Barons Coach Todd Nelson To Replace Oilers' Tom Renney?

It was announced tonight that Oklahoma City Barons head coach Todd Nelson will coach the western conference AHL all-star team at the upcoming all-star game. Congrats to him. He's having a fantastic season thus far.

The 2012 AHL All-Star Classic is to be held on Jan. 29-30 in Atlantic City, N.J.

As of right now the Barons are 1st overall in the AHL standings with a record of 22-8-1-3 (48 points). That's pretty damn good.

Then there's the parent club Do we dare talk about the Oilers record right now? Good grief what a bad season.

Here's my idea. For all that Nelson has done for OKC, you'd have to think he's one of the first on the list to replace a sinking Tom Renney. The Renney era is coming to a close and why not roll with Nelson at the helm?

His first season he helped the Barons make the playoffs. This year, he's helping this team be champions.

I say if and when Tom Renney is fired. I'd take a long serious look at hiring Todd Nelson. He's earned a look.

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-