Oilers v. Blue Jackets - 2 Kings 10:30-36 (A Particularly Relevant Classic)
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 4:30 PM MST
in Game-Day Threads
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PrintThen Yahweh said to Howson, "Because you have followed my instructions and kept the coach who had that insufferable nimrod fired, I will bless you with the leadership of this team for five seasons." But shortly thereafter, Howson did not do what was right in the eyes of Yahweh. The percentages were bad, and as a sacrifice to the hockey gods, he fired the coach on whom Yahweh's blessing found rest. Yahweh was angry that Howson did not have faith in Yahweh's chosen, and so he turned against him, allowing him to engage in incredible foolishness. Many teams, both great and terrible, came into their home and defeated them in that final year, including the Wild, Canucks, Flames, and Avalanche. At the end of the season, Howson would be fired after ruling for five complete seasons; he made the playoffs once, but the team didn't win a single game. He would be remembered as the second best manager in club history, well ahead of that insufferable nimrod and just behind "vacant".
Edmonton Oilers (17-23-4) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (12-27-5)
Nationwide Arena, 5:00 p.m. MST
Television: Sportsnet West
More analysis after the jump...
Home Team Scouting Report:
The Blue Jackets have been awful this year. Awfully unlucky. They have a five-on-five goal differential of -23 despite a five-on-five shot differential of -7. Expressed in percentages, they've earned 49.8% of the shots, but just 43.3% of the goals. Of course, it's not all bad luck. Scott Howson built a pretty good team and then entrusted it to Steve Mason, a young goaltender coming off of two very poor seasons, and Mark Dekanich, a career AHLer with solid AHL numbers. The result was catastrophic failure from Mason to sink the Jackets at the start of the season before turning to Curtis Sanford (!) to right the ship. Now, goaltending is difficult to predict, but this plan between the pipes was not good at all. I said before the season that I thought it would cost Scott Howson his job, and if it doesn't, the guy with the authority to make that decision should be fired.
Expected Lineups:
Edmonton Oilers (16-23-4):
Hall - Gagner - Hemsky
Smyth - O'Marra - Paajarvi
Lander - Horcoff - Jones
Eager - Green - Hordichuk
Smid - Petry
Peckham - Potter
Sutton - Teubert
Dubnyk
Columbus Blue Jackets (12-27-5):
Nash - Brassard - Prospal
Johansen - Vermette - Kotalik
Russell - Pahlsson - Dorsett
Gillies - MacKenzie - Boll
Tyutin - Nikitin
Moore - Methot
Johnson - Savard
Sanford
By the Numbers:
- Some people have been disappointed in the performance of Devan Dubnyk so far this season, so it's interesting to note that this year's even strength save percentage (.924) is the best of his career, and actually higher than Nikolai Khabibulin's (.920). On the penalty kill, we see those numbers reverse. Khabibulin's save percentage on the PK is a truly remarkable .915, while Dubnyk's .825 is the third-worst in the league among goaltenders who have faced at least one hundred shots.
- With Eric Belanger out of the lineup on Sunday night, the fourth line for the Oilers was Josh Green, Darcy Hordichuk, and Ben Eager. You'd think that would mean limited ice time, but all three players actually had more minutes than their season average. The discrepancy was the greatest for Hordichuk who played 7:54 on Sunday, compared to an average of 3:53.
-
The Blue Jackets recently claimed winger Colton Gillies off waivers. Gillies was originally selected 16th overall in the 2007 entry draft because of his size and speed, and despite scoring just 30 points in 65 games in the WHL. That offense has translated to the NHL pretty much exactly as you'd expect, which is to say, not well at all. Count me surprised that the Blue Jackets decided on this being worth a shot.
- It's no secret that the Blue Jackets have had terrible goaltending, but there are a few guys who are really taking those percentages on the chin, some at both ends of the ice. In fact, there are five Blue Jackets in the NHL's bottom fifty PDO numbers during five-on-five play: Nikita Nikitin (95.5), Mark Letestu (95.3), James Wisniewski (95.3), Antoine Vermette (94.7), and Derick Brassard (93.0). Vermette is, for me, the most interesting guy on that list because he's had a pretty long history of success but terrible boxcar stats this season (17 points and -12 in 44 games). If Scott Howson sees Vermette as a salary dump (he's got three more years at $3.75M), a team might be able to nab a pretty good player for a song.
- With Eric Belanger on the shelf, Anton Lander still played on the wing against the Kings; Ryan O`Marra and Josh Green took the two open spots at center. I know that plenty of good wingers started as centers, but it really is baffling to me that Lander isn't playing big minutes up the middle in the AHL.
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The Blue Jackets recently claimed winger Colton Gillies off waivers. Gillies was originally selected 16th overall in the 2007 entry draft because of his size and speed, and despite scoring just 30 points in 65 games in the WHL.
If ever there was an example of jeans model drafting in the NHL, Colton Gillies is it.
I can’t believe he still has an NHL job.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
He shouldn’t. But, you know, nice qualitative scouting reports, former first round pick, a recognized last name…
Yet a legit player like Patrick Thoresen can’t get work because he’s small.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
This is a huge statement game for the boys. There’s been a lot of hype about the team’s recent record, but look who it’s come against. St Louis? New Jersey? Come on, those are gimmes. Yeah, there was an impressive performance against Anaheim, but I’m not so sure the Ducks’ record reflects their talent. The Oil still have a chance for first, but if they want to get there they have to come through in games like tonight’s.
by Passive Voice on Jan 17, 2012 4:53 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Hall is cut by a skate in warmup (sounds like he’s ok). If it weren’t for bad luck we’d have no luck at all.
Not sure I feel bad for him. No helmet? Deal with the consequences.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Potter should be fired immediately.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
That’s the third player injured in warm-ups this season.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I don’t know guys…my theory that Oilers player purposely hurt themselves to both avoid having to play the game and also to counteract the psychological pain of being on such a terrible squad is gaining steam.
How about they change their name to the “Edmonton Cutters”.
by Kent Wilson on Jan 17, 2012 5:08 PM MST reply actions 4 recs
I wanna say something smart-assed about the Flames, just because…well…it’s the Flames and you’re a fan. But, you come off as a pretty cool guy who has intelligent things to say on this site, so I’m not.
Man, I’m getting nicer as I get older. WTF is wrong with me, lol.
Green out on the ice, Barrasard follows. Richards is paying attention, at least.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I saw a Wild game live in CGY when Richards was still the coach. He’s pretty active with managing his bench, both during stoppages and between whistles. He was very interested in finding soft spots for his better players.
He gets no breaks in coaching the Wild and Jackets.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I am not at all impressed by Ben Eager’s matador defense on that rush and chance by the jackets.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Sanford’s pokecheck attempt was really pitiful.
Nice drive to the net by Lander. Paajarvi was doing that last season.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Pretty pretty pass by Petry there.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
And Hemsky went untouched into the zone. The only skill that cat doesn’t have is health.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Rag on him all you want, Bruce does, but you’ve gotta back it up.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I don’t hate Hemsky. He does however frustrate me from time to time.
Oilers fan through thick, thin and anorexic. Writer for The Cult of Hockey.
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 17, 2012 9:19 PM MST up reply actions
And Bruce loved Stortini. Basically he’s off his rocker. You’d have to pay me to read Cult of Hockey.
by RiversQ on Jan 17, 2012 6:27 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions
Stortini could throw a helluva left hug
by gvblackhawk on Jan 17, 2012 6:31 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I still can’t believe that the Oilers got rid of Stortini only to sign Hordichuk instead. Apparently losing fights is more inspiring when you get the snot beat of you than when you try to protect yourself.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
See, but the will to get punched in the face repeatedly without a response is what really matters.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Yeah the new guys we got for the fourth line are so much better than Stortini, I’ve changed my ways.
Oilers fan through thick, thin and anorexic. Writer for The Cult of Hockey.
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 17, 2012 9:13 PM MST up reply actions
I forgot Willis. I do like his stuff.
by RiversQ on Jan 17, 2012 7:16 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions
Loaded question. If they keep Tambellini, might as well trade him. If they fire Tambellini, sign Hemsky.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Do you think you can sign him for a reasonable price knowing the kids’ ELC’s are expiring soon, plus Horcoff’s albatross contract around your neck, and they need serious help on defense that will require a sizable cap hit?
If his medical reports look good and he plays like this going forward, you try like hell to re-sign him. He’s one of the best ES wings in the league.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Obviously there’s some sort of joke on the viewers in this Columbus broadcast. They’re saying the Oilers are up two by way of Lander and Eager, outshooting a team (albeit Columbus) 9-6.
Renney’s 4th line strategy?
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
So Renney's Plan Is:
1. Play 4th line
2. Lull opposing team into false sense of security
3. ????
4. Profit
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
That was bizarre. Looked like Johansen was going high and Smid’s stick made him go low to beat Dubnyk
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Okay, this is more familiar…so was Hordichuk on the ice for those Lander and Eager goals?
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
Quite the dangle from Sutton there. Dude has pretty decent stickhandling.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
It comes and goes. Some games he plays like Jon Kordic. Then he’ll have a few plays where he looks like he knows what he’s doing.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I actually find myself enjoying this Columbus broadcast. Weird, Fox Sports.
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
There’s a reason I ranked them so highly.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Oh? Never watched a Columbus feed before. It’s strange not wanting to mute the TV. Why are these guys working for Columbus where all of twenty people get to hear them while Oilers fans suffer through luminaries like…well…um…they played in the NHL?
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
http://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/8/2250696/nhl-broadcaster-rankings-announcers-commentators
Jeff Rimer, Bill Davidge – Columbus Blue Jackets: Rimer and Davidge are the closest thing to a throwback announcing pair working today. Rimer is an old-time announcer, an older gentlemanly type who is both a fan and an objective observer watching the team play. He describes the action more than calls the action and has a very pleasant cadence.
His cadence is very similar to Detroit Tigers’ great Ernie Harwell — smooth and flowing. He’s not nearly as excitable as your average play-by-play man, but will get riled up, especially when one of the Jackets’ star players is involved. He misses details occasionally and he’s not ideal for the role, but his call makes up for it.
Davidge is very similar to Rimer — even-keeled and even-handed in his analysis — and he’s not the excitable type. He’s torn between giving advanced analysis and appealing to the new hockey fan and isn’t a true analyst, but he fits the attitude well. They are a true Midwestern duo.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
That’s exactly what they seem like. I wouldn’t know which team’s broadcast this was unless they mentioned it. The most evenly called game I’ve heard in a long time, besides the insight and pleasant manner of the commentating.
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
The great thing about Rimer is that he doesn’t go nuts for just anything like a puck being shot “JUST WIDE”, you know 6 feet wide. So when he does ramp up, it’s usually a big play.
Davidge is great. He has no problem drumming away on a Jacket if necessary.
Except Steve Mason. Neither one will touch Mason.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Excellent job by Petry on the rush. He made Dorsett commit to the outside then went down so he wouldn’t slide by
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I see that the Oilers have only dressed eleven forwards including Darcy Hordichuk. I can only hope that they learn to carry an extra forward and an extra defender one of these days.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
Second time this year they’ve done the same thing.
But hey, there’s an awesome documentary about them!
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I started watching just after the Jackets scored, but I think he’s played pretty well so far.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 6:28 PM MST up reply actions
Not such a good shift there though. Dangerous pass in the DZ, then couldn’t handle a pass, then led Hemsky way too far chipping it forward.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 6:31 PM MST up reply actions
He had a major gaffe early in which he did a little ole! and allowed the Jackets to walk right by him into the zone.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
The Jcckets just let Petry skate from end to end, weird.
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
They did it with Hemsky on the Eager goal.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
I just came in, is this their special strategy to winning to let forwards and defense easily enter the zone?
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
Richards is working his butt off to get matchups here, but seems like they don’t have much a neutral zone game.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Major bummer. Dubnyk had made a nice save on that play.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 6:35 PM MST up reply actions
Way to go Oilers. You just got worked by a draft bust.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
If you’re going to lose, it might as well be at the hands of COLTON F**KING GILLIES!
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
Big game though. A loss here puts them in a better position for 30th.
Tambellini is clearly a genius
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
He just cycled like he was back in the WHL
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Devan Dubnyk hasn’t been the answer in net in the NHL either so far, if Tambellini is gone, who would you like to see acquired as next years starter?
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
Well, he can play another year as the back-up, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to be given the starters role next season.
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
Good. No way Tambellini could overpay.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Is that a challenge?
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 7:28 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not so down on Dubnyk, but it would help if his partner wasn’t Khabibulin next season. Looking at the UFAs available, Josh Harding could be a very good fit if he doesn’t end up being too expensive.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 7:21 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not down on him yet, but he can’t be given the starters role next year or next year will be a lot like this year.
I’m not ready to write off next season… yet.
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
A second goalie of about similar age (or possibly somewhat older) with a pretty good recent history of play in the NHL ought to be the target. Maybe the Oilers send Hemsky to Vancouver for Schneider.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 7:30 PM MST up reply actions
Not sure Hemsky is what Vancouver needs… Schneider/Dubnyk would be a great combo for us though. What are you doing with Khabibulin?
Buy the man out. As for the Canucks, I’m confident that Hemsky would be an excellent addition and that fans would talk about how horrible it was to get him because he’s not tough enough to help them beat the Bruins.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 7:48 PM MST up reply actions
Depends, do you think Tambellini and Lowe will still be running the show next year? If yes, then get ready to phone it in.
"When you find yourself rooting for mediocrity – you might be an Oilers fan." - Neal Livingston
UFA Goalies available..
What about Biron? Perfect guy for a short term deal. He’s the best backup in the league, so bring him in, split him 50/50 with Dubnyk. We half to figure out what we have in Dubie.
This level isn’t sustainable. He’ll fall.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
http://twitter.com/dantencer/status/159452614977798146
Steve Tambellini says a helmet in warm-up would have made a difference for Hall. “We’re going to have a pretty good discussion about that.”
Given the way Tambellini speaks in Oil Change, I can only imagine this will end with Hall laughing uproariously.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
What in the world was Smid doing in that scrum, churning butter?
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Paajarvi finally got in and … pokechecked.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Gillies again. The Oilers are being owned by an AHLer
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Nice fake on that pass out of the zone by Potter. Surprised Smid didn’t get a penalty earlier on the boards; he was giving MacKenzie (I think it was) the business.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
That was Dorsett, and Ladi had my blessing the whole time.
Oilers fan through thick, thin and anorexic. Writer for The Cult of Hockey.
by Bruce McCurdy on Jan 17, 2012 9:18 PM MST up reply actions
Wow. Only the Oilers can fuck up pulling the goalie that bad.
by BigB_09 on Jan 17, 2012 7:27 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
patented Oiler penalty, with a twist.
The Edmonton Oilers, keeping opposition fans happy for the last 6 years
A truly facepalm-worthy moment.
The biggest fanana of the Havana Bananas.
by Scott Reynolds on Jan 17, 2012 7:28 PM MST up reply actions
Maybe that’s Katz’s plan all along
by gvblackhawk on Jan 17, 2012 7:29 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Dubnyk had to take that penalty. No choice there. Too funny.
by RiversQ on Jan 17, 2012 7:32 PM MST via iPhone app reply actions
PS, @Scott
You outdid yourself in tonight’s gospel. This made laugh out loud:
He would be remembered as the second best manager in club history, well ahead of that insufferable nimrod and just behind “vacant”.
… on a night I wasn’t exactly in a laughing frame of mind.
Oilers fan through thick, thin and anorexic. Writer for The Cult of Hockey.
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