"In Vegas with the kid. Just heading to the hotel to tuck him in." - Jordan Eberle on his (taller) teammate, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. (photo: Jordan Eberle/twitter)

Lady Byng runner-up Jordan Eberle and Calder runner-up Ryan Nugent-Hopkins came away from the NHL awards just that – runner-ups. The voters, the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, gave their majority vote to Brian Campbell over Eberle – 582 to 512. The Nuge received 1,001 votes while winner Gabriel Landeskog got 1,383. Both boys made sure to express how honoured they were just to be nominated for each awards; being so young and being recognized so highly isn’t something you just brush off, you know.

» Continue reading “No Dice, Just Shenanigans”

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog and Jonathan Huberdeau, the top three picks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. (photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

So, the Edmonton Oilers have officially finished 29th overall, now that the 2011-2012 NHL regular season is actually over. With the Columbus Blue Jackets finishing nine points below the Oilers, their Draft Lottery Chances are 25%, higher than those of the Oilers, who are at 18.8%.

First, I’ll explain what the Draft Lottery actually is. It’s this cute little system that is designed to present teams from tanking (once they figure out they won’t make the playoffs) to acquire the first overall Draft pick.

» Continue reading “Oilers: Looking at the Lottery”

Head-banger/left-winger Taylor Hall is looking to return to the Oilers lineup A.S.A.P. (photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Rollin’ on the Road

Sunday marks the end of a six-day, four game road trip for the Edmonton Oilers when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets for an early-afternoon game. Before facing the Jackets, though, they had to take on three other Southeast/Central teams, two of whom are currently in that final push for a spot in the playoffs. After their first three games, the Oilers have collected five of a possible six points and are aiming to pick up the last two in a win over Columbus before heading home to take on the Dallas Stars.

» Continue reading “Roadtrips, Shootouts, and Playoffs, Oh My!”