Game 55 2018-19: Sharks at Oilers
The first time the Edmonton Oilers faced San Jose, it was a 6-2 victory for the expansion Sharks at the historic Cow Palace. Edmonton’s goals came from Dave Manson and Craig MacTavish, while Paul Fenton and Dean Evason were the top offensive performers in teal. Arturs Irbe outdueled Billy Ranford and the Sharks won just their second game ever, running the team’s record to 2-15-0. It was November 8, 1991, exactly 533 days after the Oilers won the 1990 Stanley.
THE ATHLETIC!
The Athletic Edmonton features a fabulous cluster of stories (some linked below, some on the site). Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. Proud to be part of the group. Outstanding offer is here.
- New Lowetide: Is Ken Hitchcock helping Jesse Puljujarvi find his way as an NHL player?
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: What Connor McDavid’s evolving leadership qualities mean to the Oilers.
- Lowetide: It’s time for Oilers owner Daryl Katz to stand and deliver a winning organization.
- Lowetide: Setting the Oilers’ expected keeper list for the next GM
- Lowetide: Entry deal AHL forwards give the Oilers an excellent trade pool.
- Lowetide: If fast is the new big, how do the Edmonton Oilers get there in a hurry?
- Jonathan Willis: Analyzing how well Peter Chiarelli and Keith Gretzky restocked the Oilers with their draft work
- Lowetide: Finding a path to the playoffs may involve reckless use of future assets by the Oilers
- Jonathan Willis: An Oilers blueprint for the 2019 NHL free agency period
- Tyler Dellow: A deeper look at Connor McDavid and the Oilers’ 5-on-5 offensive changes under Ken Hitchcock
- Corey Pronman: 2019 NHL Draft midseason rankings
- Jonathan Willis: An Oilers blueprint for the 2019 NHL trade deadline.
- Lowetide: Edmonton’s 2019 entry draft plans may change with new GM but needs are clear
- Lowetide: Complete Oilers top 20 prospects, Winter 2018
OILERS AFTER 55
- Oilers in 2015: 21-29-5, 47 points; goal differential -29
- Oilers in 2016: 29-18-8, 66 points; goal differential +11
- Oilers in 2017: 23-28-4, 50 points; goal differential -30
- Oilers in 2018: 24-25-5, 53 points; goal differential -17
A win tonight puts Edmonton on a pace for 82 points and I think 85-87 points might be enough to grab eighth place in the conference. If the Oilers win tonight, things are going to get interesting ahead of a very important eastern road swing. Is management willing to add some scoring help this early in the month? When does Sekera return?
OILERS IN FEBRUARY
- Oilers in February 2016: 1-4-0, two points; goal differential -16
- Oilers in February 2017: 2-3-0, four points; goal differential -4
- Oilers in February 2018: 1-3-1, three points; goal differential 0
- Oilers in February 2019: 1-1-2, four points; goal differential -4
Despite massive frustration, that included three straight games in which the Oilers led in the third period, the record in February has the club just two points out of the playoffs. You could write a book about this season, maybe I will.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: Philadelphia, Montreal (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-2)
- At home to: Chicago (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- On the road to: Minnesota (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: San Jose (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: Pittsburgh, Carolina, NY Islanders (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: Arizona, NY Islanders, Anaheim (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: Nashville, Toronto, Ottawa (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 7-6-1, 15 points in 14 games
- Current results: 1-1-2, four points in four games
THE 50 BEST PLAYERS IN THE 2019 DRAFT
- (1) C Jack Hughes, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). A brilliant offensive player, cerebral, quick and highly skilled. Undersized but the cream of this year’s crop.
- (2) R Kaapo Kakko, Turkku (Sm-Liiga). A big power forward with tons of talent who is emerging in real time. Some scouting services have closed the gap between Hughes and Kakko, something to watch as the season rolls along.
- (3) R Dylan Cozens, Lethbridge (WHL). Size, skill and he can skate. Range of skills, accurate shooter. I have him ahead of Dach but the margin is small.
- (4) RC Kirby Dach, Saskatoon (WHL). A dynamic player with size and tremendous skill, has speed, wingspan and an excellent release.
- (7) LC Trevor Zegras, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). Undersized and highly skilled, elusive and aggressive with very good speed.
- (5) R Vasili Podkolzin, St. Petersburg (MHL). Smart player with tons of offensive ability, but also possesses good two-way instinct. Rocked the Hlinka Gretzky.
- (9) LC Peyton Krebs, Kootenay (WHL).Skill forward who can score, he has quick feet and good hands.
- (8) L Jakob Pelletier, Moncton (QMJHL). Undersized skill winger with two-way ability.
- (6) L Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton (OHL). He’s a fantastic scoring prospect, moving him down because of it. Like him a lot in all other areas.
- (13) LC Alex Turcotte, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). A strong two-way reputation, he is skilled and an excellent skater. Injuries a worry.
- (12) LD Bowen Byram, Vancouver (WHL). Explosive speed is his top attribute but he’s also excellent with the puck and owns a heavy shot.
- (10) LC Ryan Suzuki, Barrie (OHL). Great vision, skill, tremendous passer. If he were faster, he’d be top five.
- (11) R Cole Caufield, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). He’s small, fast and a ridiculous scorer. Quick release, accurate.
- (15) L Matthew Boldy, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). Bigger winger with skill, he’s strong on the puck and can score goals.
- (18) LC Alex Newhook, Victoria (BCHL).Terrific scorer with playmaking skilled and dogged determination on the backcheck. Wish he played in a higher league.
- (14) LD Cam York, U.S. National Development Team (USHL). The latest impact puck mover out of the USHL, great speed, passing and creativity.
- (16) RC Raphael Lavoie, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL). Big center with a long reach, and a plus shot.
- (17) LD Thomas Harley, Mississauga (OHL). Good size, speed and he’s posting impressive numbers. Spiking as we speak.
- (19) LD Matthew Robertson, Edmonton (WHL). Big two-way defenseman with good speed and some offense.
- (20) LD Philip Broberg, AIK (Allsvenskan). He’s big and can skate, while also displaying puck moving ability.
- (21) RC Philip Tomasino, Niagra (OHL). Underrated player with impressive skill, spike offensively year over year has him here.
- (22) R Bobby Brink, Sioux City (USHL). Small, fast and very skilled, he’s an intelligent player with great vision.
- (23) LC Connor McMichael, London (OHL). He has good speed and lots of skill. I like him quite a lot.
- (24) RD Victor Soderstrom, Brynas (SHL). Impressive offensive player from the blueline. Good skater, good decisions, very quick.
- (25) LD Ville Heinola, Lukko (Sm-Liiga). A mature player for his age, two-way talent with good speed and calm feet. Excellent passer.
- (26) L Nick Robertson, Peterborough (OHL). Undersized skill winger with a sixth sense as a goal scorer. Impressive at Top Prospects.
- (27) L Nils Hoglander, Rogle (SHL). A small skill winger, he can beat defensemen clean. More playmaker than scorer, but has a quick release and an effective shot.
- (28) RD Moritz Seider, Mannheim (DEL). An actual teenage giant (6.04, 198) with a Condor wingspan. He’s a good passer and has decent speed.
- (29) L Nolan Foote, Kelowna (WHL). Power forward with skill, not certain he’s a future scorer on an NHL skill line.
- (NR) R Maxim Cajkovic, Saint John (QMJHL). Highly skilled winger on a poor team, he’s emerging as a top talent this year.
- (31) RC Brett Leason, Prince Albert (WHL). Already famous, he turns 20 two months before the draft. Impressive scorer, massive year over year spike.
- (NR) F Samuel Fagemo, Frolunda (SHL). I had him as a second-round pick a year ago, he’s in about the same spot this year.
- (NR) G Spencer Knight, US National Team (USHL). Ranked due to enormous buzz, scouts love him.
- (NR) RD Anttoni Honka, Jyp (Sm-Liiga). Chaos defender who lands here because of exceptional puck skills and impressive skating.
- (NR) LW Egor Afanasyev, Muskegon (USHL). Skill winger with some size, the big selling point is his shot.
- (NR) LD Tobias Björnfot, Djurgardens (SuperElite). Two-way defender, good skater, can pass the puck.
- (NR) R Nathan Légaré, Baie Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL). There are several attractive scoring wingers in this year’s draft, Legare is one of the most impressive. 37 goals so far this season.
- (NR) RD Lassi Thomson, Kelowna (WHL). Mobile puck mover has delivered quality in his first North American season. Fine skater, transporter and passer. Heavy shot is major calling card.
- (NR) LC Jamieson Rees, Sarnia Sting (OHL). Speedster with skill, undersized and plays with an edge.
- (NR) R Josh Williams, Edmonton (WHL). Terrific skater and impressive skill, lack of consistency will keep him outside the first round.
- (NR) G Mads Søgaard, Medicine Hat (WHL). He is 6.07, has a .930 SP and his backup is .897. Not exactly scientific but it’s far from madness.
- (NR) L Ethan Keppen, Flint (OHL). I have read that he has good speed and his size (6.02, 214) and skill (18 goals 5-on-5 in 53 games) are the kinds of things my list values.
- (NR) LD Liam Ross, Sudbury (OHL). Has size, two-way skills and is a good passer.
- (NR) R Albin Grewe, Djurgardens (SHL). Rugged winger with skill.
- (NR) G Hunter Jones, Peterborough (OHL). He is ranked higher on some famous lists.
- (NR) L Robert Mastrosimone, Chicago (USHL). His scoring numbers at 5-on-5 are impressive.
- (NR) L Dillon Hamaliuk, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL). Math likes the player and he’s on some lists. Strong, great forechecker and he has skill.
- (NR) RD Drew Helleson, US National Development Team (USHL). Impressive puck moving defender.
- (NR) RD Billy Constantinou, Kingston (OHL). Fast as lightning, high risk and reward defender.
- (NR) Patrik Puistola, Leki (Mestis). High skill, don’t really know much about him but he scores at every level.
OILERS MOCK
- No. 9 overall—L Peyton Krebs, Kootenay (WHL). The Draft Analyst: “He’s incredibly smart with or without the puck, a very good skater with excellent balance and agility, and his ability to turn quickly and react towards the right direction makes him an asset in all three zones. He plays with a nonstop motor and forces opposing defensemen into poor decisions with the puck. Krebs is a clever stickhandler who can weave through a crowded neutral zone; but making smart, crisp passes immediately thereafter is what separates from most of his draft-age peers.”
- No. 40 overall—LD Tobias Björnfot, Djurgardens (SuperElite). Impressive skater and reports have him using that ability on both offense and defense. The Oilers don’t need more lefty blue, but if this guy is available he’s likely best on the board.
- No. 87 overall—R Leevi Aaltonen, Kalpa (Jr Sm-Liiga). ISS: “Slick offensive play-maker, undersized but highly skilled.”
- No. 102 overall —R Josh Nodler, Fargo (USHL). His numbers in junior (35, 14-19-33) are impressive, and he’s a good skater.
- No. 164 overall—R Eric Uba, Flint (OHL). Speedy forward, his 5-on-5 scoring in the OHL is quality.
- No. 195 overall— LC Danny Weight, US National Development Team (USHL). Doug’s boy, he is skilled and a little under the radar.
HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA
- “I’ll tell you about the magic, and it’ll free your soul, But it’s like trying to tell a stranger ’bout rock and roll.” (John Sebastian)
One of my favourite recent stories involving the game of hockey is the Khaira family. It’s a story of sacrifice by one generation in order to build a better life for the next one, it’s a story about being a Canadian and how changes from the old country to the new one can take a generation or more.
These are important stories to know, they show our similarities and make new things comfortable. If you look at the names chosen in the 1975 NHL draft, it’s fairly obvious the league was limited in ethnicities. Now? It’s like a rainbow and that’s good and right and true. That’s Canada. People coming to this country and, over generations, finding their way in the culture while adding to what is available. As an example, the range of good restaurants in Edmonton now compared to 1975 is exactly one world apart. It’s all good.
Hockey Day in Canada is about my babies and your babies and all the babies finding their way, making their first steps, cutting ice with skates, finding the game that unites us. The more we know about each other, the better we are as a country. That’s what hockey day in Canada is all about for me. We can all learn a lot from Sukhjinder and Komal Khaira, who came to our country at five and have been working for a better tomorrow every day since. That’s a noble goal.
BAKERSFIELD GOES TO ’11’
Andrej Sekera looked good by all reports and the Oilers may get another blueline boost in the coming days. The Condors continued the impressive winning streak that has driven the team to second place in the Pacific Division. Tyler Benson is in the top 5 in rookie scoring, Cooper Marody inside the top 10.
Except Cash didn’t write Hurt so nowhere near the same impact for me.
I think tonights game is a good example of why we dont want to make the playoffs. Best to play ELPH, cheer Connor for the art ross and take the high draft pick. Time to start moving contracts.
I have a feeling SJ scores in the 1st minute of the 2nd…
tileguy,
What if they come back and win? I’m so confused this year.
tileguy,
100%. With a regulation loss tonight, they are 2 points out of last in the WC.
Oh Khaira, that would’ve been sweet.
Because Drai has his wooden blades in his skates tonight and let him cruise right into scoring position.
McDavid and Drai are not paying attention to D, which explains Connor’s shitty +/-
Each needs a player to handle D responsibility like Kurri for Gretzky.
I’ve been thinking JP for Connor, train JP up and teach him faceoffs for right side, Nuge for Drai.
Get Ehlers for Connor, someone RW for line 2
He just lived it
on to important things, now that Chia is gone i have no reason to cheer for losses and they are so far down and out the season is over for me.
I have a big question, for everyone in St. Albert who does the best pizza in town!
Chances.
Just getting caught up,
Who unplugged Draisaitl’s controller on that second goal against?
Ohhh those Oilers.
Need to spend some time at the range, dial in the sights a bit tighter.
Or come out to my place, start with the barn door.
a little life offensively
After chances.
That’s three excellent sorties this period.
And then a penalty. Sheesh.
How did Heed not get a penalty on Malone?
Drew,
http://www.nitzaspizzastalbert.com/
Lovely.
They kill this I hope the crowd gives them a huge cheer.
A period we were owning killed by penalties. That’s our team too.
Just waiting for donair pizza from them lol
Is it legally possible to change the name/logo/colors of the team? A fresh start?
And no call on McDavid being tripped. We stand no chance of winning this.
Our in house crowd is a lot of things, the beiggest of which is loyal……but my experience is they are not a great crowd in terms of knowing when to cheer, when to jeer, when to boo the ref stuff like that.
Edit: but they been beat down for so long its kinda understandable
Did anyone really think the oilers could win this game though?
If the sharks want to win they win.
The oilers have 10 shots in 30 minutes.
Surprising pushback, Looch involved again.
Nice defensive play followed up by a quick shot on net for JP there. More please.
Andy Dufresne,
Doesn’t matter. We regressed to the moot.
I am so f$&@$$g sick of shot blocking. Rattie hurt, gravel deflects it in trying to make the save, Nurse let’s Leblanc toe drag right into position trying to play goalie. Malone was walk about but if darnell wants the big cheese he needs to be a big time player.
I don’t see other teams doing this nearly as much. It’s the sign of stupid people seeing a positive and misinterpreting it and causing negative outcome.
Getting in lanes good, trying to be goalie and screening deflecting, walking into shots from the point (2% scoring chance) and getting hurt bad.
Strong men also cry.
Strong men also cry.
Andy Dufresne,
Yeah, they should change it to blue.
A Shark penalty? Is that allowed?
haha love it
#regressedtothemoot
I’d llke to see a team just give away shot blocking. Gotta trust your goalie
Scungilli Slushy,
It’s also a sign that a team never has possession of the puck a lot.
FFS how come every other team can throw these guys like Lebanc into the line up and they look like the ultimate cheap support players and the Oilers have yet to figure this out.
I guess it’s called development and results in depth.
Just sick of most other teams having plug and play players that contribute.
Just another systemic failure
Our powerplay, right? Just checkin.
I thought you didn’t listen to the lyrics?
Thank you, Nurse and Nuge.
RNH is our shining light.
atta boy Nuge
Here we go!
I think the play is to pull Talbot soon…
He’ll win us the next game, right?
NUGE!!!
NUGE!!!
Goal legs.
Lucic is having a terrific game. Bet he scores
SK Oiler Fan,
Lebanc is the player off the Sharks I’ve coveted for some time.
I try, as a thought exercise, to find the underrated/payed player from each opponent that I’d like to see on our team. Typically it’s the depth player who seems to always burn us.
Can’t even articulate how long I wanted Lee Stempniak on our team due to the above.
Actual crisp passing. Wut.
Mmmmkay so Sharks slap the Oilers around on the scoresheet while the Oilers get to pad stats. #oilerswinning
I could watch Looch dump that bearded bastard all day.
Nuge is at this point a more impactful player than anyone but Connor.
I also love he can actually hit the top of the net when it’s open. Another who has worked on his shot. If he adds some feints (changing angle or release point) he’ll actually break 50 pts!
Strong men also score.
Back to watching “TheWolfePit” videos on Youtube. Check it out. More entertaining than watching the Oilers lose.
Malone, Kass and Looch are matching up so well.
Veteran team with a very experienced and strong D.
They only have to play the system and opportunities abound, and play in an confident and positive environment, which lets them play at their best.
Put many of those types in a different situation and they do what you would expect. Which is how good teams pillage weak teams.
A little glimpse of future Pujo.
I dont, the melody and rhythmic pacing in that song make it one of my favourite of all time. The Tea Party used to cover it live and it was fantastic also (but much higher tempo on course).
Munny,
The Regressing to the Meat line.
1 more for the good guys before the period ends wouldn’t upset me
Burns don’t look the same since Lucic hit him.
NBC broadcast crew just carving the Oilers tonight.
— skeptical fans not on the same energy level as WPG or CGY
— unusual number of head coaching changes in recent years
— trading away high draft picks for dismal returns
those lying bastards..!!!
Gerta Rauss,
LMAO!
Truth hurts when it comes from outsiders, I suppose.
They’ve read this blog? Cool.
After Two:
3-1 San Jose (1-1 in the second)
19-18 San Jose (13-7 Oilers in the second)
27-24 Edmonton 5-on-5 Corsi (18-4 Oilers in the second)
—
A much better period. Does Edmonton deliver a strong third period?
We OWN these bitches….when down by two goals or more…………..
You know the previous coach lamented the lack of buy in…
Scungilli Slushy,
Oh I get the template there. Just frustrating these ass Clowns haven’t been even close to getting the recipe right. They should never be surprised when a Rieder or Pulju or Khara etc can’t consistanttly contribute
Ottawa says it will be open for business on the 15th on whichever of Dzingle, Duchene and Stone that are not signed by the 15th
lol
I’m waiting for Kevin Lowe to let it be known that us fairweather fans are a big reason the team’s been floundering, but the new audit has determined that Happy Days Are Here Again!
Mind if I do a J?
I saw a food conversation:
After 10 hours at Cali Adventure yesterday, I was up at 3:45 am to hit the gym before early magic hour at Disney – cut of oatmeal with some whey protein, banana and plain greek yogurts after the gym.
Just spent 12 hours at Disney and ate two raw veggie cups (no ranch) and a chicken skewer with no sauce.
Just got back from a 25 min drive (each way) to Whole Foods for absolutely delicious salad bar – Disneyland won’t eff up my goals – I think I’m going to do my first compeition in May.
As someone said: I LOVE RAW VEGGIES!
According to Nick Kyporios
Price for Nashville to get Panarin ….Thier 2019 first and Eli Tolvinen
Price for Winnipeg to get Stone….Their first and Sami Niku (AHL defensmen of the year)
Khaira is a good bottom sixer. 4th line today, ceiling a third line player once he’s figured everything out. Problem is with Oilers, everyone starts talking him up as a potential 2nd line player and it’s just nuts.
NewsFlash: Oilers management don’t know anything about hockey.
Or they see what everyone outside of the OBC does too. Sad.
Don’t get me wrong, I like listening to how certain musicians compose and arrange songs but I like the total package. Melody, lyrics, artist’s intent, even music video and label and context of the song.
For the Gabriel fans, Salisbury Hill is da shizzle but Sledgehammer is sooo fun.
Yep. It’s not rocket surgery.
But we fans keep banging our heads on a dead horse.
Known Knowns: We need a Coach, a GM, a top six scoring winger, a top 4 Scoring RHD power play QB.
It’s the Unknown Knowns that scare the shit out of me.
Looking more and more like Oilers will be having a yard sale.
#DISNEY STRONG
You can do this OP!
Need a goalie too.
Hope Larsson is okay.
No fucking defense at all.
Why do all the D back in so much? Is that coached?
There isn’t a goalie dead or alive that would post good numbers with this shit show in front of them.
Because I’m watching, answer: no!
At least we’ll see Koskinen next game and start to see if he’ll come close to playing to a level that would earn the contract he inexplicably received.
Just checking in to see how the Talbot showcasing is going?
^ FACT
Remember all those times you defended Chiarelli as some sort of misunderstood genius? He’s the man who orchestrated this shit show
So you’re saying that ours are dead?
Defense is a thing. Team defense. These are professionals. They must recognize the concept of what needs to be done. Why not do it then? What they do now sure isn’t. FFS
has a team ever finished last in the Western Conference and still made the playoffs?
We’re not out of this thing yet.
I agree with all of what you say but I just have a very hard time actually hearing and deciphering lyrics. It’s very unique and odd I agree. Im a huge Dylan fan and only hear 30 % of what he says and lyrics are a big draw to what he does.
Maybe back in the 21 team league when 16 made the playoffs.
Perhaps that’s the challenge. Sink to last place then go on a heater. Because Oilers. A shitty team can make it, why not this one?
Glovjuice,
And here I thought I was the only one.
I’ve even had audiometric testing a number of times, which comes out very good against my peers.
Yet I just can’t catch the lyrics, or often parts of dialogue in TV/movies either.
My ire is not directed at the players.
Connor is trying to hit, I saw two in my off and on watching as I set up my rig because I’m a hopelessly lost Oilers fan.
This is straight up small weiner syndrome.
Craving a big tough team, macho requests for ultimate sacrifice, take one for the team, need for invincibility, all out of context and out of step with what wins. Asking the one player that can lead out of of the darkness or allowing him to do that is idiotic. He’s not built like Modano or Getzlaf.
I want the team to be game roosters, but smart and knowing when to pick their spots.
I see so many conflicting messages parlay on the ice that the players don’t instinctively know what to do.
Still they battle and play strong portions of the game. Good on them, it’s an org top down problem.
A solid POHO to set Oiler culture, not the post Sather Oilers but the root Oilers culture, a GM that can deal which is the key to the job, who is cagey enough to hire a strong supporting staff, and a coach that demands excellence but isn’t an old timey verility concerned compensating tyrant.
And please Gord not Gulatzan. Fresh fresh fresh.
GMB3,
Hey don’t be so hard on Chia, if Sekera didn’t get injured we would have won the cup this season. Also, Brandon Manning is only -2 tonight.
Andy Dufresne,
We have been out of this thing for months. This team is terrible. We are approximately 18 NHLers from being mediocre.
Anyone else noticing how Oilers keep trying to make 1+ play more than they should? Draisaitl even took a penalty with a stupid low percentage wrist shot from his own goal line.
Then #44 has taken the puck during a penalty kill at the blueline but instead of being happy to have the puck he tries a low percentage play that leads the Shark to regain possession – hardly good penalty kill thinking.
Oilers as a team is mentally ill. They’re not half as bad as they’re playing this season, last season….
Back to the Game! Still only 5-1 at Fortress Rexall!
Just lilke its a year where it wont take that much for anyone of eight teams to sneak into that last wildcard spot, that also makes it a year where it wont be hard for some team currently in the wild card race to easily drop into a TOP 5 of the draft….. with lottery odds in the 10% to 15% of moving up.
I’m reminded of the rumblings of the team not buying in…I have no idea why they won’t though.
Dr. Taboggan,
How long before we’re competitive? 3 years? 4?
ZACK ATTACK!!!!!
Well, that’s something anyway
Maybe someone will take Kassian’s contract off our hands at the deadline
It’s 100% a function of Oilers defencemen being collectively and historically useless with the puck. It’s the only place left on ice where the opposition forecheckers are afraid to attack the puck.
THis thing aint over yet!!!!
It will be in 5 minutes……but not yet!!
Réal Goudenyéu,
It has nothing to do with buy-in. The players are just not good enough to do what needs to be done. So many poor passers and poor skaters. It is tough to be in position on D when you cannot skate. Also difficult to clear the D-zone when 5/6 of our D cannot make an outlet pass to save their lives.
All Larsson. He has a lot more to offer as when he plays for Sweden. Nice finish by Zach to make up for not really yet another intensely stupid and ill timed penalty.
texmex,
At least 3 years. Need to wait out the bad contracts and hope our amateur scouting improves/ has improved. It is a fucking mess.
Good question. I’d say with current management never; with the added 3-4 years unless Connor McDavid leaves town which in that case the franchise morphs into the NHL equivalent of the Minnesota Twins and never wins anything, ever.
What stories is Hitch gonna weave for us after this one?
When one has their arms extended forward the elbow tends to do elbowing. For reals! Say NHL refs.
Dr. Taboggan,
I don’t have it in me to cheer that long.
Please let Arizona move to Houston.
I hate to say this but the Sharks are a good team. They might even win the West.
Wonder how much Season Ticket prices go up this year?
5%
9%
14%
more?
BornInAGretzkyJersey,
My dad and brother have a condition where they find it very difficult to hear speech when other ambient noise is present such as other music, crowded room, engine running etc. But the good thing is that you get to listen to some good music again and again and still find something new in a song.
Lucic may be the best player in orange. What does that say. AND THAT WASN’T A PENALTY!!!
Yes exactly. The framing isn’t even done and they start shopping for curtains
We all know the manning trade is a bad trade, I wonder if it could be salvaged a bit… with sekera coming back we need forwards more than Dmen… is there a 12/13 forward out there who is good at winning face offs and killing penalties making 2.2 million , over paid by around a million (like Manning) we could trade Manning for, to a team with too many forwards and not enough Dmen?
I’ll watch to see if anyone is getting pointed out or where he lays blame.
If he doesn’t stay positive publicly into the sun. Nobody needs or wants it at this point. Sell sell sell.
Sorry Andy, but I’m going to have to go ahead an put this on you.
Scungilli Slushy,
Larsson is underrated with his ability to make offensive plays and reads.
I too wonder why he doesn’t display it more often like he does when he dons the Tre Kronor.
Remember the Good Ol Days when the Leafs were a laughing stock……
Sigh……I accept full responsibility….
Thought it would be a jinx against them.
Turned out to be a jinx against us.
FUCK THE FIN!!!!
The Lightning look so much better in their Black and White jerseys.
Much better than their Maple Leafs knock-offs.
Oilers Loose
McDavid Shut Out.
Leafs Win in Overtime
In other news, “US Military throws its full weight and allegiance behind Donald Trump as President for life.”
Baby Driver is amazing. If you think the narrative is weak it’s also a master class in editing and sound design.
I’m the same way. It’s all about the rhythm and beat for me. No clue what most musicians are actually saying. Also really struggle with accents
Well, not the outcome we were hoping for.
But, we can all look back on that one game winning streak with great pride.
It filled us with hope. Rekindled our love of the game. Opened our minds to a brighter future.
They can’t take that away from us. We will always have February 7th, 2019 in Minnesota.
It was truly special.
I really like how Hitch spun Spec’s question (read: character assassination) about Leon into a lack of team priorities.
For me it’s got to be the far right side panel of Bosch’s “Garden of Earthy Delights” but with more hockey sticks.
You could just read the lyrics…just sayin
Yes, but signing the dead guy might offer some much needed cap relief.
Go Condors!
Yes, it’s very weird. My ears test off the charts as well. Any accent at all as well and I have trouble. Lots of British/Irish/Scottish movied even like Bravehart are practically like foreign films to me.
Because the rest of the team is such a defensive liability he plays all out defense
Réal Goudenyéu,
Nah I’m fine singing along to what I think I hear
Maybe this is it. Knew I had something going on.
Gorgeous early goal for the Condors. benson on the rebound of a Maoriduvpoojt blank chance off a great pass from Currie.
Yes, another one, good. As I said above accents for me are very tough. Some Asian people I work with I seriously almost can’t pick up anything up.
It’s a hockey blog, champ. Or a whisky and bbq blog.
Starrett starting again tonight – he has been so good now in 2019 – elite AHL level tending.
At the same time, Skinner needs to start playing some hockey – might be time to switch him and Dylan Wells again.
Benson with goals in three straight games which is great as he had been assist heavy until recently (based off an unsustainably low shooting percentage – shot volume and quality was good).
Same lines as last game (I think) but Sekera and Lagesson pairing gets the start and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get many more shifts than last game.
16 Benson – 20 Maoriduvpoojt – 18 Currie
5 Gambardella – 22 Spooner – 36 Russell
10 Polei – 9 Vesel – 7 Yamamoto
27 Gust – 29 Espo – 15 Callahan
…
37 Lagesson – 2 Sekera
8 Stanton – 3 Jones
4 Lowe – 19 Day
Don’t fret if Yamamoto’s 5v5 scoring has dried up during this stretch(I haven’t checked), by the way, rookie pros don’t drive lines alone with two AHL bottom-six checkers.
In case anyone was wondering – no Bear again today (ankle).
I don’t know if this is good news or not, but I just tried the NHL Draft Lottery Simulator for the first time since 2016 and … Oilers get the 1st overall pick!
This is so Oilers.
At least we have that to look forward to!
True, but it helps when there actually is someone to pass to. Usually if they don’t hold the puck too long there is nobody close range, they’re all up ice or changing. Russell used to reset, normal teams the D hang just behind the blue line or thereabouts so there isn’t such a gap to hit.
Benson with a goal.
Maoriduvpoojt
Who is this?
Lots of people have trouble with my accent. Usually I get asked if I’m Australian to which I always ask if they’re American. I have a very neutral accent as well, hardly any regionalisation.
Is it ok to fret about him being placed with two bottom-6 AHLers in the first place?
(Asking for a friend).
Bouchard had one assist in a 6-3 loss and was even – get this, 12 shots on net.
Samorukov with no points but plus 2 in a 4-1 loss – his overall game has been unreal good recently – really strong arrows – can’t wait to see him in the AHL next year.
Makismov with 3 assists in a 7-6 loss.
Safin still not back in the lineup – last I heard was that he should be back well before the Q playoffs – here is hoping that remains the case.
In college, Phil Kemp and John Marino held off the scoresheet. Boston College was shutout (McPhee, Rasanen and Dudek).
Hayden Haykey did have a 28 save shutout in a 1-0 win.
yes
No points for kucherov tonight! Mcdavid still only a point back
Didnt watch.
Didnt miss anything.
Bring on the Draft Coverage LT !
2 years – 2 short years if new management is patient and doesn’t trade the mid to higher end prospects or picks and doesn’t take penalties to try and open up cap room in that time with payment for teams to take contracts or buyouts. If so, in 2 years there will be tons of cap room and tons of assets currency and very important and good players in their primes and entering their primes.
+1
Possible?
and it was a damn gorgeous play with the Currie to Marody precursor….
Just watched Oilers game in Toronto with Kinger and Sheps on QueenStreetWest. The game was shambolic but the live LT connection/conversation was special!
Thanks Lowetide for creating a community that brought us together tonight.
Nope, current line construction makes perfect sence.
Two constants during the winning streak:
– kid line has been amazing – they dominate games and are the hottest and among the best lines in the league. Currie/Marody/Benson
– experience line has been together all year long and is a staple of the team – Russell/Malone/Joe G.
Yama was playing with Spooner but, with Malone up, the experience line needs a center and Spooner has center experience.
It is what is is right now.
It is if, by loss, you mean win.
Awesome!
Right but I copied and pasted 🙂
——————————————————
/Cam Robinson/
@Hockey_Robinson
60 minutes ago
With a goal, an assist, and 5 shots on net today, Arthur Kaliyev extended his point streak to 7 games and 15 points.
He’s now up to 83 points (42+41) in 53 OHL games. #2019NHLDraft
——————————————————
Kaliyev’s pace puts him at ~54 goals in 68 games, a total that would be behind only Tavares and Stamkos in the OHL for U18 players since 2005-6.
I love reading this, but the truth is you three have contributed just as much to this group as I have. That’s the beauty of having a place where you belong.
Yes. A playoff run now would mean very bad things for the future, as in thinking whatever mania/dystopia they live in works.
The future is all that is important. There is no gain outside of cash to be had at this point in this season in itself. It would mean without significant changes (which are unlikely with missing the playoffs given 20 years of history, let alone making them ) this continues.
Only severe pain can bring the point home that Rome is burning. Not that everyone else can’t see the smoke and bright glow at night time.
This is a brilliant comp. Didn’t think of it when I watched this video of him, but I should have:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ylzid8Fho64
He has that ability to weaponize his hesitations that Reggie has.
what about schevnikov? mcdavid?
Gust and Espositto with a solid forecheck shift and Lagesson finishes if off to make it 2-0.
Marody then extends the lead to 3 from Benson and Lagesson.
supposedly skating is a possible issue. but amazing Stats
What site/sites do people use to find prospect comps?
Could any of you watching the Bakersfield game comment on Sekera’s skating
Still waiting to hear how is his speed, agility, edges, etc
Waiting with baited breath. Coles notes version would be welcome!
Please and thank you in advance
I’d love if the Oilers went after European overagers with the draft picks they get for selling Kassian/Rieder/Chiasson etc. I like Sam Fagemo and Kristian Tanus early, and Daniil Ogirchuk, Nikita Rtishchev, Linus Nyman, Emil Oksnanen late.
Guys you can leave in Europe for a year or two while you break in the next rookie forward pros in Bakersfield next year at a lesser number, then have both of those crops cascade and hit prime age at the same time for a really competitive camp/farm with the Chiarelli mess suitably cleaned up.
hunter1909,
This is good news. Embarrassing as hell, but good news just the same. Lucic and Hughes to Florida(where he’s from) for Ekblad. If not keep Hughes!
Eliteprospects.com
choose draft yr in top right corner
Yamamoto and Spooner score an absolutely gorgeous PP goal off the rush.
Spooner carries through he neutral zone and dishes to Kailer on the half wall at the blue – Kailer squeezes by a check on the boards who dishes to Spooner in the slot, beats a guy and goes back to Yamaoto for a tap in.
Just gorgeous.
4 passes between Spooner and Yamamoto but Jones gets a second assist on the own zone breakout pass.
Yamamoto with a goal on the PP.
Gambardella adds a shortie.
Love my team, loathe the organization. Want to cheer for my team, can’t stand watching them lose. I skip the games now, I come here for the community.
Thanks LT, you’re 100% of my Oilers content these days. Without you, I don’t think I’d really care anymore…. (after 37 years of fandom).
Joe G. and Russell on a shorthanded 2 on 1 and Joe G. makes it 5-0 with a short side shot.
Tonight we were sharing our fav story filled posts by you and favorite posters that hooked us to this community. Makes me feel i gotta go back into the archive to check out some of the best of LT stories and epic yarns!! 🙂
Same PK and they go opposite – Russell with the shortie and Joe G. with the assist.
6-0 Condors.
This team.
Yes, but I messed up…
OriginalPouzar,
Maybe this Condors team could get the Oilers in the playoffs?
Connor went 25+41 in his exceptional status year, 28+71 at 16, and 44+76 in his draft year (in 47 games!), where remember he broke his hand in a fight and missed time.
The key part of my sentence (that turns it into pro-Kaliyev propaganda) was the “totals” part, it excludes a bunch of players that didn’t play 60+ games but were on pace for 50+ like Nail Yakupov.
Elite Prospects mostly. It’s really easy, here’s the example I just used:
https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/ohl/stats/all-time-season?position=f&age=u18&sort=tp&from=2005-2006&to=
That’s the league page for the OHL, and you can see the tabs I’ve picked out.
i) Out of Season, All-Time Totals, and All-Time Totals/Season and All-Time Totals/Team I have selected ‘All-Time Totals/Season’, the most useful one for historical comps. regular ‘Season’ is better to see who’s the produced the best in any given year, but to get same-age players you have to-
ii) Select U18(right above ‘All-Time Totals), to get guys who are all in the same draft year generally, but really really good younger players will bugger things up here, because they’ll score as much as 18 year olds at a younger age and be lumped in. Keep an eye out for that.
iii) Position:Forwards, also on the panel with Age, Teams, Nationality, and drafted/undrafted. Right above the actual list of players is-
iv) 05/06 to now. You can choose how far back you want to go here, and the opposite. I like to always keep my comps as a good mix between total sample size and period-specific, because as we all know the leagues change. The OHL isn’t too bad for this, but if you’re looking at leagues that have changed a ton like Finnish Juniors (pre 2009) and the USHL, you want to narrow things down a lot.
I know you didn’t ask me directly, but I’ll be posting a full shift-by-shift of both games when I’m done tracking tonight.
I’m currently in the process of studying publicly available resources that teach how scouts evaluate skating mechanics (the Clare Drake principle hasn’t extended to the scouting community) but right now all I’m comfortable with is knowing whether or not NHL players are fast or slow, quick or not. When it comes to guys in the middle, it’s tough especially projecting between leagues.
That disclaimer aside:
Sekera looks comfortable and confident so far. He’s not having any panic moments like how he was afraid to pivot too quickly last year, but again there’s a relatively little amount of true NHL burners in the AHL, especially in the Condor’s division.
I’m mostly focusing on that, his decision-making and his reaction to in-game scenarios and pace. He seems okay in that regard but I haven’t finished tonight’s game’s first period yet.
I have a good feeling about that Lottery Simulator.
jtblack,
Awesome. Thanks!
Wilde,
Thanks for the update and the info on eliteprospects!
The sharks signed both Donskoi and Sorenson after the teams that drafted them (Florida and Ottawa respectively) didn’t sign them (not just MacTavish who does that!)
Sorenson was selected as rookie of the year for the SEL and for some reason Ottawa didn’t sign him.
Two very valuable third line players they have just because they have very good European scouting. O
The oilers really need to improve in this area. There must be players in the SEL , khl , or Swiss league that would be helpful third or fourth line players with speed that could PK and score more goals than Rieder etc.
Dicky94,
Sadly, post trade deadline, a lot of condors will be called up, ruining their confidence and the condors outstanding performance and playoff positioning
Given how poorly the oilers bottom pairin D played tonight (Gravel was minus 3) I wonder how long it will be before Sekera and Jones are called up and Manning and Petrovic sent down.
With Rattie’s injury I would call up Russell, too
So last night with my lemon tree we’re watching 12 Years a Slave (the masochism is strong in this one) and all the way through I’m thinking damn! twelve years of hell is a long time, and another part of my brain on a nearby bar stool is going “yeah, tell me about it”.
Different hell, but the duration rings true.
lol laugh out loud funny
The Rattie injury creates a cap problem if he’s out and needs to be replaced on the roster.
We currenty need to clear apx $1.2M for Sekera’s impending return.
If Rattie needs to go on IR and they want to call someone up to replace him, we add that cap hit – it should be Spooner but that adds just over $1M. A guy like P. Russell or Joe G. adds apx $700K.
Either way, that makes it tougher to activate Sekera (and he will be activated) without a more material roster move.
Rattie has recently cleared waivers and is still within the period to be sent down – they can’t re-assign a player that needs to be on IR though.
period 1 totals
CF – 25
CA – 12
CD – (+13)
FF – 10
FA – 6
FD – (+4)
Dominant possession period with only two shifts by the Gulls resulting in multiple shot attempts (two each) as opposed to the Condors’ stretch between 8:39 and 7:46 with 8-1 CF-CA where they changed on-the-fly off of a few soft punishes in a row.
Of course the large amount of blocked shots (a ton from the point) mute the success on the scoreboard.
WHAAAATT??? 🙂
I keep saying Nugent-Hopkins and Rieder for McDavid, but no one listens to me. All three can fly. They can play rush hockey, and have the speed to apply back pressure. McDavid would be the tip of the spear. Even just Rieder if one goes #McDraivid.
But I’ll just keep raging against the storm, as I endure the Oilers going hence once again,
The same guy who unplugged Kassian’s on the first goal against?
And if they win their next 2 games, we’re all climbing back on board!
There was a lack of buy in by the previous coach. #TheTeamInOrange
No forwards hustling back. Back pressure is more important than zone time in the modern NHL. The shift to speed over size.