Monday, January 2, 2012

Game Day "Oilers vs Blackhawks"


"The RISE Of HaRtiKAnEN"

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

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

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

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

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

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


Hartikanen Hit

Hartikanen Goal

Gametime 6:30pm, CHED630am/Sportsnet-West
 
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Sunday, January 1, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-

Magnus Paajarvi / The Monkey Is Off The Back

Already with two assists in tonight's OKCBarons game, Magnus Paajarvi has just scored his first ever AHL goal. Good for him.

From all the reports that I've been given, he has been the Barons best player since joining the team. By scoring this goal tonight, he should find his scoring touch now.

I bet he's relieved...

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-

Taylor Chorney Suspended

I forgot to post this earlier.

The following quote is from the AHL.

"AHL announces suspension
December 30, 2011


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League today announced that Oklahoma City Barons defenseman Taylor Chorney has been suspended for three (3) games as a consequence of an illegal check to the head of an opponent in a game vs. Rochester on Dec. 27.

Chorney will miss Oklahoma City’s games Saturday (Dec. 31) vs. San Antonio, Sunday (Jan. 1) at Houston and Wednesday (Jan. 4) at Lake Erie."



Happy New Year!!!

Just want to say Happy New Years to all the fans of the Edmonton Oilers, Oklahoma City Barons and the Stockton Thunder.

Let's hope that 2012 can be a fantastic year for all of us.

GOILERS!!!

-Written by Smokin' Ray Burnt-


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