Oilers Update - Avalanche Lose...all that matters!

Ales Hemsky began the scoring parade when he found the loose puck under the toe of Semyon Varlarmov to earn his second goal of the season, as the Edmonton Oilers went on to defeat the visiting Avalanche 4-1.

Adding to fun, was Jordan Eberle how wristed a howitzer past the Av's keeper in the 1st.  Soon to follow was Shawn Horcoff who "accidentally on purpose" scored his first of the season via deflection off his heal.  Finally, with the net open, rookie Nail Yakupov sealed the victory.   watch highlights

3 out of the 4 goals scored by the Copper and Blue were on the power-play and it is worth noting that
after last night's win, the Oilers are now second best in the league on the PP at 35.7%.

"You guys are going to point out we didn't score an even strength goal again, but that's the way the seaons goes.  You play how it comes to you.  Taylor Hall said to the media after the game.  "When you get power-play goals, you're not going to trade them for other goals.  They count the same on the scoreboard.  If we take our power-play game into our five-on-five game, eventually it'll turn around for us.  We're creating chances and we have pressure in the other team's end."


Power-play goals, even strength goals, short handed goals...er does it matter when you score?  Here is a club who was struggling to find the back of the net for a few seasons.  It's only now that the young kids are finding ways put up the points and really what is most important are the W's...right?

After playing 5 games, the Oilers are: leading the Northwest Division,  3rd in the Western Conference and 12th over-all in the league.

It's a fairly good start, though they are not the league leading Chicago Blackhawks, (who have won all six of their contests with 12 points) but that's another story.

The Edmonton Oilers will now fly south for mini 3 game road-trip, with stops in Phoenix, San Jose and Colorado.

Oilers Update - YAAAAAAAKUPOVVVVVVVV

With 4 seconds on the clock, rookie Nail Yakupov batted home the tying goal to send Oilers Nation into a frenzy.  Whilst scoring, Yakupov skated hysterically up the ice and dropped to his knees akin to that of a professional soccer player!

Yakupov's celebrating theatrics is the hot topic around the NHL world - and for those who witnessed the Flueryesque celebration are spouting in their rightful opinions whether it was over the top or acceptable to hockey.  Despite what anyone may feel about the 'Yak Slide' there is no question that the rookie from Russia is purely enjoying himself! Sure, he didn't win the Oilers 6th Stanley Cup but the fact remains this kid, LOVES TO SCORE!  During practice, he LOVES TO SCORE,  he'll even give a fist pump when he blows one past on Dubnyk or his Russian counterpart Khabibulin.

Yakupov is a born winner and a bona fide scorer.   It is more than likely that he will be a major contributor to the Oilers organization for many years to come.  He was selected for those major elements and he can celebrate all he wants.  And come to think of it, when was the last time we've seen jovial celebrations like that? 2006 Play-offs?
 
Imagine what kind of 'happy dance' he'll give us during the play-offs?

The Yak is here to stay in the NHL, whether it be with the Oil or some other team.

In my opinion Yakupov's celebration was a breath of fresh air and with that, one can almost feel the excitement brewing all over again in Edmonton.

Something's coming Oilers Fans!

The dawn of a new beginning began last night!
 

Oilers Update - Sharks win. Yakupov - J. Schultz SCORE

DEAR GOD!  That was a real stinker wasn't it?

Coming off of a shoot-out win over the weekend versus the Canucks, the Edmonton Oilers looked to extend their win streak to 2, but the visiting Sharks had other plans!

Head Coach, Todd McLellan perhaps had this to say to his troops before trouncing on the young Oilers.

"Let's go out there and trap them,  and uh...I don't know... score...6 goals in the 1st period and we'll sit back and play more trap hockey. Sound good?"

Boring trap hockey it was and let's face it, those veteran Sharks utilized their system to a tee, but penalties killed the Oilers.  In fact, the Sharks capitalized on 3 power-plays which ultimately deflated the Oilers' spirit by the time Patrick Marleau scored his second of the night nearly a minute after his first goal.

Oilers night minder, Devan Dubnyk was pulled after the first period, but no one can hang the loss on the goaltender. 

“That five-on-three in the first five minutes killed us. We gave up two goals and then turned the puck over and were running around, and left Dubby out to dry.'" said Jordan Eberle who managed to earn two assists despite having a personal lack-luster game.

“We have to be a more mature team than that. It was definitely a wake-up call. That was an awful first period. It was unacceptable. We have to learn from it and use it to build character.”

6-3 Sharks

“If pain is going to make us a better team, than that’s a lot of pain right there,” head coach Ralph Krueger said to the Edmonton media. “There was an unbelievable lack of positioning. We apologize for the overall score.”

Apology accepted. Oh, and thank-you for suiting up Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz! The two rookies shined brighter than the shiner on Ben Eager's face by scoring their first ever NHL goals.

photo credit Edmonton Journal

Nail Yakupov converted on the power-play with his patented one-timer to the left of the side of the goaltender.  And if his release and timing is any indication of how good this kid will be for the Oilers, then watch-out.  Yakupov has a lethal snap-shot and he will probably make a living scoring in that same position for years to come!  And perhaps we'll see more of that same jubilant hockey dance after every goal.

photo credit Edmonton Journal

Justin Schultz blasted a one timer from the point to give the Oilers some life in the second.  Schultz received a feathered pass from  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to give the Oilers their second goal of the night.

The Oilers will now regroup and get ready to face the Los Angeles Kings this Thrusday.

Oilers Update - Oilers Home Opener vs Sharks

Home Opener Magic!

2010 Jordan Eberle scores his first NHL goal vs the Flames. Oilers win 4-0.
2011 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his first NHL goal vs the Penguin.  Oilers win 2-1
2012 R.I.P.
2013 ????????????????
Which rookie will score tonight? Justin Schulz or Nail Yakupov?  Heck...both?

Does it matter now? Hockey returns to Rexall Place since the dreaded lock-out as the Edmonton Oilers will look to defeat the visiting San Jose Sharks.  Oilers fans will finally get a look at Justin Schultz and Nail Yakupov on home ice but that is not all...Magnus Paajarvi will also join in on the fun as he will replace Ben Eager on the 4th line with Lennart Petrell and Eric Belanger.  Eager is out with an eye injury he suffered during a fight with Zack Kassian over the weekend.  Paajarvi had this to say to www.edmontonoilers.com about his opportunity to step in a defensive role.
"I'm looking forward to it. I think I've adapted pretty well in OKC and it's my goal to bring that same defensive play up here in Edmonton.  They want me to play a little bit more on the PK and I can use my speed for that.  I know I have the offence in me, too.  It's a new role, but I'm ready to do it. 


TSN will have the game live beginning at 7pm Pacific!


Home Opener Memories Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Oilers Update - Eager to be evaluated after fight!

After the tying goal by Ales Hemsky, Edmonton's Ben Eager and Canucks forward Zack Kassian, exchanged cuffs in a fierce scrap.  Kassian managed to connect with a left and thus cutting Eager above his right eye.  According to tweets by Ryan Rishaug ‏@TSNRyanRishaug  Eager doesn’t appear to be on ice today. Cut in fight last night. Swelling around Eagers eye, will be evaluated tomorrow.

Here is the fight in case you missed it! 

Oilers Update - Oilers outshine Canucks

HOCKEY IS BACK!

Last night, the Edmonton Oilers flew into Vancouver and escaped with a 3-2 shoot-out victory of division rivals the Vancouver Canucks.

In the Shoot-Out.
 
Following Sam Gagner's brilliant deke against Roberto Luongo, Ales Hemksy took to the ice and slid the puck under Luongo's pad to solidify the Oilers first win of the 2013 season.

Hemsky, along with Jordan Eberle were goal scorers for the Oilers, #83 tied the game late in the 3rd to force overtime, while #14 decided to open the scoring for the Oilers with a devious backhand with 3 seconds left of the second frame.

photo from the Nationl Post

"It gives us a lot of confidence, we're happy with this. said the 29 year-old from the Czech Rep, who wristed a soft shot which hand-cuffed Luongo - a shot which Luongo probably should've been able to save."It's only one game, but we have a lot of great players, lots of depth now, a lot of guys who can play in different position.  Obviously it's a different team." said Hemsky after the game. 

One game indeed, and it does seem that the Oilers are just a little different.  How different? Perhaps when the line-up consists of RNH, Hall, Eberle, Yakupov, and some very seasoned vets, but what was the most outstanding difference between last night's contest from previous Oilers games?  Eberle has a clue.

"These one goal games were our Kryptonite last year, it seemed like we were losing a lot of them," said the newly anointed alternate captain.  "To come back in the third against a pretty good team is a big character win for us."

Rookies looked good!

While it was a just the same old hockey game for some others such as rookies, Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz seemed to be comfortable in their new silks.  Yakupov, who skated on the second line with Hemsky and Gagner, was a minus 2 but managed to rifle a patented on-timer into the glove of Luongo.  Yakupov (who now wears #64 on his back) finished the game with 16:20 of ice time and 22 shifts. Defenceman J. Schultz was paired up with Nick Schultz (no relation) also didn't tally a point in the game yet managed get a shot on net.

"We knew we were playing well and we knew we were going to get a goal eventually. said Schulz.  "Once that first one went in at the end of the second the guys kind of rallied. I think we wanted it really bad, and it showed."

The Oilers will now head home to face the San Jose Sharks.

Oilers Update - From Russia with Love. Yakupov Arrives!

Nail Yakupov has finally arrived in Edmonton,  according to the Edmonton Oilers. The 2012 1st round draft pick of the Oilers arrived late Wednesday at at #YEG and he is expected to hit the ice tomorrow afternoon at Rexall.

During the lock-out the right winger from Nizhnekamsk, Russia played for his hometown club of the KHL and then went on to win a bronze medal for his country during the World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia.  But before proceeding to the the WJC's, Yakupov made a pit stop in my neighborhood of Victoria BC and helped his club beat the CHL All-Stars in the final game of the Subway Super Series which was held at the Save-On-Foods Centre.

 Deb was ecstatic to help me get this signed by Yak in Victoria

Oilers Update - Eberle / Nugent-Hopkins Spandex Leotards?

 
 Oy! Thank-God Hockey is back!  Put your pads on!

Oilers Update - SLAYER!

As advertised on the SLAYER website.




Slayer Eagle Hockey Jersey

Blood on the ice! This Eagle hockey jersey features high-quality embroidered art and stitching and made of 100% polyester.
Was $89.99. Save through Wednesday, January 9.
$66.66  


There is no question that Slayer is ready to see some blood hit the ice.  The quintet is offering this 'wicked' 'war ensemble' of pure pain and fury to all metal/hockey fans alike. 

Those responsible for this creation was probably that of lead guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King who known to be TRUE hockey fans and who are sadly enamored with the ahem...LA Kings. 

SLAYER!

Oilers Update - Training Camp to Puck Drop

After 113 days of NO hockey, the NHL and the NHLPA finally sewed up a tentative 10 year Collective Bargaining Agreement over the weekend.

It was announced today by NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly that training camp will begin for all 30 clubs on January 13th 2013 (pending on the ratification process on Saturday) and the 2012...er 2013 season is expected to commence on January 19th.

The NHL is looking to create a 48 game schedule which will only consist of inter-conference battles.  Each team will play 4 games between divisional rivals before marching into the play-offs.  In other words hockey fans (if you still exist), don't expect Sid the Kid at Rogers Arena or Taylor Hall at MSG (remember those two guys?) until perhaps the play-offs.

------------------------------------------------------------

We're ready!
 
Today in Edmonton, more than a handful of players met at Rexall for a quick practice - among them were Corey Potter, Ladi Smid, Eric Belanger, Nick Schultz, Devan Dubnyk and Nikolai Khabibulin, while Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Justin Schultz remained off the ice to answer the media.

"I feel like I'm in mid-season form right now.  There are going to be some guys that are going to be a little rusty and that's bound to happen.  But we have enough guys here that have been playing that shouldn't be a problem." said Jordan Eberle who led the Oklahoma Barons in points with 51 in 34 games played.

Without a doubt Eberle is ready.  And how about the rest of these guys who also had the opportunity to play hockey during the lock-out:  Taylor Hall accumulated 34 pts in 26 games for OKC.  He's ready!  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins totaled 20 points in 19 games and then went on to earn 14 points for Canada during the 2013 World Juniors.  He's good to go! And who could forget newly acquired defenceman Justin Schultz, the 22 year-old rookie who ended his AHL experience with a mind boggling 48 points in 34 games.

"I've waited my whole life to play in the NHL.  I had to wait half a year, but I'm excited to play with all these guys. said Schultz. He's already on the starting block waiting for the gun to sound.

Sam Gagner, Ales Hemsky, and the highly touted Nail Yakupov have yet to tell the tales of their experience with their clubs from overseas.  The trio has also had the benefit to playing organized hockey during the 113 day lock-out.  There is no word yet of their return.


Yup...I think the core is ready.  Are you?


More to come, Ryan Jones eye injury.

Oilers Update - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins vs Nail Yakupov

 In just a few moments it's Canada vs Russia in the World Junior Championships in Ufa Russia.    Canada's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will go head-to-head against fellow NHL teammate Nail Yakupov of Russia.  The winning nation will take a strangle hold of first place in Group B and will be granted a bye to the semi-finals.

Burnaby BC native, Nugent-Hopkins leads the tournament with 8 points in just 3 games which includes 3 goals and 5 assists - his latest goal came versus the US when Canada edged the Americans by a score of 2-1 yesterday.  At the other end, Nail Yakupov has 4 points in 3 games.  The Russian captain managed to score his first goal of the tournament when his club manhandled the Germans 7-0 two nights ago.

Oilers Update - Nugent-Hopkins WJC collects 5 Points - Yakupov 1 Assist

-->

Ufa Russia

This morning, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins collected 5 points in his first ever World Junior Championships game.   The Burnaby BC native had a goal and 4 assist enroute to a 9-3 victory over the German National Squad.  Because of his impressive numbers, the Canadian captain was given ‘player of the game’ honors for his country and was seen after the game to be wearing a black 'cape' during his interview with TSN.

“No matter where you go, there’s always going to be pressure and expectations especially coming here and being from Canada,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “There’s a lot of pressure and we’re going to put that pressure on ourselves. We relish that. We’re excited about it.”

Pressure or not, the Canadians did exactly what they intended to do from the get-go: get the first goal and find the winning rhythm.  Nugent-Hopkins who was accompanied by fellow top-liners Johnathan Huberdeau and Mark Scheifele, certainly found the rhythm kept their play to a comfortable pace for the rest of Team Canada.

Canada will now face Slovakia at 1 am pacific time on Dec 28th 2012

 

In other news!

Russia’s Nail Yakupov had an assist when his club edged the visiting Slovaks by a score of 3-2 in overtime.  Yakupov finished the game with a shot goal and earned a even rating, while country man and Oilers draft pick Danil Zarkov didn't make the score sheet but was also an even rating.

videos courtesy of TSN and IIHF 

Oilers Update - 1988 Oilers Championship Hat

A few years ago, a work colleague of mine was kind enough to present to me this very RARE hat.  This hat once belonged to Bill Tuele, whom was a long standing Public Relations Director for the Edmonton Oilers. 

After retiring from the club, Tuele then donated this hat to my colleague’s mother who happened to be a close friend of the Tuele family.  She had no use for this piece of Oilers history, and thus the hat, is now in my possession.

While I have no evidence to say that my cherished hat was drenched by champagne on that fateful day of May 26^th, 1988.  I do, however make the immediate connection that this hat signifies Gretzky’s 4^th and final Stanley Cup.

I hope to one day have Mr. Gretzky sign this for me.  Until then, it will sit on top of my shelf, clean and without a single ounce of ink, waiting for his signature.

Oilers Update - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Reports to WJC

"Definitely, it doesn't feel good, but getting the opportunity as a 17-year-old was good for me.

"If I looked back and thought had I changed things, I'd have regrets. I think I played overall pretty good."  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after getting cut in 2010.

That was 2 years ago when Nugent-Hopkins was a late snip for the Canadian side, however since then "The Nuge" did some incredible things leading up to this years camp. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went on to become: 1) the number draft pick for the Oilers in 2011, 2) Made the squad as an 18 year-old and finished the season with 52 points in 62 games. 3) He became a runner up for the Calder Trophy.  4) Suited up for the world men's championship.

Yesterday, Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins arrived in Calgary to attend the world junior camp in hopes to make the Canadian squad...er, scratch that! With a full NHL year under his belt (and not to mention that he is also currently playing with the likes of former World Juniors, Hall and Eberle in Oklahoma during the NHL Lock-Out), there is NO question that the 19 year-old from Burnaby BC will be the top centre for the 2013 World Juniors in Russia.

"I've got to try to take on more of a leadership role this year.  As a 17-year-old, I couldn't come into camp and do that.  he told the Media at the Calgary Airport.  "I'm definitely going to try to take some experience from the worlds and bring it to this camp here."

"I feel like I'm a different person than I was a couple of years ago.  My game has definitely evolved a lot and I see myself more as a two-way player right now, so I'm definitely going to try to take on that role..."

The NHL lock-out is a complete blessing in disguise for the Canadian squad. Nugent-Hopkins, will skate with, Mark Scheifele of the Jets, Jonathan Huberdeau of the Panthers to name a few who, like the Nuge would have been with their NHL teams this season.

Naturally, with the addition of Nugent-Hopkins, Scheifele and Huberdeau, Canada is now considered to be a power-house and here is hoping that the Canadian can bring home the gold.

Another player in the mix, who is connected to Edmonton Oilers is Nail Yakupov of Russia.  Yakupov who like Nugent-Hopkins went first-overall in their NHL draft will get a taste of playing against each other on the world stage.

The tournament begins Dec 26th in Ufa Russia.

Oilers Update - NHL Cancels More Games

It was announced to today that the NHL will cancel games through Dec 30th.   The total number of games lost now comes to 526.  With no end in sight to the lock-out there has been rumblings that this strike could potentially reach another 24 months according to sources within the media.  YIKES!

While we all try and point fingers to who is really responsible for this debacle, perhaps avert your attention to this mess and enjoy the rest of the year. 

Remember, the holidays are just around the corner and we've got the World Juniors to provide us with some entertainment during Christmas.  

Happy Holidays!

Oilers Update - Jordan Eberle Saluted

Last week, former Regina Pat Jordan Eberle returned to his hometown and watched his old number ascend to the rafters at the Brant Centre - solidifying that the lucky #7 will never be worn again.

For four consecutive years Eberle was a proud member of the major junior hockey club between 2006-2010.  During his tenure with the Pats, Eberle amassed 301 points.  Even more impressive "Captain Clutch" posted an incredible 106 points in 57 games during the 2009-2010 season.

Congratulations Jordan Eberle

Oilers Update - No Hockey in November...Who do you blame?

The NHL is expected to announce the cancellation of all games throughout November. 

*Sigh*


This lockout is beyond frustrating for the HARD WORKING: NHL employees, merchandise vendors and especially YOUR fans.

This is a NIGHTMARE and it has turned into a real JOKE.  Both the NHLPA and NHL look like a bunch of court jestures fighting for the role of the lead clown. 

Really, who are you trying to impress on Television??  Newsflash: You both look ridiculous in those expensive suits fighting for millions...would you like us to throw tomatoes at you Krusty N' Bozo? Or would you prefer some yolks on the face? Don't egg us on!

If and/or when an agreement is made, perhaps it would be necessary for us fans to declare a 'fan strike'.  Believe me, thousands of fans have given up on you already.  It's all because of greed and it's because of BOTH of you!

Your comments!

Oilers Update - Yakupov to Play Sub Way Super Series

The Edmonton Oilers' Nail Yakupov, will represent his country when Russia takes on the best of the CHL in the Sub Way Super Series which begins on Nov 5th in Quebec.  Yakupov is slated to play in all 6 games and will once again skate in front of his fans in Sarnia on November 12th.


Game 1  Monday November 5 at Blainville-Boisbriand, QC
Game 2  Wednesday November 7 at Val-d’Or, QC
Game 3  Thursday November 8 at Guelph, ON
Game 4  Monday November 12 at Sarnia, ON
Game 5  Wednesday November 14 at Vancouver, BC
Game 6  Thursday November 15 at Victoria, BC


Team Russia (Club):

Goaltenders:
Igor Ustinski (Stalnye Lisy, Magnitogorsk)
Andrei Vasilevski (Tolpar, Ufa)*

Defencemen:
Alexei Vasilevski (Salavat Yulaev, Ufa)
Albert Yarullin (Ak Bars, Kazan)
Mikhail Naumenkov (CSKA)*^
Nikita Nesterov (Traktor, Chelyabinsk)*^
Andrei Mironov (HC Dinamo, Moscou)
Kirill Dyakov (Mamonty Yugry)
Yaroslav Dyblenko (Atlanty, Mytischi)
Pavel Koledov (Loko, Yaroslavl)
Ilya Lyubushkin (Loko, Yaroslavl)

Forwards:
Maxim Shalunov (Traktor, Chelyabinsk)*^
Nail Yakupov (Neftekhimik, Nizhnekamsk)*^
Evgeni Mozer (Omskie Yastreby, Omsk)
Andrei Sigarev (SKA, St. Petersbourg)
Anton Shenfeld (Stalnye Lisy, Magnitogorsk)
Vladimir Tkachev (Ak Bars, Kazan)
Valeri Nichushkin (Belye Medvedi, Chelyabinsk)
Damir Zhafyarov (Metallurg, Novokuznetsk)
Yaroslav Kosov (Mettalurg, Magnitogorsk)*
Alexander Khokhlachev (Spartak, Moscou)*^
Kirill Kapustin (Loko, Yaroslavl)
Bogdan Yakimov (Reaktor, Nizhnekamsk)

QMJHL Games:
Mikhail Grigorenko (Quebec Remparts)*^
Anton Zlobin (Val-d’Or Foreurs)^
Valentin Zykov (Baie-Comeau Drakkar)

Val-d’Or Game Only:
Artem Sergeev (Val-d’Or Foreurs)*^

Guelph Game Only:
Nikita Zadorov (London Knights)
Daniil Zharkov (Belleville Bulls)

WHL Games
Andrey Makarov (Saskatoon Blades)*^



 

Oilers Update NHL to resume NOV 2nd????

BREAKING NEWS!

According to Yahoo! Canada,  the NHL has made an offer to the NHLPA which would start the 2012-2013 NHL season by Nov 2nd.

"We hope we've given our best shot," said a hopeful Gary Bettman to the media Tuesday afternoon .

The two sides met this afternoon in Toronto and after the meeting, it was mentioned by Gary Bettman that the proposal includes a "50/50 split of hockey related revenue". IF accepted by the NHLPA the proposal will thus preserve the 82 game schedule and start by Nov 2nd.  The schedule, however will see that each team play an extra game every 5 weeks.

More to come hockey fans!