Nashville Skyline

by Lowetide

Leon the Lion Draisaitl was the king of NHL ice last night, scoring thrice and leading the Edmonton Oilers to a major victory. The team is four points up on Los Angeles Kings with a game in hand, and five points up on Vegas Golden Knights. Seven games left, a major tilt awaits Saturday in Edmonton. This is the good stuff.

THE ATHLETIC!

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM APRIL

  • At home to: STL (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
  • On the road to: ANA, SJS, LAK (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 3-0-0)
  • At home to: COL (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-1)
  • On the road to: MIN, NAS (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 1-1-0)
  • At home to: VEG, DAL, COL (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • On the road to: CBJ, PIT (Expected 1-1-0) Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: SJS, VAN (Expected 2-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • Overall expected result: 7-6-1, 15 points in 14 games
  • Actual April results: 5-1-1, 11 points in 7 games
  • Oilers in 2021-22: 43-26-6, 92 points in 75 games

The best team since the 2016-17 group, three distinct pieces to the season: A 16-5-0 start, a 7-13-3 middle, and a finish that currently stands 20-8-3 under Jay Woodcroft. What an incredible season.

GOALTENDING

Mike Smith is on one of those runs, they used to call it a zone in the before time. He stopped 30 shots, four HDSC, and won the game with a shutout. His save percentage for the season is up to .907 and his five-on-five save percentage is now .921! That’s good for No. 21 in the NHL for goalies with 700+ minutes this season. Amazing.

DEFENSE

Darnell Nurse scored a goal, three shots, takeaway, blocked shot, played almost 21 minutes. He was a physical force, didn’t take any penalties but could have had several. Played almost 21 minutes, nice goal. He has 40 goals in his last four seasons. Cody Ceci picked up an assist, shot on goal, rock solid and composed against a pretty filthy Preds team.

Duncan Keith had a shot, and a blocked shot, played a quiet game and made safe plays. It was a steady game by a veteran, I imagine everyone involved wants to get that game versus the Wild behind them. Evan Bouchard had three shots, four missed shots, a post and a giveaway. Bouchard looked dangerous with the puck on his stick and made several fine outlet passes. That was less in evidence during the previous game. This pairing was much better than the Wild game.

Brett Kulak took a penalty, had two shots and two takeaways on the evening. Smart player. Tyson Barrie had one shot, moved the puck expertly on the PP, and Kris Russell had one shot and three hits, one of them an earth shattering monster.

FORWARDS

Evander Kane had an assist (SH), four shots, three HDSC (one at five-on-five), four hits and a giveaway. Connor McDavid posted two assists, three shots, one HDSC, two takeaways and took a penalty but got his money’s worth. Jesse Puljujarvi had two shots, HDSC, and his forechecking led to several chances (including early in the game). He tried to deflect a pass from the point but got too much of it, and had another good look but didn’t get all of it. Ah, the scoring slump. He’ll get there. The line was extremely effective on the night.

Zach Hyman had an assist, two shots, takeaway, four hits, blocked a shot and carried the puck out of danger many times. He is such a good player. Leon Draisaitl was the story last night, three goals, the first one shot so hard it might still be going. My God what a player. Four shots, one HDSC, three takeaways and one giveaway. He’s back! That knee tweak appears to be a distant bell. Kailer Yamamoto had a quiet night beyond carrying the puck to safety and a couple of bursts into the neutral zone that didn’t result in goals.

Warren Foegele had four shots, two HDSC, a penalty, takeaway, four hits, blocked a shot. I thought he played well, I know there are those who aren’t strong on this player but he was active and effective. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists, moved the puck well, shadowed his mark well and edged closer to 50 points for what will be the sixth time in his career. Derek Ryan had a HDSC, drew a penalty, did good work around the net, and won some battles against bigger men. I think he gets overlooked because his name is Derek Ryan. If he was Nero von Gottensnobble he would get noticed more for good things.

Zack Kassian had a shot, a HDSC and drew two penalties. I thought he had an effective game and forced his way up the depth chart several times. Ryan McLeod didn’t post much in the way of measurables, but transported the puck well and made some good passes. I like his ability to avoid forecheckers and find quiet ice to assess his next move. Some young players never figure it out. I wrote about his comparables this morning, fascinating list.

VEGAS, BABY!

Edmonton’s next opponent is Vegas and it’s a Saturday afternoon game and a possible playoff preview. I like the seven defensemen idea, don’t know if they can run Kris Russell every game and the Condors you’d like to see are all hurt. This has turned into a fun year to watch the Oilers. What will the playoffs bring? Looks like a very tough opening round series.

217 comments
6

You may also like

4.5 10 votes
Article Rating
217 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
jp

LT (and/or others), I have a couple of questions about Puljujarvi if you’d care to answer.

I just got around to reading what you and DNB wrote about Puljujarvi at the Athletic the other day (https://theathletic.com/3248589/2022/04/14/why-the-jesse-puljujarvi-criticism-in-edmonton-misses-the-mark/)

Question 1: The article states that Puljujarvi is a UFA in 2023, and I’ve seen that mentioned multiple times. When I count up his accrued seasons I get 5 including the year, which would mean he’d be a UFA in 2022.

So, are we sure it’s 2023? And follow-ups assuming it is 2023. Why am I wrong? And where can I find the correct info?

Question 2: The article mentions Puljujarvi’s on ice numbers are better than Kane’s, and that’s also been mentioned often by WG and others. The implication being that Puljujarvi is actually helping the team MORE than Kane is, though I don’t recall seeing that directly claimed.

My personal take has been that Kane is the better player today (ignoring age, future contract, and off ice worries), but that Puljujarvi has a good chance to be better value going forward for those same reasons.

My second question is do you, or others, think Puljujarvi is the actual better player today?

OriginalPouzar

I need to go back and do the research but Jesse playing so much in the NHL as an 18-year old changes some of the regular CBA parameters. I know being on the roster for 40 games was an Accrued Season towards the 7 for UFA status (and he now has 5) and I believe it changed his waivers exempt seasons fro 5 to 3 but it may have had other ramifications.

With that said, I think he’s got two more UFA years.

Tarkus

Summarizing!

Tu-tu-Tullio can taste that sweet, sweet Gretzky Cup now as he tally-o’ed two-two-two times to give him 42 for the season. He was also named first star despite Oshawa losing 4-3.

Just to add to OP’s post below, this is what #42 looked like from a different angle. Kid has a major-league wrister already:

https://mobile.twitter.com/Oshawa_Generals/status/1515145507114471426

Petrov, Lachance, Chiasson and The Bourg were shut out, while Wanner remains out of the lineup.

Last edited 1 year ago by Tarkus
jp

Real choke job by Petrov. Very disappointing (lol).

SwedishPoster

Should we start to worry about Petrov’s lack of clutch?

jp

I think so. As LT likes to say, you develop a past.

Munny 2.0

I think I’m in true true Trullio love.

I know he’s draft+2 and that’s a heckuva nick to potential outcome, but getting this kid in the 5th round seems like the scouting staff held up a leprechaun for his hidden stash.

I actually have Tullio pretty even with Savoie in my mental depth chart. I know many rank Savoie higher, but I think Tullio might have him by a nose right now. They both lit it up this year, and Savoie does get a bump for a little older league… but the extra size—and this year, game responsibility—gives Tuliio a wee edge IMO. I might feel differently if the Pios had kept Savoie on the first line.

But the real pot of gold is Petrov, who is doing what Tullio is doing a full year younger. And from the 6th round. That is an incredible pick. If he adds to those numbers next year… look out.

Last edited 1 year ago by Munny 2.0
jp

Is Tullio much bigger though? I know he plays a rougher style, but I’ve always been concerned how effective he’ll be playing that game given he’s not a big guy.

Tullio’s listed at 5’11”, 180 on both elite prospects and hockeydb
Savoie is listed as 5’9″, 175 and 5’9″, 192, on the 2 sites, respectively.

Not sure what’s most accurate, or where the players are at right now, but there doesn’t seem to be a big size gap.

Checking what their NHLe’s are today:
Tullio 17-18-35
Savoie 21-21-42

Also not a big gap there.

I’ve been fading my expectations for Tullio pretty hard because (like you say) draft +2, but maybe too harsh of me. How these guys games translate to pro is just such a crap shoot though. I can’t wait to see how all 3 of them adjust. And on Tullio, he definitely does seem to play a perfect game for a bottom 6 role, so maybe he doesn’t need to bring quite as much of his offense with him.

Munny 2.0

I’m not sure either of these guys makes the NHL. Very doubtful, IMO, but the fact they have a chance and good arrows makes those low round picks pretty good.

I don’t trust Savoie’s weight, since his neck doesn’t appear to belong to a body that heavy for his size. But nobody would lie about 5’9″ (unless they’re even shorter) and two inches more in height does make a difference when it comes to reach—which is important to checking. And both these guys are unlikely to make it as top 6 scorers.

Last edited 1 year ago by Munny 2.0
jp

Yeah the chances of late round picks, even with good arrows, isn’t so great.

Fair enough about Savoie’s size, and the higher number could be before he got in shape.

I am among those who do see Savoie as more likely to make it though, especially as a top 6.

I feel like (though I don’t have any evidence) those numbers in college (at age 20) do translate more often than similar numbers from the CHL. Even looking at Oilers picks, so many CHL guys scored in Tullio’s range and weren’t even good AHLers. Doesn’t mean Tullio won’t, just that it’s a bit less predictive.

I think Savoie post-draft is tracking more clearly like a 1st rounder should. In terms of their similar NHLE’s, I think the number likely undersells Savoie at 20 since most of the original data would have come from older players transitioning to the NHL.

Anyway, just spitballing opinions here.

OriginalPouzar

Another thing about the Petrov pick, and I know McCurdy loves this, is that the pick the Oilers used for Petrov is the pick offered to Toronto for Hyman’s rights but that Dubas didn’t think was “enough” to help the Oilers get an 8th year (which I’m happy they didn’t get in any event, even for a couple grand higher AAV).

fishman

Nashville Skyline. Terrific Bob Dylan album!

edoil1

A footnote to that great album,Dylan quit smoking and his voice mellowed out for that disk.Johnny Cash and him duet on Girl from the North Country then Lay Lady Lay,actually written about his dog and Threw it all Away are my favorites.As good as they get.

fishman

Those two tunes my favourite as well!!!

OriginalPouzar
OriginalPouzar
OriginalPouzar

Oilers won’t be facing Lehner tomorrow as he’s heading back to Vegas to deal with a family health matter.

Justthestatsman

Lehner’s had a tough year. Thompson actually has better numbers although in a fairly small sample size. Who’s the back-up if Brossoit is still out? Are there any cap implications to call up a replacement for Lehner?

OriginalPouzar

I haven’t looked at their roster but, presumably, they could call up a goalie on an emergency basis with no cap implication.

Harpers Hair

Uh oh…the game not 5 minutes old and Huberdeau scores #29 and #30.

That gives him 107 points on the season 3 behind McDavid.

Does he win the Hart if he has the most points at the end of the season?

Diablo

Ugh – the troll’s back.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I think he would be a fine pick. He is having a fantastic year.

Whether it is fair or not, I imagine McD would have to finish way ahead in the scoring race to win the Hart since he has already won.

Last edited 1 year ago by Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
Messier11

Pretty sure that guy in Toronto has it locked up.

Ranford.85

Why would that fact need to start with “Uh oh…”? What should us Oilers’ fans be worried about? Him having more points than McDavid at years end? McD not winning the Hart?

How truly frightening! SMH.

Last edited 1 year ago by Ranford.85
Material Elvis

He should be in consideration but he likely won’t win it. Many of the voters are fixated on their local markets and are biased towards the players that they watch the most. Elliott Friedman did not even mention Huberdeau as one of his Hart candidates last time he was on ON; Sidney Crosby was one of his candidates, however. The voters often rely on name recognition and highlights because the don’t see a large enough sample of all the players nominated. For that reason, you would assume they would rely more heavily on stats (some do), but too many do not. I don’t even know if stats are a consideration for some of the voters. And the ‘most valuable to his team’ criteria is the most subjective aspect of the Trophy. Is Huberdeau the most valuable to his team or is it Barkov? Does team success camouflage an individual’s contribution?

McDavid is the best player in the league, without question. The Hart Trophy race is a crapshoot this year.

Harpers Hair

I expect you’re right but I’ve been noticing the lack of talk about Huberdeau when he is right there.

McSorley33

Big time.

Harpers Hair

As much as I appreciate Barkov’s 2 way game Huberdeau is 28 points ahead of him as of this writing…that’s huge.

Barkov should certainly be a candidate for the Selke but it’s difficult to argue against Huberdeau as the most valuable player on his team.

There is a trophy for the best player in the league which I’m sure McDavid will win again.

Worth noting, Huberdeau now has 3 points on the night after 2 periods and new line mate Claude Giroux has been involved in all 3.

These guys seem to just score at will.

Reja

Yes he does it’s a wide open race if Leon goes on a run and beats Matthews with 60 plus goals he could still win it. Johnny is still in it I think Connor needs to win the scoring race by 10 points. So many people have had career and breakout years it’s a fantastic race. All it takes is a couple of hat-tricks coming down the stretch and poof your winning the MVP

Last edited 1 year ago by Reja
BornInAGretzkyJersey

You spelled Art Ross incorrectly.

Harpers Hair

He could potentially win both.

MADOIL

Looking beyond the here and now and coming back to LTs article in the Athletic, Ken Holland has to find a way to sign Kane this summer. If the objective is to win the Stanley then it is imperative to keep improving the team every year (see TB for e.g.). It is clear that the Oilers have a better team compared to last year. Hyman, Fogele, Ryan, Keith as a group is better than what we had previously. Kane’s addition has had a material (TM OP) impact on the roster (daresay Jay may not have had this stellar 20-8-1 record if Kane was not in the team). So, to get to the next level, we need to add to the team, not subtract.
I know there is a bunch of fans who claim (even before he has played a game in the NHL) that Holloway will replace Kane. Yeah! sure. Even if that is true, all you’re doing is staying in place. So you can expect next year’s Oilers will still be a middling team qualifying for the playoff only by the 78-82nd game. What we should aim is to have Holloway in additon to Kane. That would be a better forward corps than this year’s version.
I can hear a bunch of saying “but where is the money to keep everybody” and yes that is a good question but isn’t that the reason the Manager is paid the big bucks? It is his job to find the money, convince Kane to take a hometown discount, trade non-core, non performing assets or trade the LTIR contract – whatever it takes. There are numerous options to find the money – just need Holland to think outside the box. In fact he doesn’t even need to think of the options himself – he can hire or get the brightest guy around to do it for him, I’d bet that a few guys in this blog can come up with good solutions to this problem.
In short I think for the Oilers to get closer to winning the cup, Kane or somebody very similar needs to be on the team in addition to the rookies getting added to the team next year.
Apologize for this wall of text.

Reja

Kane has reformed our whole top 9 if he feels comfortable and happy with the quiet life off the ice. Couple that with the thrill of scoring 40 and chasing Stanley Holland will find a way to sign him.

McNuge93

I agree, but how it can be done is a big problem. The other thing that must be done is fix the goaltending, despite Smith’s recent resurgence. And I cant see how both can be done unless Keith retires and that’s highly unlikely. And I think the Kane deal needs to be a max of three years and that could be difficult. I would sacrifice a first round pick if it substantially achieved these goals. This will be a big summer for Holland to move the team into truly contender status.

OriginalPouzar

Absolutely, its silly to think that Holloway can step in to the lineup next and simply replace what Kane brings. I’m confident that Holloway can impact the roster in a positive way but to think he’s going to replace 30G/60P plus the aggression/truculence, dangerous PK work, etc. is a bit unreasonable, in my opinion.

I agree there are avenues to find the money to keep Kane – of course, it may not be prudent if the term and AAV required is not reasonable (and there are various opinions on what might be reasonable), but we don’t know at this time.

As far as the manager “convincing Kane to take a hometown discount” – well, I can’t agree that’s a must for a GM – its might be an impossible task for all we know.

SayItAin'tSo, Gretz, SayItAin'tSo!

Pokes head in: said back in early Feb. that it’s all about peaking in a Marathon NHL season and the Oils is oils get into the playoffs by 6-8 points. Flames overperformed so it’ll be tough to catch them but that team is as fragile as a Russian Cruiser hanging out near Odessa.

This is the best Oiler team since the 90s Cup team. Better than 06 but sans Pronger so there’s a “show me” dividend that needs to be paid.

This team will beat Vegas like a rented mule and show those cheating cowards what’s what. A series against LA is a cake walk.

Gimme a series against that soft as butter Avalanche D and we’ll have Toews and Makar -9 in a 4 game sweep. MacKinnon can then scream at them and toss some chickpeas into a wall before declaring them entire menu needs to be Vegan Vegan cause that’s what an overrated donkey does when he gets booted AGAIN without ever playing for something to win with…

But secretly gimme the Flames… Gimme Darryl Sutter and McD and Leon will give him an asswhoppin that hasn’t been seen in Viking since CP was gifted the mineral rights underneath that line.

Ahhh it’s rounding into form now. Old Man Smith is peaking, Leon will catch Captain Underpants before the season closes and McD will be happy-pissed that he didn’t get back to back Hearts but will have yet another Art Ross to his name.

The fun thing? This isn’t Peak Oilers yet, that’s a season-ish out as Bouchard rounds into form, Broberg finds his legs, Holloway is flanking the best 3rd in NHL history and Skinner is racking up wins like he’s Brodeur in the mid-90s.

Too much wringing of hands, not enough seeing the potential rounding into form. Holland is an effing Genius and Woodman will end up with Moar Cups than Babcock ever dreamed of.

What a time to be an Oiler fan.

Rugbypig

I’ll have you know it’s Assistant Captain Underpants, Thank-you very much!!

OriginalPouzar

I’m not sure what Sutter is running Markstrom out there game after game after game but I’m certainly all for it.

Reja

As much as I detest Calgary It’s pretty rich to question Sutter’s Coaching moves when’s he’s winning the Pacific going away.

OriginalPouzar

I’m quite happy that, despite winning the Pacific going away, he’s running his #1 goalie out there game after game after game. A goalie with a solid injury history at that.

Reja

Same could be said about over using Leon and Connor. Maybe Markstrom thrives on it, Grant Fuhr played in 79 games in 1995. Not everyone is like sleepy Mikko who needs a rest for a week if he happens to play 4 in a row.

OriginalPouzar

The same can be said about Leon and Connor. In fact, it is said about Leon and Connor all the time. Further, the current coaching staff seems to have worked to reduce their ice time. Most Oiler fans are thankful for that and most Oiler fans are quite happy when they are able to carry the play and win games with those guys around or under 20 minutes.

Perhaps Markstrom thrives on it. Being pulled in 2 straight doesn’t provide evidence in that direction, mind you.

Yes, Fuhr certainly did. Of course, as much as you seemingly crave for the “good ol days” and like to equate those days to the current, things do change and have changed.

Last edited 1 year ago by OriginalPouzar
OriginalPouzar

I don’t know what Nav Bhatia means and, of course, I have respect for the olden days and the players of that age and am plenty in the know re: those days. At the same time, Fuhr playing 70 plus games 3 decades ago doesn’t really mean much.

I would suggest that you accept that the “days of yore” are no longer and that what “worked” back then is not necessarily what “works” today.

I very much respect Mark Messier – I also understand that if someone played the game today that he played in the 80s, that player would be suspended every single game.

Last edited 1 year ago by OriginalPouzar
Reja

We all know that you just started watching the game recently so it makes sense you have no knowledge for the history of the game.

pts2pndr

Have you ever been to a horse race where the jockey went to the whip too soon and his horse faltered in the home stretch? 😉

Harpers Hair

Just a note on the Colorado D.

After last year’s playoffs, Sakic noted his D needed more size and toughness.

Erik Johnson 6’4″ 225

Josh Manson 6’3″ 220

Jack Johnson 6’1″ 225

Kurtis MacDermid 6’5″ 235

I don’t think “soft as butter” adequately describes their D.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Word of the day: Light-hearted– amusing and entertaining.

E.g., SayItAin’tSo, Gretz, SayItAin’tSo! made a light-hearted post about the Oilers on an Oilers fansite.

Last edited 1 year ago by Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
Side

Sakic went and did that after you were saying the whole year prior that small, mobile D were the future? What a jerk.

Last edited 1 year ago by Side
Harpers Hair

Balance.

Its a thing.

Side

You don’t have to tell me. You are over a year late to the party.

SayItAin'tSo, Gretz, SayItAin'tSo!

^ this all damn day.

Sakic knows his forwards masquerading as defense will get rolled AGAIN in the playoffs and he’s tired of having MacKinnon scream “I did TimBits commercials WITH CROSBY, I’m a winner!” Every time they have to clear out their smelly loser lockers early.

But in all seriousness Colorado won’t win this year. They are too young and their veterans are losers. Kuemper, Mr. Career Coyote with less playoff games than McDavid and Draisaitl is who you’re relying on in the playoffs and Oiler fans swallow that pablum? Gimme a break!

The Avs PP dividend will go away in the playoffs and all them CHL Muffins will fold like cheap green tents the minute “dump and chase” becomes a thing hahaha.

For OP – that’s the thing man. Guys like Dubas and Sutter (Honourable mention to Florida and Brobrovsky) get an awful lot of credit in the regular season for riding their G’s into the ground and none of the snot after the inevitable playoff failure cause of the same. Carolina is taking a measured amount of playing time with Anderson probably to the 3rd round yet Dubas is the savant. Weird.

TO and Cal the 2nd and 3rd biggest disappointments this year after the Avs. It’ll be weird watching Matthews bail from The Greatest City in Canada to the Arizona State Thunderdome of 300 fans but that’s what’s gonna happen when the serial chokers choke again. Jack Campbell and a no name rookie for a team that’s historically flunked goaltending in the playoffs… Yup that’s a team with an AWESOME analytics department right there yup. Need to copy them 100% hahahahahah.

And Another THING! the Sutter love on this site, this season, with the damn Flames of all teams is too much for my Grinch heart to bear. We’ve seen this before from the same group of wannabes in Calgary. We won’t get the matchup we all want cause they’ll be out in four when Johnny G breaks a finger nail and team morale goes full Titanic and sinks to the bottom after they go down 2-0 in the 1st of the 1st.

Too bad, it would be fun to whoop em but it’ll be even funnier to watch City Council whoop Edwards all the way to Houston with the Loser Stink still fresh. Talk about turning the tables there eh? Alas oil prices might keep the latter from being reality but it’s actually that close.

And finally – Jonathan Huberdeau as MVP? Thornton managed to make Cheechoo a Richard winner so anything is possible. But we all know a fluke (or a Fake News Conspiracy) when we see one.

Five 100 point seasons, three 40 goal seasons and six straight 30 goal seasons all before 26. That’s an MVP! But sure yea we can all pretend a lucky amount of assist, on a team who’s goalie is a sieve, with a really nice tan deserves the Hart.

Don’t take the bait, greatness is greatness and greatness isn’t some fluke in Miami.

PinkSocks

I sure hope Tkachuck gets 8 more points in his last 8 games so he gets 100 points on the season. Watching the Flames (spits) get forced by an arbitrator to pay that rat $10m/year is going to be delicious.

dunterpunter

As a coach, I’d be using this for extra push in the playoffs.

End of season, tell your troops how well everyone has performed this year, and to take a look around the dressing room – because this group won’t be the same next year, and this is our year to take the cup.

winchester

I would like to see a GIF of Foegele taking that penalty last night. To my eye he touched the man on the shoulder and the Predator clutches his face in agony. If that is correct, those type of GIFs should make the rounds.

Am I calling it the right thing?? GIF? Video Snapshot?

Kert

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t his hand that reached for his shoulder. It was his other hand that had his stick in it just before that. The shaft of the stick went across the guy’s face. I’d have to watch again though.

Kert

…Let’s see if I can paste this in here without it being too big or obnoxious..
comment image

flyfish1168

this happens to Yamo every game and often gets missed

PinkSocks

The best thing about the box score from last night was seeing each and every player over 11 minutes of ice, and RNH with the most TOI at 21:15, ahead of 25, 29 & 97.

McSorley33

Agreed.

This team has not been this balanced in many years and the ice time needs to reflect that fact.

winchester

I read an article by Minnesota Wild hockey sports writer after the Wild-Oilers game. So different than Edmonton. Nothing but praise, praise, praise. They are the greatest. Managed to use Woodcroft quotes to pump their tires. And of course they dominated the great McDavid. Homerism that puts Toronto to shame.

hunter1909

To be fair, the Wild dominated most of that game.

flyfish1168

Jeremy Coupal is becoming an unsung hero. He is becoming instrumental to our success.

Whaler Slamamoto

Just flipping through the blog on the toilet 🚽 again and was curious: anyone have the Mancroft era goalie sv% and gaa? Thanks! My legs are falling asleep, I should move along.

Reja

When’s the last time you were told your full of shit?

jp

anyone have the Mancroft era goalie sv% and gaa? 

One thing I can say is those numbers definitely are not in the toilet.

Woodcroft ERA:
GA/60 2.84 8th
SV% .909 9th

Whaler Slamamoto

Thanks! Was thinking more smith vs. kosk, but this will do

jp

I read too quickly!

Smith — 16GP 10-5-1 2.64 .916
Koskinen 16GP 9-3-2 2.99 .905

54 goalies have played 10 or more games since Feb. 10th.
Oiler goalies rank among those 54:

Wins – Smith 15th (tied), Koskinen 20th (tied)
GAA – Smith 16th, Koskinen 29th (tied)
SV% – Smith 14th (tied), Koskinen 29th (tied)

Whaler Slamamoto

Nice 50/50 split and good numbers. I’ll take it. Real deec. Thanks again . Smith literally back from the dead!

jp

Yes, he definitely did spend the better part of the season in the shitter.

Reja

It’s sad to hear of Mike Bossy’s passing away. Best shot ever and greatest goal scorer how many does he end up with if not for his career getting cut short due to injuries.

McSorley33

Very.

Anyone know why he retired when he did?

His last season in 86/87 he almost scored 40 goals! (38)
Finished with 75 points.

I think he was only 30

rich tm

Back issues. Was playing in pain, his final season he had 38 goals in 63 games and decided enough was enough.

McSorley33

Okay, thank you. That rings a bell now….

hunter1909

I was fortunate to have a discussion with Mike Bossy who was a diamond of a human being. I told him that I wanted him to play with Gretzky lol and he said he did in one All Star game but their linemate was useless which fucked it all up.

prefonmich

I find it hilarious that after a 3 goal game by Matthews there are so many articles and discussions on his great goal-scoring gifts and how he is the clear Hart winner. After Drai’s similar game… crickets. Drai has a better shooting percentage, and more impact on the team game (although I am certainly biased). Does Matthews kill penalties? Matthews also plays consistently with Marner, but this rarely gets mentioned as a discounting of his success, whereas Drai playing with McDavid is constantly somehow a knock against Drai.

The big German is, dare I say, woefully underrated, even by us Oiler fans. His shooting prowess is unbelievable. He also comes in at 3 million less cap hit than Matthews, which is fine by me! If the cap hit difference were to remain the same, who would you rather keep when contracts are up, Drai or McDavid?? It could, at the very least, make for an interesting discussion.

PinkSocks

Draisaitl is a better player than Matthews, salary notwithstanding, and that isn’t homerism, he just brings so much more to the table.

29 vs 97 isn’t really a debate. Both guys would likely see their numbers in the rafters in 15 years, but Draisaitl is a top 5 player in the league, McDavid is a top 5 player of all time. Connor in the 80s would have 300 points a season.

winchester

Great post, Leon is absolutely an excellent hockey player. And he is much harder to shut down the Connor. Its a great match. I do believe Leon has helped Connor grow as a player as well.

Randle McMurphy

Carey Price to make his season debut on Friday vs Islanders.

Got to prove he’s healthy for an offseason trade?

LMHF#1

To the Oilers in the offseason at half his contract to win a Stanley. Yes.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Would you be willing to pay a first and Holloway, at least on that gamble?

LMHF#1

I don’t see that as the trade. Not enough teams looking and Price probably wants to be close to home. Edmonton’s the logical choice of those teams that can also win.

pts2pndr

NO. As in Hard No! The man is fragile and standing at the cliffs edge!

LMHF#1

I knew a bunch of you don’t actually want a Cup. Thanks for confirming with minuses!

31saves

Well that’s an interesting response.

I think a rational look at the cons goes:

  • Price is currently 34 years old
  • He had knee surgery in the offseason and a personal struggle which has resulted in him not playing in nearly a calendar year
  • fairly pedestrian stats in the regular season over the past few years
  • one really good playoffs last year but he hasn’t been the same really since his previous knee injuries
  • even half salary puts him at 5.75 for the next 4 seasons (he’ll be 38)
  • there will probably be a decent premium to trade for him involving draft and prospect capital that may include up to a 1st and Holloway.

there’s no doubt for anyone with eyes to say that Carey Price was one of the most fundamentally sound goalies of all time, and he is a top 5 goalie in the world when he’s healthy. To suggest those that can’t see the optimistic view of pulling Carey price in a trade and hoping that he can recapture the magic of 10 years ago as he turns 34/35 don’t want a Stanley cup is… odd.

31saves

for the record, I would take that gamble if the trade cost was low. Thinking a lavoie, Samurukov and a pick kinda low

LMHF#1

Something like that – yep.

And if Price isn’t mentally and physically healthy, he won’t play anyway. So the point would be moot.

OriginalPouzar

How would that make the point moot? The Oilers would still have him on the books for that cap hit. I can’t wait to get out of LTIR hell in one more year when Klefbom’s contract is off the books – its been a killer.

I don’t think I’d take Price, even at half retained, for free – its too much of a risk.

doritogrande

bold strategy, I like it but would much prefer to spend picks instead of drafted prospects if we can. Find a way to include Smith in the deal and run Price/Skinner as your tandem. It’s basically what we’re spending on goaltending this year.

LMHF#1

I’m needling…as based on track record 95% of the responders don’t give it the careful thought you have. And their need to drop the minus on something like that makes me laugh.

Alpine

I’m into the idea but it’s entirely a playoffs oriented move. Price has been average to below average in the regular season the last couple of seasons and was poor in 17-18.

So you’re gonna be using 7-8 mil of cap on a guy whose likely quality of play will have to be insulated by an exceptional 5v5/PP/PK team to get into the playoffs. I say 7-8 mil because you rarely see a team retain anywhere close to 50% over multiple seasons. A third or quarter retention is the blue sky scenario.

I like the idea because playoff Price probably gets this team deeper than any other goalie they could acquire. He would be a great mentor for Skinner as well. But if Price struggles that could throw Skinner to the wolves and you have a huge cap hit to work around for the rest of 97’s contract.

PinkSocks

The last time Carey Price was playing hockey was in the SC Final. People seem to forget. Now if he can be physically healthy, i.e. have two knees, and has the mental stuff sorted out, $5.75m for years 34-38 (too young for Holland) wouldn’t be a bad gamble. Big caveat is that the trade package would not include a current or recent 1st round pick, just B level prospects, and secondly that Skinner with his $750k salary is the backup. Plus, history shows that Price can be LTIR’d if things go south. So it’s really a question for uncle Katz. Is he willing to risk ~$6m that Carey is able to put the mental and physical together for a few more years.

Jim Boe

I’d say a much bigger impetus for the minuses may have less to do with the concepts posted and more the attitude presented in the posts themselves.

There’s no grand conspiracy here of some downvoting cabal attacking all Carey Price fans or independent thinkers, just an uncollected quantity of readers who overwhelmingly don’t appreciate trolling behavior or remarks solely designed to stir pride and cause negative reactions, and being insulted for disagreeing with someone without giving some elaboration that the original poster feels they’ve somehow earned from fellow strangers on the Internet. We don’t like it when HH decides to be intentionally inflammatory, not sure why anyone would feel compelled to fill his shoes. Conduct yourself.

pts2pndr

The minuses were due more to the fact that Price is no guarantee to win a cup at his age and the cost would be exorbitant. To think along the line that Price could be the answer to a cup for the Oilers is extremely dangerous in that his acquisition could do irreparable damage!

Randle McMurphy

Kris Russell = Anvil

Mikael Granlund = Wiley E Coyote

OriginalPouzar

Damn I wish that game on Saturday wasn’t an afternoon game – that would be a great game for the early HNIC affair.

Munny 2.0

Me too. I will have to watch on delay.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Same here, I have to pick up the FIL at the airport midway through the game. Gonna pause it and avoid any radio or spoilers as best as I can.

Litke 94

Makes me wish the NHL was like the NFL and would flex more compelling matchups into better time slots late in the season.

Looking at the actual HNIC schedule, there isn’t a single better matchup than Oilers vs Knights.

OriginalPouzar

The defensive group as a who went from being quite poor against Minny to quite good against Nashville.

Perhaps the Preds aren’t quite as fast and aggressive on the forecheck?

Perhaps the Oilers forwards offered more support on the boards and for outlets?

Perhaps Mike Smith’s ability to stop and move pucks makes that much of a difference?

Perhaps the game in Minny, like the game in Calgary, was just one of those nights that they’ll have every once in a while?

Randle McMurphy

I’ll go with C) Mike Smith.

Reja

Smith leaks a goal when it was 1-0 game could have resulted in a whole different outcome.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I will say it was mostly a combination of 2 and 4. I think Minny was a bit of an emotional let-down game after the tight Colorado game. Also, the Oilers forwards were backchecking hard last night.

yeraslob

Every now and then, imo, the Oilers forget it’s a team game and that commitment to team defense is what successful teams do. That commitment probably would’ve made the Minny game 1-0 or 2-1, possibly in OT or shootout, imo.

Reja

The Minny goal from the bad angle was a team back breaker.

McSorley33

Yep.

Preds not even close to the Wild.

Tomasino on line 1
Tolvainen on line 2.

And the enigma that is Ryan Johansen

Last edited 1 year ago by McSorley33
Randle McMurphy

“Connor McDavid…took a penalty but got his money’s worth.”

Never ever saw Gretzky do that!

Messier…yes.

Gretz…uh uh.

Randle McMurphy

I’m beginning to think that McDavid’s on that line to protect Kane. 🙂

yeraslob

I’d like to see McDavid throw the body now and then when he’s forechecking. He could put a lot of defensemen on their butts coming in at that speed.

OriginalPouzar

Connor McDavid is indeed very physical on the forecheck – at least to my eye.

I even mentioned it during the game last night – he’s a bull in the offensive zone.

pts2pndr

Before the instigator rule and Sammy riding shotgun so there was no requirement to do so. In my opinion the stars of the game today are subject to much greater abuse because of that rule change.

JimmyV1965

I thought the Nuge line looked great last night. Foegle had a lot of jump. The penalty called against him is an absolute mockery of the NHL rules.

Bruce McCurdy

Foegele has been real good for a while now. Hard on the puck, winning lots of battles, & possessions. Will surprise with a real good pass once in a while. Scored a couple of real big goals last week by going to the net with his stick on the ice.

Reja

He kinda reminds me of Ethan Moreau.

meanashell11

I see that too.

PinkSocks

2022 Pisani. The type of guy who pots 10-15 in the regular season and goes on a playoff tear? I could see it.

pts2pndr

We all hope you’re correct.😉

Reja

When heathy Pisani had some good mitts in the kill zone.

jp

Interesting that Pisani’s career high was 18 goals, the same as Yamamoto this year 😉

Reja

Totally different players but it would of been interesting to see how many Pisani gets with Leon feeding him the puck.

jp

Yes they are, and it would be. Wherever he slotted, Pisani would be a welcome addition.

Also be interesting to see where Yamamoto gets to in a few years. Pisani was 26 when the played his first NHL game. Yamo is only 23 so maybe he’s got another level or two (or not).

McSorley33

Agreed.

Randle McMurphy

Man I’m enjoying watching Brett Kulak play.

Is it because he’s from Stony Plain? or because I’m frugal?

Pretendergast

Yes!

OriginalPouzar

One thing on Savoie an his potential signing. Gregor wrote yesterday that if he signed an ELC for this season, he can’t play in the AHL on it.

I was surprised by that as I didn’t think the requirement to be on the AHL roster at the trade deadline applied to those that may join the organization later after their CHL or NCAA seasons finished.

I reached out to Gregor who advised he got that info from a “capologists”.

I then reached out to Hart at Puckpedia who also didn’t think there was a prohibition on him playing in the AHL this year on an NHL ELC but said “he’d ask”.

He got back to me late last night and confirmed that is the case – due t the requirement to be on the AHL roster at the trade deadline to play in the AHL, if Savoie signed a current ELC, he could only play in the NHL.

Of course, he could sign an ELC for 2022/23 and a ATO to go with it to allow him to play in the AHL this season.

Bottom line, as I’m sure we all agree (or most agree) that its highly unlikely they have him play in stretch run or playoff games, a current ELC, with a burned year, is unlikely.

I’m still hopeful for a ATO and a 2022/23 ELC but, given its close to a week since the championship game, I think he’s headed back to school for next season.

I’m OK with another year in college, he can certainly keep developing at that level and there are many pluses to going back. At the same time, there is something to learning the pro game, playing against bigger/strong/faster men, getting used to a FULL schedule, having hockey as a job, etc. that make it a HUGE jump for most and he’ll not start learning for an extra year.

Pretendergast

With maturity being a previous mark on this player, im fully on board with him getting it out of his system in college. I believe he has matured immensely since last season and would welcome another year to really enhance his game without the pressure of it being his livelihood.

Im excited for the player when he arrives but i think we can agree both the AHL and college represent good development places for the young man.

my only fear is a Marino situation.

YYCOil

Let’s trade up in the draft for Matthew … our home grown version of the Sundins. Plus we could ice the line of

Savoie-Savoie-Lavoie

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Why fear a Marino situation?

Do we have any reason to believe that one of Carter’s brothers has an Excel spreadsheet with depth charts of EDM and the rest of the teams to find a suitable organization?

Looking at LW in EDM, there’s plenty of room at the inn and likely on a skill line when he arrives.

Pretendergast

There was plenty of opportunity for Marino, he just didnt want to play in Edmonton. That’s my fear. I have no factual based info behind it on what Carter is thinking, he’s from Alberta but that could help or hinder.

Players value different things, including where they want to live. I dont want to lose a great player for potentially nothing, thats all.

OriginalPouzar

I think this is the piece you refer to?

https://theathletic.com/1519186/2020/01/14/penguins-john-marino-trade-oilers-rookie-of-the-year-sidney-crosby/

I’m not concerned about Savoie jumping ship – he’d have to go back to college for two more seasons and then wait until August of 2024 (I believe) before he becomes a UFA.

Unless he has an issue with the Oilers or, like Adam Fox, only has on org he wants to play for, I don’t see this player holding out to reach UFA status before turning pro.

Could be wrong.

McSorley33

At this point, not sure what he has to show/learn in the NCAA.

He is 20 years old and he should move up to the next league on merit, the AHL.

He needs to learn to be a pro hockey player and that is exactly what the AHL is for.

OriginalPouzar

I don’t disagree about learning to be a pro player and have been opining that same recently. At the same time, I also believe that he can continue to develop at the NCAA level. With Brink gone (and I believe Guttman as well), he’ll be the clear offensive leader and development steps can be taken in that role.

With the national championship in hand, I presume he’s “ready” to leave college but you never know. He may realize that its more likely than not that he spend most, or all, of next season in Bakersfield and may prefer to play in Denver with that lifestyle instead.

He may think that another year of college and he’s straight to the NHL, skipping the AHL step – perhaps that happens but its far from a guarantee.

At this point, I’m thinking he’ll be back in school for next year.

jp

Just a guess; I bet they’re haggling over bonuses since Savoie is a later round pick who put up 1st round numbers.

I’ll guess he still signs an ELC in the next bit, with AHL games this year not a priority.

OriginalPouzar

Could be haggling over bonuses but Savoie doesn’t have much to stand on there. I mean:

– Owen Power only got $25K, $925K and $1.8MM of potential bonuses which is VERY light for a first overall

– Bobby Brink got $0, $212,500 and $450,000

– Xaviour Bougault only got $177,500, 250,000 and 300,000

All of those players deserving of more than Savoie.

I think he’s deciding if he wants to play in Bakersfield or Denver next season. He’s not going to get an ELC for this season as he can’t play in the AHL under it and he’s not going to be an NHL option this season. I’m still hopeful for a 2022/23 ELC with the ATO to get to Bakersfield this year.

AT this point, I think he’s heading back to school for one more year.

jp

Yeah you could be right, but we don’t know.

I seem to recall some later picks asking/getting bonuses well out of line with their draft position after big up arrow seasons. I can’t recall who though, or even if they actually got the bonuses they were asking for. Was bonus money involved in Matthew Lombardi re-entering the draft rather than signing with the Oilers?

Anyway, perhaps an extra 100k in (potential) bonuses helps him make his decision. I still don’t think him taking a week to sign a deal means he’s going back to school, but I have no idea obviously.

OriginalPouzar

Of course, we don’t know and I’m sure there have been various examples of contracts with surprising bonuses – I’m just citing the most recent, and seemingly relevant, examples will add Holloway who has $400, $500K, $650 for his bonuses.

I would be surprised if the hold up is a potential extra $100K or so of potential performance bonuses but, as we agree, I don’t know that.

Randle McMurphy

I think it’s probable that we see Stuart Skinner on the Oilers bench at some point during the playoffs.

hunter1909

Interesting seeing Winnipeg + Vancouver both in Lowe+MacT Oilers chasing the playoffs at the end of the season mode –

Basically a hopeless task, which can be bolstered by wearing a tinfoil hat.

teddyturnbuckle

LA kings have CBJ, ANA, CHI, ANA, SEA, VAN 88 points

Vegas have EDM, NJD, WAS, SJS, DAL, CHI, STL. 87 points

Vegas has been the hotter team but LA has the easier schedule. As an Oilers fan I would rather face LA. Too close to call.

yeraslob

I would agree the Kings SEEM to be the easier route. Oilers can do their part by beating Vegas in regulation.

teddyturnbuckle

Might have been the best game Oilers played all year. They were even doing crazy things like dumping it in for the last 5 mins.

YYCOil

Wasn’t Carter Savoie supposed to be signed by now?

YYCOil

But Jeff Marek said 🤔

Tarkus

Prospectifying!

All six NA Oilers prospects whose seasons continue at the amateur level are on the ice tonight (though an injury caveat applies to Wanner).

The Gretzky Cup race continues with unabated vigor…but did you know about the Smyth Cup? Probably not, since it’s only existed since this writing. It is the WHL analogue of the Gretzky, and Wanner and Chiasson are in a weird race for it.

For starters, they’re tied in goals, albeit a paltry six. Also, they’ve rarely been healthy at the same time. Chiasson returned March 4 and Wanner was injured (vs. the Wheaties) the next day. Will Wanner return in time to claim the Smyth? Or will Chiasson pull off the come-from-behind victory? We wait.

Youngstown (Lachance) @ 5 p.m.
North Bay (Petrov) @ 5 p.m.
Shawinigan (The Bourg) @ 5 p.m.
Oshawa (Tullio) @ 5:30 p.m.
Moose Jaw (Wanner) @ 7 p.m.
Wheat Kings (Chiasson) @ 7 p.m.

All times, as always, are Penhold time.

hunter1909

Really enjoyed the Nashville broadcast team. Nothing particular against the home side but have made it a habit to watch the enemy broadcast as they can sometimes give unusual insights to the Oilers. Flames being a big exception.

Last night they were talking about RNH being an important past of the Oilers powerplay.

Thinking about it, RNH reminds me of Leonard Nimoy’s Spock character from Star Trek. They are both cerebral, logical in their approach, and even resemble each other.

Randle McMurphy

I was surprised that Nashville was not more physical in last nights game; Everything I’d heard about them this season was how well Roman Josi was playing and how physical they were.

Kudo’s to Evan Bouchard. Did not look out of place last night.

Having said that, If we come up against Calgary or Vegas at any point in the playoffs, I would expect a lot more physical play with players taking runs at McDrai, Bouchard, Barrie and Mike Smith.

Paulie

Me too – thought NV would play harder. Oilers were contesting everything, not backing down, and used their speed and skill to avoid contact too. Very encouraging game.

DevilsLettuce

I’d enjoy seeing someone run Mike Smith, he’d tune Lehner or Markstrom all over center ice.

Bruce McCurdy

Preds aren’t the same team without Mark Borowiecki !

Jethro Tull

I watched a different game. I saw the Preds try to be very physical. They were filthy with their sticks, holds and interferences. The difference was the Oilers had the puck out the zone schnell machen. Can’t run a sustained forecheck if the puck is in your own zone. Daryl Sutter 1 oh 1.

Sierra

Yes, this is the game I watched too. Preds’ telecast also mentioned this

Reja

Oilers are a completely different team when they score first.

McSorley33

Their Tv Crew said the same thing……did not really get there ground and pound game going.

jp

Preds TV crew also raved about Mike Smith’s ability to swallow up all their dump in’s, FWIW.

McSorley33

Big time.

Randle McMurphy

Every definition of success includes a first round win, with most definitions including going deep in round two.

We may need to temper our expectations. An early first round exit is entirely possible,

LET”S GO KINGS!!!

LMHF#1

Possible and a failure.

Sierra

Yes it’s entirely possible and it would be considered a failure.

dustrock

If Derek Ryan was named Janni Gottenswabble certain members of the media wouldn’t have time for him 😉

Munny 2.0

If you’re making a thinly veiled accusation of racism or xenophobia, please be aware the last person who did so, a mere two days ago, hasn’t posted since LT rightly deleted his comment thread.

Randle McMurphy

I really like what Woody is doing on a few fronts.

JP is McDavid’s primary RW’er. Kass is used occasionally at 1RW to keep him motivated and as the situation calls for.

This is enabled, in part, by the use of 7 Dmen and occasionally double shifting McDavid.

Brantford Boy

Hope everyone enjoys the long weekend…

Quick question… if someone could answer it for a math luddite… what causes GF% to drop so significantly in the game when CF% and SF% are clear wins for a line or pair?

Looking at Keith-Bouchard and McDavid’s line, I’m confused how the CF% and SF% can shine like that, yet GF% are under 50%. Again, did/does something significant happen in the game that would skew this number?

Cheers!

jtblack

Getting scored on.

Brantford Boy

Yet Nashville didn’t score?

Is this not the equation… Goals For / (Goals For + Goals Against) = Goal For Percentage

Why wouldn’t every line and pairing last night have 100% GF%?

Derek

You’re looking at xGF which is expected goals for. If Keith and Bouchard are on the ice for a large number of low danger shots for that aren’t really even scoring chances, but then give up high danger chances against their xGf pct will be lower than their CF and SF. Corgis and shots just count all attempts. xGF tries to account for shot quality.

XGf can be a bit fucky. If you follow along with naturalstatrick and moneypuck during a game you’ll see each site has different xGf outcomes.

It’s not a perfect metric by any means but it has value.

Brantford Boy

Awesome! Thanks Derek, makes complete sense… yes my bad, I should have specified xGF%, I got lazy typing. Cheers!

Munny 2.0

very little value

BornInAGretzkyJersey

I like the gist of the stat, but the problem I have is the unreliability of the numbers where, a) they come from scraping the nhl.com numbers, b) don’t account for situational context, and c) vary from site to site.

kaotic

I wonder how difficult it would be to parse the Cult of Hockeys database for scoring chances and create an XGF% off that. Having data on only one team would be a drawback but I’m sure the results would be extremely interesting.

jp

I like it because it (mostly) does a decent job of summarizing all the other numbers into one (corsi, shots, scoring chances, HD scoring chances). Convenience has value imo.

Chelios is a Dinosaur

Has there ever been a more torturous, pretentious, hockey writer than Michale Farber?

dustrock

HH?

DevilsLettuce

🤣🤣🤣

Funnybird

Lol, that’s priceless

McSorley33

Gold

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Cathal Kelly.

Munny 2.0

Stephen Brunt is working real hard to get there.

meanashell11

He will need to pass Spector.

Munny 2.0

Pretty sure Spec realizes his writing skills are mediocre. He has no delusions of grandeur. He prefers to relish his role as heel. Brunt is far beyond that and not locked into “Team reporting”.

meanashell11

Gotcha. I do not pay any attention to any of the writers any more as I live in Florida. I read the Athletic and LT! I just really detest Spector!

Chelios is a Dinosaur

Goodnight, Mike Bossy. The Oilers would not have been the Oilers without Bossy’s Islanders. For as much as we’ve imagined Gretzky pulling the game out of darkness and into beauty, this is also Bossy’s legacy.

yamfry

Folks, I think it’s going to be Vegas. We can all feel it in our bones. I’m torn between wanting the (careful what you wish for …) easier match-up in the Kings and the sweet satisfying taste of potentially knocking the Golden Knights out. Gah! They’re already amongst my least favourite teams in the NHL, which admittedly is primarily rooted in envy.

Woodguy v2.0

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists, moved the puck well, shadowed his mark well and edged closer to 50 points for what will be the sixth time in his career

You have a typo here, should be: “for what would be the first time in his career”

maudite

I’m glad you are posting a bit more frequently again.

Woodguy v2.0

Thanks maudite.

More to talk about these days.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

comment image

Last edited 1 year ago by BornInAGretzkyJersey
hunter1909

Hunter1909’s Playoff Death March for 2022…

1 – Predict how many playoff wins Oilers get 

2 – Predict how many goals McDavid gets

3 – Predict how many goals Draisaitl gets

eg: Wins 11; McD 7; Leon 9

Its easy! 

note: Make sure to keep the McDavid/Draisaitl(tie break) predictions separate

Funny Bissonness

1. 16
2. 10
3. 15

LMHF#1

The thing that shows you how truly good Leon is, is that on a team with the best player in the world he can be the best player on the ice for half the games in a given season.

That’s remarkable.

The 80s Oilers talked about how practicing with Gretzky pushed them all higher. Sather knew it and organized things so he got the most out of his team.

Leon’s taking the fact he plays with Connor as both an asset and a challenge that he won’t back down from.

It has driven one of the best passers in the game to become a 50+ goal man anchoring his own line.

Just amazing stuff.

Randle McMurphy

That and the Oilers first “30 Road Goals in one season” man since Jari Kurri.

LMHF#1

If he hits 60 he might have the best offensive season of any Oilers player ever not named Gretzky, Kurri or Coffey.

That’s something to think on.

jp

If he hits 60 he might have the best offensive season of any Oilers player ever not named Gretzky, Kurri or Coffey.

His 110 points (in 71 games!) in 19-20 already puts him as the 6th best Oiler all time behind Gretzky, Kurri, Coffey, Messier and McDavid (not including multiples for those players obviously).

Harpers Hair

When you adjust for era, it’s better than that.

jp

Yes, much better.

Harpers Hair

James Mirtle recently did an in-depth article regarding Matthews scoring rate this season with some adjusted numbers.

That brought Gretzky’s best season adjusted to 69 goals.

Draisaitl isn’t so far behind.

https://theathletic.com/3248238/2022/04/14/auston-matthews-alex-ovechkin-goals-nhl/

Redbird62

Adjusted numbers as done by Hockey Reference and others is just one simple way of trying to compare eras, but that math does a great disservice to how dominate Gretzky was relative to his contemporaries. When he scored 92 goals, he was 44% ahead of the next highest guy in the league, Mike Bossy (R.I.P.), widely acknowledged as being in the conversation of being the greatest scorer in league history, whose 64 goals were only slightly behind his best 2 seasons of 69 and 68 goals. He was 70% above the guy in 5th. Over 4 seasons from 81-85 he outscored Bossy by 323 goals to 233 while only playing 12 more games.

Ovechkin’s 65 goals in 07/08 were 25% higher than Kovalchuk that season and 50% above the guy in 5th. Auston Matthews is a whole 7% over Leon and 38% above the guy in 5th. And don’t waste your breath on the injury stuff. Gretzky best season would have been 83/84 when he scored 87 goals in 74 games and he still outpaced number 2 man Goulet by 55% and at the rate he was scoring, he could have scored 94 in 80 or 96 if they played 82 games.

Brett Hull’s 86 goals in 91/92 were dominant with him being 68% over Neely, Yzerman and Fleury, plus Lemieux missed a lot of games. Espo’s 70/71 season had him 50% higher than his own teammate in 2nd followed by Bobby Hull, who Espo was 73% above. Oh, and in that season, Espo scored 50 goals in his last 49 and nobody in Boston or the rest of the hockey world said anything at all about that feat then or since, because 50 in 50 is from the start of the season not any 50 game stretch you want to pick.

Lastly, the thing that widely separates Gretzky from all these other top end goal scorers is while he was scoring that many goals, he was getting over 120 assists per season. Bossy and Espo had a few really good assist years, but were still well in arrears of Gretzky.

Last edited 1 year ago by Redbird62
HenryDrix

I remember in TMac’s first year as Oilers HC, he told Leon he doesn’t have to be the second best player on the team. Seems to me Leon accepted that challenge and we have been the benefeciaries.

Leon would be the best player on most other NHL teams, we are so lucky to have both. (Pls spare the Cpt Obvious remarks 😂)

Last edited 1 year ago by HenryDrix
Bruce McCurdy

Leon was nothing short of fantastic last night. Tracked hard defensively all game, won a ton of pucks, gave up nothing, & oh yeah, scored a hat trick on three Wicked snipes.

On the one Oilers goal he didn’t score, Draisaitl made the key defensive stop in his own end, identifying Josi jumping into the play in the 4-on-4, cutting through the traffic to cut him off & prevent a play on goal, then staying with his man to break up the Plan B centring pass. From there the puck went from Nurse to Ceci to Kane back to Nurse, with Drai as the decoy so no point but a well-deserved +1.

I singled out Leon’s two-way play as my “good thing” in the CoH podcast, while my colleague Kurt Leavins saw the same thing, grading him out as a 10/10.

Gord forbid, if Drai were ever to become a free agent he could probably get an extra $2 mil a year from Nashville, not ony because they’ve “seen him good” to say the least but alos as a practical measure to put a stop to him demolishing their team 3 times a year. Make in 7 multi-goal games in the last 8 meetings, with 17 (!!!) goals scored over that span including 11 in his last 4 in Music City. Unreal.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Same, I was gobsmacked that Todd made such an audacious claim at the time. Thought it was a very bold move, turns out he was on to something.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

I know crapping on #flattop never goes out of style, but he definitely deserves some of the credit for installing that mentality.

“Todd challenged me to challenge Connor. I know that Connor is Connor and Connor is the best player in the world,” said Draisaitl. “But that’s the internal competition that he and I have always had and it’s made us better players. It’s always been positive and we ended up playing together. Yeah, Todd wanted me to push for that (competition).”

source: https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/todd-mclellan-has-lots-of-admirers-in-both-dressing-rooms

There was a more specific quote that I was looking for but this also fits.

LMHF#1

Stuff like this is why he’d be an outstanding Assistant Coach for a really great team. I mean that sincerely.

He doesn’t have the ability to be in the moment to near the extent a top-flight HC does…but he has a ton of high level coaching skill. There’s just a difference.

jtblack

I will forever refer to random players as “Gottensnobble”

🤣🤣🤣

Woodguy v2.0

Woodcroft Era
EDM Goal Diff 31gp (20-8-3) (0.694 pts%)

EV (3v3,4v4,5v5)
97 w/o 29(26-17) 60%
29 w/o 97(25-15) 63%
97&29 On(8-3) 73%
93 w/o either(10-10) 50%
71(3-6) 33%
10(5-4) 56%
Other(2-6) 25%
Net EV +18

Special Teams 28-23=+5

Empty Net 9-4=+5

SO/PS 1-1=0

Goal Diff +28

Woodguy v2.0

EDM Goal Diff 75 gp(43-26-6)

EV(5v5,4v4,3v3)
97 w/o 29(49-37) 57%
29 w/o 97(49-39) 56%
97&29 On(22-14) 61%
93 w/o either(18-19) 49%
71(11-17) 39%
10(15-27) 36%
Other(6-13) 32%
Net EV +4

Special Teams 67-56
Net ST +11

Empty Net 19-12
Net EN +7

SO & PS 4-1 = +3

Goal Diff +25

Woodguy v2.0

Riffing on Maudite, HH and Knighttown to put all this info in one post about the teams in the chase.

Games over fake Bettman .500:
EDM +17 (7 GR)
NSH +15 (8 GR)
DAL +15 (8 GR)
VGK +12 (7 GR)
LAK +12 (6 GR)

Last 10 games:
EDM 7-2-1 (Won last game in NSH)
NSH 5-4-1 (Lost last game at home to EDM)
DAL 6-2-2 (OTL last game at home to MIN)
VGK 6-3-1 (Won last game in CGY)
LAK 4-5-1 (Lost last game in COL)

Games remaining vs Playoff Teams:
NSH 4
VGK 4
EDM 3
DAL 2
LAK 0

Home/Road splits remaining:
DAL 5 Home 3 Road
NSH 5 Home 3 Road
EDM 5 Home 2 Road
LAK 3 Home 3 Road
VGK 3 Home 4 Road

Relevant games today:
None

VGK now in 3rd in the Pacific by .001 pts% due to the game in hand

LAK’s remaining games:
At home: CBJ, CHI, ANA
On road: ANA (1 hour drive to get there from home), SEA, VAN
The SEA and VAN games are back to back to end the season after a 3 day break.

VGK’s remaining games:
At home – NJD, WSH, SJS
On Road – EDM, DAL, CHI, STL.
The CHI games is 2nd of back to back, 3rd in 4 nights in 3 different cities. Not as easy as you assume just seeing “CHI”

Elgin R

It should be noted for the Kings that drive between SEA and VAN can be easier and quicker than between LA and ANA.

#gokings

Harpers Hair

Might be time to add VAN to the list after 5 straight wins including 2 over VGK.

After a 3 day break, they have a crucial home game against DAL followed by a date with OTT.

A real long shot but could get very interesting.

Harpers Hair

7 games remaining.

4 home
3 road

5 against playoff teams
2 against the dregs.

Miller, Pettersson & Demko on fire in their last 10 games.

Woodguy v2.0

The Dys are +9 to Bettman.

They need VGK to collapse and that ain’t happening.

New Improved Darkness

When SCS bothers to update, it’s still the best resource.

If Van sweeps their remaining seven, they are close to 99% to make the dance, with a 2/3 chance to make division seed 3. That’s not a bad outcome, with the slimmest margin of “control” continuing to linger on.

If they go on a more reasonable 5-1-1 heater, they need Vegas to have at least an extra bad hair day vs the lackluster end of reasonable expectations.

LA taking the gas pipe substantially boosts their chance of avoiding a dire first round rendezvous with mile high destiny—and most likely the kind of swollen brain you don’t want.

Their other most likely first-round opponent is a different kettle of fishtail.

Will they face Sir “Gallipoli” Churchill or Sir “Stormin’ Normandy” Churchill? Sometimes ours truly are galling, and other times they’re a-mauling Gaul.

Smith pulls a hammy on the first kick, then the real Mikkoy shows up five minutes late for the next two games, and now we’re in a three-game hole, looking to ride Skinner to comeback legend. Could happen. #dyskarma

meanashell11

Well now they are fucked…….