February 4, five games

[hwy19man]

All the games with the exception of one are in prime time for Mountain and Pacific viewers. :)

The lone eastern game which began at 1700h has the Leafs and Hurricanes tied in the second period 1-1 from the Air Canada Centre.
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Games at 1900h

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Dallas at Colorado on NBCSN and TSN
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/game/1289126/preview/


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Minnesota at Phoenix
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/game/1289128/preview/
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At 1930h

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Vancouver at Edmonton on RDS2 nationally in Canada in french
and across western Canada on Sportsnet Pacific and West
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/game/1289130/preview/
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At 2000h

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San Jose at Anaheim
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/game/1289132/preview/

The last game is the game of the night. Hopefully the intensity will be the same as it was last week between these two teams. It should be close and the outcome decided in overtime or the shootout.

[nickerjones]

Dion just wired a referee in the mouth while clearing a puck.

[OILFAN #81]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

[bluck]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

Hopefully they have a power outage and both d bag teams get 0 points

[Yoho]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

Wow that is a tough one

[$ven27]

Edmonton, cause they'll suck again this year anyways.

[OILFAN #81]

Hopefully they have a power outage and both d bag teams get 0 points

Was expecting that within 3 posts and I didn't leave disappointed!

[Ezio]

This is the gonna be the start to a miserable way rest of the year for the Oilers.

Ridiculously tough road trip, injured veterans, inexperienced roster and players simply not good enough. Expecting maybe 10-15 or so more wins rest of the season. Putting them right near last place.

[moon]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

Vancouver should finish way ahead of us so if they get points no big deal but Edmonton getting points potentially helps our draft spot.

Oiler fans likely to act like bigger d bags if their team wins so reluctantly go with Vancouver to win, hope for no 3 point game or that the NHL wises up and kicks both pathetic franchises out of the league.

[Bertuzzied]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

hahaha this used to be a dilemma for me, but starting last year i would just hope the home team lost so the fans can go home all sad.

Goooo Diving Bitches!!

[AR_Six]

Ryan Whitney is a healthy scratch tonight for the first time in his career. Per Derek Zona (Oilers blogger who is usually worth listening to), Whitney is not an NHL defenseman anymore, full stop: http://www.coppernblue.com/2013/2/3/3947536/ryan-whitney-ralph-krueger-oilers-trade-defenseman

Surprising stuff for me, as I do not follow the Oil closely. If the above is correct, I am not convinced that they have any legitimate top pairing defensemen left at all.

As for the game, the winner should be whoever scores more on the PP.

[malcolmk14]

I have $40 on the Flames finishing higher in the standings than the Oilers, so hopefully the Canucks win tonight in regulation.

[jschick88]

Can't bring myself to even think about cheering for the divers so Go Oil Go!

[SkunkyJosh]

Sharks and ducks is going to be an epic battle! Too bad I'll be sleeping already.

4-3 Ducks OT

[Hatter]

The players and style of the Canucks are simply intolerable. I'm hoping for a regulation win for the Oil.

[chockfullofgoodness]

As much as I dislike the Canucks, I just can't cheer for the Oilers. Ever.

[SkunkyJosh]

After last year riot in Vancouver, no other team can top my hate toward these bums.

Go Oilers!

[GirlySports]

not a good day for refs

[OILFAN #81]

Hopefully Rooney is okay. They are bringing out the board and taking him off on it.

EDIT: He skated to the dressing room on his own.

[MoneyGuy]

Who would CP rather have get the 2 points tonight, Vancouver or Edmonton?

An OT win for the Oil would be fine with me.

[puckluck2]

Go Canucks!

[Erick Estrada]

Did anyone see Gene Principe's intro? I'm so embarrassed for Oilers fans. Amateur television.

[theinfinitejar]

I want the Oilers fans dreams to be crushed early on, so I'm cheering against the Oilers until the kool-aid gets put away.

[MrMastodonFarm]

An OT win for the Oil would be fine with me.

lol, he wasn't asking you.

[hwy19man]

Carolina is winning 4-1 late in the third period. The Stars are up 2-0 on the Avalanche and the Coyotes lead 1-0.

[hwy19man]

Colorado scores, 2-1 Stars now.

[JurassicTunga12]

That was an awful PP by the Oilers.

[Ashasx]

Garrison is awful.

[puckluck2]

Not that it matters but did you know Yakupov was Muslim? Crazy that I just found that out.

[JurassicTunga12]

Garrison is awful.

Yeah, he just stopped skating there

[AC]

Obese Oiler fan wearing a horse mask in the corner.

[theinfinitejar]

So, would anybody rather have Garrison than Wideman now?

[moon]

What the hell were the Canucks defencemen doing there?

Look like they are trying to out Oiler the Oilers with that awful defense.

[moon]

So, would anybody rather have Garrison than Wideman now?

Given the choice I'd take neither.

[timbit]

Obese Oiler fan wearing a horse mask in the corner.

Is the gender discernible?

[AC]

Is the gender discernible?
Not with that mask on, no.

[puckluck2]

Given the choice I'd take neither.

Wideman makes our team a lot better why wouldn't you want him?

[Ashasx]

So, would anybody rather have Garrison than Wideman now?

HF boards, apparently.

Everyone on the Flames is awful and can be had for 7th round picks.

[Ezio]

Obese Oiler fan wearing a horse mask in the corner.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCTyVboCQAAShVx.jpg:large

[GirlySports]

Not that it matters but did you know Yakupov was Muslim? Crazy that I just found that out.

Yup, he's not even "Russian". He's an ethnic Tatar from Tatarstan!

[Ashasx]

Is Tomas Tatar from Tatar?

edit: Tatarstan, that would be.

[GirlySports]

heh, no he's Slovakian.

[Ashasx]

Well I don't know what to believe in anymore

[moon]

Wideman makes our team a lot better why wouldn't you want him?

Not the thread for it but obviously I don't think he makes the team better at all.

[d_phaneuf]

Obese Oiler fan wearing a horse mask in the corner.

also known as business casual in Edmonton

[GirlySports]

I could never be a Russian student and remember all the provinces in Russia

I think there are 80.

[nik-]

I'm pretty sure the only thing you need to learn in Russian schools is Putin's amateur Judo record.

[SkunkyJosh]

1-0 sharks

[puckluck2]

Yup, he's not even "Russian". He's an ethnic Tatar from Tatarstan!

I kinda like him now.

[Ezio]

Oilers got screwed on that phantom trip on Edler.

[Alberta_Beef]

when did Al Bundy start coaching the Oilers?

[jschick88]

Huge dive. Absolutely embarrassing.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Not the thread for it but obviously I don't think he makes the team better at all.

He was brought in to qb the powerplay and make it better. The PP last season was 21st in the league. It's currently 8th and Wideman has 3 PP points in 6 games.

You can argue the contract, but arguing the team isn't better with him is silly.

[Dogbert]

Huge dive. Absolutely embarrassing.

Par for the course. Karma got them back on that goal, though.

[puckluck2]

Bieksa is terrible.

[Roof-Daddy]

Is it just me, or his Hall not all that impressive?

...and is RNH even playing?

[Enoch Root]

Is it just me, or his Hall not all that impressive?

...and is RNH even playing?
Hall is like a Super version of Comeau... skates really fast and looks dangerous, but just keeps going into the corner and the play dies on his stick.

And he backchecks like the 2010-11 version of Iginla

[Karl]

Seems like some teams are figuring out how to neutralize Hall. He can't seem to deal with guys coming at him and taking his time and space away.

Maintain the gap, then come at him aggressively when he has the puck and it's a good bet he'll throw it away or get stripped.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Is it just me, or his Hall not all that impressive?

...and is RNH even playing?

I'm not impressed with Hall or RNH. Yakupov is better than both of them IMO.

[Ezio]

Seems like some teams are figuring out how to neutralize Hall. He can't seem to deal with guys coming at him and taking his time and space away.

Maintain the gap, then come at him aggressively when he has the puck and it's a good bet he'll throw it away or get stripped.

He's the only one on his line that can consistently generate scoring chances. He's a lot like Dustin Brown in terms of playing style, but lacks the immense physicality and relies more on natural talent. Both make questionable blunders every game, but both players are good at maintaining possession and creating scoring chances. I'm more concerned with Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle right now.

[Flash Walken]

Hall is Erik cole.

[Ezio]

Oilers playing not to lose, it'll bite them for sure.

[Yoho]

He's the only one on his line that can consistently generate scoring chances. He's a lot like Dustin Brown in terms of playing style, but lacks the immense physicality and relies more on natural talent. Both make questionable blunders every game, but both players are good at maintaining possession and creating scoring chances. I'm more concerned with Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle right now.

Both the Nuge with his vision and distribution ,and Eberle sick hands with good shot, will be in the league for a long time. Hall just reminds me of a one trick amazing junior player pony. There is nothing sneaky about his game that would confuse NHL level defence men, and the "bull in the china shop " routine isn't scaring anyone

[WetCoast]

Nail with the dive of the year.

This is coming from a Canucks fan.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I'll give Yakupov about a 9 on that one. Garbage play.

[Ezio]

Both the Nuge with his vision and distribution ,and Eberle sick hands with good shot, will be in the league for a long time. Hall just reminds me of a one trick amazing junior player pony. There is nothing sneaky about his game that would confuse NHL level defence men, and the "bull in the china shop " routine isn't scaring anyone

Well that's the thing, there really is no player like him on the Oilers and very few types of him in the NHL. He is a unique hockey player while there are many cerebral guys like Eberle and Nuge in the league.

[WetCoast]

I'll give Yakupov about a 9 on that one. Garbage play.

Man its just because he's emotional. Us non-Oiler fans just don't understand.

[Ezio]

Nail with the dive of the year.

This is coming from a Canucks fan.

Yeah, that was pretty bad.

[Yoho]

Well that's the thing, there really is no player like him on the Oilers and very few types of him in the NHL. He is a unique hockey player while there are many cerebral guys like Eberle and Nuge in the league.

Yeah, I just see Nuge and Eberle helping your team in a bunch of different ways thru not only goals, but skillful passing and quarterbacking beautiful plays.


If Hall isn't scoring you could replace what he brings by a 4th line players with decent speed

[GirlySports]

can't the arena just blow up?

[WetCoast]

Yeah, I just see Nuge and Eberle helping your team in a bunch of different ways thru not only goals, but skillful passing and quarterbacking beautiful plays.


If Hall isn't scoring you could replace what he brings by a 4th line players with decent speed

Or a golden retriever puppy who knows how to toe drag.

[Ezio]

I can't stand Oilers fans obsession with Ladislav Smid. I do not want him at 3-4 mil like some of the media is suggesting he'll make for being 'the top defenseman in free agency'.

[SkunkyJosh]

still 1-0 sharks after 2... go duckss go!!!

[Ezio]

Plays like that is why Hall is the best Oiler.

[3 Justin 3]

Is Devan Dubnyk for real?

He has been playing pretty good for the Oil this season.

[GirlySports]

how does Bieksa get away with that?

[Ezio]

Man Luongo looks great. I really wish he was traded to the Leafs or Panthers. Just far away from here.

[Vinny01]

I don't get why Oiler fans seem to love Hall the most out of their kids. I think he might be the worst of their big 5

[nik-]

I don't get why Oiler fans seem to love Hall the most out of their kids. I think he might be the worst of their big 5

I agree. Probably because he was the first of the endless string of 1st overalls.

[Ezio]

Is Devan Dubnyk for real?

He has been playing pretty good for the Oil this season.

Nope. Khabi looked Vezina caliber the first 10 games last yr.

[GirlySports]

and what kind of forward wears #4? What kind of stupid number is that?

[Enoch Root]

Plays like that is why Hall is the best Oiler.
most of the OIler fans I know think Hall is the best Oiler

most non Oiler fans seem to think Eberle is the best (as do I)

this is just my anecdotal observations, but it seems pretty consistent

[Roof-Daddy]

This greasy orca game has 3 pointer written all over it.

[Enoch Root]

Well that's the thing, there really is no player like him on the Oilers and very few types of him in the NHL. He is a unique hockey player while there are many cerebral guys like Eberle and Nuge in the league.
I'll take the cerebral players every time. I am not convinced that Hall's act has any kind of longevity at all

smarts don't slump

[Ezio]

I'll take the cerebral players every time. I am not convinced that Hall's act has any kind of longevity at all

smarts don't slump

It's good to have a balance of both. Makes the team harder to defend against.

[Yoho]

most of the OIler fans I know think Hall is the best Oiler

most non Oiler fans seem to think Eberle is the best (as do I)

this is just my anecdotal observations, but it seems pretty consistent

Perfect, hopefully Oiler fans think Butler is our best defence man and do some crazy three team swap for him.

[timbit]

Hall only has 9 points....lol

[trackercowe]

####

[Yoho]

This greasy orca game has 3 pointer written all over it.
Good call

[Enoch Root]

It's good to have a balance of both. Makes the team harder to defend against.
by the way - your welcome for cancelling our bet.

but I gotta say, I wish I hadn't because your new sig creeps me out

[Ezio]

Will be shocked if they dont blow it here.

[nik-]

Looks like it's going to be points for everyone in these two Western games remaining.

[Dogbert]

... And at the stroke of midnight, Devan Dubnyk stops channeling Martin Brodeur and turns back into Flubsy the Clown.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Hall only has 9 points....lol

Really? You'd never know it by watching the games. I would have guessed 4 or so.

[Enoch Root]

is this game going to be the mirror image of the first game?

[Brannigans Law]

god damn what a stop by Dubynk

[Ezio]

by the way - your welcome for cancelling our bet.

but I gotta say, I wish I hadn't because your new sig creeps me out
Yeah, dodged a bullet there. lol.

[GirlySports]

Anaheim's tied it up as well.

[mikeecho]

Can't figure out why the Oilers game day production team keep using that cheesy 80's style "In Living Color" theme sound effect at the end of each period.

[Inglewood Jack]

If that shot's on kipper it goes in, just cause its the flames

[Roof-Daddy]

Well, at least Minny/PHX and Avs/Stars ended in regulation.

IMO those are four bubble playoff teams that the Flames will be battling with.....as long as they Flames start winning games, that is.

[GirlySports]

ooooh penalty shot!

[Ezio]

PS in OT, too bad it's Hall lol.

[Inglewood Jack]

Speaking of Hall, here's some real excitement...

[3 Justin 3]

Hall will now score here and make us all look bad. lolololol

[Sylvanfan]

Wow OT penalty shot. Can't remember the last time I saw this.

[Ashasx]

what a useless windup.

[GirlySports]

I think I'd rather have a 4-on-3 in overtime than a PS.

[Enoch Root]

it would have been awesome if he had scored after all this talk!

[AC]

Oilers play-by-play guy just said Yakupov had the OT winners against LA and Phoenix.

Gagner won it against LA, no?

[WetCoast]

Nail wouldn't have been thrilled if Hall scored.

[trackercowe]

Hall with the perfect example of how the Flames do it. Shooting it right at him can lead to rebounds after all! Which is absolutely useless on shootout attempts.

[Wise Gamble]

Well watch Hall get redemption later

[wpgflamesfan]

I think I'd rather have a 4-on-3 in overtime than a PS.

You should be able to decline the penalty shot and take a power play.

[Yoho]

He reminds me of Iginla taking penalty shots. Same move

[Ashasx]

Well watch Hall get redemption later

Guaranteed Canucks win now after blown chance by the Oilers in OT. No fail.

[Enoch Root]

have the OIl had a PP or PS in every OT so far this year?

[trackercowe]

Guaranteed Canucks win now after blown chance by the Oilers in OT. No fail.
I dunno, Vancouver is awful in shootouts; not Flames bad of course, but probably the 2nd worst in the conference.

[GirlySports]

guaranteed canucks win now after blown chance by the oilers in ot. No fail.

yup

[3 Justin 3]

Tanev wins it.

Lolololololol

[Yoho]

Boom goes the dynamite!

[Wise Gamble]

What a play.....unreal.

[Brannigans Law]

Love it. Eberle was already in the nuetral zone for a breakaway, set that up nicely for the Canucks

[Sylvanfan]

Ha ha stupid Oilers.

[Ezio]

Heartbreaking loss.

Start off a 2-10 run. Book it.

[Dogbert]

I love that the first shot after the goal was of four Canucks fans, each with a beer in each hand, celebrating the win while holding onto each other so as not to fall down.

[JurassicTunga12]

LOL Oilers

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Thank you Chris Tanev for not acting like an idiot after scoring a huge goal.........his first, btw.

Just celebrated with his teammates. Well done.

[Canuck-Hater]

Hate to say it but that was a sick goal.

[WetCoast]

i love that the first shot after the goal was of four canucks fans, each with a beer in each hand, celebrating the win while holding onto each other so as not to fall down.

regional broadcast bias

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Thank you Chris Tanev for not acting like an idiot after scoring a huge goal.........his first, btw.

Just celebrated with his teammates. Well done.

Amen. One of the better guys on the Canucks roster and it's always cool to see a guy get his first goal and a OT winner to boot. Pretty special for him for sure.

But now that he's got the one, I'll be happy to see him go on another prolonged goalless drought.

[nik-]

wow, what a goal from Souray

[Dogbert]

regional broadcast bias

Doubt it. I was watching on Sportsnet Pacific.

[stignasty]

All I care about is that it was another 3 point game between teams in the Flames' conference. That makes the hill to climb just a little steeper.

[GirlySports]

All I care about is that it was another 3 point game between teams in the Flames' conference. That makes the hill to climb just a little steeper.

If that's the only 3 point game out of 4 western games tonight then it's not so bad, Oilers don't matter.

[d_phaneuf]

Thank you Chris Tanev for not acting like an idiot after scoring a huge goal.........his first, btw.

Just celebrated with his teammates. Well done.

Could tell he's a well liked guy with the way his teammates reacted to it

I can't remember the last time I saw the Canucks that excited for a regular season goal

[WetCoast]

That ##### didn't even Yakupov. What a #####. Non-emotional #####.

[Yoho]

Hayduke plays in his 1000th game for Avs. Great career!

[craig.caulks]

Amen. One of the better guys on the Canucks roster and it's always cool to see a guy get his first goal and a OT winner to boot. Pretty special for him for sure.

But now that he's got the one, I'll be happy to see him go on another prolonged goalless drought.

He's a pretty good story for a journey to the NHL.

At 16, he was 5'5ish, 120.

[puckluck2]

Smid a -3 lol. At least he's got heart though and sticks up for his teammates.

[nik-]

That ##### didn't even Yakupov. What a #####. Non-emotional #####.

too many trips to the well.

[Enoch Root]

talk of Smid and WHitney reminded me of the 5 Giordanos - then it hit me...

ever since he said that, Gio has been playing like an Oiler

basterd evil genius!

[MissTeeks]

@TSNRyanRishaug: Horcoff broken knuckle, long term.

[Ezio]

Belanger on IR, Horcoff out long term with broken knuckle and Fistric with sore back never returned.

Team will call up mediocre AHL players to fill the holes, Vande Velde, Plante and Green. Already salivating at the thought of Jones/MacKinnon on the team. :D:D

[OILFAN #81]

Belanger on IR, Horcoff out long term with broken knuckle and Fistric with sore back never returned.

Team will call up mediocre AHL players to fill the holes, Vande Velde, Plante and Green. Already salivating at the thought of Jones/MacKinnon on the team. :D:D

There's no way you are an Oiler fan.

[Ezio]

There's no way you are an Oiler fan.

Just telling it how it is. This team is 4-5 years away from making the playoffs unless they drastically change their bottom 6 and revamp their entire defense. Smid -3 and gave up pucks the whole night. Petry makes many blunders each game. Trading Gilbert for N.Schultz has been awful thus far. The only positive on this defense core is Justin Schultz, who is totally flawless out there and already the best defenseman by far on this team. Speaks volumes about the defense when a rookie overtakes the rest of the roster. Lowe said that we're on yr 3 of 5yr rebuild after the draft and this sets up perfectly for two building blocks in Jones and Ekblad. I'm not happy with it, but that's what I'm expecting.

[Enoch Root]

I have been saying it for years - Tambo will not bring in players to try to win.

His strategy is clear: keep losing with the kids and let the draft do his work for him

[craig.caulks]

I have been saying it for years - Tambo will not bring in players to try to win.

His strategy is clear: keep losing with the kids and let the draft do his work for him

I really don't think it's even his decision.

[MrMastodonFarm]

I have been saying it for years - Tambo will not bring in players to try to win.

His strategy is clear: keep losing with the kids and let the draft do his work for him

The funny thing is, they actually try.

[Ezio]

I have been saying it for years - Tambo will not bring in players to try to win.

His strategy is clear: keep losing with the kids and let the draft do his work for him

High draft picks don't correlate to success. Even having a nucleus of talented players together doesn't mean success. It's also about changing the culture of a franchise and that starts from the top end of management. Nothing has changed in over 13 years of mediocrity for the franchise in upper management. I wished the Oilers tore it down last year and started with John Davidson.

[Enoch Root]

I really don't think it's even his decision.
agreed - but the strategy applies

[Enoch Root]

High draft picks don't correlate to success. Even having a nucleus of talented players together doesn't mean success. It's also about changing the culture of a franchise and that starts from the top end of management. Nothing has changed in over 13 years of mediocrity for the franchise in upper management. I wished the Oilers tore it down last year and started with John Davidson.
I know

It's TambiLowe you need to explain this to

[craig.caulks]

agreed - but the strategy applies

I completely agree. When Eager and Hordichuk are your big moves...

[transplant99]

Just telling it how it is. This team is 4-5 years away from making the playoffs unless they drastically change their bottom 6 and revamp their entire defense. Smid -3 and gave up pucks the whole night. Petry makes many blunders each game. Trading Gilbert for N.Schultz has been awful thus far. The only positive on this defense core is Justin Schultz, who is totally flawless out there and already the best defenseman by far on this team. Speaks volumes about the defense when a rookie overtakes the rest of the roster. Lowe said that we're on yr 3 of 5yr rebuild after the draft and this sets up perfectly for two building blocks in Jones and Ekblad. I'm not happy with it, but that's what I'm expecting.


What??

Look, the kid has tremendous offensive instincts and is at a high level in that regard....but the play in his own zone is mediocre to horrendous depending on the night.

He has a LONG way to go before anything bordering on "flawless" can be attached to him.

[Roof-Daddy]

What??

Look, the kid has tremendous offensive instincts and is at a high level in that regard....but the play in his own zone is mediocre to horrendous depending on the night.

He has a LONG way to go before anything bordering on "flawless" can be attached to him.

Not to mention the offense has dried up as well.

5 games pointless now, after putting up a bunch in his first few games.

[Ezio]

What??

Look, the kid has tremendous offensive instincts and is at a high level in that regard....but the play in his own zone is mediocre to horrendous depending on the night.

He has a LONG way to go before anything bordering on "flawless" can be attached to him.

I don't see anything wrong with what I said. He's a rookie defenseman that already leads the team in ice time. He was the most dominant player on the farm team during the lockout. He has already surpassed Nugent-Hopkins, Eberle and Hall. I wish the coaching staff would play him more minutes, because he is just a workhorse and dominates puck possession when he's on the ice. This is evident by his advanced Corsi numbers this year. He has the lowest GA/60 amongst Oilers d-men 5on5 by far.

[Tsawwassen]

Well, at least Minny/PHX and Avs/Stars ended in regulation.

IMO those are four bubble playoff teams that the Flames will be battling with.....as long as they Flames start winning games, that is. True but, games ending in the SO don't help those teams in the tie breaker for wins. The Canucks-Oilers result was the worst possible outcome since it was in OT.

[Tsawwassen]

Well this became an unofficial Canucks-Oilers game thread. Have to say Dubnyk played well, 37 saves is good and Luongo did play well too. Talk about a dilemma for those who had the option of the 2 feeds, listen to Principe or Garret the clown. Battle of the backups in California, Greiss vs. Fasth. And he was fast in a 25 save win as the Ducks beat the Sharkies 2-1 in reg time. Clowe gets his 6th goal of the season for SJ. The Coyotes win another low scoring game over the Wild, 2-1 in reg time. Phoenix has only allowed more than 2 goals once in their past 5 games. The Stars pull out a road win against the Avs, 3-2 in reg time and it was a good game to watch. Kessel is still hasn't scored a goal in the Leafs 4-1 loss where Cam Ward was a stud in net for Carolina. The Leafs are just 1-4 at home.

[kenk-la]

Well this became an unofficial Canucks-Oilers game thread. Have to say Dubnyk played well, 37 saves is good and Luongo did play well too. Talk about a dilemma for those who had the option of the 2 feeds, listen to Principe or Garret the clown. Battle of the backups in California, Greiss vs. Fasth. And he was fast in a 25 save win as the Ducks beat the Sharkies 2-1 in reg time. Clowe gets his 6th goal of the season for SJ. The Coyotes win another low scoring game over the Wild, 2-1 in reg time. Phoenix has only allowed more than 2 goals once in their past 5 games. The Stars pull out a road win against the Avs, 3-2 in reg time and it was a good game to watch. Kessel is still hasn't scored a goal in the Leafs 4-1 loss where Cam Ward was a stud in net for Carolina. The Leafs are just 1-4 at home.

The Flames really are the Leafs of the west sometimes, ugh.

I respect and admire their team commitment to defense, but I wish the Coyotes would just go away. They'll probably make the playoffs again, unfortunately. Up until last year I was very 'meh' about the Coyotes, but last season I just began to dislike them for a variety of reasons: Raffi Torres, Shane Doan and his recent dirty hits, the forever 'pending' sale, the fact that almost nobody in Arizona cares about them, and I'll repeat it again, Raffi Torres.

[AR_Six]

So, would anybody rather have Garrison than Wideman now?
Uh FYI through 8 games he was 2nd on Van in minutes played, and had been on the ice for 2 goals against, total.

[MrMastodonFarm]

This is evident by his advanced Corsi numbers this year..

Yup, Oiler fan.

[AR_Six]

Yup, Oiler fan.
Damn right, Flames fans only use Fenwick.

[EddyBeers]

Damn right, Flames fans only use Fenwick.
Fenwick is way better, I would be worried about where the Flames are at but their Fenwick is pretty good.

[AR_Six]

^Flames also have the league's lowest PDO I believe. EDIT: Yup. Team SH% 6.5, SV%.875 for a less-than-good .940. So that's reason for optimism (the goaltending cannot possibly continue at .875).

[EddyBeers]

^Flames also have the league's lowest PDO I believe. EDIT: Yup. Team SH% 6.5, SV%.875 for a less-than-good .940. So that's reason for optimism (the goaltending cannot possibly continue at .


Another stat is that 16.41% of the games have had a loser point in the western conference, much above the 12.2% from last year. If that pace keeps up and the extra loser points are spread out amongst all teams a .604 winning percentage will be needed to make the playoffs, which is 58 points. That would mean that the Flames would have to go 12 games over on their last 42 to make the playoffs (27-15 or a .643 winning percentage).

But I would agree, the SV% probably goes up to about .910 and the SH% might go up a bit as well to maybe 8.5%. That should lead to some more wins, knowing the Flames luck enough to get them into 10th place.

[AR_Six]

Another stat is that 16.41% of the games have had a loser point in the western conference, much above the 12.2% from last year. If that pace keeps up and the extra loser points are spread out amongst all teams a .604 winning percentage will be needed to make the playoffs
Going to go ahead and guess that it settles down a bit and ends up around 13%.
But I would agree, the SV% probably goes up to about .910 and the SH% might go up a bit as well to maybe 8.5%. That should lead to some more wins, knowing the Flames luck enough to get them into 10th place.
Yup, sounds about right.

[d_phaneuf]

Uh FYI through 8 games he was 2nd on Van in minutes played, and had been on the ice for 2 goals against, total.

and one of them was the Edler set up to Pavelski in the slot

people will judge him unfairly on goals, but they got him for his defensive work, he was one of the best defensive d men in the league the last few years

very happy with him so far

[AR_Six]

^Even on that goal last night, it was really on Luongo. All Luo had to do was put his stick out 8 inches and Hemsky can't walk around him like that.

[Flash Walken]

So far this season I've seen Edler burned bad on numerous occasions.

So numerous, i can't remember them.

[Ezio]

Fenwick is way better, I would be worried about where the Flames are at but their Fenwick is pretty good.

Fenwick relies more on the team itself than individual Corsi numbers. The Flames obviously have one of the best since they've played a more puck possession system this year. They've just been really unlucky. I'd be shocked if they don't make the playoffs if they sustain this rate.

[AR_Six]

Fenwick relies more on the team itself than individual Corsi numbers.
How do you figure? You can have individual or team CORSI and individual or team Fenwick.

[expo2428]

3-1 for Ottawa already. Outside the top line Buffalo has been playing horrible.

[expo2428]

The Caps are down 3-1 to the leafs, JVR is off to a good start this season. I really like that deal for the Leafs.

[Machiavelli]

The Capitals are just awful.

[Miniac]

The Capitals are just awful.

Ovi who?

[expo2428]

Ovechkin with an assist to make it 3-2 haha.

The Pens made it 3-0 early in the 3rd but the Islanders got two quick to make it a game.

[expo2428]

Also the Blues have given up 4 goals half way through the game, 4-0 Nashville so far. The Blues have had a couple games like this so far.