November 16, 2009 - Game 21 - Oilers lose in shoot-out to Columbus Blue Jackets

Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers managed to get a Bettman point with their shoot-out loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Overall, it was an exciting hockey game. The Oilers played one of their best games since the hot start to the season, but were unable to hold onto a one-goal lead with just over 8 minutes left in the third period. Liam Reddox went to the box with a hooking penalty that he drew around the Oilers blueline. Antoine Vermette scored the tying goal in regulation with a nice redirect in front of Khabibulin.

Nationwide wasn't on our side?

As previously mentioned, the Oilers did manage to play a very good hockey game. If nothing else, keeping Rick Nash off the scoreboard was an accomplishment. Damn, that Rick Nash is one hell of a hockey player. Nash was dangerous all night, but was unable to beat Khabibulin. Thought Rick Nash played similar minutes to Dustin Penner, Nash was far more noticeable when he stepped on the ice.

During the first period, the lack of scoring was made up for with 34 minutes in combined penalty time. Zack Storini created some energy by giving Michael Blunden a pretty clear beat-down. Right after that fight, Jason Strudwick and Tom Sestito squared off with Strudwick winning the fight by a close margin. The first period ended scoreless.

For the second period, the Oilers were killing a penalty that Staios drew on a hooking call. Ethan Moreau provided an aggressive forecheck and ended up pulling an Iginla while giving the business end of his stick to a Blue Jacket's skate blade (?Vermette). Even for Ethan Moreau, this was a brutal penalty--not only was it in the offensive zone boards behind the net, but short-handed as well. Columbus managed to score with a slapshot from Anton Stralman with the 5v3 advantage. Hemsky apparently trying to prove to Pat Quinn that you can actually pass the puck into the net--did just that on an Oilers' powerplay. With Penner providing the screen, Hemsky made what looked like a saucer of a pass towards Penner. The puck just missed Penner's stick and found the back of the net.

Visnovsky managed to put the Oilers ahead with a rebound from a Souray missle from the point--again on the powerplay. During the third period, the Oilers clung to a lead by a single-goal margin into the final ten minutes of play. Reddox got his stick blade wrapped around a Blue Jacket around the Oiler blue line. The ensuing powerplay lead to a goal from Antoine Vermette off a redirected point shot. Both Ethan Moreau who hit the post and Patrick O'Sullivan who missed the net were unable to put the Jackets down.

The OT period was fast and furious, but neither team managed to score despite numerous chances. By the end of OT, the final shot totals were 32-25 in favor of the Blue Jackets. Dustin Penner drove to the net for a 'big man' goal but was denied by Garon. The Blue Jackets managed a few stretch passes from Rick Nash, but were also unable to beat Khabibulin.

During the shoot-out, only Hemsky managed to score for the Oilers. Tyutin scored first and Voracek put the game away. Dustin Penner lost the handle on the puck during his shoot-out attempt and did not manage to get a shot off.

Here's a look at Oiler career shoot-out statistics:

[Prior to the start of game 21]

Oiler	Shots	Goals	SO %
Horcoff	9	5	55.60%
O'Sullivan	22	11	50%
Nilsson	14	7	50%
Hemsky	45	15	33.30%
Comrie	18	6	33.30%
Gagner	28	8	28.60%
Penner	2	0	0%

Oddly enough, Pat Quinn's never used Robert Nilsson even when he's been available. Additionally, he's never opted to use Shawn Horcoff who actually has a respectable shoot-out record. Where's Ales Kotalik when you need him? Oh well, it was a good effort from the Oilers, but they once again fell short of getting a win.