Zack Stortini vs. Michael Blunden - November 16th, 2009 - Oilers vs. Blue Jackets

For many, the recent Oilers vs. Blue Jackets game was one of the best efforts that the Oilers have put together during this season in spite of the shoot-out loss.  To be certain, there were more than a few reasons for their great effort.  First, Ales Hemsky played what Pat Quinn referred to as his best game of the season.  Of note, Ales Hemsky does have an incredible record at point-production against the Columbus Blue Jackets and that streak continued.  Further, Sheldon Souray's finally back in the lineup and he was matched on the ice to contain Rick Nash-not to mention that Souray himself is one hell of a mean SOB.  You've got to appreciate seeing that if you're an Oilers fan.

Game 22 - Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche - November 18, 2009 - Rexall Place 7:00 pm - TSN

The Edmonton Oilers (8-10-3) will host the Colorado Avalanche (13-5-3) today at Rexall Place.  Surprisingly, this one's a freebie and you won't have to shell out for a pay-per-view.  What's interesting is that the last game the Oilers actually won was 5 games ago vs. the Avalanche.  The Oilers and Avalanche will be playing for the third time this season and up until this point, the two teams have each won a game.   For a recap of either of the two previous games, click:  Game 12, or Game 17. If you're trying to find something to like about the Avalanche, they beat the Calgary Flames last night for the second time this season by a score of 3-2.  On a positive note, the Avs were softened up by the Flames last night which include the Flames firing a lot of rubber (36 shots) at Craig Anderson.  David Jones himself got rocked by a hit from Bourque in the dying minutes of the game.

Much like the face of determination showed on a then healthy Mike Comrie, I'm eager to get things started here at Low On Oil. For many, an introduction might be warranted. For others, my work might be somewhat familiar.

Some of you may know me as the voice of the Oilers Insider website. Some of you may have seen my work over at the Bleacher Report or on Hendrick's Hockey. It's true, I have a few irons in the fire. I do so, simply because I love blogging.

Agent Smith, "As you can see, we've had our eyes on you for some time now Mr. Anderson."

Over the course of the summer, sports pundits nearly unanimously predicted the Colorado Avalanche to finish 14th in the Western Conference--just ahead of the Phoenix Coyotes for the 2009-10 NHL season.  At this point, it's safe to say that the Colorado Avalanche are defying the odds as they're currently ranked 2nd in the Western Conference with an enviable 12-5-3 record.   For a team that many observed to undergo a tear-down for a rebuild prior to the season start, the results so far have been pretty shocking.

Okay, so what's going on here?  What's more is that the Colorado Avalanche are doing this with nearly $6 million dollars in SALARY CAP space and two green 18-year-old centers in Duchene and O'Reilly!  The Edmonton Oilers (2-6-2) are absolutely struggling to a win a hockey game while they have no difficulties selling out Rexall Place.  Conversely, the situation for the Colorado Avalanche is the complete opposite.  To answer these nagging questions, I recently interviewed Sean Payton from the Colorado Avalanche blog on the Bloguin Network, Anyone But Detroit.

Taylor Hall - Keep Your Eye on the Ball Hall!

Currently playing for the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Taylor Hall's following in John Tavare's footsteps as this year's number one ranked prospect.  In terms of OHL stats, how has Taylor Hall tracked in comparison to Tavares?  Who will end up winning the Taylor Hall Sweepstakes?  Let's take a look at these two questions...