Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Put Up Your Dukes #1 (Gagner/Schremp)



Welcome to Put Up Your Dukes.  This is a segment where we have a verbal fight about whatever floats our boats.  Today we fight about Gagner and Schremp.

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Round 1

GAGNER ON THE 4TH LINE

Smokin' Ray Burnt - Hey Guy. Not sure if you know, but Gagner is on the 4th line to start the season. *sends text*

Paq Twinn - It is what it is, but I don't like Gags playing with some less talented guys like that.  That is Bullsh*t  in my opinion. Being demoted to the 3rd line would have been sufficient enough.  But this is nuts.

SRB - Yeah, but I thought that the 3rd line was more of a 1c, not an actual 3rd line.  The more I think of it, I'm cool with Gagner on the 4th line.  You get what you give.  So far this year... that's not much.

PT - For the record, I'm not cool with it.  Gags needs someone else on a line with him and it doesn't matter if it's the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th line.  He needs someone with skill to play with.  What good is it doing him playing with Stortini and Moreau?

SRB - I agree to a point.  But there is a real answer to this problem.  Be better Gagner.  Be better and this wouldn't be an issue right now.  It's his fault.  Although, I bet this lasts only two games tops and he'll be back with Penner and Cogs where he belongs.

PT - I don't know man.  If this was the plan all along, then letting Schremp go was a mistake.  The Captain should have been put on waivers.  But I doubt anyone would take him. *shakes head in disgust*  How is he supposed to succeed playing with Moreau and Stortini?  Hey, maybe Storts will score more than Gags this year?  I reckon Quinn and Co. just made their 1st mistake.

SRB - You doubt the Mighty Quinn?  Pfft.  But I'm with you on Moreau.  Not sure why Nilsson isn't getting a shot with Gagner/Stortini.  Four lines of cream puffs and a side of crust.  Wait a minute.  Did you mention Schremp?  Time for round 2.  Ding, ding!

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Round 2

THE SCHREMP DEBATE

Paq Twinn - So long Schremp, if it was up to me you'd have gotten your chance here two years ago. Good luck in your home state.

Graham Martin - The thing is I don't think that he ever deserved a chance to crack the lineup in any of his years at training camp except maybe this year, and that is another reason (previous conversation) why I didn't like the Comrie signing cause I thought it spelt the end for Schremp. And if you don't show up in camp, you can't make the team, it is that simple.

PT - I agree that he didn't show enough in camp to make the teams past, I just think he should have got more then 7 games in the time he was here. He should have got 7 consecutive games, the year he got 76 points in Springfield, to show something. I just think the Oilers/MacT didn't give him a fair chance, especially when scoring was so sorely needed.

GM - Again, I have to go back to the whole defense thing (another previous conversation), and if you don't play it in the NHL, you are a serious liability. and after watching two of his preseason games, he is absolutely awful without the puck.

PT - I can't disagree with that, but you could possibly counter balance he liabilities by playing him with more defensively aware linemates. MacT just couldn't think outside of the box, or box+1, or diamond etc. he was too single minded as a coach. That's why Reddox and Peterson got so much ice time, just because they knew where to be without the puck. We had way too many players that knew what to do without the puck and not enough that knew what to do with the puck.

Smokin' Ray Burnt - *shows up late to the party*  On one hand, Graham is right. A guy needs to play defense first in order to be good in this league. Schremp can't do that.

However... Last year when Schremp had 3 points in 3 games (the 4th game doesn't count because he sat on the bench the whole game), How much better does a guy have to be? That's a point per game. That alone should have given him a better chance with the Oilers. But MacT wouldn't have any of that. Instead, Schremp goes back down and MacT rode the Red Ox for all he's worth.  Schremp and Nilsson were dynamite together in the AHL. Why were these two not paired together in the NHL?

SRB - On a side note: Dan Barnes said that Schremp's Dad sells Schremp Dogs outside the arena in Rochester. Too friggin' funny. Hmmm.. A hot dog player and a hot dog seller. #theworldisgettingmuchclearer

GM - You can put him with defensive minded players, but that takes away from his offensive flair. he needed to be with other scorers. But I do agree with last year, I thought he was better and deserved more games. But without the puck he has no idea what to do.

PT - Hypothetically I would have put him with Smyth and Horcoff back in the day, and put Hemsky with Stoll and Torres. I don't think they (94+10) would have stifled his offense and they could help out defensively. Hemsky would have still been with capable if not equal talents. The more I think about it, MacT was a bad coach, he couldn't even get the best line-up out there never mind getting the best out of HIS line-up. Could of had a 1a and 1b two to three years ago.

SRB - What? Hypothetically, I have no idea what your talking about. Are we still talking about Schremp? This year or then? What?

Way to wreck a good conversation Paq. *walks off into sunset shaking head*

GM -Hahahahahahah. agreed! *rides off on his Harley with a chick on the back*

PT - I never once made any references to this year. I was always talking about past blunders. My whole focus was Schremp and that we never gave him a chance.  This year hasn't officially begun, so I could have only really ever been talking about past years. We don't have the same kind of team now that we had then. I guess my point is that today's waiving and subsequent loss of Rob Schremp could have been avoided if he was given half a chance, with players that would work, when we had said players. But if you guys can't follow me I'll try not to confuse you anymore, besides what's done is done and ain't no amount of debating chances and abilities is going to change it.

I guess we'll disagree to disagree on this one. Guys?  *just realizes no one is here anymore*

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Do you want in on this "secret" meeting?  We have them all the time and we could use more than two rounds.  Be friends with me on facebook and join the fun.  www.facebook.com/smokinrayburnt

No More BS. Gagner's on the 4th Line.


You read the title right.  According to Jason Gregor of OilersNation.com,  Gagner is on the 4th line to start the season.  Wow!  Quinn means business here.  Gone is the MacT reign and gone is the "that's ok, you can do it" attitude that we had the last few years.   I am a little stunned that Quinn is doing this, yet very happy about it.

Here is the projected lineup for the 1st game of the year against the fLames on Saturday.

Jacques — Horcoff — Hemsky
O’Sullivan — Comrie — Stone
Penner — Brule — Cogliano
Moreau — Gagner — Stortini

Gagner had two years to do whatever he wants and now it's Quinn's time.  He's in charge around here and he's letting everyone know it. 

He's made it known that Pisani and Moreau were on the bubble in training camp.  He's expressed his displeasure of the way the vets "handle" this team.  And now he's making sure guys like Gagner take this year seriously. 

Way to go Quinn.  I'm liking the cut of your jib.  You might just be a Jib Cutter after all.

Oh yeah... Rob Schremp is an Islander.  Like you didn't know already. #idontknowhowimsupposedtofeel

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Beers and Jeers #64 (Sept 27/09 vs. Vancouver Canucks)



It's funny I was reading various NHL stories today and I came across a story about the Oilers and the Preds maybe making a trade.  I threw out Jordan Tootoo maybe coming to Edmonton, while no one else has that I know of. I read a story about it (HERE) and it says it had good local sources that said it.  Could it be that I'm that source? *gasp while doubting it*

JF Jacques and Dustin Penner have been two out of three of the biggest surprises of the pre-season.  (Comrie being the 3rd.)  I've never been a fan of either one, but I'm starting to be now.  They have been very impressive.  Can they hold up for 82 games and then some?  How long does Jacques stay on the #1 line?  Can he score 20 goals?  Can Penner stay skinny?

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
Penner Comrie O'Sullivan
MacIntyre Gagner Cogliano (Reddox replaced Big Mac after one shift)
Reddox Brule Stortini

Souray Staios
Smid Gilbert
Strudwick Visnovsky

Khabibulin
Deslauriers

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FINAL SCORE

Vancouver Canucks - 4
Edmonton Oilers - 5   OT

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Bad Timing Penalty™

none

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BEERS

Mike Comrie - The mini Brick had two goals and was a +1.  He keeps playing well with O'Sullivan and continues to surprise the Oiler faithful.  I still keep thinking it's some crazy screwed up dream that he's back as an Oiler.  *deja vu*  Does little Mikey want a beer?  Of course he does.  Cheers!

JF Jacques - A goal and an assist and another solid performance on the 1st line.  This guy is unreal.  I think that he can do well this year as long as his previous injuries don't comeback to haunt him.  He was awarded 1st star tonight.  For tonight's excellent performance... a cold frosty Bud.  Cheers!

Ales Hemsky - 7 shots and 2 assists tonight for Hemmer.  This was his best game by far this pre-season.  About time I might add.  I was wondering when he was going to show up.  He just needed to wait until the last game I suppose.  How about a nice Harold traditional Czech lager?  Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - +3 and an assist.  This guy also needed to have a solid game tonight.  And he did.  He made a sweet 4 moves before he slid the puck over to Comrie for an easy tap in.  Over 23 minutes of ice time showed that Quinn and Co. have faith in him.  We will need Lubo if the Oilers are going to be great this year.  How about a cold beer for Lubo?  Cheers!

Shawn Horcoff - Scored a goal and an assist and was pretty solid.  Nice to see him and Hemmer meshing with Jacques.  This may be a good year for Horcoff as it seems like the coaches are not going to skate his bag off.  Solid game Horc.  Beer?  Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Gilbert Brule (He had an assist on the GWG and had a great fight.  Limited minutes, but a very solid night.), Sam Gagner (The little guy was pretty good.), Dustin Penner (Also pretty good tonight (1 assist).  Most consistent in pre-season.), Ladislav Smid (played very good tonight.  Ended up +2.), Andrew Cogliano (Seems to like to play with Gagner.  It is showing.), Tom Gilbert (Scores the winning goal and was excellent all game.)

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JEERS

Nikolai Khabibulin - He had a real off start to this game.  He seemed really slow and kind of out off it.  He did play a little better as the game went on, but man he's starting to scare me.  4 years Tambo?!?  I'm hoping I wrong because I was fired up about the signing when it happened, but I might be getting buyers remorse.  For a pretty crappy game tonight... Booooooooo!

Sheldon Souray / Steve Staios - It's strange.  These guys suit each other in the styles that they play, but man do they suck as a pairing.  That was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.  They were the only Oilers that ended the game with a minus rating.  If I was Quinn, I would reconsider keeping these two together.  For a stinky game.... Booooooooo!

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GOAT WATCH

Ethan Moreau - Did not play.

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Well a good game for the most part.  Lots of action and thank god the Oilers pulled off the win.  The Canucks sure seemed hell bent to beat us.  But the boys pull out a stellar/lucky win.  Some jobs were secured in this game and some were lost.  As of this writing, Devan Dubnyk, Kip Brennan, Rob Schremp, Taylor Chorney and Jordan Eberle have all been cut from the Oilers.  Eberle naturally is going back to Junior and Schremp is going on waivers.  Good luck to Rob in the future as I'm sure that some team will pick him up.  ~He will no doubt turn into a star and we will have to debate it for the next 10 years.~ 

This may have been Big mac's final game as an Oiler.  :(   I've liked him from day one.  His story is awesome and one that I was glad to watch for the past year or so.  Thanks for the memories big guy. *once again I hope I'm wrong and he sticks with the big club*

Ok... next up is the regular season.  Who excited now?  *hand up*

Friday, September 25, 2009

Guest Column at An Oilers Refinery (Bad Songs, Theme Music & Getting Sued)



Thanks to Raventalon40 (Anthony Ta) over at An Oilers Refinery for asking me to contribute over on their site.  I wrote a column about Bad Songs, Theme Music & Getting Sued.  I was a pleasure to branch out a little and I'd do it again.  I'm going to promise to write at least once a month over at AOR.  I always look forward to sling some crazy talk out there and see what kind of rise I can get.  I love opinions... everyone has one. 




So go to An Oilers Refinery and read the posts there.  Excellent people there.  And it's a great site.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Beers and Jeers #63 (Sept 24/09 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning)



After a disappointing last two games, the Oilers tun it up here and actually played a good game.  There was so many bright spots and a little low spots.  Pat Quinn has his job cut out for him.  This isn't some make a change and POOF, Stanley Cup Champion.  Faceoffs are killing this team in the pre-season and I don't see it changing. 

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Moreau — Gagner — Cogliano
Penner — Schremp — Eberle
Nilsson — Brule — Stone
MacIntyre — Reddox — Stortini

Grebeshkov — Staios
Chorney — Gilbert
Smid — Visnovsky

Deslauriers and Dubnyk

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FINAL SCORE
 
Edmonton Oilers - 3
Tampa Bay Lightning - 4  OT
 
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Bad Timing Penalty™
 
Steve Staios - What kind of a leader checks a guy from behind in front of his own net and the play is already headed back the Oilers way?  Steady Steve, that's who.  Good god man.  The Lightning get a PP chance with 10 seconds left in overtime. To top it off, the ensuing faceoff was located in the Oilers zone.  Faceoff win by the TBL and wham boom!  Game over on a St. Louis goal.  ~Atta boy Steve.~
 
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BEERS
 
Andrew Cogliano - The kid was flying on the wing.  He seemed pretty happy to be with Gagner again and it showed.  It was nice to see that pairing passing and skating together.  It was nice to see them "find" each other.  For awhile there, the Kid line was back together one last time (maybe not?!?). Even Nilsson looked good with them and he hasn't been great at all.  Seeing the three kids again made a little sad that that may never happen again.  But for tonight's hard working effort... have a cold one on me Cogs.  Cheers! 
 
Gilbert Brule - He wasn't flashy at all but he played a heck of a game.  He was solid in his own end and did manage to have some chances on the rush.  I was surprised to see him play like this.  Good to see "some" players still want to "make the team."  I think ol' Gil deserves a frosty for the effort.  Cheers!
 
Dustin Penner - The Flying Fridge no more.  He was finishing checks and playing his butt off.  It was nice to hear Quinn say before the game that he was one of his better players so far in the pre-season.  That's a huge compliment for a guy that was the coaches toilet paper last season.  For another solid game... a super sized beer for a super sized effort.  Cheers!
 
Tom Gilbert - He was definitely the best of the worst of the Oilers defence crew.  He managed to play better than the rest of them and was used often.  He really needs to find his groove in order to get the job done.  However, I do like Gilbert.  Well enough to sling a beer his way.  Cheers!
 
Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (He didn't do any game breaking stuff, but played well.), Sam Gagner (He was great with Cogliano.  He played real well.  His passes were perfect.), Rob Schremp (He started off not so good but by the middle of the 2nd he was making plays on 5 on 5 and finished game more at the level Quinn wants.  Was this the last game for #88 as an Oiler?), Jordan Eberle (The young rookie battled hard and in return gains more of the coaches respect.), Robert Nilsson (Maybe just a little too late for him?  He was good tonight.)
 
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JEERS
 
Lubomir Visnovsky - The worst of the worst.  He's slow and useless.  He's not making smart plays.  Maybe I was wrong when I said he was good a few games ago.  Maybe I forgot how good he really can be.  Common sense would say he's not in shape.  If he wants to start the year as the 5th or 6th guy, keep playing like that.  Booooooo!
 
Denis Grebeshkov - The second worst of the worst.  Pretty much the same as Visnovsky, but worse giveaways.  Grebs had some very sloppy play tonight.  Losing the puck at the worst time (not like there is a good time), getting caught up ice pinching and his overall defensive game was terrible.  I sure hope that someone other than Souray is going to step up and help this team win some games.  Get better Grebs...  in a hurry.  Booooooo!
 
Steve Staios - I just think he's past his prime and if there is anyway to make a trade for him I'd take it.  He was a big ball of stinky tonight.  He just plain sucked... that is all.  Boooooo!
 
Honorable Mentions: Ethan Moreau (Did he even play tonight?  How do you spell invisible?), Zack Stortini (Did nothing), Ryan Stone (He clearly won't make the team.  Not an NHLer.)
 
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Who Should Be The Next To Be Sent Down?
 
Ryan Stone, Rob Schremp Marc Pouliot and Kip Brennan
 
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THE GOAT WATCH™
 
Ethan Moreau - He stunk.  I think I picked the right guy.  Need I say more?
 
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What an emotion filled game.  This team is like picking pedals off a flower.  We love them, we love them not.  Once again, we love them.  Until next time...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Beers and Jeers #62 (Sept. 23/09 vs. Calgary Flames)



Well this was one crappy game by the the Oilers.  Terrible.  Let's just get right to it because there isn't much good to say.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Jacques Horcoff Hemsky
O'Sullivan Comrie Stone
Moreau Cogliano Brennan
Penner Brule Nilsson

Souray Gilbert
Visnovsky Grebeshkov
Smid Strudwick

Khabibulin
Deslauriers (Played the 3rd)

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FINAL SCORE

Calgary Flames - 5
Edmonton Oilers - 3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

see Jeers below

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BEERS

Dustin Penner - It's hard to say fat jokes about him anymore because he really does look slimmed down and his foot speed has definitely improved because of it.  Tonight he was havoc in front of the net and managed a goal and an assist for the efforts.  Everyone called him out to be better this year, and I really think he's trying to be.  Good on him.  Frosty cold beer Slim? Cheers!

JF Jacques - The man was trying hard tonight.  That's the kind of stuff Quinn looks for.  He scores a lucky goal and the best part of all... He landed one solid punch to Regehr and knock him silly in a quick but sweet fight.  With a punch and an effort like that, I guessing he gets a spot on this years team.  How about a 40oz of Big Bear for a big dude?  Cheers!

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JEERS

The Entire Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club - Wow!  What a crap ass game that was.  How embarrassing on your own turf.  *shakes head*  Where is the guys that need to make this team?  Ok, let's take a look at what went wrong.

Glencross scores on the first shot of the game.  Not exactly a great start.  Sure the Oilers score to tie it up, but how do expect to get ahead if Grebs and Horcoff are sitting in the box?  You don't, unless you kill it off.  (Hmmmm.... You could probably count Horcoff's penalty a BTP™.)  They did kill it off and dug up some momentum and Jacques scores.  Sweet!  A 2-1 game.

If this game was a mountain, this would be the peak for the Oilers because it's all downhill from here.  Brennan takes a goalie interference and Souray takes one of his two BTP's™ of the night.  This time the Flames score and the game is tied at 2.  The Oilers defense is playing absolutely terrible.  Every single one of them.  Quinn must have been flipping out. 

Then they start off the 2nd period on the PK and then on to the PP where you would think that they would score.  Nope.  Glencross does.  A shorthanded goal is a nice way to let the Flames have a 3-2 lead.  Then Big Bad Brennan drops the gloves.  Yeah... not so impressive.  I can't see how this guy sticks on the team and pushes Big Mac out.  I just don't see it.  Shortly after that the Flames score once again to make it 4-2.  COME ON OILERS!  Where's the effort tonight?  That is when Jacques nails a Flame player (seemed a little cheap to me) and Regehr came to help/stick up for him.  Jacques kills him with one solid punch and it's over.  JFJ gets the extra two for boarding on the initial play so he's  gone for 7 minutes.  Souray goes and takes another BTP™ and literally hands the Flames a 5 on 3.  Again.  Geez.  *shakes fist*

Deslauriers comes out to start the 3rd for the Oilers.  Oddly enough, Quinn reports after the game that Khabibulin was dehydrated and that's why he didn't came back after two periods of play.  Comrie does score on the PP a little later (13:12) on in the 3rd to make it a little closer to 4-3.  As the classic MacT Oilers always did, they showed up a little too late.  Flames snuff out the Oilers by making it 5-3 and it's bragging rights to the fLames.  Geez *shakes head*  I don't understand why Quinn put out the 12 67 18 43 5 line after scoring to make it 4-3.  Call a timeout.  Double up Hemsky and Horcoff. Anything but those guys.

Once again the fans ask, where was Hemsky?  Did he play tonight?  I didn't see him.  Was Moreau kicking people's asses?  He wasn't?  Was he benched?  No?  Wow.  ~What great leaders we have.~  That was a sad display of a team. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Until next time...

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Beers and Jeers #61 (Sept 20/09 vs. New York Islanders)


As you can see, I have made some changes to the site. I hope they are for the better. But you never know until you do it. I was acquiring to much content to stay at one column and made the change to two. I'm sure you will see some more changes in the future.

Saskatoon huh? Why Saskatoon? I'm sure there is a good reason for it, but it makes no sense to me. The Islanders are the home team on paper, but the crowd is an Oiler crowd. Again, makes no sense. But what do I know?

Lubomir Visnovsky is back in the lineup and is ready to go. Need I say more? Welcome back #71, it's been too long.

If I'm Chris Minard, I would ask management to switch my number 39 so Mike Comrie can take it. It's been stated publicly that he wanted that number. Why wait till he's sent down? Or am I just over reacting? Speaking of numbers, how did Dean Arsene get #8? Is he really going to play with the Oilers this year? Probably not.

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Tonight's Starting Lines

Stone-Comrie-O'Sullivan
Jacques-Potulny-Eberle
Pisani-Kytnar-Stortini
Minard-Pouliot-MacIntyre

Chorney-Visnovsky
Arsene-Grebeshkov
Strudwick-Plante
Dubynk
Deslauriers (didn't play)

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FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1
New York Islanders -3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

None that mattered

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Game Summary

Stat Sheet


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BEERS

Jordan Eberle - I sure do like this kid. Half of me wants to see him stay and the other half knows it's for the best that he goes back to junior. I just love the way he tries hard no matter what. I like the cut of his jib. That's the kind of heart this team needs. Next year is going to be sweet to be an Oiler fan. Time for a cold one Eazy E? Cheers!

Patrick O'Sullivan - He tried hard and scored the Oilers only goal. Not really his best game at all, but worthy enough to get a beer. Quick chug this and leave. Cheers!

Lubomir Visnovsky - He played pretty solid for his 1st game back. He didn't look out of place at all, except for the 1st period. It sure was nice to see him speed around again. He was the best Oiler on the ice. Feel like a cold beer? Cheers!

Steve MacIntyre - He had a heck of a fight with Joel Rechlicz. They battled the last time they played each other and it was expected that they would go again. They didn't disappoint. Big Mac killed him for the 1st half of the fight landing some huge bombs. But Rechlicz caught a second wind and started to make a comeback landing his own big bombs. By the end of the fight they were so exhausted that the refs stepped in to stop it. Definitely worthy of a frosty beer. Cheers!

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Chorney (If not for Strudwick, I'd bet that spot would be for this guy.) Dean Arsene (Where did this guy come from? He's a pretty reliable player. Not many mistakes.)

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JEERS

The Entire Team - That's two games in a row where the Oilers players don't look like they want to make the team this year. There are a few exceptions. But as a whole, Quinn can't be happy with these last two games. I'm sure more cuts will be made tomorrow. Two losses in a row. Booooooo!

Marc Pouliot - His time is up. He isn't worth keeping around anymore. His lazy way to play hockey and gentle giant hitting style has cost him a spot on this team this year. Take Schremp with you. Booooooo!

Chris Minard - This guy just doesn't belong here in the NHL. Why is he not in the minors with the rest yet? Booooooooo!

Fernando Pisani - This isn't so much of a jeer, as it's more of a "what the hell man?" I still have not seen the Pisani that we have all grown to love yet in this pre-season. He has been non-noticeable and floating around. Guys like Stone are playing/trying better than you. You can't tell me Quinn doesn't notice. You better get going. Boooooo!

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From This Game, Who Should Go Down Next?

#39 Christopher Minard (Not NHL quality yet) & #64 Milan Kytnar (Not ready yet. Was rocked a few times)

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This arena had the best music that I've heard so far in pre-season and it's a junior arena. Take notice Oilers. It's refreshing. They played some Metallica which was cool. I even heard some cowbells in the crowd. That's how you know your in Saskatchewan, cowbells ringing.

Even Rod Phillips was getting frustrated during the 2nd period after watching the Oilers get worked over by the Islanders. "They couldn't make a play to save their lives." He talked about how crappy Chris Minard was playing. Referring to the team he says, "This is pretty disappointing." I couldn't have agreed more with Mr. Phillips. The Oilers were stinking it up and looked like an AHL team that didn't even belong in the AHL. They did score right after that outburst by Phillips though. Maybe he helped? ; ) Expect better next game. Right Quinn? Right?

Until next time...

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Beers and Jeers #60 (Sept 19/09 vs. Vancouver Canucks)


First off, it's going to be nice to see Brad Lukowich a little more this season (traded to Canucks in the summer) as he has spent a lot of his career in the east. I've known him since Jr. High in Cranbrook and he's a real good person. Never in a million years did I think that he would be in the NHL, never mind winning the cup twice (lucky bugger). But when it's game time vs. the Oilers, he's a piece of trash. ; )


This game was real dry and not very exciting. At times it was painful to watch. There was no fights or hatred on the ice which is weird for a Canucks/Oiler game. I'm sure Quinn wasn't impressed. But going up against Luongo is always going to be difficult. Tonight wasn't any different. He was good. But so was Deslauriers. They had a good goalie duel. Unfortunately, Vancouver came out on top. Damn you Canucks!

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Edmonton Oilers Starting Lineup

Brule— Gagner — Hemsky

Penner — Cogliano — Eberle

Moreau — Pouliot — Nilsson

McDonald — Reddox — MacIntyre

------
Smid — Souray

Motin — Grebeshkov

Taylor — Young

------
Deslauriers

Dubynk

---------------------

FINAL SCORE

Edmonton Oilers - 1

Vancouver Canucks - 3

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Bad Timing Penalty™

Robert Nilsson - Not only did he take a penalty in the 1st period, which the Canucks scored on to start the game off, he took the BTP™ at 7:27 of the 3rd period. The game was in a lull and either team needed some kind of spark to get going. Nilsson goes for tripping and the crowd really gets into the PP. The Canucks can't score but the crowd is involved and loud. A minute and change after the penalty expires, the Canucks ride the crowd momentum and score to make it 2-1. Crap!

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----------------------

BEERS

Sheldon Souray - Big Sexy does it again. He blasted a beauty past Luongo in the 1st period with 6 seconds left in the frame. He played good tonight. He led the team with 25:45 and didn't look winded. The man is a leader. For doing you best Souray... Have a frosty beer. Cheers!

Jeff Deslauriers - After watching Dubynk play so far, I sort of dismissed JDD as the future of the Oiler goalies. But tonight he was rock solid. He covered the net well and did a good job at controlling his rebounds. The Oilers are going to have a tough decision ahead of them next year. I'm glad I don't have to pick. For a standout game tonight... It's (insert french beer) time. Cheers!

Ladislav Smid - The Spaz sure has changed since last season. He seemed calm and cool out there. He seems confidant in his playing ability. He's the one guy who I have waited to screw up and he hasn't. he's been good. He logged 25:39 of ice time and made a good partner for Souray. Your effort was beer worthy Mr. Smid. Can or Bottle? Oh... Big Bear. Cheers!

Honorable Mention - Johan Motin (He played well again. I can't believe he's only 19.), Jordan Eberle (He sure makes it look easy. He has been good.)

----------------------

JEERS

Robert Nilsson - See the BTP™ section above. Nilsson was at fault for this loss. He seems to be playing himself out of a job with the Oilers. Sadly... I don't really care anymore. Boooooooo!

Marc Pouliot - Another guy who needs to shine and doesn't. Ending the night at +1 isn't good enough. Where's the desperation? Where's the fire? The lack of desire to be in the NHL is enough to drive a guy like me mad. Boooooooo!

Gilbert Brule - He wasn't all that bad. It's pretty clear that he suits a more 3rd/4th line type role. I just don't see him as a top six guy. Oh well... accept what you are and develop it. If you want to be in the NHL that is. Booooooo!

The Entire Team - You guys were stuck in a medium pace for the entire game. What a boring game to watch. I was really expecting some more guys trying their butts off to win a job. I guess I was expecting to much. *gasp* I bet the next squad will be fired up after watching that crappy game. Boooooo!

Honorable Mentions - Ales Hemsky (Needs to be better. Maybe he misses Horcoff?), Sam Gagner (Not meshing with Hemsky at all.), Ethan Moreau (Nothing more than a fourth line player now.)

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Who Should Get Sent Down Next?

#57 Colin MacDonald, #81 Jake Taylor, #28 Brian Young

----------------------

Oh well... new game tomorrow. Let's Go Oilers!!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Beers and Jeers #59 (Sept. 18/09 vs. Florida Panthers)


Pre Season game #3. Woooooo! It's not like I'm fired up for PS. I just like to see the guys that we never get to see play play. Who is this Miroslav Laso you wonder? He fast and skilled. Is Robbie Schremp ready for the jump? No. Is Penner really that fast now? Yes. We wouldn't know any of this if the NHL didn't provide us Internet access to the games. I/We thank them for that. Plus it's made my hockey season start a little early. : )
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I really like the scoreboard view of the game on the computer. I always laugh when they show stuff like the Smooch cam and it flips to two dudes sitting there. Always a gut buster. And I always seem to get a little jealous when the $18,485.00 50/50 ticket is drawn. Damn you and your winning you winners!!! *shakes fist*
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Do you ever wonder if Rod Phillips dreads calling pre season games? All these new and hard to say names. Here's Smaosjrerf over to Michakakalla. And the numbers are always strange. 86 to 53 to 79. I bet he's glad when it's all over and the Regular Season starts.
------------------------
Edmonton Oilers Starting Lineup
.
Jacques — Horcoff — Schremp
O’Sullivan — Comrie — Stone
Lazo — Brule — Linglet
Brennan — O’Marra — Stortini
.
Gilbert — Chorney
Staios — Arsene
Strudwick — Plante
.
Khabibulin and Dubnyk
------------------------
.
Final Score
.
Florida Panthers - 0
Edmonton Oilers - 4
.
------------------------
Bad Timing Penalty™
- None
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------------------------
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BEERS
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Mike Comrie - The man made good on his promise to try and win the fans' appreciation and faith back. He played his ass off tonight. He was skating and back-checking like there was no tomorrow. He assisted on every goal in this game. Plus, he fought Eric Himelfarb, four minutes into the 3rd period. The man was on a mission. I don't think that one fan walked out of that building not liking Mike Comrie. The man deserves a beer. Cheers!
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Patrick O'Sullivan - Same goes for O'Sullivan. He was dynamite tonight. The chemistry that him and Comrie have is uncanny. It's refreshing to see a guy bust his hump for this team. I guess this is why we traded Cole away for him. This guy is a real damn good player. With a goal and an assist, and 8 shots... It's Miller Time. Cheers!
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JF Jacques - I'll be honest here. I've never liked JFJ. I did tonight though. He was fierce and devastating. He created a lot of emotion and stuck up for Schremp in the 1st. He managed a goal and 5 hits. He played Pat Quinn hockey. Expect a good look for him if he keeps this up. Don't beat me up, have a beer? Cheers!
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Zack Stortini - He was on the designated 4th line with O'Marra and Brennan (Which I'm sure Brule was with the two big guys midway though the game). Storts not only went out and did his thing on the 4th line, he was also on the PK and the PP. WTF? I know... that is what I said when I seen him on the PK. But he did good. The PK he was solid and the PP he was the Penner. The whole game for him was good. Very beer worthy. Good job Zack. Cheers!
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Taylor Chorney - Is he the new Gilbert? He sure looked like him all game. He was jumping up in the play. He was pretty solid in his own end. This guy is one of my biggest surprises of Training Camp. He can play in the NHL right now. But he won't. For a great game... have a drink on me. Cheers!
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Honorable Mentions - Nikolai Khabibulin (Pulls out a shutout. Didn't face many shots but was great when he was needed.), Ryan Stone (Played really good. Good hustle. Two assists), Alex Plante (Solid D man. I can see the potential.), Tom Gilbert (Flawless but not flashy. Logged over 24 minutes of ice.), Miroslav Lazo (Fast and offensively minded. I quite liked this guy. I want to see more.)
------------------------
-----
JEERS
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Robbie Schremp - What was this guy doing tonight? After a nice 1st game, he panics tonight and plays bad. He was losing the puck and falling down. He only really looked good on the PP. Even then he looked shaky and really produced nothing. Your only screwing yourself Rob. Ding..Ding.. Last call. Boooooooo!
-----
Kip Brennan - What the hell man? Is fighting all you want to do? Get rid of this guy. With the rep he has, no one will fight him. So why waste time here? Even Big Mac tries to actually play hockey. Do we really need this guy at camp still? I don't think so. Send him on the next plane to Springfield. Booooooo!
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Shawn Horcoff - Now Horcoff wasn't stinky tonight. He was average. Just plain Jane average. He clearly looks lost without Hemsky. I'll give him the fact that Schremp sucked tonight. But really. Horcoff needs to be better on his own. The goal he did score was a pretty easy tap in that I'm sure even Schremp himself could've scored. With the Comrie/O'Sullivan show on the go, that is kinda bumping Horcoff to the #3 spot. Maybe it's for the best. But for tonight's whatever effort... Boooooo!
-----
---------------------
Well that's it folks... until tomorrow that is. See you then. GO OILERS!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Beers and Jeers #58 (Sept 16/09 vs. New York Islanders)


Well folks... the Beers & Jeers is back. It's been a long summer full of crap that we don't need to speak about anymore (READ: Heatley). It's time to move on... I'm excited.

#1 Draft pick Jon Tavares is in town with his New York Islanders. This will be the first time he wears a real NHL uniform. It's pretty cool that he's here in Edmonton for this. But they didn't bring Roli for this trip and that's too bad. I'm sure the crowd at Rexall would have liked to cheer for him one more time. Let's hope we crush these guys. Go Oilers!


--------------------


New York Islanders - 2

Edmonton Oilers - 3


--------------------
Tonight's Bad Timing Penalty™
Sheldon Souray - With :17 seconds left, he takes a Hooking penalty in the Oilers zone. The NYI don't score, but that still can't happen in the regular season. That is a excellent chance for a team to tie a game. That's pure Ethan Moreau style™. Leave it for him to do.
--------------------


BEERS

Devan Dubnyk/JDD - This is a hard choice for me. They are both solid goalies. The more I see them, the more I don't know why we took Khabibulin for 4 years. We are going to lose one of these guys next year due to waivers. Who do you keep? I call Dubynk. Beers to the both of you for tonight's win. Cheers!

Johan Motin - This is the first time I have ever seen this guy. He impressed me with his vision and smart playing. He had some minor bobbles, but overall looked close to being a NHL player someday. More or less a Honorable Mention, but still worthy of a beer. Cheers!

Sheldon Souray - Big Sexy broke the glass with his shot tonight. TWICE! That's right. Twice. By far the best Oiler on the ice tonight. He even manages to score the winning goal. If you ask me... Souray for Captain! But that's a topic for a new day. Have a frosty Big Guy. Cheers!

Jordan Eberle - He may be pushed off the puck a little too easy, but his knack for the game is evident. I'm sure he will stick around until the last cuts this year. He did way better than I expected. You can tell he's young, but mature in hockey wise. Are you even allowed to have beer? Ahh... Good game. Cheers!

Sam Gagner - He started the game off slow. By the 3rd period he found his legs. He started to want the puck more and even scored a goal and had an assist. I was thinking that the 12 89 83 line would be dynamite. But they weren't. Sam was the best one on that line and deserves a beer for the effort. Cheers!

------------------------------

JEERS

Robert Nilsson - Not what I was expecting from a guy who really needs to impress. There was no flashy moves, no shooting it up like a gangster, no real pizazz. Maybe it was just nerves playing in front of the home crowd? Either way.... Boooooo!

Liam Reddox - Here is another guy that really needs to impress for a spot. As far as I seen, he didn't. The double minor penalty was a stupid blatant attempt to hit someone. You can't reach out like he did and be called with a clean hit. Unfortunately, Meyer was cut and Reddox sat for four. A little later on, he took another penalty. Not cool either. he did manage a breakaway. A 2 on 1 with Big Mac. Reddox loses the puck and that's that. (Big Mac most likely would have not scored, but you never know.) Not a good game Liam, worst on the team. Booooooo!

Ales Hemsky - No razzle... no dazzle. Hemsky wasn't bad, he was average. The words "Average" and "Hemsky" makes no sense together if he wants to be the "guy" on this team. He did have a good scoring chance, but somehow managed to hit the goalie stick at the line. After that, he was silent. I was hoping that the moody Hemsky would have left with MacT. I guess nothing happens overnight. I would expect a different guy at the next game he plays for sure. He's better than this. Booooooo!

--------------------------

Smokin' Ray Burnt

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Official Jambalaya Predictions

Official Jambalaya Predictions

Well here we go folks. We are leaving it all out on the ice. These are our picks for this season.

Hope we are relatively close considering more moves may happen. Oh well... it's go time!





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Who's in the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Finals?
Smokin' Ray - Chicago vs. Washington
Paq Twinn - San Jose vs. Washington
--------------------------------------------------------
Last year on OilersNation.com we picked our Hero's and Goat's.

Here at OJ, we picked some for this season.

Smokin' Ray HERO Sam Gagner GOAT Ethan Moreau
Paq Twinn HERO Lubo Visnovsky GOAT Robert Nilsson
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There you have it folks. What/who are you picking?

Monday, September 7, 2009

Oilers Rookie Camp (We Were There)


Thanks to my main man, Paq Twinn, for being the eyes of Oilers Jambalaya this morning at the Oilers rookie camp.

No Pat Quinn on the ice this morning. Renney and Bucky are on the ice. Rob Daum is also there. Quinn, Tambo, Lowe and Katz are in the stands watching the practice. Lots of talking and laughing. I wonder if it was a Penner joke?

Practice: Good quick pace to the practice. Six goalies are at this session. Oilers new draft pick #30 Oliver Roy is one of the goalies on the ice.

Scrimmage time: Eberle looked real good. Real fast with great vision and scores a goal for Team White. #73, Burke Gallimore scored twice for Team Blue and made them look easy. Riley Nash also looked good. He plays smart and can hit like a train and take one too (he was rocked). The line of 73 62 87 was dynamite together as was the 64 23 14 line. They made some real slick passes. #50 Bryan Pitton is a huge goalie. He takes a lot of space away from the shooter.

Skaters:

63, ?
87, ?
62, Riley Nash
73, Burke Gallimore (2 Goals)
55, Jordan Bendfeld
53, Cameron Abney
66, Dalton Prout
23, Philippe Cornet
29, Johan Motin
14, Jordan Eberle (1 Goal)
76, ?
64 Milan Kytnar (1 Goal)
86, ?
65, ?
82, Jesse Dudas
59, Brett Breitkruez (1 Goal)
75, ?
48, Alex Plante
74, ?
72, ?

Goalies:

30, Olivier Roy
50, Bryan Pitton
52, ?
79, ?
70, ?
60, ?

Good practice and scrimage. Fast and high tempo. The Oilers have some good prospects in the system. The future looks good in Oil Country.

Team Blue wins 4-1 and fans win also. What a great event from the Edmonton Oilers. We needed a little hockey action. Thanks.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Comrie Skating With Oilers?


So Mike Comrie was skating with some of the Oilers (Cogliano, Nilsson and others) today at the Kinsman arena. Interesting... Very interesting. Or is it?

Everyone and their dog knows that the Oil don't really need another small forward. So why Comrie? Well some reports have suggested that Katz is pushing for Mike as he is a friend of the family. I tend to believe that is the main reason that this is even happening in the first place. I find it hard to believe that management said, "Hey, why not Comrie? Let's go smaller." This has Katz all over it. You know what? I'd be hands on too if I owned the team. I like that he is trying to improve the Oilers by persuading players to come here. Mind you, Comrie coming back here is bizarre in itself. (Oh the history)

Well no matter how you look at it, Mike Comrie will be an Oiler in the near future. There, I said it. I feel weird now. So just for old time sakes... Booooooooo!
That may well be the last time I have to do that to him. It felt good and I may miss that.

Oh and by the way... I call #39 for him.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

I'm Back!!!


Well hello everyone. It's been a long and boring Oilers summer. Heatley and Comrie have taken up a lot of talk time in the Oilers Nation. I suppose Tambo as well (for not doing much). I don't know if we can take much more of this type of talk. It does nothing but frustrate the crap out of people waiting for something to get done. But hey... we now have Khabibulin. That's a start right? Right? Pfft.


So now the days of waiting for someone to come to Oilerland is almost over. Training camp starts soon and it couldn't come quicker. I don't know about you guys, but I am excited for this season. Even with no real significant changes, I'm excited (read: Homer).


Since the Oilers don't want to change, I will. Over the next few months you will see some changes around here. No worries. Not that much change. Just enough to make it better for Oiler Jambalaya fans and this site.


What are they Smokin' Ray? Can't say yet. But have no fear... Beers & Jeers are almost here.


This site is now open once again. Thanks for coming back after a long summer.

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Oilers Jambalaya is in no way, shape or form associated with the Edmonton Oilers or the Bakersfield Condors. This is a fans blog for fans. We happen to love those teams, so we write about them.