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Oilers v. Lightning - Luke 24:13-35

Edmonton Oilers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Dec 9, 2009 5:30 PM MST


A couple of days later the team continued on their road trip to Tampa which wasn't far from Miami.  A couple of them were talking about everything that had happened to them over the last several days and as they were talking Hemsky appeared to them and began to talk with them, but he disguised himself in the form of a flight attendant so they didn't recognize him.

Hemsky asked them, "What are you talking about with such surprise on the way to Tampa?"  They sat with their heads down, not wanting to make eye contact with the help.  One of them, named Moreau, said, "You must not follow our club very closely if you don't know what's gone on over the last couple of weeks."

"What things?" Hemsky asked.

"About Ales Hemsky," they replied, "He was a right winger, powerful with both his words and his deeds which he did before God and before thousands of people.  Some of our opponents maimed him and he needed to undergo surgery, but we had hoped that he was going to be the one that would lead our team to the Stanley Cup.  What is more, we have only played five games since this took place.  In addition, some of the rookies on this team amazed us.  Stone and Potulny were saying that they'd seen a vision and some angels told them about us playing well in Hemsky's absence and that he would then rejoin us for the playoffs.  In fact, we have been playing well since he was injured... but playoffs?  That's too much to hope for."

And then Hemsky said to them, "How foolish you are!  How slow of heart!  Hemsky had to suffer these things so that you would learn to trust in God and not in a man!  Now that things seem hopeless and you have no choice but to trust in God, look how well you're doing!"  And beginning with the Torah and going all through the Prophets Hemsky showed them what God's plan was for their hockey team.

As the plane landed, Hemsky acted like he needed to stay behind to clean the plane.  But Moreau and Staios urged him, "Stay with us, you'll have the time of your life.  Leave the plane for the other attendants for you have given us good news."  so he went out with them, though he was still in disguise.

When they were at the bar "Private Eyes" began to play.  All of a sudden their eyes were opened and they recognized him.  Hemsky quickly turned and disappeared from sight.  They asked each other, "Were not our hearts aflame when he spoke with us on the plane?  He believes in us!"

They got up the next morning and went to the rink.  They gathered their teammates together, along with the coaches and said, "It's true!  The vision that Potulny and Stone had was true, we will make the playoffs and Hemsky will meet up with us as we make a run to the Stanley Cup!"  Then the two of them explained everything that had happened to them on the plane and how they thought they'd recognized Hemsky when "Private Eyes" began to play.  And the whole team believed they could win.

 

 

Edmonton Oilers (13-13-4) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (11-10-8)

St. Pete Times Forum, 5:30 P.M. MDT
Television Internet: oilers.nhl.com webcast

More analysis after the jump...

Star-divide

Visiting Team Scouting Report:  The Tampa Bay Lightning suffer from the same basic problem as the Edmonton Oilers: not enough proven talent at forward.  They have about seven forwards every night that one might have called "suspect" at the beginning of the year if they were expected to play above a fourth line role.  That's likely the same number that many would have given the Oilers (Hemsky, Horcoff, Penner, Gagner, O'Sullivan would have been my "solid bet" list).  The Lightning have struggled some this year and, in fact, the coach just benched the top two lines against Washington and then switched them up at practice during the week.  Now, it's not often that you come back from down three goals but when the best offensive player you're willing to put on the ice is a toss-up between Steve Downie and Stephane Veilleux you're really not going to come back.  The Lightning aren't a good team this season but they have a real chance since there are a lot of teams in the Eastern Conference that aren't really very good.  I thought that Philadelphia and Carolina would be good teams this year (and Philadelphia probably still will be a good team) but with those clubs languishing the bottom three seeds are wide open.  The sixth seed is currently Atlanta with a truly awful shot differential of -5.2 per game.  The seventh seed is Ottawa with a goal differential of -7.  The eighth seed is Montreal with a record of 9-13-10 in regulation.  For the Lightning, there's very real hope... even though they're playing Kurtis Foster as a forward.

Expected Lineups:

Edmonton Oilers (13-13-4):

Penner - Gagner - Brule
Jacques - O'Sullivan - Horcoff
Moreau - Potulny - Cogliano

Stone - Stortini (It Seems to be Working) - Nilsson

Smid - Visnovsky

Gilbert - Souray
Strudwick - Staios


Deslauriers

 

Tampa Bay Lightning (11-10-8)

Malone - Lecavalier - St Louis
Szczechura -  Stamkos - Downie
Tanguay -  Wright - Halpern
Veilleux - Konopka - Foster

Ohlund - Meszaros
Hedman - Krajicek
Hale - Walker

Smith

 

Behind the Numbers:

  • For the second straight game the Oilers are playing a team who is ranked below them at both power play efficiency (EDM 20.8%; TB 18.9%) and penalty killing (EDM 77.9%; TB 76.8%).
  • Apparently Vincent Lecavalier doesn't have much shot at playing in the Olympics.  I wonder if the sentiment would be the same if he was 12 goals and 30 points in 29 games instead of 6 goals and 24 points.  Dude picked the wrong time to shoot half (5.8%) his career average (12.3%). 
  • Steve Downie has the best Corsi number of any player on the Lightning by a pretty fair margin despite having a very unfavourable start ratio (55 OZ starts against 79 DZ starts) compared to many of his more accomplished teammates.  Maybe these newfangled stats are broken after all.
  • The Oilers have won three games in a row now for the first time since October 16th to 22nd.  The last time the Oilers won three road games in a row was November 13th against Colorado, December 4th against Vancouver and December 8th against Dallas... in 2006.  That is, unless you count winning the last road game of the 2007-08 season and the first two of 2008-09 as a streak.  The last time they won three road games in a row without any intervening home dates was January 25th to 29th 2006 against the Ducks, Kings and Coyotes.  I believe the Ducks game was the one where Giguere went bananas because of Ryan Smyth.  Good times.

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I believe the Ducks game was the one where Giguere went bananas because of Ryan Smyth. Good times

Good times indeed

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 2:32 PM MST reply actions  

Mike Smith is a good goalie. He just hasnt been able to fing his mark this season. I hope he picks up. I liked the guy from his Dallas days

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 2:33 PM MST reply actions  

His EV save% is actually pretty decent (.920). He’s one of the guys I mentioned yesterday with an awful PK save% dragging him down. I fully expect him to improve on the .803 he’s put up so far. Last year he was .859 on the PK and the year before that he was .879 so his history doesn’t suggest that he should be below average.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 4:39 PM MST up reply actions  

When they were at the bar “Private Eyes” began to play. All of a sudden their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Hemsky quickly turned and disappeared from sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts aflame when he spoke with us on the plane? He believes in us!”

I can’t find the words.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 2:38 PM MST reply actions  

The angst about Lecavalier is remarkable, really. As is the buzz surrounding Stamkos. Both good useful players, but the former hasn’t been as ineffective, or the latter as effective, as most seem to believe. Certainly not enough to make a clear distinction between the two like that.

Although in Cassie’s defence I think she was projecting what Yzerman will do.

As for Downie, he’s a very useful player when he’s not being an idiot (much like Avery), at least from what I’ve seen. And he’s not playing the vaunt. Side point: check out Zenon Konopka, who Brownlee namedropped as a guy the Oilers were interested in last season. Those faceoff numbers are U-G-L-Y.

A posse ad esse.

The Copper & Blue|OilersNation|Hockey or Die!

Twitter: @JonathanWillis
Mail: jonathan.willis@live.ca

by Jonathan Willis on Dec 9, 2009 5:31 PM MST reply actions  

I realize he’s not playing tough comp but those are still fantastic numbers from Downie, plus he’s a physical guy. He’s the kind of player that would likely make any team in the NHL better. And I didn’t really realize that that was the case.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 5:39 PM MST up reply actions  

Downie seems to be getting a bunch of PP time in Tampa as well. Thus why I added him to my fantasy team recently…

by Kent Wilson on Dec 9, 2009 5:54 PM MST up reply actions  

Well that was a pretty awful pinch by Gilbert. I wonder who he thought had him covered.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 5:41 PM MST reply actions  

Still, Souray’s play on the 2-on-1 could have been better; take the pass!

Looks like Stamkos & Co. vs. Horocff, and Lecavalier & Co. vs Gagner. That’s how I’d run it too, in Tocchet’s shoes.

A posse ad esse.

The Copper & Blue|OilersNation|Hockey or Die!

Twitter: @JonathanWillis
Mail: jonathan.willis@live.ca

by Jonathan Willis on Dec 9, 2009 5:44 PM MST up reply actions  

Agreed on the matchups, though I might try to run the Stamkos group against the Oilers bottom six some to try for some more offence.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 5:47 PM MST up reply actions  

Gilbert with the ol’ HUA in his first 5 seconds on the ice. The mental, positional game needs to be his strength.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 5:49 PM MST reply actions  

Interesting choice with the 12-19 combo at 4v4. They were both used in OT the last two games but not together.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 5:50 PM MST reply actions  

The Oilers broke cadence for the first time just before the break putting out 10’s group instead of 46’s, which got them back out against Stamkos. Not sure if they were trying to get or trying to avoid that match.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 5:58 PM MST reply actions  

Well, so much for that. They go 10-89-16-10-46 and the Oilers score with the fourth line on the ice. Gilbert makes up for his bad pinch with a goal.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:01 PM MST reply actions  

Nilsson

Great shift during the Gilbert goal.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:02 PM MST reply actions  

32-46-12 with another great shift.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:03 PM MST reply actions  

They’ve looked great so far tonight. They are getting TB’s dregs so it’s not like these guys have turned into world-beaters but they’re making the most of their ice time tonight and that’s for sure.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:06 PM MST up reply actions  

First period Corsi: Stone +2, Stortini +2, Nilsson even, all others minus

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by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:33 PM MST up reply actions  

Odd move from the coaches after the fight. They left 12-32 out as the wingers in the DZ for 15 or 20 seconds with 89. Once they got the puck out 27-67 came out and 89 stayed. Why wouldn’t you just skip the rest of 12-32’s shift?

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:13 PM MST reply actions  

The one thing it did was get 89’s group away from TB’s big line. I wonder if that was what they were trying to do.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:21 PM MST up reply actions  

Sounds like the Oilers need more jam on their crust (and the Oilers need more bandwidth on their web feed – buffering! what’s your price for flight?)

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 6:27 PM MST reply actions  

The game is on CI and it’s free preview week, so I got it on the big screen.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:33 PM MST up reply actions  

That’s where JFJ will drive you nuts, Smid feeds him up the boards and he fails to clear. He’s gotta learn how to make the routine play and to make it routinely.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:34 PM MST reply actions  

Yes indeed. He’s got a physical presence but he doesn’t yet have the simple plays. It’s basically the difference between Jacques and Stone. Nice fight by Stone too.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM MST up reply actions  

I’m liking Stone a lot. Heady, reliable player. Can handle the dukes too, apparently.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:47 PM MST up reply actions  

Downie hit Nilsson after the whistle. Let’s see if the zebras find a way to give Stone an instigator.

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by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:38 PM MST reply actions  

Quit your whining TB guys.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM MST up reply actions  

No, they only give the instigator when it’s obvious.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM MST up reply actions  

Don’t get me started. I’m still pissed about JFJ—Sutton.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:40 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah, like that one, when it’s obvious.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM MST up reply actions  

I watched that replay two dozen times, and it was a Terrible call. JFJ moved in, Sutton landed a crosscheck, dropped the gloves first, AND landed the first punch. Instigator to the other guy, whoever it was, was beyond ridiculous.

We obviously disagree on what the rule even means. Let’s move on.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM MST up reply actions  

I’ve also watched the replay a bunch… and there’s no crosscheck but the rest of the description is accurate. First punch for sure. But JFJ clearly came over to start a fight after a good hit. And that’s what the penalty is designed to prevent.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:47 PM MST up reply actions  

Except Sutton was the guy who started the fight! Dropped the gloves…

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM MST up reply actions  

Interesting on the lines. When the 4th line came up and 46 was still in the box they put out 12-32 with 10. I assume they were going to leave 10 out to take his regular shift too. Seems like a strange way to go.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM MST reply actions  

Great feed from Nilsson to O’Sullivan, wasted when 19 took about four years to let one go from right between the circles.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:42 PM MST reply actions  

He has a lightning release.

Sometimes.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:43 PM MST up reply actions  

Like that backhand from the boards two feet in front of the goal line when the Tampa guy was down a stick? Boy that sure had a .001% chance of going in. But he did get it on net.

Guy drives me absolutely bonkers.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:46 PM MST up reply actions  

What’s the opposite of defensive awareness?

5 of 6 Tampa heads were looking at Gagner.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM MST reply actions  

They had 46 out with 18-13 but had Stortini take the draw and then Cogs take the C responsibilities once the puck went into the DZ. A bit odd.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:47 PM MST reply actions  

Whoa, what a shot.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:48 PM MST reply actions  

That one had smoke coming off of it.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:49 PM MST up reply actions  

Huge shot. That kid is definitely a keeper. Maybe the Lightning will send him over for O’Sullivan.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM MST up reply actions  

It seems the Lightning went away from Lecavalier against Gagner once they got behind. I’m interested to see what they go with now that the score is tied again.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:49 PM MST reply actions  

Are they hard matching? I’ve seen a number of combos out there.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:50 PM MST up reply actions  

It seemed like they were trying to get 89’s group matched with Lecavalier’s for the most part.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:55 PM MST up reply actions  

Even when Smith tried to give O’Sullivan a freebie it wasn’t happening.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM MST reply actions  

Visnovsky seems like he’s hurt.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM MST reply actions  

Yup.

Uh-oh.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:54 PM MST up reply actions  

He isn’t moving well. Who hit him?

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:02 PM MST up reply actions  

I don’t know. He’s still playing so he’s likely not too bad. Or at least I hope not.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:08 PM MST up reply actions  

He looks more passive to me, but I’m not sure – I could just be looking for something that’s not there.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:16 PM MST up reply actions  

Zorg with the Gordie Howe Hat Trick!!!!!!

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:55 PM MST reply actions  

Stone with a great hit there.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 6:55 PM MST up reply actions  

… and a great kick pass.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:57 PM MST up reply actions  

Celebrate good times, man.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 6:56 PM MST up reply actions  

Oh I am. This is golden.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:56 PM MST up reply actions  

I know what the PGT is going to be about

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:02 PM MST up reply actions  

BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!!!

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 6:55 PM MST reply actions  

Nice backcheck by Penner.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:01 PM MST reply actions  

Penner is getting really pissed off at being held. He’s just slugging guys now when they do it.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:03 PM MST reply actions  

I’ve seen, like, two shifts from Bobby Nilsson while working and I’ve been impressed by both of them. Now, the God of Small Sample Sizes is smiling down on me, but still…

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:04 PM MST reply actions  

Nilsson is playing fantastic ever since he got back. It reminds me of that old joke, when Marc Habscheid got knocked out and the trainer told the bench Habscheid didn’t know who he was, and Ted Green quipped “Tell him he’s Wayne Gretzky!”

Well since his concussion somebody told Nilsson he’s Ales Hemsky.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM MST up reply actions  

On the downside – he’s doing it against 4th lines.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:17 PM MST up reply actions  

This is the third or fourth game in a row where that fourth line has drawn a penalty. They’re really having a great game tonight.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:05 PM MST reply actions  

They’ve been eating up eastern conference 4th lines :) It would be nice to keep them together and see them do the same in the west – if opponents can’t match 4th to 4th, Quinn might actually get an advantage once in awhile.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:10 PM MST up reply actions  

Is Ryan Stone Curtis Glencross’s clone?

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM MST reply actions  

Much slower – more ornery.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM MST up reply actions  

That Zenon Konopka guy seems like a good guy. Didn’t punch a prone Stortini. He’s mic’ed up on the TB feed and warned Souray before riding him into the boards. Classy guy.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM MST reply actions  

He’s mic’ed up on the TB feed and warned Souray before riding him into the boards. Classy guy.

I was a little shocked when I heard him do that.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:08 PM MST up reply actions  

That’s not a very good interference call IMO.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM MST reply actions  

See, Raffi Torres would have deliberately smoked Mike Smith like a salmon. Brule just plays sensible hockey and gets victimized by typical NHL refereeing. That’s why it was such a crummy trade!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:10 PM MST up reply actions  

Looked to me like Brule got taken in there. I intially thought it was going to be against them.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 7:11 PM MST up reply actions  

He did absolutely nothing to avoid the collision. Bad call or not, it looked bad.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:13 PM MST up reply actions  

I guess you’re watching the TB feed Derek. How about his confusion about the hooking call. Pretty amusing.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:11 PM MST reply actions  

These guys are horrid. The entire first period was spent with them reading Ethan Moreau’s page in the media guide and spouting off a random fact about him every time he was on the ice.

They aren’t announcing penalties and they have no idea what’s going on.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:12 PM MST up reply actions  

We should try that.

Did you know thecaptainethanmoreau is great in the community? And he’s a veteran!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:15 PM MST up reply actions  

It was funny first time he’s on the ice “Ethan Moreau, the 220 pound winger”
Second time “Ethan Moreau, the ex-blackhawk”
third time “Ethan Moreau, never developed the offense, but just a solid player for the Oilers”
fourth time “Ethan Moreau, a crticial piece of the surprise run to the finals…”

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:18 PM MST up reply actions  

Ethan Moreau, who finally took a stupid penalty in the defensive zone.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:41 PM MST up reply actions  

He needs to keep his ratio up.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:43 PM MST up reply actions  

Potulny

I wonder if it’s not worth switching Potulny and Brule around in the batting order.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:15 PM MST reply actions  

I’m hesitant, remembering the “if it ain’t broke…” proverb. That 18-16-13 line has been pretty good which is a lot better than 18-13 have been at other times this year. I’m also not so disappointed with how that top group is doing. I would, however, be happy to see someone take Brule’s spot on the 1PP.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:23 PM MST up reply actions  

Question: are you allowed to intentionally have fewer players on the ice at a faceoff and then have a guy jump over the boards once the puck is dropped. If so, might be something to try if you get a faceoff in the defensive zone and you’re on the PP. Maybe other times too, but that one seems the most obvious to me.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:30 PM MST reply actions  

The old sleeper play? Pretty sure it’s illegal.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 7:32 PM MST up reply actions  

I figured so since no one does it but thought I’d ask.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:36 PM MST up reply actions  

Since Roger Neilson died, we have nobody to check these things for us.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:37 PM MST up reply actions  

The Oilers web stream showing a noisemeter may just be the greatest thing in Internet history.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:36 PM MST reply actions  

That’s such a dumb frickin penalty.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:39 PM MST reply actions  

Some real coaching there! The Oilers put out Horc’s group for the DZ draw out of order instead of 46 and then used the fourth line after once the faceoff was in the OZ. Hooray!

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:39 PM MST reply actions  

I hope Deslauriers doesn’t get any ideas from watching Smith.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:40 PM MST reply actions  

Nice penalty captain.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:41 PM MST reply actions  

Zack Stortini, Ryan Potulny, Suicide Staios, and Ladislav Smid: the worst penalty-killing foursome the Oilers have ever run out.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:42 PM MST reply actions  

Nah. How soon you forget three years ago.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:44 PM MST up reply actions  

Penner was pissed that he got hooked on the breakaway short-handed so he just slashed the hell out of he dman.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:44 PM MST reply actions  

It might be an idea to play with “pre-broken” sticks when you’re behind. Could make for an easy PP. Could also go horribly wrong… and isn’t very sportsmanlike. Do you think it happens?

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:44 PM MST reply actions  

I’m confused, guys. Should we make some noise? Can they hear me?

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:46 PM MST reply actions  

That second penalty is on O’Sullivan AFAIC. 2 on 2 at the end of the PK, defence changing behind him, and he makes a drop pass at the offensive blueline. That’s just stupid hockey.

That guy really needs to pull his head out of his ass. He’s hurting the club.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM MST reply actions  

Why is Bucky starting 46 out there in DZ again?

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM MST reply actions  

Especially in the third period! Argh.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM MST up reply actions  

Well, so much for the 4th line being kept away from DZ draws. I wonder why they did it once but don’t do it consistently.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM MST reply actions  

They’re just setting themselves up for chances against. It makes no sense.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 7:51 PM MST up reply actions  

The thing that’s weird is the inconsistency. Why would you say to yourself, “Best get Horc to take this DZ draw instead of Storts” and then five minutes later say, “Hmmm, d-zone draw, I guess I’ll go with Storts.” That’s the baffling part to me.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 7:53 PM MST up reply actions  

Had Horcoff just had a shift?

On the other hand, Zack Stortini basically is a young Kelly Buchberger…

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 7:56 PM MST up reply actions  

The simplest explanation is that Horcoff in the DZ was a mistake that’s since been corrected.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:03 PM MST up reply actions  

Just got home. So we are outshooting and outscoring. NIIICE

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 7:58 PM MST reply actions  

Gilbert Brule (natural centre) and Sam Gagner (natural centre) are both out on the powerplay. Who takes the draw? Why, it’s Dustin Penner (natural left wing)!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:00 PM MST reply actions  

We’d like to wait until next year when we’re 100% healthy to really see what we’ve got.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:02 PM MST up reply actions  

Why is Nilsson the only person in the zone on the puck?

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:02 PM MST up reply actions  

So Scott this team really does do better without Hemsky eh?? ;)

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 8:05 PM MST reply actions  

I understand that this is being done on the cheap with the Tampa scoreboard feed and all, but surely if they can put a graphic up for the next Oil Kings game, they can give us a fucking game clock. This is 2009, not 1989.

Actually, for that matter, why the hell doesn’t the Tampa Bay scoreboard have the mini scoreclock on it? I know the Saddledome scoreboard has always had it.

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:06 PM MST reply actions  

I’m holding off on asking them to spend money on graphics in hopes that they do more of these free things.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:09 PM MST up reply actions  

Bah, Internet feeds are always free.

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions  

1:00 left. Is the next change 24-43?

Help.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:07 PM MST reply actions  

Oh no. It’s a DZ too.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:07 PM MST up reply actions  

Well, they might not put them out. We’ll have to see.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 8:09 PM MST up reply actions  

no its 77 and 44 right

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 8:09 PM MST up reply actions  

Why did JDD freeze that shoot-in? Tampa is dying for a faceoff there, especially given they;re winning about 90% of the $%^&*& draws.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah, that wasn’t such a good choice but better that than him trying to play the puck.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 8:11 PM MST up reply actions  

And they didn’t go out! Rolling lines is for suckers!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:09 PM MST up reply actions  

But they just extended 77-44. Now what will we see?

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions  

That is, if they can get the puck out.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions  

Or if Moreau can get rid of it at the red line.

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:11 PM MST up reply actions  

What a bonehead. Get the goddamn puck deep Moreau, you crafty veteran you.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:12 PM MST up reply actions  

This view of the broadcasters’ backs is riveting.

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:08 PM MST reply actions  

The ol’ Dominik Hasek kicking the post off play from Deslauriers. Veteran savvy.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:11 PM MST reply actions  

This team cant score an EN

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 8:12 PM MST reply actions  

So, did we have a timeout left or had we burned it in the early game? Because that was a textbook moment for a defensive timeout, even if it turned out okay.

PLAYOFFS!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:12 PM MST reply actions  

we had a itme out
4 wins in a row

by SumOil on Dec 9, 2009 8:12 PM MST up reply actions  

We took our timeout first, then Tampa took theirs. At least that’s what the always-reliable TB annoucers said.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:13 PM MST up reply actions  

REGULATION WIN!

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:12 PM MST reply actions  

Also, wordmark logos on the scoreboard? Really Tampa?

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:13 PM MST up reply actions  

Eh, who cares if it’s an OT win against the east. Point inflation is good later if they do eventually tank and go for a lottery pick.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:32 PM MST up reply actions  

Four wins in a row. I wonder how far back I’ll need to go to find four consecutive wins on the road.

by Scott Reynolds on Dec 9, 2009 8:13 PM MST reply actions  

1991?

SNN Sports - A theoretical Oilers blog (i.e. theoretically, I write stuff there). Link now 100% less broken.

by Doogie2K on Dec 9, 2009 8:14 PM MST up reply actions  

January 6, 1979, when the Oilers beat the Indianapolis Racers. Peter Driscoll with two goals in the win.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:14 PM MST up reply actions  

By the way, I did make that up.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:16 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah I know. Indianapolis was histoire before New Year’s.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM MST up reply actions  

The only way Peter Driscoll was ever going to score two goals in a road game would be against a team that didn’t exist anymore.

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:33 PM MST up reply actions  

True dat

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:38 PM MST up reply actions  

Zorg with the game winner. Stone-Zorg-Nilsson now +5/-0 in the four games they’ve been together. Oilers 4-0-0 in those games.

I’m a happy man, even though deep down I know I should be rooting for a lottery pick.

Writer for The Copper & Blue and primary shareholder of Zorg Industries

by Bruce McCurdy on Dec 9, 2009 8:16 PM MST reply actions  

You misspelled “PLAYOFFS!”

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:18 PM MST up reply actions  

Such a conundrum.

Just wait until the big move is made to make them a playoff team.

Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.

by Derek Zona on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM MST up reply actions  

Classy flap of cardboard graphics!

by Benjamin Massey on Dec 9, 2009 8:16 PM MST reply actions  

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Northwest Standings

GP W L OTL PT
Vancouver 54 34 15 5 73
Minnesota 54 25 21 8 58
Calgary 55 25 22 8 58
Colorado 55 27 25 3 57
Edmonton 54 21 28 5 47

(updated 2.10.2012 at 1:26 AM MST)

21 - 28 - 5

Lost 2

Clear Victory Standings

Western Conference

  1. Detroit Red Wings (23-7, .767)
  2. San Jose Sharks (13-5, .722)
  3. Vancouver Canucks (17-7, .708)
  4. St. Louis Blues (12-6, .667)
  5. Chicago Blackhawks (16-12, .571)
  6. Los Angeles Kings (10-9, .526)
  7. Nashville Predators (11-10, .524)
  8. Phoenix Coyotes (12-12, .500)
  9. Dallas Stars (11-15, .423)
  10. Anaheim Ducks (10-14, .417)
  11. Colorado Avalanche (9-13, .409)
  12. Edmonton Oilers (11-16, .407)
  13. Calgary Flames (9-15, .375)
  14. Minnesota Wild (7-13,.350)
  15. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-19, .208)

Eastern Conference

  1. Boston Bruins (21-4, .840)
  2. New York Rangers (18-8, .692)
  3. Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9, .640)
  4. Philadelphia Flyers (14-11, .560)
  5. Toronto Maple Leafs (14-12, .538)
  6. Washington Capitals (14-13, .519)
  7. Montreal Canadiens (11-11, .500)
  8. New Jersey Devils (10-12, .455)
  9. Ottawa Senators (10-13, .435)
  10. Winnipeg Jets (10-14, .417)
  11. Carolina Hurricanes (9-13, .409)
  12. Florida Panthers (7-12, .368)
  13. Buffalo Sabres (8-14, .364)
  14. Tampa Bay Lightning (9-20, .310)
  15. New York Islanders (6-14, .300)

Division Standings

  1. Central (52-39, .571)
  2. Northeast (49-39, .557)
  3. Atlantic (45-37, .549)
  4. Pacific (37-36, .507)
  5. Northwest (34-45, .430)
  6. Southeast (33-54, .379)


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