The Edmonton Oilers released the playoff camp roster yesterday and there was a surprise—a fifth goaltender (Dylan Wells) just to be safe. It makes sense from here, goaltending is a big damn deal and making sure you have enough of them is vital. Truth be told, there are only two names that a playoff Oilers team will play in front of, Oilers might be fishing for option No. 3 among Stuart Skinner, Dylan Wells and Olivier Rodrigue.
THE ATHLETIC!
Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. I am proud to be part of The Athletic. Here are the most recent Oilers stories.
- New Lowetide: The Oilers’ approach to Russians at the draft? Trust but verify
- New Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Mike Green’s opt-out isn’t ideal, but Oilers defence should manage without him
- New Lowetide: Joakim Nygard’s Oilers season reveals speedster with range of skills
- Lowetide: Dave Tippett’s postseason strategy against the Blackhawks
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Oilers notebook: Bear’s contract quandary, Broberg’s mini camp, bubble goalies
- Lowetide: Jesse Puljujarvi’s comparables suggest a possible future with Oilers
- Jonathan Willis: Every Oilers AHL prospect rated by how close they are to the NHL
- Lowetide: Setting the record straight on Oilers prospect Cooper Marody’s future
- Lowetide: Tough decisions face Oilers’ Ken Holland as cap forces painful choices
- Lowetide: How Oilers winger Kailer Yamamoto can increase his value
- Lowetide: Everything you forgot (but need to know) about Oilers’ 2019-20 season
- Lowetide: Injury is biggest factor in the Oilers’ hopes for extended playoff run
- Lowetide: Tyler Benson’s struggle to score might affect future role with Oilers
- Lowetide: Ken Holland’s second Oilers draft should deliver high-octane offence
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman: ‘It’s all surreal’: Kevin Lowe’s Hall of Fame nod nets surprise and satisfaction
- Lowetide: 10 things to look for at Oilers training camp and the 2020 playoffs
- Jonathan Willis: Why Carl Soderberg is an intriguing free agent possibility for the Oilers
GOALIES (5)
Mike Smith. The big man’s season (39 games, 19-12-6 2.95 .902) wasn’t strong and his .900 five on five percentage was close to league worst. On the other hand when he gets hot a team can ride his play for weeks. Going in to camp, he’s the starter because Dave Tippett and staff trust him.
Mikko Koskinen. He played so well Oilers fans rarely mention buyout anymore. He went 18-13-3 in 38 games, 2.75 GAA and a .917 SP. His .924 five on five save percentage put him in the league’s top 20 in that category. He’s my choice for starter. He’ll need some luck to get a start based on current conditions.
Stuart Skinner. He had a poor year in front of a ghastly AHL team, and his two pro seasons aren’t anything fabulous. In 44 ECHL games, his SP is .903, and in 47 AHL games his SP is .891. Oilers probably see him as the guy they drafted who has played in bad luck, but eventually you develop a past.
Olivier Rodrique. He’s a promising goaltender on the verge of his pro career and this camp may give him an opportunity to show what he’s capable of after a strong junior finish. One of the players I’m most looking forward to seeing in this camp.
Dylan Wells. I have him here because it didn’t sound like he was part of the original plan. In his two pro seasons, he has delivered .898 in 32 ECHL games, and .898 in 19 AHL games. Like Skinner, he needs a strong season to move ahead of the pack. I don’t think we’ll see him much.
LEFT DEFENSE (5)
Oscar Klefbom. He’s a quality NHL defenseman. I don’t usually say that out loud because when someone says it about a player the Oilers drafted the team trades his ass. Has come into his own as PP quarterback, his 4.77 points-per-60 in the discipline landed Klefbom No. 25 overall among NHL power-play blue. Big minutes, big part of Oilers defense.
Darnell Nurse. Led the team in five on five ice time, No. 3 in Corsi rel at five on five and Puck IQ tells us he led Oilers defensemen in TOI versus elites and was No. 3 in DFF%RC. A solid year, his 1.14 per 60 scoring at five on five ranked him No. 40 among NHL rearguards. He still has many critics, and there are moments like Max Domi turning him inside out early in the year that remain. Still, he is a substantial player on this team, I’m looking forward to seeing improvement during his second playoff run.
Caleb Jones. Exceptional numbers after his recall, he earned the third pairing job even tough Jones might not get it. Outstanding skater, 21-13 at five on five with multiple defensive partners and his passing looked divine. My goodness what a year for rookies!
Kris Russell. Veteran played 14:19 a night at five on five in 2019-20, that’s the sound of a veteran seeing his playing time reduced. I’ll be fascinated to see who wins the third pairing job, I think Jones earned it but veterans usually get the playoff minutes.
William Lagesson. Solid NHL prospect who played a little NHL this season. Unlikely to get into NHL games during the 2020 playoffs.
RIGHT DEFENSE (5)
Adam Larsson. He is a key to the Oilers during the postseason. In his final 10 games of the season, Edmonton outscored opponents 11-5 during five on five minutes. Larsson is a central figure in the series to come against Chicago.
Ethan Bear. I have always liked Corsi Rel to gauge a team’s defense. It’s a straight measure of a defenseman’s quality relative to his fellow defenders. Bear led the Oilers last season in Corsi Rel five on five (+2.44) and looked the part of a productive two-way player all year long. All he has to do is play at the level we saw during the season.
Matt Benning. He’s been a winner at five on five since he arrived in the NHL and still can’t get respect from Oilers fans. Some of you should have to witness the 42-game stretch by Taylor Chorney in 2009-10 where he went 15-33 five on five goal differential.
Evan Bouchard. He had a very strong second half in Bakersfield, specifically in even strength goal differential. I don’t think he’ll play much, but the Mike Green news does change the equation. I’m intrigued to see him but the slide year is very valuable.
Philip Broberg. Not one chance in hell he plays, but this should give the team at least a glimpse of this young man’s future. His speed should be noticeable.
CENTER (6)
Connor McDavid. He’s so good, every playoff berth represents the possibility of something special.
Leon Draisaitl. It’s incredible how much better he is than his draft number, especially considering his draft number was three.
Riley Sheahan. He’s an important piece, because what’s behind him isn’t a veteran option. Fine on the penalty kill, scores a little and can win some faceoffs.
Jujhar Khaira. Brilliant PK man who had zero confidence at even strength in 2019-20. His decision making with the puck bordered on criminal. Right at the end of the season, he found a spark at center. Oilers are no doubt hoping it continues.
Gaetan Haas. I spent quite a bit of time trying to get him into the every game lineup but can’t make it happen after the deadline. I like his ability to draw penalties and forecheck. If he could score a little more and win faceoffs he’d be the third-line center.
Ryan McLeod. He’s an NHL skater right now, and I believe McLeod will see NHL action in 2020-21. I don’t think he plays in the 2020 postseason.
LEFT WING (6)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. One of the great things about this season is the Nuge re-emerging as a substantial offensive player. His 2.23 points-per-60 is the highest scoring rate of his career. He reached his peak at 26, and beat goalies clean from range using a quick release and improving his sights. Damn that’s a beautiful thing.
Andreas Athanasiou. Big man has terrific speed and can score goals, making him a potentially valuable piece of the present and future. He has to prove himself on a skill line in order for the trade to have been worthwhile. A big playoff performance could have enormous impact on his contract situation.
Tyler Ennis was an astute pickup by Holland at the deadline, he can play either wing and has significant natural talent. The downside is his age (30) but he looked more than capable of contributing to the team’s success after coming over at the deadline.
James Neal scored 19 goals (No. 4 on the team) in 2019-20 but wasn’t a productive scorer at five on five at any time. I’m not sure where he fits and his spot in the lineup is somewhat vulnerable for these playoffs. Bet on him to start and to get power-play time, because Dave Tippett knows that when Neal gets hot he can have a major impact. Had a 1.92 points per 60 total at even strength three weeks into the season but could not sustain it.
Joakim Nygard changes the look of the bottom six with his speed, tenacity and ability to be on the right side of the puck when it’s turned over. I’d bet on he and Gaetan Haas forming a kickass third line someday but they’re both long in the tooth in terms of projecting into the future. A good player.
Tyler Benson is about where Kailer Yamamaoto was a year ago in terms of fan base faith. Many don’t believe he’ll play. I’m convinced Benson will have an NHL career but have tempered the upside. I think a Marcus Kruger career in style and success (500 games, useful bottom six forward) is a reasonable expectation.
RIGHT WING (6)
Zack Kassian had a fantastic five on five scoring season (2.21 points per 60) with Connor McDavid at center. His defensive work is not strong enough for him to sustain this role and his lack of discipline (suspensions, bad penalties) constantly threatens team success. I’m a fan of this player but he needs to overcome these issues.
Kailer Yamamoto is (along with Ethan Bear) proof that good drafting and development rewards the patient team handsomely. His recall may not have been the top reason for the January fire, but it was a major contributor.
Alex Chiasson is a throwback winger who could have been successful in 1975 or today. A rugged kind of fellow, he’s aware defensively and his possession game (over 50 percent Corsi and shot differential five on five) was solid. If he posts 1.25 points per 60, as he did in 2018-19, there’s a lot of utility. In 2019-20, it was just 0.87 owing mostly to a major fall in shooting percentage. Perhaps the Gods reward him in the playoffs.
Josh Archibald was a wise investment for Edmonton, his speed and utility obvious during the year. He was unlucky overall at five on five, as his shot differential (44 percent) and his goal differential (34 percent) represents a massive gap. Main reason: Save percentage when he was on the ice at five on five was .893.
Patrick Russell is a coach’s dream because he does everything asked and follows instructions like a demon. I don’t think he’ll play much.
Cooper Marody begins camp as a distant bell, I’m cheering like hell for him. He has more natural talent than several forwards who saw NHL action this year, but speed and injury have been hurdles. He’s a center but may find his way on the wing.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
A fun and busy show as Oilers open up training camp, we have everything covered on TSN1260 today. I’ll join the part at 10 with Hart Levine from Puck Pedia at 10:20. Oilers and other NHL teams received some good cap news in the CBA agreement and we’ll detail the major parts of the agreement. Jason Gregor will join me at 11 to discuss the Oilers roster, Mike Green’s absence and more. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Playoff Death March™ is Back!! Playoff Death March™ is Back!! Playoff Death March™ is back!! Playoff Death March™ isback!!
https://oilersdeathmarch.com/playoffs-2020/
NEW for The Athletic: What should Oilers fans expect from Connor McDavid in the playoffs? He’s in a position to lead his team deep into the playoffs. Can a healthy 97 outscore opponents five on five? Is Nuge the answer on LW?
https://theathletic.com/1924510/2020/07/14/lowetide-what-should-oilers-fans-expect-from-connor-mcdavid-in-the-playoffs/
I like the lines.
Athanasiou | Draisaitl | Yamamoto
Nugent-Hopkins | McDavid | Kassian
Ennis | Sheahan | Archibald
Line I’d like to see:
Benson | Khaira | Neal
or
Benson | Haas | Neal (Haas for some forechecking speed)
Also, thinking about where Benson might eventually fit into the lineup and be most useful, I would think it might be with a goal scorer, a sniper. Maybe we haven’t yet seen what he can do as a setup man. Neal might bring that out of him. Khaira may be a good fit for him too. He’s a C who can play a decent board game down low and free up some room for Benson and Neal to connect. Benson plays like a C and Khaira can play like a W. Also, it moves Neal back to his sniper position on the RW for one-timers. I believe his best seasons were at RW and he is quoted as saying that is where he is best.
Maybe they should be drafting a goal-scoring C like Connor Zary, Dylan Holloway, or Jacob Perrault. Benson has never really been matched with a real goal scorer in the AHL.
I wonder if Ennis is moved to C and Sheahan to LW (Sheahan can take draws) if that would have a positive impact on this line?
https://www.tsn.ca/chicago-blackhawks-andrew-shaw-won-t-participate-in-nhl-s-return-to-play-1.1495210
Chicago Blackhawks forward will not participate in the NHL’s Return to Play as he will take the extra five months to recover from a concussion and expects to return for the 2020-21 season.
Well said.
The metaphor for this blog is the opening scene of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOwLEVQGbrM
Pulled up the highlights of the last Nashville game for kicks and giggles.
In part because Connor scores what is probably the longest goal of his NHL career (that involved a goalie), but mostly because of the two great passing goals. One a sweet dish by Nuge, and then the other a brilliant no-look by Admiral Iwillmakeuregretit. Part of the Drai fourtrick.
Forgot completely about Drai scoring from his goal line position… on the far post. Hope we get a Crawford like that Rinne.
Been a long time since I remember an Oiler team that could string together passes like this team. If they skate and pass the way they’ve done since January, I don’t see how the Hawks can beat them. Three waves of speed and then a fourth line off speed pitch so difficult to prepare for after getting the three straight fastballs.
I’ll bet Hawks fans are a lot more confident about their goaltending than we are (not at this very moment but Crawford will eventually show), but who’s in net might not matter.
This is not a democracy it’s a cheer-oracy.
This is not a cheer-ocracy, it’s a cheer-tatorship. I am the cheer-tator, I will make the cheer-isions around here, and I will deal with the cheer-onsequences.
HUNTER1909 DEATH MARCH™ ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RETURNING PLAYERS
There is a New Top Ten All Time List being prepared as this is getting written.
With the new self register system, returning Death March™ players are invited to use their original Death March™ names in order to retain historical continuity.
https://oilersdeathmarch.com/playoffs-2020/
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION
Thanks to our host LT for allowing such an invested, ragtag, group of folks to remain on his blog with all of the swings of topic that happen, almost always.
Thanks to all of you that responded to my comments in a reasonable way.
Discussion and allowing opinions that are not the same as yours, and trying to understand them, whether in the end you agree with them or not, is the way that democracies have to work. And communities that are IMO healthy.
There will ALWAYS be blow ups. The question is, will a return to reasonable happen again?
Here it does, over years.
Kudos to all.
Also, please understand I take the virus seriously. I wonder about a lot of things that surround it.
If Crawford isn’t available, I can’t see the Hawks winning a game let alone the series without the Oilers tending absolutely cratering itself.
Subban did have a decent 20 games in his first year in Vegas but the Hawks need to crush the goaltending match-up to have a legit chance in the series.
Yes, I know what Patrick Kane (and J. Toews who did have a big year at 5 on 5) can do but I also know what the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can do).
Crawford is UFA, just saying. If we can’t beat a Subban led Hawk team we at least deserve the no 1 overall pick for even being in the welfare play downs to begin with.
Can’t make everyone happy.
If you didn’t want to know that Crawford being “unfit to practice” actually was because he hasn’t even returned to Chicago (as per Woodley at apx 4pm) and Stan Bowman provide absolutely no surety that he would be available (as per The Athletic), then feel free to skip over my posts.
I think most Oiler fans would find that extra info relevant and timely.
I post alot about the Oilers – god forbid.
You have posted once today – nothing to do with the Oilers, solely a personal opinion on me.
Just saying.
OP and Hunter are both invaluable members of this community. Would sorely miss both of them. I’ve got way too many lawyer friends. I know they put up with much more crap than anything they get on this blog.
My OP overlord, how droll. I read this blog everyday, have for over ten years. I can recognize when someone is being slagged for providing valuable info and when others are just trying to snicker with their buds and laughing at lowlifes
OilClog,
About 5% of what your OP overlord posts is informative while the other 95% is just hot air feeling itself.
OP reads a comment and then posts stats that completely miss the point of the comment ie “finishing”
Then feels attacked.
Stunning and Brave.
hunter1909,
Wow, Hunter who made you Commander and Chief…slagging OP, throwing shit at him from the bleachers. The man is a fierce Oiler fan and a GD credit to this community. If your comments were half as informative as his you would still be a jerk. Get away with your kiddy games and grow up!
I’m not sure if there is an “official dedication” although I would think there would be some sort of ceremony before game 1 and likely some sort of sweater patch.
As far as who McDavid hands the cup to, no offence to Colby, Emily and their loved ones, but, to me, that cup goes to Nuge next and the rest of the players on the ice and Coach T, etc.
OriginalPouzar,
They probably are wishing they’d hung onto Lehner now…
They are.
If we win the Covid Cup, I’d like to see 97 hand it to Emily Cave or Colby’s dad first.
Kevin Woodly had his regular Monday spot on Gregor today and said he’s heard that Crawford isn’t even in Chicago yet.
Are the Oilers dedicating the playoffs to Colby Cave? Could be a motivator….
Well yeah I’d like the overall chances of teams with one less series to win. Like Dallas (1 pt behind the Oil) in the spot originally for Pacific team 2. Thanks Gary. Hope every team with a bye comes in a few steps behind. #gochaos
Agree. It would balance the top six to an extent we haven’t seen since I can’t remember.
Like I said. Ennis could NOT finish the chances that Nugent-Hopkins finished. He didn’t look like he would be able to finish.
Draisaitl and Yamamoto produce scoring chances. The LW HAS to finish. Nugent-Hopkins did. Ennis didn’t.
The line is wasted if the LW does not finish.
Hmmmm, with the GM not being able to provide positivity with respect to Crawford being ready to play, I wonder what the issue with Crawford is? Maybe he isn’t good to go in a few weeks?
https://theathletic.com/1926706/2020/07/13/what-does-corey-crawfords-practice-absence-mean-for-the-blackhawks/?source=emp_shared_article
Crawford had been noticeably absent from the Blackhawks’ reports and photos during Phase 2 of the NHL’s return-to-play protocol. He was listed Monday morning on the team’s training camp roster, but Crawford never appeared on the ice during either of the Blackhawks’ two practice sessions. He was the only player listed on the camp roster not to participate.
So where is he? Does he have an injury? Does he have COVID-19? For the latter question, especially, he deserves his privacy.
“For now, he’s just unfit to play,” Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. “I think the NHL has been pretty clear that’s going to be the policy going forward as far as how we’ll announce all injuries. So, that’s all I have for you.”
What if Crawford isn’t fit to play against the Oilers? How would that affect the Hawks?
“That’s a tough one to speculate on,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “I understand the nature of the question. But the way we’re handling this is we’re looking at the guys who are here and ready to play. When Corey’s in that group, we can talk about Corey. The focus today was getting ourselves back going. We’ve got four goaltenders here. The goal is to be prepared when the time is right. We’ve got some time certainly. Our first game isn’t for several weeks here. That’s a tough one to speculate on.”
Ennis/Drai/Yamamoto had 32 minutes together.
1GF – 2GA, however, above 50% in possession metrics and xGF% nearing 58%……
Justin Bourne’s thoughts:
Out West, I like the teams that have byes considerably more than the teams in the play-in rounds. I think Edmonton has the best shot to win it all from the play-ins, but I still see a gap between them and St. Louis, Colorado and Vegas.
https://theathletic.com/1924407/2020/07/13/bourne-notebook-play-in-teams-with-best-odds-leafs-vs-jackets-matchup-and-more/
If Athanasiou is able to fit in with Draisaitl and Yamamoto, that will solve a lot of problems. Ennis didn’t look to be a good fit. No finish. Athanasiou may be able to provide that, freeing up Nuge.
https://www.thescore.com/news/1985386
The NHL recorded 43 positive COVID-19 tests during the second phase of its return-to-play plan, the league announced Monday.
Over 600 players voluntarily reported to team facilities since June 8 and 4,932 tests were administered. Of those 600 players, 30 returned positive tests.
The league is also aware of 13 players who tested positive while not reporting during Phase 2.
Seven players who were taking part in Phase 2 tested positive during the last week, while one player who didn’t report tested positive.
All players who tested positive have self-isolated and followed proper safety protocols. The NHL will continue to test players and provide weekly updates after Phase 3 kicked off on Monday morning.
You missed Kevin Lowe’s apt stewardship of the Oilers, first helping to provide Oilers hockey to a grateful public. Along with former Oiler Craig(MacT)McTavish Lowe’s Oilers have been a contender for the cup many seasons running.
Sure, I guess he could be one of those players but I highly doubt it and I don’t really agree that he’s effective as a pest. No offence to the Dane, I like his work ethic and his try but, to my eye, his best NHL attribute is, its not that likely he’ll make a mistake that hurts you.
A playoff competitor needs more than that from its fourth line, in my opinion – I feel that Nygard, Haas, Benson all provide the ability to give more and, if they are down to their 4th forward extra, yikes.
You take yourself seriously to the point where you start to get ridiculous.
PS: Shame a Lawyer!??
Are you trying to shame me in an Oilers online community for being excited about listening to Oiler players and coaches interviews?
Hell ya I will “summarize” what the coach says – feel free to skip over my posts.
As we know, “unfit to practice” is really meaningless as its the only thing the organization’s are permitted to disclose.
It could mean an ACL tear, Covid, a light muscle strain or a hangover…..
I think he’s the first non-player to opt out:
Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
The longtime NHL coach is 64 and considered to be in a higher-risk group if exposed to COVID-19.
Quote Tweet
Florida Panthers PR
@FlaPanthersPR
· 11m
#FlaPanthers Assistant Coach Mike Kitchen has opted out of the NHL’s Return to Play program.
“It was a difficult decision to say the least, but the right decision for me and my family.” – Kitchen.
The Florida Panthers fully support this decision.
Yeah, I had too much coffee.
~ I see you’re a wild eyed optimist who thinks the bubble will survive for at least 5 games ~
#keepnugeforever
chrisco stu,
Priceless
I want to say it’s half Vincent Price, half Fisher Price.
During lengthy playoff runs, coaches often search for a “different look” for their lineups when things are not running as smoothly as they’d like. Russell has shown that he can be a real pest to opponents. This skill alone may end up getting him some ice time.
There’s usually a few surprise performances from the lower tier players in the playoffs. Russell could very well be one of those guys that experience a playoff heater!
While we definitely shouldn’t count on it, it would be great to see him take that next step at this opportune time!
Sounds like two out of the three positive tests for the Habs were false positives.
I’m never picking you as my court reporter
Chicago really needs Crawford to play. Otherwise they are in bad shape.
Hard to do Colour Commentary when you only get Black at death marches
Thank the heavens that it’s not just me with the earwax thing. I assumed it was something to do with me being a musician. Instead it must be a >30 you must have ear wax ad.
Eh, what have you missed. Montreal won the last Stanley Cup for a Canadian team in 93. After that I guess that the Raptors won the NBA basketball thing last season.
Oilers almost won in 2006 and then there’s a period of time we don’t talk about except in hushed voices.
Anything else happen sports wise? You’ve probably timed it well to watch McDeity win it all this year and beyond.
Oh and you probably want to google Brogan Rafferty.
Coach T on Nuge with Connor and not Drai:
“We thought about alot of things. Early on here, we know Nuge can play well on that line. We tried Ennis there a bit and know how that works. We haven’t seen AA there and want to try that early in camp and see how it goes”.
Caveat: Not a 100% quote – he spoke faster than I can type.
Hard matched against McDavid.