Return of Oilers Hockey

We are all excited that the 2011-12 season is almost under way.  Even Mark is excited.  Although I am not sure exactly how excited he is....as small as that towel is, it covers just enough (too bad)!

Training camp is under way and the first preseason game was last night in Edmonton and Saskatoon.  Split squads played the Hawks in Saskatoon and the Wild in Edmonton.  Toonville saw the Nuge, Smyth and Eberle while Edmonton was treated to the Swedish line and Hall.  I was at the Edmonton game so I cannot say how well the other split squad played but they nevertheless won the game 4-2.  By all accounts, Dubnyk played quite well.

At least one of our goalies had a good game last night because it was a dreadful 30 minutes of action for the one and only, Mr. Nikolai Khabibulin.  Three goals on seven shots in the first period.  We can give him a pass on the first goal that deflected off one of the defenders (Marincin I believe) but the other two were ugly.

Some quick thoughts from the game:

• Musil and Marincin struggled along with most of the defense.  Try-out kid Tupulov had some shaky moments but you can see there is talent there but wow is it raw.   I would like to see the Oilers sign him to Oklahoma and see if they can work out the rawness.
• Taylor Hall picked up where he left off last season.  He had several first rate chances and easily could have scored a hatty.  Bad penalty late in the game led to the winning goal by the Wild.  D'oh!!
• The Swedish meatballs line played very good together.  Lander, Paajarvi and Omark obviously have chemistry and it'll be interesting to see if they play on a line together.
• Will Lander make the team?  With that game, yes.  However, it is more dependent on whether Nugent-Hopkins makes the team out of training camp and stays up.  Lander will at the very least be one of the first call-ups and should play half the year with the Oilers.
• Hordichuk?  I thought he knew how to fight.
• Belanger can win faceoffs, except the one that led to the winning goal (oopsie)!

It's only one preseason game but you can see where the strengths and weaknesses of this team lie; weak defense and goaltending but getting stronger up front.  Hopefully Edmonton gets to see the Nuge at the next preseason game along with a few more of the regulars.

Go Oilers!

The Return of a Team I Never Cheered For!

This picture is from April 4, 1990, game one of the divisional semifinals between the glorious Edmonton Oilers and the perennial loser Winnipeg Jets.  Winnipeg would win this game 7-5 and end up taking a commanding 3 games to 1 lead in the series.  However, Edmonton would not go down without a fight and they came back to win the next three games and win the series in seven games.  This is the last time the two teams met in the NHL playoffs and I was there for games three, four and six in Winnipeg. 

Two car loads of family drove from Minnedosa to Winnipeg with our CBC sign (Crazy Boyd Clan + Bruce), a two hour journey to watch hockey.  With my dad, brother, uncle, and cousins all cheering for Winnipeg, I was the lone Oiler fan and in my opinion, the voice of reason.  I refused to dress in white, would not participate in the charge of the white brigade but happily accepted my white pompoms and cheered mightily for my Oilers.  As my cousin recently told me last month, I was the annoying Oiler fan on the trip and irritated him immensely during these games.  Mission accomplished.

Winnipeg won games three and four, with one going into overtime.  I was devastated but my boys refused to die, winning game five and coming back to Winnipeg for game six and seven.  I was elated and very annoying to my Jets crew.  I took pride in how many people I could annoy.  I went to many Oilers games in Winnipeg and was sad when the Jets left town in 1996. 

Fast forward a few years and I'm living in Winnipeg getting my Master of Arts in history.  The Jets left several years before in 1996 and the only hockey I got was the occasional pre-season game (usually the Oilers) and a trip to Edmonton in 2000 for some playoff hockey.  Yes my Oilers lost again to Dallas but it was a close game.

I finally moved to Edmonton in 2003 and during the first year, I was lucky to gets tickets for Grant Fuhr's retirement (front row baby), the Heritage Classic (finally seeing Gretzky in an Oilers uniform) and several years later, I was able to buy season tickets just in time for their run to the Stanley Cup final. 

Fast forward six years, the Oilers are in a rebuild and hockey has returned to Winnipeg.  While I can never abandon my Oilers, I think I can cheer for Winnipeg as my second team.  In any case, I'm escatic that hockey has returned to my home province.  I go home two to three times a year so I am thrilled my family will be able to hit up hockey games once again.  I am debating about being there for Winnipeg's home opener and have told my family I will actually cheer for them (unless they play my Oilers).  It will bring back a lot of good memories.

One final thought, let's hope they are named the Jets.  I know it is not the same team returning and continuity will take a hit but Ottawa got their Senators name back (yes a longer break between teams) so why not the Jets?  People will still buy the merchandise even though they have Jets stuff.  But most importantly, a majority of the fans in Manitoba want the Jets so if you want them to ante up for tickets, you'd better keep a bit happy.  Also, I have not liked any of the other possibilities floating around:  Falcons, Polar Bears, Moose.  They do not work.

Welcome back to Winnipeg!  Hockey rules!!

Anyone but Vancouver

So our Oilers are getting another first round draft pick.  Yeah this happened a month ago but I've been busy.  I am watching the NHL playoffs but let's face it, if my Oil aren't involved, I'm not as involved.  However, I am watching even though all the teams I cheered for in the first round are out (Montreal, Pittsburgh and Chicago).  I am now cheering for Tampa Bay and whoever Vancouver plays.  I just do not want those diving cheating Canucks winning anything.  I hate divers.


I am watching the Sharks-Wings game right now before I head off to System of a Down concert.  Wings are getting so many chances but can't bury them or Niemi is holding the Sharks in this game.  It is an elimination game for the Wings so they better start burying their chances soon.

I am planning a trip to Rome and Athens in October.  I have been crazy busy researching my trip.  I hope to book it soon.  I wish miss the first three weeks of the Oilers season which makes me sad.  I missed the first three weeks when I went to Germany in 2008 but I did keep up with the scores for part of the trip.  I hope they have a better October this year than in 2008.  They started 4-0 but lost the next 5.  So let's not repeat that, okay?

Did the Wings score finally?  Crap, it was the Sharks.

Anyway, with another first round pick which I think the Oilers will select Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (read some of the head scout's interviews, seems like this is the guy) even though I was hoping for Larsson.  But these guys are the experts and all I want is for them to take the best player available.  My only concern with Hopkins is quite a few of his points are scored on the powerplay.  I hope he is not a PP specialist.  But lots of praise coming out for the kid so this could be the guy.

Oilers do not have to make the playoffs next year BUT BUT BUT they have to be in the mix.  They cannot be out of the race by December.  Just compete harder, put up some more points and maybe keep Khabby out of the goal more often.  Give the fans something to cheer for.....

GOILERS!!!

Down go the Habs!

Twice a year, the Leafs and Habs visit Rexall Place.  Both of these team's fans are annoying as hell.  They infiltrate the arena, infecting it with their douchiness, and out cheer the home team.  However, last night, the home team got the last laugh and the biggest cheers when the game was over.  The Edmonton Oilers, who are currently sitting in 30th in the NHL, yes that is dead last, beat the Habs, a playoff team. 

It was a delightful night of hockey.  Oilers fans have not had a lot to celebrate this year yet they continue to show up to games and support their team.  Last week, the Oilers played their worst hockey of the year.  It was so uninspired, it was probably the most pissed off I've been after a game.  It seemed like they didn't care.  Yes this team is not built to win but for fuck sakes, show up and give a damn.  Where is your pride? 

They finally showed up against Dallas and Montreal this week. This is the Oilers team I expected to see occasionally this year.  We have not seen them often enough, especially the last couple of months.  Finishing in a lottery position is not in doubt.  Finishing dead least is now in doubt especially with Ottawa finally blowing up their team after a dreadful run this year.  The Devils and Islanders are winning and moving out of the bottom two so it is now a two horse race. 

Last week I wanted the Oilers to finish dead last and get the best chance for the first overall pick.  Today?  I do not give a damn about the first overall pick.  I want wins.  I want excitement.  I want Oilers hockey.  So finishing second last is fine with me.  As I write that, I do realize that is a very funny comment.  This is a rebuild, so you got to go with the flow!

We are also coming up on trade deadline so rumors are floating around like crazy.  Many involve our very own Penner and Hemsky.  In fact, the Hemsky rumors are growing by day and are making me damn nervous.  I wrote a lengthy article for The Fourth Period regarding both Ales and Dustin at the end of December.  I still feel the same way.  Keep Hemsky and Penner, get them signed to extensions and continue the rebuild.  If they do not want to sign extensions, trade away.  But if they do, you must do everything in your power to NOT be swayed away by sexy prospects or another first round draft pick. 

In Hemsky, you're getting almost a point per game player, is in the top five for even strength points and is very exciting.  Penner brings power, a big body on a small team and drives to the net.  Trading these players will only set back the team and the rebuild.  It does not help to trade away your best players for magic beans.  This team needs NHL players.  It's that simple.

My latest article for The Fourth Period is up here....was posted a few weeks ago. 

As Taylor Hall said last night, "One win is a fluke, two is a streak."  Let's continue the streak!!!!

GOILERS!

Battle for the Basement

It has been a bitch of a January so far in Edmonton.  We've had a lot of snow; roughly 45-50 cm in the past two weeks.  It's snowmageddon around here.

However, we can always count on our Edmonton Oilers to perk up our spirits.  What?  They have won only 2 games in their last 8?  Yikes.  They also haven't scored on the PP in 11 games going 0/37 during that stretch. There have been some hard games to watch but in the same breath, there has been some exciting hockey.

Exciting last place hockey?  The Oilers are fighting for last place with the Devils and Islanders.  Who will win?  I have no problem with our Oilers finishing last one more time.  This team was only six points out of a playoff spot in early December but are now solidly in the bottom three.  There have been injuries (Whitney, Horcoff, Eberle), inconsistency, poor goaltending (Khabibulin who is winless in his last eight) and an anemic powerplay.

The games against the Ducks on Sunday is a prime example of the problems of this team:  failure to show up until the second period, getting down early in a game (3-0), mounting a big comeback (2 quick goals), exciting hockey, and failure to score on the powerplay (which included a 6-3 in the final minute).

This is typical of a rebuilding team.  I do not want to excuse this team for their poor play at times but this is going to happen over the next year or two.  Tambellini needs to provide a better supporting cast.  He did a good job this past summer but never found his third line center who can win faceoffs and kill penalties.  He did not find a good shutdown defenseman.  What will happen with the goalie situation?  Is Dubnyk the man?  He needs to play more games at the very least so the coaching staff can get a better idea of the future possibility.

Fans are very supportive of this rebuild.  They understand it cannot happen overnight but are seeing small steps forward already.

Here is my latest article for The Fourth Period which I submitted before xmas.  Time to get going on the next one.

Do not trade Hemsky or Penner.  I really want Tambellini to make sure he does not cock this up.  They are only traded IF IF IF IF they do not sign an extension this summer.  I will keep advocating for both these players as I feel they are necessary to this rebuild.

p.s.  Happy Birthday Mark Messier.....my favorite hockey player!  I adore thee!

Playoffs or a Lottery Pick?

The Western Conference once again is tight with only six points separating eighth place from last.  Our Edmonton Oilers are sitting in last place but are in contention for a playoff spot.  Of course there are six other teams on the outside fighting to get into that eighth spot which includes the defending champions Chicago.  I'm not surprised to see Chicago in this position since they had to gut their team last year due to salary cap issues and let their goalie go and sign Turco instead. 

While sitting six points out of a playoff spot, the Oilers are also in a lottery position (5th) today.  The players are not thinking of the lottery nor the future.  They want to win.  They are competitive athletes and you want to see this passion and desire to win from them.  However, this team is not a contender.  They have major holes in their lineup (hello defense) and have to find better grinders or plugs.  But it is nice to see the team compete albeit inconstantly. 

The management put this team together not to win right now.  This is a team destined for a lottery pick but they are developing a bit quicker than anyone thought.  Hall and Eberle are leading the charge while Hemsky and Horcoff are out with injury.  Linus Omark (pictured above) got the call up when Hemsky went out and he is certainly making the most of it.  His spectacular shootout goal was all about confidence.  Not the sexiest move but to try that in his first NHL game was ballsy! 

Omark has played four games and has four points.  He got his first NHL goal last night against Columbus to go along with his two assists.  It was a very good performance.  While he is a smaller guy, he does not play like one.  He protects the puck surprisingly well and does not get pushed around too much.  He is very good on the powerplay, coming off the half board and generating chances.  I think playing in the AHL for two months was very important to his development.  He got to know the North American game, struggled early on until he found his game and built up his confidence.

I have been following Omark for several years, hoping he would finally make his way over to the Oilers and would not be a disappointment.  While it has been just four games, he is living up to expectations.  He is not just a shootout specialist.  If he continues this play, the Oilers will have to find room for him when Hemsky returns.  No way this kid goes back to the AHL.  Where does this leave other bubble players?  You do not want to shuttle him to the fourth line.  This kid needs to play in the top 9 at the minimum so players like Brule and Cogliano are now expendable. 

Hemsky is supposed to be out for one month so that takes us to the first week in January.  Who stays and who goes??  If you move Cogliano, Brule could move over to center.  Or do you waive Jacques or MacIntyre who are basically useless and move Brule to the fourth line?  There will be some decisions needed when Hemsky returns.

The Oilers have lacked depth in recent years so this is a nice problem.  So does this team have a real chance to get into the playoffs?  It's not a completely crazy notion but I suspect they will fall short.  The Oilers give up way too many shots on net and scoring chances.  Last night, they gave up 23 shots in the first period alone and came out with a 2-1 lead simply because Columbus does not have a strong goalie.  Against the Detroits or Vancouvers, I doubt that would be the case. 

So let's enjoy the ride.  This team will probably end up in the bottom ten and possibly bottom five, but they are a very fun team to watch.

Oilers vs Canucks - Another Shootout Please!

 
The Oilers are 7-2-1 in their last ten games.  They are no longer in the last place but are sitting just outside a lottery draft pick position (6th).  With Horcoff and Hemsky out for extended periods, this team may still end up in a lottery position but damn they are making it exciting.  With Hemsky out, Linus Omark finally got the call and made the most in his first NHL game.  He had a tough start to the game, failing to clear the puck out of the zone which resulted in a goal.  His line, which included fellow callup Ryan O'Marra and recently hot Ryan Jones, were out chanced badly in the game.  However, Omark did get some powerplay time and made a nice move on the half boards, drove the net for a shot and Gilbert jumped on the rebound.  One assist in his first game would have been a decent start BUT Omark brought the sizzle when the game went into the shootout.  Mr. Youtube did it again.  After Eberle scored a beautiful goal and Hall missed, it was left to Omark to clinch and win the game.  In his first NHL game, he brought his balls with him.





Tampa Bay claimed this goal was disrespectful.  The players whined and bitched after the game.  It was embarrassing.  The shootout was added to the game for a reason; excitement!!  As Don Cherry said on coaches corner, "This is a gimmick within a gimmick."  When Don Cherry does not admonish a European player for this ballsy move, then Tampa Bay really needs to shut the hell up.  Man up.  It was not against the rules.  If you do not like it, too god damn bad.  You could have done the move.  Or maybe here is something shocking for Dan Ellis, STOP THE PUCK!

It was an exciting start for Linus Omark.  I despise the shootout.  I hate it with a passion but if we must have it in the game, I want more goals scored like this.  Rexall Place went crazy, twitter went nuts....Omark was trending not only in Canada but worldwide.  The hockey and non-hockey world was talking about this rookie kid and the goal.  This is good for the game.  Was it the most spectacular goal?  Of course not but since this was his first NHL game, you have to give the kids kudos for bringing it and having the balls to try something like that in his first NHL game and shootout attempt.

The Canucks are in town tonight.  Anyone else want another shootout?  Hell yes!  I do want Omark to play a bit better at even strength and beef up his defensive play.  The Oilers were outshot 17-1 in the third period but came out like gangbusters in the overtime so come on Oilers, a little more consistency please.  The team as a whole has been playing quite well over the last ten games with our rookies leading the way.  Our aging goalie is bringing it as well.  Dubnyk will get the start tonight which is necessary.  Let's not tire out Khabibulin too much and give the other rookie a chance to make his mark and continue his development.

Let's go Oilers.  I want another win and possibly another shootout!

Living up to the Hype!

What an amazing season opener for the Edmonton Oilers.  The Oilers laid a smackdown on the Calgary Flames, winning in decisive fashion 4-0.  Jordan Eberle had the goal of the night and will be mentioned at the end of the season as one of the best.  It was also his first NHL goal and that will be considered one of the best first NHL goals ever as well.  Oh did I mentioned it was a short-handed goal too?  Taylor Hall did not hit the scoresheet but had 4 shots on goal and some very nice chances in the game. 

I honestly can't say any Oiler had a bad game.  Hemsky was dangling and scored a slapshot goal.  Penner was using his body to create chances.  Brule scored a nice powerplay goal.  There were numerous fights by Fraser, Jones and Smacintryre!!



The Oilers had a tough second period where they gave up lots of chances and were back on their heels. However, they buckled down and came out on fire in the third period. This was a great game.

What is in store for game two??

Preseason hoopla!

The big 3 (Hall, Eberle, Paajarvi) are in training camp right now, trying to make the team.  I believe all three will make the Oilers and start the regular season in Edmonton.  The Oilers beat the Canucks last night in the first pre-season game in which the Oilers left most of their starters at home except Horcoff and Eberle who played well together.  Tonight is the first home pre-season game and first Taylor Hall game.  The town is excited and ready to cheer for Hall and the entire team.  Myself?  I love me some Hemsky.  He is the best player on the team and he needs to rebound from shoulder surgery last year.  He is very important to the team.  Hemsky is now a veteran and needs to lead this team.

The lineup for tonight:

Hemsky - Gagner - Hall
Penner - Cogliano - Paajarvi
Reddox - Fraser- Brule
MacIntyre - Pitlick - Omark

Smid/Foster
Belle/Plante
Petiot/Gilbert

Dubnyk/Deslauriers

Khabibulin will not play quite yet.  Maybe on Sunday?  They're going to have to get him in for three or four games.  He needs the work.  He hasn't played since last November.  He was convicted of extreme DUI last month and sentenced to 30 days in jail.  He is appealing his sentence and therefore is in camp and ready to play.  We don't know how long the appeal process will take or if he will play the entire season.  So the Oilers are in limbo and can only hope he can return to form and play the entire season, and if necessary, serve his jail time in the off-season.  We wait.

It's almost hockey time.  It's been a looooooooooooong five months.

As a side note, I've been asked to write a weekly blog/article for The Fourth Period on the Oilers.   I'm honored to be asked and look forward to continue writing for this blog, contributing occasionally to Oilers Jambalaya and now to The Fourth Period.  My first article went up a couple weeks ago on the Oilers off-season.

Boozy Bulin is going to jail but for how long?

Nikolai Khabibulin is going to jail.  He won't be walking the red carpet, he'll be walking into a jail cell.  We will find out for how long at 4 pm today.  Nik was convicted of three charges last week (DUI over 0.08, extreme DUI and excessive speeding).  The minimum sentence is 30 days jail for extreme DUI.  I'm sure his lawyer will try to get some of that time in an alcohol treatment facilty but I'm not sure that is possible.  In any case, he will spend some time in jail and will miss the Oilers training camp at the very least.  He could miss more time since he should have problems entering Canada (DUI's are considered felonies in Canada) and may be suspended by the NHL.

I doubt the Oilers will try to void his contract since this is his first offence, he didn't hit anything or anybody and they would face one helleva fight from the players' association.

So in a few hours we'll find out his sentence and then Tambellini will be available to comment.  Will he stand by his man?  Probably.