Oilers succumb to Islanders in pre-season

New York Islanders Edmonton Oilers 4-3 (0-0, 3-3, 1-0)

The Oilers iced an inexperienced lineup with a number of rookies and trial players. The Islanders did not. Recently signed defensemen Jon Merrill and Cam Fowler made out the top pairing, while other notables such as Pääjärvi, Lander and 2011 first rounder Victor Rask featured in the top 6.

The first period was touch-and-feel, both teams getting their legs going and trying to find some early rythm - not in a Marvin Gaye "Let's get it on" fashion, but rather something like Pink's "Let get the party started". Neither team could 'score' either, though Sean Bergenheim was rewarded with a 10 minute misconduct for elbowing Merrill early on. Merrill, on the other hand, exerted his revenge upon Daniel Briere and served a 10 minute misconduct as well.

Eric Tangradi opened the pre-season scoring by finishing an Eberle-pass quickly past Munroe's short side. The Islanders had, at that point, twice the amount of shots as the Oilers. It finally paid off for the visitors as a familiar face, namely that of Georges Laraque, netted the equaliser from close range. The only Oilers line with considerable NHL experience (Moore-Laich-Hall) found their mojo and scored a nice goal with help from Plante's excellent break out pass. Suddenly, the game spiralled out of defensive control and Rask, Tambellini and Okposo scored in quick succession, setting their teams up at a deadlock before the third.

Vaclav Prospal potted home a power play goal of the game early in the third, putting Edmonton behind for the first time in the game. The adversity seemed to spur the youngsters of Edmonton on as they ate up the NY shot advantage during the final frame. Still, they were unable to capitalize and the Islanders took home a win.

Post game: "I must admit I was a bit disappointed to read the Islanders lineup before the game, them having all their regulars in, but I think it proved a brilliant challenge for us. If our young players are ever to truly prove themselves, they have to face proper opposition. They got that today and did quite well. I was impressed with Plante, Fowler and Pääjärvi especially" noted GM Kowalski on the game.


Scoreboard
1st Period:
-

2nd Period:
EDM - Tangradi (Eberle, Pääjärvi)
NYI - Laraque (Bailey, Bieksa)
EDM - Laich (Moore, Plante)
EDM - Rask (Plante, Chorney)
NYI - Tambellini (Hannan)
NYI - Okposo (-)

3rd Period:
NYI - Prospal (Okposo, Briere) PP

Lines:
Pääjärvi-Svensson - Rask - Hemsky
Tangradi - Lander - Eberle
Moore - Laich - Hall
Watson - Falardeau - Vande Velde

Merrill - Fowler
Smid - Petry
Chorney - Plante

Hiller
(Roy)