Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a huge goal last night in Montreal, No. 157 for his career. Per 82 games during his career, Nuge is averaging 22-36-58. That’s a productive player. RNH has played in the shadow of a great player, either Hall or McDavid or Draisaitl, for his entire NHL career. It’s easy to overlook his contributions with so much star power all around. Last night was another reminder about how important the quiet No. 1 overall pick is to the Edmonton Oilers. Photo by Rob Ferguson.
THE ATHLETIC!
The Athletic Edmonton features a fabulous cluster of stories (some linked below, some on the site). Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. Proud to be part of The Athletic, less than two coffees a month offer here.
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: 10 bold predictions for the Edmonton Oilers in 2020
- New Jonathan Willis: Mike Smith stars in Oilers victory, but others’ struggles could prompt changes
- New Jonathan Willis: Inside a coach’s impact: How Dave Tippett gets the most out of the Oilers’ players
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Deciding what to do with Darnell Nurse, Mike Smith, Tyler Benson and Evan Bouchard
- Lowetide: Ken Holland’s targets for his first trade deadline with the Oilers.
- Minnia Feng: Zamboni Ursula: What if Oilers fans could change something in the team’s past?
- Lowetide: Ken Holland’s trade deadline options for the Oilers
- Jonathan Willis: ‘That’s the nicest goal I’ve ever seen’: Connor McDavid’s teammates amazed by his latest effort
- Jonathan Willis: Oilers notebook: James Neal’s resurgence, Matt Benning’s injury and the Tyler Benson recall temptation
- Lowetide: Oilers farmhands are pushing hard for NHL jobs
- Jonathan Willis: Zack Kassian’s breakout performance presents Oilers GM Ken Holland with a familiar dilemma
- Lowetide: Ken Holland, the Oilers amateur procurement department and the 2020 draft
- Jonathan Willis: It would be a mistake to write off the Oilers after their December slump
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: From Leon Draisaitl to the penalty kill, the things the Oilers need to improve to get back to the playoffs
- Lowetide: A shift-by-shift analysis of Kailer Yamamoto’s 2019-20 debut in the Oilers’ New Year’s Eve game.
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: James Neal puts on New Year’s Eve show to remember in Oilers’ thriller
- Lowetide: Midseason review of ‘reasonable expectations’ shows Oilers are on track with preseason targets
- Jonathan Willis and Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How are our Oilers predictions holding up at the midseason mark? We decided to find out
- Jonathan Willis: Oilers midseason report card shows an unbalanced team with a lot of replaceable parts
- Lowetide: Complete Oilers top 20 prospects list, winter 2019
OILERS AFTER 46 GAMES
- Oilers in 2015-16: 18-23-5, 41 points; goal differential -24
- Oilers in 2016-17: 24-15-7, 55 points; goal differential +6
- Oilers in 2017-18: 19-23-3, 41 points; goal differential -26
- Oilers in 2018-19: 22-21-3, 47 points; goal differential -7
- Oilers in 2019-20: 24-17-5, 53 points; goal differential -2
Walking on sunshine this morning with that record, Oilers are once again pushing toward the upper echelon of the Pacific Division. January has been such a welcome fit for the team, with a more leisurely pace to the schedule and a fantastic road trip.
OILERS IN JANUARY
- Oilers in January 2016: 2-2-0, four points; goal differential -1
- Oilers in January 2017: 2-2-0, four points; goal differential -1
- Oilers in January 2018: 1-3-0, two points; goal differential -11
- Oilers in January 2019: 2-2-0, four points; goal differential -4
- Oilers in January 2020: 3-0-1, seven points; goal differential +4
I was impressed with Edmonton’s recovery in last night’s game. The first period was poor but they kept the game in reach. The second period saw improved play but both teams scored in the middle frame so the Oilers gained no ground. The third period saw a brilliant PP goal by Nuge, and then the club kept pushing. Chiasson scored the goal and full credit, but Archibald or Yamamoto or Kassian could have cashed as well. It looked like a team that was going to win, and we were just waiting for the script to be finalized. It’s been a long time, I think since MacT, since an Oilers team looked so much under control.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM JANUARY
- On the road to: BUF, BOS, TOR, MTL, CAL (Expected 2-2-1) (Actual 3-0-1)
- At home to: NAS, ARI, CAL, STL (Expected 1-2-1)
- Overall expected result: 3-4-2, eight points in nine games
- Current results: 3-0-1, seven points in four games
Last night’s win was a big one, especially if you’re watching the standings. Edmonton is one of five Pacific Division teams with a shot at three spots, maybe four, in the playoffs. So, one of those teams is going to be out of the postseason, maybe two. Teams that are going to make it in have to be consistent. Edmonton has one dominant 10-game segment and one poor one. The current set is shaping up as the second strong segment of the campaign. 10-game segments so far are: 7-2-1; 5-4-1; 5-4-1; 3-6-1 and now 4-1-1. Impressive.
OILERS 2019-20
Tippett shuffled lines later in the game, McDavid played two or more minutes with RW’s Kassian, Chiasson and Archibald, plus 58 seconds with Yamamoto. All numbers five on five and via NST.
LINE 1 James Neal-Connor McDavid-Zack Kassian played 8:13, going 4-11 Corsi, 2-7 shots and 0-1 goals, 2-1 HDSC. In 68 minutes together, the line is 3-3 goals and 41-37 shots.
James Neal had a couple of chances (97 is sending him sublime passes) but is still at goal No. 19 on the season. One shot, a bunch of hits and plenty of try. Connor McDavid had a terrific assist on the Nuge PP goal, drew a penalty, had a HDSC and won six of 10 in the dot. He was quality. Zack Kassian had one shot, was more effective once he moved to a line with Nygard and Sheehan. Not sure why he got shuffled out but he was strong strong strong with Nygard and Sheahan later on.
LINE 2 Ryan Nugent Hopkins-Leon Draisaitl-Kailer Yamamoto played 14:49, going 8-12 Corsi, 4-6 shots, 0-1 goals and 0-2 HDSC. In 52 minutes together, this line is 3-1 goals and 22-28 shots.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a huge goal to tie the game on the PP, and had two HDSC. Strong game. Leon Draisaitl had a PP assist, two HDSC, drew a penalty and won eight of 17 faceoffs. I counted seven dangerous passes, he is a supreme set-up man. Kailer Yamamoto had a shot on goal and skated miles to turn over pucks and make life miserable. A major addition.
LINE 3 Joakim Nygard-Riley Sheahan-Josh Archibald played 6:13, going 8-6 Corsi, 4-4 shots, 1-0 goals and 2-1 HDSC. This line has played 55 minutes together this year, going 2-2 goals and 23-22 shots.
Joakim Nygard is around the puck more in the last few weeks. Sweet pass to Sheahan for the goal, three shots, four HDSC and a takeaway. He’s a good player. Riley Sheahan scored a goal, three shots, HDSC and won nine of 14 in the circle. Josh Archibald scored an EN goal, and was dogged on the forecheck several shifts. I’m loving the Tippett forechecking and Archibald can do it well.
LINE 4 Jujhar Khaira-Gaetan Haas-Alex Chiasson played 6:24, going 6-12 Corsi, 2-8 shots, 1-0 goals and 1-1 HDSC. Line has played 13 minutes together, 1-0 goals and 6-8 shots.
Jujhar Khaira had one decent look and a giveaway. He turned the puck over in the neutral zone and only a quality play by Ethan Bear saved a great chance. I believe in him but I don’t know how much longer he’s going to be in the lineup. PK 1:25 ranked No. 3 among forwards. Gaetan Haas won five of 10 and was relatively quiet offensively. Alex Chiasson scored the winning goal, a fabulous tip of a Klefbom pass. Two shots and a takeaway. He is 2-1-3 in his last two games.
PAIRING ONE Darnell Nurse and Ethan Bear played 20:51, going 20-24 Corsi, 13-12 shots, no goals and 6-5 HDSC. Played 10 minutes against the Danault line (no goals, 6-8 shots, 7-14 Corsi.
Darnell Nurse defended very well, making some outstanding plays in his own zone. Three shots, four blocked shots, solid at five on five and PK. Ethan Bear made a couple of fine defensive plays but also had four giveaways. He played huge minutes, defending most of the time (including a snow angel!) but he needs to be the outlet passer more on the pairing. It’s what makes it go.
PAIRING TWO Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larson played 17:10, going 10-18 Corsi, 6-11 shots, 1-0 goals and 0-1 HDSC.
Oscar Klefbom’s assist on the game-winning goal was a wonderful play, delivered by a quality player. Had one shot, one giveaway, but spent most of the evening battling Montreal’s fast forwards to a draw on the defensive side. Adam Larsson was effective physically, had an assist, a shot, a giveaway. Pairing is 6-12 goals this season but 126-127 shots and 49.2 expected goals. Regression should be a reward for them in the second half.
PAIRING THREE Kris Russell and Caleb Jones played 7:16, going 3-7 Corsi, 2-6 shots, 0-2 goals and 0-1 HDSC. It was not a good night.
Kris Russell was on the ice for both goals, the first one he was part of the crime, second one he was in the photo but that was a big damned jailbreak. Russell did get some playing time in the third period with other partners, but coach Tippett shut down the third pair with 3:34 left in the second period. Jones was also on the ice for both goals against, I think he played the first GA properly and would suggest, on the second goal, he made a decision, committed to it and paid the price because of it. It happens. If you’re mad at Jones for that GA, be prepared to get angry at dozens of rookie blue over the next few years. It’s all quick decisions in rapid time. He sat for the entire third period.
First goal against: Russell sends a pass behind the net where it is secured by Caleb Jones. Jones takes the puck and sends a clean outlet pass to Jujhar Khaira, who can’t find Zack Kassian’s stick from 10 feet away. Jeff Petry gobbles up the puck finds a safe place and sends a lovely pass to Tomas Tatar and the puck is quickly heading to Edmonton’s end with the forwards changing. Jones and Russell, who are on the ice for 40 seconds as the puck enters the zone, back in too far. Danault takes his first shot from the high slot, Smith handles but leaves a big rebound. Russell turns outside while Danault hunts for the rebound with Russell having his back to the puck. Jones covers his man enough to get Tatar to overskate the puck, Russell can’t recover and Danault cashes.
Second goal against: Play begins with Yamamoto and Draisaitl on the forecheck, Nuge high man in the neutral zone. This is not in any way dangerous unless a rookie defenseman pinches on the outlet pass, which is what Jones did on the play. Edmonton didn’t have possession, it was a high risk decision and it worked out badly. Jones made a mistake. He is a rookie. The key is that he learns from it. Defense in the NHL is damned tough. If Jones is doing that two years from now, it’s a problem. I think he’ll be a quick study.
GOALIE Mike Smith had a strong night, stopping 35 of 37, .946. His SP moved from .897 to .900, tough to move the needle that much this far into the year.
Edmonton’s January winning run has allowed the team to keep pace with the leaders, plus stay ahead of Calgary via regulation wins. The real bonus is that the Oilers didn’t sink at all while other teams were playing more games and catching up in that department. The game on Saturday is going to be massive. One thing I believe Oilers fan count on: Edmonton will be determined to show that the December 27 loss (5-1) to the Flames is not representative of this hockey club. Do you remember talking about ‘Tabernac Saturday’ games that mattered against Calgary? It’s been a long, long time.
I just want people to know that you can believe the climate is changing without believing in catastrophic climate change. You can also believe weather conditions this year have made Australia vulnerable to forest fires, that the arson thing is silly, while also maintaining that catastrophic scenarios are driven by the climate change industrial complex.
We can all agree that govt policy in Australia has made the situation much worse. They have clearly prevented people and municipalities from implementing forest mngt practises to reduce the fuel loads.
New for The Athletic: Projecting William Lagesson’s future with the Edmonton Oilers
https://theathletic.com/1523468/2020/01/11/lowetide-projecting-william-lagessons-future-with-the-edmonton-oilers/
I’m no fan of long deals straight off an ELC. This is why.
A bridge first and then control to early thirties. The team gets the heart of the players career and can still be dealt to reset or if retained a shorter less expensive deal could be made.
28-29 is about the worst age to resign a good player.
meanashell11,
Nice to see you being introspective … self assessment is always a healthy thing.
Repartee not your strong suite I see. I know you are old. Probably up taking a pee in the middle of the night when you responded. I’ll give you a pass.
Everyone of course is entitled to their opinion and there are a lot of opinions on here. And as much as I have some very strong opinions when it comes to politics, climate change, religion, etc. I won’t share my views of such things here, because:
1. This is an Oilers blog
2. I won’t convince anyone that I am right and they are wrong
3. There is ugliness everywhere, I come here to escape that
Please fellow Lowetidians, let’s be better, there are so many amazing folks here who have much to contribute, but can we rein in some of the stuff being expressed here?
I beg you all, as someone who served in multiple war zones, can we please keep the contentious non-Oiler talk to a minimum.
FWIW, I have a very low tolerance for the things that cause war, even at a basic level. This includes disrespect, including intolerance of others’ POV and personal attacks.
At minimum, please respect our fine host, he has essentially built this amazing place out of love for all of you. Please.
You’re right we should and I’m as guilty as anyone.
Decidedly Skeptical Fan,
What Australia needs is a good douche…. oh here it is.
GODOT is factually correct on his first three assertions … so give it a fucking rest.
Perhaps but it doesn’t change the fact that we continue to put more carbon into the atmosphere each year.
The real problem is there are simply too many people on the planet.
No wants to talk about population control.
I find it funny how climate change deniers who say it’s a hoax despite overwhelming evidence stating otherwise, are incredibly gullible when it comes to believing obviously fake news.
Poor godot.
https://www.npr.org/2020/01/10/795218092/australias-wildfires-spark-disinformation-battle-as-they-take-a-tragic-toll
“Australia is struggling to cope with deadly infernos and faces losing nearly a billion animals in the terrible bushfires — but in the midst of those tragedies, authorities are also battling hoaxes and misinformation, including false reports of widespread arson. Many of the claims seek to suggest that arson, not climate change, was a key driver of the historic fires.
***
“We found many accounts using #ArsonEmergency were behaving ‘suspiciously,’ compared to those using #AustraliaFire and #BushfireAustralia,” they said. “Accounts peddling #ArsonEmergency carried out activity similar to what we’ve witnessed in past disinformation campaigns, such as the coordinated behavior of Russian trolls during the 2016 US presidential election.”
Around the same time the bot campaign hit its crescendo, news stories about the wildfires also touted a police report in hard-hit New South Wales, where authorities recently announced that they have taken legal action against more than 180 people for fire-related offenses. But only a small fraction of those people face charges that might be construed as arson, and the figure also spans a period that began in late 2019.
The NSW police said that while 24 people were charged with deliberately lighting bushfires, 53 faced legal actions — which include a warning — for not complying with a statewide ban on fires. And the overall number also includes 47 people who were accused of not properly disposing of lit cigarettes or matches.
Documenting a further convolution in the narrative, Australia’s ABC reports, “Some of the misinformation includes the idea left-wing ‘ecoterrorists’ are behind some fires.”
On Friday, an employee of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp in Australia raised concerns about the company’s coverage of the wildfires, accusing the publisher of newspapers such as The Australian and the Herald Sun of carrying out an irresponsible “misinformation campaign.”
“I find it unconscionable to continue working for this company, knowing I am contributing to the spread of climate change denial and lies,” Emily Townsend, a commercial finance manager at News Corp, wrote in an all-staff email. She added that the newspapers’ angles of coverage were “not only irresponsible, but dangerous and damaging to our communities and beautiful planet.”“
Bouch and Benson work the PP to get a plus shot on net, Petersson can’t control the rebound, Currie puts the second rebound on net and the PP is now 3 for 3 and the two goal lead restored.
I’m gonna go ahead and say we’re not all agreed.
I second that Geo
I can’t say it explains Marino but its not all that uncommon for non CHL d-men that don’t have a great pedigree of production in other leagues (NCAA, AHL, SHL) to “pop” offensively in the NHL where they play with more talented players who play according to the coach’s systems, etc. – Oscar Klefbom for example has produced more in the NHL than he did in the AHL or SHL.
Ontario scores halfway thru the third. They have dominated the period so far. 3-2 Condors. Skinner looks solid.
He was definitely elite that one year. Of course, Jordan Cheechoo was elite one year as well
He has had more than 65 points twice in his NHL career.
Victoria Oil,
Marino’s IPP is 21 st in the NHL. He’s scoring almost 8 p/60 in his limited PP time.
Most of the other defencemen with that kind of IPP have a much more dynamic skill set.
I think his points this year are a combo of being a smart player, getting a lot of icetime, and some luck as well.
They have the Goaltending to win a series or two but not the 16 games it takes to win something the Canuck fans can only dream about.
Mark Letestu……
maudite,
Like when coming off shortened season and Larson was being bench I was screaming yak for Larson
Or when philly was floundering screaming trade abs and Shultz for courtierier and plus.
We never seem to trade into those scenarios anymore for so long its sick.
Position of strength trading…biggest reason we’ve been in desert this long. Knee jerk sell low
Skinner has been very good – so has Cal Petterson – lots of good chances both ways.
Hopefully the dispose of massive future assets – I’m sure Byram won’t be traded but dispose of that first rounder, Timmins, Newhook, Kaut, etc.
Its not ideal by any stretch but we have LHD that need at bats between jones and leg.
We have gags off books biggest deficiency 3rd line RH C next year. The plus would have to be a plus but if its workable I see some imperfect merit to it all. You want to seize opportunities to oiler other teams loud speaker shopping player X. This is one of those moments maybe especially so if pit might like some added D depth
His NCAA team couldn’t afford Malkin?
I’m thinking he’s more of a late bloomer who’s been developing and evolving his game each year. Too bad he chose, correctly given a look at the depth charts, Pittsburg over Edmonton.
It sure would be nice to have him at 3RD with Benning out.
I expected something like this, I followed him very closely, I considered him, like Willis did in an article about 1.5 – 2 years ago to be similar to Petry. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed that we couldn’t sign him. I have lower expectations for Kemp, but he will be an NHL dman, possibly even a 4-5 guy in 2 years. Kesselring is a player who really excites me, he could be a 2-4 guy in 4 years (these are of course not guaranteed, just what I see if thing break right). I also see Berglund as being a 4-6 Dman, I think all these guys (due to size, skating, age and skill) all have higher ceilings than Persson.
Back to Marino, he came out of the USHL with a very good reputation as a very good skating, very good passing Dman with solid positioning and a high offensive upside. When he got to Harvard, from the get-go he was given the toughest assignments. By his third year, his deployment approached 70% dzone starts, the highest on-ice minutes and lots of PK time. At Harvard he had virtually no PP time.
In his 1st year all the PP time went to Fox and a Sr who is out of hockey now. The next year PP time was given to Fox and freshman Rielly Walsh, who will be in NJ in about 3 yrs. And in his 3rd year, freshman Jack Rathbone was added to the group, was added to the PP group and Marino was given even more Defensive responsibilities. You will notice his stats seemed to have cratered in his 3rd year, but context is important (see Aapeli Rasanen).
So basically Marino was strong in all the fundamentals when he got to Harvard and became a much better defensive player, while also improving on his passing skills. But in Pittsburgh, unlike Harvard, he is given the green light when it comes to joining the rush and exploiting offensive opportunities. I don’t think he is a better skater than Petry, but he is probably a better Dman than him, given his defensive prowess….
Or once again
He is playing with at best mediocre talent
As much as people thought that Arizona is going to win the division
But that collection of forwards is not competitive
Team is 23 in GF/game despite having a mid ranked pp
Their only chance was god like goalering which is on IR
John Marino with another point tonight. He now has 0.5 points/game in the NHL. Last year, he had 0.33 P/G in the NCAA with Harvard. He is producing 5X his expected point total based upon his NHLE last year. I know the Penguins are a good team, but wtf?
Could someone please explain this?
Bad goalering sinks the Av’s in OT. There is no god in Colorado tonight. lol. Ffancouz shit the bed. oops.
I may have to watch the Condors OP. Or add more to my glass and go for a walk along the lake. Cheers-ish
Reign get it right back – they win an offensive zone draw, player comes across the top of the circles and rips a plus shot past Skinner – it was a legit rocket snap shot.
Skinner not only stopped 25 of 26.
Persson keeps the puck in, Joe G. battles behind the net, Miles Kouelis with a solid subsequent battle and pass back to the point to Persson walking in to the top of the circles and he buries it.
13 points in 18 games for Persson.
3-0 Condors.
Currie stopped on a breakaway after a great stretch pass from Bouchard up the gut.
Bouch is really playing strong hockey over the last 3 plus weeks – finding his all-around game and playing big minutes.
Cal Petterson is keeping the Reign in the game similar to Skinner in the first.
Hall won the Hart. If that’s not an elite player, I don’t know what is.
Condors get in to penalty trouble in the 2nd – take a couple offensive zone penalties but the PK comes up strong and Stuart Skinner haven’t another fantastic game – stopped all 22 he’s faced.
Neal truly does look like a placeholder on that line. It almost seems like Lucic getting top 6 and PP mins last year. Except Neal is actually putting the puck in the net on the PP… so there’s that.
Can a player play on PP1 and sit on the 4th line?
OriginalPouzar,
The shot chart has the Reign putting all sorts of shots on Skinner. Is he playing that well or are they cheating for corsi?
A second beautiful PP goal. This one on a 5 on 4.
Granlund to Maksi, touch pass back to Day, over to Persson, cross-ice to Granlund at the right dot and he sets up Colby Cave for the one touch goal in front.
Shots were 14-3 Reign until the PPs and now its 2-0 Condors.
The PP hasn’t been dynamic for the year but looks wonderful so far tonight.
OriginalPouzar,
Your perseverence is admirable OP. Glad to see you survived the HH wars..
Was just going to ask him why he never mentions that the Condors are one of the worst teams in the AHL.
There are 15 teams with a lower win % than Bakersfield. There are 31 teams in the AHL.
Low level bait. Usually your better than that.
Granlund, Malone, Currie, Benson, Bouchard on the 5 on 3.
Benson to Currie to Bouchard and a one-time bomb from the top of the circles and the Condors, who have been dominated for the first (generally) take a one nothing lead.
Malone wins the draw, Bouch and Granlund play give and go across the blue, down to Benson down low, switches with Currie, passes to Currie at the bottom of the circles from behind the net and up to Bouch for the one-timer from the tip of the circles.
Watching a bit of AV’s and Pengwengs. Damn those Av’s look like a Joe Sakic team. If they don’t win it this year then next will be their time. After a few minutes of watching Sens and Wings it is like watching real hockey. Great game. Fast transistions, Skill all over the ice.
Worth noting…the Avs will have $32 million in cap space at the deadline.
All the rentals are theirs.
ArmchairGM,
For same per annum lfewer than 7 is better in all cases no case for 8.
Hall now has 8 points in 12 (maybe 13) games as a Yote and is -4 – Yotes have been shutout twice in a row.
Are we all agreed that he simply isn’t an elite offensive producer?
I’m sure he’d produce with McDavid or Drai but he wasn’t worth the acquisition cost as a rental and won’t be worth his next contract, unless under $8M for a max term of 4 years.
In my opinion.
Line mates are a factor as well as sample size makes drawing too many conclusions dubious but yeah I’m concerned that he’s not the player he used to be.
His reckless abandon style was a concern on draft day about his longevity and injuries have no doubt taken their toll.
Isn’t Gally considered one of the worst defensive players in the NHL? I think he was when he played for the Habs. With that said, I consider that deal to dispose of the last year of Russell’s contract.
Russell would waive his NMC for the expansion draft – his contract is up that off-season – even if chosen (which he wouldn’t be as he’s a pending UFA) he would have zero obligation to Seattle – he’s going to be a UFA, free to sign with whomever he wants.
The only reason he wouldn’t waive would be to be a dick to the organization – don’t think he’s that type of guy and I’m quite confident he thanks the organization for their 5 years of commitment to him (and $19M).
A second straight offensive possession shift by the Esposito/Cave/Maksimov line.
Granlund centering Benson and Currie – McLeod had that spot last game – damn.
Great first shift for Maksi – battles hard, makes a strong drive to the net off a cycle and stopped on a HD scoring chance – more please.
With the Yotes getting shutout for a second straight game, the Oilers can take sole possession of 1st place in the Pacific tomorrow night with even games played.
Lets do this!
Zing!
Same lineup for the Condors – Marody remains out sick and Sammy still with face issues from the puck in the face.
Skinner starts (7 straight) – he’s been on fire.
Here is hoping that McLeod get get some production between Benson and Currie.
Go Kril – I want to see some PP time in the near future.
What about a trade like RNH for Max Domi?
Why Montreal does it? They might not want to extend Domi at what he will want (rumors of this) and he’s an RFA.
Gives them a really good center back that they can work to extend under slightly less pressure.
Why the Oilers do it? Saves almost $3m cap at the deadline. Domi’s’ an RFA, younger than Nuge and fits McDavid cluster better. Domi also has a better track record at 5v5.
It’s hard to believe that Pittsburgh who are actively trying to move Galchenyuk got the much better end of the Kessel Galchenyuk deal
Chayka just does not do forward well
I would be over the moon if AZ failed to make the playoffs. It would set their organization back in a big big way.
With LA, San Jose, and Anaheim already on the front end of lengthy re-builds, the Pacific would be a cake-walk for the Canadian clubs including Vegreville for years.
Chayka has got to realize Hall is seeing that he had better linemates in Jersey and I’m guessing his odds of re-signing are about 5%
Keller is a rookie again
Kessel may not score 6 EV goals this year and bleeds on EV
Schmaltz is good second liner
Dvorak is more 3rd line than 1st line
In an hour Edmonton will be #1 in the division by points percentage… in an hour AZ will be clinging to the last wild card spot with Vancouver looming large in the rear view. Hall at the deadline indeed.
The Oilers were not outmuscled or intimidated in that series like they were previously. Looch, Kass and Maroon definitely made a difference. I can remember Looch taking Getzlaf hard into the boards and G turning around ready to fight, but when he saw it was Looch he skated away. And the Oilers were doing a lot of great chirping at the Ducks from the bench.