Pre-game: Flames- Oct 3rd

                                   VS:              

                                      Lines and Injuries:

Since it is the preseason, we will post the lines instead of scratches:

       LW                                      C                                   RW
 Dustin Penner                   Andrew Cogliano                  Jordan Eberle


  Alex Giroux                         Sam Gagner                      Gilbert Brule


 Linus O'Mark                        Colin Fraser                       Ryan Jones


Steve MacIntyre                   Ryan O'Marra                     Ben Ondrus



                            D                                           D
                     Ladislav Smid                          Theo Peckham
    

                  Jason Strudwick                          Tom Gilbert
      

                    Richard Petiot                           Shawn Belle
              


                                                   G
                                          Jeff Deslauriers
                                          Devan Dubnyk



Matchup(s) of the Night:1.) Belle VS Iginla
        
    Flames will want to match their top scoring line against our inexperienced 3rd pairing defensive line. This is Belle's last chance to show management why they should choose him. With Belle's tremendous speed and physical play the Flames top line might be in for a surprise.

2.) Omark VS Kiprusoff

    Omark has exceptional offensive talent and skill. If Omark can get by any of the Flames defenders, he'll bury a lot of pucks in the back of the net. It's going to be a great test for Omark as he's playing against a world class tender.

3). MacIntyre VS Ivanans

    It will be a physical game again, we wouldn't be surprised if the two heavies went again. Ivanans might be a little ticked off that near the end of  last game Big Mac took a spearing major on Ian White. It's nice to see that MacIntyre is playing a more aggressive game.




Keys to the Game: 

   Its probably going to be the same result for the Oilers because they are dressing a more inexperienced defence, while the Flames will be dressing a veteran lineup. The Oilers back end is going to have to force the Flames skilled forwards to play on the outside. It would be ideal if our defence could force the Flames to dump it in, we are a more physical team and we would be able to win the puck battles in the corner. 


    The Oil are going to have to play physical but a more discipline game then the previous game. Jokinen and Bourque will be returning to the Flames lineup, which is a even more of an offensive threat. We want the Flames to get minimal PP time.  
 
       Last game we had many early scoring opportunities (Hemsky's), but they couldn't capitalize on those chances. The Oil have to come out hard on the fore check and get a couple of early goals to quiet the crowd. Last time, if they would have capitalized on some of their missed opportunities the outcome of the game could have been very different. Its most important for the Oilers to strike early and gain the lead first.

Player Analysis:    Tonight's game is going to be do or die for many players, there are going to have one last chance to crack the 23 man roster.

    Omark: everyone knows what Omark can do with the puck, but Oilers management want to know what he can do with out the puck. He needs to show that he can back check and create turnovers, not just score.

    Ondrus: Ben has worked himself into the picture as a fourth liner. He's going to have to keep his game simple by utilizing the dump and chase. It won't hurt if he plays well defensively (block shots, create turnovers, and back check). Ondrus will have to show he can drop the gloves and stand up for his teammates. He could be a great asset to have on the fourth line.

    Jones: Similar position as Ondrus. He's developing into a 4th line agitator role with some more offensive up side. Since he will have to go through waivers, we see him making the roster.

    Giroux: He has displayed huge offensive upside in the AHL scoring 110 goals in 2 seasons. Alex is going to show that he can put the puck in the net at the NHL level. If he has a successful game today he might have a shot at making the line up, or at least be first to be called up. He will have to score some points today and play well defensively to impress management.

    O'Marra: Even though he had an outstanding game we're not sure where he fits in the 23 man roster. Ryan is going to have to play the way he did last game, physical and playing in a defensive minded role making the simple play. In a year or two we see him making the big club.

    Belle: He has only played in one pre season game so it's going to be hard for him to crack the line up. He is going to have to show the management how good of a skater and passer he is. He has stated that he wants to go back to his game back when is was playing juniors; a more offensive and puck rushing style. Belle will also have to be a physical presence on the ice with his 240lbs frame.

    Petiot: He has impressed the Oilers staff. Petiot has the best chance of making the team as the extra d-man. Hes got to continue to pinch and take chances to keep the puck in the offensive end. He plays solid in his own end and makes a great first pass. The only thing he should do is shoot the puck more often. Petiot has a hard shot and it won't hurt him if he develops a shoot first mentality, look for him to get some PP time tonight. He should also step up his physical game as if he makes this roster he will be on a shut down role.

    Peckham: Theo will have to minimize the turnovers in his own end, and become a consistent physical presence on the ice. He's going to have to be hard to play against and get under the skin of the Flames top liners. Every game Peckham plays he is improving in both ends of the rink.  Since he is 22 and will have to clear waivers if he gets sent down, we wouldn't be surprised if he's given the benefit of the doubt and makes the roster.

    Deslauriers: JDD can't let any early or soft goals in. He is going to have to play his game, cutting the angle down and using his flexibility. His glove hand is his weakness as well as his puck handling abilities. He should keep his glove out in his peripheral vision and square to the puck at all times and not panic when he goes to play the puck.

    Dubnyk: The backup job is his to lose. Dubs is going to come in relief half way through the game, its going to be a test to see how he can come into a game cold. Dubs will have to use his strengths, his positioning and his rebound control. If he can stay square to the shooter and keep his rebounds to a minimum he will be fine.

Puck drops at 6:00 pm/mt Pengrowth Saddledome