AHL- Apolyton Hockey League 07/08: V Blades of Glory

[Asher]

Maybe he through a tantrum and he's getting a time out.

[Asher]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2007/11/15/gaborik_apology/print/

Gaborik issues public apology
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Marian Gaborik's production is often hampered by his team's defensive priorities. (Getty)

In an unprecedented move, Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has apologized to fantasy hockey owners for playing in a defensive system. Sportsnet.ca -- In an unprecedented move, Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has apologized to fantasy hockey owners for playing in a defensive system.

"When developing this team it is obvious that management paid no attention to fantasy owners, but instead selfishly decided that winning games was more important," Gaborik said in a prepared statement.

The Czech-born scorer has 13 points in 12 games this season, including a game-winning goal against the Calgary Flames. For his efforts the Wild are off to a 9-6-2 start, but fantasy owners are frustrated that Gaborik is not a Top 5 in every offensive category.

"I will continue to help you out when I can," Gaborik explained. "But I am afraid management is obsessed with giving Minnesota fans a Stanley Cup."

Gaborik will continue to do his best in Edmonton on Thursday night as the Wild visit the Oilers.

Watch the full Gaborik apology in the Sportsnet.ca A/V Room.

[b etor]

was that a mildly sarcastic apology?

[Flubber]

That gaborik thing -- are you sure its not from some satrical joke site or something??

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Minor injury perhaps? The dude is ancient...

Maybe they are doing a Hasek type thing where if he doesn't start , he doesn't dress ?

[Flubber]

Also, how do they not start Garon again now? Even the most optimistic Oiler fan should know that they need every available point to have a chance at the playoffs . .. I wouldn't care how many games in a row it was . .. If Garon is healthy, start him again even if you think in the long run that Rollie is your number one guy--

With a hot goalie I would ride him for every win possible-- Its not as if Rollie were super-hot lately ( some good and some awful performances) so use Gaon for as long as possible is my view

[Asher]

I agree, but:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/11/15/oilers-wild.html?ref=rss

Oilers turn to Roloson to tame Wild

The Edmonton Oilers will have little time to rest on their laurels.

Fresh off a hard-fought win over the Vancouver Canucks, the Oilers will try to make it three wins in a row when they host the Minnesota Wild Thursday night.

Galtender Dwayne Roloson will start for Edmonton Thursday against Minnesota.Galtender Dwayne Roloson will start for Edmonton Thursday against Minnesota.
(Jason Scott/Canadian Press()

It took 65 minutes and three shooters on each side, but Ales Hemsky finally scored the only goal of the shootout, lifting Edmonton to a 1-0 victory over the Canucks Wednesday night in Vancouver.

With five previous shooters denied, Hemsky skated in on Roberto Luongo and roofed a gorgeous backhand over the Canucks netminder.

It was the first time Edmonton earned consecutive victories since the first two games of the season. The victory for Edmonton, who sports a 7-10-1 record, also ended a seven-game losing streak to the Canucks.

Oilers goaltender Mathieu Garon, who's been in net for Edmonton's last three wins, was spectacular between the pipes, making 29 saves.

"When you play against a good goalie like Roberto Luongo, you don't want to fall behind early and give up a goal," Garon said. "I felt good in the shootout. I knew it [the game] could have went long with Roberto in net."

Garon's performance only enhances his push for more playing time from coach Craig MacTavish. That's because veteran Dwayne Roloson, the team's starting netminder, has gone 3-8-1 with a 3.14 goals-against average so far this season.

But Roloson is expected to start for Edmonton on Thursday against Minnesota in the opening contest of a six-game homestand for the Oilers.

Roloson returned to Edmonton Wednesday morning to start preparing for Thursday's matchup against the Wild. Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers handled the backup duties against the Canucks.

Roloson, who played for Minnesota from 2001to 2004, last faced his old team on Nov. 5 when he allowed three goals on eight shots before being pulled after one period.

Minnesota comes into Thursday's contest mired in a five-game losing skid but a confrontation against the Oilers could prove to be tonic for the Wild's losing woes. Minnesota is 7-0-1 in its last eight meetings with the Oilers, including 2-0-1 this season.

The Wild have also earned at least one point in 11 of their last 12 visits to Edmonton, going 8-1-1 with two ties.

Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom, who has allowed three goals or fewer in 10 of 11 starts this season, has owned the Oilers. Backstrom sports a 6-0-0 record with three shutouts and a 0.67 goal-against average against Edmonton.

Edmonton hosts the Calgary Flames on Saturday (CBC, 10 p.m. ET).

[Flubber]

WEll Asher you claim that Edmonton does everything backwards so why should this be different?

Although in a sense its ok for them either way. If Rollie shines or if he sucks, they can still go back to Garon next time.

In the "sucks" scenario, maybe Garon gets a string of games. In the "shines" scenario, maybe you alternate them a bit

[Asher]

Also, the Oilers have called up a child to the team:
Liam Reddox

This is his real picture. Honest.

[Asher]

Ninot, I love you!

You benched Jussi Jokinen tonight. The game's half over and he's already got 4 goals.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Asher
Ninot, I love you!

You benched Jussi Jokinen tonight. The game's half over and he's already got 4 goals.

Considering that stat-trackers still shows you trailing by SIX goals, maybe he was cutting you some slack

Seriously though, he played Ovechkin and nash-- each of whom have two points so its kind of an embarrasment of riches situatrion

[Asher]

According to mine, Ovechkin had 1G 0A and Nash has 0G 0A...

[b etor]

Originally posted by Asher
This is his real picture. Honest.

aww what a cutie.

[Tingkai]

Continuing on a Canadian hockey tour, I took in the Canucks-Wild game.

Harding was in started in goal for the Wild. This is the kid that Asher raved on about. Harding catches with his right hand, and as Asher says, that gives Harding the edge cause it throws off the shooters. Harding certainly had the Canucks perplexed. They only scored three goals on 11 shots and chased Harding after 12 minutes. Second game in a row that he's been chased.

GM place was an interesting contrast to Air Canada Center. GM Place seemed like a big community arena, while ACC was more big-time hockey event. Each has its benefits and I wouldn't say one is better than the other, just different.

Next up, Canucks vs the Flames.

[Kontiki]

Man, I might just suffer my first defeat this season since my players are sucking it up big time. Hey Heatley, remember when you used to score goals?