Friday, November 5, 2010

Back in the Saddle: Setting up the Oil vs the Red Wings

Welcome to the first blog of the season as Darcie and I set up the match tonight between the Red Wings and the Oilers. We are passionate hockey fans and most importantly PASSIONATE OILER fans. Have a look at our game day debate!

Setting Up the Game

Karianne: what is your biggest concern for our team against the Red Wings?
Darcie: I’m going to say defense
Karianne: i think mine is our special teams
We have to watch our play and make sure we don’t cross the line and get caught in the box
Because we know Detroit will take advantage
Darcie: I’m also going to say a slow start is a big concern for me
Because if we start off slow again, we won’t be able to come back against Detroit
We need to play the full 60 mins in order to have a chance against this team
Karianne: yeah and we need to hit bodies
If we try to out skill them we will look like fools
We need to make clean hits and be on the fore-check
We need to play with the fire we had against the Blackhawks
Darcie: but with more organization
We played fast against the hawks, but we were still very scattered and unorganized at times. Detroit will jump on that team has chemistry, and knows where to be
Karianne: good point, however like i said i think Detroit’s weakness is they can’t play a physical game like we can
We CANNOT be caught chasing the puck that will end in Detroit scoring 10 goals because they have the skills to play on that like no one else in the league
Darcie: Detroit is a stacked team man
This is going to be crazy

Previous Success Against the Wings

Karianne: but then how have we been so successful because we have been a team that can hit and get on the fore check and get the puck back
Darcie: we don’t hit nearly as much as we need to though
Darcie: that’s one of the biggest things I’m worried about too and i do think they’re as dominating as they seem, their numbers show it, and their games show it
Yes.......BUT we are a COMPLETELY different team now
Karianne: yes but i think that we can match them
I think if we bring our a game we can skate with the best of them
Darcie: see we should just try and match them. Not try and beat them
If we can keep up to them
We will be fine and create chances
Karianne: but you are right that we can’t get behind because a team like that will destroy you once they have a lead
Darcie: absolutely. Red wings scare me and it’s not even about cups. Cause Washington is a scary team and they haven’t even won with ovi so yeah.
We are at the bottom they’re at the top
Just the way it is. And we have to not let that get in the player’s heads
Karianne: i mean yes we had a stronger defense in 06 and I’m not trying to live in the past but we weren’t ALL that skilled... as far as big names. We were not expected to go anywhere. And we went from 8th in the west to the SCF
If the players believe that anything is
Possible then anything is POSSIBLE
Darcie: yes i know it’s just another game, but i don’t think we are ready to beat them yet

Rosters and Special Teams

Darcie:Hey is big mac in the line-up tonight?
Darcie: I’m going to say no, just b/c of the awesome game the 4th line had last time
Karianne: i think if the lines are the same as practice that mac is in tonight but we'll have to wait for warm up to find out i guess
Karianne: it’ll be interesting to see the defense pairings tonight
Darcie: probably Whit-Vandemeer, Peckham-Gilbert, and Smid-Foster
I’m going to guess probably
Know what scares me?
I’m pretty sure Datsyuk Holmstrom and Zetterberg are on a line together
That’s a scary line, but NOT only have that but then I also thought franzen bertuzzi and modano are the 2nd line
No wait, maybe Filppula not Modano
Then you have players like lidstrom ericsson stuart kronwall in the back.....
Their penalty kill is going to be unbeatable
Actually i want to know what their PK is.
Karianne: we can only be in the block tonight if it is matched penalties
Darcie: some nice fights would be good
And i can almost guarantee we will see a couple tonight
To try and keep our team pumped, cause wow.
Karianne: but they need to be deserved penalties not stupid stick penalties
I don’t think that the red wings are as dominating as you make them seem. I mean yes they are talented and yes they are one of the best but they haven’t won a Stanley cup since they played the pens.
They played in penguins
Detriot PP and PK stats this season
PP% is 16
And PK is 90
Darcie: yes PK is 90
The red wings haven’t changed much that’s the problem
They’ve been together for a while
We haven’t
Karianne: yeah but look at our record against them

Final Thoughts

Karianne: i agree with coach Renney
That fear is the best motivator
Darcie: absolutely
Karianne: i think this is good for this team
We need to be put up against the best of them
That’s the only way to learn
Darcie: not only do i hope the players learn something from this game but the coaching staff as well
If we pull out a win, this is going to be huge for us
HUGE
HUGE
....One more time.....HUGE

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Khabibulin Saga: The sentencing

Today in Scotsdale Arizona, Khabibulin was given his sentence for being found guilty on all counts.. His sentence given by the courts he was fined an upwards of $1500 in fines and paying for various services and programs and to serve the minimum sentence of 30 days in jail. Khabby has also enlisted in the NHLPA substance abuse problem. The sentencing went underway at approx. 315pm MT probably in hopes of not having media and reporters present. Immediately following the sentencing Khabby and his Lawyer exercised their right to appeal the sentencing decision.

Immediately after that was made clear back in edmonton at the hockey operations office Oilers GM Steve Tambellini was initially prepared to comment on behalf of the club on the sentencing verdict and the whole situation but he as well was caught by surprise that Khabby was appealing the decision and could not comment on the clubs stance on the issue or what the future holds. Like many oiler fans including myself, he looked frustrated that this has done nothing but drag on and on and that it still leaves his club waiting and not having a decision one way or another.

Okay so that is the logistics now time for my opinion on the matter. Now had I actually written this last night after i heard the news, there would have been a lot of swearing and name calling and disrespectful comments which would have been rude and i think uncalled for in my blog. So after i slept on it this is what i have come up with.

On twitter i expressed before the court proceedings that i wanted khabby to get a little more than minimum sentence so that he can truly take responsibility for his actions and most importantly learn from his mistake because i do truly believe it was that an ill fated decision made in the moment.

I was willing to accept the minimum sentence that he was given and move on but when i heard he was appealing it i flipped my sh** to say the least. I was frustrated because i felt like khabby was getting the "celebrity" treatment and it came off like he thought he was above that sentence and that he deserved to get away with just a "slap on the wrist". Had that been you or me and we got the min. sentence for an Extreme DUI i would be dancing in the streets.

After getting more details about the appeal and the fact that we don't know what about the sentencing he appealed I realized that i can not judge his decision to appeal until i am informed about what actually was appealed. I immediately jumped to the conclusion most probable like many of you without giving khabby the benefit of the doubt.

I DO think that he should have a record because this isn't like any other circumstance that he stumbled after a beer and drove home.. his BA was almost double the limit in the state of Arizona.. as per the explanation that he is on meds for his back then what the HELL was he doing drinking like that?

This is something that really bothers me about "celebrities" and pro athletes is that they are not just a normal joe, you play for the NHL therefore you have accepted the responsibility of being a public figure and a role model to people young and old. and Khabby is not just some 19yr old NHL rookie he is a 37 yr old man who has been in the league for years.

I really more then anything what to hear Khabby's public apology because for Oiler fans and hockey fans in general that is ABSOLUTELY needed..


Well thats all for now!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Off season comes to a close

what started out a slow and long off season for the oilers. First NHL 2010 draft with the first overall pick the edmonton oilers select the one and ONLY Taylor hall.With the intention and goal to make the oilers in the fall Hall as denied invitation to the WJ camp in Nfld. As an oiler fan, i was excited to see him attend the oilers development camp, even though it was really just a conditioning stint it was a good introduction for him and the city. It looks like taylor hall has become the next son of the city. Now that was not the only moving and shaking that happened this summer for the oil and their fans. The team let go of veteran players such as captain Ethan Moreau,patty O'sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Dean Arsene, Marc Pouliot, Ryan Stone, and Robert Nilsson just to name a few notables. Notable Additions to the team returnie Steve Mac, stanley cup champion Colin fraser, veteran character guy Jason Strudwick, both JDD and dubnyk, and newly signed centreman Sam gagner just to name a few. In the off season the oilers looked for big bodies, with a balance of skill and toughness.

5 things were made very clear in the off season:

1) to be on this team to have to have fight, and determination

2) to be on this team you must have PASSION

3) to be on this team you must NOT want to play at the status quo but to RISE above it and destroy it

4) to be on this team you need to want to WIN!

5) to be on this team you have to be commited to the change coming and the process of rebuilding

as the off season comes to a close souray still has NOT been traded and cogliano has NOT been resigned. also khabby was finally given his verdict on the drunk driving case and he was found guilty on all counts which is completely deserved and it will interesting to see his sentence i really hope he does not buy himself out of a tough sentence.

well thats all for now folks..

on a personal note i moved to flames country bleeding copper and blue FOREVER

ps. at least we didn't re sign Jokinen... sorry i just had too

Saturday, July 10, 2010

My Letter to the Oilers

This is the letter I emailed to the Edmonton Oilers because I was so upset about what happened at the Capitals game on Thursday. Have a read!


On thursday, my brother and I were very excited because we had purchased tickets to the edmonton capitals game in the Oilers Draft Prospects party section, where we were eagerly awaiting the top 3 prospects to come and meet us. As per the Edmonton Oilers website we had our jerseys in hand and our cameras to meet Eberle, Hall and Magnus Pajaarvi-Svensson. As the game begun we eagerly waited by the door waiting for him to come through, we understood that they had a lot of commitments to do on the field but were patiently waiting until the security person came out and told us that they left and were not coming out.

I have been a loyal oilers fan all my life and had nothing but fantastic experiences as far as player-fan interactions, they are always willing to stay until everyone gets an autograph. Both my brother and I are struggling university students and drove in from out of town to see the game and meet the players, as I also cannot afford to purchase tickets to the NHL games. You can imagine our heart break and disappointment as this was our only opportunity to meet those prospects up close. As a dedicated fan that watches and listens to every interview and pays very close attention to everything going on with the oilers I was left very frustrated and upset. I would understand if the event said only some of the prospects were going to be mingling with fans not all of them but, in the news release it specifically stated the three prospects of Eberle, Hall and Pajaarvi.

As an organization that prides itself on its relationship with their fans and the city, that was not the representation you want coming out of finishing in 30th. When the news was brought to us about them not coming out, I saw many children upset and fans in general feeling like they were misinformed and taken advantage of, I know that the Capitals tried to lessen the frustration by giving everyone a free ticket but for me it wasn't the capitals game that disappointed me or other fans but the fact that it felt like we were mis informed by the oilers.

I am not emailing this to get something out of you, I am emailing you because I don't want another fan to have the experience I had and feel so frustrated and upset.


Thank you so much!
Forever I will bleed Copper and Blue!!!

Karianne

Monday, June 28, 2010

Hockey Canada Does it in True Canadian Style

Okay so tonight I went to Commonwealth stadium in Edmonton for the Hockey Canada Celebrates Canadian Olympians and Canadian Forces..

First of all I would like to give BIG props to Hockey Canada and all involved in making this possible..It was a phenomenal event and presentation. With TSN big rigs like Ryan Rishaug and Pierre McGuire as well as Olympic Legend Brian Williams the program did not disappoint showing all the key moments on the big screen and giving all edmontonians the opportunity to relive the moments that made us all so proud to be Canadian! I felt like I was back in vancouver at the olympics everyone around me was talking about where they were and what they did when crosby scored the OT goal!!

Not to be lost in all the hype was a touching tribute to the Canadian Military with a song by George Canyon that moved me to tears!!

Key moments of the event:

> Jonathan Toews was signing an autograph by where i was standing and we high fived! It made my life a little bit!!

> Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith took time to sign everything for fans

> Luongo pulled kids from the mosh crowd to sign their jerseys

> Saw Moose (Messier)

>Saw one of my fav. coaches Mike Babcock didnt get to meet him or get a pic though

> the queen doesnt have the cop patrol that Crosby did

> BEING CANADIAN IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!


There is a cap refresher on my experience.. still on a high.. not quality writing here but wanted to give you a snap shot!!!


THANK YOU HOCKEY CANADA

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Off Season Plan: Oilers

As this off season is a long one there are some important housecleaning things that I believe need to happen before next fall..

First: Draft Taylor Hall
It was important for the Oilers to draft Taylor Hall because he was the BEST player in that draft class and because he is a winner. He understands what it means to rebuild a franchise and he knows how to win.
Taylor Hall is also dedicated, motivated, and passionate about this team and this city.. For a fan that is really important to me because i think that a player plays best when they are internally motivated and passionate about where they are playing.

Second:Continue in player development
Having players like Eberle, MPS, lander, and Omark is a blessing in disguise I mean these boys are ready to play with men and they are all very talented. I expect with off season moves and buyouts that there will be room for rookies to move up. I don't think it is that IMPOSSIBLE to consider all three eberle, MPS, and Hall making the line up in the fall. Eberle was a leader on the WJC team, was leader in points in the WHL and was CHL player of the Year and played in the WHC. Hall is a two time memorial cup winner and MVP, he is also the tied leader in point in the OHl. MPS internationally play speaks for itself!

Third: Buy outs and cleaning house/changing "culture"
As of today Nilsson, Osullivan, and Moreau have been put on waivers to start the buy out process. clears the way for a new captain and leadership.. who are my picks mine are whitney and strudwick(if he does not got UFA july 1). Whit showed not only leadership but composure and life back to the defense. He was never afraid to be honest with the media and be real. It is evident his passion for this team and city. Strudwick is a hometown boy that does everythign for the community and a solid leader in the room.

Fourth: Unwanted

Khabibulin trial is set for july 7th for his extreme DUI!

Souray has medical clearance but is there a market for sheldon and his baggage? Does anyone want to or able to take on the risk of injuries and salary cap?


That's all I have for know.. What are your thoughts?

Third:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Bench Boss Change

Today the Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has announced that associate coach Tom Renney will be the new Bench Boss next season pushing Pat Quinn into a senior advisor to hockey position. For Pat's sake and oiler fans I really hope that Quinn is able to stay on with the franchise and make his well appreciated contributions to making this team a team of champions.

As far as the coaching decision i think it was necessary for the future and couldnt have picked a better coach than Renney. "leadership is not just a word it is a living thing. They look to me to be the beacon of what leadership looks like,smells like,tastes like and sounds like". This is what excites me about Tom Renney, he is a hard working, accountable coach who is the right man going forward. He will still have the hockey mind of Pat Quinn right behind him. I feel that Tom Renney will be a coach for the next 5 -7 years I am happy that he has to opportunity to soak up knowledge from a vet like Quinn.

However, was not a big fan about the way the tambellini dealt with it. I know its been a busy off season and all but I would have thought this kind of change would have happened sooner, if this was really they way they were always going. It seemed that Tambellini was convinced that the schedule was too hectic for Quinn. For me I see that as being disrespectful

In the Pat Quinn conference call some of his comments are:

"I don't want to just walk away from the edmonton oilers, it is part of my honor to stay here." "I will be here as long as my contributions are sound." "My goal was to come and help the oilers be successful and define what it meant to be an oiler."

Pat Quinn is a passionate, knowledgeable, and candid hockey mind who's made contributions to making the edmonton oilers a team of champions again, making them a competitive, perseverent team! I got choked up listening to Pat's conference call because its obvious he was caught off guard and was looking forward to continuing to build this team up to what they should be.... champions and now he has to do that through the looking glass.

If nothing else I thought and still firmly believe that the team inside that dressing room do not have the comradory they need to to be successful. They don't believe in each and they don't believe that they can win!
What were your thoughts?

Monday, June 14, 2010

Social Etiquette on Twitter: Hockey Players are people too..

As I am a frequent twitter user, over the last while I have noticed hockey fans being outright disrespectful and ridiculous. As an avid hockey fan and a passionate one at that I recognize that fans need an outlet to voice their opinions and i am fine with you doing that over your twitter status updates and what not but my issue is when you outright disrespectful to NHL hockey players or public figures in general about them as a person. As fans we are very lucky to have things like twitter to interact and talk with stars and connect with them why must we take advantage of that opportunity.

Yes pro athletes make a lot of money in the sport of their choice but they are not just athletes they are people too. I think it is time that someone stand up and say what the hell is your problem. These players work their asses off to train and work at their skills to essentially play for your favorite team.

This is not a long blog because i don't want to ramble on but i want my message to be this...If you would not stand in front of that person face to face and say those things then don't say them on twitter or facebook or whatever.

Time for some people to grow up and be respectful. I am not saying don't voice your opinions but do it tastefully. I am afraid that before long we will lose this opportunity to connect with our favorite players or celebrities and that players will begin to think that fans are a bunch of people that only care about themselves.


Thanks all

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Conne Smythe Trophy Candidates 2010

The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 44 times to 38 players since the 1964–65 NHL season. Each year, at the conclusion of the final game of the Stanley Cup finals, members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association vote to elect the player deserving of the trophy.[1] The trophy is handed out prior to the presentation of the Stanley Cup by the NHL commissioner.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conn_Smythe_Trophy)

As the Stanley Cup Finals are coming to a close the Conne Smythe Candidate chatter begins at a rapid speed. The front runners for me on the Chicago side are Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith. For Philly, Mike Richards, and Michael Leighton.

For Chicago:

Jonathan Toews:

Through series against Nashville, Vancouver and San Jose he was a dominant force on the ice and showed immense leadership on and off the ice. He may be quiet and "serious" but on the ice he is loud and explosive. Jonathan Toews throughout these playoffs in praise and criticism has show composure. Whenever there was a doubt about the team he always was the first to say he needed to be better and that it is important to take it one game at a time and that regardless of the series score you need to approach every game like game 7.

Duncan Keith:

No one can deny Keith's immense performance in these playoffs you want a strong, gritty, smart defensiveman who can skate and jump up you need Keith. He is HEART, PASSION and PLAY!! When he got hit with a puck and knocked out 7 teeth he got drugged up and got back on the ice, chewing on gauze after every shift.. If that is not MVP and Norris Trophy worthy I don't know what is...

Philly:

Mike Richards:

Similar to Jonathan Toews he has been silenced in the SCF but still shows leadership, heart and passion for his team and the game.

Michael Leighton:

The Flyer would not be here without him.

Sorry not to fond of the flyers.. hahaha

Monday, June 7, 2010

Oilers Open Wounds

As the draft approaches I have been thinking about the oilers and their situation going into the next season, there are still some open wounds that have not healed from last season. One: Khabibulin, drank away his season by getting an extreme DUI in February. Two: The injuries it an ALL time high this season having 3-5 players out of the lineup at a time. Three: Compete level Four: Horcoff’s expensive under productive and invisibility Five: Players using the media as their soapbox to voice complaints about the team and the franchise Six: Finishing 30th in the NHL .

Alright so those are six things that have been lingering in my head about the oilers. You notice that I have left out getting the first overall pick because that is explored in my taylor vs. tyler debate.

One: Khabibulin, drank away his season by getting an extreme DUI in February.
If injury wasn't enough one february evening, Khabby our 4 million dollar goaltender decided to drink and drive thereby getting him an Extreme DUI for being double the alcohol limit. Luckily, he was pulled over and no one was seriously hurt. FOR REAL can this be happening.. Way to be a role model, and a respected individual. For oiler fans it added a box of salt to the already open wound of the season. The unfortunate thing is we did not just sign him for one or two years NOPE we signed an average goaltender who had one breakout season last year for FOUR years.. I thought bad contracts were done when KLowe moved out of GM... ie, Shawn Horcoff.. but i guess not. The future for the goaltender is uncertain and the court date is set for beginning of July and then the franchise will have decisions to make.

Two: The injuries it an ALL time high this season having 3-5 players out of the lineup at a time.

This season we lost 530 man games to injury!! that number still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. On a good day we could dress half of our actual club and relied heavily on our farm system calling up players it seemed every practice. I don't know that its luck or that our players were not fit enough or playing smart enough.. who knows..


Three: Compete level

Compete, Passion, drive and determination all things that were missing in the locker room for most of the season. I felt at times like asking the players to revisit what they love about playing for this city, this team and these fans... and if they can't think of anything then get the hell off my team... now i realize this is easier said then done but really... i mean you play for the Edmonton Oilers, you are going to play in front of a sold out, loud, supportive crowd all season.. why can't you have that passion in your play. As hockey players you preach about how you love to play hockey and its all you have dreamed about since you were little.. well then revisit that little 4 year old learning to skate or scoring your first goal or even being drafted by the NHL and bring that to the ice every night... i often wondered what happen to the pride and the resilency of this club... I thought we were a franchise that was TOUGH to play against and competed till the last horn sounded....


Four: Players using the media as their soapbox to voice complaints about the team and the franchise

One pet peeve i always have with NHL hockey players regardless of the city they play in is when they use the media as a way to voice their complaints and issues with the franchise or team.. If you have an issue talk to the people it involves going to the newspaper and doing a so called "expose" will get you put on the short list to get out of here because no one wants a winer on their team. Why can you be a professional or at most an adult when it comes to issues at your job. If I have an issue with my boss im not going to go to the internet and call them out that would get me fired...

Souray did it this season and hemsky did it last season.. YOU get paid millions of dollars so suck it up or deal with it behind closed doors...

Five: Finishing 30th in the NHL .

This happens when you are lacking the above things.. I love this team but i am beyond frustrated with their words and their lack of action.. The only thing i love right now is that we are going to "rebuild" right and that we have a fantastic coaching staff!!

What about you? what pissed you off the most about the oilers this season?

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Draft 2010: Taylor or Tyler Debate

Taylor vs. Tyler
As the 2010 NHL draft approaches, I thought I would give my take on the Taylor vs. Tyler debate for oiler fans. First, let me tell you that regardless of the Oilers pick on June 25th, both of these stars would be great additions to the oiler line-up and franchise.

Taylor Hall

On paper, hall looks like the better pick for the oilers and the more successful of the two prospects. In the last two years, hall has captured two back-to-back memorial cups with the Windsor Spitfires, back-to-back MVP trophies and WJC silver medal.
In 57 games for the Spitfires, Hall scored 40 goals and added 66 assists for 106 points, a point total that put him in a tie for first overall in OHL scoring with Tyler Seguin. Hall followed up his excellent regular season showing by leading the OHL in scoring in the OHL playoffs. He netted 17 goals and added 18 assists for 35 points in 19 games, helping to lead the Spitfires to a potential second consecutive Memorial Cup. Hall played for Team Canada at the 2010 Under-20 WJC, earning a silver medal at that tournament. He scored 6 goals and added 6 assists for 12 points in that tournament, helping him land a berth on the WJC All-Star Team. Hall played for Team Cherry at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game, picking up an assist in his team's 4-2 victory. Hall was named Team Cherry's Player of the Game. (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/taylor_hall)

I would like to point out that Taylor Hall also plays for a better team then Seguin. Taylor Hall plays with players such as Adam Henrique, Greg Nemisz, Ryan Ellis, and Cam Fowler all of which played in the 2009- 2010 World Juniors this past year. Taylor Hall has proven to be a power forward on the ice and able to dominate offensively, and be a physical force on the ice. He has also proven to be a warrior, with a target on his back when he steps on the ice he proves to push through with his skills and hockey knowledge. Hall has proven to be a leader on and off the ice, he shows leadership through his actions on the ice and his poise while having the spotlight on him off the ice.

As I said, on paper Hall is a top-notch player who has proven to be a leader and power winger. However, my question is how this will translate to the NHL with bigger, stronger, faster players and game. Will hall be able to be a dominating force on the ice against players like Chris Pronger or a Dustin Byfuglien?

“He’s prone to making bad turnovers in transition, and sometimes he makes poor decisions with the puck in the offensive zone as well. While his plus/minus rating has been very solid the past two seasons, he is susceptible to being caught out of position, leading one to wonder how much playing for a strong Windsor club is sheltering some defensive concerns in his game.”( http://www.thescoutingreport.org/tsrs-2010-nhl-draft-midterm-rankings-top-30-skaters/)

Overall Taylor Hall has immense potential and skill on the ice and has proven to be a warrior and a leader off the ice. However, like every player there are some concerns that i have. I am concerned that because he has been so hot in the OHL that it won't translate but the only way to know that is to see him play in the NHL so really its not a criticism that i can put towards my decision.

Over the past couple days, many have fought for Hall and what they say is true and i acknowledge that but really its looking at long term solutions not quick fixes.

Tyler Seguin

Some people call him the unknown or the underdog but this young player has proven his skill, leadership and perseverance. Many think that he has come out of the woodwork and made a big splash in the prospect pool. At 6'1, 186 lbs, this centreman has proven to be on the up and up, improving with every season and continuing to build his skill and strength. Yes, Tyler was cut from the world junior team and does not have the playoff or international hockey experience, he is still the leader in regular season scoring and points and picked up the CHL top prospect award.

In 63 games for the Whalers, Seguin scored 48 goals and chipped in 58 assists for 106 points, tying him for the first overall in OHL scoring with Taylor Hall. In 9 playoff games, Seguin scored 5 goals and added 5 assists for 10 points. Seguin won the Red Tilson Trophy as the OHL's Most Outstanding Player. He played for Team Orr at the 2010 CHL Top Prospects Game, and also played in the Canada-Russia Challenge and the OHL All-Star Game. (http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/tyler_seguin)

Tyler seems like a complete player, I think it is harder for people to be behind Seguin because Taylor has had more exposure and more fans have had the opportunity to see him play. Tyler is always pushing himself to be better, bigger, and more consistent. I think that Tyler has a strong commitment to his play and recognizing the importance of continuing to push himself at this level.

At the draft combine Tyler put up above average scores. He worked through those tests like a true pro it was crazy to see. I mean you got the sense of his commitment again when he said in a post combine interview, "I did the combine for fun last summer with my trainer".

I think that tyler is dynamic and exciting power centre but more importantly he has great composure as a two way player. I don't like to make comparisons but I see a little Jonathan Toews in Seguin because he has that quiet nature but is really focussed and determined. I can see him being phenomenal for the oilers not only now but in the future i think he has the potential to be a top 2 centre man.

Concerns I have for Tyler is that he will fall into a slump like Sam Gagner, but the difference there is that he is used to playing on a team where he is a leader and having to take the initiative in plays offensively and defensively.

Those are my thoughts, like i said to begin with whichever player is chosen on June 25th will be the start of a rebuild for the Oilers and will be an impact player.

What are you thoughts? Who would you pick?

Monday, May 24, 2010

Game four: Western Conference Finalist

Sorry this one took long to come up, but i need time to collect my thoughts about the game and all.

I would like to take a moment to commend the San Jose Sharks for putting up a strong fight, like the players said yesterday it was four really fast, high tempo games and the sharks should not be ashamed by that. The sharks fought and fought but in the end the better club rose to the challenge and swept them in 4. This series like in the Nashville one I feel the hawks pulled out all the stops and played some of the best hockey I have ever seen them play. San Jose forced them to be aggressive on the puck, to strengthen their puck control game and be smart defensively.

Game 4..left me completely speechless

First period was dominated in play and all areas of the game in the first period and hawks fans everywhere were on the edge on their seats nervous then Andrew ladd goes down and heads right to the dressing room and doesn't return to the game. Then the period ends and the blackhawks have the opportunity to refocus themselves in the dressing room before the second. In the second period, hawks on the power play and while skate up ice to get a pass, Duncan Keith takes one in the teeth and loses a total of seven teeth, thus, resulting in the odd man rush for the sharks and they make it 2-0.

Scared, the hawks face a game without one of their best defensemen and defensive forward, never fear Duncs would return and fight like a warrior. Then outcomes the line of Vertsteeg, and big buff with Seabrook up in the play and suddenly with a flurry of chances seabs knocks one home, and the untied center goes nuts but wait.... refs whistles no goal.. oh no could this really be happening?? They go to video review and it is obviously a goal, and hawks knock the lead in half and go down 2-1. Now here are the hawks we know.. they gain their confidence and the next 6 shifts were pressure one by one and pushed the sharks back and thus causing them to take penalties.

Of course big moments created by big players, dave bolland comes in with Big ben eager and duncs. After great battling by eags in the offensive zone he feeds it to bolland and lights the lamp on nabokov tying the game up. This is a game folks. As the hawks go to the dressing room, ready to fight and win this thing, while i am sure the sharks are left shaking their heads wondering how it is tied after 2.

At the start of the third the hawks come out flying and continue to plummet Nabokov with shots and pressure. But, not so fast, the sharks with goos pressure and cycle throw it at the net and luckily it goes off the cross bar and in the blue paint and steady Niemi lays it down. With seven minutes left Big buff gets into position in front of the net and pops one in on Nabokov and takes the lead 3-2. With the lead for the first time the blackhawks play their game in the third and Versteeg backhands the insurance marker on the empty net to seal the victory.

The United Center went crazy. I thought the roof was gonna come off because of how loud it was in there. The blackhawks have brought hockey back to Chicago. Led by Captain Serious, the blackhawks accepted the Jack Campbell Trophy but as hockey superstition would up hold, they did not touch it.

To show you just how focused the hawks are on the game at hand and taking it one game at a time, this is what the "C" had to say about the trophy.

Actually, I shouldn't even tell you this, but right before the game today I hadn't even thought of it and Sharpie (Patrick Sharp) is the one who came up to me and said, 'Do you have any plans for after the game?' I thought he meant for dinner, but he said, 'Are you picking it up? Are you touching it?' I was like, 'Oh.' I had thought about it a long time ago and I just think maybe to some people it looks like it's a lack of confidence to not touch it or it's a superstitious thing, but I think it shows more confidence. To us, it's a made-up trophy for winning the Western Conference. You know, big deal, it's not what we're after. We're here to win the Stanley Cup. That celebration with the fans and us getting these hats, that's enough for us. We're going to keep going. We're not satisfied yet. (NHL.com)


And Blackhawks fans we are going to the SCF for the first time since 1992!!

Yours truly,
HawkeyGirl

Friday, May 21, 2010

Game Three:Shark vs. Blackhawks- A game for the ages

Alright time for a recap. In a game 3 thriller at the Madhouse, the blackhawks win in overtime 3-2 with a shot from Big Buff with the help form dave bolland. Before the game, Joe Thornton called out the blackhawks forward saying "He is little and i am big. He is easy to play against actually." -Really Joe pretty sure he scored a goal and got an assist on the OT winner.. Really easy...eh! No short of tension between these two teams. What a fantastic match-up. Okay now onto the game.

As the puck drops the atmosphere in the united center is electric to say the least. After a back and fourth first period and trading chances it was scoreless after one. Then as the second period begins so does the blackhawks penalty spree.

After two consecutive penalties on Joe Pavelski the sharks light the lamp first and Patrick Marleau gets one for the sharks. But as the period goes on the blackhawks continue to take penalties but seem to kill them off. Then Sharpie breaks out with a beauty front eh captain and Lights up Nabokov and ties it up at one. Then off to the third period with great battles and skating from end to end and then Dave Bolland makes Joe Thornton realize how a small man plays BIG! and makes it 2-1 for the hawks with a win in sight Patrick Marleau pulls the clutch and ties it up. This puppy went to OT. In a thrilling overtime, Big buff is his true fashion tallies one home and pushes the hawks up 3-0 in the series.

Toews gets 2 assists, giving him 13 straight games with a point. It's a new Blackhawks single-postseason record, passing Stan Mikita!

As the blackhawks go into game 4 looking at the possibility of closing it out, they must remember to take it one game at a time and that the sharks may be down but they are most definitely not out by any means. Led my Captain Jonathan Toews the Blackhawks are imposing their will on all their opponents.


Peace out and see you sunday afternoon hockey fans!

HawkeyGirl

Thursday, May 20, 2010

My First Hockey Blog

Hey Hockey fans,

This is my first blog. I will be talking all things hockey about my teams of the blackhawks, and oilers, as well as all things NHL, OHL and Team Canada.

My first hockey playoff blog will be up after the Blackhawks vs. Sharks game 3 in Chicago tomorrow night.

Thanks for reading.

Yours Truly
Hawkeygirl