671 DUCKS 2 OILERS 3
The Oilers needed to enter the holiday break on a high note following an embarassing defeat at the hands of the Jets on Day 75, and they managed to do so by just barely scraping by the Anaheim Ducks.
On an early penalty to the Ducks, the Oilers capitalised on a Vincent Lecavalier powerplay goal which featured an unusual man advantage unit unforseen by GM icarus. Nevertheless it worked, and after some sloppy play the Oilers would add another several minutes later when Roman Hamrlik scored his second goal in as many nights, giving Edmonton a 2-0 advantage.
Oilers goaltender Martin Brodeur would get the hook and leave the game early in the second period. Unfortunately it was not a coaching decision, but rather what has been described as a "massive hook" to Brodeur's midsection by no-talent ass clown Jeff Guiliano. After the game it was thankfully determined that Brodeur's injury was mild. Backup Patrick Lalime entered the game to play his third game in as many nights. He held the Ducks scoreless in the 2nd, but unfortunately the Oilers could not add to their lead.
The Ducks would draw to within one in the 3rd period when Marc Chouinard sprung Travis Moen on a breakaway shortly after Moen was released from the penalty box. Soon thereafter the Oilers would find themselves on the powerplay again and this time Ales Kotalik would score a simple tap in after a nice tic-tac-toe play set up by Henrik Zetterberg and Daniel Alfredsson, who recorded this third assist of the game. The Ducks would again draw to within one minutes later on a goal from former Oiler Nikolai Zherdev. The Oilers largely carried the play for the rest of the period but would not score, and in fact would have to survive a late shorthanded situation after Bryan Berard made an obscene gesture at the referree. They would hold on to win however, sending Edmonton into the break on a high note. Daniel Alfredsson was named first star for the Oilers.
The Oilers will now try to heal up minor injuries to Brodeur and Berard over the break so that they can be prepared for a strong second half playoff push.
GM icarus wishes everyone in the CPHL a happy and safe holiday season!
Day 76 Results
