Sunday, December 12, 2010

Canucks at Oilers G29 '10-'11

This may one day be a collector's item. Linus Omark playing in the AHL. Omark is the latest bullet in the Oilers "embarrassment of riches" tour coming to a town near you.

Omark is a little different than the other three rookie forwards in town but he's got mad skills and some swagger so he'll fit right in.

Kevin Prendergast was still pulling the levers when Edmonton selected Omark 97th overall in 2007. The young Swede might end up on a list of KP's very best selections, along with Ales Hemsky, Jarret Stoll and Sam Gagner. Omark is certainly delivering value on 97th overall I'll tell you that much. The publicity alone must be worth a pretty penny.
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I think it's time we begin talking about how good this rookie crop will be historically. The NHL considers the following Oilers rookies this season:
  • Jordan Eberle 28gp, 5-13-18 -3
  • Taylor Hall 28gp, 10-6-16 -4
  • Magnus Pääjärvi 27gp, 3-9-12 +2
  • Ryan O'Marra 1gp, 0-1-1 -1
  • Linus Omark 1gp, 0-1-1 -1
  • Shawn Belle 4gp, 0-0-0 -1
  • Devan Dubnyk 9gp, 3.20 .913
I think Theo Peckham should be included on that list, but the NHL considers him non-eligible because he played 15 games in each of 08-09 and 09-10. Excluding Peckham--a helluva young player--this list remains one of the best in this team's history. Is it the best ever? Here are a couple of contenders:
  • 79-80: Mark Messier, Dave Lumley, Kevin Lowe, Risto Siltanen
  • 80-81: Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson, Paul Coffey, Charlie Huddy, Andy Moog
  • 93-94: Jason Arnott, Dean McAmmond, Kirk Maltby, Boris Mironov
  • 96-97: Mike Grier, Rem Murray, Mats Lindgren, Dan McGillis
  • 07-08: Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano, Kyle Brodziak, Tom Gilbert
That's not a comprehensive list (the 81-82 team had Fuhr and you could count Moog and Huddy as rookies in a few seasons) but its a nice variety of seasons. Barry Fraser did a nice job in the procurement department 79-81, eh? Lordy.

173 comments:

  1. Fraser was amazing before he went all Aztec.

    Amazing group of kids though right now and I'd say one of the differences between this group and Fraser's is the sheer depth and quality in the next tiers... there's still 3 kids from this draft that look like they're gonna be players, a couple of decent Dmen being seasoned with AHL salt, and there's still a couple of possibilities at the hardworking F positions.

    The Braintrust seems to have survived their Kessel moment (Penns) better than Burke. This is a wonderful bunch of kids in the organisation. And likely another top 10 to come.

    Canuckles playing on a bit of a short turnaround with a lot of emotion involved last night. Young legs who don't know any better might take'em.

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  2. And agreed on Omark too. One thing young Oiler teams have done in the past is show other teams far too much respect. He's not a ruffian, and gord knows this team could use one right now (Brule doesnt seem to be the answer), but I can see him getting under a few opposition skins.

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  3. So any guesses on a strong second crop of rookies coming next year like the 80-81's following the 79-80's? Not to say these are the next Boys on the Bus...

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  4. I'd say any or all of Lander at C
    Plante, Petry on D plus the lottery pick.

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  5. I'm with LT and I'll say that there will be a wildcard as well, one or maybe even two guys who surprise and end up on the fourth line. I'm thinking Vande Velde or Hamilton, Pitlick or the big Finn.

    A bit of blue sky there but the only fourth liner worth a damn on this club is Stortini and he looks to be on the way out (shave those sideburns Mattingly!) - have to think that if any of these guys look like they belong that they'll get a shot.

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  6. LT...

    You don't think it's more likely Lander will do a year in the A first?

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  7. Pat,

    I'm pretty sure JFJ has a lifetime contract at 4LW. Don friggin Cherry wishes he had JFJ's job security.

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  8. I remember how pissed off I was when they picked O'Mark.

    "Another g-d smurf?" I screamed.

    Sometimes
    I AM WRONG
    and its ok.

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  9. spOILer: Lander's resume is pretty strong. That combined with a weak depth chart up the middle (O'Marra and Fraser are the current 4line competition going into next season, so one of Vande Velde and Lander should push successfully) mean opportunity.

    Buddy's doing well in the SEL which is a good league. Right now his Desjardins NHLE projects to 15-15-30. I know he's playing more minutes than an Oiler 4th liner but the only down arrow was offense and he looks like he'll deliver enough of it.

    Long story short: I think he's got a really good chance.

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  10. I'm inclined the other way on Lander... that there's gonna be adjustment time required for those players not touched by God (and even some required for those that are). More physical, smaller rink, bigger players yadda yadda and then the whole culture change.

    But his arrows are pointing the right way, as you say, and one can never count out brains and character. Smarts and internal strength can reduce a lot of obstacles.

    I hope you're right and he 's good enough, but I also think there's a reason Fraser got a two year deal.

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  11. Once I read that 80-81 crop, the discussion effectively ceased. T That might be the best rookie crop of ANY team all time. Three hall of famers and the other two are hardly slouches.

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  12. Yeah, it's quite the bumper crop of talented rookies.

    Jebus, do the Oilers have depth at LW for once. When was the last time we could say that?

    @spoiler, Yeah, I've seen JFJ bad too much this year as everyone else. I guess with our top nine, his one and likely only skill set seems to be enough for the org to play him.

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  13. Given how bad the bottom teams in the EC are this year, we might finish 15th in the WC and not get a lottery pick!

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  14. 7 2 1 in their past ten, with the kids stepping up gets me back on the OIlers finish in 6th in the West train.

    Almost.

    Stick Sidney Crosby into the current lineup, to get an idea what Gretzky's influence was on that 1979-81 crop.

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  15. So who is leaving, and on what bus, if we bring in Lander, Petry, Plante and a lottery pick next year?

    Fair to say we can squeeze in Plante and Petry on defense. Strudwick and Vandermeer will be gone. Both are UFA contracts that will expire without renewal. I hope. Although recently Vandermeer has looked like a real defenseman. Is Smid's tryout over next year? He's an RFA but I wonder if we've seen enough.

    I'd love to see Lander replace Fraser. Fraser is signed through the end of next season and won't get much attention at trade deadline. We'll have to trade him for pucks or waive him. I'm assuming Cogliano will go at the trade deadline. So that clears up space for the lottery pick.

    A more current pressing issue is what to do with Omark. We haven't seen him play any real hockey yet. Do we send him back down to OKC or is there any way to keep him up in Edm. Someone would have to go and I don't sense that will happen.

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  16. I'm still disgusted with that display Omark put on Friday night. I mean, to stand at center ice and rip a picture of Maurice Richard in half while saying the word "evil", after which he tore the photo into pieces, said "Fight the real enemy," and threw the pieces towards the camera (Sinead O'Connor on SNL with a picture of the Pope) was just going to far. That's what happened right? To have the type of media firestorm that has arisen from a guy making a fancy move and scoring during a SO attempt, there had to be more to it.

    In a time where hockey is trying to go back to it's traditional values:

    Team USA members destroy their rooms after losing out in the Olympics.

    Bertuzzi punched Steve Moore in the head from behind and fell upon him along with several other players from both teams. Moore's head was driven into the ice during the fall, causing three fractured neck vertebrae, facial cuts and a concussion.

    Jagr taking off his glove and doing the Army salute after scoring goals while a member of the 'Caps.

    Temmu Selanne taking off his glove and throwing it into the air and shooting it down like skeet with his stick.

    Ovechkin dropping his stick because it's so "hot" after scoring his 50th goal last season.

    Pretty much everything that trio of douches Matt Cooke, Dion Phaneuf and Shawn Avery have done since entering the league

    ........

    The media is totally right to call out Omark and Subban. These guy's are definitely being disrespectful to the game. Give me a fucking break.

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  17. I like 23's potential and his performance in the A means he deserves to be here but we'll have to see how long it takes him to play with close-to-real linemates before we know how good he can be outside of the PP or the SO.

    He's older than 4 but he's not his calibre but it took young Hall a few games before he found his stride so while I'm not saying that the performance of 23's line at EV on Friday night is altogether damning; he's not there quite yet, either.

    Speaking of lines, I wonder at what point Renney gives in and plays 27 at pivot so we can go with a top six of 4-89-14-23-27-91?

    They are gonna have to give the guy some real players to help him out and 42-28 aren't gonna cut it.

    As for what happens tonight? The Dys are coming off a loss and a couple of games now where they haven't played really well so that dam's gonna burst anytime soon now.

    The Oilers did alright without 10 on Tues vs the Ducks but then they were pretty much owned vs TB on Friday night.

    Still, the kids make it worth watching; at least until or if they start to lose badly again.

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  18. I noticed earlier on in the season that Oilers don't like getting hit much. Have they learned how to deal with this by now, or have they simply stopped running into the hitting style teams?

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  19. You never want to cheer for a loss, but a losing streak is just what the doctor ordered right now. These lottery picks don't grow on trees. You have to work for them.

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  20. yep, Omark has no respect for the game. He has to earn respect. Just like Subban. Yeah, as much as I like Richards what's more disrespectful, showboating and talking a bit of trash or blindside hitting a guy in the head and ending his season.

    As of next year, I think with all the youth that the org would be really smart to send our "lottery" pick back to his league, if only to space out the riches. That gives us another year to let the youth decide who is here long term, and then you add that impact player and we're a contender. Especially since we may be choosing between Penner and Hemsky.

    Penner-Gagner-Hemsky
    Hall-Horcoff-Eberle
    MPS-?-Omark
    ?-?-?

    Whitney-Smid
    Peckham-Gilbert
    Foster-?
    ?

    Next year there are 4 bottom 6 spots up for grabs and 2 bottom pairing defenseman needed. No place for the lottery pick unless he;s a defenseman.

    Slide Lander between MPS and Omark and you have the all swede line, then add some grit and two way play on the bottom line and we may actually be competitive.

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  21. Slide Lander between MPS and Omark and you have the all swede line, then add some grit and two way play on the bottom line and we may actually be competitive.

    We're still weak on the defensive side; we need at minimum one established 3-4 NHLer. Ideally we need a top-pairing guy, because I see very little evidence that Smid's ready for top-pairing minutes on a competitive team.

    Whitney-New Guy
    Gilbert-Smid
    Foster-Peckman

    Looks pretty good (mix the specific parts around as needed). Keep Vandermeer around as the #7 if we like him, otherwise sign someone else cheap, or have a rookie platooning with Foster.

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  22. DBO: So you think we are only a few days away from seeing a doctored picture of Omark during a spin move on the grassy knoll in Dallas too? lol

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  23. Frelbo: I imagine 23 will get 67's spot if he looks like he's ready for it.

    67's on the fourth line now and doesn't seem to have any real love from the coaching staff and doesn't seem to be able to fit into any role down there so even if 10-83 were back in two months time you could still keep 23 around by having him on the third line with 27-13.

    As for next year, if the kids keep improving at a rapid pace then maybe it's a deal where 4-10-14 and 91-89-83 play the top six and then - if 23 can play RW - you get a centre to play with 27-23 and maybe Lander can break in between them. Or maybe they go and sign or trade for a real top nine pivot and Lander breaks in on the 4th though I don't think that's what they'd want for him TOI-wise.

    I wouldn't be too worried about having to get rid of the contracts of 16-67.

    Note: the only that to consider here is if they deal off 27 or 83.

    As for the D, 6-77-49 are constants and I'm not sure they can break in both Plante and Petry for 500 AB a piece unless one of them is immediately able to hang in a top four role.

    I'd say 5 stays as long as he doesn't ask for too much money and honestly he really shouldn't ask for too much or the Oilers should pay him too much either.

    So, 5-6-49-77 and a vet and then the best of Plante or Petry is the 6th and the other is the 7th or goes back to the A.

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  24. New Jersey and the Islanders are already locks for the first two spots in the lottery. The Flames are horrible, as are any number of teams in the east right now.

    Oilers on the other hand don't seem to understand that without Horcoff and Hemsky they're supposed to be screwed. Instead, they play like demons, tie up games when they shouldn't, and give the opposition fits in the process with a endless supply of third period energy.

    This isn't a lottery team. This is a very young, future contender simply going through a steep learning curve. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them in the playoffs.

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  25. Oilers on the other hand don't seem to understand that without Horcoff and Hemsky they're supposed to be screwed.

    I keep waiting for the inevitable losses due to youth. If they keep this up we'll forgo all logic and be turned into leaf fans five games into the season (i.e. planning the parade route) in no time.

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  26. I don't get he hate for the Omarkian spin. it is a shoot out... I say if they could bank it in off the refs head it should count. There is subtle difference between Subban and Omark. Omark did all the things in the game his cut to middle on PP was pretty. Subban runs his yap and then runs away. If you are going to talk shit then u need to deliver. I don't think that he would try the spin on a breakaway in a game. But as long as the the stick is legal the players should be able to try whatever they want in the shoot out.
    This thing called respect... u earn it. U say something and deliver it u get it.
    I think with all the rule changes I don't think anybody from past eras would be able to play now. It is all speed and flash don't need to be as tough the game is getting softer.
    I was entertained and hope to be entertained again tonite

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  27. Anaheim isn't that good and the Oilers tied 22-22 in scoring chances in that game.

    Tampa is better and killed the Oilers 15-30 in SC.

    Not worried about the losses starting to pile up, they're coming.

    Pisscutter twins coming without 10 to hold them in check (note: DSF, don't bother)

    I expect some exciting lottery place hockey (last place is out of reach with the black comedy that is the NYI. Not putting players on LTIR so they don't have to replace their cap? NHL should rescue that storied franchise from Wang)

    Their schedule isn't brutal, but after Christmas its gets tougher.

    Go Oilers!

    *clap,clap*

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  28. "So you think we are only a few days away from seeing a doctored picture of Omark during a spin move on the grassy knoll in Dallas too?"

    Waiting for an update to that Jordan Eberle Who does he think he is video. Where Hall and Omark watch Eberle's shootout goal and Hall tells Omark, don't let that ass ruin your first night too. Pay him back with a youtube move.

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  29. @hunter who said:

    "This isn't a lottery team. This is a very young, future contender simply going through a steep learning curve. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them in the playoffs."

    Hunter, I'll a double of whatever you're drinking ;) It's past 12 in EST, so it's not too early I guess.

    Where's all your pessimism from last season?

    I guess though, this looks like one heck of a competitive season for a lottery pick, but there's no way the Oilers will contend for a spot in the 2nd season.

    I don't know what games you've been watching, but the Oilers were pretty much dominated vs. even the Bolts. They were a complete mess in their own zone too. I loved the end result, but it doesn't portend a playoff berth.

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  30. I'm not sure whether the Oil will get the lottery pick. There are just so many moving parts:

    Things which could keep Renney's kids out of the lottery:

    1. Hall looks like a scorer already.

    2. Penner is just a fantastic 2-way player. Can support two crappy linemates.

    3. Gilbert and Whitney are pretty good. Not great, but pretty good.

    4. Eberle, MPS, and -to a lesser extent- Peckman have all shown that their pretty close to being decent players. If they hit their stride, we have maybe too much depth for the lottery.

    5. A hot or even decent goalie. It can happen to anyone, even us.

    Things putting them in the lottery:

    1. The ever ticking Khabi-sucks bomb.

    2. The Horcoff injury. (Hemsky should be back in enough time to help, no?)

    3. Defensive depth. An injury should bring lottery-dynamo Strudwick back. (And he'll be rusty, too.)

    4. The PK. Enough said. (This is the real ace in the hole.)

    5. Lack of depth and inability to play tough minutes at C.

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  31. Interesting how the smurf talk has faded away for the most part, yet the average height/size of the team can't be much different than it has been in the past two years. It's an easy scapegoat when you are losing. Look at the physical dimensions of the players and assume that losing is because the players are too small. It can't be that they lack skill or aren't trying hard enough.

    The reality is icing a line with JFJ instead of Omark doesn't really make this team more competitive. OTC would obviously disagree (where is OTC, by the way, and what consultation is he providing?). In retrospect, I think we simply had the wrong smurfs in the past two years (and still have a few).

    Skill rules.

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  32. Kris,

    The lack of a line to keep the opposition toughs in line for at least 2 months is the killer, along with the PK which you stated.

    We're about to watch the opposition 1st line beat the hell out of the Oilers, and on the road its going to be a gong show with everything line that doesn't have 27 being a target for the opposition coach.

    I still think they can score a bit, but without 2009/2010 Anderson type goaltending it might get ugly.

    Beauty thing is that they should score enough to feel competitive so they won't hate coming to the rink like last year, and the kids just want to play.

    The skill dripping off some of these guys will have them win some games they shouldn't (like TB), but the losses should still pile up.

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  33. Somebody mentioned Hamilton...Saw him play Fri:
    I hope it was an off game for him because he wasn't very noticeable. Although I think his game is just that: no flash, just a solid winger.

    He mostly goes up and down the boards, but didn't play overly physical. He's on a well rounded line with Viedensky and Nicholls so I'd be cautious getting excited about his point totals. It looked like Viedensky was the dominant player on that line.

    I sure hope he makes the WJr team.
    Smarmy, am I way off?

    I do know one thing for sure. Colorado has a great D-man in Stephan Elliot.

    I'm fine with improving the draft position, but it's Alex Burrows and the Canucks. Go Oilers!

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  34. Sorry guys but the lottery has passed us by this year.

    The Oilers would need to be able to get negative points to finish lower than the Islanders or Devils.

    Calgary, Toronto, Florida, the Suckage is EPIC this year.

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  35. @ Jay:

    I've been pessimistic for nearly 20 seasons. This season Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and MPS all appear like bona fide cup winning talents for the future.

    Added to this you have Peckham emerging as a terror on skates(you see the opposition not wanting to pressure him purely out of fear), Whitney picking up assists like crazy, decent goaltending, Renney's hands down the best coach for this team since young Slats, Hemsky/Gagner/Penner/ all quality players, i don't know it's just a sport, I'm not putting money on anything, it's just that little man living in my skull whispering to me that this is a future cup winner.

    Against Tampa I saw a young team that bent but didn't break. That in itself is an indicator of a future champion.

    Finally, I've got some nice German lager on hand, just in case it all goes south(which it still might).

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  36. At this point they should just ice the better team until the end of the season.

    Even if you don't get as high as a pick that doesn't mean you will get a worse player (See Burmistrov, Fowler, Skinner). Big white hype machine on some prospects help others slip.

    + They will certainly benefit another way, it'l balance out. If you punt Fraser, JFJ and Macintyre for O'Marra, Omark and Reddox, and they succeed, you still will have added 3 NHL players to your roster. If not then too bad, we'll be in the lottery and will have a higher pick.

    There's absolutely no reason to not go down the road with OKC kids.

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  37. Ashley: Completely agree. No one complained about Buffalo in '06 when they were a small, skilled team. Detroit is a pretty small team - other than Franzen and Bertuzzi, their top 9(ish) includes Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Holmstrom, Filppula, Hudler, and Helm, who are all <6', 200 lbs. (Cleary is 6', 200). They don't seem to have any troubles with their lack of size.

    It's been explained many times by different people, but the actual small-guy problem is two-fold:

    (1a) They don't produce enough offence and/or bring other abilities (face-off, pk, general defensive awareness).
    +
    (1b)They're paired with a bunch of other small guys, further limiting their ability to create offence. (Hence the one big guy per line experiment of last year).

    'A' is the main problem, but 'b' magnifies everything due to lost puck battles, too much time spent in the defensive zone, etc.

    I'm still not sure why we traded Brodziak. He was perfect in that 3/4C spot. I could see a real nice line with Jones and Reddox. But then again, why did we sign a 35+ Khabibulin to a 4 year contract, injury-prone Souray to 5 years, Nilsson to 3 years, etc.

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  38. @hunter,

    I agree that there are a ton of arrows pointing in the right direction for the future, just not for this season though (in terms of playoffs).

    Either way, it's great to have some HOPE for the future and exciting players to watch this season regardless.

    Bend not break - that was one of the better Quinnisms from last season :) Oddly enough, this crew has managed to do that a few times this year somehow.

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  39. If there is one team I'd like to see Smac in the line up for, its this one. (and Calgary)

    Andrew Alberts was blowing up Tbay forwards last night, and he was running around against Edmonton the last time they played too.

    Alberts is 6'5" 220lbs.

    If he tried to run one of the kids I'd send Smac out to beat the shit out of him. No asking for a fight, just go up to him, drop the gloves and start pounding.

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  40. Jay: Well I guess that applies better to other sports. Like the prevent defense in football. Somehow maybe they just figured it translated to hockey.

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  41. Well I won't agree but that's because I've seen him several times but if that was your first time seeing him this year then I get how you saw that.

    Wasn't that good a game for the first line but the radio show had the coach saying he played the crap out of them on the road trip so they're a bit tired.

    Hamilton put up a bunch of points with Viedensky out of the line up with a concussion and the team kept winning.

    First line is among the best lines in the league at cycling but they didn't do so hot in the tips game which plays to the fatigue card.

    You're right though Stefan Elliott is amongst the best. Shame he didn't get a WJC invite. But the Leafs gotta have a prospect in the tourney...

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  42. I'm gonna go one step further and say not only should the Oilers ice the best lineup but they should be looking to buy at the deadline.

    Add a couple vets to play tough minutes. Nothing fancy.

    Another reason the Oilers might not get into the lottery is that they have Renney rather then Quinn coaching. That's gotta be worth a few points.

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  43. We're about to watch the opposition 1st line beat the hell out of the Oilers, and on the road its going to be a gong show with everything line that doesn't have 27 being a target for the opposition coach.


    And if 27 is on the ice with the 13 and 67, that line, too, will be a target, if not one of the primary ones. No matter how good Penner is, 2/3rds of that line is still made up of defensive liabilities.

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  44. Well put, Woodguy. Smac needs to be in the lineup against Calgary not just for the carnival show against Ivanans. He needs to go out there and pound the shit out of Regehr. Regehr is not often a willing fighter but that shouldn't be a deterrent to Smac feeding him a few. It would be a much more effective use of the roster spot than just using him for the staged fights against Boogaard, Ivanans, etc.

    I hear a lot of announcers moaning about fights following "clean hits". I think thats exactly when they should happen. Lots of injuries happen on clean hits and an enforcer like Smac can be a deterrent to hitters like Regehr and Clutterbuck. i.e. If you're going to run around taking hard but clean hits, be a bit more selective about who you hit. Choose someone other than our talented forwards. Or Smac will beat the piss out of you, whether you're interested in fighting or not...

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  45. Why is there such an emphasis on the lottery? Or getting a lottery pick? Who cares, honestly? Have you all forgotten that Eberle was picked 14th? Or that Omark was picked 97th?

    Shouldn't the emphasis be on drafting intelligently rather than deliberately "tanking"? When did the goal of a hockey team change from winning to tanking?

    This is not the way hockey should work. It's rather pathetic, actually.

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  46. Eberle was picked 22nd.

    In a better world, Oiler fans would have enjoyed the last 4 seasons. However, when you're bad as bad can be the smart move is to milk that melancholy until you have many many bullets.

    The Oilers as constructed aren't going to win jack diddley (although hunter seems to have found the right drapes this season. Sadly, he's smoked them and can't share) so I think it's reasonable to cheer for another slide into the abyss.

    Plus of course it hurts less when it happens.

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  47. Watching Peckham cover Stamkos late in OT the other night was something special. It's an obvious thing to do but we got burned by Kovalchuk not too many games ago in the same situation. I noticed Don Cherry even played the Teddy Peckman clip reel yesterday. Good for the kid.

    I really hope Omark can keep up the impressive showings. It seems like there will be a lot of dissapointed people if he gives the puck up for three breakaways and gets leveled at his own blueline a few times tonight.

    Did TB really put Pouliot in the shootout? Hah..Man...poor guy needed that goal.

    Props to Cogliano's faceoff work the last couple of games. He hasn't been completely useless like he has normally been. He's also been okay with the increased minutes, which is surprising.

    Nice to see Purvy getting into a nice groove. I'm sure it's a good confidence helper.

    Retiring Marcus Naslunds jersey...Really? Is it Vancouver Canucks day again?

    Dubnyk tonight? Khabibulin has to rest sometime. I've never seen a goalie down so much Gatorade in my life.

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  48. However, when you're bad as bad can be the smart move is to milk that melancholy until you have many many bullets.

    That's right on, LT. Load up while we can accept losing.

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  49. This is not the way hockey should work. It's rather pathetic, actually.

    Ladies and Gentlemen
    YOUR Edmonton Oilers!

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  50. Anyone taking part in the coaches clinics this week? I think it's really great that they do those kinds of things (for free!).

    I heard a nice story last night about a PeeWee team practicing with the Oilers and a young goalie making a big save on a hard Taylor Hall slapper. I don't think that kid will be forgetting that moment any time soon.

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  51. Ribs: Well, let's not look into becoming the 73-74 Tampa Bay Buccanners.

    There's a point where you don't recover.

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  52. Tampa didn't join the NFL until 1976. Their coach was named McKay and he was the funniest man on the planet when he was their head coach.

    One time, after a loss, a reporter asked him what he thought of his team's execution.

    McKay said "I'm in favor of it." Funny guy.

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  53. fpb - I'm not worried. Stu's not going to let that happen.

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  54. A win tonight and the OIlers are 6 points off the division lead.

    Put that in your drapes, Lowetide! :p

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  55. LT: My bad. 76-77. Don't know where i picked up that 73.

    That was defenitly the worst team in NFL history.

    Mckay was a funny fellow. I don't know if some of his quotes would pass now.

    "Well, we didn't block, but we made up for it by not tackling."


    "Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs."

    Looks like we missed the perfect coach for last year.

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  56. Ribs: The Bucs drafted some pretty good players. Just sucked at protecting them.

    Think they drafted and traded both Testaverde and Young.

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  57. I've been really impressed watching Paajarvi's interviews. He's composed, mature, and confident. Soft spoken, but has that european way of exuding wisdom. Definitely reminds me of Alfie or Lidstrom in that regard. Anybody considered that he could be future Lady Byng material? Future captain material?

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  58. Messier wasn't a rookie in '79-80 for the same reason Gretzky wasn't a rookie ... "major league" experience.

    Those two megastars aside, the '80-81 class absolutely rules the roost for the best rookie class on the Oilers, which would also be on the short list of best rookie classes ever on any team. Three Hall of Famers (Anderson, Kurri, Coffey) plus two more dudes who had terrific, long careers (Huddy, Moog).

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  59. Didn't really enjoy Alex Burrows comment after Smid was sucker-punched and concussed by Avery.

    Can Omark do a spinnerama Sugar Ray sucker-punch on Burrows? now that i'd like to see...

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  60. Yeah, Alexandre doesn't like Ladislav. I daresay Ladislav doesn't like Alexandre either. Would love to see Ladi prove it tonight by lighting up that punk a couple of times.

    I happened to attend the first Canucks game and Alberts really lit up Hemsky early on. However I disagree that MacIntyre is the answer for him or Regehr for that matter, the game just doesn't play out that way any more.

    The answer to that sort of action is for Teddy Peckman to put the hammer down on one or both of the Sedins.

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  61. Everytime someone has said we should play Macintyre to light up Regher. Well he hasn't done jackshit.

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  62. You never want to cheer for a loss, but a losing streak is just what the doctor ordered right now. These lottery picks don't grow on trees. You have to work for them.


    I would rather find out that Eberle, Hall, MPS, Peckham, Gagner, Dubnyk, and Gilbert demonstrate that they are strong enough players to make a lottery pick impossible, but hey, if you would rather they demonstrate mediocrity then feel free to cheer for it.

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  63. Can we please stop thinking that SMAC is going to do something to stop Regher or his ilke? It has been proven on more than a few times that having SMAC knocking out Ivanas does nothing to stop Regher from running around.

    Imagine it this way, would we be very happy with Teddy if he stopped playing his game because Godard was sitting on the oppoenents bench? If Teddy dosnt want to go, there is no fight.

    The myth of the nuclear deterent is exactly that, a myth.

    I am glad SMAC is getting paid this year, but there really is zero room for him on a competitive team moving forward IMO.

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  64. I don't think there's a chance we finish in the bottom three of the league because some of these kids really look to be real and even if 83 comes back that will make us better and if we get two months with 10-83 in the lineup then we'll actually be a good team if all the young fellas keep improving.

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  65. Can we please stop thinking that SMAC is going to do something to stop Regher or his ilke? It has been proven on more than a few times that having SMAC knocking out Ivanas does nothing to stop Regher from running around.

    How the hell did what I say turn into Smac beating Ivanas to stop Regehr?

    I want SMac to beat Alberts if Alberts steamrolls a kid. Full Stop.

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  66. So if the solution to 3C is Lander then its official v3.0 has the easiest job in pro sports.

    Managment by Bastard (MBB)

    Job Desription: Get rid of the crappy players and wait for MBS draft picks to get older.

    He's failed with a lot of this past summer's additions (33,22,43,16) and I have no hope that he can be better at that part of the job, but he sure can wait around and EVALUATE while kids get older.

    What he does with 27 and 83 will be the thing he is remembered for as GM of the Oilers, for better or worse.

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  67. How the hell did what I say turn into Smac beating Ivanas to stop Regehr?

    I want SMac to beat Alberts if Alberts steamrolls a kid. Full Stop.


    How did me talking about Regher turn into you talking about Alberts?

    Expecting SMAC to actually go out and jump someone to stop them from pasting the kids has never happened and never will.

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  68. What we have here is a failure to communicate.

    For instance, when you say, "I want Smac to kick the stuffing out of Alberts" what I get to perceive (since perception is reality) is that you are arguing that each team should ice at least one goon whose only role is to create a gravity well on the ice drawing all players to them so they can pummel them.

    Or; when you say "a losing streak is in order; you have to work at them (tongue in cheek)" I get to perceive that you desire a Toonces led team in perpetuity and a general failure of all prospects and players in this season.

    You might even want to perceive insight and idiocy where none is intended, but that is your perception, not mine.

    Go HOPE (and stink it up the rest of you!)

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  69. What he does with 27 and 83 will be the thing he is remembered for as GM of the Oilers, for better or worse.

    It hurts to think that the team will definitely lose one of them, but as much as it pains me to say, it would be better to lose Hemsky at this point. Say for something like a good pick out of NYI, ATL or FLA.

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  70. Going to the game with my 9 year old daughter. She should keep me in check when I want to verbally spar with Dys fans.

    Watched the Naslund ceremony with the daughter last night. She asked a million questions about who he was and what he did to warrant the honor. I really enjoyed telling her that the Oilers honour a player by retiring his number after he is in the Hall of Fame and has won a minimum of 2 cups with the local team and that we have 5 such players in Oilers history.

    The Dys meanwhile retire your number if you play for them for a long time, are a good guy and work hard.

    @ Ashley: OTC was "consulting" on the ice at Naslunds ceremony last night.

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  71. I can't believe Woodguy thinks MacIntyre should play with Hall and Eberle. Crazy. Just crazy.

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  72. The bucs got nothing on the Detroit Lions as far as futility goes. 0-16 bitches!

    They did end their 19 game inter-divisional losing streak by beating the Packers today. (I hate the god damned packers)

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  73. I can't believe Woodguy thinks MacIntyre should play with Hall and Eberle. Crazy. Just crazy.

    Um, you might want to reread his comments, LT - he was saying that we should *scratch* one of Hall or Eberle to make room for MacIntyre.

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  74. Ribs: The Bucs drafted some pretty good players. Just sucked at protecting them.

    Ah, I see. Well, I think we can count on the hivemind to keep these guys around. It would likely take decades for Tambellini to evaluate and assess a trade situation involving any of our young players.

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  75. We don't really need them, we have Youtube.

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  76. I can't believe Woodguy thinks MacIntyre should play with Hall and Eberle. Crazy. Just crazy.

    Nope.

    Smac goes for a shift to start the game, then is stapled to the bench and all other LW can rotate into his spot if Renney runs the 4th out there.

    If Alberts steamrolls a kid, then the next time Alberts hits the ice, SMac beats Alberts.

    I have no illusions as to him playing like Semenko did with Kurri and Gretzky (when he did, which isnt as often as guys like Stauffer likes to think)

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  77. Um, you might want to reread his comments, LT - he was saying that we should *scratch* one of Hall or Eberle to make room for MacIntyre.

    Actually I'm glad 83 went down to make room for 33 on the ice.

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  78. Personally I wish bookie would quit pushing the Oilers to sign Hailey Wickenheiser. She would never stoop that low without guaranteed icetime with Strudwick.

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  79. It was me that suggested MacIntyre should thump Regehr.

    I agree, Adam. MacIntyre thumping Ivanans does nothing to stop Regehr from bodychecking Hemsky or some other small forward. Precisely my point. Thumping Regehr would stop Regehr. I also agree that if he is not doing anything other than an occasional staged fight then he is useless.

    Sorry for the confusion, everyone. I will refrain from typing.

    Adam and Woodguy: Please continue discussing things that I agree with.

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  80. What he does with 27 and 83 will be the thing he is remembered for as GM of the Oilers, for better or worse.

    The tricky thing going forward is that both of those guys plus all three of 4, 14, and 91 are all wingers. Top 6 wingers by the look of them. Which should really read "top 4" wingers since the other two guys in your top 6 should be centres.

    We've already seen 91 on the outside looking in on the top two lines and it hasn't been that pretty at times, but since 83 has gone down he's had a bigger role and done well.

    And where 23 fits in all this as another putative top 6 winger, well, who knows.

    But it seems likely that one solution is to trade at least one of those top 6 wingers for something else that will help the team, such as a solid defender. I doubt that they move one of the youngsters so it seems likely that one of 27 or 83 will be on the block sooner or later. And what Tambellini does with them will indeed be one of the things he is remembered for.

    Which is a longwinded way of agreeing with the original point. It's too bad that such a big portion of the Oilers proven and developing talent is clustered on the wing, which is kind of like having a lot of corner infielders and outfielders. Great to have the bats but until you solidify up the middle and on the mound you're not really likely to contend.

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  81. @Woodguy: I also agree with you that we need to get Strudwick back in there at all costs.

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  82. Woodguy: You know I was kidding, right?

    I can't believe that you meant every word you said - just appalling.

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  83. This chaos and confusion brought to you courtesy of boredom and too much actual parenting.

    I seriously don't know how wives don't go stark raving mad.

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  84. And by wives, I mean wives who are mothers and then choose to stay at home with children.

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  85. LT,

    Totally missed it.

    Then read "Steve Smith's" comments and clued in.

    I'm a little slow sometimes.

    More often that not actually.

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  86. Maybe Renney inserts Hall at centre, thinking that in a single bound, Hall struggles at centre and Oilers drop the points needed to get that coveted top 5 pick.

    Except Hall's probably going to end up an all star at centre, and all Renney's machinations will be for nought.

    We just can't win.

    PS: It sure seems wack to have MacIntyre and not even play him. Whatever happened to the good old fashioned goons like Probert who could actually play the game?

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  87. Smarmy: 0-16 you say? The BUCS were more futile with 26 STRAIGHT LOSSES!

    Good Humour Bars on the field I tell you.

    Hunter: Players who are good enough to be useful as a player don't wanna fight anymore. Well that's my guess.

    Trade proposal for the Sphere:

    Montreal Offers:

    Max Pacioretty (17 G 15 A 32 PTS in the AHL at 21)
    1st round selection

    For

    Ales Hemsky

    Pull the trigger?

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  88. It's a friggin' Mutt & Jeff show in here today.

    I love it.

    Any word on a starter tonight?

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  89. Tampa Bay returns Marc Pouliot to Norfolk. Not looking good.

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  90. @Downright Fierce

    Sportsnet said Dubnyk was starting today, hopefully they got their facts straight

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  91. RG: before we had '06 I really held onto a couple of teams like the 97 and 98 and early 00 clubs because while I remember all the Cup winners the aforementioned teams were special to me because I saw about 65 or more games a season so I knew those teams inside and out.

    Yet they weren't altogether successful.

    So, while I'm not saying Naslund didn't deserve the honour I am saying that the way Van fans reacted over cheering for a time when they were not really close reminds me of how my nearly 50 year old brother-in-law and his buddies talking about the mid to late 70's Leaves:)

    To all: I have said before I don't want 83 on the club come October if he isn't on a contract extension because I don't like the idea of carrying lame-duck contracts so it looks like one of him or 27 will be moved to get that D we need and I'm worried how that might go.

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  92. Flaming Bure: you're a Cuntreal fan, right?

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  93. That no look dish from Paajarvi to Jones the other night was pretty sweet.

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  94. Thanks guys.

    Glad to see Renney sticking to the 4-1 ratio he mentioned. It's gotta be hard to sit a hot hand, but as many have said: development year should = more starts for DD.

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  95. Dennis: Well yeah. But above that I think all the ingredients for a trade are there in MTL.

    5,3 M$ with the LTIR cap space. (Markov out for season)

    Got a lot of hot prospects down the pipe (Desharnais, Maxwell, Weber, Pacioretty) and still possess theyr N1 selection.

    Altough it's still a scan as to what people expect in return of Hemsky.

    Do you think a PPG guy at 21 in the AHL and a 1st pick is suffisent enough to get Hemsky? Or do you think his value is higher?

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  96. And wouldn't a 1st round power forward be nice to complete the future top six?

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  97. well omark and omarra some good work.

    and why with some bruisers for vancouver in the lineup do we not have either of our tough guys? why have them on the roster then

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  98. terrible line change by the kids after the icing. dont leave before the puck is deep.

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  99. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  100. Cogs didn't exaxctly bust his ass to get back into the play even if it was a bad line change. After all it was Sedin and Burrows sitting in the slot all by their lonesome, you might want to go to one of them.

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  101. Does anyone have a link for the game?

    What he said.

    Both feeds on ATDHE are actually the ANA-MIN game.

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  102. it's just a few games, but omarra's speed seems fine for the NHL...wasn't that one of the big knocks? or does he just look fast because jones has such a bad skating technique?

    PS...i've been so busy this year, i haven't had a chance to sit down and watch a game from start to finish...i'm excited for this.

    clap clap

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  103. A-ha!

    hxxp://atdhe.net/30567/watch-minnesota-wild-vs-anaheim-ducks

    Replace the xx with tt and an Oilers game you shall see.

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  104. Smarmy,
    RE Hamilton:
    Sounds about right. 1st game back after a long road trip against a bottom team and I believe he was heading off to Toronto the next day for WJr camp.

    That is a very good line though. Size, skill, and good speed.

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  105. looks like Belle's on his way back up to the show...

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  106. It might be Plante getting the call if the team is looking to replace Vandermeer's skillset. I think Petry has surpassed Belle as the call-up of choice for offensive ability. He's got 20 points in 28 games now.

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  107. 4th line out with a minute ago, but they had a pretty good shift.

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  108. is it ever a great feeling knowing that we have people to call up who are decent. what a revelation.

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  109. I'm a little disappointed. I figured PRV had that penalty shot in the bag.

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  110. I had the chances at 3-7 and the Dys did their work early by being heavy and early on the forecheck and causing turnovers but the Oilers also didn't allow an SC in the period's last 11 min so it wasn't a total clusterfuck in their own zone.

    The problem is something that reminds me of watching basketball when one team has no problem finding good shots but the other has to work like bastards and only find good looks as the clock winds down.

    The Oil are expending so much energy trying to break out and when they do it's never with any flow.

    Interesting to note the TOI as the 4th liners each played ~4 min apiece while 4-89 played 5:30 and 14 played over 6 min.

    I didn't notice as time went on but early on the Dys were getting Kesler vs 89 and then the Sedins vs 13 as far as line matching.

    Not a great period for 26 - I had him at 0/4 - and he was in the right position on the GA but didn't take the man and had a slow stick.

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  111. Liked the mostly short shifts that period, except for one bad hemdown. Kids had a rough period but they haven't played Van that often and the Nucks are no skate in the park.

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  112. The best thing to happen to Ryan O'Marra's career was ST signing Colin Fraser.

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  113. Fraser exceeds at chipping the puck in deep and not getting it back. Ever.

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  114. Dennis, Eberle missed a line change and got caught in that hemdown. It would've skewed his time on ice by at least 90 seconds.

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  115. By my eye, Fraser doesn't deserve a spot in the NHL. I'm already more impressed with O'marra.

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  116. Nice to see Smid fake as he goes into the corner to retrieve the puck.

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  117. FU Kesler. him and Burrows have done that head toss thing too many times. Stripes aren't calling it anymore.

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  118. I really hate Vancouver.

    Someone break a Canuck's leg out there, please.

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  119. Cogliano is in no man's land on that pk. Not collapsing low (like Montreal's pk), and not with his man Edler, who slid in right past him and very nearly scored (about 5 seconds before the Sedins scored anyway). Reddox please.

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  120. Andrew Cogliano is not a good hockey player.

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  121. Finally something so blatant it had to be called.

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  122. it's like seeing all the other kids be crafty has woken samwise up a little...

    he's been (successfully) fancy of late, which is nice to see -- i miss all his awesome stick handling from october of his rookie season.

    the last couple of years it seemed like he was buying into the "keep it simple" philosophy of thecaptainethanmoreau.

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  123. Good sweet Christ, I wish Stauffer would shut up about MacIntyre's absence allowing the Canucks to "take liberties".

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  124. Michaels is a much lighter verison of Stauffer

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  125. Yeah to sell products just stick a dolphin in the commercial.

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  126. God the Oiler powerplay sucks the hind banana.

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  127. Tim Peel should just go away. What a terrible referee.

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  128. I don't understand what the Canucks are thinking... don't they know if they would give the puck to us we will just give it right back in perfect scoring position?

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  129. These Telus commercials are really making me want to kill myself

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  130. Not watching this: just as well, given I just checked the boxscore and the shots are 26-10. The comments here aren't exactly glowing, either. Has anything positive happened?

    Whoop, 27-10.

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  131. Why did Ballard leave his feet before Brule actually hit him?

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  132. DD is the only good part of this game.
    Gilbert as well.

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  133. One big positive, Dubbie looks good. He deserves a better fate, but at least this helps the lottery dive.

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  134. The interference that Van gets away with on dump ins is astounding

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  135. Hall's going to be a strong player once he gains some weight. He's pretty lean still at this point.

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  136. Meeh, that's a team that's supposed to win the cup. Not too worried about that one minus #1C, #1RW, #5D

    Hell of a game by DD though. Guy hadn't played in a while and battled like hell.

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  137. What an awful game. Two goals down and we generate one shot in the third? One?

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  138. Kesler is such a douche. He throws his head back and to the right, back and to the right, back and to the.... (bad Seinfeld reference, sorry) after Jacques swats at him, then he plays the innocence card after he blatantly slashes Hall's stick. At least his stupid penalty cost Loooooou his shutout.

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  139. That's textbook on how to play against the Oilers. Hopefully nobody elese notices.

    The Oilers haven't played a team that physical with speed in a while and it showed.

    I'm not a huge Stortini fan, but I'm with Bruce. They need his emotion and physical game against the Flames and Canucks. Fraser out, Stortini in. Obviously JFJ gets a free pass and I don't care if there's no center on the 4th line, Fraser can't win a draw anyway.

    That's some big, solid D right from 1-6 on the other side and their forwards skate miles and back check like madmen. Not surprising a bunch of individual rushes got shut down with ease.

    If the zebras would have called the interference on the Canucks D it may have been a little better game.

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  140. I really hate the Sedins. They're just too damned good.

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  141. If Vandermeer's ankle is broken (again) he may as well just hang up the skates for good. I can't see him possibly being any good at an even greater reduced speed.

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  142. In other news, Pitlick 1g, 3a. Martindale 2+2.

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  143. Just finished watching on the PVR.

    Standard.

    That's what this team is going to look like against those who have any idea of how to play defense and cycle.

    10 and 83 are two ultra important pistons in the Oiler engine. Just can't run the same without them.

    12-24 Total chances tonight
    9-16 at EV

    Last Game vs. Tampa

    21-35 Total chances
    15-30 at EV

    The D isn't deep enough to break the cycle against all lines, and they are having a terrible time breaking out with the puck.

    The kids get frustrated with dumping and not getting possession back so they try 1 on 3 all the time an lose possession.

    No sustained forecheck, no forwards coming back down low to help break the opposing cycle.

    Interesting that Renney switched up the lines at the end.

    4-13-14
    27-89-91
    28-67-23
    22-16-42

    22 has his best game this year by my eye. Dennis backs it up having him at 2-1 SC. Actually worked hard to retrieve the puck down low, good to see.

    Only other Oilers with positive SC were 6 w/ 6-4 and 67 w/ 3-2

    How the hell does 6 do that game in and game out when they get outchanced almost 2-1? Very good player.

    Hopefully 67 worked himself out of the doghouse.

    Agree with others that maybe 16 should sit a game and 42 should center 22 and 46.

    28-67-23 will be a disaster in their own zone, but might can't be worse than 42 in the middle of them.

    Good game by DD too.

    There is a real good chance that only NJ and NYI are below the Oilers in a month.

    Calgary has too many horses, they've quit on the coach and word is he's gone soon.

    Florida consistently outchances their opponent. They just have no finish. They aren't the playoff team I thought they were, but they won't be in the lottery.

    Ottawa might be close to the Oilers. They aren't good enough and have quit on their coach too, but have enough quality in the line up that the lottery should be out of the question.

    NJ won't be healthy enough in the next month to pass the Oilers, but will get a lot closer.

    NYI is a team of fringe NHLers and AHLers, with some really good kids getting their heads pounded in yet again. Really shitty to see.

    With Wang closing up the check book I think the Oilers should make a RFA offer to Okposo and/or Comeau this summer.

    Bet you they wouldn't be the only ones.

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  144. This was the kind of game where I felt they were never in it but they were never out of it, either.

    I can't get upset with anything other than the third period because we're missing two big horses and I'm not saying our boys are the Sedins but let's see how Van would deal if both those guys are out/

    Nice game from 67, BTW. He showed a willingness for the grind and hopefully that carries a bit. I don't think he's up for it, mind you, and he's too creatively-challenged to grab the bull by the horns but he's got a chance to make a jump too now with the extra TOI available; of course the rub is that he likely needs those guys or guys of that calibre to make him hum.

    Anyway, let's hope we get a couple of breaks vs TO.

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  145. BTW, Malholtra and Henrik were a combined 26/40 on the draw and ROM is scuffling in the bigs on the draw thus far.

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  146. If you watch the replay on the last goal you can see Burrows praticatly swinging an axe at Hall then cross-checking him. Wtf does he have to do to get called for slashing?

    God i wish that rule wasn't so fucking random. They only call it on the guy with the puck or if the stick is broken.

    Had I been Hall i would have probably elbowed' him in the face.

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  147. Dennis: I was thinking it was more like VAN missing one of the Sedins plus Kesler, but yeah, the impact would be big on any team to lose two of their top three up front.

    The loss of Vandermeer so early in the game really fucked up the defensive rotation and the match-ups too, and you wind up with situations like Foster trying to cover the Sedin line, and as we saw on the first goal they can move the puck faster than he can swivel his head.

    I called a 5-1 Vancouver win tonight, and am surprised that the score was as close as it was though not pleasantly so. It was a blowout in every other way, shape and form. Dubnyk had a strong game though as did his posts, but this one was never close.

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  148. I'm almost thinking it was good I missed this one...almost.

    I'm glad I don't have to listen to many games on radio. Couldn't follow at all; the current commentary is way too choppy. Also, trying to integrate 'trapezoid' into the hockey lexicon is not proper. Using it 35 times a game won't change that.

    Hopefully Belle is recalled immediately. I look forward to watching him again.

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  149. Bruce,

    Agreed.

    The score is an indictment on how shitty the Dys are actually playing.

    They had no business losing to the Bolts last night.

    Massively outshot them in the 2nd and 3rd and couldn't get enough goals.

    Maybe its bad luck in spots, but they should be showing much better than they are.

    With how strong the West is, I'm not seeing them going deep this year.

    Maybe they pick it up.

    Also,

    WTF is up with the caps? Lost 6 straight and get shit canned 7-0 by the Rags? Ovechkin not giving a shit? Loss of Theodore hurt them that much? (Think he was something like 23-2 at one point last year)

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  150. WG: Can't blame Varlamov with that ,930 save % (Exept maybe tonight).

    I don't think they miss Theodore that much, especially after pulling him out of game 2 after allowing 2 goals on 2 shots.

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  151. Speaking of offer sheets, think the NHL would allow the Oilers to put one on Keith Yandle?

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  152. Rolston has missed just over 20 games in 10 years.

    he's having a bad year in New jersey? no shit.

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