Messier's performance that spring (1990) was the stuff of legends. Oiler fans who remember it cannot possibly hope for another like it, and yet it's exactly what we're doing.
--
- RNH-Smyth-Eberle
- Horcoff-Hall-Jones
- Gagner-Paajarvi-Hemsky
- Belanger-Eager-Petrell-Lander-Hordichuk rotating
I'd be thrilled with that top 9, but doubt we see it for long if at all. NHL coaches love their veterans and I suspect we'll see Horcoff and Smyth together at the slightest sign of trouble. And with a defense that boasts two new hires due to injury, trouble bought a suite to be near the action.
Sometimes it's better not to think too much. Tonight might be an example. Cheer like hell for the home side, hope for some creativity from the coach and maybe the Hawks don't show up two nights in a row. And if they do, maybe make a list of talking points for the people you're watching the game with tonight. Subjects include the weather, Christmas shopping, kids and school, the government and flying south. It's always good to be prepared on night's like this one.
--
- Jonathan Willis from Cult of Hockey, Nations Network, Hockey Prospectus and ESPN Insider. Jonathan is that rare item: a man who can converse equally well in the math hockey world and in the "saw him good" group. I'll ask him about his recent article entitled "Statistics are Dumb" and the point he was making.
- Trevor Maughan from Arctic Ice Hockey. We'll talk Jets and their steady improvement, including two impressive wins this week.
- JP Nikota from Pension Plan Puppets and Leafs Nation. The PPP people are some of the finest bloggers on the planet, and JP has been doing some excellent work re:scoring chances. I'll attempt to mock him, but am a bit of a fan so it'll probably be lame.
- Tab or Sam from Committed Indians, a Blackhawk blog of some note. Chicago stumbled last night after a nice run recently, and I'll check in and see what the CI folks think about the team, tonight's game and Chicago's chances this season.
- Jesse Rogers from ESPN Chicago. We'll talk about the importance of this road trip as an indicator of how this year's Hawks look moving forward.
One of my favourite aspects of that 1990 Game Four was how Mike Keenan matched up Dave Manson against Messier in one of the most epic mismatches I've ever seen. Mark (and Glenn and Craig) ate Charlie's lunch.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite memory of Manson is that he go the Oilers BoBo.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: If Oilers want to send MPS down to the AHL would he have to clear waivers?
ReplyDeletehwy16: No, he's still on his entry level deal. He'll be waiver eligible fall 2013. I believe--always want to be careful on these things.
ReplyDeleteLT - ask your guests what the story at C is for Chicago. Its been Toews, Sharp, Bolland but they have Kane in place of Sharp and Tim Sassone keeps talking up their needs as another C and a Dman to quarterback the PP.
ReplyDeleteBolland has been hurt a lot but wondering a)why Kane at C instead of Sharp and b) do they need another C because of Bolland's health or is Sassone smoking the drapes?
thanks
Was talking to my pal last night. Its funny, fans are fans everywhere I guess. He's a Sabres fan and says you'd think the club was in last based on the fans chatter. I get the same impression with Chicago. Top of the league and they've had injuries and the PP has sputtered. Scary to think where they'd be if they were playing well. ;)
I remember that series, figured the Hawks finally had the Oilers licked and then Messier took them apart. Literally. After game 4 the series was over
ReplyDeleteThank you LT
ReplyDeleteMessier was the hero.
ReplyDeleteThe 2 major turning points were the vicious slash to Larmar and running Savard from behind to concuss him.
Wonder what we'd think of those plays today?
I know that if theformercaptainethanmoreau did either of those we'd all want him burned at the stake.
There is a slim chance the Oilers win tonight.
Hawks were dogshit last night and Crawford was the dogshittiest.
That probably means Emery goes tonight.
If the new lines have some chemistry AND the Oilers come out and actually score, AND the D plays above their level (77-5 play 30 min), AND Dubnyk has one of his unconscious 40 save games, the Oilers can win.
Need CHI to not give a shit after a while too.
Not impossible, just highly improbable.
I'd love to see the clip of Messier taking it to Larmer.
ReplyDeleteThose classic Oiler teams were dirty. Anderson, Messier, every defenseman. Well, they were dirty but along with that they are just tough to play against, tough to get around, etc.
It that way, this is a great article, LT. Watching this team get pushed around out there by teams that seem to "want it more" is tough, especially with that hot start.
I haven't been watching the latest games since most of them are not on regular TV, but what's the deal with Eager? It would be nice if he would be engaged out there and it would be nice if some of the other guys would have a lead to follow.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletemaybe they need a practise where they line the guys up against the boards and just shoot pucks at them.
ReplyDeleteBrett: Eager's been very disappointing. I'm astonished that a man with the size/speed he has can be such a non factor.
ReplyDeleteCan't make a pass, can't take a pass, drives to the net only sometimes.
Someone mentioned the other night that maybe it was the concussion from the wacky Russian and maybe that's so.
If Eager was able to play a complete game he wouldn't be a career 3-4 liner that never gets his contract renewed. ;)
ReplyDeleteStill, he should be a wildly huge upgrade from JF Jacques. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI had two concussions in my youth. *Warn your kids about sliding on newly formed ice over concrete!
ReplyDeleteBoth times I ‘woke up’ about a half hour later with friends walking me home.
It just could be that Eager hasn’t woken up yet.
Black Dog said...
ReplyDeleteTim Sassone keeps talking up their needs as another C and a Dman to quarterback the PP.
Don't know if Sassone meant one more D on top of Duncan Keith but he seems to my eye to be a pretty decent PP Qb.
Hawks need a C? Perfect. Sam Gagner for Brandon Pirri please. Reunite Kane and Sammy and get a C back that's not in the bigs thanks only to his teams depth at the position.
Call me crazy, but I'd think about calling up the wacky Russian and telling him to do what he does best.
ReplyDeleteHey LT, here are some questions for your guests today;
ReplyDelete- Rank the following rookies as Calder candidates; RNH, Connolly, Gudbranson, Landeskog - and why
- Is Luke Schenn still 'untouchable' in trade?
-Why has Nazim Kadri failed to land a spot as Leafs center given all the injuries?
- has Joe Colbourne passed Kadri in terms of upside as a pro?
- What is the eventual fate/destination of the Coyotes?
- Is a Gagner trade an inevitability? What is his most likely destination?
Growing up as a Flames fan we had a grudging respect for the skill and genius of Gretzky (and Kurri), but we HATED Messier (and Anderson). Never has a player been more ruthlessly evil and sublimely skilled as the Moose, with the possible exception of Gordie Howe. HATE him.
I'd like t echo LT's comments on Eager. It's stunning, considering his size and speed. Reminiscent of Winchester, Isbister, Green?
ReplyDeleteI think it's quite possible Eager is carrying a 5 cent noodle on that big frame of his.
@spOILer: Given Eager's apparent assets: size, speed, (rumoured) enthusiasm, there was no other possible conclusion that the tool box might be found wanting. No surprise.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of apparent enthusiasm on the other hand is a big, unpleasant surprise. Like LT I've been speculating that he still hasn't recovered from that knock he took in the f'n JMC.
Other teams hire tough guys. Ours gets clocked in an inter-squad game FFS.
@Cameron: I used to make that Messier-Howe comp routinely. Drove a friend of mine who was a huge Howe fan absolutely nuts, but I thought (and think) the comp is valid to a degree.
ReplyDeleteYour Flames of the '80s took a back seat to nobody in terms of dressing absolute scumbags. What they lacked in quality they more than made up for in quantity: Mel Bridgman, Paul Baxter, Willi Plett, Doug Risebrough, Neil Sheehy, Gary Suter, Joel Otto, Gary Roberts, Nick Fotiu, Shane Churla ...
Tim Hunter was one of my favourite Flames because at least he was upfront about his scumbaggery.
My father in law hated the Oilers, but did say Messier was a filthier version of Howe.
ReplyDeletecabbie - Keith plays a ton at ES and on the PK, I think they'd rather not have him too much on the PP as well. And he is not a true PP QB. The PP has been awful and its one spot where they really miss Campbell, who is a pretty good Dman, regardless of that contract
ReplyDelete@ Bruce, you left Fleury off the list. He could score, pass, jam lumber into your family jewels with best of them.
ReplyDeleteI heard Mark Howe tell a story about the old WHA days where brother Marty was wrestling with a guy on the ice after a tilt. Elder Howe skated over and lifted off the offending player - by his nostrils.
Messier would be perpetually suspended in today's game. His stickwork on Rich Sutter (hockey tape had to be removed from Sutter's pallette by doctors) alone would have seen him sit out for a good portion of the season.
But that patented off-wing wrist shot. Wow.
Renney
ReplyDelete-Khabi starts
-Potter is going to be a month-fuck me
-hard to hear the questions but it sounded like Sutton is 7-10 days
I met Tim Hunter at a golf tournament about 20 years ago.His nose is bigger in person than it is on TV.
Since this is a Messier thread, whom even Wayne said was the greatest leader he ever knew in professional sports, I wonder where Toews fits in terms of leadership? I'm not saying he is Messier-like; yet I'm doubtful if there is a better leader in the NHL. Chara? Others?
ReplyDeleteStupid AHL-only contract and 50 contract limit...
ReplyDeletePretty sure that the Oilers and Motin mutually agreed to terminate his contract when he bolted to the SEL, so they should be at 49 and can add the Nutball Rooskie if they want. (I think)
-Khabi starts
W....T...F?????
Three straight starts and three straight losses, why oh why go back to him?
I don't get this at all.
Black Dog said...
ReplyDeletecabbie - Keith plays a ton at ES and on the PK, I think they'd rather not have him too much on the PP as well. And he is not a true PP QB. The PP has been awful and its one spot where they really miss Campbell, who is a pretty good Dman, regardless of that contract
Keith is still their #1 mins guy on the PP though BD. #3 mins on the PK. Maybe Seabrooke's banged up a little more than they've indicated or they don't like giving Leddy this many PP mins this soon?
I didn't mind Campbell outside of the gaudy contract but he was only their #3 PP mins guy and more of a force at EV. His loss shouldn't be a huge factor on their PP. Something else is out of whack there and I can't believe it would be Kopecky and Brouwer being deletions.
Just listened to Renney.
ReplyDeleteR: "Nik's been great so lets keep him going"
Nik's last 3 games:
55 shots, 45 saves for a "great" .818%
FFS.
Mind you DD's last 3 games has him at 45 saves on 53 shots for a 0.849
But dammit Nik had the last 3 starts and they were all losses.
The thing that sticks in my memory about that Chicago game was Savard giving his head a shake after getting a dose of the smelling salts on the bench after another belt from Messier - no quiet room in those days.
ReplyDeleteFlames douche parade was led by Sheehy, who actually claims credit for the instigator rule coming in. He would pull the cheapest of shots and then duck the retribution.
I can't see any info on Motin's contract being off the books at this time.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Messier I'd like to see Renney try Hall at RW. The kids not getting many decent shots off his own wing so maybe the Messier off-wing thing would fit.
That and shorten his stick by 2-3 inches and have Serdachny coach him to straighten up a bit.
Spoke with a relative that watched Hall's junior career pretty close and he said the kid was famous for ducking down along the boards to avoid a hit. That doesn't work so well in the NHL I don't think.
Is there something wrong with the picture when the Hawks cap hit is almost $3M lower than the Oilers and 5 players represent 50% of it?
Gerta Rauss said...
ReplyDeleteI met Tim Hunter at a golf tournament about 20 years ago.His nose is bigger in person than it is on TV.
You need a bigger TV :)
Any word on Whitney? I thought we were supposed to know today if he was healed and just needed time to get in game shape?
ReplyDeleteThe team can't afford Whitney to miss any more games this season. It's that simple.
I also wonder if McCabe would take a big discount just to have the chance to play at all to showcase his game. The Oilers could give him that chance, and surely hes better than Peckham, Barker, Chorney, and Teubert.
Without Potter, there is a need for a PP guy, too.
You need a bigger TV :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need to get closer to his nose.
Last thing: there is still, I think, a small chance that Chorney turns himself into a decent, replacement level, 3rd pairing guy.
ReplyDeleteCross our fingers.
I can't see any info on Motin's contract being off the books at this time.
ReplyDeleteEric Rodgers has something up at The Copper & Blue...Link
the way we saw 44 playing early on was the way we needed him to play all season if we had a chance.
ReplyDeleteUnrealistic? sure. nonetheless true? goddamn right.
Let's say 6 does play 52 games this year - runs to the bathroom and Still shits pants laughing - we'll still need 44 to be a top four guy and now he's one month behind injury-time and then god only knows how long once he does start playing.
I still believe that the forwards can be good. 4 won't keep being this mediocre and 89-91 will bounce back, too. If 83 IS healthy, then at some point he'll start to play like it.
But the D's a disaster waiting to happen.
Well they said the playoffs were the goal, so that means mending the blue is a priority.
ReplyDeleteRight?
You'd think so.
ReplyDeleteThe last couple years this situation was (not) addressed by "giving guys opportunities to step up" and "playing minutes they normally might not play" and we saw the results in the standings.
Playing Tuebert and Chorney for the next few weeks is unacceptable as far as I'm concerned.
We'll see what the Oilers think.
Weird that the Leafs waited for Komisarek to get injured to recall Colborne.
ReplyDeleteThe kid's 6''4 and he's got 19 points in 13 AHL games...
Maybe they don't like him that much.
even IF 6 comes back soon, they still need another real D and then you let 24-58 battle to play with 25 on the third pairing.
ReplyDelete33 is the best kind in OKC at this point; he's not really pushing the issue.
Renney is thinking that there is a good chance this gets ugly tonite. Rather have NK in taking it than DD.
ReplyDeleteDon't fret Dennis-our man Tambellini is working on that D man for us.
ReplyDeleteI'm not suddenly a Tambellini defender, but when we needed a legitimate NHL defenceman for cheap, he signed us Cory Potter. And you can say that's on Renney, but as far as I'm concerned all hockey personnel decisions come back to the GM: worst case scenario, he listened to the right person.
ReplyDelete(Of course, all the other seasons where we needed a legitimate NHL defenceman for cheap, he fared a little less well, so you have to view his record as a whole.)
Renney is thinking that there is a good chance this gets ugly tonite. Rather have NK in taking it than DD.
ReplyDeleteThat could very well be true.
Interesting thought.
Voynov playing for LAK today. He looks like a young D to me.
ReplyDeleteSteve Smith says: I'm not suddenly a Tambellini defender, but when we needed a legitimate NHL defenceman for cheap, he signed us Cory Potter.
ReplyDeleteHe also signed us Cam Barker... of course, he wasn't cheap, so maybe that doesn't count.
PS: I know that you acknowledged Tambellini's overall record as being sub-par, but I coudn't help myself.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the Oilers consider adding another Potter "type." By that I mean an AHL veteran in his mid to late 20s and considered a guy who just needs a shot.
ReplyDeleteThey're out there. Always have been.
Because I mostly just follow the Oilers, the only career minor leaguers (I'm including all non-NHL leagues in that categorization) who I'm aware of coming into the NHL as overaged NHL-ready defencemen are Potter and Jan Hejda. Are there many other examples?
ReplyDeleteLT: yeah, watched a bit of it and he was around a lot of the time.
ReplyDeleteMy take on Khabby getting the start? renney not overly impressed with DD's start and - at least for now - the goaltending semi-rotation is gone out of the window.
Steve Smith: Oh, sure. Lots of AHL defensemen from 5 years ago are NHL defenders. Gragnani, Lepisto, Goligoski, Fransson, Ericsson, Potter, Rome, Boychuk, Carle, Flood, Quincey, Kindl, Sekera, Yandle.
ReplyDeleteAll of them played significant AHL minutes in 07-08.
All of them played significant AHL minutes in 07-08.
ReplyDeleteSure - but when they came into the league, were the already Actual NHL Players (like Potter and Hejda)? Or were they more like rookie NHL defencemen who showed promise?
Messier's leadership was especially evident in the cheque-cashing department in the mid-90s.
ReplyDelete/typical Canucks fan
Messier was on the Oilers' side even then (just like Steve Smith was on the Flames' side in advance).
ReplyDeleteAh, gotcha. That I don't know. Andrew Hutchinson has been trying forever, so it's probably a mix of fail, try and success.
ReplyDeleteWould Brian Rafalski count? Played 4 years of college hockey, then couldn't get a shot in the NHL so he went to play in Europe for a few years until the Devils brought him over at age 26. Finished his "rookie" year with 32 points.
ReplyDeleteSurprised in this "Messier was a tough and dirty" player thread, nobody mentioned his tomahawk on Thomas Gradin that would have earned him a 50 game suspension today. Or the sucker punch on Neil Sheehy, but Sheehy deserved it...
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I would prefer Horcoff to switch with Gagner tonight to get a righty Gagner passing to Hall on LW and the lefty Horcoff passing it to Hemsky on the right side so all the passes on the rush can be on the forehand instead of the backhand with those lines...any thoughts?
One time I was driving with my wife to Calgary and listening to Peter Marr on the radio broadcasting a pre-season CGY-EDM game.
ReplyDeleteMessier punched Sheehy in the back of the head SEVERAL times and Marr went nuts.
5 minutes for Messier, nothing more. The 80s.
The Islanders had Denis Potvin, who was amongst the top 5 meanest and dirtiest and ruthless SOB's of all time (with a supporting cast of Tonelli, Gillies, Nystrom, and a couple of Sutters.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Islanders learnt how to win in the playoffs the hard way.
Messier became what he became because the beasts of Long Island had to be taken to slaughter, and they did not go quietly.
@"Steve Smith": Jury is still out on Corey Potter being an Actual NHL Player. Agreed he played real well for his first 10 or so games, but the cracks have been showing up of late quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteI hope he's that player we saw in October, but he's a long way from proving that he can be that guy consistently.
GD: that was very poetic.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, you could also say the Isles got old and wore down from all the series and didn't draft any skill to replenish the ranks outside of Lafontaine.
It's Kevin Weekes-this night is off on the wrong foot already.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why more clubs don't sign mid 20s Dmen to cheap, low risk, 1 year contracts.
ReplyDeleteIf it doesn't work out waive them, try the next guy, and you're not out much.
I guess the 50 contract limit may limit that strategy though.
Not a good night so far - Leafs and Habs win big
And yes Weekes and Mark Lee with Oake - doesn't CBC read their emails?
ReplyDeleteHNIC is in goddamn shambles, it really is.
ReplyDeleteCraig Simpson couldn't hold Harry Neale's microphone - no joke - and he's the lead colour guy. Hughson can be great but he's often on his own trip and with his wine glass placed firmly underneath his ass.
Mark Lee seems like the kind of guy CBC would hire when they were bcasting the Commonwealth Games and Ernie Afaganistan said , "fuck it, I'm not traveling."
Kevin Weekes doesn't have a clue. I could say Campbell is there because of her gender but then again there are a lot of shitty males working there as well.
Dean Brown has a deep voice.
Seriously, it's gross.
Cuthbert should have never been let go and neither should have Leburn from the reporting standpoint. You have Lebrun and Friedman on the Hot Stove and that's required.
I haven't look at Maclean the same since his inner geek let his effete flag fly every sunday night on battle of the blades.
Sunday night live? Dear jesus man, show some respect for yourself.
Shambles.
Awesome Dennis.
ReplyDeleteI pictured you watering your lawn with a Schlitz in your hand as I read that.
That's the Hemmer I'd like to keep.
ReplyDeleteThat's the 83 I remember.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Dennis.
Got anything for Milbury and Heals?
Having a PP unit like that isn't fair.
Good to see the Refs left their glasses at home tonight. Magnus was mugged behind the net and no call but somehow they call Smyth for a lame hook ? Ridiculous !!!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how Jones does it, but he does it well
ReplyDeleteI'd pull Razor RFN if I was Quenvelle
ReplyDeleteHe's been an circus act on every shot so far.
3 Goals? Am I still drunk from last night? What day is it today?
ReplyDeleteAnd 94's total distance on goals scored jumps to 15ft. What a beauty player.
ReplyDeleteGreat play by Eberle.
Sick hands and pass by Ebs. A highlight reel thing of beauty !
ReplyDeleteWhat a beaut by Eberle.
ReplyDeleteI should drink more Oiler game nights. That's what the empties are telling me.
ReplyDeleteHockey's a funny game - All it took was a careless check from behind on the numbers.
ReplyDeleteB to B road games are a killer.
@LT,
ReplyDeleteare you sure you don't have a few hawks there with you ? like a couple of dmen and a couple of goalies ? lol
I'll drink to that as well - 93 - what a player
ReplyDeleteRenney's a genius - so are most of the posters on here apparently
RNH didn't even look at Eberle. Just KNEW he was there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty
At this rate we may see Murray Bannerman between the pipes to start the 2nd period...
ReplyDeleteAt this rate we may see Murray Bannerman start the 2nd period...
ReplyDeleteIf that went over the glass without hitting the boards it defied all I know about Physics
ReplyDeleteIs Tim Peal one of the zebra's tonight?
Where was this team the last two weeks?
ReplyDeleteSmid has a shot like a pee wee
ReplyDeleteI know the game is on, but I am not watching or reading comments. I am sick of cheering for this pathetic team. They are not going to win. They suck. They make me hate hockey and life. There is no hope for this team and perhaps no hope at all!
ReplyDeleteRNH is soooo good.
ReplyDeleteWhat in the HE double hockey sticks is going on? Just got in....
ReplyDeleteNice period-the team and the fans both needed that.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this game is over though.
Great to see them finally blow someone out; better still its the Hawks who they will probably meet in a few WCF's down the road.
ReplyDeletePlus, the Canucks suck.
I have to watch my hometown WGN feed tonight. At least it's in HD.
ReplyDeleteFoley and Olczyk aren't horrible, but not even close to HNIC, even if it's in shambles. :)
That Ottawa game alone makes me think that 5 goals aren't going to win this one...
ReplyDeleteWho did some scouts (semi)dare to compare RNH to?
ReplyDeleteLooks like Oilers got a gem.
Eberle had 5 shifts that period - guy got a point on 3 of them.
ReplyDeleteChi isn't the same without Seabrook.
Does anybody know why Mark Lewis has not been the PA announcer for the past couple of games at Rexall?
ReplyDeleteWait, what 5-1. Awesome - team of the future - no stopping US! Other teams better watch out cause the boys on the bus are back! RNH reminds me of Gretzky and Hall of Messier! Awesome. I love the Oilers and life. The world is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people!
ReplyDeleteSo that's how Jones get those goals...the intense eyes.
ReplyDeleteEberle.
ReplyDeleteThat is all.
Johnathan, it's about the "eye glow".
ReplyDeleteBookie, never change.
Absolutely fantastic period for Petry, should have a couple points, + 4, he turned over the puck leading to the first and fifth goals.
ReplyDeleteExcellent
Speeds, Zona at CNB has Petry at 3 assists on the night. Ye gods what a period for me to miss.
ReplyDeleteSomeone should let bookie know Hunter has gotten ahold of his password.
ReplyDeletethe 5 on 3 streak soon broken
ReplyDeletetoo late
Wow, something unique on the PP! Haven't seen anything that creative for along time.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/#!/BruceMcCurdy/status/138109377570799616
ReplyDeleteBruce reporting Petry given 2 assists.
Actually NHL.COM summary reports Petry with 3 assists now.
ReplyDeletePaul Anka rules.
ReplyDeleteAnd Peckham +4 as well?!?!?
Nugent Hopkins somewhat quietly working a career high 4 point night
ReplyDeleteBen Eager gets on the scoreboard.
ReplyDeleteWill a 5 goal lead be enough?
ReplyDeleteIf this was a close game that goal would be a stinky one on NK
ReplyDeleteTime to get PRV off the goose egg
ReplyDeleteGood on stripes. Kane and Toews have been diving and pleading for PPs all night casue they know that's the only way they can compete tonight.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the Oilers have been doing tonight, they want to bottle that recipe. - The wisdom of Kevin Weekes.
ReplyDeleteI obviously sustained a concussion at work this evening because when I turned in the tv it said the Oilers were winning the game 8-2, which I know is not possible. Right?
ReplyDeleteDeep breaths BQ-you'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteHo hum, RNH 5 assists.
ReplyDeleteI switched to the WGN feed after the first period-these guys are great-blunt,call it like it is.
ReplyDeleteI think they'll change the assists on that last goal-it looked like Hemsky chipped it to Horcov.
ReplyDeleteMost assists in 1 game - 99 with 7 assists 3 times
ReplyDelete93 has 5 apples so far
Linking the previous theme of "The nastiness of Mark Messier" with the prevalence of high sticking not being called, remember the 1981 playoffs when the young punk Mark Messier threatened to remove the head of then "Living Legend" Larry Robinson with his blade? If not, YouTube let's us refresh our memory at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7PYRYY0OJk
ReplyDeleteThat's great - the oilers are even scoring on broken stick shots. I hope the team doesn't waste a whole season worth of good fortune in this game!
ReplyDeleteHow many points does RNH have in CBC games?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any comment so sorry if this has been covered already.
Wtf - there is a whole 'nother period. Wow!
ReplyDeleteYeah! horcoff did tip the puck on Halls first goal. Eberle loses an assist. He will get it back on horcoffs goal he touched it just before horc. RNH will lose an assist.
ReplyDelete91 getting any PP time at all?? Doesn't look like it.
ReplyDeleteUmm, So..yea...This is pretty good. I wish I didn't need to take a trip to the mailbox soon. I'll have to drag out these last two beers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for not showing up, Chicago.
Hawks reminding me of those old Oilers games where they would just tank it, forget about it the next game, and continue on their winning ways a game or two later. Nothing to worry about, Hawks fans. It happens.
Dec 11, 1985 - Murray Bannerman was one of the goalers for the Hawks
ReplyDeletewas that Eberle rickibear...I saw right handed stick and assumed it was Hemsky that chipped it...
ReplyDeleteWonder when the last time was the Oilers have had 3 players with 4 point nights?
ReplyDeleteI remember a game against CLB where Hemsky and Penner both had 4 or 5 points, not sure if anyone else had a big night that night. Maybe Gagner?
Three points in an 8-2 game and Tom Gilbert only manages an even plus/minus? He's one shift away from being -1 for the night.
ReplyDeleteRNH making me change that 3 on his jersey to a 9 (beer helps)
ReplyDeleteWonder when the last time was the Oilers have had 3 players with 4 point nights?
ReplyDeleteI remember a game against CLB where Hemsky and Penner both had 4 or 5 points, not sure if anyone else had a big night that night. Maybe Gagner?
Yeah it was Gagner. I remember because for a couple days everyone went crazy about Edmonton's new unstoppable top line.
1-3-1 for the whole period? lol
ReplyDeleteGR: thank you. I woke up one day and I hated young people; and pretty much everything else;)
ReplyDeleteSK: Healy is so stupid taht e actually firmly believes he isn't.
So far Gagner has been one of the only Oilers I've seen poorly tonight. A lot of stuff has died on his stick and it feels like he's turned over the puck a fair amount.
ReplyDeleteThree points in an 8-2 game and Tom Gilbert only manages an even plus/minus? He's one shift away from being -1 for the night.
ReplyDeleteyea, what a bum. Sheesh.
4 pts for Gilbert, not that I'm paying attention (have him in my pool)
ReplyDeleteWeekes is the king of overdramatizaion
ReplyDeleteHere's a question:
ReplyDeleteWhat are the "reasonable expectations" for RNH, given the information we have now?
With the Hall hat trick, RNH is up to 19 pts in 19 games.
Apparently Hall likesmto score in bunches (well done kid)
ReplyDeleteThat's an Ovechkin shot. RNH with another A.
ReplyDeleteSqueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd a nice play by Peckham to step up and pokecheck that puck.
ReplyDeleteHopkins with 6 assists, Hall with 3 goals, Eberle with 4 points.
ReplyDeleteMan these kids are going to be great...
So all Peckman needed was top 4 minutes to play like he did last year?
ReplyDeleteRNH is prime time.
ReplyDeleteTheo! Plus 5 and takes on Carcillo. Match that Gilbert.
ReplyDeletePaajarvi can't buy a point, but I continue to be content with his play. I'd like to see him more aggressive, but even though he's not getting points.. he's playing well enough to earn a spot on the team in spite of it, imo.
ReplyDeleteOutside of face-offs and defensive play, not enthused about Belanger in the O-zone, at least not with Swedes.
can't remember if anyone has brought this up.
ReplyDeleteNK is sweaty.
probably drinks a lot.
Gumby almost with 4
ReplyDeleteTaylor Hall = the new cement head
ReplyDeleteGlorious.
ReplyDeleteThis post about turning points seem somewhat prescient.
ReplyDeleteBuy a lottery ticket LT.
TSN has RNH at 7 out of 9 FO wins, Belanger at 4 of 16 (!)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mc79hockey.com/?p=3991
ReplyDeleteGreat night all around, just a game to enjoy and to be exhilarated by, all those pretty, sweet goals. Too satisfying, especially after the horrible showing the last two weeks, and the hell that has been the last 5 years of oiler fandom. We knew hall could turn it up- and he did so by going to the net and staying there. The third goal on the wrist shot was just sick though.
ReplyDeleteThree other points. Regarding MPS, no points tonight, and you would have wanted him to see more PP time in the 3rd. If there ever was a game where points seemed to be coming in droves for the oilers, tonight was the night. But, with that having been said, he still played relatively well. He needs to get stronger on the boards and on his stick, but its not like he has the greatest supporting cast on his line. Only so much belanger and eager can do to help him.
I remain convinced he's worth the oilers time, energy, and patience.
Second, I'm still not sold on Khabby, despite Kevin Weeke's fawning adulation. Yes, he made 30 plus stops, but the 2nd goal was a real softy, and he's good for one of those at least once a game. So I think we need to stay vigilant in our critique of Khabby's play, whose weaknesses came out again tonight, despite the score.
Third, thoughts on Teubert and Chorney? I thought they played well enough to not get themselves in trouble, which is what they needed to do. We'll see how long they can last as a third pairing.
Keith should get suspended for that hit. Don't care if he apologized.
ReplyDeleteTeams are just cheap shotting Hall and the NHL acts like the guy is some scrub who deserves it.
Tuebert-Chorney made me nervous. You could see they were on the verge of chaos at times which is to be expected. They'll be in trouble on the road.
ReplyDeleteLiked Chorney on the PP though. Took some good shots from the point.
call me crazy, i know i am just for saying this but one thing i learned pretty quick in bantam aaa is if you use nothing but speed you'll be chased behind the net everytime..Paaravi needs to learn to pivot by at least the hash marks if he wants to make play or get a SOG. i know i'm nuts to compare his competion to mine but I can't be the only one seeing him barrel in from the red line to create absolutel nothing over and over...it's a big ice euro-hockey play
ReplyDeleteI thought NK was good except for the Bolland goal of course. The Hawks weren't without their chances in the 1st and if it weren't for Razor doing some goofy sh*t between the pipes and NK battling through traffic it could have been like the Ottawa 1st period.
ReplyDeleteChicago was going to the net hard at times.
What a stupid god-damned hockey team...just idiotic.
ReplyDeleteThere goes RNH's G/A ratio. Guy won't ever be a player.
ReplyDeleteFor a guy who gets to a game once every year or two this was magic. Chants of "We want ten!" in my ears tonight and I'm planning to let them linger.
ReplyDeletePajaarvi looked to be getting lots of ice late in the third and had some chances, but kept skating himself to the end boards. He needs to learn the hard part about cutting to the net on those rushes. Don't look at me I suck at it too.
Saw Peckham good tonight. Didn't notice Teubert or Chorney one way or the other which is a win I think.
Highlight of the night? After one particularly vigorous round of "We want ten!" died out, a lone chicago fan a couple of rows up (all the rest had gone home) added "We want three!" Well played sir, well played.
I was mouse wheeling down the ESPN scoreboard full tilt looking for the game result when an asteroid the size of Mt Rushmore carved into the shape of a giant "9" caught fire in the upper atmosphere of subliminal perception.
ReplyDeleteNooooooo!!!!!
A giant shadow expanded into the suburbs of my psyche. Red alert. Cortisol flooded into the combustion chambers of the asteroid impact siren, then--pumphff--the asteroid impacted--but no, wait, it didn't--I had apparently passed safely right through the hole in the middle and out the other side.
Weird.
Striking deep permafrost, the lethal digit skips back up in the atmosphere: arcing like a frozen rope over the third deck at the Regina warning track, still roping faintly upwards at Devil's Lake, before finally peaking over the frozen wood chippers of Fargo, North Dakota. Where the hell is it going?
Must be something wrong with the instruments. Maybe the box score will sort this out.
Teddy Peckham +5
OK, that does it, aliens have abducted the earth's magnetic field, I'm checking myself in.
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Duncan Keith -4 yet the Hawks go only 3/7 on the PK. Cows on shanties float by.
OK, it's the new way of the world. I guess I have to process this. First thought: not a night to remember for Mr Keith. How many of those other 4 were up close and personal? This could have been epic.
Devil to Mr Keith during frosh week at the gates of Hades: I've got good news and bad news.
Keith: Eeeee eeeee eee, what's the bad news?
Devil: I've looped your special moments on the game tape from here to eternity.
Keith: Aaaaah aahh eee, what's the good news?
Devil: Yours is the longest! Mr Keith, why are you hanging your head? Look at me while I consign your doom!
Devil turns to leave: Oh, and by the way (digs note out of tweed pocket in three button vest), a Fedex from Santa: Request Denied. Whistle if that really bites. Awwwww, you've got the eyes already.
Another omen of strange days: 4 points for Eberle and not a sniff at the three stars. Jinxed. We all knew that looking off the captain in his first game would haunt him in the afterlife.
Had to look.
ReplyDeleteKeith heading the wrong direction again
That all came to a crashing halt this weekend as Keith was on the ice for a whopping 11 of 14 goals scored against the Hawks in losses to Calgary (5-2) and Edmonton (9-2).
Ah, the devil's tape was a double header. Lessee here, by arithmetic he was on the ice for at least two PK goals tonight, assuming he was money for the iron pentagram in Calgary.
Was Paul Coffey ever on the ice for 11 against in consecutive games? Second, if he was, was his plus-minus for or against?
Here's a good place to look, from About: The Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks tied the record [total goals single game] on December 11, 1985. The Oilers won 12-9.
Retract the iron pentagram, but it gets better:
ReplyDeleteand was on the ice for 7 of Edmonton’s 8 goals and in the penalty box for the eighth
In the box for the small matter of cross-checking our future captain across the numbers face first into the boards (with no special relish, however, as these things go).
[From Bad for Blackhawks from start to finish].
I've always thought the guy in the box deserved a minus on a PP goal.
My verification word: unnice. Shoot. What do I have to do, break my stick over the guy's arm?
From Tony Robbins asks why we do what we do
ReplyDeleteSo, I've had an obsession basically for 30 years ... "What makes the difference in the quality of peoples' lives? What makes the difference in their performance?" ... I've got to produce the result now. ... I get the phone call when the athlete is burning down on national television, and they were ahead by five strokes and now they can't get back on the course.
Duncan: Tony, Tony, I need your help!
Tony: Dude! Love to help you, but for cripes sake, I live in a photogenic beach house. I might look imposing, but I'm softer than Semin! No can do--but I'll pass your sorry plight along to Mr Smith. If he tweets "Damn!" it means the Neuralizer is on its way ... don't tell anyone, it's our special arrangement. Here's what you need to know. It comes in special self-addressed mailing tube with a quartz window. Don't unwrap it. You need to find a standard issue mailbox with a hinged tray. Place the tube in the groove at the bottom, quartz side up, press your face up against the opening, then let go of the handle, it will detect the tipping motion and fire automatically. Yeah, it's a weird safeguard, but we feel real bad about that Madoff thing. Best of luck, gotta run, it's Penn State again on the other line.
OK, time to put this owl to bed.