tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34912590043004375432024-03-13T16:13:31.822-06:002 Minutes for Being Stupid"tired of caring too much to try to not care at all"Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-42171964388034434642010-08-26T13:55:00.006-06:002010-08-27T11:09:19.260-06:00Oilers Mount DirtymoreGreat idea over at <a href="http://www.thepensblog.com/">thepensblog.com</a> as an homage to the Mount Puckmore series over at <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy">Puck Daddy</a> - Mount Dirtymore! A collection of cheap shot artists, pricks, and whiners. The post got me thinking about the dirtiest Oilers of all time - or at least in my recollection - which would be somewhere around the early 80's to today. The rules are quite simple, as they are mine! The player had to be a dirty Oiler, proudly wearing the blue and orange on his elbow, and the player, at some point in his Oilers career, had to make me personally cringe at the thought that I was cheering for this player as a member of the Oilers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Many players to consider over the years but honestly, it was quite easy for me to pick four off the top of my head.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Before getting to the top four though, here are my runner ups, starting with perhaps one of the dirtiest players the league has ever seen - Chris Pronger.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pronger has been suspended on several occasions for delivering elbows to the heads of his opponents. Prongers defence is that his elbows are at head level to these players as he is a freakishly lanky 6'6" bastard. That doesn't expalin his suspension for stomping his stake blade on Ryan Kessler a few years back. On top of the physical assaults, he a <a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/articles/2010/06/02/pronger_bucks_etiquette_by_pickpocketing_pucks/">prick </a>too. Pronger would probably make my list as one of the top four dirtiest in the league, but for the life of me, I can't remember him doing anything really noteworthy in this regard as a member of the Oilers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dave Brown<br /><br />Brown was truely an enforcer. A feared fighter who could do little else on the ice. One of the craziest fighters the NHL has ever seen. I once saw Brown fighting a Calgary Flame (who I can't remember the name of). He knocked the player over backwards and got pulled down on top of him. The Flame, in a terribly unfortuante position, was helpless to defend himself. Brown raised his fist, hesitated, as if to think, "I shouldn't do this", and then proceded to do it anyway, landing several solid punches square to the face of his prone opponent. A saw him interviewed after the game and he basically said he thought the Flames player would do the same to him were the situations reversed. Brown was suspended for 15 games one season for breaking the jaw of Tomas Sandstrom with a crosscheck - but he did this as a member of the Flyers - so no dice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Marty McSorley<br /><br /><br />A lot like Brown. Good enforcer for the Oilers but his claim to dirty fame comes as a Boston Bruin whislt trying to get <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnP18StCoHA">Donald Brashear's</a> attention. Again, no dice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dave Manson<br /><br /><br />I remember thinking that Dave Manson was a dirty player that always got away with being dirty....and I liked it. His signature move was to let the rushing player get a step past him and then deliver a quick jab to the face (disguising it as some sort of clean takedown I presume - because he did it alot). In today's NHL it would not fly, but back in the beginning of the clutch and grab era, it was cool. Manson was a little dirty - but not sensational at it!<br /><br /><br />Glenn Anderson<br /><br />Anderson was a fearless and reckless player. He took many a goalie into the net while driving hard off the boards. I can recall kicking and stick swinging incidents with Anderson, and a search of his name and "dirty" on google finds plently of anecdotal evidence. He was suspended for 8 games for highsticking Jet's Dave Silk in the ear. He was also fined for breaking Tomas Sandstroms check with a punch while having his knuckles on his right hand taped (the fine stood, even though Anderson clocked him with a left. And, as mentioned above in the Dave Brown section - Sandstrom had a bit of a glass jaw) <br /><br /><br /><br />Now, with those behind us, onto my top 4:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />#4. Ken "the rat" Linesmen<br /><br /><br />One of the great nicknames in professional hockey, known both for his pest like demeanor on the ice, and, as I've heard, his penchant for conducting post game interviews with his towel a little too loose. Ken Linesman was a dirty hockey player. He was convicted of assault for kicking a player in the head while still in junior, and involved again in a kicking incident while with the Flyers. He also bit his former Edmonton teammate Lee Fogolin on the face. Fogolin needed a tetnus shot, probably because he told doctors he was bitten by a rat. (Folgolin broke Linesmans nose later in the game in retaliation.) As an Oiler, Linesman was a good player, producing at about a PPG clip in his first 2 season go 'round. He makes the list for memorably fighting Dean Kennedy of the Kings under the stands after they were sent off the ice for unsportsmanlike conduct. Apparantly not thinking he had done enough to earn the penalty, Linesman proceeded to hit Kenedy in the face with his stick, and then slam his head into the concrete floor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />#3. Dwayne Roloson<br /><br /><br />Dirty comes in all shapes and sizes. Not one to bash opponets heads off concrete, Roloson makes the grade for bashing lumber off balls. Roloson, a good goalie - and nearly a legend in Edmonton if not for the Game 1 injury of the 2006 SCF - is also a bit of a prick. I'm guessing his antics were not well liked by many of his teammates, opponents, or officials. Constant whining, delaying of the game, and being all tough in his $5000 suit of armour, made Roloson difficult to like as a person, and sometimes as a player. But <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eW5lDYZkuY">this,</a> is why I, as a human being with testicles, put Roloson on the dirty list.<br /><br /><br /><br />#2. Mark Messier<br /><br /><br /><br />The words Mark Messier and Elbow will forever be intertwined. Messier, one of the greatest Edmonton Oilers, and NHL players, of all time, was dirty. If Steve Downie had the skill of Mark Messier he'd have an NHL award named after him. Messier leveled many an opponent with a high elbow. Just ask <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c8XIn65kFU">Rick Nattress</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEUa0RuFd6A">Vladamir Kovin</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ySUzBoBzg&feature=related">Musil</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22dMrNtPfvc&feature=related">DeGray</a>. Should have been suspended several more times in his career but looks to have gotten the star treatment, Messier was a dirty beast of a player.<br /><br />#1. Bryan Marchment<br /><br />One of my happiest days as an Oiler fan was the day Marchment was traded away - I couldn't stand him. And what a trade it was.....Bryan Marchment and 2 first round picks for Roman Hamrlik and Paul Comrie! (OK, doesn't sound that great until you realize that those 2 first rounders were Steve Kelley and Jason Bonsignore). Marchment (pronounced marsh-mon - which is French for deliberate attempt to injure), is one of the dirtiest I've ever seen. Suspended 13 times in his first 12 seasons, Bryan Marchments dirty hits (typically to the knees) injured Modano, Nieuwendyk, Bure, Gartner, Karia, Clark, and others. You can see he liked to take out the other teams best players. Some of his "best" work can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip3bWzEgIhE">here</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me3LAjMr_XY">here</a>, and you can see what former teammates thought of him <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_TnjNHXWw4&feature=related">here</a>. Fittingly, Marchment ended his career as a Calgary Flame - which makes my hatred of this former Oiler much more palatable.<br /><br /><br />So, there you have it - my list of the dirtiest Oilers of my time. I'm sure there were others that I've missed out on. My recollections of the dynasty Oilers is not as good as many. I never saw them play live as a group. I watched Messier drop an unsuspecting Zdeno Cigar off a faceoff as a member of the Canucks, and witnessed nearly all of Roli's antics as an Oiler, but there are many others out there who could add to this list I'm sure.<br /><br />Interesting note about my list, Anderson, Linseman, and Messier were linemates in 1983-84.....jeesus, keep your heads up against those guys!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-61807420237661820772010-08-17T14:41:00.002-06:002010-08-17T14:48:48.801-06:00Take that David Staples!Fallen off in the past year have I? Haven't got the passion to write something more frequently do I?<br /><br /><br />Well......yeah...I got nothin.<br /><br />You're right. I started writing on this blog fairly frequently at first but interest faded, work, summer, and life got in the way, and the Oilers give very little for a guy to write about. As the season picks up, I'm sure I will find the odd topic to weigh in on - but Lowetide is the interesting guy in the offseason. I read and I lurk.<br /><br />Come on hockey season!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-58444996810938887542010-06-29T11:36:00.002-06:002010-06-29T11:55:31.623-06:00And We Shall Be The Santa Maria....."Does anybody know how to drive this thing, said the captain as he fell to his knees...."<br /><br />News today of Ethan Moreau being waived,l on his way to being picked up or bought out. Either way, so ends the tenure of thecaptainethanmoreau. Alternate Captain Sheldon Souray won't be back after asking for a trade, and Steve Staois (another Alternate) was shipped out at the 2010 deadline. That leaves Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff with the remaining letters on the club, and I belive Penner wore an A after Hemsky went down last year. Any of those guys Captian material? Thecaptainaleshemsky roles off the tongue, but I can't see it. The guy has moaned about his role in the past, is lukewarm on coming back after his contract expires, and just doesn't come off as the captain type. Horcoff probably would make a fine captain but I think too many fans would associate that C on his chest with the Contract on his shoulders so, pressure wise, I don't believe it's a good fit. Penner? Season aside, not the shining example of discipline and work ethic one would have in a captain....I bet he arranges a hell of a team dinner though!<br /><br />So, who else? Not a lot of great options IMO to captain this lot. Suggestions?Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-72176750946573539672010-03-26T10:16:00.004-06:002010-03-26T13:37:16.148-06:00Ramble On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ledzeppelin.com/images/coverart_366x325.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 325px;" src="http://www.ledzeppelin.com/images/coverart_366x325.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />- Well - the confusion has passed. I am now free to cheer for Oiler wins again as we are pretty much secure in 30th place and I no longer have to feel dirty cheering on my team*<br /><br />- Have I ever been more happy to see an Islanders win than I was last night? I think not.<br /><br />- Detroit is the best 8th seed since the Oilers in 2006. The Wings in the finals would not surprise me one bit.<br /><br />- Ryan Whitney has been a pleasant surprise so far. Visnovsky has been scoring some highlight reel goals in Anaheim, but that team seems to be suffering from a severe Olympic hangover. Perry, Getzlaf, Ryan, Selanne, Hiller, Neidermeyer, Visnovsky, and Koivu all played significant minutes in Vancouver. Any connection?<br /><br />- Remember when everyone talked about the Oilers shootout wins and the mirage of a good team it created? Pheonix has 12 - I wouldn't pick them to get out of round 1.<br /><br />- Have Oilers fans latched onto Tyler Seguin so they can continue to criticize the Oilers after they choose Taylor Hall?<br /><br />- I would trade Hemsky, and only Hemsky, for the right to choose 1st and 2nd. I really don't think he resigns after his current contract.<br /><br />- Will any of the Olympians play for MacT at the World Championships? For that matter, what about the Olympic snubs? Might be a young Team Canada this spring. (Except for Roloson?)<br /><br />- My theory is Sutter brought in Kotalik to replace Phaneufs point shot on the PP. Since the trades, Kotalik has outscored Phaneuf 1-0 - guess Sutter was right:o)<br /><br />- Brian Burke's Leafs have won 7 of their last 10 games and still sit pretty securely in 29th place. Remeber when he gloated about taking the picks for Dustin Penner and that given the Oilers recent records, he expected them to be pretty good picks? Would anyone now trade Dustin Penner straight up for Phill Kessel? It's be a tough call. Would anyone trade Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall for Kessel? How about Hall a 1st and a 2nd?. Good on ya Burkie.<br /><br />*the word team used loosely.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-10469068529434250482010-01-21T13:00:00.002-07:002010-01-21T13:37:42.812-07:00I'm So Confused!<span ></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">George : Why did it all turn out like this for me? I had so much promise. I was personable, I was bright. Oh, maybe not academically speaking, but ... I was perceptive. I always know when someone's uncomfortable at a party. It became very clear to me sitting out there today, that every decision I've ever made, in my entire life, has been wrong. My life is the opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every of life, be it something to wear, something to eat ... It's all been wrong.</span><br /><br /><span >Remeber the classic Seinfeld episode (aren't they all classic), where George does the opposite of everything his instincts tell him and things being working out in his life? Does anyone in Oilerville feel like their living their own "Opposite" episode?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;">Jerry : If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br /><span >I've got to admit, I haven't watched much Oilers hockey lately. Not because I'm sick of the losing. If that were the case I'd have quit a few seasons ago. I don't watch becasue I'm conflicted. Confused. Distraught, even. I watch the Oilers to cheer for the Oilers - I always have, through good teams and bad, cheered for the boys to win. Last night the Oilers played the Canucks, on TV, after my daughter's bedtime, with my wife out to do some shopping. In the past, this would have been a night devoted to hockey (and a certain level of silence you come to appreciate when you've got an energetic 5 year old). I stayed away for 2 periods, trying not to think about the game, or the score. I caved in time to watch the third and was surprised to see the Oilers up 2-1 and playing pretty solid hockey. Deven Dubnyk in net, playing well, in line for his first career win. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">George : Hey, I just found twenty dollars! I tell you this, something is happening in my life. I did this opposite thing last night. Up was down, black was white, good was -<br />Jerry: Bad.<br />George : Day was -<br />Elaine : Night.<br />George : Yes!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br /><span >But I couldn't cheer for the Oilers. I actually laughed when the Canucks tied the score. Not a happy laugh, just a "I totally knew that would happen laugh", a kind of releaved "I won't have to be disappointed about the win" laugh. What? I would have been disappointed if they won?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">George : Alrighty. Ah ... my last job was in publishing ... I got fired for having sex in my office with the cleaning woman.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br />I gotta be honest, this dive for five thing is tough. As if to rub salt in the wound, young Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin were on the tube just prior to the Oilers game saying "look what we can do better than any other draft eleigible player in 2010". At least, that's what I thought they were saying. Might have been "Go Oilers Go", given they are among the few that wouldn't be excited by an Oilers top two choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">George : Well, I wish I could say the same, but I must say, with all due respect, I find it very hard to see the logic behind some of the moves you have made with this fine organization. In the past twenty years you have caused myself, and the city of New York, a good deal of distress, as we have watched you take our beloved Yankees and reduced them to a laughing stock, all for the glorification of your massive ego!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Courier New;"></span><br /><span >You've got to think this is as bad as it gets for Oilers management. Apathy from the fans at best, outright rage at worst. The building last night was near silent. I'd imagine any time now those empty seats in the building become officially unsold and that sellout streak will end. I unsubscribed from the Oilers news e-mails yesterday. Tired of the spin on the losses - tired of caring too much to try to not care at all.</span>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-86497477775323202122009-12-23T10:07:00.002-07:002009-12-23T10:29:03.074-07:00HAPPY FESTIVUS!Well, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">December 23rd</a> is upon us. The aluminum pole has been taken out of the crawl space, very high strength to weight ratio, no tinsel to distract us, and now, for the Airing of Grievances:<br /><br />I GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE!<br /><br />Moreau - your team stinks! You're the captain of this mess. You couldn't captain a.............I've lost my train of thought.<br /><br />Horcoff - $5.5million, $7million? Who cares when you're not playing worth a nickle. Buy a new shoulder.<br /><br />Khabibulin......you couldn't......where's Khabibulin? DAMN IT!<br /><br />Deslauriers - You're 6'4" - the net is 4' high. Do the math! Stop getting beaten over the shoulder!<br /><br />Cogliano - put your shirt on and score some goals pretty boy.<br /><br />O'Sullivan - WTF are you shooting at?<br /><br />Comrie - you sickly little runt! Tamiflu, cold FX, Tylenol, check it out. The boss owns pharmacies for chrissakes!<br /><br />Nillson - I wish you some consistency, I wish you some consistency, I wish you some consistancy, and a happy new haircut!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cluster.leaguestat.com/download.php?client_code=ahl&file_path=img/players/902.jpg&w=120"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 150px;" src="http://cluster.leaguestat.com/download.php?client_code=ahl&file_path=img/players/902.jpg&w=120" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pouliot - Pubis sounds made up to me!<br /><br />Gilbert - pretend its preseason!<br /><br />Souray - pretend its last year!<br /><br />Penner, Vishnovsky - well, you're just Festivus Miracles!<br /><br /><br /><br />Happy Holidays everyone.<br /><br />Now, festivus doesn't end until someone pins meOilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-49529243530249865492009-10-23T09:45:00.003-06:002009-10-23T09:58:46.897-06:00Olympic Delight?Dustin Penner is having a start for the ages. After last nights game he described his feelings as "skyrockets in flight", a reference to the hilarious Anchorman Afternoon Delight scene - if you haven't seen it, check it out!<br />Right now, he's playing as complete a game as any forward in the league and looks to have turned a corner in his NHL career. He did a similar turnabout in the AHL in 05-06 when he went from a 28 point player to putting up 39 goals and 84 points in only 57 games. Dude looks like he can't be contained and as of today is the highest scoring Canadian winger in the NHL. <br />If in December Penner is still a point per game player, still driving wide past defenders, planting himself in front of the net, killing penalties, and basically looking like Oilers MVP, does his name begin to pop up in Team Canada conversations? I wonder how a line of Penner, Perry, and Getzlaf would look?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SuHSP1jXXeI/AAAAAAAAAFU/_HGDegqJ1eA/s1600-h/penner+canada.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SuHSP1jXXeI/AAAAAAAAAFU/_HGDegqJ1eA/s320/penner+canada.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395824998081846754" border="0" /></a>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-31521160090743399102009-10-08T09:55:00.002-06:002009-10-08T10:48:56.412-06:00Training Camp for a 35 Year Old Beer Leaguer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.digitalequilibrium.com/images/misc/girl_goalie_pads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://www.digitalequilibrium.com/images/misc/girl_goalie_pads.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, I spent 35 minutes on the wife's recumbent bike last night to prepare for the first game back between the pipes on Friday. The legs are a little stiff this morning, so today will be an optional workout:o) Snow on the ground this morning and the Flames and Oilers go at it again tonight and man it feels nice to have hockey back. I mean, baseball isn't bad but what's that Homer J quote after giving up beer? Something like "I never realized how boring this game really is".<br /><br />So at some point today I'll drag the hockey bag down from the garage loft, unzip, and let the fowl odors escape - from the hockey bag!!! Take the blades out for their annual sharpening (I'm one of those goalies that likes to not mess with the skates much. If I can stand I can play - they get sharpened at the start of the season and again if I completely lose an edge). Settle in tonight to watch MacT give some Oilers insight while Khabibulin regains his rep as a Flames killer. Robbie Shremp suits up for the Islanders tonight for the first time as well. I was never much of a Shremp booster while he was Oilers property, but I can't help rooting for a goal from him tonight. I hope he does well - I'm willing to bet Steve Ludzig has him picked in a keeper league already:o) Speaking of which - I have 18 guys going in my pool tonight! Come on you 18 sonsabitches! Well, except for you Oli Jokinen - take the night off.<br /><br />On a sad note, I haven't touched this blog in 2 months. I opened it up this morning and saw that I've cracked the ever elusive 10,000 hit total. Over 2000 hits since I last updated. Some of you out there have actually been checking to see if I've written anything, or at least one person has some 2000 times. Here's the number for the Alberta Mental Health Board Hotline - <span class="ItemTitle"><span style="color:#000000;">1-877-303-2642. Someone there can help you.<br /><br />Let's Go Oilers!<br /><br />Oh, and what the hell is with the contest to come up with a cheer for the Canadian Olympic Team? Is 'Go Canada Go' not acceptable? Just watch some variation on EH! EH! EH! be picked as the winner.<br /><br /></span></span>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-49646825226858418502009-07-20T08:52:00.002-06:002009-07-20T09:15:01.315-06:00Odds and Ends* Dennis Grebeshkov's arbitration date has been set for July 29th in TO. I suspect he settles before that date on a new contract with the Oilers. The reason, James Wisniewski. He put up 24 points in half a season split between Chicago and Anaheim last season and signed a new deal worth $2.75m. He's the Oilers ace in the hole and could drag Greb's award down below $3mil for next season. I wouldn't look past Keith Yandle's 30 points and $1.2mil cap hit either. Chances are slim this gets to that point - I'm betting a one or two year deal at $3mil per is on the horizon.<br /><br />* Did Jack Johnson just become a whole lot more interesting? Rumors of his involvment in a trade involving Sheldon Souray swirled around the draft. One concern though was Johnson apparent belief that he was worth close to $5mil per season. Many speculated that he'd actually sign a deal for around $3mil per. Well, news from capgeek shows Jack Johnson signing a 2 year deal with a $1.425mil cap hit. Although I'd be weary of trading Souray - that deal has become much more intriguing based on cap relief alone. It also means Ladi Smid should forget about making anything close to $1.5mil per season - he's Johnson without the upside.<br /><br />* Are the Oilers trying to<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/07/20/bc-forest-fire020.html"> light a fire</a> under Dany Heatley? I know, that's terrible (groan)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h3><br /></h3>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-68121757762332926872009-07-10T10:49:00.004-06:002009-07-10T10:56:29.835-06:00Not Hockey Related WhatsoeverMy daughter is the troublemaker in the green hat. Sometimes it's best to remember what's really important - like your family and their happiness. These might be the dog days of summer for hockey, but for anyone with a family - especially young children - they should be the best days of your life. Hope everyone is having a great summer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SldyO0HHT6I/AAAAAAAAAE8/cGzD5n-5pU4/s1600-h/st+pats.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SldyO0HHT6I/AAAAAAAAAE8/cGzD5n-5pU4/s200/st+pats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356875880612712354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SldydMDtb7I/AAAAAAAAAFM/yH1JNMS5YfI/s1600-h/Us.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 335px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SldydMDtb7I/AAAAAAAAAFM/yH1JNMS5YfI/s200/Us.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356876127559053234" border="0" /></a>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-60288935460613094092009-06-24T13:30:00.011-06:002009-06-24T14:13:13.149-06:00How Many Sutters Can a Sutter Brother Hire if a Sutter Brother Could Hire Sutters?So Darryl Sutter just made it official yesterday and hired his brother Brent to coach the Calgary Flames - apparently, Brent is a better coach than Darryl, but the elder brother remains in the <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/story/?id=280001">top four worldwide</a>.<br /><br />Let's take a look at the Sutters now employed in the Flames organiztion:<br /><br />Darryl Sutter - GM<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKF783cSJI/AAAAAAAAAEE/pc7XnvsItIs/s1600-h/darryl+sutter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 142px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKF783cSJI/AAAAAAAAAEE/pc7XnvsItIs/s320/darryl+sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350986572267014290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Brent Sutter - Head Coach<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGGoIj_PI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TC-ExEeWlns/s1600-h/brent+sutter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 158px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGGoIj_PI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TC-ExEeWlns/s200/brent+sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350986755680238834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Duane Sutter - Director of Player Personell<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGSS8kFuI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Tw3oSvxu_Ic/s1600-h/duane+sutter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 119px; height: 119px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGSS8kFuI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Tw3oSvxu_Ic/s200/duane+sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350986956151199458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ron Sutter - Pro Scout<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGfiNkKYI/AAAAAAAAAEc/j8D_412mOCk/s1600-h/ron+sutter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGfiNkKYI/AAAAAAAAAEc/j8D_412mOCk/s200/ron+sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350987183587338626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Brett Sutter - Minor League Player<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGogDWZZI/AAAAAAAAAEk/OkChDXdF3as/s1600-h/brett+sutter.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKGogDWZZI/AAAAAAAAAEk/OkChDXdF3as/s200/brett+sutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350987337626445202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Juan Sutter (pronounced Huh-wan) - Team Massuese<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.chron.com/blogs/prepsports/Juan%20Reyes.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 87px; height: 102px;" src="http://images.chron.com/blogs/prepsports/Juan%20Reyes.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Juanita Sutter - Team "Massuese" (happy endings specialist)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.recyclingconnections.org/images/Juanita-4.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 99px;" src="http://www.recyclingconnections.org/images/Juanita-4.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jimbo Sutter - Concession Condiment Replenishment Specialist<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKITenXskI/AAAAAAAAAEs/d8Mx8SdvLyE/s1600-h/ugly-people-01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 99px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKITenXskI/AAAAAAAAAEs/d8Mx8SdvLyE/s200/ugly-people-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350989175486657090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Billy and Bobby Sutter - Sutter Farm Liasons<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKIgkF_rWI/AAAAAAAAAE0/aVjso5gqTwU/s1600-h/ugly-men.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SkKIgkF_rWI/AAAAAAAAAE0/aVjso5gqTwU/s200/ugly-men.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350989400295583074" border="0" /></a>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-47164344593856671542009-06-17T15:06:00.003-06:002009-06-17T15:19:31.316-06:00Hypocrisy, Thy Name is BurkeSo, Brian Burke has weighed in on the Dany Heatly trade request - <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=282128">he doesn't like it</a>.<br /><br />From TSN:<br /><p style="font-style: italic;">In a phone interview with Deb Placey and Billy Jaffe on NHL Live! broadcast on the NHL network, Burke stated that the Leafs had no interest in the two-time 50 goal scorer, largely because of the way he has chosen to handle his trade request.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;">"We're not going to be in on that," Burke stated. "He's a good player but <span style="font-weight: bold;">I have certain guidelines on how players ask for trades</span>." </p><span style="font-style: italic;">While Burke stated that he has no problem with players requesting a trade, <span style="font-weight: bold;">he was unhappy with Heatley's decision to go public with his request, thus making Senators' general manager Bryan Murray's chances of moving the sniper extremely difficult</span>.</span> <p style="font-style: italic;">"For a player to pop off and say he wants out or leak it (to the media), in my mind you are now no longer interested in your team. If you've done that you've handicapped them, you've handcuffed your GM."</p>Chis Pronger was not available for comment.<br /><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-54103957358878743212009-06-14T21:10:00.005-06:002009-06-15T13:28:21.244-06:00Missed the Hall of Fame by "That Much"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SjW8eUN4FDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/XT9mfrw6RVY/s1600-h/osgood.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_G9W-cKjqq08/SjW8eUN4FDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/XT9mfrw6RVY/s320/osgood.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347387361581339698" border="0" /></a><br />This is Chris Osgood losing his net on Maxime Talbot seconds before the Penguins Cup winning goal was scored on Friday night. He's overplaying Talbot to the stick side based on scouting reports that Talbot likes to shoot high over the blocker. He just overplayed the overplay - and Talbot has a clear view of about 12 square feet of net. Now if the shot was going blocker side, even2 or 3 feet wide of the blocker side, Osgood is making that stop:o) But Talbot, even though Malkin thinks "His hands not so good", ain't no beer leaguer - he see's that much net - he's hitting it - preference to the other side or not. So Osgood, for that split second, loses his net, loses the cup, and quite possibly, loses the Hall of Fame.<br /><br />For the record, I think Osgood is deserving of a Hall nod. He is the most under-rated goalie of his generation. Sure, the guy has played on some great teams in Detroit, but he's also played a few seasons on some not so great New York Islanders and St. Louis teams. Osgood has now played 16 NHL seasons and has never, <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span>, had a losing record. He had 23 wins and 8 losses in his rookie year, unfortunately for him, Brodeur had 27 wins (and 11 losses) and won the Calder (I believe Jason Arnott was 2nd in rookie voting that year, Osgood 3rd....but i can't find that info anywhere). In 1996, he finished with an incredible record of 39w, 6L, 5T and was robbed of the Vezina Trophy by the Net Detective Jim Carrey's 35W, 24L, 9T record. He's got three Stanley Cups, 2 as a starter. He's one of only 2 goalies to win Cups as the starter 10 years apart - Terry Sawchuck is the other. He's 4th in career playoff wins, 10th in the regular season. Of course stats alone don't neceessarily translate into the Hall of Fame. I'm not even sure what the standards for goalies are? Look at Harry Lumley and Eddie Giacomin's stats and wonder what got them there. Esposito is in the Hall with 400+ wins and no Cups - does that mean Ed Belfour(1 cup - thanks Bruce) and Curtis Joseph (zero) should be as well? Who knows? There's not a ton of Goalies in the Hall so I guess you really have to be a standout to be elected. And there's a few goalies in recent history with similar stats to Osgood that aren't in the Hall. Tom Barasso and Mike Vernon both had stellar careers and similar wins totals to Osgoods current 389. Both have 2 Cups. But both have about 60 more losses on their records than Osgood. Andy Moog and Martin Brodeur* are the only 2 other goalies I can think of that have 3 cups and aren't in the Hall of Fame (*yet). But Andy Moogs Cups (save for the first one) came largely from the bench - even in 1984, he only got into 7 games. Moogs regular season totals are very similar to Osgood's - the only thing that seperates them are those 2 Cups Osgood won as a starter. There are no goalies that have won 4 or more Cups that aren't in the Hall. So if Osgood makes that save on Talbot, if he doesn't step one foot too far to the right, and the Wings come back to win that game - does that make Chris Osgood a Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender? If not, why not? Because he played for the powerhouse Wings? Well, Chris Osgood took over for Bob Essensa when he faltered in Detroit. He did the same thing in the playoffs some 15 years later when Domic Hasek couldn't carry the load for the talented Wings. In between, Curtis Joseph couldn't get it done for Detroit in the playoffs. Billy Smith is a HOFer - did he not have the luxury of playing for a powerhouse team? He's got some stinker years on his resume too - Osgood doesn't. How about my all time favorite player Grant Fuhr? Any doubt his wins weren't bouyed a little by playing for the 80's Oilers? Ken Drydens teams weren't half bad either. Patrick Roy? Not a lot of teams out there that had the talent level of Sakic, Forsberg and company. Take a look at every goaltending stat and Osgood lands in the discussion in every one. The Hall of Fame should be part of that discussion as well.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-72821464598477264502009-06-09T09:41:00.005-06:002009-06-09T09:46:38.263-06:00Great Moments in MarketingFrom "<a href="http://www.savethecoyotes.com/">SavetheCoyotes.com</a>",<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://phoenix.fanster.com/savethecoyotes/wp-content/themes/arclite/images/header-noise-red-center.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 56px;" src="http://phoenix.fanster.com/savethecoyotes/wp-content/themes/arclite/images/header-noise-red-center.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Gotta love the empty arena in the background....Genius!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-74091232529548341822009-06-04T14:41:00.003-06:002009-06-05T20:54:14.646-06:00Mom.....What's a First Line Centre?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://totaloilers.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/shawn_horcoff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 409px; height: 335px;" src="http://totaloilers.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/shawn_horcoff.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Is it a guy who scores 53 points and outscores the oppositions best by 10 goals, or is it a guy who scores 85 points but gives up more than he gets (save for pretty goals and pretty girls?)<br /><br />I'm confused.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-6364576572078435652009-05-12T11:17:00.008-06:002009-05-13T09:08:32.556-06:00Probability Taken Personally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bB01Boel72hY/610x.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 260px;" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bB01Boel72hY/610x.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a theory in the blogospehere that pucks hitting goalposts are just unlucky. Everything in the game of hockey can be explained by mathematics and statistical analysis, but goalposts, well they're just the hockey gods spittin' in your eye. Some of the arguments for this theory can be found <a href="http://www.oilersnation.com/2009/05/a-quick-and-dirty-look-at-the-value-of-a-goal-or-alternately-luck-matters/">here</a> and <a href="http://vhockey.blogspot.com/2006/06/those-crazy-goalposts.html">here</a>. I don't buy it. Basically, what I understand from these articles, is that teams success or lack thereof correlates well to the number of posts the team hits. Those teams that hit a tonne of posts are unlucky - you can expect them to turn things around. Those that have a lot of posts hit behind they're goalie - well, don't bet the farm on them. It's a ridiculous argument and some of the sharpest writers on the net subscribe to it wholeheartedly. L. Ron Hubbard must be involved somehow. Can you take one element of the game and contribute it to luck? Yet ignore that every goal for or against in every game would not be suject to luck as well? How many goals are scored on tipped shots? How many go in off defenders sticks or skates? Might there be a few that don't really end up where the shooter was intending? They count anyway right? Has a goalie ever had a shot hit him that he didn't see? Has a linesman ever gotten involved in a play? Take 1000 darts and throw them at triple 20. Are the ones that bounce off the wire the only shots where luck was invloved? How about 1000 three foot puts? The ones that miss the hole are <span style="font-style: italic;">misses</span>, but the ones that rim out are bad luck? Or could it be that rimming out means you missed the cup by hair wider than the radius of the ball? <span style="font-style: italic;">A hair</span> you say....wow, that's some shitty luck.<br />There's a very good reason why posts aren't counted as shots on goal - they missed the net. There is litterally a hair width difference between a puck nicking the post or going wide. That same hair could mean the difference between the puck hitting the post and going in, or hitting both posts and staying out. How does one have more impact on a game than the other?<br />The NHL records goalposts in it's game logs and that has allowed data to be mined out and tabulated. I think it's unfortunate. I'd like to see how many teams miss the net by millimeters. Is there a significant difference in the <span style="font-style: italic;">amount of luck</span> involved relative to the shot that hits the post? How about lucky goals? Has a team ever hit the post and scored a lucky goal in the same game, and do they negate each other?<br />Anyone see Chuck Kobasew's goal against Cam Ward last night? Patrice Bergeron's pass missed the defenders skate by an inch, Kobasew flubbed what looked like an attempt to tip the puck over Ward, the puck hit the heel of his stick and slid in along the ice nicking the post on the way in.....goal - no luck accounted for. That puck hits the post and all of a sudden, there's a luck event, let's tabulate it. Ridiculous.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-53853980335343784662009-04-29T20:45:00.003-06:002009-04-29T21:03:12.008-06:00The Forgotten ManWhich NHL coach has ties to both Steve Tambellini(Vancouver) and Kevin Lowe(New York), has extensive NHL coaching experince, has won a championship, runs a good bench with an offense first mentality, and is a little bit of a hardass who might also be looking for work in coming weeks?<br /><br />I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2007/0614/nhl_a_keenannyr_275.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 200px;" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2007/0614/nhl_a_keenannyr_275.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-60248733301160618842009-04-21T11:26:00.005-06:002009-04-21T11:50:19.385-06:00High Expectations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/mst0030l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/mst0030l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, who thinks Hemsky and Penner have better season offensively next year? What about Horcoff? Anyone? We don't even know who the coach is yet - but I'd bet some of you (all 10 of my readers - thanks Mom) raised your hand, or at least nodded knowingly.<br />I think the complaint that most fans had about MacTavish, whether winning or losing, was that he couldn't coach offensive players. Fact is, he asked his offensive guys to also be responsible defensively and favored a 2 way game. Did it limit the counting numbers of a player like Hemsky - I think it's fairly safe to say it did. But MacTavish would prefer to have a 70 point outscorer than a 90 point <span style="font-style: italic;">giveth and taketh away </span>guy (or should that be taketh and giveth away?) Hemsky himself vented about it near the end of the season - if the new coach turns him loose does he hit 90 points in 09-10?<br />What about Penner - were the fat jokes hurting his production? probably not. But being left off the PP and playing with MacIntyre certainly did. Does a new coach turn a blind eye to the occasional lazy backcheck and burger wrappers in the dressing room? Does that coax 30 goals out of Refridgerator Penner?<br />And Shawn Horcoff - new extension in hand next season. How is he used? We've seen Horcoff under MacTavish put up near point per game numbers. Last season, with no other defensivley capable centers, Horcoff wasn't let loose. He had to play in a ton of D first situations, and it IMO wore him down. That's not on the coach - not totally. Can Horcoff put up good numbers again next season if a faceoff man and penalty killer is brought in to shoulder some of that burden?<br />Is there any pressure on the new coach? And yeah, the playoffs would be nice.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-52495506268522325262009-04-15T17:58:00.002-06:002009-04-15T18:01:16.125-06:00Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/hardass18/Oilers%202007-2008%20Season%20Thread/Oilers%202008-2009%20Season%20Thread/DustinPenner.jpg?t=1239839980"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b211/hardass18/Oilers%202007-2008%20Season%20Thread/Oilers%202008-2009%20Season%20Thread/DustinPenner.jpg?t=1239839980" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> I can see all obstacles in my way</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Sun-Shiny day.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> I think I can make it now, the pain is gone</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> All of the bad feelings have disappeared</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Sun-Shiny day.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> I can see all obstacles in my way</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> Sun-Shiny day. </span>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-90895495771679797972009-04-08T14:41:00.002-06:002009-04-08T15:28:31.706-06:00Alone on an Island?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amny.com/media/photo/2008-09/42665784.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 425px;" src="http://www.amny.com/media/photo/2008-09/42665784.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another failed season in the books and save for the glory that was the spring of 2006, the Oilers are now into their 19th year of futility. That's a long damn time. The last time I watched the Oilers hoist the Stanley I was in grade 10....grade 10! Wow. Now we've still got a long road to get to Toronto levels but the comparisons are beginning to creep in, how the Oilers have become the Leafs of the West - with the one difference of course being <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone</span> wants to play for the Leafs! And in some ways you can see why the notion of another 20+ years of hockey free Junes is becomming a concern. But when I look at this team I don't see the Leafs, I see the Islanders, and that's scary.<br /><br />The similarities between the franchises are many, not just the use of blue and orange. The Isles, like the Oilers, tasted success early and rode a lineup of young supreme talents and older smart veterans to a dynasty. Owners burrying hockey profits into other money losing ventures saw the talent bases erode and once proud franchises began to lose, and lose alot.<br /><br />The mid to late 90's weren't pretty for either team, more losses, ownership changes, and the beginnings of the Mad and Vish eras. Mike Milbury went from ex NHL D-man(in Boston) to assistant coach to head coach, to GM. Kevin Lowe, well, pretty much did the exact same thing. Both men were active traders, with varried results, although Kevin Lowe could probably trade Chris Pronger for Joffrey Lupul 3 or 4 more times and still have the better track record overall. Neither man was given a competitive budget to work with (prior to the new CBA) and both franchises were in a constant state of turnover. Both men have a made headlines for insulting peers, with Lowe's "moron" and Milbury's "village idiot" being among the most notable rants.<br /><br />After Charles Wang bought the Islanders, Milbury eventually moved into a Senior Vice President position of Wang's sports holdings, although he appeared to still have his hand in the day to day Islanders dealings. After Darryl Katz, Kevin Lowe, well, again, pretty much the exact same thing. Wang is trying to get his Lighthouse Project moving in order to get a new building for the Isles and revitalization of the surrounding area....and there's this rumor in Edmonton about Katz and his desire for a new arena? Not sure if anyone else has heard anything? Milbury eventually resigned from his position saying he missed the everyday hockey decisions. Kevin Lowe - well a fella can hope right?:o)<br /><br />I'm telling you, we're this far (I'm holding my index finger and thumb ever so close together) away from hiring Kari Takko and Pokey Reddick to run this team - and scouting Sumo wrestlers to replace Roloson.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-72483360566939752802009-04-03T13:16:00.004-06:002009-04-03T13:28:55.456-06:00Speaking of Bad Career Moves....Is selling a "performance enhancing" energy drink really the best choice for Lance Armstong? <span style="font-style: italic;">Really?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://m1.2mdn.net/1843223/f14v3_LL2center_tt_xx_tn_2b_cl_im_f8_180x150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 203px;" src="http://m1.2mdn.net/1843223/f14v3_LL2center_tt_xx_tn_2b_cl_im_f8_180x150.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Is "cheetah" in his future plans?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:CN-sQ-xclXncuM:http://admin.businessedge.ca/pictures/4995.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 166px;" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:CN-sQ-xclXncuM:http://admin.businessedge.ca/pictures/4995.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Maybe he can do an add telling everyone how great it is to have 2 testicles ala Rick Hanson telling Canada that getting in shape is easy - just try <span style="font-style: italic;">hiking</span> or taking your family out for a <span style="font-style: italic;">walk</span>. Am I just that cynical, or does no one think anymore?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myhero.com/ReadingRoom/books/Rick%20Hansen%20-%20Man%20in%20Motion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 475px;" src="http://myhero.com/ReadingRoom/books/Rick%20Hansen%20-%20Man%20in%20Motion.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-79386748705137458362009-04-01T09:38:00.002-06:002009-04-01T10:09:50.429-06:00The Brian Burke Effect?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.playoffbeard.com/images/ana_selanne.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.playoffbeard.com/images/ana_selanne.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Or is it the Chris Pronger effect? Maybe association with Cory Perry? Perhaps it's just living in So-Cal (I hate that BTW - why can't people say Southern California? I don't live in Nor-Al and I didn't grow up in Wes-Newf!, but I digress). Whatever it is, somewhere along the way, Teemu Selane turned into an asshole of grade A proportions - witness his comments following last nights failed stick measurement - "Whoever thought he spotted it, maybe should have signed the stick for him." You're all class Selanne, all class!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-45106428865691634472009-03-27T08:35:00.003-06:002009-03-27T08:40:35.484-06:00The Wrong Weir?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2008/0824/pga_g_weir_300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 385px;" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2008/0824/pga_g_weir_300.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think the Oilers are channeling the wrong Weir in their pursuit (or lack thereof) of a playoff spot. Even looks like Mike is demonstrating the position the boys assumed last night. Brutal Effort.Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-3025239255085615412009-03-23T13:45:00.003-06:002009-03-23T14:11:23.176-06:00Moving Sucks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6901/moving2zd3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 463px; height: 321px;" src="http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6901/moving2zd3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, we moved. We built a new house and sold our old one (I highly recommend buying a house in this real estate market - selling one though, not so much). Anyways, after selling and moving into a rental for the 1st time in 10 years, we finally moved into the new abode one month ago - I haven't relaxed since. We moved on a Wednesday, I do not recommend moving on a Wednesday. Friends are working, baby sitters are in school, and help is not to be found. If you want to get help with a move, you have to leave little room for excuses from those who can help. Wednesday is an automatic excuse generator - "Ah shit man, I'm working. Too bad, I could have helped with the heavy stuff".<br /><br />One thing you realize when you move is how much shit you have. Moving is the ultimate time to purge. Clothes that don't fit anymore (stupid dryer shrinking my pants), cassette tapes of Europe and Duran Duran, what was I thinking when I bought this lamp, and so it goes. All these gently used, dust gathering gizmos and garb go to garage sales, or Goodwill, or garbage. Boxes upon boxes of Stuff that cost you thousands of dollars over the years that you are happy to give away or even ecstatic to sell for $100 after spending $20 on an ad in the paper and sitting in your garage for an entire Saturday while strangers pick through what are your former prized possessions. When we moved from our old house to our rental, we purged and purged good! And even after that, we have got a lot of shit. Clothes, toys, furniture, tools - heavy furniture, heavy tools! Lets face it, we live in a society of stuff - it's nice to have it, it's nice to be able to afford it, it's everywhere. And when you buy the latest stuff, it's soon to be replaced with even better stuff. But carrying that stuff sucks. Packing it up in boxes and blankets sucks. Not knowing which box the forks are in the day before you move sucks. Not knowing which box the extension cord is in the week after you move sucks. Taking stuff apart sucks. Putting it back together after carrying it piece by piece from point A to point B, sucks. Buying new stuff for the new house is fun - carrying it home, unpacking it, and puting it together - sucks, sucks, and sucks. Painting a bedroom in the new house - sucks. Insulating and finishing the garage - guess what - sucks too.<br /><br />I've still got to install the central vac, and water softner, paint one of the bathrooms, finish the garage loft, install the garage heater, deck, landscape, fence - I'm expecting suckage on most parts.<br /><br />But the new house is awesome:o) And I'm starting to watch a few games again!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3491259004300437543.post-50573368819501975432009-03-11T08:38:00.002-06:002009-03-11T09:04:33.623-06:00You Were Expecting a Happy Ending?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/22/Titanic_poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 450px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/22/Titanic_poster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, the Edmonton Oilers rolled into Montreal last night needing a victory to go over .500 for the trip (Gary Betman .500 that is) and put some distance between themselves and 9th. They thumped the Habs in their last meeting, just beat the Leafs, put that fat guy in the pressbox, and still had the good sense to not fire their coach so as to not mess with a good formula ala Montreal! Guaranteed win night right?<br /><br />Well, not so much. The night was frustrating on so many levels it makes one wonder why so much emotion is inveted in this team. The Habs get a fluke goal early when the point shot goes of Staios' skate in front and bounces right to Tanguays stick in the slot. The frustrating part about that one is how Debrusk pointed out constantly how Roli has to do a better job controlling that rebound - you know, those rebounds off shots that don't reach you just have to be controlled!<br /><br />Anyways, the Oil take the lead, the 4th line plays the entire third period, yada yada yada, and late in the third the Habs tie the game on what is obviously a puck batted into the net with Koivu's glove. Koivu's quote regarding the goal, "It hit my chest and I don't know if it hit my glove after that,"is proof positive enough for me to know it was illegal. Anytime a player scores and "doesn't know" if he scored it legally or not....well lets just say he knows and leave it at that. Carey Price makes a few nice saves in the third, but realizing Horcoff couldn't bury a dead cat in a sandbox of late, maybe the saves weren't that great.<br /><br />Then, the Oilers get a powerplay with just over two minutes remaining and you know that barring a shortie from the Habs, this game is going to OT - and sure enough, the Canadiens almost score. The penalty to O'sullivan comes in OT and you just know there was no way the Oilers escape the loss.<br /><br />Honestly, were you expecting fair calls, Oilers powerplay goals, strong Oilers penalty kills, and a Bob Gainey loss in his first night behind the bench? I'm surprised they didn't take the OT point away!Oilmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543588731775955952noreply@blogger.com18