Saturday, November 5, 2011

Game Day "COYOTES"


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

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

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

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

Having said all that, I am fine with the lineup as it looks and not tinkering with anything for at least this game. Gonna enjoy sitting back tonight and seeing the Oilers back on the ice. Go Oilers!
My predictions for tonight's game at Jobing.com Arena
Gametime 8:00pm CHED630am/CBC

REV'S Edmonton Oiler
Gameday Predictions Nov 5th/11


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

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

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)



For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

Friday, November 4, 2011

Can This Be For Real? Is This A Dream?

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

Holy sh*t!

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

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

GOILERS!!!

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY-

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Game Day "KINGS"

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

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

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

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

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


My predictions for tonight's game at Staples Center Los Angeles
Gametime 8:30pm CHED630am/Sportsnet-West
REV'S Edmonton Oiler
Gameday Predictions Nov 3rd/11

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

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

As the great Ed Whalen used to say "In the meantime and in between time, that's it, for another edition of...REV'S PREDICTION" (bolded words are not Whalen's words)


For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Dan Ringwald Called Up To OKC Barons

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

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

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


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

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

The Thunder also announced the following transactions:

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

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

> Mike Little (D) – activated off injured reserve

> Sebastian Owuya (D) – activated off injured reserve

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

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

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

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Oilers 2012 NHL Draft Watch "Alex Galchenyuk"

Today we examine the #4 ranked player from REVS 2012 Prospects List . Each player is unique in their own right and full of talent. The ranking does not reflect a mock draft of who a team may actually pick but rather who I would place as the best player available in that spot.


4. Alex Galchenyuk
Pos: C
HT:6'2 ft
WT: 185 lbs
Born: Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Season:
2010-11
OHL
Games 68
G 31
A 52
Pts 83



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

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

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

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

For continued information on Oiler and Baron news and 2012/13 NHL draft watch, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/revingev

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