A NEW WRITER
Jason Gregor
November 07 2011 01:05PM
After a brisk practice in Phoenix yesterday, the Oilers flew to Montreal for their third stop on this six-game road trip. Even though the Habs are currently in 12th spot, tomorrow night's tilt will be tough according to the Nation's newest contributor.
That's right, the Nation has added a new writer. Wanye spent so much time negotiating with him that he was too tired to write an introduction piece so I have to do it.
According to Sir Wanye our readership continues to grow at a very solid rate. He never shows us the data, and I'm too lazy to look it up, but would a guy who openly admits he loves Justin Bieber and Jordan Eberle have the potential to lie?
I don't think so.
THE TEAM
Our readers seem to like the Nation's mix of writers.
Brownlee, who wore skinny jeans the first time they were in fashion has been on the beat for over 25 years so he knows what is happening with the Oilers; sometimes even before they do. Lowetide, the Godfather of bloggers with a calm demeanor, soothing words and an appreciation for beautiful women.
Willis, a human calculator of statistics with a strange ability to require only two hours of sleep which allows him to continually pump out copy. Wanye, an emotionally-charged fan who cries after a loss and celebrates every win like it's a playoff game, and he's an aspiring artist with incredible wit. And yours truly.
Our writers combined with our readers makes the nation a great place. We all have on thing in common; a passion for hockey. We like to write and appreciate all of you who read the site and those who take the time to contribute here. It makes for a great time waster.
A NEW ADDITION
We've decided to add another writer to our stable, and it is fitting that he's our 6th regular writer. Realistically if he was our 6th and 1/2 writer it would be have been perfect. This year he will pop by with his views on life, hockey, the best pressbox food and other interesting angles.
We were going to have a sit down interview with him this week, but he didn't want to trump Sportsnet's return of Hazel Mae. We are certain our Q and A will be much more entertaining and insightful, so look for that in the coming weeks.
Our new writer is someone all of you are familiar with. For the past few years you've cheered him, yelled at him, respected him, cursed his name, and if you've played hockey you all wished for a moment that you could be in his skates.
He was the 63rd pick in the 1994 draft. Three and a half years later, after only five days of his 4th training camp his GM, Mike Milbury, told him he would never be good enough to play and sent him to the minors. Four months later he was traded to Vancouver, and then he spent the next 13 years lighting up the NHL with excellent off-the-boards-and-out passes, perfectly placed dumpins, scored on every shootout attempt he tried and won over many fans with his rapid-fire punches.
He will slowly pop by the Nation at first, but once he gets comfortable you can expect to read him more frequently.
But first let's introduce our newest Voice of the Nation in the most fitting tribute we could find. He appears at 5:58 and for an extra treat listen to John Davidson's account of the play. Then he gets right into his take on the game tonight without a moment to spare.
Welcome to the Nation, Jason Strudwick.
HABS AND HOTDOGS
Every veteran player who played at the old Montreal forum knew how good the Chiens Chauds, (hot dogs) were. If you, the visiting team, won the game, the healthy scratches were expected to buy enough for everyone including players, coaches, management and training staff to enjoy on the happy bus ride to the airport.
Although that tradition has fallen off somewhat since the Canadiens moved into the Bell centre; one thing that hasn't is the tough environment for a road team to get a win.
The Canadiens haven't gotten off to a great start, especially at home where they are 2-3-2. Don't let those numbers fool you, winning a game at the Bell centre is tough to do. For a team trying to re-establish itself as the Oilers are this season, this game tomorrow is a good test.
Teams that win on a consistent basis show poise whether playing at home or on the road. But playing in some buildings is harder than others. Of the 29 away buildings Montreal ranks near the top for helping the home team win. It seems like with something as simple as a good hit, penalty kill or even a blocked shot the momentum of a game can change in a heartbeat, and a game that looked like a lock to win easily gets away from you.
The fans are loud and can play a big role in the outcome of a game. At times it seems like they are right on top of you. Tomorrow night the Oilers need to play a smart road game. To do this they must continue to limit their chances against. I have never played for a coach who didn't watch this stat as closely as an old man waiting for the last number to complete his Bingo.
Coaches feel if the chances-against are low his team has stuck to the game plan he created, and likely they have made good decisions with the puck. This is very important for winning a road game.
THIS MEANS 2 THINGS
1. They must continue to stay out of the penalty box. The Oilers PK has been very solid, but the when you’re down a man those chances against can increase quickly. Although the Habs PP is only running at 14% this year, they are almost 17% at home and they have the personnel to change that quickly.
2. The Canadiens are very good at exploiting neutral and high offensive zone turnovers. Often these types of turnovers resulted in odd man rushes against. Players like Plekanec, Gionta and Pacioretty are dangerous when attacking with an odd man rush. Smyth and Horcoff must remind the team that although chipping the puck in at the blueline isn't always the most exciting play, it does contribute to big road wins.
Les Chiens Chauds are still good at the Bell Centre, and to be honest I can't even tell you what separates them from your normal run of the mill tube steak you can get anywhere, but if the Oilers win tomorrow the team can answer that question on the bus ride to the airport.
A FINAL NOTE FROM JASON G
Strudwick will share his views on the game and some behind the scenes stories that he encountered over the years. Go easy on him Nation although maybe you should go all Mike Milbury on him and tell him he'll never be a good writer and then he'll spend 13 years in the Nation proving us wrong.
You choose. I can actually hear Wanye squeeing all the way across town.
Let me be the FIST to wish dear Strudwick all the success in the world here at OILERSNATION.
Superb addition. This is very exciting!
I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR MUSCULAR OVERLORD WHO HAS PROBABLY MET JORDAN EBERLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I AM AT YOUR COMMAND AND YES I'M YELLING
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.... and even a Gregor compliant FIST!
Double SQUEEEEE
This is great news.
Does he know the rule about adding skin pics?
Welcome Struddles.
"Sometimes you get the unexpected....this is unexpected."
Welcome to the Nation Strudwick from a fellow Mac Alumnus.
Awesome news. During the NHL lockout Strudsy helped assistant Coach our Junior C club. Very likable guy with an awesome personality. Great free agent signing for the nation.
Great addition. Great article.
Welcome Strudwick!
Welcome Mr. Strudwick. You're first-hand accounts of recent stories about the Oil drop will be appreciated.
Also, thanks a lot for the piece that Gregor wrote on you a couple months back, about the difficulty of conceiving a child.
I think I can speak for most when I say you are very very welcome here.
So does this gig with the Nations prevent him from signing on with an NHL team? You didn't give him an out-clause did you Wanye?
Nice addition! I am looking forward to getting a look at things from a players point of view.
(double post edit)
WELCOME JASON SQUEEDWICK!
Always enjoy Jason Strudwick's articulate interviews on the radio, and expect his writing to be equally enjoyable. Quite the coup for the Nation. It's storytime; everyone gather round Uncle Jason and hear the tales of yore...
@Jonathan Willis
Oh? this is superb? Not just good... not even great... superb. I have nothing against Strudwick, from hearing him on the radio occaionally he comes across as humourous and well meaning, but does he have any experience in writing or media? Wanye gets a free pass on all that because, well, its his damn site,thats why, but considering who the other writeres here are, experienced analysts and reporters, I find it curious that an explayer who just happens to be a buddy is a SUPERB addition. I cant wait to read his stuff.
Welcome! great addition to ON!
Took 16 comments, not bad.
Firstly, you should keep this smack talk to the new guy at a minimum or he will probably hunt you down and sort you out.
Secondly, there are plenty of NHL players that could have been chosen here my man. We will all see why this is superb over the coming months. Jason Strudwick is top of the pops.
Thirdly, I lost this site in a crooked game of three card monte years ago.
I had the over under at 20.
"Ex-Player" says it all. Therefore he's arguably more qualified to comment on hockey than anyone else on the ON site!
Finally, someone who wears pants.
Nice! Welcome, Jason!
This is beyond superb, it's squeeeperb. Struds has a way of telling a story and engaging the listener. Quick witted, extremely funny, and disses Gregor like no ones business.
What's not to like?
Well done ON!
Great signing Wayne!
Love listening to Struddy on the Gregor show Friday afternoons so I know he'll be a welcome and insightful addition to the Nation.
Hopefully this will be a bit of a springboard for Jason's media career, 'cause he'd be fantasic pannelist or colour man (in addition to his role as a Nation writer of course) in the near future.
Watch your back Louie Debrusk!
Dear Mr. Strudwick,
I hope this gig pays you enough to help T. Nash shave a layer or two off of his nose.
43 on his jersey but #1 in Oilersnation's hearts! Welcome.
Love, Your 79th biggest fan
Let me be the first OilersNation Ambassador to welcome Strudwick to the fold. As an Ambassador, my couch is your couch should you ever visit Sweden.
First Strudwick... next Eberle.
It is like watching a real life game of Risk. Wanye is taking over the world and we all sit back and applaud.
*clap*
Man, I wish Milbury would have told me I would never play in the NHL. Milbury saying he doesnt like you is the kiss of life. If he likes you, you're going nowhere.
Great stuff. Struddles have been great on 1260, looking forward to read his stuff!
1) Excited on The Strudwick being the newest contributor. It'll be refreshing to have a real inside view and opinion on, not only the Oilers, but the NHL in general. Welcome!!
2) That shootout video is bananas!!!!! and it just goes to show that no matter what your role is in the NHL, you still have to be a damn good hockey player with skill to make it. That's why I love the shootout.
3) SQUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Thank god it's not that holier then thou blow hard Goerges. I mean hi Jason welcome, I'm looking forward to reading your stuff.
This kicks A$$
Are you suggesting that some ex pro can offer insights into this game that a guy who quit hockey at the age of 10 because his knees were too sweaty cant?
You guys will just let anybody write here, wont you?
Gawd. Try to get you sh*t together Wanye.*
*Sarcasm**
**Obviously***
***I Hope
Sweet, I still hope that one day Struds is a coach with the oil. All the best and look forward to the articles.
Welcome Jason!
I'm looking forward to your hockey insight.
Gregor missed one thing that the Oilers Nation crew has that keeps me coming back: their own personalities. Unlike MSM you get a real feel for the writer, their biases, their passions, their history, etc etc. Writers should never become the story (unless your name is Hunter S.) but I don't want articles written by robots.
Congrats to Strudwick getting the hardest job of all . Can hardly wait till we disagree on somethings , to see how he handles it . Resugeance of defence and goaltending - Struds analysis. Offense from last years rookies down , despite Hopkins . Bouquets to Smid and Gilbert this season on defence . Gagner and O'Mark not impressing , nor is Paajavi as yet . Jones still making a positive case .
Welcome! looking forward to reading your views and opinions on matters.
Hot Property!
Great addition Wayne. He is always entertaining on insightful on the Team, which I am sure will translate nicely onto ON. I look forward to hearing his war stories, past locker room hi-jinx and backhanded comments at Gregor.
I have to say that I make a point of trying to catch Strudwick's segments every Friday on Gregor's show. If his written work is half as articulate and insightful as his guest appearances, then we have a winner on our hands.
Thanks alot to Gregor and Wanye for making this happen. Well done boys!
Excellent off-the-boards-and-out passes FTW!
*** marks down on calendar to buy struddles the madjampostcodecracker2000 for christmas ***
Jason Strudwick huh?
He's a handsome devil... I've always said that.
My favourite member of the Bubblegum Boys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlfFXDs9wZY
"There is a fire at the insurance agency" "The chair is against the wall" "John has a long mustache" "The Dice are on the Carpet" "It is hot in Suez" "Wounds my heart with a monotonous lanqour"
Awesome, long live Struds!
dropping old WW2 codes on us on the 'nation?
mind = blown
Negative props button Wanye. Move it up your to-do list. Please.
Oh, Hello Mr. Strudwick. Welcome to the Nation, have a seat, can I get you something? I just wanted to tell you how much I respect you as a person, player and writer.
WANYE - for God's sake please quickly go back and remove all questionable references to Strudwick in recent years. Some people have no respect and may have said unkind things about him and/or coined disrespectful phrases like 'Strudwicking'. I don't think that it is important to identify exactly who did such things as I am sure that they feel great shame for their behaviour. Its probably best just to erase them forever very quickly.
This should be fun. Nobody seemed to be thrown under the bus the last two seasons on this site more than Jason Strudwick. Welcome to camp Run-a-mock Jason.
Mr. Strudwick should have a knickname here on ON. Thinking that everyone knows Alan Mitchell as LT..... will anyone second OTW, as in overtime winner for the new writer formerly known as Jason Strudwick?
I'll second OTW. It sounds better than J-Strud or Strudsie.
So who will be the first to tell him that's not how something is done in the NHL?
Thank you Souby. Your cheque is in the mail sir.