This picture basically expresses my sentiments clearly, non?
One thing needs to be said: STOP TAKING PENALTIES MOREAU!! You are a moron!!!! Try being the leader of this team, instead of putting them a man down several times a game. I’m going to suggest something radical….be the captain!! Shocking eh?
Oilers have won 2 of the 3 games so far with the Flamers so far, let’s make it 3 of 4.
When Lubo came off the ice, we all knew it was bad. It has been confirmed that Visnovsky needs surgery on his injured shoulder and is done for the season. That is really too bad. He was having a very nice season. The only good news is that we have three other offensive and puck-moving defensemen on the team. I don’t think the Oilers can move any of them now. If Lubo was not hurt, I think one of them was going to be moved for either a left winger or a center.
Montreal is in town tomorrow night and they are floundering right now, losing 8 of 10. They held a players-only meeting following their loss to Calgary last night (6-2) so the Oilers need to show up in the first period and play the whole 60 minutes. They are tied for 8th place after going 2-4-1 since the All-Star break. Miraculously they are still in the hunt but they need to be better.
I’ve just renewed my season ticket for next year and signed up for playoff tickets. Now, get to the promised land boys!!!! Edmonton needs playoff hockey….
UPDATE: Jagr as an Oiler?? Rumor is out there that he is close to signing a deal. His stats for far for Omsk is 51 points in 48 games (25 goals, 26 assists). Not bad. Have we finally found someone to play with Hemsky? Don’t tease us Oilers, don’t tease us!!!
UPDATE: Yeah not happening this year at least. Jagr remains in Russia.
The Bluejackets are in town tonight in a big game before the all-star break. The Oilers are tied for the 8th playoff spot with Minnesota but a win tonight could vault them into a tie for 5th with Anaheim and Vancouver. Yes, the west (as usual) is that frickin’ tight so this is such a big game. A loss does not mean they are out of it but we’d sure like to see them make things a bit easier on themselves. Like everyone else, I’m tired of the Oilers taking the bumpier road. Get on the paved road boys!!!!
Hemsky returned on Sunday in the game against Phoenix. First, what a great night for Glenn Anderson and his sweater retirement ceremony. It took way too long for that man to get into the Hall of Fame. I believe many of the Oilers were sporting cheesy ‘staches in honor of him. They were some of the ugliest ‘staches in the history of the ‘stache! It was awesome!
Back to Hemsky, he made his return on Sunday and damn, what a game from our star player. He scored 2 goals, one was another highlight reel goal. Moreau got a hat trick (no, that is not an error)….first of his career. But it was Hemsky who was the game-breaker. Everytime he was on the ice, he made something happen. He rejuvenated his linemates, and Penner had one of his best games in weeks, maybe months. He was tough on the boards, fighting for the puck and actually skating to keep up to the play. Wow, I wish he’d play like that every game.
This team is all about Hemsky. So watch out for Torres who returns to Edmonton for the first time tonight. We don’t want to see a high hit that takes Hemmer out for another 10 game spell. He’s too important!
Sabourin has been waived and will probably end up in the AHL.
Edmonton travels to Washington to play the Caps tonight. Edmonton just finished a home stretch where they went 3-2. They didn’t play great but got a few wins out of it. They now head into a town where they have not win since 1997. The only good news is that Hemsky is traveling and skating with the team. That is good news and maybe this means he could play on the road trip. That ‘mild’ concussion has kept Hemmer out since Dec 28th. The team has not looked good during that period so his return will be very welcome!
With such a mediocre stretch of hockey, the Oilers are only TWO points out of the 8th playoff spot. The Oilers play two teams they are either tied with or ahead of them in the standings on their three game road trip. After Washington, they head to Minnesota and Colorado. While we expect the Oilers to be in tough for a win against the Caps, they have a good chance against the Wild and Avs. These are two games they MUST win.
It’ll be a tough game tonight, especially since they haven’t won there in over a decade. Plus, they have the Ovechkin factor. If I were to ever like anyone else (I’m an Oiler-only fan), this is the guy I would go for. He’s physical, gritty and wow he’s got skill. But is anyone else getting annoyed with his goal celebrations yet? Celebrate great goals, yes. Celebrate game-tying or winning goals, yes. But going crazy for the 5th goal in a 5-1 win is ridiculous and not even borderline disrespectful. He’s being an ass. Stop. You’re getting into Crosby territory (with his fake-dying). If you do that again, I want Souray to one-punch you unconscious!
Since the Oilers haven’t won in Washington since ’97, let’s go out on a limb and say they win. They almost got the W last year. Remember when it went into a shootout. I can’t remember how long it went, but it was something like 10 players each?? Crazy.
GOILERS!
Update: Horcoff is fighting the flu and will be a game-time decision!
Okay, the Oilers host Phoenix tonight and this should be an easy victory but nothing has come easy this year.
After the loss to the Ducks in the shootout on Friday, MacT threw another player under the bus, Robert Nilsson, and then drove over him again and again. Nilsson got a chance to play on the top line but was benched midway throught he second period since he was a “non-competor” according to the coach.
I must disagree with the coach on this one. Sure, Nilsson floats at times but this is bullshit. He called out a player that has been pulling a decent amount of his weight this year, and certainly when compared to others (hello Gagner). Sure, we’d prefer to see more than 10 points but I think that low point total is in direct correlation to the many different line combinations we’ve seen this year. We all know MacT has his favorites and Nilsson has NEVER been one of them. Gagner has received a FREE pass all season long while Penner and Nilsson get thrown under the pass, called out publicly and bashed. I don’t mind players getting called out but do it fairly. Gagner has not been benched nor scratched once this year. I’m tired of his non-competing too so let’s call him out too. Why not? Oh yes, he’s young and we’re scared to damage him. Bullshit. If Nilsson is benched, Gagner should follow suit. He’s been a dead-weight all year long (he seemed to wake up last game playing with Cole).
I personally like Nilsson and think he has a lot of talent. Sure, he could be playing with more passion BUT that’s the job of the coach to get that out of him. According to MacT, he’s talked with Nilsson many times but I get the sense that Nilsson either had no idea or it wasn’t pressed upon him heavily enough. It’s too bad he’s probably sitting out tonight. I hate seeing players getting fucked over while others get a free pass. Bash them all Craig, or don’t bash any!!!!!
Anyways, Oilers need to come out strong tonight and win. I don’t want to go out again in -30 celcius weather to see them lose. I’m tired of it. Maybe Santa shows up and gives them the gift of victory? I’m willing to go with it.
The Oilers are hosting the Chicago Blackhawks tonight and I’m curious which team will show up. The one who was physical and competed quite well against Vancouver or the other team who forgets to forecheck, gets few shots on net, can’t kill a penalty and has no passion (we’ve seen that team much too often).
The Oilers have won 4 of their last 5 games so that is a positive start. But let’s face it, Roli and Hemsky have been carrying this team. I’d like to see more contribution from some other players. Visnovsky and Souray have been excellent thus far this season, and I think both are getting better. I love the way Lubo carries the puck and I’d like to see the coaching staff encourage him to carry the puck into the offensive zone more often. He is so smooth and exciting.
So I think the Oilers might win tonight as long as Hemsky and Roli carry the ship.
Update: Garon gets the start tonight. Good, I hope they get him back in there on a regular rotation. You need to find out if this is your goalie of the future. It’s nice that Roloson is playing well, but we all know this is his last year in Edmonton and will be gone by the trade deadline. Give Garon a real chance if possible….let’s find out what he can do!
Yes, Rob Schremp has been sent back to the AHL after playing four games (scratched in one game). He played quite well in three of the four games, had three assists and aside from the San Jose game where he didn’t play well (then again, that was a long list), he was improving. Of course, until MacT nailed his ass to the bench against Florida late in the game. Gagner didn’t even spend a whole game on the fourth line and was moved up when Rob was benched.
I think this was what we expected from the Oilers: give him an adequate chance until Gagner was back from his concussion. But it didn’t take long for Gagner to get back on his line….let’s be honest, he didn’t play his way back up as I thought he should have. I was hoping for some tough love for Gagner. He’s been given lots of chances so far this season and he is so lost out there. He is dead weight right now. Sure he’s “trying” or it’ll come.
One more thing: why is Reddox still up and Schremp down? Oh yes, we need “energy” fourth liners. Of course. *bullshit* It’s funny that I’m depending him since I was never a big fan due to all the hype but I hate to see players screwed over. He has earned a spot in the line-up.
Anyways, I think Schremp played well that he’ll get another call-up down the road this season. This was a very good stepping stone and maybe this facilitates a trade??
I’m off for an Oilers focus group (from a group of season ticket holders). I have no idea what we’re discussing but I’m excited. I love to give my opinion!!
So Schremp finally got a call-up last week from the Oilers. He has so far played in three games and has 3 points including a wicked pass to Pouliot in his first game against Dallas. While he didn’t play well against San Jose (that is a long list and not exclusive to Rob), his other two games were fantastic. He looked nervous in the first period against Dallas but got his footing and had 2 assists. It’s nice to see the Oilers give him a legitimate chance, not shoving him on the fourth line and playing five minutes. He actually has NHL linemates and getting second line minutes (13-14 mins). His call-up time depends on the injuries to Nilsson and Gagner but I think most Oiler fans have liked what they’ve seen so far. We want to see more and if this can be sustained.
The Oilers are riding a three game winning streak, their first since starting the season 4-0. Yes it’s been a long time coming but it hasn’t been the best hockey. They blew a 3-0 lead against LA but won in the shootout. They were outshot dramatically against San Jose (43-17) but Roloson stole the game for them and they won in overtime. So now the Oilers have several days off before starting a stretch of 12 home games in 15 so this is the time to gain some momentum. If they can’t, talk of MacT’s demise will surface again and should be taken very seriously. If they aren’t, this team is not in it to win and I find that disgusting. I pay big bucks for my season tickets and two losing seasons is enough. If MacT is not the man, find one who is. Enough already!
This is the stretch they’ve been telling fans to be patient for….here it is! 12 of 15 games at home so bring it!! Many of the games are against teams they should be able to beat: 3 games against the Luongo-less Canucks, Panthers, Coyotes, Preds, Isles, Blues, etc. They should win at least 10 of the games easily but nothing has come easy for this team this season. Prepare for anything folks.
One more thing: Sean Avery. I’m not sure how everyone is feeling about this but I’m thinking he got a raw deal. Anyone else? Yes, what he said was stupid, inappropriate, disgusting, etc. But seriously, he gets 6 games for comments off the ice while certain players (ahem Celine) get nothing for blatant head shots. And of course Dallas has been throwing Avery under the bus, blaming him for their season woes and he’s the perfect scapegoat, isn’t he? The whole team, even the coach, are sticking him with their problems. Well, I don’t think Avery plays goal does he? He’s not your sniper? You have more problems and can’t blame it all on Avery. Now Dallas needs to decide what to do. I think they should let him play. He’s a decent hockey player, so suck it up Dallas. Otherwise, whatever. I hate seeing even assholes like Avery getting a raw deal. He’s an ass, no doubt about that, but he’s gotten screwed over in this situation.
Oilers play Florida on Thursday. This is a game they should win.
After another dismal showing by the Oilers against the LA Kings which was their 5 loss in 6 games, it appears the wagons are circling for the Silver Fox or are they?
Yesterday, Spector reported that
“A high ranking source within the organization said Thursday that the Oilers will make a trade to try to shake up their lineup before firing their head coach…”
A veteran Oilers player, who requested anonymity added: “Maybe a trade, then the coach. After this long, a change might be good.”
So if you believe this, a trade is coming in hopes of shaking up the team. If that doesn’t work, the coach is out. There has been talk about who this unnamed player is. I have no idea but I like the idea that someone is finally speaking out. The media has been very easy with MacT this year. I haven’t heard anyone call him out for some of his weird moves and why I think he should be canned and soon (Pisani to center, Cole to the wrong wing, Garon sitting, Smid as a forward, bringing up non-offensive players from the AHL, etc). It’s nice to see something happening.
Although, MacT did get a vote of confidence today from Tambellini. He has confidence the team will turn it around. Although I did think it wasn’t a ringing endorsement of MacT but he did put it out there he has confidence in the team. My favorite part was that the team practiced really hard leading up to their disastrous loss to the LA Kings. I like hearing how our team only plays hard when it doesn’t count. Great stuff!!
Anyways, a trade is up first (if you believe the source). Who goes? Who do they get? Hell, who can they get at this point?
I think Roloson is the tradebait or he should be. Maybe Garon will get back in net (check this other story out about one of the reasons he could be sitting….damn interesting if they are indeed not letting him use his goalie coach from last year when he played awesome)!!!
Oilers are in St. Louis tomorrow at noon then Dallas on Sunday. Yes, another back-to-back game on the road. Will the team wake from their coma in time??
