That was a big win against a tough opponent by the Edmonton Oilers last night. The Wild play the game like their GM Bill Guerin: Hard, skilled, physical and filthy. It’s a damned mountain every game. I expect we’ll hear about some walking wounded in the next 36 hours, but the home team engaged in every battle and won more than they lost. One of the truly encouraging games this season.
Jesse Puljujarvi's five-on-five goal share (26.9 percent) for the season lags behind expected goals (50.8 percent) and a lot of that is luck. Will he regress in time? Will it be enough? This feels like the last chance Texaco. https://t.co/WUBKnyDIHs
On the road to: MIN (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
At home to: MTL, WAS, ARI, MIN (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 3-1-0)
On the road to: MIN, NAS (Expected (1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
At home to: STL, ANA (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
On the road to: NAS, DAL (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
At home to: VAN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
On the road to: CAL, SEA (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
At home to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
December expected result: 9-5-1, 19 points in 15 games
December actual result: 3-2-0, six points in five games
November results: 7-7-0, 14 points in 14 games
October results: 6-3-0, 12 points in 9 games
Oilers in 2022-23: 16-12-0, 32 points in 28 games
The team is on a nice run now (6-2-0 in the last eight) and are on track to finish with around 94 points. That’s probably enough to make the postseason. Getting three of four at home sets up the rest of the month, as the team merely needs to repeat the first five games (3-2-0) in order to come out of December as one of the prominent teams in the division.
SUMMARY
Leon Draisaitl headed for the bench about eight minutes into the first period and hearts stopped. A collision on the ice appeared to bring back old war wounds and a hush fell over the crowd. He returned to the ice quickly for a power play, crisis averted. He went 1-1-2 with three shots and three HDSC, took a penalty, played a rugged game and threw in some gamesmanship in a fun game of keepaway with goalien Marc-Andre Fleury. Playful Draisaitl is a danger to opponents, as is angry Draisaitl, calm Draisaitl, and several other versions of Draisaitl. He and Joel Eriksson-Ek spent some quality time irritating each other early in the second period.
Connor McDavid scored in his seventh straight game, going 1-1-2 with four shots and a HDSC. His speed and hand-eye crushes 100 years of established defensive tactics. He won 12 of 23 in the dot and looked dangerous from everywhere. McDavid shoots more now as he matures, sometimes from angles that are not high danger. It’s a good plan, because he gets hellacious rebounds on his shot. It’s rare to see a truly great player add so many layers this far into his career.
Zach Hyman was a man possessed (as usual) in picking up an assist on five shots and two HDSC. He had a takeaway and three hits, and is already within range of his career high in assists.
Mattias Janmark had another strong game, he is emerging as a terrific off-season edition. He’s a fine game manager in that pucks are moving in good directions and he’ll sell out at appropriate times of danger. I wonder if he’ll be a coach someday. Took a penalty to put Edmonton down two. I assume coach Janmark gave player Janmark a stern lecture.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is playing some of the best hockey of his career. Two brilliant assists plus a goal, and his strong recent run has him at 14-19-33 after 28 games. That’s 41-56-97 over 82 games. He is having a terrific skill season.
Kailer Yamamoto scored his first goal of the season, a great tip of a Nurse shot. He had four shots, two HDSC, drew two penalties, and had one of his own. On pace for 4-22-26 boxcars in 70 games, a disappointing season but he is turning a corner in real time. He’s a key point in ‘On The Clock’ and last night showed why.
Klim Kostin is taking someone’s job, only a matter of who and when. Had an assist, shot, drew a penalty, had a takeaway and roamed the Minnesota zone without a care in the world. He is 2-2-4 through 12 games, that’s plenty good to keep him on the third line.
Devin Shore had an assist, a HDSC, just 20 percent in the dot but did get on the PK a little. Made a nice pass on the Ryan goal.
Derek Ryan had a fantastic game, scoring the first goal of the game early to set the tone. Four shots, five HDSC, two takeaways and he engaged physically. A fine game. He was brilliant protecting the lead late in the game.
Dylan Holloway was quiet save for a shot block, but did touch the puck a few times. Played just 7:23.
James Hamblin had an impressive night. He played 1:07 clean on the PK, had two shots, two HDSC, a takeaway and won eight of 12 in the dot. He’s earning more games.
Jesse Puljujarvi had one shot, a couple of hits, won the shot battle and no HDSC’s happened while he was on the ice at five-on-five. His five-on-five goal share (26.9 percent) for the season lags behind expected goals (50.8 percent) and a lot of that is luck. Will he regress soon?
Darnell Nurse made a huge mistake on an easy play that cost Edmonton an early goal. He also missed on several passes in the game. On the other hand, he picked up an assist on the Yamamoto goal, had five shots and five blocked shots, big minutes on the PK (3:49) and overall (27:22). Went 2-1 on-ice at five-on-five, he is 24-25 for the season. At even strength, that number grows to 34-25. This team is epic at even strength game states outside five-on-five. Kind of ’80s level. Went 1-1 against the Evil Eriksson Ek line, 7-5 shots. That’s a long night’s work.
Cody Ceci had an assist, two shots, 2-2 on GV-TK, three blocks, hit a bunch of people who hit him back, it was your basic Bob Baun night for the rugged blue.
Philip Broberg had another good night and is now finding his way. He’s 15-10 on-ice shot share and 1-0 goal share five-on-five in his last two games. Had one GV and a TK, came down the wall for an offensive look and appears to be winning the confidence of the coaching staff (15 minutes+ the last three games). Played 1:45 clean on the PK.
Evan Bouchard had two shots, a giveaway and has been solid to very good since the benching. His five-on-five goal differential (33.3 percent) is out of time with expected goals (53.8 percent) with the gap so wide it’s tough to imagine it closing. He has a wonderful future.
Brett Kulak had a shot on goal, a giveaway, took two penalties. His pairing was gifted the Kaprizov line and ran a clean slate. That’s a win.
Tyson Barrie picked up an assist on the power play and found a way to calm Kaprizov at five-on-five. That should be considered a solid night’s work. If Kulak-Barrie can fill this role, Edmonton will win more games in the second half of the season. The pairing is currently 11-6 five-on-five goals over 177 minutes (200 minutes being the desired minimum for using Miles Davis’ trumpet to deliver the news).
Stuart Skinner should be in the Calder Trophy conversation but is not, and that is typical of the Oilers experience with that award. No matter how you slice it, this guy is gold. An early third-period save on Kaprizov with the score 3-2 was a pivotal moment in the game. Stopped 18 of 19 HDSC. I’d bring him back Monday. His .937 save percentage at five-on-five is No. 7 in the NHL. His .919 overall SP is No. 9. He’s a good one. I don’t know who pushed to draft him, but that man deserves a key to the executive washroom.
THE CONDORS
Bakersfield plays Coachella Valley tonight and San Jose Barracuda tomorrow, so we can get a good look at what’s shaking on the farm. One of the things we should be watching for is scoring success from the young forwards. If the Condors are unable to find playing time for the forwards age 20 (Xavier Bourgault, Tyler Tullio, Carter Savoie) farming one out to the ECHL is better than sitting. Here are the points-game totals for the Condors forwards.
RW Seth Griffith 21 games (.90 pts-game)
LW Tyler Benson 3 games (.67)
RW Xavier Bourgault 21 games (.52)
RW Justin Bailey 9 games (.44)
C Luke Esposito 21 games (.43)
RW Tyler Tullio 19 games (.37)
LW Graham McPhee 14 games (.36)
C Drake Rymsha 3 games (.33)
RW Dino Kambeitz 16 games (.31)
LW Carter Savoie 15 games (.27)
C Greg McKegg 21 games (.24)
W Raphael Lavoie 13 games (.23)
F Noah Philip 20 games (.20)
C Samuel Dove-McFalls 7 games (.14)
Bourgault and Tullio are producing and playing in most games, but Savoie looks to be a depth guy who is getting squeezed for playing time. It’s a silly thing to do with a developing prospect and recalls the olden days when Edmonton was poor at developing prospects. Here, let me show you. This is 2011-12 Oklahoma City Barons, with the forwards age 20 in bold.
LW Linus Omark 18 games (.89)
LW Magnus Paajarvi 34 games (.74)
C Josh Green 51 games (.73)
RW Ryan Keller 71 games (.69)
RW Gilbert Brule 27 games (.67)
LW Teemu Hartikainen 51 games (.63)
C Mark Arcobello 73 games (.59)
LW Phil Cornet 67 games (.55)
LW Hunter Tremblay 58 games (.46)
C Ryan O’Marra 40 games (.43)
RW Tyler Pitlick 62 games (.37)
LW Antti Tyrvainen 55 games (.36)
C Chris VandeVelde 68 games (.34)
C Tanner House 68 games (.29)
LW Tristan Grant 53 games (.28)
LW Curtis Hamilton 41 games (.27)
C Milan Kytnar 13 games (.23)
C Ryan Martindale 16 games (.13)
RW Cameron Abney 14 games (0)
The Barons needed to play Pitlick, Hamilton and Martindale far more often. There were injuries, but there were also lots of fourth-line shifts. Edmonton is so much better at drafting and development than the organization 12 years ago, but this is a disturbing trend in regard to Savoie and some healthy scratches for Tullio. Bourgault has played all the games, but has also been squeezed for PP minutes despite absolute brilliance in the game state. Do the Oilers want more Curtis Hamilton-Ryan Martindale results? I think it’s a question worth asking.
51 weeks ago, Raphael Lavoie had a five-point night for the Bakersfield Condors. That game ignited a 16-game romp that saw the big winger score seemingly at will. Now, he’s often a healthy scratch. What the hell happened?
If the Oilers had an identity, the farm team could coach to that style.
What style of game do the Oilers play?
Is there a system the farm team could follow that would have call-ups ready and clear on their role in this system?
Once in a while the team that beat the Wild show up, the rest of the time the team seems completely disinterested and they’re behind and chasing the game after the first 5 minutes.
AsiaOil
December 11, 2022 1:23 am
I’ve been a JP fan for damn near forever but it’s time to move on after we get some guys back from injury. Especially if Kostin can keep up his play. JP has become a bit of a non-entity and looks like a guy who really doesn’t have much passion for the NHL game in spite of the talent. It happens. Don’t see the point of a 3rd round pick but I’d use his salary in a trade for something useful along the lines of the Sammy-Kostin deal.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 10:41 pm
THAT is what you want to see – Carter Savoie with a 3rd period one-timer PP goal to tie the game.
I don’t agree with everything George said about Jesse … it’s an over the top view of the player with little context considered. But some of what he says speaks to a certain truth about the NHL – it’s a next man up meat grinder that does not have time for 24 year old forwards to still be figuring out where they fit in.
Jesse does good things on the ice … true. But he is also a black hole on offence. He suppresses offence for both teams. That’s the kind of play you look for in 4th line winger. He’s trying to be more physical but it’s not something that comes naturally to him – and it’s obvious when you watch him next to Kostin, whose game is predicated on aggression.
He’s Magnus Paajarvi … incredible tools allows him to be good defensively, but he lacks creativity to produce offensively like an RNH, he’s not mean like Kostin or Maroon, and he doesn’t have the motor that Hyman or Yamamoto have.
OP – I disagree with you … there is some urgency to move Jesse, and more specifically his 3 million cap hit. kane maybe out for a couple more months still … but it is really hard to make a trade in the NHL right now, and even harder to free up cap space. Over the past month, Janmark and Kostin have distinguished themselves as players who can help the bottom 6.
Jesse and his 3 million cap hit need to be gone before Kane gets back. Other players do more good things on the ice, nightly … which leads to actual goals for the Edmonton Oilers … for less cap hit.
Right, but if that’s what you think I was implying personally then you didn’t read to the end of either what I wrote or what Staples wrote. I wrote the exact same opinion as you the night before on this site.
Hearing the opinion of a former player who brought it for the team night in and night out and maintained a positive attitude is interesting, though. It does make you wonder what players like McDavid are thinking right now about his commitment to this team. Remember, they’re only a year apart
Ozoil
December 10, 2022 10:21 pm
Anyone notice goligoski played last night in place of Addison? Was there a reason reported? Wonder if he was being showcased to the home team
Dean Evason said he wants him to play better defense.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 10:06 pm
Sound like Lavoie is out with injury – a couple of weeks.
SoCaloil
December 10, 2022 10:03 pm
There a few AHL contract fwds with the condors this year
and a few of them are very poor and not young anymore
idk why they even bother
flea
December 10, 2022 9:52 pm
I proposed before that a contract termination might be the result of this JP dilemma. If no team wants him, and at his salary it’s probably unlikely, the Oilers unconditionally waive him and terminate the contract. JP gets a payout and heads back to Finland.
I have always liked JP and thought KH did a good job getting him back to the NHL. But his comments rub me the wrong way. There are so many players that would do anything for his opportunity in this league. If he doesn’t want it, good riddance.
That’s a good point, and I just thought of something
A few years ago Zac Bogosian returned to health mid season for Buffalo, but they couldn’t move his $5.x contract, so both parties agreed to terminate the contract, and Bogo signed with Tampa for a much cheaper deal and played out the season
This would be the “end of the line” option in JP’s case, but he could negotiate a league minimum deal and sign with a new team post termination and play out the season (or, like you say,go play in Europe)
I don’t believe JP gets a payout after a contract termination, but I think there would be more teams interested if we’re talking about a pro rated league minimum NHL deal
Jesse would not get a payout in that scenario – he’d be giving up the rest of the money to be paid on his contract.
Tarkus
December 10, 2022 9:27 pm
Summarizing!
You like goals, right? Damn skippy, you do! So does Shane Lachance, which is why he potted a pair of them (Goal 1 and Goal 2) along with a game-high 6 SOG in a 6-1 drubbing. He was named 1st star.
Speaking of heroics, Jake Chiasson and his three teammates who recently intervened to aid a man in crisis were recognized in a pre-game ceremony for their efforts. Gamewise, Chiasson contributed an aPPle in a 2-1 win.
For the 2nd straight night, Quinnipiac scored 8 goals. However, also for the 2nd straight night, Brind’Amour somehow went pointless. He was still a witch on FO’s though, going 10-for-16 (62.5%).
Mazura and Wanner were also held off the scoresheet.
Reja
December 10, 2022 9:18 pm
New on Netflix “Jesse’s Dilemma”
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 9:06 pm
Two-zip Condors after one. Griffith and Bourgault the goal scorers.
I’m trying to get my head around Pujo’s camp pulling this at the begining of the season after hardballing the QO negotiation. I’m sorry but that’s just rude, lol. That looks like it was a plan, Stan. Max money before heading back to the SHL. Either that or something happened during training camp… yet the local insiders have been pretty hush on this situation to this point.
Although this might explain Bob’s “they’re looking for a forward before a Dman” comment the other day.
This talk of returning back to Europe and not good enough for the NHL, further sewers his trade value. Like what is going on?
Camp made clear that he was starting at 3RW, did it not? That’s the only thing I can come up with.
Agree the beginning of season timing would have been rude, but the details of the recent interview make zero sense in context of a plan. I feel like ‘there is no plan’ makes more sense.
It does if he actually made this decision say last June and at this point it is full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes. I feel like the call for another team is simply a last chance to see if he wants to go back to Sweden or “tough out” another year in the NHL (somewhere new of course). He might be somewhat phlegmatic about it actually happening.
I think Holland did his best, and wound up with a ‘worst case scenario’ for his troubles – a guy that doesn’t want to be here and has virtually no trade value, and in all probability, can’t even give him away.
Sutter – whichever one he is – reminds me of Blue from Old School.
Yer my boy, Blue!
I’d add an image but that seems to be beyond my abilities.
Instead, just imagine a really old man with his dentures out. Yer my boy, Darryl – or whatever your name is.
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 7:53 pm
Leafs win, but the Flames get that point they love so much… the loser point.
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 7:19 pm
Leafs come back yet again. 4-4.
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 6:57 pm
Friedman advising Pujo’s camp was asking to be moved before the season and that the Oilers had promised they would try. Injury has prevented follow-through. Right now the player and team are looking for a solution. He believes the Oilers will still try to move him. They’re hoping that playing with less pressure on a lower line will change his mind and/or increase his value.
“From what we understand, there was a conversation at the beginiing of the season between the team and Puljujarvi’s representatives, where it was decided if things didn’t go well the Oilers would try to move him…I DO think that’s going to happen…what I can’t tell you is what the timeline is going to be….Edmonton is still banged up at forward, and the Oilers don’t have a salary cap issue until Evander Kane is back and returns sometime in the next few months…so I don’t think this is necessarily going to happen quickly or anything like that…but I do think the Oilers and the player are going to try to find a solution”
That’s perfect, thanks Gerta. The lower line thing I believe was an add-on by Maclean immediately after that. “Hoping that not having the pressure of playing with McDavid or Draisaitl down on a lower line will lead to…”
Yes, Friedman initiated the conversation about “less pressure” while JP plays lower in the order and there was some conversation after that quote above
I’d prefer if the Oilers moved him sooner, rather than later
His exit is imminent either way you slice it
I’m not expecting much…a 3rd round pick?….maybe an early 4th..?…they may even have to waive him and let the interested teams sort out who wants him the most
I get that Kane is still injured, and McLeod is still week(s) away – the Oilers still have injury issues up front.
I think it would be to Kenny’s advantage to have the $3M in cap space in his pocket well before the deadline, and be in a position to “take on” salary in a deal, rather than “push out” salary in a salary in=salary out type of deal
If Holland loses him on waivers, he might be coming off worse than when he walked into the relationship, and he has put a lot of effort into this. I can’t see him being happy about that prospect. Maybe that’s why a deal hasn’t been done yet. There’s none out there and waivers is Holland’s line in the sand.
Is waiting worse? It does have the advantage of Pujo being given the opportunity to rehab is trade value somewhat. And while cap space would be the ultimate, having him as a trade chip could also be useful.
OTT, BUF, ANA can send back just picks. CBJ too I guess since Werenski is done for the season for sure. That’s a small market. The guys getting plucked off waivers tend to be min wage guys or close to it. Three mill might sail right through. Not that they would actually send him to Bako. But then nothing is resolved and the problem continues.
To make this a complete list… the teams that can add Pujo by waivers or trade no salary back are
OTT
BUF
ANA
CBJ
NYR
NYI
MIN
CHI
ARI
That’s it. The bottom-dwellers have no interest in sending a pick for a project. They’re in draft mode. OTT and BUF maybe since they’ve done their drafting. The other teams are likely valuing cap space for deadline acquisitions.
There are a lot of cap strung teams right now. NJD has $67,000 in cap space as of today, for eg. Might be a quiet deadline. Doesn’t bode well for CHI and their two big stars, one of whom Holland will be chasing.
Holland may be willing to take on a modest salary in a trade- something that starts with a 1 – even if he has no interest in adding that player to the roster. He could waive said player and still acquire 2.x worth of cap space
And putting JP through waivers – even if you don’t assign him to Bako – would at the very least show good faith to the player that you’ve done everything to keep your end of the pre-season discussions
I hope the kid scores 20 between now and the deadline, I just think we should plan for the worst and hope for the best
That does make it more likely and there isn’t a team out there that doesn’t like to move some salary. Oil would probably have to eat something and if it is close to buryable then there is still a win there, if you can extract a pick too.
This is another advantage of waiting though. As a trade chip for moving salary in a big deadline deal, he gets full value for his AAV against the asset you directly want to apply it to. It’s riskier though, because it can’t sewer the deal you are bidding for.
If you can’t get the pick in the first deal above it’s the path I would take. Well, unless I value that $1Mish player. Better to max that salary if you’re getting nothing else.
As a trade chip for moving salary in a big deadline deal, he gets full value for his AAV against the asset you directly want to apply it to. It’s riskier though, because it can’t sewer the deal you are bidding for.
Well, yes,I get what you’re saying, although I can see a ton of value entering the trade deadline (or prior to) already having that $3M in cap space, and that space lubricating a deal in the Oilers favour because the other team doesn’t have to take back money or a player they may or may not want
I don’t think we’ve talked about it on here but the same Finnish reporter that interviewed Jesse interviewed his agent the following day and the article is out there.
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 6:53 pm
Friedman announcing that the Heritage Classic next year to be held in Edmonton at Commonwealth, likely in October, and against the Flames.
I might have to give up on MTL. The Kings (and Flattop) love being up 2-0 with a period to play.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 5:58 pm
Celebrating what would have been Dad’s 78th birthday this evening. May be able to tune if for the 3rd period of the Condors game but I won’t be able to provide real-time updates.
Benson should help (as will Kaldis) although he’ll make offensive opportunities for some younger offensive players tougher to come by….
Enjoy your dad’s birthday. My father passed away a few years ago and I’ve organized a family party every birthday of his since. My wife and I got married on his birthday this year.
Munny 2.0
December 10, 2022 5:01 pm
Habs and Leafs better frickin show up tonight I don’t want no “Tabernac!” on any Saturdays we’re not playing.
Toronto ties it back up on the PP. Flames also on a road B2B because Rogers likes to serve softballs up for Leaf fans every Saturday night. Grumble grumble
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 4:53 pm
Both Benson and Kaldis back in the lineup for the Condors tonight – that should help.
LT wrote about Lavoie today at the other site – here is hoping he is back in the lineup and can, well, do something and earn more ice and opportunity.
I don’t like how much Chaulk uses ice time as a weapon with the young kids but it is what it is – come on Ralph (and Carter).
It’s more common than the Woodcroft way, but it doesn’t bring players along. Woodcroft imo coaches more to a player’s strengths and that’s a big part of what the AHL development is about for these young players.
Maybe I’m mis-reading you, but I didn’t see what you say you saw with regards to Woodcroft. I thought he most certainly did address players’ weaknesses. I’m not sure what coach could call themselves a coach without doing so. Weaknesses have to be addressed, acknowledged, overcome, improved to take the next step. Work ethic and professionalism have to be nurtured and built too, which are certainly not strengths for most prospects. Addressing the entire player is the only way you can get said player to approach an NHL-level baseline of play.
That said, I have no idea what the hell Chaulk is up to and am not a fan. And Lavoie missing time, as a second year player who had a long injury to rehab from, is utterly baffling. That’s not addressing strengths or weaknesses…that’s putting the whole kit and kaboodle on the backburner for a rainy day. Like WTF?
I was referring to taking young players and putting them in a position to succeed. For instance, Noah Philp’s AHL experience would be far different if Woodcroft was coach. He’d be at center, taking own zone faceoffs, working on the PK and getting bigger minutes. That’s all good for development.
Putting Rysmha on the No. 1 PP over Bourgault is really just silly. Woodcroft wouldn’t have done that imo.
Chaulk may be a great coach but he’s done some unusual things so far.
I am just as baffled about Rymsha as you. That was just bizarre, so much so it made me wonder if it was his call.
Woody didn’t hand out ice time though to every young prospect. Skinner. Lavoie was slow played early on. The only non-first rounder in my memory that really seemed to gain TOI quickly was McLeod.
Redbird62
December 10, 2022 4:02 pm
Still really early for full on out of town score board watching, but the Predators lose to Ottawa this afternoon. Always good to see a possible wild card competitor not get any points. Hard to say about the Dallas win over Detroit being good or bad, but at least it wasn’t a 3 point result.
Detroit is in the east so it was a negative result (in my opinion) but likely inconsequential as I think Dallas is a top 3 division team with a bullet.
Tilting
December 10, 2022 3:43 pm
I have always thought using a distinct kicking to score a goal should be allowed. I believe it is not allowed because it is or can be a dangerous play because one is exposing their skate blade to other players, especially the goalie who may be down on a play. But the puck is kicked all the time all over the ice, often in very close quarters and it is a skilled play (as opposed to having the puck go in the goal off your butt by accident). If you break your stick you pretty much exclusively try to play the puck by kicking it. You can kick the puck as a pass, a clear, up to your stick etc., all legal with a distinct kicking motion even if your blade contacts other players which must happen in board scrums all the time. Angling the puck into the goal with your skate is legal, even if the skate blade is slightly off the ice. What would be the call if you had the puck on your stick with only 1 hand on the stick say due to tie up and your only option would be kick your stick and the puck goes in? What if you were at net front and kicked the puck to your stick and scored on a shot but you contacted the goalie with your skate blade? What if the goalie was out of position and you kicked it in from 10 ft out?
He is scoring at over 2 points per 60 and playing a hard game. This is what we wanted from foegle, shore, or any bottom 6 player. Early days for sure but let’s enjoy this and cheer for him to continue his success.
Solly
December 10, 2022 2:32 pm
Let’s be honest, a 1-for-1 trade of Pool for Kostin would have been lambasted by fans as a complete overpay and another trade the Oilers lose. The fact we only gave up Sammy for Kostin is making Holland look like a trade guru. He won that trade…in a big way. Had the trade actually been Pool for Kostin…the trade is still an absolute win.
Kostin looks exactly like the player we all hoped Pool would be…aggressive, physical, decent hockey sense, one helluva shot, and an ability to bulge the twine. So why not give him the minutes Pool has been gifted for 4 years now? Kostin is starting to look like “Kane-lite” and this team desperately needs guys that aren’t scared to engage physically while also contributing to the scoresheet. So far, he’s a perfect fit on this roster.
He may not succeed with more minutes…but he couldn’t be any worse than Pool has been. Play the man!
You’re right, Sammy may turn out to be a quality LD in the NHL. But I don’t think that happens for a couple years…if ever.
The fact Holland used his “surplus” of D prospects for a player that is already impacting the roster today has to be gauged as a trade win. The window to win is now and KH has made the NHL roster better with Kostin in it. Sammy may not make an impact until after McD needs a new contract…we can’t wait that long anymore.
Aren’t you intrigued to see what this guy can do with that shot and McDrai setups? I know I am.
Kane-lite was a comparison I used…but I would also be just as happy with a “Svechnikov-lite”.
I’m just happy KH got something for Sammy, even if it doesn’t work out in the long run. Like the big pants teams often do. The Oilers have walked far too many players for nothing, wasted draft picks. It adds up
I think Holland made an astute trade and should get credit. Kostin looks fabulous. Small sample sizes are the spark that brings hope, and the long road is understanding that consistent excellence is elusive.
If Kostin was anywhere near as good defensively as Puljujarvi he’d still be a Blue.
Kostin is succeeding in his role on his new team, leave him there it’s been 12 games. Or jump him up the lines, gets caved against higher comp, ruins all good progress built.. Mmm sounds delicious.
He’s not replacing any of the currently used top 4, to me he’s going to be soaking up that sweet Derek Ryan professional stew for awhile, which is perfect.
My 3rd at the moment would be
Kostin, Ryan, JP.
My 4th, imo I’d bench Shore as a 13th forward and run Holloway or Hamblin as 4C with Benson as the other winger.
Holloway, Hamblin, Benson.
This is the best Kostin has ever looked in the bigs, while Jesse is at his lowest. Worse time to be making any decisions on either player imo.
I didn’t watch Kostin in St. Louis, but his “defensive woes” may have just been a result of the team he played on. Too many factors involved to deem him a defensive liability. Team’s give up on players prematurely all the time…we know this. Maybe we are on the receiving end of an overreaction this time.
12 games in, Kostin has succeeded in surpassing Pool in goals scored. 28 games in and Pool has mustered a goal that luckily touched him before going in. Both of Kostin’s goals have been skilled shots that beat the goalie. Huge difference there.
Moving players up the lineup due to plus performance is the proper way. Gifting minutes to 3rd overall picks is not.
I’d much rather have a winger McDrai are at least willing to pass to or setup for a shot on their lines.
Pool can play sound defensively..on the bottom-6.
We don’t know the ceiling for Kostin, nor do we know the basement for Pool. That gap may just turn into a giant canyon.
I watched Kostin in the AHL this season and he was full value for awful 2-way play early – just awful in some games. To his credit, he 100% turned it around in that area as a Condor in the weeks leading up to his call-up and has been just fine to my eye at the NHL level. I have seen him be a tire fire though. He may just be developing in real time in front of us.
While the trade is undoubtably a win now given Samorukov was buried on the depth chart here and is still tweening, I’m going to try and stay a bit guarded on Kostin.
If anything, consistency has not been something he’s shown in his North American pro career – even in the AHL this season. Yup, he’s doing exactly what we want/need him to and he brings some elements that are missing for sure.
The Oilers have played two of their best games of the season with Kostin/Shore/Ryan having a huge impact in limited minutes – not just maintaining momentum but helping sustain and create it and scoring 4th line 5 on 5 goals, and big goals.
Why in the world would they break that up now?
Now, I see Foegele in for Shore with Ryan shifting to center but the premise of a 4th line making a real positive impact is unicorns.
They were the 3rd line by a little bit last night I believe. 99% sure they got more time in the 3rd as well.
Agree on Kostin though. Hopefully he can sustain. If so it’s a big deal. But the 12 games we’ve seen doesn’t mean he’ll keep this up all year.
In terms of who comes out for Foegele. I agree in theory it should be Shore, but I’d personally have a really hard time splitting up that line after the 2 games they just played.
Not sure what else to do though. Foegele-Holloway-Puljujarvi? Or just let Foegele rest a little more?
On the premise of not wanting to break up the Kostin/Shore/Ryan line, how can they break up Holloway/Hamblin/Puljujarvi – if anything, they were more dominant in possession and shots than the other line last game – didn’t have the goal but were 88% expected goals.
He was weighed down by the number 56. That is both the population of England in millions and the number of years England has been waiting for World Cup glory to return. That was a huge amount of pressure on that moment.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 1:54 pm
Damn, I hope Ken Holland has been playing the lottery given how lucky he is.
Just blind luck that he was able to bring Evander Kane in to the org (no work, due diligence, risk, effort there at all).
So lucky he has a young and up and coming coach because the universe forced him to fire Tippett – forced move for luck.
Now, just lucked in to Kostin – no credit, just luck.
Real narrative out there – the cool kids, smarter than anyone within the org!
Holland should get major credit for Kane, not just the first time but the second contract when it appeared Kane was going to market. He should get credit for Woodcroft too. However, I think the Kostin credit is first blush and there’s no harm in being patient in seeing how it turns out longer term (a couple of years).
Sure but, at the same time, when Yzerman or BriseBois make a trade like that and find a player that impacts the lineup, they are lauded as genius. Holland does it and.……
Sure, but I don’t think you’re going to change minds of those who see Holland as being worse than Chiarelli. The die is cast. You can’t argue with people who feel that way, it’s cast in stone.
I’m not so much interested in arguing with those kinds of people on the internet, because it’s not productive.
I can name things Holland did that we’ve seen enough to say they were strong moves. Hyman, Kane, Ceci, others via free agency.
The trades I’ve liked of his are Tyler Ennis, Dmitry Kulikov, Kulak. I do think the Foegele trade worked out, but I wouldn’t have made it.
Trades I didn’t like are Athanasiou (and I do understand the pandemic changed things), Mike Green, Duncan Keith, Derick Brassard.
The Kassian trade was dear but he spent the money well.
The Kostin deal looks great, might be his best, but it needs some time. I don’t think naysayers on the internet should factor in to the conclusion.
Most of those deals have been hashed to death. I’m curious though (and can’t recall) what you didn’t like about the Green deal. Was it the player? Or was the timing not right (I recall others arguing the team shouldn’t have spent anything that year since they were never going to win the cup)?
106 and 106
December 10, 2022 1:37 pm
Skinner at 6th for GSAx @ +13.2
Campbell 76th for GSAx @ -10.9, just ahead of the recently waived Cal Petersen.
No middle ground with these tenders.
hunter1909
December 10, 2022 12:59 pm
For years I’ve been comparing RNH to Jacques Lemaire – I’m starting to think I know something lol
You also called the Devils vs Oilers first game a Big One and got mocked for it. Since that match-up the Oilers are 9-8 while the Devils are a whopping 13-2. How does that saying go he who laughs first…..
I believe what actually happened in reality is that some disagreed with that game being “must-win” and, to this moment, that remains a reasoned argument and position given, well, it wasn’t….
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 12:47 pm
Bourgault and Tullio are producing and playing in most games, but Savoie looks to be a depth guy who is getting squeezed for playing time.
This was somewhat predictable prior to the season even started.
I posited that:
1) Bourgault, being in a higher tier than the other two, would be up and down early but would be able to produce and impact the game and earn top 6/PP minutes
2) Tulio would struggle as a rookie pro but has a style of play with effort the coach will like and he’ll get his ice time and improve through the year
3) Savoie, similar tier to Tulio, but a more “skilled style of play” – will take a while to earn he coach’s trust.
Its somewhat played out that way but I think that, for all three, Chaulk is really harsh on their ice time – he uses is as a “punishment” more than the veterans and, well, eff that.
Bourgault hasn’t been scratched but he’s a top offensive player on the team who has his ice time and PP time cut when he makes a play that Chaulk perceives to be a mistake – even if its a skill player trying to make an impact.
Tulio has been nothing but consistent in his effort and commitment and even he has been healthy scratched.
Savoie has indeed struggled to gain traction in this tough league but his coach isn’t often putting him in the position to succeed.
I’ll bring up Lavoie – I will never agree with him being scratched in favour of ECHL players but Ralph isn’t doing himself any favours. He was AWESOME the first 2-3 games after his return and has been invisible since.
The Oilers would do well to get Savoie minutes on skill lines and on the power play. They do have several prospects pushing. I’m absolutely onboard with being critical about not playing Bourgault on the No. 1 power play while Rymsha gets the push, but Savoie isn’t getting any skill minutes really.
I’d play Lavoie in front of both Savoie and Rymsha, and send Savoie to the ECHL where he can play on a feature line. He’s not being helped in the current situation. Bourgault and Tullio imo are in different situations.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 12:34 pm
The vibe in Oil Country after the WSH loss seemed a bit out of step with the recent won/loss record. I mean, it was a one-goal loss after a 3 game winning stream and only the 2nd loss in like 6 games. The vibe was “catastrophic” – trade for any d-man, Bouch is now “available”, Leon’s re-sign up in the air again, Holland should be fired, Kevin Lowe along with him, etc., etc.
Oh, I get it, even though the win/loss record wasn’t all that poor in recent times, the wins were the “Connor/Leon show” with terrible starts, comebacks required, lost leads, defensive mayhem, etc., etc., etc.
Its really only been two games, and one was against the Yotes, but the last two wins have been better “performances”. Yup, Connor/Leon contributing, as they will do, but (1) the team played well from the opening face-off, (2) the bottom six isn’t just scoring goals but scoring important goals, (3) the bottom six is also composed of two lines that are both tilting the ice the right way and actually creating momentum, (4) Broberg settling in and been solid – very solid and Bouchard settling down, (5) Skinner continuing to “pop”, Villi Husso style” as some suggested could happen, (6) defensive mistakes cut WAY back, etc., etc.
Lets not discount that Yotes game – in their last 5, the Yotes have played 4 very tight games and one blowout to the Oil.
3 teams need to play a full 60 (or 65 minutes) to squeak out a win and and the best team in the league lost to that Yotes team.
That Oilers blowout should receive full marks and I think is parlaying them forward.
The Washington game was a discouraging as it revealed how the Oilers can still be owned by ‘heavy, board-centric cycling hockey’, not to mention the horrendous shot # against. They did better vs Minnesota, who play similar, and the bandwagon is re-filling.
Secondary scoring, smarter D and Skinner – who knew?
Dr.Donkey
December 10, 2022 12:18 pm
I can hear it now, Nuge at his Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony:
” Shall I tell you about my life, they say I’m a Nuge of the world, I’ve flown across every tide, and I’ve seen lots of pretty goals…”
One of the prettiest damn Fleetwood Mac songs and it was written before the big two came along.
Nuge would have to play at this level for 4-5 more seasons and win a cup to be considered for the HOF. He’s a good player, and a good pro who cares about his team and his craft. But he’s never been the best player on the Oilers, and he hasn’t won anything at the professional level. I’m happy he’s still an Oiler, I think his contract will be fair value over it’s course, and I think he’ll be part of Cup winner in Edmonton … but he’ll still need to buy a ticket to get in to the HOF.
PokeCheck
December 10, 2022 12:12 pm
“I think it’s a question worth asking.”
LT, unlike the rest of us, don’t you have the pull to request an interview with Keith Gretzky or anyone else in Bakersfield? I’d suspect that TSN and The Athletic would have a pecking order for the big club, but I’d be mildly puzzled if you faced such barriers with the AHL.
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 11:43 am
We know Foegele is close so how do we under him without as little disruption to the current lines as possible?
For me, Shore comes out before Hamblin, Holloway or Ryan and, of course, Kostin and Janmark play every day.
Shift Ryan to 4C with Foegele on RW and Kostin on LW? Run:
What about Janmark? He’s a lock for the bottom six when all the injured players return. Holloway will likely be the odd man out unless he can really increase his offensive production.
I mean, McLeod is still a few weeks away at least I think and Kane months.
Even taking away the fact that, when Kane returns, chances are there will be other guys banged up/injured, lets see how the likes of Ryan, Shore, Hamblin, Kostin, etc. are playing.
I mean, Kostin looks fantastic – he’s been playing great for his role. At the same time, consistency has not been something he’s shown. For all we know, in two weeks we are talking about scratching and maybe even assigning him. Hope not but we don’t know.
The NHL head office will have to have a conversation to determine exactly how they can deny an Oilers player the Calder Trophy if Skinner keeps this up.
I’d like to see a set of fixed criteria made for awards. A goal is worth X points, an assist worth Y points, etc. It is way too subjective and relies on a majority of voters (eastern time zone) who don’t watch the late games or put enough emphasis on statistics.
That would be far too inflexible and the leading scorer would win most every time.
Considering rookie performances are often a function of the strength of the team roster by either aiding production or, on very strong teams, limiting production.
Defensemen would also be at a major disadvantage unless they were generational like Makar…so some defensive metrics would have to employed.
Worth noting…5 of the last 11 Calder winners play for WC teams
Awards are all fine and dandy but can you tell me how many times Gretzky won MVP of the league, probably not. Without looking I bet you can name how many Cups Messier won and how many Gretzky captured.
I mean, I presume that the Cane’s performance when they were shutout 4-0 by the Yotes a few weeks ago or when they lost to the Ducks a couple days ago doesn’t line up with their best….
cowboy bill
December 10, 2022 10:45 am
My goodness. What are they going to do when it’s time for Macleod, Foegele & Kane to get back in the line up? How are they going to keep both of Janmark & Ryan in the line up? And Koskin is definitely a fit on this roster. And how are they going to shore up that blueline again? Things are going to get interesting.
I don’t see Ken depleting his blue in any way, and it would seem Barrie has the confidence of the room and his coach. Can’t see a Barrie trade unless packaged within a blockbuster for blue chip D.
My thought would be Foegle in for Hamblin, McLeod for Shore, an Kane for JP. Some good problems to have at that point
JimmyV1965
December 10, 2022 10:44 am
Skinner’s save on Kaprizov was gold. That was an amazing play and should have went in.
Reja
December 10, 2022 10:33 am
Canada was in the group of death. Croatia and Morocco are both on to the Semifinals with Belgium the 3rd ranked team didn’t even get a sniff of the knockout round. Please help me out have any 2 teams in the same bracket made it to the final like Croatia and Morocco have a chance to do?
Germany didn’t change its official name. It just expanded.
Ranford.85
December 10, 2022 10:29 am
It’s been a roller coaster of a season, already, but three players have stuck out for me among the numerous story lines developing.
Nuge – my favorite Oiler for the past decade, incredible season from him so far. May just end being my favorite Oiler of all time if he keeps this up. Baby Nuge is aging like a fine wine and his contract is a steal at this point.
Skinner – Always had high hopes since he got drafted. A friend of mine in the Broncos organization always told me he’d take time but would be solid once he made the show. Our season would be done by now without him.
Broberg – Finally seems to getting his footing. Lots of development ahead, with highs and lows, but he’s looking stronger every game. He may just be the answer to our LD, and even I tend to stay away from being too optimistic.
I’m not a numbers guru like a lot of guys on this blog, our author included of course. There’s so many story lines going on with this team, but their looking much better to my eye.
Bouchard’s response since the benching has also helped Broberg’s game look better. Bouchard’s game last night is the game I want him playing every night. Nothing flashy, but making the right plays, being hard along the wall, taking his shot at right times and not forcing it through. And Broberg compliments him well. I thought they were going to be a huge liability against a team like the wild, but both guys have each other great support and recognized when and where that support was needed.
Broberg is carrying Bouchard more than Bouchard is carrying Broberg. Bouchard stopped being a tire fire once Broberg was on the ice with him.
Because Broberg can compensate for most of Bouchard’s deficiencies.
Broberg is an all around D. He was the Klefbom of his peer group in Sweden.
Bouchard is pretty much a classic defensively suspect offensive D (which can be an extremely valuable asset paired with an all around D on a 2nd pairing).
Another point in favor of those who believe that save percentage is not a team stat, but a reflection of goaltending. The same defense playing in front of both guys and one is .919%, the other .872%.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
December 10, 2022 10:00 am
Go Morocco!
Human rights abuses aside, this has been an incredible World Cup.
That’s why l love watching the World Cup no commercials and no political talk. TSN is doing a hell of a job when analyzing the games especially Beckie she’s all about Soccer.
I’ll happily stay on this side, not my problem 6 billion people are wrong.
meanashell11
December 10, 2022 9:41 am
One thing I would add to your Kostin comment, after Ryan scored and the Wild started pushing Ryan around, Kostin stepped in and that was that. The Wild decided they had had enough. Kostin sitting there with a sort of grin on his face!
OriginalPouzar
December 10, 2022 9:27 am
Nuge tied for 13th in the NHL on scoring – lots of “famous forwards” around him.
One of the more underrated players around the NHL I feel. A few phlegm friends feel backlund is a better player. I scoff at that remark. Especially when backlund contract is more expensive
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
December 10, 2022 9:20 am
I was skeptical that Skinner could hack it as a backup in the NHL. I was very wrong. He is saving the season.
If he can improve his rebound control, he will be a high-end starter.
I talked to a scout prior to the draft where Cossa and the Swedish goalie were the consensus can’t miss future #1’s. He said he doubted the Oilers would pick either if one fell to their slot, because they were that high on Skinner. Appears he was right on both counts.
51 weeks ago, Raphael Lavoie had a five-point night for the Bakersfield Condors. That game ignited a 16-game romp that saw the big winger score seemingly at will. Now, he’s often a healthy scratch. What the hell happened?
https://theathletic.com/3986719/2022/12/10/oilers-prospect-raphael-lavoie/
He’s an Oilers prospect?
*runs*
If the Oilers had an identity, the farm team could coach to that style.
What style of game do the Oilers play?
Is there a system the farm team could follow that would have call-ups ready and clear on their role in this system?
Once in a while the team that beat the Wild show up, the rest of the time the team seems completely disinterested and they’re behind and chasing the game after the first 5 minutes.
I’ve been a JP fan for damn near forever but it’s time to move on after we get some guys back from injury. Especially if Kostin can keep up his play. JP has become a bit of a non-entity and looks like a guy who really doesn’t have much passion for the NHL game in spite of the talent. It happens. Don’t see the point of a 3rd round pick but I’d use his salary in a trade for something useful along the lines of the Sammy-Kostin deal.
THAT is what you want to see – Carter Savoie with a 3rd period one-timer PP goal to tie the game.
The Savoie goal is here:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1601832724708196352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1601832724708196352%7Ctwgr%5E8d29227f04da1323af896981750254c830843400%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps3A2F2Ftwitter.com2FCondors2Fstatus2F1601832724708196352widget%3DTweet
Surprised no one is talking about this
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/shots-fired-ship-him-somewhere-ex-oilers-enforcer-georges-laraque-unloads-on-jesse-puljujarvi
I have all day for Georges, his work in game was always admirable, and his points made in the article are difficult to argue against
That being said, I also agree with Staples that we don’t have a better replacement at the moment to let him walk
Devon Shore has been playing every game.
Brad Malone is on the roster still.
James Hamblin has been the “3rd line” center
Derek Ryan is playing ever night (and we know he goes on struggle spells after hot streaks at his age).
The team currently doesn’t need the cap space so there is no need to just make the current team worse by moving him for the sake of it.
Jesse Puljujarvi does good things on the ice, nightly.
I don’t agree with everything George said about Jesse … it’s an over the top view of the player with little context considered. But some of what he says speaks to a certain truth about the NHL – it’s a next man up meat grinder that does not have time for 24 year old forwards to still be figuring out where they fit in.
Jesse does good things on the ice … true. But he is also a black hole on offence. He suppresses offence for both teams. That’s the kind of play you look for in 4th line winger. He’s trying to be more physical but it’s not something that comes naturally to him – and it’s obvious when you watch him next to Kostin, whose game is predicated on aggression.
He’s Magnus Paajarvi … incredible tools allows him to be good defensively, but he lacks creativity to produce offensively like an RNH, he’s not mean like Kostin or Maroon, and he doesn’t have the motor that Hyman or Yamamoto have.
OP – I disagree with you … there is some urgency to move Jesse, and more specifically his 3 million cap hit. kane maybe out for a couple more months still … but it is really hard to make a trade in the NHL right now, and even harder to free up cap space. Over the past month, Janmark and Kostin have distinguished themselves as players who can help the bottom 6.
Jesse and his 3 million cap hit need to be gone before Kane gets back. Other players do more good things on the ice, nightly … which leads to actual goals for the Edmonton Oilers … for less cap hit.
Right, but if that’s what you think I was implying personally then you didn’t read to the end of either what I wrote or what Staples wrote. I wrote the exact same opinion as you the night before on this site.
Hearing the opinion of a former player who brought it for the team night in and night out and maintained a positive attitude is interesting, though. It does make you wonder what players like McDavid are thinking right now about his commitment to this team. Remember, they’re only a year apart
Anyone notice goligoski played last night in place of Addison? Was there a reason reported? Wonder if he was being showcased to the home team
Dean Evason said he wants him to play better defense.
Sound like Lavoie is out with injury – a couple of weeks.
There a few AHL contract fwds with the condors this year
and a few of them are very poor and not young anymore
idk why they even bother
I proposed before that a contract termination might be the result of this JP dilemma. If no team wants him, and at his salary it’s probably unlikely, the Oilers unconditionally waive him and terminate the contract. JP gets a payout and heads back to Finland.
I have always liked JP and thought KH did a good job getting him back to the NHL. But his comments rub me the wrong way. There are so many players that would do anything for his opportunity in this league. If he doesn’t want it, good riddance.
That’s a good point, and I just thought of something
A few years ago Zac Bogosian returned to health mid season for Buffalo, but they couldn’t move his $5.x contract, so both parties agreed to terminate the contract, and Bogo signed with Tampa for a much cheaper deal and played out the season
This would be the “end of the line” option in JP’s case, but he could negotiate a league minimum deal and sign with a new team post termination and play out the season (or, like you say,go play in Europe)
I don’t believe JP gets a payout after a contract termination, but I think there would be more teams interested if we’re talking about a pro rated league minimum NHL deal
Jesse would not get a payout in that scenario – he’d be giving up the rest of the money to be paid on his contract.
Summarizing!
You like goals, right? Damn skippy, you do! So does Shane Lachance, which is why he potted a pair of them (Goal 1 and Goal 2) along with a game-high 6 SOG in a 6-1 drubbing. He was named 1st star.
Speaking of heroics, Jake Chiasson and his three teammates who recently intervened to aid a man in crisis were recognized in a pre-game ceremony for their efforts. Gamewise, Chiasson contributed an aPPle in a 2-1 win.
For the 2nd straight night, Quinnipiac scored 8 goals. However, also for the 2nd straight night, Brind’Amour somehow went pointless. He was still a witch on FO’s though, going 10-for-16 (62.5%).
Mazura and Wanner were also held off the scoresheet.
New on Netflix “Jesse’s Dilemma”
Two-zip Condors after one. Griffith and Bourgault the goal scorers.
Here is the Griffith goal, Benson with the apple…
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1601783709963030528?cxt=HHwWgMDU9YXz1rosAAAA
…And the Bourgoal:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1601790618228838400?cxt=HHwWgMCqwZSF2rosAAAA
I’m trying to get my head around Pujo’s camp pulling this at the begining of the season after hardballing the QO negotiation. I’m sorry but that’s just rude, lol. That looks like it was a plan, Stan. Max money before heading back to the SHL. Either that or something happened during training camp… yet the local insiders have been pretty hush on this situation to this point.
Although this might explain Bob’s “they’re looking for a forward before a Dman” comment the other day.
This talk of returning back to Europe and not good enough for the NHL, further sewers his trade value. Like what is going on?
Camp made clear that he was starting at 3RW, did it not? That’s the only thing I can come up with.
Agree the beginning of season timing would have been rude, but the details of the recent interview make zero sense in context of a plan. I feel like ‘there is no plan’ makes more sense.
It does if he actually made this decision say last June and at this point it is full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes. I feel like the call for another team is simply a last chance to see if he wants to go back to Sweden or “tough out” another year in the NHL (somewhere new of course). He might be somewhat phlegmatic about it actually happening.
(The “rude” bit was an alter ego thing)
The whole thing is a mess
I think Holland did his best, and wound up with a ‘worst case scenario’ for his troubles – a guy that doesn’t want to be here and has virtually no trade value, and in all probability, can’t even give him away.
What a mess
Deputy Wendell: Well it’s a mess, ain’t it, Sheriff?
Sheriff Ed Tom Bell: If it ain’t , it’ll do til the mess gets here
Sutter just aged another year Huberdeau looks lost 8 more years. Wow!
I thought Duane, Darryl, Brian… whatever we’re calling him this week, looked quite dapper in the suit with the grandpa cardigan.
(This is what I get for trying to extend a joke, lol. Oh well, can’t win them all. Tough to sound mock earnestly facetious on t’internets)
Good try, though.
Sutter – whichever one he is – reminds me of Blue from Old School.
Yer my boy, Blue!
I’d add an image but that seems to be beyond my abilities.
Instead, just imagine a really old man with his dentures out. Yer my boy, Darryl – or whatever your name is.
Leafs win, but the Flames get that point they love so much… the loser point.
Leafs come back yet again. 4-4.
Friedman advising Pujo’s camp was asking to be moved before the season and that the Oilers had promised they would try. Injury has prevented follow-through. Right now the player and team are looking for a solution. He believes the Oilers will still try to move him. They’re hoping that playing with less pressure on a lower line will change his mind and/or increase his value.
I took a moment and transcribed the quote:
“From what we understand, there was a conversation at the beginiing of the season between the team and Puljujarvi’s representatives, where it was decided if things didn’t go well the Oilers would try to move him…I DO think that’s going to happen…what I can’t tell you is what the timeline is going to be….Edmonton is still banged up at forward, and the Oilers don’t have a salary cap issue until Evander Kane is back and returns sometime in the next few months…so I don’t think this is necessarily going to happen quickly or anything like that…but I do think the Oilers and the player are going to try to find a solution”
That’s perfect, thanks Gerta. The lower line thing I believe was an add-on by Maclean immediately after that. “Hoping that not having the pressure of playing with McDavid or Draisaitl down on a lower line will lead to…”
Quite the bombshell though
Yes, Friedman initiated the conversation about “less pressure” while JP plays lower in the order and there was some conversation after that quote above
I’d prefer if the Oilers moved him sooner, rather than later
His exit is imminent either way you slice it
I’m not expecting much…a 3rd round pick?….maybe an early 4th..?…they may even have to waive him and let the interested teams sort out who wants him the most
I get that Kane is still injured, and McLeod is still week(s) away – the Oilers still have injury issues up front.
I think it would be to Kenny’s advantage to have the $3M in cap space in his pocket well before the deadline, and be in a position to “take on” salary in a deal, rather than “push out” salary in a salary in=salary out type of deal
I love JP, but the end is nigh
If Holland loses him on waivers, he might be coming off worse than when he walked into the relationship, and he has put a lot of effort into this. I can’t see him being happy about that prospect. Maybe that’s why a deal hasn’t been done yet. There’s none out there and waivers is Holland’s line in the sand.
Is waiting worse? It does have the advantage of Pujo being given the opportunity to rehab is trade value somewhat. And while cap space would be the ultimate, having him as a trade chip could also be useful.
OTT, BUF, ANA can send back just picks. CBJ too I guess since Werenski is done for the season for sure. That’s a small market. The guys getting plucked off waivers tend to be min wage guys or close to it. Three mill might sail right through. Not that they would actually send him to Bako. But then nothing is resolved and the problem continues.
To make this a complete list… the teams that can add Pujo by waivers or trade no salary back are
OTT
BUF
ANA
CBJ
NYR
NYI
MIN
CHI
ARI
That’s it. The bottom-dwellers have no interest in sending a pick for a project. They’re in draft mode. OTT and BUF maybe since they’ve done their drafting. The other teams are likely valuing cap space for deadline acquisitions.
There are a lot of cap strung teams right now. NJD has $67,000 in cap space as of today, for eg. Might be a quiet deadline. Doesn’t bode well for CHI and their two big stars, one of whom Holland will be chasing.
I agree, it’s a small list
Holland may be willing to take on a modest salary in a trade- something that starts with a 1 – even if he has no interest in adding that player to the roster. He could waive said player and still acquire 2.x worth of cap space
And putting JP through waivers – even if you don’t assign him to Bako – would at the very least show good faith to the player that you’ve done everything to keep your end of the pre-season discussions
I hope the kid scores 20 between now and the deadline, I just think we should plan for the worst and hope for the best
That does make it more likely and there isn’t a team out there that doesn’t like to move some salary. Oil would probably have to eat something and if it is close to buryable then there is still a win there, if you can extract a pick too.
This is another advantage of waiting though. As a trade chip for moving salary in a big deadline deal, he gets full value for his AAV against the asset you directly want to apply it to. It’s riskier though, because it can’t sewer the deal you are bidding for.
If you can’t get the pick in the first deal above it’s the path I would take. Well, unless I value that $1Mish player. Better to max that salary if you’re getting nothing else.
Well, yes,I get what you’re saying, although I can see a ton of value entering the trade deadline (or prior to) already having that $3M in cap space, and that space lubricating a deal in the Oilers favour because the other team doesn’t have to take back money or a player they may or may not want
Did Friedman get that from the Lehto quotes?
I don’t think we’ve talked about it on here but the same Finnish reporter that interviewed Jesse interviewed his agent the following day and the article is out there.
Friedman announcing that the Heritage Classic next year to be held in Edmonton at Commonwealth, likely in October, and against the Flames.
This was announced a week ago.
You should tell Elliotte he got scooped.
Leafs tie it up on a flared forty foot backhand that deflects through traffic and beats Vlad.
Effin Flames. Leafs have double the OZone time and are losing. Because Tabernac.
I might have to give up on MTL. The Kings (and Flattop) love being up 2-0 with a period to play.
Celebrating what would have been Dad’s 78th birthday this evening. May be able to tune if for the 3rd period of the Condors game but I won’t be able to provide real-time updates.
Benson should help (as will Kaldis) although he’ll make offensive opportunities for some younger offensive players tougher to come by….
Enjoy your dad’s birthday. My father passed away a few years ago and I’ve organized a family party every birthday of his since. My wife and I got married on his birthday this year.
Habs and Leafs better frickin show up tonight I don’t want no “Tabernac!” on any Saturdays we’re not playing.
This is not going all that well. Early days though. C’mn Habs, get yer scheiss together.
Toronto ties it back up on the PP. Flames also on a road B2B because Rogers likes to serve softballs up for Leaf fans every Saturday night. Grumble grumble
Both Benson and Kaldis back in the lineup for the Condors tonight – that should help.
LT wrote about Lavoie today at the other site – here is hoping he is back in the lineup and can, well, do something and earn more ice and opportunity.
I don’t like how much Chaulk uses ice time as a weapon with the young kids but it is what it is – come on Ralph (and Carter).
It’s more common than the Woodcroft way, but it doesn’t bring players along. Woodcroft imo coaches more to a player’s strengths and that’s a big part of what the AHL development is about for these young players.
Maybe I’m mis-reading you, but I didn’t see what you say you saw with regards to Woodcroft. I thought he most certainly did address players’ weaknesses. I’m not sure what coach could call themselves a coach without doing so. Weaknesses have to be addressed, acknowledged, overcome, improved to take the next step. Work ethic and professionalism have to be nurtured and built too, which are certainly not strengths for most prospects. Addressing the entire player is the only way you can get said player to approach an NHL-level baseline of play.
That said, I have no idea what the hell Chaulk is up to and am not a fan. And Lavoie missing time, as a second year player who had a long injury to rehab from, is utterly baffling. That’s not addressing strengths or weaknesses…that’s putting the whole kit and kaboodle on the backburner for a rainy day. Like WTF?
I was referring to taking young players and putting them in a position to succeed. For instance, Noah Philp’s AHL experience would be far different if Woodcroft was coach. He’d be at center, taking own zone faceoffs, working on the PK and getting bigger minutes. That’s all good for development.
Putting Rysmha on the No. 1 PP over Bourgault is really just silly. Woodcroft wouldn’t have done that imo.
Chaulk may be a great coach but he’s done some unusual things so far.
I am just as baffled about Rymsha as you. That was just bizarre, so much so it made me wonder if it was his call.
Woody didn’t hand out ice time though to every young prospect. Skinner. Lavoie was slow played early on. The only non-first rounder in my memory that really seemed to gain TOI quickly was McLeod.
Still really early for full on out of town score board watching, but the Predators lose to Ottawa this afternoon. Always good to see a possible wild card competitor not get any points. Hard to say about the Dallas win over Detroit being good or bad, but at least it wasn’t a 3 point result.
Detroit is in the east so it was a negative result (in my opinion) but likely inconsequential as I think Dallas is a top 3 division team with a bullet.
I have always thought using a distinct kicking to score a goal should be allowed. I believe it is not allowed because it is or can be a dangerous play because one is exposing their skate blade to other players, especially the goalie who may be down on a play. But the puck is kicked all the time all over the ice, often in very close quarters and it is a skilled play (as opposed to having the puck go in the goal off your butt by accident). If you break your stick you pretty much exclusively try to play the puck by kicking it. You can kick the puck as a pass, a clear, up to your stick etc., all legal with a distinct kicking motion even if your blade contacts other players which must happen in board scrums all the time. Angling the puck into the goal with your skate is legal, even if the skate blade is slightly off the ice. What would be the call if you had the puck on your stick with only 1 hand on the stick say due to tie up and your only option would be kick your stick and the puck goes in? What if you were at net front and kicked the puck to your stick and scored on a shot but you contacted the goalie with your skate blade? What if the goalie was out of position and you kicked it in from 10 ft out?
I just think it’s like the core point of the sport. That you use sticks.
But a core part of the sport is kicking the puck.
Kicking the puck is indeed part of the sport but I would stop WELL short of calling it a core part.
Can’t help looking ahead to when our forward group is healthy. If RNH can continue his excellent play, maybe we can go
Draisaitl McDavid Yamamoto
Kane RNH Hyman
Holloway McLeod Foegele
Janmark Ryan Kostin
Nuge looks like a fella that was able to concentrate on his craft over the off season rather then rehabbing injuries.
Nurse looks like a fella that spent his offseason rehabbing injuries.
Imo Nurse will eventually get back to his thoroughbred self, which may be beside Karlsson quicker then folks realize.
Janmark and Kostin really remind me of those late 90’s Mike Grier days.
He should be above 50% on faceoffs especially the important ones. He’s been in the league 12 years he would think he would have it figured out.
So I step away for a few hours and I see we have anointed Kostin as “The Next One”.
Geez this place goes crazy every once in a while!
Is it crazy to suggest a player who has 4 points in 12 games is “The Next One”?
Yes. Yes it is.
Imo I don’t see him being anointed as the next one, just folks happy to have what appears to be a player here.
He’s Kassian without the crazy eyes or the contract.
Small wins can be celebrated.
He is scoring at over 2 points per 60 and playing a hard game. This is what we wanted from foegle, shore, or any bottom 6 player. Early days for sure but let’s enjoy this and cheer for him to continue his success.
Let’s be honest, a 1-for-1 trade of Pool for Kostin would have been lambasted by fans as a complete overpay and another trade the Oilers lose. The fact we only gave up Sammy for Kostin is making Holland look like a trade guru. He won that trade…in a big way. Had the trade actually been Pool for Kostin…the trade is still an absolute win.
Kostin looks exactly like the player we all hoped Pool would be…aggressive, physical, decent hockey sense, one helluva shot, and an ability to bulge the twine. So why not give him the minutes Pool has been gifted for 4 years now? Kostin is starting to look like “Kane-lite” and this team desperately needs guys that aren’t scared to engage physically while also contributing to the scoresheet. So far, he’s a perfect fit on this roster.
He may not succeed with more minutes…but he couldn’t be any worse than Pool has been. Play the man!
I don’t think you can judge a trade completely for a couple of years. Kostin is off to a great start, but we should see how this plays out.
You’re right, Sammy may turn out to be a quality LD in the NHL. But I don’t think that happens for a couple years…if ever.
The fact Holland used his “surplus” of D prospects for a player that is already impacting the roster today has to be gauged as a trade win. The window to win is now and KH has made the NHL roster better with Kostin in it. Sammy may not make an impact until after McD needs a new contract…we can’t wait that long anymore.
Aren’t you intrigued to see what this guy can do with that shot and McDrai setups? I know I am.
Kane-lite was a comparison I used…but I would also be just as happy with a “Svechnikov-lite”.
I’m just happy KH got something for Sammy, even if it doesn’t work out in the long run. Like the big pants teams often do. The Oilers have walked far too many players for nothing, wasted draft picks. It adds up
I think Holland made an astute trade and should get credit. Kostin looks fabulous. Small sample sizes are the spark that brings hope, and the long road is understanding that consistent excellence is elusive.
I hope both players succeed.
If Kostin was anywhere near as good defensively as Puljujarvi he’d still be a Blue.
Kostin is succeeding in his role on his new team, leave him there it’s been 12 games. Or jump him up the lines, gets caved against higher comp, ruins all good progress built.. Mmm sounds delicious.
He’s not replacing any of the currently used top 4, to me he’s going to be soaking up that sweet Derek Ryan professional stew for awhile, which is perfect.
My 3rd at the moment would be
Kostin, Ryan, JP.
My 4th, imo I’d bench Shore as a 13th forward and run Holloway or Hamblin as 4C with Benson as the other winger.
Holloway, Hamblin, Benson.
This is the best Kostin has ever looked in the bigs, while Jesse is at his lowest. Worse time to be making any decisions on either player imo.
I didn’t watch Kostin in St. Louis, but his “defensive woes” may have just been a result of the team he played on. Too many factors involved to deem him a defensive liability. Team’s give up on players prematurely all the time…we know this. Maybe we are on the receiving end of an overreaction this time.
12 games in, Kostin has succeeded in surpassing Pool in goals scored. 28 games in and Pool has mustered a goal that luckily touched him before going in. Both of Kostin’s goals have been skilled shots that beat the goalie. Huge difference there.
Moving players up the lineup due to plus performance is the proper way. Gifting minutes to 3rd overall picks is not.
I’d much rather have a winger McDrai are at least willing to pass to or setup for a shot on their lines.
Pool can play sound defensively..on the bottom-6.
We don’t know the ceiling for Kostin, nor do we know the basement for Pool. That gap may just turn into a giant canyon.
I watched Kostin in the AHL this season and he was full value for awful 2-way play early – just awful in some games. To his credit, he 100% turned it around in that area as a Condor in the weeks leading up to his call-up and has been just fine to my eye at the NHL level. I have seen him be a tire fire though. He may just be developing in real time in front of us.
Try him on the top 2 lines let’s see if he’s got some Patty Maroon in him.
While the trade is undoubtably a win now given Samorukov was buried on the depth chart here and is still tweening, I’m going to try and stay a bit guarded on Kostin.
If anything, consistency has not been something he’s shown in his North American pro career – even in the AHL this season. Yup, he’s doing exactly what we want/need him to and he brings some elements that are missing for sure.
The Oilers have played two of their best games of the season with Kostin/Shore/Ryan having a huge impact in limited minutes – not just maintaining momentum but helping sustain and create it and scoring 4th line 5 on 5 goals, and big goals.
Why in the world would they break that up now?
Now, I see Foegele in for Shore with Ryan shifting to center but the premise of a 4th line making a real positive impact is unicorns.
They were the 3rd line by a little bit last night I believe. 99% sure they got more time in the 3rd as well.
Agree on Kostin though. Hopefully he can sustain. If so it’s a big deal. But the 12 games we’ve seen doesn’t mean he’ll keep this up all year.
In terms of who comes out for Foegele. I agree in theory it should be Shore, but I’d personally have a really hard time splitting up that line after the 2 games they just played.
Not sure what else to do though. Foegele-Holloway-Puljujarvi? Or just let Foegele rest a little more?
On the premise of not wanting to break up the Kostin/Shore/Ryan line, how can they break up Holloway/Hamblin/Puljujarvi – if anything, they were more dominant in possession and shots than the other line last game – didn’t have the goal but were 88% expected goals.
Poor Harry Kane.
Not even close.
Too much adrenaline.
He was weighed down by the number 56. That is both the population of England in millions and the number of years England has been waiting for World Cup glory to return. That was a huge amount of pressure on that moment.
Damn, I hope Ken Holland has been playing the lottery given how lucky he is.
Just blind luck that he was able to bring Evander Kane in to the org (no work, due diligence, risk, effort there at all).
So lucky he has a young and up and coming coach because the universe forced him to fire Tippett – forced move for luck.
Now, just lucked in to Kostin – no credit, just luck.
Real narrative out there – the cool kids, smarter than anyone within the org!
Agree. Brian King and BLH should give it a rest. The team is playing better and getting results. Those two are embarrassing themselves
Holland should get major credit for Kane, not just the first time but the second contract when it appeared Kane was going to market. He should get credit for Woodcroft too. However, I think the Kostin credit is first blush and there’s no harm in being patient in seeing how it turns out longer term (a couple of years).
Sure but, at the same time, when Yzerman or BriseBois make a trade like that and find a player that impacts the lineup, they are lauded as genius. Holland does it and.……
Sure, but I don’t think you’re going to change minds of those who see Holland as being worse than Chiarelli. The die is cast. You can’t argue with people who feel that way, it’s cast in stone.
I’m not so much interested in arguing with those kinds of people on the internet, because it’s not productive.
I can name things Holland did that we’ve seen enough to say they were strong moves. Hyman, Kane, Ceci, others via free agency.
The trades I’ve liked of his are Tyler Ennis, Dmitry Kulikov, Kulak. I do think the Foegele trade worked out, but I wouldn’t have made it.
Trades I didn’t like are Athanasiou (and I do understand the pandemic changed things), Mike Green, Duncan Keith, Derick Brassard.
The Kassian trade was dear but he spent the money well.
The Kostin deal looks great, might be his best, but it needs some time. I don’t think naysayers on the internet should factor in to the conclusion.
Most of those deals have been hashed to death. I’m curious though (and can’t recall) what you didn’t like about the Green deal. Was it the player? Or was the timing not right (I recall others arguing the team shouldn’t have spent anything that year since they were never going to win the cup)?
Skinner at 6th for GSAx @ +13.2
Campbell 76th for GSAx @ -10.9, just ahead of the recently waived Cal Petersen.
No middle ground with these tenders.
For years I’ve been comparing RNH to Jacques Lemaire – I’m starting to think I know something lol
You were calling for an Oilers win last night too weren’t you? Don’t recall if you mentioned Nuge or Lemaire specifically.
You also called the Devils vs Oilers first game a Big One and got mocked for it. Since that match-up the Oilers are 9-8 while the Devils are a whopping 13-2. How does that saying go he who laughs first…..
I believe what actually happened in reality is that some disagreed with that game being “must-win” and, to this moment, that remains a reasoned argument and position given, well, it wasn’t….
This was somewhat predictable prior to the season even started.
I posited that:
1) Bourgault, being in a higher tier than the other two, would be up and down early but would be able to produce and impact the game and earn top 6/PP minutes
2) Tulio would struggle as a rookie pro but has a style of play with effort the coach will like and he’ll get his ice time and improve through the year
3) Savoie, similar tier to Tulio, but a more “skilled style of play” – will take a while to earn he coach’s trust.
Its somewhat played out that way but I think that, for all three, Chaulk is really harsh on their ice time – he uses is as a “punishment” more than the veterans and, well, eff that.
Bourgault hasn’t been scratched but he’s a top offensive player on the team who has his ice time and PP time cut when he makes a play that Chaulk perceives to be a mistake – even if its a skill player trying to make an impact.
Tulio has been nothing but consistent in his effort and commitment and even he has been healthy scratched.
Savoie has indeed struggled to gain traction in this tough league but his coach isn’t often putting him in the position to succeed.
I’ll bring up Lavoie – I will never agree with him being scratched in favour of ECHL players but Ralph isn’t doing himself any favours. He was AWESOME the first 2-3 games after his return and has been invisible since.
All they have to do is send Savoie down to the ECHL. Let the man play.
You would have to think Chaulk is getting desperate since the Condors have lost 9 out of the last 10 games.
Might explain why he keeps playing vets.
Meh. I don’t think the Oilers are unaware of the roster weaknesses.
I would prefer they send “ECHL Players” on AHL contracts to the ECHL and allow Savoie to play some real minutes in the AHL.
The Oilers would do well to get Savoie minutes on skill lines and on the power play. They do have several prospects pushing. I’m absolutely onboard with being critical about not playing Bourgault on the No. 1 power play while Rymsha gets the push, but Savoie isn’t getting any skill minutes really.
I’d play Lavoie in front of both Savoie and Rymsha, and send Savoie to the ECHL where he can play on a feature line. He’s not being helped in the current situation. Bourgault and Tullio imo are in different situations.
The vibe in Oil Country after the WSH loss seemed a bit out of step with the recent won/loss record. I mean, it was a one-goal loss after a 3 game winning stream and only the 2nd loss in like 6 games. The vibe was “catastrophic” – trade for any d-man, Bouch is now “available”, Leon’s re-sign up in the air again, Holland should be fired, Kevin Lowe along with him, etc., etc.
Oh, I get it, even though the win/loss record wasn’t all that poor in recent times, the wins were the “Connor/Leon show” with terrible starts, comebacks required, lost leads, defensive mayhem, etc., etc., etc.
Its really only been two games, and one was against the Yotes, but the last two wins have been better “performances”. Yup, Connor/Leon contributing, as they will do, but (1) the team played well from the opening face-off, (2) the bottom six isn’t just scoring goals but scoring important goals, (3) the bottom six is also composed of two lines that are both tilting the ice the right way and actually creating momentum, (4) Broberg settling in and been solid – very solid and Bouchard settling down, (5) Skinner continuing to “pop”, Villi Husso style” as some suggested could happen, (6) defensive mistakes cut WAY back, etc., etc.
Lets not discount that Yotes game – in their last 5, the Yotes have played 4 very tight games and one blowout to the Oil.
3 teams need to play a full 60 (or 65 minutes) to squeak out a win and and the best team in the league lost to that Yotes team.
That Oilers blowout should receive full marks and I think is parlaying them forward.
The Washington game was a discouraging as it revealed how the Oilers can still be owned by ‘heavy, board-centric cycling hockey’, not to mention the horrendous shot # against. They did better vs Minnesota, who play similar, and the bandwagon is re-filling.
Secondary scoring, smarter D and Skinner – who knew?
I can hear it now, Nuge at his Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony:
” Shall I tell you about my life, they say I’m a Nuge of the world, I’ve flown across every tide, and I’ve seen lots of pretty goals…”
One of the prettiest damn Fleetwood Mac songs and it was written before the big two came along.
how fitting, nuge was there before the “big 2”
Nuge would have to play at this level for 4-5 more seasons and win a cup to be considered for the HOF. He’s a good player, and a good pro who cares about his team and his craft. But he’s never been the best player on the Oilers, and he hasn’t won anything at the professional level. I’m happy he’s still an Oiler, I think his contract will be fair value over it’s course, and I think he’ll be part of Cup winner in Edmonton … but he’ll still need to buy a ticket to get in to the HOF.
“I think it’s a question worth asking.”
LT, unlike the rest of us, don’t you have the pull to request an interview with Keith Gretzky or anyone else in Bakersfield? I’d suspect that TSN and The Athletic would have a pecking order for the big club, but I’d be mildly puzzled if you faced such barriers with the AHL.
We know Foegele is close so how do we under him without as little disruption to the current lines as possible?
For me, Shore comes out before Hamblin, Holloway or Ryan and, of course, Kostin and Janmark play every day.
Shift Ryan to 4C with Foegele on RW and Kostin on LW? Run:
Holloway/Hamblin/Puljujarvi
Kostin/Ryan/Foegele
???
I like that. Then McLeod replaces Hamblin when he’s ready and later, Kane for Jesse.
What about Janmark? He’s a lock for the bottom six when all the injured players return. Holloway will likely be the odd man out unless he can really increase his offensive production.
One thing at a time, right?
I mean, McLeod is still a few weeks away at least I think and Kane months.
Even taking away the fact that, when Kane returns, chances are there will be other guys banged up/injured, lets see how the likes of Ryan, Shore, Hamblin, Kostin, etc. are playing.
I mean, Kostin looks fantastic – he’s been playing great for his role. At the same time, consistency has not been something he’s shown. For all we know, in two weeks we are talking about scratching and maybe even assigning him. Hope not but we don’t know.
Kane McDavid Hyman
RNH Draisaitl Yamamoto
Holloway McLeod Foegle
Janmark Ryan Kostin
I look forward to one of the Oilers’ “opening season top 6” right wingers actually shooting the puck in to the opposition net this coming week.
Sharter’s mentality. Drink.
This made me laugh out loud. Thank you.
The Calder conversation will have to include Skinner if he plays 50 games, which seems almost inevitable.
The NHL head office will have to have a conversation to determine exactly how they can deny an Oilers player the Calder Trophy if Skinner keeps this up.
Voted on by the PWHA
Right. So the league won’t have to intervene. The incompetence of the PHWA will take care of everything.
Yes…hive minds are generally not reliable.
I’d like to see a set of fixed criteria made for awards. A goal is worth X points, an assist worth Y points, etc. It is way too subjective and relies on a majority of voters (eastern time zone) who don’t watch the late games or put enough emphasis on statistics.
That would be far too inflexible and the leading scorer would win most every time.
Considering rookie performances are often a function of the strength of the team roster by either aiding production or, on very strong teams, limiting production.
Defensemen would also be at a major disadvantage unless they were generational like Makar…so some defensive metrics would have to employed.
Worth noting…5 of the last 11 Calder winners play for WC teams
Awards are all fine and dandy but can you tell me how many times Gretzky won MVP of the league, probably not. Without looking I bet you can name how many Cups Messier won and how many Gretzky captured.
Nah, all of the fun is in not knowing!
It’d be Thompson, Beniers and Skinner if the season ended now. Lots of track left though … far too early to prognosticate this.
As predicted, the farther we get from November, the better the Oilers do.
I believe we also had the 3rd most difficult schedule in the league for the first 2 months, it’s settling down now.
This team drives me nuts, from the garbage we witnessed a couple games ago to a hard-fought battle against a team they never beat. Serenity now.
Yup – but that’s EVERY team in the league, right?
I mean, I presume that the Cane’s performance when they were shutout 4-0 by the Yotes a few weeks ago or when they lost to the Ducks a couple days ago doesn’t line up with their best….
My goodness. What are they going to do when it’s time for Macleod, Foegele & Kane to get back in the line up? How are they going to keep both of Janmark & Ryan in the line up? And Koskin is definitely a fit on this roster. And how are they going to shore up that blueline again? Things are going to get interesting.
i think someone productive is in danger of getting traded… Barrie had been sneaky good but he has value and his skill is repeated by Bouch…
I don’t see Ken depleting his blue in any way, and it would seem Barrie has the confidence of the room and his coach. Can’t see a Barrie trade unless packaged within a blockbuster for blue chip D.
My thought would be Foegle in for Hamblin, McLeod for Shore, an Kane for JP. Some good problems to have at that point
Skinner’s save on Kaprizov was gold. That was an amazing play and should have went in.
Canada was in the group of death. Croatia and Morocco are both on to the Semifinals with Belgium the 3rd ranked team didn’t even get a sniff of the knockout round. Please help me out have any 2 teams in the same bracket made it to the final like Croatia and Morocco have a chance to do?
It has happened twice.
1954: West Germany vs Hungary
1962: Brazil vs Czechoslovakia
Thanks. Interestingly only two of these countries still exist.
Germany didn’t change its official name. It just expanded.
It’s been a roller coaster of a season, already, but three players have stuck out for me among the numerous story lines developing.
Nuge – my favorite Oiler for the past decade, incredible season from him so far. May just end being my favorite Oiler of all time if he keeps this up. Baby Nuge is aging like a fine wine and his contract is a steal at this point.
Skinner – Always had high hopes since he got drafted. A friend of mine in the Broncos organization always told me he’d take time but would be solid once he made the show. Our season would be done by now without him.
Broberg – Finally seems to getting his footing. Lots of development ahead, with highs and lows, but he’s looking stronger every game. He may just be the answer to our LD, and even I tend to stay away from being too optimistic.
I’m not a numbers guru like a lot of guys on this blog, our author included of course. There’s so many story lines going on with this team, but their looking much better to my eye.
Skinner was also solid for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and that’s why the Broncos obtained him for their cup run.
I think Broberg’s continued steady improvement is vital to maintaining the uptick in Ws. Here’s hoping.
Bouchard’s response since the benching has also helped Broberg’s game look better. Bouchard’s game last night is the game I want him playing every night. Nothing flashy, but making the right plays, being hard along the wall, taking his shot at right times and not forcing it through. And Broberg compliments him well. I thought they were going to be a huge liability against a team like the wild, but both guys have each other great support and recognized when and where that support was needed.
Broberg is carrying Bouchard more than Bouchard is carrying Broberg. Bouchard stopped being a tire fire once Broberg was on the ice with him.
Because Broberg can compensate for most of Bouchard’s deficiencies.
Broberg is an all around D. He was the Klefbom of his peer group in Sweden.
Bouchard is pretty much a classic defensively suspect offensive D (which can be an extremely valuable asset paired with an all around D on a 2nd pairing).
Bouchard’s season numbers without/before Broberg look like this:
MIN 331
SF% 53.6
GF% 33.3 (9-18)
SCF% 56.7
HDCF% 58.2
The first 6 games of the Broberg-Bouchard pair looked like this:
MIN 60
SF% 46.2
GF% 20.0 (1-4)
SCF% 40.4
HDCF% 35.0
Then the last 2 games of that pair has actually looked really good:
MIN 27
SF% 60.0
GF% 100 (1-0)
SCF% 72.7
HDCF% 75.0
I don’t believe Broberg saved Bouchard from being a tire fire. Great to see the pair playing well in the last couple of games though.
https://twitter.com/jfreshhockey/status/1601612954650411009?s=46&t=PyhI3pE6cMPZZgsvUpst5Q
somehow the guy in the early running for the vezina is not in the running for the Calder
Oilers with one of the best and one of the worst.
Another point in favor of those who believe that save percentage is not a team stat, but a reflection of goaltending. The same defense playing in front of both guys and one is .919%, the other .872%.
Go Morocco!
Human rights abuses aside, this has been an incredible World Cup.
That’s why l love watching the World Cup no commercials and no political talk. TSN is doing a hell of a job when analyzing the games especially Beckie she’s all about Soccer.
This world cup gets darker by the hour, there’s no celebration to be had.
That’s your opinion but 6 billion think otherwise.
I’ll happily stay on this side, not my problem 6 billion people are wrong.
One thing I would add to your Kostin comment, after Ryan scored and the Wild started pushing Ryan around, Kostin stepped in and that was that. The Wild decided they had had enough. Kostin sitting there with a sort of grin on his face!
Nuge tied for 13th in the NHL on scoring – lots of “famous forwards” around him.
I know. It is amazing. Oilers nearly have three players in the top ten.
Currently “driving” a non McDavid and Drai line as a center….
I really enjoy your posts but am usually baffled by which words you choose to “quote”. Do you have a philosophy?
OP is a high Corsi poster.
One of the more underrated players around the NHL I feel. A few phlegm friends feel backlund is a better player. I scoff at that remark. Especially when backlund contract is more expensive
I was skeptical that Skinner could hack it as a backup in the NHL. I was very wrong. He is saving the season.
If he can improve his rebound control, he will be a high-end starter.
Ditto. I was not high on him at all. Goalies, man.
winner winner, Stuart Skinner
I talked to a scout prior to the draft where Cossa and the Swedish goalie were the consensus can’t miss future #1’s. He said he doubted the Oilers would pick either if one fell to their slot, because they were that high on Skinner. Appears he was right on both counts.