Sunday, January 13, 2008
Battle Game Night: All Lowepologies
I had a couple of good laughs this weekend, courtesy of the tough-but-fair typists at the Edmonton Journal. The Hall-of-Famer wedged this into his Western Conference This'n'That without any further comment:
And David Staples -- geez, I know he's a Lowe fan in general, but making these statements on consecutive days is a bit much. Thursday night:
Friday night:
What's that old saying again? "Success has a balding father, but failure is an orphan"? I forget.
Tonight's game (6PM MT, RSN West): Souray, Pisani, and Moreau are all playing in their first BoA of the season. For the Flames, Nilson and Hale are in; Nystrom is still recovering from a bad case of puckintheface, Aucoin's groin still ails, and there has been a death in Wayne Primeau's family.
It should, at least in theory, be the most well-played Battle of Alberta of the season. I'm looking forward to the game, and to the result, which I'm pegging as a 4-3 Calgary win (Iginla x2, Tanguay, Nilson, Pisani x2, Souray). Go Flames.
...The Columbus Blue Jackets want to re-sign ex-Oiler Jan Hejda, who's been their best defenceman, to a long-term deal. Hejda, who's playing with Adam Foote, has been a bargain at $1 million...
And David Staples -- geez, I know he's a Lowe fan in general, but making these statements on consecutive days is a bit much. Thursday night:
...all of the Lowe-lynchers out there should take a moment to give Oilers GM Kevin Lowe a moment of credit for signing Mathieu Garon, the team's M.V.P. this season, especially as Garon is signed up for one more year at a bargain rate.
Friday night:
It's a wise move for an NHL team to stock up on older defenders, even if they've done most of their defending in the AHL, like Rourke has done.
Too bad the team let Jan Hejda go.
What's that old saying again? "Success has a balding father, but failure is an orphan"? I forget.
Tonight's game (6PM MT, RSN West): Souray, Pisani, and Moreau are all playing in their first BoA of the season. For the Flames, Nilson and Hale are in; Nystrom is still recovering from a bad case of puckintheface, Aucoin's groin still ails, and there has been a death in Wayne Primeau's family.
It should, at least in theory, be the most well-played Battle of Alberta of the season. I'm looking forward to the game, and to the result, which I'm pegging as a 4-3 Calgary win (Iginla x2, Tanguay, Nilson, Pisani x2, Souray). Go Flames.
# posted by Matt @ 4:07 pm 
Comments:
How confusing is the Nilson, Nilsson thing going to be ya think? Some of the more *ahem* senior play by play fellas head's might explode.
How confusing is the Nilson, Nilsson thing going to be ya think?
I don't know. What say we ask Jared Staal, oh sorry, I mean Jarret Stoll.
Weird reading a Prediction for the Flames until I get to the end and see that Matt wrote this one. Pretty prolific so far in the new year. Keep it up!
I'm still wondering what went on with Hejda. Since it was Lowe who gave up an asset (well, a late draft pick) to get Hejda in the first place and signed him to a one-way contract, I really think Lowe was a fan of his. Maybe Jan didn't like Edmonton or something, but I still don't think the case was as open-and-shut as people think it was.
Of course, it's possible that Hejda was a Howson boy all the way or something, but assistant GMs usually don't play major roles in NHL acquisitions.
Anyway, the Oilers are in the midst of a twenty-game winning streak, so momentum is on their side. 5-2 Oil, with Penner scoring twice.
Yeah, Lord B, I'm sure Lowe never had a damn thing to do with him walking away.
As for Staples and Hejda, I'll go one better. That Will Graham guy who sometimes fills in for Gregor on Just A Game thinks Matt Greene will be better down the road than Hejda is now.
What a dummy.
I can't wait for tonight's tilt.
Oilers will win this one.
Scorcoff and Penner will tally in the first to counter goals by Tang"Gay" and Lombardi.
The 2nd period will be scoreless but exciting when Stortini somehow tricks Phaneuf into a fight and actually wins one (for once), instead of reenacting a 6th grade slow dance to "Lady in Red".
The 3rd period will be a nail-biter until Grebeshkov pots his first career natural hatty.
The flood gates are now open for this kid.
Go Oilers!
Yeah, Lord B, I'm sure Lowe never had a damn thing to do with him walking away.
Witness the differences between one commenter who believes that Lowe generally has an eye for defensemen and one who thinks that Lowe is crap. :P
Okay, BoA.
I just played hockey in the freezing cold, had some beers and now I'm ready....
LET'S DO THIS.
I can see why Hejda wouldn't want to stay here. MacT didn't play him. Makes you wonder if there was disconnect between management and the coaching staff on the guy.
My Lord does Moreau ever make a difference to the lineup.
Nice Roloson by Kipper, there. Get up already.
Classic Phaneuf there, totally putting himself out of position because he wanted to get the revenge hit on Stortini. Turned into a good scoring chance for the Oil.
This has been a great first period. Lots of intensity, urgency, and scoring chances. Feels like a playoff game.
Should say ... "watching an Oilers game on Sportsnet is like watching a Penguins game on TSN. Horcoff.
I don't think anyone with Phaneuf on his team of choice should complain about the announcers unnecessarily fellating a player on the opposing side.
Should say ... "watching an Oilers game on Sportsnet is like watching a Penguins game on TSN. Horcoff.
To be expected, since it's the local feed. TSN isn't. Crosby.
Flames aren't doing a single thing well this game. A number of their defensemen look like they're on valium (Sarich, Eriksson). On the other hand, pretty impressed with the Oil so far.
I'm guessing that Iginla was a different player against the Isles, but then it's still early in the game so I'll shut my mouth...
When I think of the Flames, I think of the playoffs against Detroit last year. If there's ever a team that could use a John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
The Flames had that species of player already in the system in Mark Giordano. They signed Eriksson and declined to offer Gio a one way contract instead.
Oh yeah, Giordano flipped off to Russia for more money, no?
yeah, he did. Once it was clear he was going to spend a majority of the year in the minors, he decided to take his chances across the pond. Can't really blame him.
It wasn't the cap as much as Sutter overvaluing "experience" and undervaluing Giordano's contributions.
If there's ever a team that could use a John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
Or a Marc-Andre Bergeron. How 'bout it, Sutter?
Do the reporters in Calgary obsess about having a "puck-moving defenceman"? If not, we can lend you a couple.
Jesus. 2 posts on the same shift for Cogliano. Then Garon with the Roloson-esqe rebound. I'm calling the shootout. The Oilers can't hold leads.
Dammit, somebody swapped around Mathieu Garon and Jussi Markkanen while we weren't paying attention. That was a nasty rebound, by the sounds of Rod-O-Vision.
Cory Sarich is a solid d-man, but he seems to have these nights where he comepltely forgots how to play hockey.
Like tonight.
How much should Gagner and Cogliano be playing late in the third period of a Batlle of Alberta with a one-goal lead? Negative five minutes each?
Why is Gagner out with less then two minutes left?
I though he handled himself well tonight.
Great play by Chopper, and then a great save by Garon. Whew. Awesome game. Win helps, too. :)
Oilers played well. Flames back to their pre-December form.
It wouldn't have changed the outcome, but how did Pitkanen get away with those two cross-checks on Tanguay at the end there?
Why is Gagner out with less then two minutes left?
The same reason that MacTavish threw out his tired first line without calling a defensive timeout in a critical late-game faceoff in Calgary's zone?
Of course, we won, so MacTavish is a genius! The Vaunt is back! GOILERS!
It would be nice if someone let Ray Ferraro in on the fact that Calgary is one of the home markets for Sportsnet West. I can honestly say, without fear of contradiction, that the phrase "a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway" was uttered out loud for the first time tonight. Hemsky.
It wouldn't have changed the outcome, but how did Pitkanen get away with those two cross-checks on Tanguay at the end there?
I only noticed the one, but I was expecting a call.
When was the Oilers last 4-game win streak?
I can't remember the date, but I'm pretty sure that Joe Malone scored twice in a losing cause for the Hamilton Tigers.
It would be nice if someone let Ray Ferraro in on the fact that Calgary is one of the home markets for Sportsnet West. I can honestly say, without fear of contradiction, that the phrase "a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway" was uttered out loud for the first time tonight. Hemsky.
Oh, calm down. Millions called the Hitmen/ Oil Kings game. Plus, the Oilers vastly outplayed the Flames. It just makes sense that the dominant, winning team would be praised more. ;)
"a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway"
Well to be fair, he's been excellent all season.
Besides Loubardias fellated Phaneuf enough times, so we're even.
Joe Malone scored twice in a losing cause for the Hamilton Tigers
Heh heh.
I can't believe Penner had a chance to shoot Phaneuf directly in the face and only got the crest.
Peter - I heard a whole lot of "both teams played extremely well" and not to mention the 17 times they talked about Phaneuf(ugly)'s talent (I will give him props on the goalie help).
And Gilbert give-aways ARE rare - Grebeshkov on the other hand....
Besides Loubardias fellated Phaneuf enough times, so we're even.
True, and Ferraro went off about how beautiful a skater Phaneuf was.
Kings, Capitals, Canes (spits), Lightning and Panthers in the next five. Could end up being a good run.
This team is playing like a team with NHL players in its lineup.
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
Well, in some of the games (not tonight, but a few of them), the Oilers have padded that save percentage a bit by doing what they did in the Detroit and Anaheim series (remember those?) and forcing a mittful of high-percentage outside shots. So that'll help the numbers.
Last 4 game winning streak came last season in November...i think it was a 5 game win streak
November 13-24
GOILERS
Last 4 game winning streak came last season in November...i think it was a 5 game win streak
That's a cold bucket of water on my playoff hopes.
And just How nice was it to see 83 throwing the net away with disdain after first owning reghr and then stripping Kipper?
Very fucking nice:)
Oilers deserved win this game because they outchanced the Flames and if not for some of those usual Kipper vs Oiler saves, it wouldn't have been a game to fret over.
BTW, I loved seeing 25 laying the lumber to Tanguay and on a night when you won the PP adv 5-1, I really don't think you should complain.
A four game winning streak, and the Oilers are only five back of Colorado for 8th.
Yergh. They can go back to sucking anytime now.
Is there any greater testament to how the Oil outplayed the fLames tonight than Peter whining about the Oilers broadcast crew? Not a thing about the game itself of course. Considering the Flames have Simmer in the booth, don't ask me why a Flames fan would even broach the subject of TV analysts and their abilities.
Your team got outplayed tonight Peter. Live with it. Deflecting onto Ferraro is weak.
Hey, Matt, I like that "All Loweapologies" headline.
Not every day you see a Kurt Cobain reference on a hockey blog.
Given Gagner's ice time, the game story tomorrow could well be titled "MacT enjoys smell of teen spirit"
god i could not stand the FLAGRANTLY BIASED pro-COILERS announcers on tv tonite. "horcoff is a god with the puck", "the flawless TOM GILBERT", etc etc
how they can say that sort of shit with NO EVIDENCE makes me want 2 GAG
Clearly fever4falmes has never actually listened to one Roger Millions and his, ahem, "perfectly objective" play-by-play of Oiler/Flame matchups.
Because I'm pretty sure he and Pierre Maguire try to outdo one another when it comes to the verbal fellation of one Dion Phaneuf, aka "this year's proof that All-Star fan balloting is a worthless pursuit".
Because I'm pretty sure he and Pierre Maguire try to outdo one another when it comes to the verbal fellation of one Dion Phaneuf.
Matheson referred to him as "Scott Stevens personified" today in the Journal. I actually gagged.
Matheson referred to him as "Scott Stevens personified" today in the Journal. I actually gagged.
I will consider Dion Phaneuf grossly overrated (based on current accomplishments) until he starts doing what he's doing against top-line opposition at even-strength every night.
Until then, comparisons to Stevens or the mere suggestion that he is on the verge of being a Norris candidate are completely unjustified. He's not even the best overall defenseman on his team at this point.
Could he be in the future? Hell yes. The toolkit is there. But it does not happen overnight. Just take a look at how many seasons it took guys like Pronger, Lidstrom and Niedermayer to win their first Norris trophies, and you'll understand. Shortest wait in the last quarter century, if I recall correctly, was Leetch bagging the award in his 4th NHL season (1991-92).
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
Well, in some of the games (not tonight, but a few of them), the Oilers have padded that save percentage a bit by doing what they did in the Detroit and Anaheim series (remember those?) and forcing a mittful of high-percentage outside shots. So that'll help the numbers.
True enough, but consider this: in shootouts and penalty shots Garon has stopped 23 out of 25, for 92 SVP. Not too many outside shots there, one-on-ones with the likes of Naslund, Kopitar, Kariya, Jagr, and Doan.
It remains to be seen how Garon handles the heavier workload having assumed the number one role, but with 5 GA in the four-game win streak, inc. another 3-for-3 shootout performance and another penalty shot save, he's starting to convince this aging ex-goalie that he's for real.
Post a Comment
<< Home
How confusing is the Nilson, Nilsson thing going to be ya think? Some of the more *ahem* senior play by play fellas head's might explode.
How confusing is the Nilson, Nilsson thing going to be ya think?
I don't know. What say we ask Jared Staal, oh sorry, I mean Jarret Stoll.
Weird reading a Prediction for the Flames until I get to the end and see that Matt wrote this one. Pretty prolific so far in the new year. Keep it up!
I'm still wondering what went on with Hejda. Since it was Lowe who gave up an asset (well, a late draft pick) to get Hejda in the first place and signed him to a one-way contract, I really think Lowe was a fan of his. Maybe Jan didn't like Edmonton or something, but I still don't think the case was as open-and-shut as people think it was.
Of course, it's possible that Hejda was a Howson boy all the way or something, but assistant GMs usually don't play major roles in NHL acquisitions.
Anyway, the Oilers are in the midst of a twenty-game winning streak, so momentum is on their side. 5-2 Oil, with Penner scoring twice.
Yeah, Lord B, I'm sure Lowe never had a damn thing to do with him walking away.
As for Staples and Hejda, I'll go one better. That Will Graham guy who sometimes fills in for Gregor on Just A Game thinks Matt Greene will be better down the road than Hejda is now.
What a dummy.
I can't wait for tonight's tilt.
Oilers will win this one.
Scorcoff and Penner will tally in the first to counter goals by Tang"Gay" and Lombardi.
The 2nd period will be scoreless but exciting when Stortini somehow tricks Phaneuf into a fight and actually wins one (for once), instead of reenacting a 6th grade slow dance to "Lady in Red".
The 3rd period will be a nail-biter until Grebeshkov pots his first career natural hatty.
The flood gates are now open for this kid.
Go Oilers!
# posted by 
: January 13, 2008 5:37 pm
: January 13, 2008 5:37 pm Yeah, Lord B, I'm sure Lowe never had a damn thing to do with him walking away.
Witness the differences between one commenter who believes that Lowe generally has an eye for defensemen and one who thinks that Lowe is crap. :P
Okay, BoA.
I just played hockey in the freezing cold, had some beers and now I'm ready....
LET'S DO THIS.
I can see why Hejda wouldn't want to stay here. MacT didn't play him. Makes you wonder if there was disconnect between management and the coaching staff on the guy.
My Lord does Moreau ever make a difference to the lineup.
Nice Roloson by Kipper, there. Get up already.
Classic Phaneuf there, totally putting himself out of position because he wanted to get the revenge hit on Stortini. Turned into a good scoring chance for the Oil.
This has been a great first period. Lots of intensity, urgency, and scoring chances. Feels like a playoff game.
Should say ... "watching an Oilers game on Sportsnet is like watching a Penguins game on TSN. Horcoff.
# posted by : January 13, 2008 7:10 pm
: January 13, 2008 7:10 pm I don't think anyone with Phaneuf on his team of choice should complain about the announcers unnecessarily fellating a player on the opposing side.
# posted by : January 13, 2008 7:16 pm
: January 13, 2008 7:16 pm Should say ... "watching an Oilers game on Sportsnet is like watching a Penguins game on TSN. Horcoff.
To be expected, since it's the local feed. TSN isn't. Crosby.
Flames aren't doing a single thing well this game. A number of their defensemen look like they're on valium (Sarich, Eriksson). On the other hand, pretty impressed with the Oil so far.
I'm guessing that Iginla was a different player against the Isles, but then it's still early in the game so I'll shut my mouth...
When I think of the Flames, I think of the playoffs against Detroit last year. If there's ever a team that could use a John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
The Flames had that species of player already in the system in Mark Giordano. They signed Eriksson and declined to offer Gio a one way contract instead.
Oh yeah, Giordano flipped off to Russia for more money, no?
yeah, he did. Once it was clear he was going to spend a majority of the year in the minors, he decided to take his chances across the pond. Can't really blame him.
It wasn't the cap as much as Sutter overvaluing "experience" and undervaluing Giordano's contributions.
If there's ever a team that could use a John Michael Liles on the backend, this is the one.
Or a Marc-Andre Bergeron. How 'bout it, Sutter?
Do the reporters in Calgary obsess about having a "puck-moving defenceman"? If not, we can lend you a couple.
Jesus. 2 posts on the same shift for Cogliano. Then Garon with the Roloson-esqe rebound. I'm calling the shootout. The Oilers can't hold leads.
Dammit, somebody swapped around Mathieu Garon and Jussi Markkanen while we weren't paying attention. That was a nasty rebound, by the sounds of Rod-O-Vision.
Cory Sarich is a solid d-man, but he seems to have these nights where he comepltely forgots how to play hockey.
Like tonight.
How much should Gagner and Cogliano be playing late in the third period of a Batlle of Alberta with a one-goal lead? Negative five minutes each?
Why is Gagner out with less then two minutes left?
I though he handled himself well tonight.
Great play by Chopper, and then a great save by Garon. Whew. Awesome game. Win helps, too. :)
Oilers played well. Flames back to their pre-December form.
It wouldn't have changed the outcome, but how did Pitkanen get away with those two cross-checks on Tanguay at the end there?
Why is Gagner out with less then two minutes left?
The same reason that MacTavish threw out his tired first line without calling a defensive timeout in a critical late-game faceoff in Calgary's zone?
Of course, we won, so MacTavish is a genius! The Vaunt is back! GOILERS!
It would be nice if someone let Ray Ferraro in on the fact that Calgary is one of the home markets for Sportsnet West. I can honestly say, without fear of contradiction, that the phrase "a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway" was uttered out loud for the first time tonight. Hemsky.
# posted by : January 13, 2008 8:29 pm
: January 13, 2008 8:29 pm It wouldn't have changed the outcome, but how did Pitkanen get away with those two cross-checks on Tanguay at the end there?
I only noticed the one, but I was expecting a call.
When was the Oilers last 4-game win streak?
I can't remember the date, but I'm pretty sure that Joe Malone scored twice in a losing cause for the Hamilton Tigers.
It would be nice if someone let Ray Ferraro in on the fact that Calgary is one of the home markets for Sportsnet West. I can honestly say, without fear of contradiction, that the phrase "a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway" was uttered out loud for the first time tonight. Hemsky.
Oh, calm down. Millions called the Hitmen/ Oil Kings game. Plus, the Oilers vastly outplayed the Flames. It just makes sense that the dominant, winning team would be praised more. ;)
"a rare Tom Gilbert giveaway"
Well to be fair, he's been excellent all season.
Besides Loubardias fellated Phaneuf enough times, so we're even.
Joe Malone scored twice in a losing cause for the Hamilton Tigers
Heh heh.
I can't believe Penner had a chance to shoot Phaneuf directly in the face and only got the crest.
Peter - I heard a whole lot of "both teams played extremely well" and not to mention the 17 times they talked about Phaneuf(ugly)'s talent (I will give him props on the goalie help).
And Gilbert give-aways ARE rare - Grebeshkov on the other hand....
Besides Loubardias fellated Phaneuf enough times, so we're even.
True, and Ferraro went off about how beautiful a skater Phaneuf was.
Kings, Capitals, Canes (spits), Lightning and Panthers in the next five. Could end up being a good run.
This team is playing like a team with NHL players in its lineup.
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
Well, in some of the games (not tonight, but a few of them), the Oilers have padded that save percentage a bit by doing what they did in the Detroit and Anaheim series (remember those?) and forcing a mittful of high-percentage outside shots. So that'll help the numbers.
Last 4 game winning streak came last season in November...i think it was a 5 game win streak
November 13-24
GOILERS
Last 4 game winning streak came last season in November...i think it was a 5 game win streak
That's a cold bucket of water on my playoff hopes.
And just How nice was it to see 83 throwing the net away with disdain after first owning reghr and then stripping Kipper?
Very fucking nice:)
Oilers deserved win this game because they outchanced the Flames and if not for some of those usual Kipper vs Oiler saves, it wouldn't have been a game to fret over.
BTW, I loved seeing 25 laying the lumber to Tanguay and on a night when you won the PP adv 5-1, I really don't think you should complain.
A four game winning streak, and the Oilers are only five back of Colorado for 8th.
Yergh. They can go back to sucking anytime now.
# posted by : January 13, 2008 10:35 pm
: January 13, 2008 10:35 pm Is there any greater testament to how the Oil outplayed the fLames tonight than Peter whining about the Oilers broadcast crew? Not a thing about the game itself of course. Considering the Flames have Simmer in the booth, don't ask me why a Flames fan would even broach the subject of TV analysts and their abilities.
Your team got outplayed tonight Peter. Live with it. Deflecting onto Ferraro is weak.
# posted by : January 13, 2008 11:32 pm
: January 13, 2008 11:32 pm Hey, Matt, I like that "All Loweapologies" headline.
Not every day you see a Kurt Cobain reference on a hockey blog.
Given Gagner's ice time, the game story tomorrow could well be titled "MacT enjoys smell of teen spirit"
# posted by : January 14, 2008 12:11 am
: January 14, 2008 12:11 am god i could not stand the FLAGRANTLY BIASED pro-COILERS announcers on tv tonite. "horcoff is a god with the puck", "the flawless TOM GILBERT", etc etc
how they can say that sort of shit with NO EVIDENCE makes me want 2 GAG
# posted by : January 14, 2008 1:05 am
: January 14, 2008 1:05 am Clearly fever4falmes has never actually listened to one Roger Millions and his, ahem, "perfectly objective" play-by-play of Oiler/Flame matchups.
Because I'm pretty sure he and Pierre Maguire try to outdo one another when it comes to the verbal fellation of one Dion Phaneuf, aka "this year's proof that All-Star fan balloting is a worthless pursuit".
Because I'm pretty sure he and Pierre Maguire try to outdo one another when it comes to the verbal fellation of one Dion Phaneuf.
Matheson referred to him as "Scott Stevens personified" today in the Journal. I actually gagged.
Matheson referred to him as "Scott Stevens personified" today in the Journal. I actually gagged.
I will consider Dion Phaneuf grossly overrated (based on current accomplishments) until he starts doing what he's doing against top-line opposition at even-strength every night.
Until then, comparisons to Stevens or the mere suggestion that he is on the verge of being a Norris candidate are completely unjustified. He's not even the best overall defenseman on his team at this point.
Could he be in the future? Hell yes. The toolkit is there. But it does not happen overnight. Just take a look at how many seasons it took guys like Pronger, Lidstrom and Niedermayer to win their first Norris trophies, and you'll understand. Shortest wait in the last quarter century, if I recall correctly, was Leetch bagging the award in his 4th NHL season (1991-92).
It helps to have a goalie playing lately at a 92-93 SVP, too.
Well, in some of the games (not tonight, but a few of them), the Oilers have padded that save percentage a bit by doing what they did in the Detroit and Anaheim series (remember those?) and forcing a mittful of high-percentage outside shots. So that'll help the numbers.
True enough, but consider this: in shootouts and penalty shots Garon has stopped 23 out of 25, for 92 SVP. Not too many outside shots there, one-on-ones with the likes of Naslund, Kopitar, Kariya, Jagr, and Doan.
It remains to be seen how Garon handles the heavier workload having assumed the number one role, but with 5 GA in the four-game win streak, inc. another 3-for-3 shootout performance and another penalty shot save, he's starting to convince this aging ex-goalie that he's for real.
Post a Comment
<< Home
