The Edmonton Oilers organization had been hoping the season would start soon and it has finally. New General Manager Shane Warde was busy in the off-season picking up a few players and it looks as though this team might be successful this year. The Oilers organization has been quiet with the media as they concentrate on building a successful franchise for seasons to come. Even though the team has started 2-0-0, there is plenty of work to be done to make this team the best it can be. The fans in Edmonton have been patient with this organization and they will continue to support them.
Richard Zednik (1) led the Oilers with a goal and three assists while teammate Brian Gionta (1, 2) scored twice and added a helper as the Oilers beat the Wild. Robert Lang (1) scored the winner in the second period and Danius Zubrus (1) scored the other goal for Edmonton while goaltender Martin Biron (W 1-0-0) turned aside 43 shots. Mike Ribeiro (1) and Wojtek Wolski (1) scored for the Wild. Nikolai Khabibulin (L 0-2-0) turned aside 43 out of the 48 shots he faced in the Minnesota net but it wasnt enough on this night. Both teams managed to score on the power play as Minnesota went 2 for 9 while Edmonton was 1 for 11. Minnesotas Pavel Kubina was suspended for one game for trying to continue a fight with Edmontons Jamie Langenbrunner after the officials broke it up.
Stephen Weiss (1) led the Flames with a goal and an assist but it wasnt enough as their provincial rivals in Edmonton got the win. Radim Vrbata (1) scored the other goal for Calgary as their starting goaltender Mikael Tellqvist (ND) turned aside 8 of the 9 shots he faced before leaving the game with an upper body injury. Backup goaltender Andrew Raycroft (L 0-1-0) turned aside 7 of his 9 shots he faced in the loss. Ales Kotalik (1), Martin Havlat (1) and Ruslan Salei (1), who scored the winner early in the third period, got the goals for the Oilers while Martin Biron (W 2-0-0) stood tall in goal stopping 28 shots for the win.
Up-Coming Games
(Days 8-14)
Day 09
vs San Jose Sharks
Day 10
at Vancouver Canucks
Day 12
vs Vancouver Canucks
On The Farm
The Springfield Falcons used overtime in both of the games they played this week. The first game they lost 6-5 to the Houston Aeros (Minnesota Wild farm) then beating the Quad City Flames (Calgary Flames farm) 3-2. Tyler Arnason picked up 4 goals in the two games, including all three against the Flames as he tries to gain the attention of the Oilers management. The Falcons continue their season with a trio of games this week. First is a home date against the Worchester Sharks (San Jose Sharks farm) followed by a home-and-home series with the Manitoba Moose (Vancouver Canucks farm) starting in Manitoba.
Edmonton Oilers Player of the Week
(Days 1-7)
Martin Biron is the first ever Edmonton Oilers player of the week. Biron won both games he started for the Oilers, only giving up 4 goals on the 75 shots. Honorable mention goes to Richard Zednik (1G 3A 4Pts 4PIM +3) and Brian Gionta (2G 1A 3Pts 0PIM +3) as both players had great starts to the season.
Martin Biron2-0-0 2.00 GAA .949% 4 GA 75 SA
Previous Winners:
NONE
Player Interview
With GM Shane Warde
Q:How do you feel about the team as the season gets underway?
A:I am very optimistic with my team this season. I think that we can be successful if we all stay on the same page and stay away from the injury bug.
Q:Do you believe that the Oilers will be a contender this season?
A:Honestly, Im not sure. I do feel that there are areas that we do need to address and I will address those issues fairly soon. This team knows that I trust them and believe in them and I do think they can succeed. How far they go is purely up to the players.
Q:What expectations do you have for the team?
A:I expect the Oilers to bring a entertaining brand of hockey. I also expect them to make the play-offs this season and I strongly feel that the team will turn some heads this season. Like I said earlier, its up to the players to determine how far they go.
Q:Are you looking to make any trades already this season?
A:I will only make a deal if it fits in my plans. Im more of a patient GM that doesnt push the panic button too quickly. I want to see how this team produces through the first month or so this season.