GDB 39: Canucks have Sundin, we have Brule
Jason Gregor
January 07 2009 12:20PM
While everyone is focusing on the debut of Mats Sundin tonight, Oilers fans will see Gilbert Brule on the first line for the first time. Brule and Reddox took turns on the RW at the morning skate today, but Brule tipped me off that he will be on the wing tonight.
For Brule this is the first opportunity to play in a true offensive role in the NHL and he is excited.
“It’s a great chance to think offence. I know that I just have to play a simple game and focus more on getting into spaces where I can score,” said Brule.
The other aspect about Brule’s game that should come in handy tonight against the pesky Canucks is his willingness to play gritty. With disturbers and pests like Kesler and Burrows, if Brule can bring that element tonight that could go a long way for him staying in the line-up, at least until Hemsky returns.
Jacques skates
JF Jacques skated with his teammates for the first time this season, but he is still a long ways away from playing. Jacques’ back is still sore from the surgery and he is looking at getting in a game sometime in February. But that will be in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and it is very doubtful that he will play with the Oilers this season.
Steve MacIntyre saw the doctor yesterday and it looks like he will be cleared to play in ten days, but the way the fourth line is playing right now it will be hard for him to get in the line-up. Expect him to get a two-week conditioning stint in Springfield to try and get in game shape.
Dwayne Roloson will start in goal tonight for the Oilers. Shawn Horcoff said his back is feeling much better today, and it shouldn’t give him any trouble tonight.
Mats Sundin will skate with Kyle Wellwood and former Camrose Kodiak Mason Raymond tonight, while Pavol Demitra will skate with the Sedin sisters.
The Canucks long term plan is to use Demitra and Sundin as a pair, with the Sisters on the other line, and the other winger will be on a rotation basis, based on who is playing well and which guy has chemistry with the specific pair.
Uhhh the ice is horrible EVERY night.
Boys are tryin' but man do we miss Hemsky.
David S wrote:
I know but usually not this noticeable
Hahaha
Little late for this one, but sometimes my funny comments are late for the date.
Souray turned Ohlunds face into a Swedish meatball... Haha...anyone? Ha?
Daniel physically dominated by... Visnovsky.
I just think that's funny.
@ Hockey Gods:
Not bad.
Did anyone notice the Metallica helmet that LaBarbera is wearing? Or did someone say that already?
Jonathan Willis wrote:
How do you notice these things willis, are you a detective. I am with Wanye right now and he still is hooting from Souray in an owly mood comment.
@ Smokin' Ray:
Yeah he's gone through a few different versions in L.A.
I think Principe should interview Ohlund after the 2nd..."So where did it hurt??"
@jeanshorts:
it's cool and gay at the same time.
GOD I HATE ALEX BURROWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ OilersNinja:
Nah, I got focused on matchups awhile back now, and I just try to watch for them. I miss some, and see others.
DANM!
Great shift after the goal by Edmonton.
Oh, right - stupid Burrows.
Sumumma bitdge
Yeah. Sometimes it looks like they're playing with a black tennis ball out there.
An usher I know says that most nights lately it's almost as cold in the arena as it is outside the building. Apparently the ice is being used far more than it was designed for.
...Burrows. Phuuuuk! Penner dropped his man.
Once again the failure to recognize what's at stake in the game, Oilers playing extremely lackluster hockey aside from a few individuals, no team effort whatsoever and it's 1-0 for Vancouver.
This team simply can never initiate and only reacts. It's sickening. Also: Horcoff is awful.
PPS- The sound and picture quality on SportsNet West for the hockey game is absolutely brutal right now, making this game harder than ever to watch.
David S wrote:
Usually only on one end though
YEAH!
YESSSSSS!!! It's your boy Willis! You must be some kind of good luck charm.
@ Sing A Song For SingSing:
Are you watching the same game I am? Not only has it been a close, physical affair (with a slight Oilers edge, IMO) but the quality on my internet stream has been great.
Nilsson! I called it!
Nilsson! Redemption.
Going upstairs???
@ R-DAWG: Nope!! WOOOOOOOOOO!
"Man do I love that Bobby Nilsson"
- Every Oilers fan alive right now
Jonathan Willis wrote:
You Sir are a font of knowledge that seriously amazes me
Sedins out against the 4th line again. I sense a pattern.
@ Wanye Gretz:
Nah, I just get lucky sometimes.
GOD I HATE STEVE BERNIER!!!!!!!!!
Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot
“Man do I hate that Dwayne Roloson”
- Every Oilers fan alive right now
Jonathan Willis wrote:
Sorry I'm not up on my internet jargan, what is IMO
Damn it.
Long shift for the 4th line there.
TIMES 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ R-DAWG:
in my opinion
"Man I'm glad I have cynide pills in my cupboard"
- Wanye Gretz right now
Time out, please.
So I just went pee and it was tied. What the fark?
LoL.
Horrible lateral movement by ol' man Roli on that one.
This game is over.
Might be a good time for Penner and Horcoff to punch in for work.
"Man they just need to get MacT better players. Poor guy. He's doing another amazing job this year."
-Every sports writer in Edmonton, other than Brownlee and Gregor.
Staios vs Sundin
The two old boxers one punch away from a career ender. It's like Rocky 8
Lots of time left. If they kill this penalty.
Travis Dakin wrote:
I suggest if you got any "paper work" to do, you better hold it!
@ jeanshorts:
The net would have come off of it's moorings before that puck crossed the line, if only MacTavish hadn't lost the room.
3 goals score the exact same way but the exact same line....
Sedin-Sundin-Sedin. It finally happened.......
That's ugly. It shouldn't be a 3-1 game at this point.
Still, it doesn't matter what the score should be, if they can't tie it up.
@ Jonathan Willis: If only MacTavish hadn't lost the room, Steve Bernier probably wouldn't have scored 2 goals in 12 seconds.
JW I admire your optimism but I truly don't see what you do in this game from the Oilers.
They just don't play a good team game, it's so sloppy.