The World's Most Expensive 1st Line vs the Pre-Nucks

As one might expect, the tOilers put the best line on the ice to face the AHL+ Canucks. Why? Because after years of disappointment, they had to give their home fans a win early before the eventual heartbreak.

Do the Nucks get McDry'd in the 1st? Yes. Trailing by only a couple goals after getting outshot 12-6.

In the 2nd, our farm boys are pushing back and get back into the game giving up only a PP goal. 3-0 after 2.

Eesh... canucks don't look great. 3-0 for the most entitled team in sports
- Twitchy

In the 3rd, the young Nucks keep on pushing. R2 scores early on an Oilie giveaway. 30 seconds later, Cootes puts a pass on net to O'Connor, but deflects off Ekholm's skate past Skinny.

The comeback was almost complete when the young Nuckers let McD and Dry break in on Demmers with a 2-on-1 that Ronnie couldn't handle.

However, in the last 4 minutes of the game, Footy pulls Demmers and the Nucks attack - all 6 of them - at once. Nucks apply pressure - a smart pass from Chytil, and Lekky lets a laser loose past Skinny.

Nucks win (almost) with a 4-3 final for the tOil.

Game/Player Highlights

Once again, Cootes was a force on the ice. Played great as did O'Connor, who already has a slot on the roster, so doesn't count.

Lekky is looking to be a regular Nucks top 6. And hope we see him get a shot.

Think Cootes has earned himself another game.

Okay, what I _do_ like about him is that I think he can start on a fourth line and work his way up. Lekkermaki - hell of a shot, that - needs to be in the top two lines.

-Thursday

What other keen takes can we take away from this game played in the ice hell of hell?

Don’t care about the loss. They showed some hustle. I sure hope Chytil can stay healthy because he was a standout to me. Same with O’Connor

- Zan

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Shortie and Dave make the grueling trip up north.

GAME STATS

PLAYERS, COACH COMMENTING OUT LOUD

Cootes in silver chain - soon to be gold. Lekky liking the zap-shot. Footy happy with the comeback kids.

Again we probably we can't read anything into it, so no worries, we'll get them when it counts!

For those not watching at home, the pre-season drags on and on. Next game is next month, on a Wednesday, in CowTown. Enjoy the extended exhibition games!