Thursday, September 15, 2011

TOUGH LOSS


What a tough loss! I have to say, going into this game, I was excited about the Oilers going undefeated in the tourney.  I know the rookies still finished the tourney 2-1, but did our only loss have to be to the rival south of us? You would have hoped, we would have seen some more offense in the game.  Let's face it, the Oilers loss this one early in the 1st period. Down 2 goals is never a easy task to come back from and last night was no exception.

Last night's game inspired an article from a Flames blogger that shows us how competitive this rivalry can be. Reading the blog you would think you are reading a book where no intelligent factual thought was given. But hey, it's a free world and anyone can say what they feel, be it factual or be it fantasy. Before you read the article, be warned! What you are about to read is "rated R" to Oiler fans.


I give full credit to the Calgary rookies in this game. They worked hard, displayed some good talent and deserved the win. But this article is what makes the "Battle of Alberta" what it truly is. In fact, this blogger did exactly what was needed ,to get the competitive juices going. It stirs you up, makes you defensive of your team (the Oilers) and makes you want to rip the other teams jersey's off. (no visuals please)  I say bring on the season. Time to start the ol'rivalry up once again! Anyone remember this game against the Flames?



Back to last nights, game. It was a frustrating one, but also was nice to see some fight still in the tank after the 1st period. The Oilers could have just continued playing the same into the 2nd period.  It looked like we saw some good effort and last minute fight to make a game of this. All in all, they gave a good push and didn't just write it in early.

There were notes of interest in this game. Interesting that once again, the Oilers did not play their top draft pick against the Flames in the tourney. Just as Hall sat out the game against Calgary last year, RNH was scratched against the Flames as well. I am sure there is no significance to it, but sure seems odd, doesn't it? Also it can be noted, Olivier Roy and Tyler Bunz saw no action against the Calgary Flame rookies either. In fact, the Oilers goaltender last night was an invite who was able to keep the Flame rookies at bay for the most part.

Not taking anything away from the goaltending last night, but had we saw Roy or Bunz in between the pipes, I think it would be safe to say the result could have been a win and a 3-0 record.


Thoughts on the Game
- Pitlick looked to step up his game. As mentioned by myself and other's, it looks like he is just needing to get some time under his feet in game action. Upon hearing the Tambo interview with Dan Tencer, it now looks to be confirmed that Tyler Pitlick WILL be playing in OKC with the Barons. That is great news for the Baron fans and great news for Tyler. Back around 2011 Development Camp time, Pitlick was interviewed by local media. In his interview he shared his desire to actually play in the AHL this coming season rather then going back to play in the WHL. I don't think we should read too much into this. I don't think it was meant as a cocky statement but rather a confident one. It also looks like, they want to give him a honest try at center position but like the versatility he has between center and wing.

-Lander was fairly quiet in this game with the exception of the goal he scored. Did you see the angle he shot that at? Incredible shot from a difficult angle while moving at that speed. Lander did struggle again in the FO% department again. I never recorded them tonight (Faceoffs) as watching by streaming video is much more difficult then TV. On the other hand, Lander looked to lack a little jump , which we saw from him only a couple nights previous. Maybe he was slightly tired or fatigued with all the travel and excitement coming to NA. I would think he will be more then ready for main training camp.

-Hamilton had a few shifts were he really showed why his game is on the rise. He carries the puck so smoothly for a big guy and reminds me somewhat of Paajarvi seeing him fly down the wing. His big body presence in OKC will be a treat for the Baron fans this year.

-Rieder has shown some good flashes in the tourney in speed and smarts. I like his game, but he does get knocked off the puck probably a little too easy at this point in his physical maturity.

-Tyrvainen has really impressed me. Upon listening to reports, it sounded like he was a rough and tough fighter and someone who had ok skating ability. Now, after seeing him myself, I am pleasantly surprised not only in his checking, but his ability to handle the puck. He never will be mistaken for Joe Sakic, but he has some good promise with the kind of energy, toughness and hockey smarts the Oilers need.

-Marincin with a nice shot brought the game close in the 3rd period. He was another player who is being evaluated in regards to where he will play this coming season. Listening to Tambo speak, it sounds like it will be a wait and see. It will depend a lot of how he fares with the bigger players in main training camp. I am pretty sure he will get a couple exhibition games to better evaluate his play, before deciding on where he gets sent. OKC Barons or the Prince George Cougars?


NOTES:
Appears that almost all of the rookies will be at Main Training Camp. Likely only a few left will be sent to respective teams or move on, as they were only camp invites.

Jason Gregor has reported that there will be no public access to Main Training Camp on Saturday, so looks like your only option for more hockey is to visit Rexall Place on Sunday Sept 18th/2011 for a 2pm Joey Moss Cup. Tickets are $10 in advance through Rexall Box office or can be bought online at www.edmontonoilers.com  Tickets are $12 at the door. All seating is general admission. That means first come, better seat!






For the latest news on the Oilers and  NHL draft eligible prospects for 2012 and 2013, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

"Oil Rising"



It's always a good thing in evaluation, to see how your team performs in various types of games. In Game 1 the Oiler rookies made the Canuck rookies look just plain bad. Lander impressed, RNH highlighted some of his sick skills. Marincin stood tall, Musil showed his poise as a 18 year old rearguard, Roy steadied the net and Teubert took one for the team.

Tonight the Jets were grounded by Bunz! That's right, Tyler Bunz to be more precise. The stock of this young goaltender is rising. I really didn't think I would be taking time again to cover some on a goaltender but c'mon. This guy stood on his head Tuesday night. Good on you Tyler, you did well and Oiler fans are proud of you.

Early on, Tyler had a few saves he stood steady and poised on and allowed the Oilers to start getting some chemistry on their forward lines. But as the night carried on, it was Bunz who was making this game look more dominate for the Oilers then it was. Granted, the Oiler forwards were getting their chances but the Oiler defence was caught time and time again out of position or with sloppy passing. I really don't need to say much more on Tyler Bunz then.Wow! Good job. Looking forward to seeing his performance as he begins to face elite level players.

I was slightly disappointed in the defence tonight. For the most part, our defence was not able to move the puck up the ice like we saw the first game. Two players who did stand out in that regard were Taylor Fedun and Martin Gernat. Fedun on one play looked like he was Paul Coffey. It was the way he took off down the ice with speed and grace and stick handled his way through the offensive zone. He was a strong defender tonight and his age and maturity showed. Gernat made a few great plays tonight breaking up potential scoring opportunities for the Jets. I am excited to see the growth in Martin Gernat's game this year.

Up front, the forward lines took a beating tonight. With some injuries that have occurred (and continue to occur) Coach Nelson was doing some line juggling. RNH once again played a great game tonight. Again he shows he is a incredibly mature player who already thinks the game like a elite level player. He easily could have had 2 or 3 more points had his line mates be able to finish slightly better. RNH did impress me with his physical game tonight. He took a couple hits and dished out a couple hits. Nice to see him getting right into the action and not shying away. Just like the first game, RNH was at it again tonight, where he was relentless on the forecheck causing turnovers.

Too bad Martindale was not back for the last two periods. He went off the ice after the first with the assistance of coach's. In that first period, he was responsible for the plays leading up to both goals I believe. He was hitting (nice hip check, but may be reason he didn't return) and was like a bull in a china shop when crossing the offensive blue line. Hopefully he was only out for precaution reasons, cause I really would like to see him continue to have a opportunity to impress the Oiler staff.

In limited time, Colin Smith was again impressive and surprisingly quick out on the ice. Liking his game more and more I see him. Pitlick was struggling to stay on his feet this game, but in all fairness he has not been in game mode for quite some time due to injury. He should be playing in last game against Calgary. I expect we will see a much more relaxed and poised player out there. Great player who has had to fight the injury bug. All in all, the Oil is rising in "Oil Country".


TIDBITS: (No not Timbits!)
-Jason Gregor is reporting tonight on Team 1260am that RNH will not be playing in third game.

-Jason Gregor also reported that Abney was supposedly a last minute scratch due to upper body injury (from fighting?)

-Would expect third Goalie to get at least some action in game against Calgary.
(no, I don't know his name. Was too tired to go look it up, sue me)

-suspect following tomorrow night's game, some player's name will be released for re-assignment. Tambo mentioned on "Oilers Now" that only some of the players are going to Main Training Camp this year. (last year everyone was invited)

-Sounds like unless something major happens, Kytner won't be game ready to get into tourney. Too bad, cause this really is a bubble year for him. He needs all the chances he can get, to impress the coach's and management.


Next Up



you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Edmonton Oilers vs Winnipeg Jets / LIVE TweetCast


Welcome to another fine LIVE TweetCast by OilersJambalaya.com.

Tonight we feature the Edmonton Oilers vs the Winnipeg Jets.



**Tonight's LIVE TweetCast will begin at 8:30pm MT**

Edmonton Oilers Renew Contract With Stockton Thunder

Edmonton Oilers Renew Contract With Stockton Thunder
Oilers renew relationship with ECHL's Stockton Thunder for 2011-12 season

Tuesday, 13.09.2011
6:00 PM
News By Edmonton Oilers Press Release  

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers and the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL have reached a one-year affiliation agreement for the 2011-12 season.

For the sixth consecutive season, Stockton will serve as the AA minor-league affiliate for Oilers prospects. Since the Thunder and Oilers began their partnership in 2006-07, the Thunder have advanced to the Kelly Cup Playoffs six consecutive years.

"We're very pleased to extend our relationship with Stockton,” said Tambellini. “The Thunder play an important role in helping to develop our players and we look forward to continue working with them."

Seven former Thunder players – right wing Troy Bodie, goaltender Devan Dubnyk, right wing Colin McDonald, center Ryan O’Marra, center Tim Sestito, left wing Liam Reddox and defenseman Bryan Young – have gone on to play in the NHL.

Under the agreement, the Thunder will also continue to serve as the ECHL affiliate of the Oklahoma City Barons, who operate as the American Hockey League affiliate of the Oilers.

-WRITTEN BY THE EDMONTON OILERS-

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Is On Twitter!!!

While I know that this isn't big news, but if you haven't checked out twitter yet, you should.

Tyler Pitlick and Tyler Bunz have convinced RNH to join the twitter group.  I love the fact that twitter puts us so close to all these young stars of the Edmonton Oilers.  It feels like you really get to know who these kids are.  For the most part they are guarded about what they say, but it does shed some light on how and what they think.  Guess what? They're normal just like you and me.

So go ahead and sign up for twitter. Find out what RNH has to say. www.twitter.com/RNH_93

While your there, follow us too! www.twitter.com/OilersJambalaya

Two Guys & Hockey Talk NHL News (CLICK PIC FOR LINK)

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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.