Columbus Game March 3RD...
Unfortunately for me...I missed most of this game as I was hosting clients in my companies luxury suite. I know...you're thinking...life's a bitch, right? While it is nice to have the use of the suite, it does mean that I play the part of host / waiter which means I don't see much of the game. This was the best we had played all year.
It's been suggested that Hall shouldn't have fought Dorsett. I say...good for the kid! While Dorsett is no heavy weight, He's tougher than Hall. Let's face it, Dorsett fought Strudwick earlier in the game, and Struds is pretty tough. I liked the fact that the kid didn't care who it was he fought, he stood up for himself, as Dorsett was taking liberties with him.
Colorado Game March 5th...
The Oilers dominated this game from start to finish. I had heard that the Avs were struggling, but they looked absolutely terrible from the drop of the puck. From Elliot in the net to the Defense to their forwards...it was a complete lack of compete. They looked like the Oil when we played Phoenix in Glendale back in November when we lost 5-0.
Sam Gagner had 3 points in this game and has really stepped his game up in the last few. My boy, Omark had a couple of points in this game as well which was nice to see.
This was a good tilt! I give the fight to Smack. if he had've gotten Koci's helmet off...it would've been a whole different ending.
Giroux and Plante played in this game up from the farm. I liked Giroux's game. He definitely likes to go to the front of the net. Something that not many guys on this team like to do. Giroux scored his first NHL goal. That makes 9 rookies (I don't know officially whether Giroux is an NHL rookie) for this team that have scored their first NHL goals. If Plante or any others...like Hartikainen score this year, that's gotta be a record if it isn't already.
Philly Tonight...
This is where I think we start to see the Oilers hit the skids again. Philly is one of the best (if not the best) team in the east. We get Washington tomorrow back-to-back, then Detroit on Friday night and Pittsburgh on Sunday.
I am definitely scratching my head as to why the Oilers dressed Brule instead of MacIntyre tonight. Philly is a tough team, and you have to wonder whether we need the big guy in versus a guy that has obvious health issues. selfishly...I along with a few thousand other Edmontonians would love to see Big Mac tune Pronger in when he throws that dirty elbow we all know is going to happen.
Wierd Things I've Noticed Since Penner Traded...
1) Game One: Hemsky Gets injured, and we win
2) Game 2: Hall Gets Injured, and we win
3) Three straight wins.
As I am now cheering officially for a last place finish and I have always been a Flyers fan second only to the Oilers...
GO Flyers GO!!!
(but only because I love the OIL!)
I guess I'm one of the bastards making you miss some of the game against CLB...
ReplyDeleteIt really sucks that Taylor is out for the season but at the same time, I applaud the kid for fighting his own battles and showing his gumption.
I'm with you in HOPEing for a last place finish again this year. There is some nice talent at the top that could really help us. My focus has really turned to the draft lately.
What are your thoughts on the top 4-5 kids of the 2011 crop?
Thanks for the comment Jeff! hopefully you didn't take any offence to my comments. I am happy to host, but it does make it tough to pay attention to the game! the kids have been great this year IMO. I thought that Paajarvi would be a little further along than he is now, but I am not disappointed with his progress. next year I think he'll make a big step forward. if there has been one bright spot on this team this year for new players, it has to Ryan Jones! I am shocked at how successful he has been on a 30th place team. I hope that he is part of the plans in E-Town moving forward. Jordan Eberle in my mind would've been in the conversation for the Calder this year if he hadn't got injured. This kid along with Hall are going to be great!!
ReplyDeleteJones reportedly turned down a contract offer from the Oilers at the deadline. That worries me a bit but I'm hoping the club will pony up in the offseason and learn from the Glencross mistake (letting real NHL players walk for nothing).
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, I hope they don't overvalue his role on the team. He gives great effort and hustle every game and has a hell of a shot to go along with his speed and physical play - but he is still a 3rd liner. I'd be OK with something in the 1.5-1.8 range but it would be tough to see him outperform a higher dollar figure.
He seems to really be a good locker room guy which is a nice bonus as we look to grow a core of young guys together moving forward. We need to find 2 more like him to round out our bottom 6!
PS: Thanks a TON! for letting me join you guys in the suite vs CLB. Got to lose my mind while seeing Taylor's first NHL fight (seriously, ppl were looking).
ReplyDeleteI keep telling my bros how lucky we are to be witnessing #4s rookie season. I truly think this kid is going to be special. Eberle and PRV are a bonus. Hopefully this team can put it all together in 3-4 yrs.
Be sure to let me know if you ever need a warm body to fill a seat. I'd be there at the drop of a hat.
JL
it was my pleasure. I would hope that the Oilers realize the value of a guy like Jones too. Renney seems to be happy with the kid. Renney has said several times that he's a coachable kid and will do what he's asked to do. I love how he always seems to be able to pull off that shorthanded break-away! We have the cap space to make a real deal with him...i wouldn't want to over-pay...like we seem to have to do. let's not forget we got this guy on waivers. granted he has proven he's a useful 3rd liner, but 1.8 mil seem a little high to me. if he signed a 1.2 -1.5 type deal for one year, and proves next year to be consistent. then i say give the kid the $$.
ReplyDeleteI obviously like your numbers better. I think he'll wind up right around there depending on the term. I'm hoping for 1.2 X 3 years.
ReplyDeleteBTW: I finally found the last version of the Oil Change documentary online and saw your cameo!