Game Day "Avalanche"

Can anyone say 'Wowsers'? That is the only way to express how crazy this team played last game. Ok, I can swear and all, but let's face it, it won't make any of us feel better. Ok, it will for some of you. On a serious note though, the Oilers need to make some changes and make them quick before this season goes down the toilet. Yes they started the season on a tear and maybe took teams by surprise early on, but how can you change to be this bad , this quick? Injuries? We have had them all year, so that is no excuse. No Hall? Well, there is enough speed and finesse that this team should be better. If you ask me, it's more about the break out passes we are not getting from the defencemen and the stellar goaltending that no longer exists all game long.

Yes, the Goaltending has been ok and some awesome saves are being made at timely moments in the game, but not ALL game like early season. The defencemen are not all shot blocking now and seem slower and more sluggish. Not to mention the defence are more often either trying to take the puck up the ice on their own and dumping it in, or they are attempting passes up the middle of the ice. Neither is working. If this team is going to dump and chase, they better be winning the battle to the puck, otherwise it is a waste of time.

Renney no longer seems to line match yet still plays the crap out of Horcoff and Smyth in minutes and refuses to take Belanger off the 2nd unit PP and Horcoff onto the 2nd PP instead of the 1st. It has been a embarrassment and a nightmare all in the same wrapped gift the Oilers present these past 10 games or so. Somewhere this insanity has to even out some. Ok, we can handle a few bad games here and there, but this long? Your not a great team on the rise, if you keep falling down and getting up only to fall down again. Insanity? Definition? Doing the same thing over and over, getting the same results.

Time to rev up the engine Oilers! Time to face the music! Time to stand up, and fight, fight, fight!

Go Oil!

 

 

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/TSN

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Dec 9th/11

1. What about that PP? C'mon they have got to score finally on that dreaded PP. 

2. Oilers don't win this one and I say we are in for a long run. Granted Hall may be out right now, but who is next? Tonight they will show some fight, huge win for the oilers!

3. Teubert is back in so I expect him to still be limited in mins. Still should be within a max of 14 min night.

4. Smyth has been held pointless long enough. Ryan Smyth gets back on the scoresheet tonight.

5. Oilers Gagner has been coming on as of late. Time to hit that scoresheet again tonight. If he doesn't get a point with Nuge and Eberle when will he? Gagner will gain a assist or goal tonight

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 62 for 114=54.3%)

What a awful game that last one. Belanger comes up one faceoff to short in my predictions, Whitney plays 50 secs to little in another and I got greedy saying Nuge would have more then a point. 0-5 last game, bad on me.

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 "Hurricanes"

The "Canes" are in town! The "Canes" are in town?

Why is that such exciting news? Mostly because unlike some of the other teams we have been losing to with winning records the Hurricanes are struggling much like the Edmonton Oilers. Finally tonight we have a chance to pick up a win and turn this thing back around.

It's amazing how fast a season can turn around for you, but even more amazing how fast a team can fall back to reality after such a sizzling start. That is our beloved team , the Edmonton Oilers. Before training camp, I picked Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to make this team for the year, and score 50 points or more. I predicted Smyth to chip in 25 goals for the Oilers in a exciting return to Oil Country. I even picked Hall and Eberle to put up between 60-70 points. But in the end, I picked the Oilers to place somewhere between 20th best at seasons end to 27th worst. When the Oilers stormed out of the gate, I was taken by surprise at our goaltending and the stellar defensive play the defence core had bought into. But like many of you, I bought the kool-aid! I started raving how there is no way we finish worse then 20th and could even compete for a playoff spot.

At this stage of the progress I am going to say the playoffs are a distant possibility still but bottom 5 is out of the question. In fact I am going to go on a limb (one I feel comfortable doing) and say should the Oilers not grab more then 2 points out of the next possible 6, this team will be falling out of the playoff run. Why you ask? (or maybe you don't) This team is not learning to be consistent enough soon enough in the season. We are 27% of the way into the season and as Ken Holland has stated in a interview, that is a good indicator as to your team placement for year end. Yes, we have a developing young team, yes we will correct some mistakes and learn as the season goes on. But in all honesty, if we continue to lose to NorthWestern teams in our division and come up short against teams we should beat? I say it's a sign this will not be the season we were hoping it might be after our team shot out of the gate so well.

After such a awful loss as was experienced against the Flames, this team can not afford another poor loss like that at home. It was embarrassing as a fan. (however I do know what that kind of game feels like as a player in my own recreation hockey league) Should we lose tonight to the Hurricanes (after rest and no back to back games) that would be a poor sign that this team is figuring it out.

Time to sharpen the sticks Oilers! Time to play the music, cause it's Hockey Tonight!

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/TSN

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Dec 7th/11

1. PP goal tonight for the Oilers. Can't see them going 3 games with no goal.

2. Oilers need this win badly and don't want to be embarrassed again on home ice. Big win for the Oil!

3. Whitney is struggling still to get out of that pre-season mode but expect to see his game change somewhat tonight. Expect 19+ mins out of him and a factor tonight.

4. Big night for RNH as he is rested and will be flying tonight. (my guess) Multi-point game for RNH

5. Belanger has been failing as of late in the FO dot. That needs to change and I think he see's the urgency as well. 55% or better tonight for Eric in the dot.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 62 for 109=56.8%)

No fights in BOA? Weird. Belanger 2nd game in a row below 50% in the dot? Weird. Was a weird and whacky game, lets hope for my predictions things start looking up.

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

Oilers 2012 Draft Watch "Filip Forsberg"

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 #8 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.

Pos: F

HT:6'1 ft
WT:176lbs(180 possibly)

Born: Ostervala, Sweden

2011/12 SuperElit (J20) Games 6 G 0 A 1 PTS 1

2011/12 Allsvenskan (Elite) Games 22 G 2 A 3 PTS 5

Filip is a dynamic skater with stellar offensive instincts, a star on the rise in Sweden who has an elusive stride that makes him very difficult to contain.  Filip has World class speed for a player so young, he carries the puck poised, can maneuver through tight spaces, has a quick shot, crisp passes and soft hands.  Forsberg can dangle around opposing defencemen and come in on goal very well.

 The Swedish winger, who is playing for Leksand’s top team currently, also had a breakthrough in the under-18s, putting up six points in six games and not surrendering a 5-on-5 goal when he was on the ice. As a 16-year-old on Leksand’s under-20 team this past season, Forsberg led his squad in scoring with 14 goals and 29 points in 26 games, adding a plus-19 rating for good measure. His point total was also good for fifth in the league.Those stats were good but they are not looking so good this year. He is struggling to my eye and to some scouts eyes especially. His ranking was based on what was seen up until this year. As much as some are eyeing him to be a top 10 pick, he is starting to fall and only a resurgence to his scoring prowess may save him now for that elite 10.

No relation to NHL great Peter Forsberg, but Filip is a huge fan of ‘Foppa’ and still watches his videos on YouTube. Filip does not lack confidence going into this season. “I think I’m a great goal-scorer,” Forsberg said. “Great shot, great playmaker…I work hard every day. Especially I would like my skating to get better and the big picture can always be improved.”


He will have a chance to grab some spotlight at the world juniors , here in Alberta .The 6-foot-1, winger has good size and hopefully will use it to his advantage in the world jrs tourney. With his excellent hockey sense and vision,  maturity and knack for scoring goals, there is no questioning the youngsters ability,but the question will be, 'can he play the same against men?'

Some scouts have said he projects to be a strong offensive player who has 30+ goal potential in him.

There was not much video I was able to find but should someone else have some video links, please link in the comments section. It is always nice to be able to see as much of a player as we can at this stage.

(Filip Forsberg in 06 tourney was a standout)

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

Game Day "Flames"

Tonight a "Battle" rages on that has enthralled the people of Alberta for years and produced more highlights and hate fisticuffs then Mike Tyson knockouts.

While it has been many years since we have seen both teams playing high end hockey at the same time, there is something about the "Battle of Alberta" that gets the juices going for every hockey fan in the west and every Edmonton or Calgary Hater regardless of their love for the game of hockey or not.

Growing up in the early 80's , I cringe now, knowing I hated the Oilers of that time. One of the best teams to play the game in the history of hockey and I had to grow up in Calgary being brainwashed by friends to be a Calgary Flame fan. But hey, I had 1986 and 1989 right? It's all fun! Every since the last of the great players left for New York, I started taking to the Oilers like a 'Bee to honey'. Only problem is? There has not been a lot of sweetness to the honey, I call the Edmonton Oilers, in a long time.

Other then the great run for Lord Stanley in 2006, our great city of Edmonton has been dying to get back, even putting up with two 30th place finishes, only to land Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Very nice consolation prize if I say so myself. Great drafting by Stu and his crew and the cupboards in the house are looking real full with tons of potential.

3 hours south of us, the Calgary Flames are finding themselves in a familiar spot the Oilers faced a few years ago. They still have more then the Oilers did, when things started to fall apart, but a GM who seems to get offended quite easy just may not be the one who leads them back to the Holy Grail one day. Tanking it doesn't work? Okay, I understand not losing on purpose but c'mon start developing and bringing in younger , newer talent. Calgary has a chance at some nice top end talent of potential superstars in the next two drafts. If they were able say, to grab a combination of Nail Yakupov RW this year and Nathan MacKinnon C the following year? Both are considered generational talents. What about Grigorenko C this year and Monohan the following? The list goes on and on...

Personally, I don't want the Flames to get any of those players, but they are knocking on those doors real close. In the meantime the 'fragile' Flames will do battle with the 'rising' Oilers in a contest that is pretty closely matched in all ways. These two teams are now both at stages that any team could win. Both are at different stages, but both still have the desire and push to win. I say "Let the Games begin!"

Go Oilers!

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 8:00pm CHED630am/CBC

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Dec 3rd/11

1. Will be at least 1 scrap tonight, afterall this is the battle of alberta

2. Oilers will be trying to dominate a weaker , depleted defence core tonight. Big win for the Oil!

3. Was actually a quiet game for RNH in the highlight department. A couple steals, couple blocks, another assist and good sticks in the lanes, ho hum....CBC game last week was a wreck for his stats so I expect him to rise to the bright lights again this week. RNH will continue to help this PP click but most important he continues his point scoring tonight.

4. The Oilers will keep the goals against to no more then 3 allowed tonight.

5. Belanger will top the 55% FO total tonight

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 61 for 104=58.6%)

5 for 5 prediction last night, doubt that will happen too often. Takes alot for that to happen. Maybe when I can nail 5 for 5 , 5 times in a row it will be time for sports select? Think not!

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 "Blue Jackets"

When the puck drops tonight at Rexall Place, Oilers fans won't have to worry about Hall getting into another scrap like the one pictured above last year.

Hall is still out of the lineup nursing another injury but the show must go on even without their emotional pace setter. Not sure how some of you felt but I really enjoyed the game the other night. Sure it had its lulls, it also had its fights and scrums, its goals and its highlights. Just didn't like the final outcome, but a point is a point.

Some observations from last game I noticed. FO's again. While I know we are not a premier FO team, I really wish the MSM would lay off the FO specialist comments we hear constantly. Is Belanger really a FO specialist? Is Horcoff a FO specialist? Last game (while on the PP) Horcoff lost 3 consecutive offensive zone FO's. Belanger on his turn on the PP in the offensive zone loses his 2 shots. How does that help? As I have ranted in past posts, if were going to lose, let the young guys learn by getting in there. Not to mention, Horcoff should be on the 2nd Unit PP not the first and Belanger should be off the PP entirely. The only exception on a PP would be in the closing of a game and them taking a defensive zone FO.

 Let's look at some overall FO% stats from nhl.com

E. Belanger 55.8%

S. Horcoff 49.1%

A. Lander 38.8%

R. Nugent-Hopkins 37.8%

others in a limited role:

T. Hall 53.7%

R. Smyth 50.0

S. Gagner 47.8%

on the PP these are your leaders in FO%:

E. Belanger 52% (21 attempts)

S. Horcoff 50% (86 attempts)

R. Nugent-Hopkins 42% (13 attempts)

others slotted in:

R. Smyth 75% (15 attempts)

S. Gagner 38% (21 attempts)

T. Hall 100% (3 attempts)

 

I think you can see by the fact Smyth already plays with RNH, that he is the better choice on the PP to take those faceoffs. Maybe, just maybe, Horcoff is starting to struggle again the his FO% is due to the over demand on what he has to do every night? 2nd line Center, starts every game against opponents best line checking them. 1st Unit PP, 2nd unit PK and takes 50% of all faceoffs on this team? I'm not saying, I'm just saying!

On the other hand, it is important to also make mention of the last game in Minnesota where the Oilers won that game 5-2. They were only 28.8% in the FO department and handily won that game. We could play with the math all night and while I think it is a good indicator let's face it, there is math and there is life. Perfect example is looking at RNH. I know some were concerned about his Jr numbers, time on ice, PP to even strength point ratio's, etc...His NHL numbers were to be around 45 this year?

Sometimes math and what you see does not always fit. Regardless of what math says even on the plus side, I see Horcoff out there on the PP and it doesn't look good. Sure he is getting points, but how many missed opportunities have the Oilers missed out on? I say the experiment time is over Renney, please leave Horcoff off the 1st PP unit. Let's develop someone else into that role.

The Blue Jackets are starting to show some promise so the Oilers best be on their toes tonight. I have a feeling this game could be a real barn burner if the game stays open and the referee's allow intensity on the playing field.

Go Oilers!

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Dec 2nd/11

1.Pretty sure the Oilers will go on the PP a couple more times tonight and should be able to post another goal on the PP.

2. Oilers come out of this night with a win!

3. How can I bet against RNH continuing to put up a min point again? To not say he will, would be betting against the odds. Easy prediction, RNH with a point or more.

4. This game will end with a min 2 goal differential. No 1 goal difference in this one.

5. The Oilers start winning some Faceoffs and win the team battle in the FO% tonight.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 56 for 99 = 56.5%)

Guess it would help if I checked the roster before making predictions. Teubert was not playing, I should have thought as much last game. This should be a dandy of a game. Both teams have a lot to prove.

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

Oilers 2012 Draft Watch "Nick Ebert"

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 #7 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.

Pos: D

HT:6'1 ft
WT:195lbs

Born: Livingston, NJ 

2009/10  BlackHawks USHL Games 53 G 6   A 12 PTS 18
2010/11  Spitfires      WHL  Games 64 G 11 A 30 PTS 41
2011/12  Spitfires      WHL  Games 29 G 0   A 12 PTS 12


Nick Ebert has taken his game to a whole new level in the last few years. Ebert's career really started taking off, playing in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks at the age of 15, a remarkable feat, and now he's taken his talents to the OHL, playing his second season with the Windsor Spitfires. He was lighting up the New Jersey high school circuit just a couple of years ago, once scoring two shorthanded goals on the same penalty-kill.

Ebert's grew up with hockey idols who include Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings, and one of his all-time favourites is former Devil, Scott Stevens. Scouts believe that Ebert can be a similar player to Johnson, maybe even a bit better.


Ebert is working on, getting stronger, a great two-way defenseman who certainly isn’t afraid to get involved in the physical side of the game.His decision-making on the ice is one area he will need to develop better should he hope to be drafted higher but he has already made great strides in that area so far this season.
He has the skills to play pro hockey for a long time, but some scouts worry that because he tends to turn the puck over, and doesn’t always make the smartest passes, Ebert might have difficulty adjusting to the next level.


Ebert first skated at around three years of age, and was playing full-equipment hockey at the age of four, playing up a year in age every season he played travel hockey.  Don’t expect him to play in the NHL next season (it’s very unlikely right now), so it is possible that Ebert could be wearing a “C” on the front of his jersey for the Spitfires in 2012-2013.

Fight

Interview

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

Game Day "Wild"

The question I have for tonight is "How many goals will the Oilers be able to get past the Wild goaltenders"? I have a self serving motive however, 'I will be at the game'.

With Hall out of the lineup it does look different. He is a emotional leader on the ice with his play and not only brings the fans to their feet but also serves as a motivation to his teammates. It will be a solid test tonight as the Wild will be looking for some pay back after the man handling they took just last week back in Minnesota.

I believe the Predators game was in hand, and the bogus call on Ryan Jones changed the complexity of the game. It took away the emotion and charge that was created up to that point, not to mention the fight back (hard hitting) that Jones had after just being hit himself. How can a team play effective worried they will get called for penalties for clean solid hits like that? I know I hear people say our players are to small to play a hard hitting game. Yeah, we are not the Dallas Stars but didn't RNH knock Morrow out a few games just the other week with a solid return hit? If little RNH (in weight) can play a solid game and return checks, why can't the whole team? I don't mean running around hitting guys, I mean playing a solid game and returning checks and finishing checks when needed or able.

It is up to this team to show their home fans what they are truly made of. This team has enough top end forward talent and decent top 4 defenceman to come out of this game with yet another win. The question remains, "Are the Edmonton Oilers for real? Or were they catching a early break on the teams in the early goings of the season?"

Looks like Sam Gagner gets a sneak peek on the second line with Hemsky and Horcoff. Find it odd that Paajarvi got a one game look and unlike Rob Brown and a few other MSM, I did not feel Magnus had a bad game. In fact the play died more often on the stick of Hemsky and Horcoff. To me Magnus was the one creating early on, as the game wore on, the entire team starting looking weak everywhere.

 Yes, Magnus needs to do something more, but truth is, his linemates did nothing to help him against the Predators. In the meanwhile, Gagner will get a go. I like Gagner, but this guy has been given chance after chance and even when he gives up the puck, rarely do I hear the coaches analyzing his game in the media like some others. Horcoff, Hemsky, Gagner and Gilbert seem to escape the wrath of the coaching staff and management often. Not saying I am displeased with Gilbert or Horcoff this year, but the other two have not shown me anything to say they look to be a big part of the future of the Edmonton Oilers.

Go Oilers!

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/TSN

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 30th/11

1.The PP has been struggling as of late but can't see them not getting a breakthrough tonight. The Oilers score on the PP.

2. Expecting to see the winning to begin again starting tonight. Big Oilers win!

3. Smyth has slowed as of late, but time to see his name back on the scoresheet with a point tonight

4. Teubert has been looking better each game. I am really liking him in a 6 or 7 defencemen role. His icetime has slowly improved depending on the tightness of the game. Teubert with 14plus mins tonight.

5. While the Oilers may not be winning lots of games they are doing decent on defence with goals allowed. Expect to see a max of 3 goals against tonight.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 54 for 100 = 54%)

Tough night for the team against the Predators but hoping we see some goals being racked up by a high flying Oilers team tonight!

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 "Predators"

Don't know how long Hall will be out of the line up, but to say there is no worries in Oil Country would be far stretched. All Oil fans are hoping for a quick recovery for Taylor Hall. In the meantime, there will be a new left wing playing with Horcoff. Chances are high they will elevate Jones into that position, but for my money and thinking I would think it has to be Paajarvi. The way they are handling Magnus to this point has been a shame and will not reap any rewards at this current rate of ice time and linemates. If Paajarvi is to break out he needs the ice time and less then 11 minutes a game just wont do while playing mostly 4th line and spotted time on 3rd. Use him on the point instead of Belanger on the second unit PP as well. If the team is not going to play him in Hall's spot now, when will they play him more? I say, stop messing around and assign him to OKC for some high playing time minutes.

Horcoff has been really earning his stripes this year and other then the occasional give away he has every other game, his game has vastly improved. What I don't get is all the praise the MSM gives to Shawn regarding his FO%. I will be writing a follow up blog on the Oilers and FO% again but in the meantime I would like to see Horcoff more consistent in the FO dot. Maybe it's the amount of overall ice time that is hurting his % as the season wears on. He does play top line minutes and is on the 1st unit PP and 2nd unit PK. More then he needs in this bloggers opinion.

While some fans may be feeling pretty good about a win against the Predators tonight at home, remember they will look to rectify what happened last time out against us and Hall will not be out there to run havoc on their defence either. This game needs Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins to take over this game and bring Rexall to their feet.

Go Oilers! Go Oilers!

My predictions for today's game at Rexall Place

Gametime 7:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 28th/11

1.This is a pretty potent PP the Oilers have so can't see them going back to back games without a goal on it. PP goal or 2 tonight.

2. The Oilers will hold the Predators to within 3 goals max tonight

3. 'Nuge' shut out again tonight, and at home? I don't think so, Nugent-Hopkins will get back onto the scoresheet tonight, especially knowing a win is needed to prevent another loss at this time.

4. Ryan Whitney will continue to see min 19 minutes of ice time tonight. He did look dog tired last game and made a couple mistakes but soon he will be rounding into form. Good luck Whitney!

5. The Oilers may have lost the battle last game but they won't lose this war for a playoff spot. Even without Hall tonight they will find a way to win tonight.

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 51 for 95 = 53.6%)

tough night on my predictions but nonetheless, I still am sitting above the 50% mark. Was not a good game for the 'Nuge' or Eberle and the goaltending lacked anything special other then a nice save here or there. Look to get back into the winning ways tonight.

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 "Avalanche"

Tonight, or should I say in the late afternoon (5pm Edmonton time) our beloved Edmonton Oilers take to the ice against the Avalanche of Colorado. Coming off a fresh victory on Friday afternoon against the Wild in which they "Reversed the Curse", this game will be a test of fortitude.

While this team is really starting to find it's offensive stride, it is also still learning how to handle the ups and downs of NHL hockey. Today's game will be a great game to see just how focused the Oilers can be after a great big win in Minnesota. It's easy to ride the big momentum but what happens if a few bad bounces go against you? Or what if the goaltender is struggling or some bad mental errors happen and a giveaway turns into a quick couple goals?  Maybe the Oilers can score a couple goals themselves to get back into the game but will they have enough to come back and stake a claim into a win?

All these questions and still not enough answers as of yet. On the other hand, the Oilers have started to show signs of growth and maturity. While they did try to force the puck a couple times against the Wild, they for the most part, took what was given and tried to make the most of each opportunity. That patience paid off and then the Wild had to open the game up more and the Oilers had them playing into their own game. Speaking of patience, are you not amazed at how well Jordon Eberle is playing as I am? Yes, I knew he was good, but this point pace he is on, is unreal compared to what he showed last season. While Jordon is not a player who can take over a game on his own, he definitely is one of the best complimentary players in the league.

Not only will the Oilers have to be careful not to be over confident but they are facing a team who did dominate the ice last time in Colorado and if not for the Oilers goaltender, it would have been a loss. Also, the Avalanche will be fighting hard for a win on home ice as that has really been their downfall this season to date.

Nice to have another game earlier in the day as opposed to the Saturday late night game they so often play. With our top two lines rolling, decent goaltending and a good developing core of defencemen, I see a strong chance of the Oilers coming back to Edmonton in a real good position.

"Go Oilers!"

My predictions for today's game in Colorado

Gametime 5:00pm CHED630am/CBC

REV'S Edmonton Oiler

Gameday Predictions Nov 26th/11

1.The PP has been a heaven sent sign of the change of tides in Edmonton. With so many offensive weapons in their arsenal, I expect another goal tonight to be scored on the PP

2. The Oilers have a prime chance to return back to Edmonton, sitting real pretty. Renney and his staff has really been doing a good job keeping these guys focused and working within a system. Another Oilers win tonight is looking good.

3. Well, it's HNIC and we all know the story of RNH and HNIC. He has excelled in those games and can't see why that can not continue tonight. RNH continues to put up points and tonight I suspect he will have a min of a 2 point night. (predictions getting even more courageous huh?)

4. Ryan Whitney was brought along nicely in second pairing minutes and will probably see a slight increase in mins if all goes well. Time to see Whitney hit min 18 minutes ice time tonight.

5. The Oilers FO was a atrocious 28.8% as a team  against the Wild and can't continue. Tonight there will be some changes to that and as a team will win the overall team FO%

(EV'S PREDICTIONS TO DATE: 49 for 90 = 54.4%)

wow! Went 5 for 5 on the predictions in that Wild game. Talk about reversing the curse. Hope to see those predictions above hold true for tonight as well. Next goal would be to see my predictions be at 60% or better.

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)

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