The Copper & Blue: FanShots

Bottom Five NHL Teams And Their 82 Game Pace

2012-02-09T17:06:03Z

Bottom Five NHL Teams And Their 82 Game Pace

Montreal - 77
Anaheim - 77
Carolina - 75
Edmonton - 71
Columbus - 56

I would much rather spend "Hemsky’s money" on Hemsky because he is a bird in the hand. Spending...

2012-02-09T14:30:29Z

I would much rather spend "Hemsky’s money" on Hemsky because he is a bird in the hand. Spending Hemsky’s money on an elite defensemen might be a good idea but elite defensemen are even harder to acquire than an Ales Hemsky. Is there a plan to find one? How?

Tom Benjamin, on the Hemsky situation.

hockey protest

2012-02-08T06:00:44Z

hockey protest

"I just got forecheck and he little turn and it’s maybe a little my fault that little jump but it’s...

2012-02-08T01:50:02Z

"I just got forecheck and he little turn and it’s maybe a little my fault that little jump but it’s emotions and it’s the game."

Edmonton Oil Kings forward / Edmonton Oilers draft pick Kristians Pelss last Friday, just a few minutes of real time after his hit from behind late in the third period that had earned him five and a game. Today word came down that Pelss was suspended three games for this action.

I saw the hit and thought other buddy (whose name escapes me at the moment) had turned away just as Pelss arrived, maximizing the severity of the impact. It was nonetheless a reckless hit well worthy of the major and misconduct, and I wasn't surprised when Red Deer's Chad Robinson instigated an immediate fight with Pelss (who fared rather well, all things considered). I'm slightly surprised that he got as many as three additional games, I thought maybe one at most although I am not that familiar with the relative severity of league discipline in the WHL.

I WANT to believe that there is some secret awesome plan going on, and this rebuild is going to be...

2012-02-07T22:40:42Z

I WANT to believe that there is some secret awesome plan going on, and this rebuild is going to be all-of-a-sudden very fruitful, even though all evidence is to the contrary.

If Tyler’s right (again – sure seems like he is…) then this will all culminate in having to re-start this rebuild, and sit through more years of fan pain. I think I’d rather keep taking the soma and believing it’s all good. The hope seems better than the reality.

Firley, a commenter at mc79hockey finally took the red pill last night.

Magnus Paajarvi Is Returning To Edmonton

2012-02-07T18:54:04Z

Magnus Paajarvi Is Returning To Edmonton

Following the announcement this morning that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the next seven to ten days with a sprained shoulder, the Oilers have recalled forward Magnus Paajarvi from Oklahoma City. Paajarvi was most recently demoted to the Barons during the NHL All-Star break. In 33 games with the Oilers this season Paajarvi has yet to score a goal and leads all NHL forwards in both total ice time and shots without a goal.

Nugent-Hopkins To Miss 7-10 Days With a Sprained Shoulder

2012-02-07T18:01:20Z

Nugent-Hopkins To Miss 7-10 Days With a Sprained Shoulder

The Oilers announced via Twitter this morning that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will miss the next week to ten days with a sprained shoulder, an injury suffered in the Oilers loss to Toronto last night. Nugent-Hopkins returned to the lineup on Saturday night after missing more than four weeks with an injury to the same shoulder.

Zach Hamill On Waivers

2012-02-06T22:28:50Z

Zach Hamill On Waivers

I know that this reeks of former-first-rounder-itis, but I figure it might be worthwhile to claim Zach Hamill off waivers. Hamill was drafted ninth overall in 2007 after a monster season with Everett, but he regressed offensively in his last season of junior hockey and has struggled somewhat as a pro. Still, it would give the Oilers a chance to audition a young player for thirty games with no commitment beyond that, and it would let them sent Anton Lander to the minors for a few weeks. I don't see much downside.