Oilers Update Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Calder Finalist

It was announced today that 19 year old Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a finalist for the Calder Trophy along with fellow rookies Grabriel Landeskog (Avalanche), and Adam Henrique (Devils). Nugent-Hopkins completed his rookie season, albeit abbreviated with an impressive 52 points in 62 games. 

"It's a big honour." said Nugent-Hopkins who is now getting set to play for his country in Europe.  "I got lucky coming to the Oilers. I've been given a great opportunity here and have been able to play with some great players, so it's been a lot of fun."

"The Nuge" as he is often referred to, was nearly a-point-per- game player until the untimely shoulder injury he suffered back in January versus the Chicago Blackhawks.  In fact, leading up to his injury, Nugent-Hopkins was close to 15 points ahead all rookies.  

"When I got hurt, I wasn't thinking about it, but it's one of those things where I started to a little bit at the end of the season because of all the questions that came up about it."


The NHL awards ceremony will take place in June 20th 2012 in Las Vegas.

Oilers Update - Oilers Win Lottery Draft!

For the 3rd consecutive year the Edmonton Oilers will once again choose the #1 draft pick for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  The last team to secure the top spot thrice in a row was the Quebec Nordiques during the early 90's.

But who knew??  Going into the Lottery Draft the Oilers had a measly 18.8 % chance to win it, when all hockey pundits and experts thought for sure that the Columbus Blue Jackets would secure the top choice.

Perhaps it was meant to be.

 

"I guess if you're in the lottery and you come here you might as well win it," said Steve Tambellini.  "I feel really excited about the fact that now another young talent hopefully at the level of what the past few picks have been. To add another player like that is pretty exciting for our organization."

No kidding.  2010 Draft Pick Taylor Hall has been nothing but GOLD for the Edmonton Oilers.  Despite having a rough 2 years in the show due to injuries, Hall has managed to live up to the hype and the sophomore was 5 points shy of reaching 100 career points. 

Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the clear winner of the 2011 Draft and after boasting 52 points in 62 games in his first season for the Oil, it is rumored that the 19 year-old will win the Calder despite having less goals than Colorado's Gabriel Landeskog.  Moreover, Nugent-Hopkins will represent Canada at the World Hockey Championship along side with Jordan Eberle (who led the team in scoring with 76 points by the way).

With an embarrassing amount of talent at their finger-tips, who will the Oilers pick when Steve Tambellini steps up to the podium at the Energy Console Centre in Pittsburgh?

Nail Yakupov

"I'm looking to know the top picks.  Not only in what they do on the ice, but most importantly really makes them tick." said Tambellini.

The consensus among all scouting is that Sarnia Sting forward Nail Yakupov is slated to go  #1 at this years draft.  While Steve Tambellini understands were the 5'10" 170 pound Russian is positioned, Tambellini will do exactly what he has done in recent years and will remain mum about who he will choose.

to be continued...

 

Paajarvi Sent to OKC

The Edmonton Oilers announced that Magnus Paajarvi has been sent back to Oklahoma City - and it is quite possible that #91 will not be returning to Edmonton for the rest of the NHL season.

GM Steve Tambellini quotes "We believed we had confirmation to recall Magnus as one of our four call-ups after the trade deadline.  The league informed us today the only way he could be recalled was under an emergency recall basis."  

Paajarvi has been nothing more than good this season with the OKC Barons.  The 20 year-old has 22 points in 27 games and is second behind Linus Omark in points.

Tom Gilbert Swapped for Nick Schultz

Edmonton's Tom Gilbert has been traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Nick Schultz.

Here is Tom's reaction when he found out that he was going home to Minnesota.


"It's a new experience for me it's just part of the business and you just gotta expect that...I can actually see my parents smiling right now.  I haven't even looked at phone at all or my texts...I am sure that they (his parents)  have tried calling and texting and they probably have a house for me already set up and a welcome home party...so its exciting to go back to home a team that I've been watching since I was young."

Tom Gilbert leaves the club having spent 6 years with the Oilers and amassed a grand total of 159 points in 384 games played.  

"He (Oilers GM Steve Tambellini) was the first guy to tell me about the trade and wished me the best of luck and said that I am a great guy and that it was pleasure to have this Edmonton Oilers team and all the luck in Minnesota." said Gilbert.


"Well you can see the direction this team is headed, especially with these young guys that are just coming in to this league and every game they are getting better and better you can see the talents and there is so much room for improvement and the sky is the limit with these younger players...so it's so unfortunate to leave a great group of guys that I have been a part of - this is the first team I have played for for 6 years and you grow accustomed to the people around you" said Gilbert.  "You wish the guys all the best you are leaving a great bunch of guys and you move on and you move on to a team that you play against all the time and you see the amount of skilled players that they have and where they are headed too, so it's exciting for me." he said.

In return, the Edmonton Oilers will welcome Nick Schultz who had this to say about his new address.


"It's good. It's tough right now...I don't know if it really sunk yet of what's going to happen but I think it's good, I mean obviously we all know that they are good young team...up and coming team with a lot of talent that's trying to build a winner there so you gotta go there and be  part of that try to fit in there... said Schultz. "It's going to be tough it's going to be an adjustment for myself and for my family but it's something that we are going to have to deal with." he admitted.


Schultz brings to Oilers a shut down style play plus veteran leadership. Schultz is 29 and is native of Strasbourgh Saskatchewan Canada.  The defenseman has played 743 games while earning 128 points.


The departure of Gilbert immediately brings to mind that the Oilers could be trying to free up some cap space to make room to re-sign Centre Sam Gagner.


Other news


Ryan O'Marra has been traded to Anaheim for defenseman Bryan Rodney.

Hemsky Signs for 2 Years with Oilers

He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st but Czech forward Ales Hemsky will remain an Edmonton Oiler.  Last night, the 28 year-old signed a 2 year extension worth 10 million dollars and flashy winger couldn't be happier   to stay in Edmonton.


"I've been here through a lot, through up downs. It will be tough to leave the place when you see it's changing, a lot of guys coming up and you know hopefully you can make a push for the playoffs and one day maybe win the Cup. So that's why I want to stay here too.  I didn't want to give up after 10 years just to leave and pack my bags." said Hemsky 


Many fans and hockey pundits were very certain that #83 would be moved come trade deadline however, NOBODY saw this coming.  


Whether he deserves 10 million remains to seen, however this is a player who found a home in Edmonton who also enjoys playing with the club who drafted him in 2001.  Hemsky, brings veteran leadership, skill, vision and a scoring touch and recently looked good with Sam Gagner and Taylor Hall.  Sadly his biggest knock during his 10 year career has been his inability to remain healthy for a single season.  


Although what is striking, is that Ales Hemsky is coming into his prime and it is probably about time for him to reach his full potential.  In fact, country-man Jaromir Jagr believes that Hemsky has capability to reach 100 points (perhaps if he were to change teams). 


"I'm 28, I'm not 35.  So I don't think I have to retire next year.  It's behind me know.  Last month I felt great. I'm just looking forward to play more hockey and I think I can have a long career." said Hemsky.


Hemsky has 421 points in 536 career NHL games.

Gagner 8 Points

Sam Gagner drafted 6th Overall 2007

22 year-old Sam Gagner joined a very elite class last night when he posted 8 points to help his club beat the visiting Chicago Blackhawks 8-4.  Gagner recorded 4 goals and 4 assists to tie a team record shared by #99 and #7.  For his efforts Gagner was aptly named 1st, 2nd and 3rd stars.  The centre-man from London Ontario centered a line between Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall and the trio amassed an incredible 16 points.

"It seemed like everything I touch was going in...said Gagner.  "Everyone on the bench was telling me to stay out the the last five minutes.  I didn't have the legs to stay out that long.  I was pretty gassed." 

The crowd at Rexall went into frenzy when #89 posted his 8th point a feat which coincidentally, has not been accomplished since '89.  The chants of 'Gag-ner, Gag-ner', and 'We want 10' still echoes hangs in the rafters.

"Hearing the Gagner chant will stand out," he said.  "To get that kind of ovation from people who know the game was an incredible feeling.  Tough to re-create that." 

Chicago Blackhawks' pint sized Patrick Kane couldn't believe his eyes when he witnessed Gagner's performance. In '06 Gagner and Kane were line-mates in the OHL for the London Knights and the pair have remained the best of friends since...though I wonder if Kane met Gagner for dinner afterwards?

"He was just giving me stare downs," said Gagner.  "I don't think he was happy I one-upped him like that.  We have a competition going and so far, in our (NHL) career, he's won every one.  It's nice to get that one on him tonight."

Gagner with hockey history in his hands

 List of Players who reached 8 points

Maurice Richard

Bert Olmstead

Darryl Sittler (Feb. 7 1976 10 pts)

Tom Bladon

Bryan Trottier

Peter Statsny

Anton Stastny

Wayne Gretzky (1983, 1984)

Paul Coffey (1986)

Mario Lemieux (1988, 1989)

Bernie Nicholls

CONGRATULATIONS SAM GAGNER!!!!!!!!!

Oilers Update - Oilers Avoid Avalanche - Cornet's First NHL Point.

Philippe Cornet

Last night the Edmonton Oilers skated to a 3-2 decision over the visiting Colorado Avalanche and the man who got things rolling was none other than #14.  Fresh from the All-Star festivities in Ottawa, Jordan Eberle continued with his scoring touch when he beat Av's goaltender Varlamov with a slick wrap-around.  Contributing with an assist to Eberle's 19th goal of the season was rookie Philippe Cornet.  The left-winger from OKC played his first every NHL game and within 5 minutes of his start, the 21 year-old recorded his NHL point.


"I felt pretty good out there for the first game." said Cornet.  "Playing with players like Eberle and Gagner helps.  "On that first goal, it was great work by Gagner on the cycle and it was great work by Eberle to finish it off.  It feels good, I wasn't expecting to have a point in my first game, but I'll take it for sure."


Tom Renney was more than happy with the rookies performance and admitted that he would've love to see what the 6'0" winger can do on the power-play.

"You want to give him a chance to play to where his instincts are," said Renny.  "He's a sniper and he's an offensive player, but he's responsible.  I certainly didn't have any fear of having him out there where he was.  I was actually hoping to get him some power-player time, but we scored and that was the location that he would have popped into..."I anticipate him playing again and we'll see how he does.



Also Scoring:

Late in the first frame Eric Belanger scored his second goal of the season.  The veteran centre who has been having a difficult season, buried a slap-shot on the power-play to make it 2-0 Oilers. Taylor Hall scored the winner in the third.  #4 pounced on a loose rebound from an Ales Hemsky shot to seal the victory for the Copper and Blue.

Injuries:  


Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Cam Barker were seen skating with the club and are expected to return perhaps by next week.


http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=386587


The Edmonton Oilers will take a break and await the Chicago Blackhawks this Thursday night at Rexall.

Oilers Update - Blog Black Out!

Dear Oilers Fans.

I will not be posting any updates and/or blogs until after the NHL All Star break.  While I understand that the Edmonton Oilers are going through a very long and arduous rebuild, I cannot bare to watch less than a hand full of players putting in 100% game in and game out. 

I do believe that the Edmonton Oilers are on the way up and have the potential to become an elite squad in the future.  However, injuries and lack of experience should NOT be used as an excuse and it is time for both management and players to make some rapid changes before this squad finishes dead last for the 3rd straight year.

I can handle the fact that the Edmonton Oilers will miss the play-offs for the 6th straight time, but now it is simply time to find the right personnel who really wants to be a part of a storied franchise in the City of Champions.

Sincerely,

Antony S Scandale.
www.oilersupdate.com 

Oilers Update - Jordan Eberle Returns

According to the Edmonton Oilers Jordan Eberle will suit up against the St Louis Blues tonight. Less than two weeks ago the Oilers leading scorer tweaked his knee when his legs got tangled with Dallas' Jaime Benn. Eberle was slated to miss 2-3 weeks but he now feels good enough compete against the Blues.  

"I'm excited,few days off missed a few games...feels good on the ice..."I am going to keep things simple and try to make the right play at the right time." said Eberle.

Tribute to Taylor Hall's Scar

Until #4 returns to the ice to rejoin his troops.  I will be wearing my beloved Oilers Cap with a Band-Aid across the Oilers logo.  

Show some love people.  Place that Band-Aid across your hat until #4 is healthy!

Here at Oilers Update we wish for Taylor Hall for speedy a recovery.

Go Oilers Go!

Oilers Update Taylor Hall's Scar Photo

Hall's Scar Photo Credit Edmonton Oilers

A photo of Taylor Hall has surfaced after he was cut on the forehead two nights ago in Columbus. The photo was released less than an hour ago by the Edmonton Journal and here is what Taylor Hall looks like with 30 stitches.

It is said that Taylor Hall may not play tonight in St. Louis but is hoping to step on the ice against the Calgary Flames this Saturday in Edmonton. 


He's a Hall Scar!

A tribute to Taylor Hall. My cap with a Band-Aid! Hall Scar!

Oilers Update - Hall Receives 30 Stitches - Should Helmets be Mandatory?

A freak accident just before game time between the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets left Taylor Hall with 30 stitches.  In the video below you can see Taylor Hall tripping on a loose puck and then taking out teammate Ladislav Smid - moments later Corey Potter's right skate caught Taylor Hall's left eye. According to GM Steve Tambellini Hall was ready to play. "I was talking to him when the doctors were with him.  Typical Taylor he said 'I'm ready to go, I'll be playing tonight.'  But I think it's best that we sat him" said the Oilers GM. Sure, maybe Taylor Hall was fine after receiving medical attention and perhaps the dynamic forward probably could've played during the 4-2 loss last night.  However, the accident now has hockey pundits asking 'why isn't it mandatory for players to wear helmets during warm-up?' 

In my opinion, it's called machismo.  Let's face it, these players are showing off their faces, some are showing off their hockey locks or "flow" as Oilers' forward Ryan Jones calls it.  In other words, the pre-game warm-up is the opportunity to look your best just prior to game-time and to give the fans something to look at.  

However, for hockey player, the pre-game warm-up is also the last opportunity to relax, to feel loose and to feel comfortable before the puck drop. For some, it is part of their pre-game ritual to skate around a rink with full gear without a helmet.

Yet, in recent weeks the Oilers have lost top players due to injury - and with Edmonton sinking faster in the standings than the Titanic, they can not afford to lose more players.  I wonder if Tambellini and Co., will look to make it compulsory for every player (investment) to wear full gear during pre-game.

Despite the outcome, nobody wants to see to someone lose an eye, or get severely injured or killed because he or she opted to not wear protection. 

"Definitely terrible, you never want to see your teammates go off the ice like that." said Corey Potter.  I turned in the corner, had two guys sliding at me and just tried to get out of the way.  I don't think I've ever seen a cut that bad...it was pretty deep and long. It was pretty gross. 

Breaking News!

Hours after this blog was posted according to 630 Ched, Defenseman, Theo Peckham was quoted "Seeing something like that with Taylor makes you reconsider.  We're putting in place that everybody is going to be wearing helmets now in warm-up."


It is also said that the New York Rangers will make it mandatory for their players to wear helmets at all times.

Oilers Update - Hall Snaps Losing Streak

The Oilers needed to win this one, badly.   


After an abysmal 5-0 loss versus the Anaheim Ducks a few nights ago,  Oilers fans across the nation were calling for the head of Head Coach Tom Renney while others demanded a shake-up within the organization - and one passionate fan suggested for the Oilers to cancel Saturday's Skills Competition and force a public bag skate.  There was certainly heat under the asses of every Oilers player it was time for the club to find to snap a 5 game losing skid against the visiting LA Kings.


From the drop of the puck, the Oilers came out hard which seemed to surprize the road weary Kings.  There was a sense of urgency among the Oilers and it appeared from the get-go that the Oilers would finally earn another "W".  And who better to seal a victory but the Oilers most dynamic player Taylor Hall.

"Anaheim wasn't our best effort, the guys know that, and we really wanted to respond in a good way, for Tom and for our whole organization," said Taylor Hall who buried a beautiful pass from Shawn Horcoff with a minute and change left in OT.  "Because that's not the way we want to play. For us to play like we did against a really good team, that been playing well is good."

It comes as no surprize for the sophomore winger to play hero.  Taylor Hall, since coming back from injury now has 31 points in 36 games for his squad and he continues to provide that killer instinct which seems to be non existent for the rest of the Oilers.  


With his supporting cast of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle out with injuries for another 3 weeks, Hall has the club on his shoulders.


"No matter how long it took, overtime or whatever, we wanted to get that win. It's a good feeling. "


With the game tied in overtime, the Los Angeles Kings were given a 2 minute penalty and the Oilers wasted no time to hammer home the winner.  Ales Hemsky blasted a point shot on Jonathan Quick and the LA net-minder couldn't absorb the rebound.  Shawn Horcoff, grabbed the loose puck and blindly gave a back hand pass to find Taylor Hall on the doorstep.

The Edmonton Oilers will now face the Blue Jackets in Columbus tomorrow night.

Oilers Update - Pottter Burns Oil in Snoozer

TSN chose a brilliant day to nationally broadcast a snoozer last night in Edmonton.  The fans in the stands didn't actually wake up until Ales Hemsky tied the game late in the 3rd to force overtime.  However, Corey Potter's tripping penalty with less than a minute to go in the game, allowed for stalwart Zach Parise to pick up the second point for Devils in OT.

 "Yeah, obviously feeling pretty terrible at the moment, just trying to go out to the net there and make something happen, had a little collision there and I'm not feeling great right now."  said Potter after the game.  

Potter recently signed a two year extension with the big club after showing some very promising work on the depleted Blue-line this year.  However, his play last night is one left for the bush league.  On the replay, it appeared that Potter purposely administered a slew foot to the legs of Adam Larsson.  

"It cost us the game," said head coach Tom Renney. "You know, we certainly had a chance to win the game. Corey has been very good for us but it was on those very, untimely penalties and hopefully, everybody will learn from that..."Safe to say that I wasn't really thrilled with what happend."

The only consolation for the Oilers was the much needed point they received after playing two lack-luster periods.  After a scoreless first period, Kovalchuk opened the scoring in the second with a short-handed break-away goal.  The Russian speedster intercepted a pass intended for recent call up Magnus Paajarvi and wristed a clean shot past countryman Nikolai Khabibulin.

 

"I really liked our third period, I liked how we didn't quit," said Taylor Hall who had an assist on the Hemsky goal.  "We showed a lot of really good habits in coming back.  It was a good effort and a good feeling to know that we can play that way at home."

The Oilers will now face the Ananheim Ducks this Friday.

Not in attendance for the game was super fan of the Oilers and Devils Kevin Smith  It was said that the Hollywood director was to appear at the game in Edmonton but opted to stay at home with his sick pooch Scully.

Here is a picture of myself with Kevin Smith in Las Vegas.

Oilers Update - Eberle Out 2-3 Weeks - Brule to Yotes

The Edmonton Oilers announced that leading scorer Jordan Eberle will be out for 2-3 weeks with an knee injury.  MRI results revealed that the Oilers star has a right knee sprain after getting tangled with Jaime Benn last Saturday in Dallas.

"It's a lot better news than I expected...I think it kinda got extended and then with the extra push on the guy's (Benn) skate and then my knee buckled in a bit and I think I knew right away that something was wrong." said Jordan Eberle to the media.

Eberle tops the Oilers in scoring with 43 points in 41 games and becomes the 6th and latest casualty for the Oilers at the moment.  Less than 2 weeks ago Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went down with a shoulder injury while Tom Gilbert crahsed heavily into the boards thanks to Dan Carcillo.  


Gilbert Brule was claimed off re-entry waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes this afternoon.  The 25 year-old played spent three seasons with Oilers but has spent his entire year with the Oklahoma Barons.

Oilers Update - Paajarvi, O'Marra, Brule

During the bitter 4-1 defeat in Dallas two nights ago, the Edmonton Oilers lost another player due to injury.  Sophomore winger Jordan Eberle fell awkwardly when his skates got tangled with Dallas' Jamie Benn.  Watch Video.  There is no official word from the Oilers about Eberle's condition but the loss is a big one for Edmonton.  Eberle is leading the club with 43 points in 41 games while rookie, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is second behind Eberle with 38 points in 35 games.


"It's unreal how the injuries are going with our season," said Taylor Hall.  "Gibby, Nuge, Ebs, Whitney, those are really key guys on our team, on our power play, on our penalty kill, everything.  When those guys go down, you have to play a little bit more and at the end of the trip it gets taxing.  Just have those guys be out in the first place is tough as well."

With the recent rash of injuries the Edmonton Oilers have recalled forwards Magnus Paajarvi and Ryan O'Marra from Oklahoma in exchange for Josh Green and Teemu Hartikainen.



Between the two recalled players, Magnus Paajarvi will be looked at through a microscope.  The 6'2" 204 pound Swedish winger started the year with the Oilers, but was then sent down to the minors after posting just 3 points in 25 games.  But after playing 9 games for the farm-team Paajarvi racked up a goal and 8 assists.


Lastly, Gilbert Brule has been placed on re-entry waivers.  The 25 year-old has played 27 games tallying 18 points for the Barons.

Oilers Update - Blues Rally in 3rd

All the Edmonton Oilers had to do was close out the game with a perfect third period.  With the score at 3-1 heading into the final stanza, the Blues tied the game with 2 quick power play goals in under 2 minutes of play.  Finally, Matt D'Agostini sealed the come back to hand the Oilers their second straight loss.

"We really worked hard and we thought we were full marks for our effort, especially in the second period.  We took advantage of some power plays, which is what we needed there, but we just couldn't hold the fort in the third period." said Tom Renney.

The Oilers are now 1 and 5 on road and have slipped to 25th overall in the league with an abysmal 35 points. The bright side for Oilers is that they currently boast a 21.6% on the PP for second best overall, while their PK percentage sits at 83.6% for 11th in the league.  With such high "special teams" numbers...what is really wrong with the Oilers at the moment?  

Better yet, what happened last night?


Just 17 seconds into the 3rd, Correy Potter sat for 2 minutes er...3 seconds when his clearing attempt found the seats and the Blues capitalized on the opportunity to make it 3-2.  Less than a minute later Taylor Hall felt some shame in the sin-bin when David Backes tied the game en-route to a Blue win.

"That's a tough one." said Renney about Potter and Hall's penalties. That's just a tough break.  The last thing we wanted to do was go to the penalty box.  We also felt too as often is the case with these things, for some strange coincidence, these things balance off."
  
"We couldn't get a kill in the third. said Shawn Horcoff.  "After they scored to go up, I thought we did a good job of pressing, we just couldn't get that tying goal."  

The Oilers will now head to Dallas for a matinee game this Saturday against the Stars.

Oilers Update - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Out 3-4 Weeks

The Edmonton Oilers announced that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out for 3-4 weeks with a left shoulder injury.  The phenom who is leading all NHL rookies in scoring with 13 goals 22 assists was seen returning to Edmonton with a sling.  With the Nuge out of the line-up, Tom Renney made it clear that his club will need to dig deeper during his absence.

"I think everybody up front has to step up.  It's one of those situations where we have a balanced looking lineup up there at least.  And there's an opportunity to score, I think, on every-line.  We really need to try and create things with speed, tempo and going to the net."  

Tonight the Edmonton Oilers will face a strong St. Louis Blues club who are 5th in the Western Conference with 49 points.  Unfortunately the Oilers will also be without the services of Tom Gilbert.   #77 is still not 100% after he was thrown hard into the boards 2 nights ago in Chicago by Dan Carcillo. Carcillo received a 7 game suspension for his hit.

Who's hot.

Ales Hemsky, Taylor Hall and Sam Gagner have been a dangerous trio in recent games and will possibly be the top line for the start of tonight's match.  Gagner has been especially hot for his club, #89 has posted 16 points in 18 games. 

Possible Line Combinations for tonight.

Taylor Hall - Sam Gagner - Ales Hemsky

Ryan Smyth - Shawn Horcoff - Jordan Eberle. 

Ryan Jones - Eric Belanger - Ben Eager

Anton Lander - Josh Green - Teemu Hartikainen

Oilers Update - Oilers Stabbed 4-3

With Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Tom Gilbert, Ryan Whitney, etc., all out of the line-up for the Oilers, Tom Renney wasn't going to use "lack of man power," as an excuse for Tuesday's loss versus the Buffalo Sabres.

"We gave Buffalo everything they could handle.  It was a winnable game for us.  We were very passionate, and we really tried to play within our structure.  We didn't quit, and that's important as anything." said Tom Renney.  

"There's obviously reasons why we didn't, but I thought we played well. I would have liked to have seen more of going to the net in the second and third period and a little more traffic there."  

Perhaps it was because of the disallowed goal? 

With the Sabres up 2-1 in the middle of the second frame,  Corey Potter hammered a shot which cleanly beat Ryan Miller.  The goal was immediately waved off when it was thought that Ales Hemsky had interfered with the net-minder.  After video review, the evidence showed that Hemsky only but grazed the keeper.  Because of his "alleged" contact, Hemsky received a 2 minute interference call on the play.  

"I thought he had nowhere to go, he didn't try to hit Miller, the defender took his ice away." said Renney.  "He glanced off of Miller.  It's not Miller's first rodeo so he down he goes."  


Perhaps the call was to provide some more goaltender protection to a net-minder who had to endure the likes of Milan Lucic and Jordin Tootoo in recent memory. However, to negate a goal and then call weak penalty was just down right criminal. 

"He was going down and I don't know if I really touched him.  It's up to the refs to call." said Hemsky.

The veteran was clearly the best Oiler on the ice and ended probably could've had another 2 points during the match.  He did, however create a beautiful assist on games first goal.  Hemsky, drew three players before dishing off to Taylor Hall who then wristed a laser past Ryan Miller.

"I thought we played really well and it kind of got away from us in the second and third" said Sam Gagner who also had a goal and an assist on Hall's opener.  "We didn't have a good enough push-back when they pressed and ultimately cost us.  I thought our legs were good and I think it was just a matter of making smarter decisions.  Getting pucks in deep was a huge part of it and making sure we were backing each other up.  It's a tough one to lose, considering we played pretty well for the most part."  

Corey Potter put the Oilers within in one with 2 minutes left in the game, but it wasn't enough as the Oilers fell to the Sabres 4-3.


The Oilers will now face the Blues tomorrow in St. Louis.

Oilers Update - Oilers vs Sabres - Gilbert Walking - RNH Out Shoulder Injury

Tonight the Edmonton Oilers will square off against the Buffalo Sabres for the first and only time this season.  The Oilers will see a two new faces in the line-up after Tom Gilbert (leg) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder) suffered injuries during last night's tilt in Chicago. 

With the two players out for tonight's match-up the Oilers will welcome defenseman Colten Teubert and forward Josh Green from the farm in Oklahoma.

The Nuge fell into the boards and hurt his shoulder, while Gilbert was hit hard by Dan Carcillo and injured his leg.  For precautionary measures, #77 will sit out tonight's game despite the fact that he appears to be somewhat "OK" after the incident.


"It's just a little sore today.  Hoping tomorrow it's going to feel a lot better." said Gilbert.  "It was one of those plays, you just try to brace yourself.  It's just unfortunate the way I went into the boards.  I knew who it was coming after me, I guess you just have to be more aware of who's coming after you.  He's had hits like that before."

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will await for some results to determine how bad his shoulder is.  Acccording to Tom Renney, The Nuge "just caught and edge" and fell into the boards.

"He has a sore shoulder.  Until we really get the medical information I hate to speculate. He's hurting, he's not going to play here for the next couple of games for sure.  It could go beyond that without a doubt. He wants to play." said Renney

Oilers vs Sabres tonight at 4:00 pm Pacific Time.


Find streaming here for tonight's game.  www.chanfeed.com