It was ’80s night at Rogers on Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers scoring goals with great regularity in support of their rookie goalie Stuart Skinner. The young man had a decent start, some wobble and then settled in and made some fine stops in his NHL debut. The rest of the team romped on the power play and grabbed two valuable points in the standings.
Dave Tippett's early season manic line juggling has paid off with some chemistry emerging. Shot share was there before last night, and the goals came marching in. @TheAthleticCANhttps://t.co/uNBhwJqlhW
I’m proud to be writing for The Athletic, and pleased to be part of a great team with Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Jonathan Willis. Here is our recent work.
New Lowetide: Oilers’ line chemistry finally coming into view
After the first 10 games of the year, the Senators were exactly what the doctor ordered. The offence got healthy and the defence took the night off (much of it, anyway) and there’s another game just like it coming on Tuesday.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MONTH NO. 1
At home to: Vancouver, Vancouver (Expected: 1-1-0) (Actual 1-1-0)
At home to: Montreal, Montreal (Expected: 1-1-0) (Actual 0-2-0)
On the road to: Toronto, Toronto, Winnipeg, Winnipeg (Expected 1-2-1)(Actual 2-2-0)
At home to: Toronto, Toronto, Ottawa (Expected 2-1-0)(Actual 2-1-0)
Overall expected result: 5-5-1, 11 points in 11 games
Current results: 5-6-0, 10 points after 11 games
The final two wins were big for the Oilers, that Saturday night victory against the Leafs might be a win worth remembering. The club was pretty consistent through the month with the exception of the Montreal games.
LINES, LAST NIGHT
Kahun-Draisaitl-Yamamoto played 11:36, 7-6 shots, 2-0 goals, 0-2 HDSC, 8-14 Corsi five on five. An outstanding night for Draisaitl, and his wings were good, too. Six assists for LD, no shots on goal, was strong on the puck and punishing physically. A monster in the FO circle, his passes were gorgeous. Both Kahun and Yamamoto scored. The possession numbers are score effects. This line was terrific. Kahun is on a bit of a roll now, the goal by Yamamoto ended a mini-slump (three games) for the young winger.
Neal-Turris-Kassian played 11:10, 4-9 shots, 1-1 goals, 0-6 HDSC and 9-14 Corsi five on five. Flummoxing Turris coverage on the White goal, by the end he was watching the net waiting for the goal. He’s slow to recognize danger. That was a flukey play. Still wondering why it counted. Neal scored twice, man when he gets hot good things happen. Turris-Neal are 50.6 Corsi and 2-3 goals.
Nuge-McDavid-Puljujarvi played 9:55, going 4-11 shots, 0-2 goals, 0-3 HDSC and 7-18 Corsi five on five. Score effects here too, but this line got clocked on a major even night five on five. McDavid had five points (1-4-5), Nuge 1-2-3 (monster with the shot and pass on the power play) and JP 0-0-0 although McDavid set him up for a fine chance (blocked) in the high slot off the rush. I believe in this line’s ability to outscore, but Puljujarvi needs to cash at some point. You can feel a trip to the third line coming for the Finn.
Chiasson-Haas-Archibald played 5:54, going 2-1 shots, no goals, 1-0 HDSC, 4-3 Corsi five on five. Haas is such a fun player, if he can bring any kind of offense we might see this line get heavier minutes. He was effective on the penalty kill, an area he didn’t get much time one year ago (four minutes last night, six minutes all last season). I’d suggest Devin Shore and Jujhar Khaira are hind banana at center until further notice. Chiasson looked determined in his return to the lineup, was effective as a screen on the power play. Earned another start.
PAIRINGS AND GOALIE
Nurse-Barrieplayed 17:22 of 80s hockey, going 7-19 shots, 3-2 goals, 0-6 HDSC and 13-29 Corsi five on five. All of these numbers were skewed by score effects, as Edmonton tore through the fleshy part of the Senators during a dizzying power-play performance in the first period. Barrie was 1-1-2 with 8 shot attempts, Nurse scored a fine goal later in the game. The White goal was a fluke, but both defensemen were guarding the net at the time (not tying up sticks or getting position). The Watson goal was a shot from range, coverage was solid, the goalie didn’t see the shot but I couldn’t find a screen.
Lagesson-Larsson played 8:55, 1-2 shots, no goals, 0-2 HDSC and 4-7 Corsi five on five. Two shutdown defenders is unusual in the modern era, but the pairing suppressed chances at both ends of the ice. I saw Lagesson good. He blocks shots well.
Jones-Larsson played 6:22, 3-4 shots, 1-1 goals, 0-1 HDSC, 3-8 Corsi five on five. On the Brady Tkachuk goal, Jones lost a 50-50 battle for a puck at center ice and then Larsson did a backwards snow angel while McDavid actually tried to cover the other man. Larsson was also badly exposed on Stutzle’s goal, my goodness an NHL defenseman cannot get beaten that badly.
Jones-Russell played 6:04, going 5-3 shots, no goals, 1-2 HDSC and 6-4 Corsi five on five. Played a solid six minutes together, puck was headed in a good direction.
Lagesson-Russell played 5:54, 1-3 shots, no goals, 0-2 HDSC and 1-6 Corsi five on five. That’s a classic Russell line, Lagesson was more effective with Larsson.
Stuart Skinner stopped 33 of 38, .868. He settled in and played pretty well for a guy who hadn’t seen game action in 10 months and was stepping up to the world’s best league. One interesting item: In his first NHL game, he posted a .903 SP at five on five. Koskinen is .906 this year in the same discipline; last year, at five on five, Mike Smith was .900. Huh.
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS
The Condors played on the weekend, Ryan McLeod played well and there are miles of new names for us to discover. Here’s the roster with a loose attempt at the depth chart:
Goalies: Angus Redmond, Olivier Rodrigue
Left Defense: Ryan Stanton, Theodor Lennstrom, Kevin Gravel, Markus Niemelainen
Right Defense: Vincent Desharnais, Janis Jaks, Yanni Kaldis
Center: Cooper Marody, Ryan McLeod, Brad Malone, Luke Esposito, Devin Brosseau
Left Wing: Tyler Benson, Joe Gambardella, James Hamblin, Ostap Safin, Graham McPhee, Blake Christensen
Right Wing: Seth Griffith, Adam Cracknell, Jake Stukel, Liam Folkes
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning we hit the ground running on TSN 1260. Guests include Alex Chippin from The Score to talk Super Bowl, and Jason Gregor from TSN 1260 will pop in at 11 to talk Draisaitl, McDavid, Skinner and more. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Seems to be some mocking of other teams goaltending, so time for a wake up call.
Starting goaltenders in the North Division:
Markstrom .929
Demko .914
Hellebuyck .910
Price .903
Koskinen .895
Anderson .892
Murray .849
If you’re looking at back ups:
Allen .933
Campbell .923
Brosoitt .911
Holtby .896
Skinner .868
Hoberg .845
Rittich .810
Given how many goals are being scored this season in the Loosey Goosey Division, the standouts are Markstrom, Demko and Hellebuyck with Allen and Campbell (injured) and Broisott looking decent as backups.
Seems to be some mocking of other teams goaltending, so time for a wake up call.
Starting goaltenders in the North Division:
This is timely.
I was just looking at North division goalies in games not against the Ottawa Senators. The games against competitive NHL teams… and it seems to make quite a difference.
I’ll include all goalies who’ve played 6+ games as “starters” since there seems to be some confusion about who holds that role in Vancouver. 6 games should at least mean the goalies are in a 1A/1B situation.
So excluding games vs. the Senators:
Markstrom .929 (no games vs. Ottawa yet)
Hellebuyck .913 (1 start; it was actually dragging his SV% down)
Andersen .905 (1 start; the only L vs Ottawa; also dragging is #s down)
Price .903 (no games vs. Ottawa)
Koskinen .895 (no games vs. Ottawa)
Demko .881 (2 games vs. Ottawa)
Holtby .879 (1 game vs. Ottawa)
Murray .849
True backups got the other 4 games against Ottawa.
Markstrom and Hellebuyck are certainly the standouts, no surprise there.
Beyond that it’s a bit hard to tell exactly where the tire fire starts (Murray aside).
I understand why you’re trying to distance yourself from Holtby and call him a backup, it was a terrible signing.
But Holtby and Demko have started the same number of games. Holtby got the nod in the opener. It was Demko who got 2 of 3 vs Ottawa… You can repeat it all you want, but all indications are that it’s either an equal 1A/1B or that Holtby is the 1A.
And Demko, the numbers you’re quoting are the last 3 games (2 vs Ottawa). In only 1 of Demko’s 4 non-Ottawa games has he had a .900 SV%.
.500 and a bag of chips will get you 6th place in a 7 team division.
OriginalPouzar
February 1, 2021 7:50 pm
Matty tweeting that Skinner likely back to the taxi squad with Grosinick backing-up tomorrow.
Well, yes, Matty – that’s the logical way and the only way they can activate a d-man off the taxi squad (Bouchard) without further waivers (or IR) and keep 12 active forwards.
hunter1909
February 1, 2021 7:45 pm
Death March™ Update:
The Montreal game at puck drop is the Deadline for Regular season Action, this is around ten days away.
Register for Regular Season Death March™ before Montreal game.
note: players for the Regular Season Death March™ will be considered for prizes.
I know Quinn Hughes is a very dynamic offensive player but his negative goal share coming in to the game tonight is continuing. He’s been on for three 5 on 5 goals against (along with Petersson, Boeser and Miller). Its tough to help outscore those type of results.
Resident troll would tell you he is a number one D man. I’m not sure if that was according to one of his so called experts or part of his own fantasy facts!
Actually he gets dangled a lot…he may be the first player in NHL history to score 5 points in a game against an historically bad team and finish the night MINUS 1.
So you would rather have a player who gets dangled a lot, doesn’t get 5 points and gets -2 on the night? Have you gotten your blood pressure checked recently?
I think a far more appropriate comparable is Tyson Barrie.
If Hughes can continue bringing offense, while taking on a couple more even strength minutes a game, he’ll be a really close match for pre-2021 Barrie.
At his current scoring pace, Hughes should easily surpass 100 points in 106 games.
If you’re going to say things like that you should really get out your calculator (current pace = 84.5/106).
Barrie’s best offensive season was when he was 27 years old and scored 59 points.
Barrie’s best offensive season was 17-18 when he scored 57 points in 68 games. That’s a good match for Hughes this past season (53 points in 68 games).
Both are undersized, offence-first players. Both have had to be sheltered/put into positions to succeed. Both have generally had solid on ice results in those roles.
There’s lots left to be written for Hughes, so clearly he has a chance to be the better player, though it’s not a given. Perhaps you were a little premature in declaring Hughes and elite #1D.
The last European club game will be played in the middle of March (6 weeks away), with a 2 weeks of quarantine, that would mean Holloway, Broberg and Samorukov would be legit for taxi squad or maybe the team. IF Klefbom’s shoulder is health “enough” to play the last 15 games of the season. Could the play-off Oiler’s defense be very different than today.
Trade Larsson or Barrie (for THAT winger)
Nurse-Bear
Klefbom-Larsson/Barrie
Samorukov-Bouchard
Jones
We’ve been told with certainty that Klef is not returning this season and he’s aiming for September.
I’m fairly confident that all of Maksimov, Broberg, Samourkov, Kemp and Lavoie will be heading to the Condors where they come over – Holland has said as much.
I’m not positive that Holloway will be signing this spring (not positive he won’t either) and, unless he’s ready to make a material impact, I would think he’s not playing NHL games this season
I trust Holland to handle the players so far, and he’s not been bad so therefore he gets more time to move the team forward.
jzed
February 1, 2021 3:13 pm
Leave Poolparty where he is, just stress less cross ice swoop in neutral zone. Too many times Nuge and Him looked to outlet and Poolparty had swooped out of picture. Put Lags/Bouch together, have familiarity from farm.
Fuge Udvar
February 1, 2021 2:57 pm
I hope Haas can keep building on that game. If that’s what he looks like coming back from a serious case of covid then i wonder how he will look once he gets upnto speed.
On paper Neal and Kassian are ideal wingers for him. They fill a lot of each others gaps in their skill sets. Of course we won’t really know unless they get a few games together.
I previously said that I didn’t expect Haas to make much of a difference to the team moving forward. Last night suggests I underestimated what he could bring. 3C seems ambitious, but if he can play the role of strong 4C + PK, that would be great.
SoCaloil
February 1, 2021 2:14 pm
Pittsburg D is utterly battered
There is no way anyone should suggest waiving Any D especially Lagesson. He will get claimed for zero return and ya need 10D to complete a season
You mean a trade that would actually make the team better. I’m of the opinion we should be careful what we wish for! I’m not sure we have sufficient assets to make this a viable option. Our history re trades is not stellar.
OriginalPouzar
February 1, 2021 1:55 pm
Just listened to Tip and he was very express that getting Bouchard on to the roster has been the primary reason of why he hasn’t played yet – waivers, having enough forwards, etc.
It sounds like he would have played last night if it had been an option (and it wasn’t unless they were going to waive Lagesson, which they weren’t, or if they were going with 11 forwards which isn’t the plan).
But I read definitively in the comments below that the coach had made up his mind on Bouchard, that he wouldn’t ever play NHL for the Oil, and that we needed to trade him asap. You’re not possibly suggesting that those posters were dramatically leaping to stupid conclusions are you?
We likely lose a member of the leftorium to the Kraken. So I preserve Lagesson as we may need him next year and there is no way he survives waivers with some of these injuries around the league
also these injuries may hit us at some point
So hard to predict where they go with the expansion draft at this point even as far as 7-3-1 vs. 8 skaters. Nuge and his extension is a big factor. Klefbom and his usage in the lineup for next season is a factor. Lots of factors.
I believe that Samorukov will impact the Oilers d-lineup next season, potentially as early as right out of camp.
I also don’t think there is any chance that Lagesson is ahead of Bouchard in management’s eyes but he’s played two games ahead of Bouchard this year.
Its not quite that black and white.
Sammy is apx 2 years older (haven’t checked age) and having a better season than Broberg in a higher league (and has played plenty of North American hockey).
I will state the opposite case: Broberg will have a bigger impact on next season than Samo.
theDjdj
February 1, 2021 1:50 pm
Looking at the league standings today and we really aren’t that far off despite what feels like a worrying start. Seems teams around the league have shared a sluggish start.
Doesn’t excuse the worrying holes on the roster though. I am heartened by what appears to be a more concerted effort to call shitty hooks and holds now that the PP seems to be returning to normalcy.
GordieHoweHatTrick
February 1, 2021 1:38 pm
Nice to see Skinner survive trial by fire. Thank goodness the Sens are generally a very poor team this year (they should be on the rise 2-3 years from now).
I think Haas will be migrating to 3C in about 1 week once he gets his sea legs and some more reps. I don’t mind having Neal and Kass as wingers on the 3rd line for most games, particularly if they are playing near their full potential….just need a C that is not as bad as Turris – who has to realize the clock is ticking for him to get his shit together…
I imagine when Bouch gets in that Tippett will play him with KRusty for that “veteran coverage”, but I would like to see him paired with Lags. They seem to have had some chemistry in Bakersfield and have some complimentary skills. Maybe Koekkoek?? With Koski back in net would Lags-Bouch 3rd pair against Sens be any riskier than playing Skinner? I don’t think so…
Anyway, it will probably be KRusty McStarfish as the mentor.
Is Bouchard better than Starry McStarfish playing on the right side? God I hope so. I thought Lagesson played a fine game last night and a Lagesson – Bouchard 3rd pairing would be just fine against the Sens.
AJP
February 1, 2021 1:20 pm
Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) Tweeted:
Question: “So, Bouchard might play tomorrow?”
Tippett: “We’re going to try to get him in pretty soon, yep.”
Jets and Flames play against each other a bunch of times in a row. The Oilers likely have to beat out one of these teams to make the playoffs. So who are we cheering against?
The Flames and the Oilers were the two best teams in the 80s. They forced one another to be better. I have been a die hard Oiler fan since they were in the World Hockey Leaugue and will live and die as an Oiler fan until they plant me. Turtlechuk is easy to dislike. Living in B.C. now and retired my most disliked franchise is the Dys. HH our resident troll feeds that dislike regularly so for me my two favourite teams are Edmonton and any NHL team beating the Dys.
The flames should finish one point out of the playoffs, each and every year – preferably after trading their 1st round pick to rent Oli Jokinen.
Given how seldom the Oilers have made the playoffs over last “few years”, my main vested interest in the post-season is cheering for whoever he flames and cancuks are playing. I will always watch the playoffs but this provided a real vested interest. One year the Hawks took out both the flames and nucks – will always respect them for that.
Pressbox Larsson for a spell, any other defender does what Adam did last night and they’re scratched.
Lagesson is eating Larsson’s lunch.
Haas is eating Turris’s lunch.
Top line is snake bit, it’ll come if Davey can hold the line.
The conclusions about Bouchard by the troll brigade is rather hilarious. Holland is known for slow play, and as much as I wring my hands about some of Daveys in game decisions, not a single soul knows what he thinks about Bouchard. There is no damn tells and the 2014 Minnesota Wild still fucking stink.
That fancy forward in Van switched agents, a certain agent that is now publically known for helping his clients move on from their situation. Quinn will be next ?
Speaking of Turris lunch, my gramma was seen stealing and pulling it right of his hands…he’s weak, out of shape, and needs to go to the gym…but it’s obvious…
The modified CBA is a very bad deal for some players in that they will be paid $40K, will lose half that in taxes in some jurisdictions and will have to find suitable short term accommodations that are often very expensive.
Hm, so 4 months in a 12 month year is 1/3. Multiply $40k by 3. Yup, $160K per year looks right.
OriginalPouzar
February 1, 2021 11:29 am
The modified CBA has been ratified by the players association and the AHL so the season is indeed a go.
As per Greg W.
OriginalPouzar
February 1, 2021 11:24 am
Jesse had zero box-cars last night but Nuge failed to cash on 2 grade A chances and 1 grade B chance that would have netted Jesse assists (one would have been a secondary assist but it was a great pass to Nurse that set up Nuge).
Not bashing Nuge, not even a little, just being a Jesse-apologizer. His play is uneven these days but his box-cars under-represent his contribution to offensive chances, in my opinion.
I think this is borne out in the “expected numbers”.
That is the key – that Jesse’s confidence doesn’t crater.
I’ve been concerned about that and was very happy to see him bang his stick on the ice on Saturday – to be honest, I don’t love when player’s do that but it signaled that he wanted the puck and that his confidence is still there.
McSorley33
February 1, 2021 11:24 am
It feels good to win and I wish JP would get a goal here.
But – without Chabot – that is an AHL defence in Ottawa.
Even Russel can shoot the puck down the ice without shooting it out for a penalty. Gudbranson is not a top four D which is why he keeps a suitcase packed at all times.
One of the goals shouldn’t have counted and a couple of them were a function of the goaltender who is highly unlikely to play another NHL game this year.
Don’t get me wrong, lots to “not like” in that game and it is frustrating that they didn’t commit to tightening up defensively, but I’m not overly concerned with the 5 goals.
I’m also highly confident that, if McDavid really wanted to, he could have challenged Sittler’s record last night. Drai probably as well. I think the Oilers could have very well scored more goals if they wanted to dig in.
OriginalPouzar
February 1, 2021 11:12 am
After the game last night, when asked about Bear, Tip said he’s “day to day” but he was feeling pretty good today (or something along those lines).
I would expect that they’ll give him Tuesday off almost for sure – then there are three days off before the game against the flames – if he’s not ready by then, it’s a bit more serious.
————
With Chiasson on waivers, that doesn’t really do much of anything for activating d-men.
With only 12 forwards on the roster, if Chiasson is sent to the taxi squad (or claimed), they would activate Ennis (or Nygard) to play. I don’t see them going 11F any time soon – in particular with Haas looking so good last night and, realistically, they aren’t going to bench Turris, run Haas at 3C and not have a 4C.
With that said, Skinner will be re-assigned to the taxi squad (and Grosenick can back-up Mikko) so there is the ability to activate Bouchard for tomorrow night.
I was thinking Chiasson out since he was waived, and Ennis had a nice game vs. Toronto.
Would there be any motivation to waive Chiasson, except to put another forward in the lineup? There was no other need to, right?
On Lagesson, I thought he played decently well, but I’m trying to read the tea leaves more than anything. Russell and Lagesson were 1st and 3rd in 4v5 TOI last game. Both played more than Jones at evens too.
As we saw with Khaira, players can be waived and kept on the roster and in the lineup after they clear. I do assume that, yes, maybe Ennis comes in for him but, at the end of the day, they can be fairly sure he’s not getting claimed and it provides more flexibility.
Nope, no specific reason that I know of to do it right now though if they weren’t planning on making a switch for tomorrow.
Woogie63
February 1, 2021 10:59 am
Looking at that Condor line-up … what is this the point of running a development team in the AHL in another country. I wonder if maybe a 4 (6 man) man taxi squads are here to stay.
If the Oilers left Rodrigues, Benson and McLeod in Europe and put Marody on the taxi squad instead of Shore. Does anyone’s development slow down, is the NHL team worse off with Marody vs Shore.
I am not sure if the Condor make money, if they don’t I can see the day where the NHL works with the European leagues for a new import quota, the Oilers buy a team in the SHL/ KHL or the Oilers move the “Condors” to Edmonton.
Niemelainen, Lennstrom, Safin, etc. – all getting playing time in North Amercia as well.
Of course, within 2 months, each of Broberg, Samorukov, Kemp, Lavoie, Maksimov and maybe Berglund will be joining the Condors – potentially even Holloway.
The California division is very successful.
San Diego Gulls games are well attended.
There’s a desire to add a team in Palm Springs and Grant Fuhr would be involved with that.
In season opportunity for call ups is always there, and it’s not that far considering 3 division rivals are in California.
This year, the point is for continuity and some development.
It will be a big $$ looser, but long term the market is growing.
LadiesloveSmid
February 1, 2021 10:57 am
Have to wonder how many games McLeod gets in Bakersfield before playing 3C, with Turris on taxi squad. McLeod was apparently quite good last night.
Apx 40 (which I believe is what the Condors are scheduled to play this year).
I know the McLeod dominated the AHL exhibition game yesterday – as he should.
I’m confident that Holland will allow this second year pro the proper development time in the proper league.
In my opinion, the best course of action for Ryan McLeod is to be a full time top 6 center in the AHL (plus PP and PK1) and come to camp in September ready to compete for a roster spot.
McLeod wasn’t even a full time 3C in the AHL the last time he played a game in North America. He is a second year pro that has areas of his game he needs to develop prior to playing in the NHL.
I did respond to this in another post in the thread I believe.
Yes, here is what I said:
This could happen in time but I would think that they want to give Haas quite a bit more time at 4C prior to this.
I really like Haas and I thought he was very good last night – both at 5 on 5 and and the PK. He is an every day player on this team and an every day 4C.
Asking him to move up and play 3C is a bit much right now. It may be required in time if Turris continues to Turris but I think they need to give Haas a stretch of games at 4C and PK prior to moving him up.
———–
It took Tyson Barrie 7-8 games to settle in – here is hoping that Turris just needs a few more (although, from watching him, it may not be a function of settling in but a function of not being able to play the role the team hoped for).
At some point soon, I would like to see Tippett make a move to remedy the 3C problem.
vinotintazo
February 1, 2021 10:41 am
I miss Ryan Strome. At least with him nothing happened.
knighttown
February 1, 2021 10:30 am
Looking at the Rams trade for Matt Stafford yesterday and you know what? There’s some similarities there. The Rams have a generational player in Aaron Donald and a All Pro in Jalen Ramsay. Connor and Leon. They paid a ton in draft capital to unload a bad contract and make a massive upgrade at the league’s most important position.
It’s time for Ken Holland to step outside his comfort zone and give 97/29/93 the help they need to take serious runs at championships. Plural. They are 24/25/28 respectively and their window is now open. Nurse, Bear, Yamomoto and Holloway are the supporting cast. There are some cheap and useful players that wouldn’t generate a ton in trade value anyway so Jones, Kahun and Haas can stay. Barrie can as well if he signs as a 3RD/PP guy.
Go get John Gibson out of Anaheim today.
Get a 1RW that fits with 97 sometime in the next 12 months if it isn’t Jesse
Figure out the mess that is broken Klefbom, unsigned Nurse, whatever this version of Larsson is, Bouchard and Broberg and decide if you need a 1LD, 1RD or can get by with something slightly cheaper.
The point, in our lifetimes you will NEVER have what you have with 97 and 29 again. You have an obligation to get the help they need.
The player they need to trade is Bouchard. The coach has made his decision on the player. If they aren’t going to fire the coach, they need to trade the player before the offer is Sam Bennett or a second round pick.
Tippett wasn’t playing the rookie Dman in front of the shaky rookie goalie. Not even a chance that was going to happen. Tuesday night’s line-up might be the real tell, but there is the PK to consider.
Excuses, excuses, excuses:Bouchard isn’t some 4th round nobody pick he went 10th overall as a D if he isn’t nursing a injury it’s time to package him up for help on Connors wing. When they didn’t play him in the play-ins when Jones was hurt and green opted out was a tell then they sign Barrie to do the exact job that Bouchard was drafted by the last regime to do. I feel bad for the kid he’s done everything asked of him and then some but still no playing time.
If they resign Barrie can’t see Bouchard having a career in Edmonton it’s a shame because Barrie will cost 5 times as much. After watching the Habs D control the front of their net and then seeing how soft we are in that area Holland might want to think about beefing up in that area. Maybe I’m wrong and it’s Bear that gets the Lido Shuffle out of town.
Tippett wasn’t playing the rookie Dman in front of the shaky rookie goalie. Not even a chance that was going to happen. Tuesday night’s line-up might be the real tell, but there is the PK to consider.
Tippett did play a rookie defenseman in front of the rookie goalie last night. Just not the one most were expecting.
Two factors involved beyond ‘Tippett doesn’t rate him’ though.
1) Do we know Bouchard is 100% healthy yet?
2) Did the team not have to waive someone in order for Bouchard to play last night?
Either or both could be important in who played last night.
And more generally to those reacting to Bouchard not playing.
A reminder that he is in YEAR 1 of his ELC (due to being so young and leaving the CHL early last season).
2 full seasons of his entry level deal remain AFTER this one. There is no real/actual urgency here.
I would imagine there is great deal of urgency on the part of Bouchard and his agent.
By the time his ELC expires, he will be almost 24 years old and many of his draft cohort will be well into their second contracts.
His NHL salary actually goes DOWN next season since he will no longer being paid $92,500 in signing bonuses so he will be getting paid only $832,500 while others like Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist, Dobson, etc, etc will be making millions.
He played Lagesson, who as far as I can tell a rookie D man.
Note, I am not down on Bouchard as a prospect, however the other D from that draft are getting their chances, and it isn’t as if Bouchard is blocked, far from it. And now he’s been passed by Lagesson. So this tells us what the coach thinks of Bouchard.
His value is depreciating. If the team has made a call on him then he’s the most valuable trade chip that isn’t helping this team, and who doesn’t seem to be a big part of future plans.
One is still operating in a hard cap system with GUARANTEED contracts. The NFL has a softer cap with mostly extremely limited guaranteed money and many many more low paid players on the roster relatively speaking.
The Rams are already a solid team. The Oilers have far more roster gaps. Stafford, because he is on an existing contract, and not demanding a new one, is an extreme bargain for the Rams.
And remember, the Rams haven’t won anything. One can aim for a tight window in the NFL With Aaron Donald, opening a two year championship window with a better quarterback makes sense.
But if the 49’ers end up with Deshaun Watson, it will likely be for naught.
Holland will begin to have more flexibility after this season. But that Kassian contract is horrid. More cap room, and more prospects nearly ready to contribute.
So, Holland is totally trading the 1st to Seattle to take James Neal? And then signing Taylor Hall and Jordan Binnington this summer and Seth Jones next, right?
I’m kidding (mostly), but I don’t think Holland is getting impatient with this team. I see where you’re coming from but Holland isn’t going to pull off a similar move, not in a million years. It just isn’t in his DNA.
it seems odd that a coach has made his decision on a prospect 2 weeks in to the start of his ELC and that decision being negative despite all positive verbal related to the prospect
its seems odd that a prospect is so concerned about his next contract, 2 weeks in to the start of his current 3 season contract that its trending towards requiring a trade.
€√¥£€^$
February 1, 2021 10:28 am
Reposted from last night with updates, which I was scrambling to get done on my phone before puck drop. Also note these stats are their records with Edmonton.
Congrats to Stuart Skinner, I wish the young man all the best tonight! He is the 12th drafted Oilers goalie to play for the team. To date 45 goalies have been drafted by the team and Skinner is the 13th to play in the NHL.
FYI, Adam Hauser drafted in 1999 never signed with the organization, but played 1 game in the NHL for LA several years later.
Ranked by regular season GP and wins here is the list (please excuse any inaccuracies, I did this all by hand).
I anticipate that will be Skinner’s only NHL game this season.
Grosenick will back-up Mikko tomorrow and, come Saturday and beyond, will be “up to speed” and ready to play, if needed. I say if needed as it sounds like Smith will be back in a week or so (and Grosenick will be #3).
Look for Skinner to the the starter for the Condors and have a really solid year. He’s still on his ELC and the organization does seem to like him. This should/could/might be a “pop year’ for him.
Holland has almost a clean slate with the goalies this off-season.
Both Wells and Skinner will be done their ELCs and Konovalov will be permitted to sign an NHL ELC. Holland will get to chose which goalies he wants to keep.
At this point, presumably, Wells can walk and Konovalov and Skinner sign.
Of course, Rodrigue is in the picture as well (already signed).
It does although, presumably, Rodrigue is re-assigned to Stockton when Skinner heads to Bakersfield.
I have speculated about the possibility that Konovalov is ready to be 1B next year for Mikko. The hope is that he signs and comes over in May and plays a bunch of games for Bakersfield to give the team some information on him heading in to camp.
That is a wild long shot and probably too much of a risk in any event.
I was thinking to next year with Skinner re-signed (assuming). Their play can determine who ends up in Stockton.
And Konovalov, it really is very aggressive to consider him for the backup role next season. Especially considering how little he’s playing this season (his .912 SV% is also below average for that league).
Hopefully he does get some games in Bakersfield at the end of the season, but I’d consider it a success if he shows enough to give confidence as the #3 next season.
If Skinner is in the ECHL next year, well, that’s it for that prospect – don’t get me wrong, goalies do make it to the NHL from the ECHL but we are usually talking about rookie pro goalies at 20-21. If Skinner is an ECHL candidate after this season, he’s likely not going to be re-signed. I doubt that is the case.
I agree on Konovalov – its a massive pipe dream and, as I said in the post, no matter how we performs for the Condors this year (assuming he does), it would still be too massive a risk to go in to camp with him as a 1B or back-up option
Agreed that Skinner *shouldn’t* be an ECHL goaltender, and that it wouldn’t be a good sign if he ended up there. But if he posts another sub .900 SV% in the AHL this season then it’s entirely possible that Rodrigue/Konovalov get the bulk of the AHL work next season. (and also entirely possible he’s not re-signed if he doesn’t improve over last season).
Rodrigue *should* have been ECHL bound this season (I guess he may still be, forgot he’d been recalled from Austria). But he’s only a year behind Skinner so I don’t see any reason to ticket him to the ECHL for 21-22 at this point.
I’m actually hoping/expecting both Skinner and Rodrigue have nice NA pro seasons in this year, and adding Konovalov for next year gives the team 3 real prospects in net.
If one of them has to go to the ECHL when they deserve to play in the AHL that’s a good thing IMO.
I think if Skinner doesn’t improve on last year’s performance in the AHL, he may not be re-signed – I’d be fairly surprised if that was the case though.
I anticipate that Rodrigue will be in the ECHL when Skinner gets assigned to the AHL (upon Smith’s return).
I believe there is a 2-year gap between Skinner/Wells and Rodrigue – Rodrigue is a rookie pro and the other two in their 3rd years of their ELCs.
I could see Skinner re-signed with a similar (.890-.900) AHL performance but it’s definitely possible he wouldn’t be. Hopefully he shows improvement!
Agree that ECHL is most likely for Rodrigue this season but he should normally make the jump in his 2nd pro season next year. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he outplays Wells and stays in Bakersfield even this season.
They were drafted 2016 (Wells), 2017 (Skinner), 2018 (Rodrigue) but Skinner is a late birthday so is about 1.5 years older than Rodrigue. Wells is almost a full year older than Skinner as well.
I guess I just think Rodrigue is probably the best prospect of the 3, based on his track record (SV%) since being drafted.
Rodrigue was the best tender in the Q after the World Juniors last year – he was on fire.
I kind of have Konovalov up there with him but its really tough to get a read on KHL tenders to start with let alone with his playing time issues this season.
Oh yeah, fully agree Konovalov would be in the same range. I think he and Rodrigue are step (or half step) ahead of Skinner as prospects, and all of those 3 have a leg up on Wells (I’d be pretty surprised if he gets another deal from the team).
JimmyV1965
February 1, 2021 10:27 am
Just wondering what people think of a trade involving Sam Bennett and JP, with salary retained to even out the cap?
To account for the different number of Sens free bingo squares here are the over/under par scores with wins over Sens set as par rather than above par (i.e. Sens games scored 0/-1/-2)
Even strength (5v5,4v4,3v3) 97 On: (5-9)-36% 29 On: (8-2)-80% 97 & 29 On: (6-0)-100% Turris: (3-10)-23% Other: (0-5)-0% Net EV: -4
Special Teams: 14-13 Net ST: +1
Empty Net: 2-2 Net EN: 0
SO & PS: 0-0 Net SO & PS: 0
Net Goal Diff: -3
93-97-13 have the 4th best xGF% in the league and getting PDO’d right now. It will come. Not sure about JP’s ability to finish, especially in close with that long cue he uses.
Dropping down while deep in his net? That sounds like year one Koskinen….
Seriously though, I’m happy Skinner got his start – and he won, even if Ottawa did bag 5 goals. I’m guessing the reason he started that game is a prelude to him going back to Bakersfield/Taxi Squad, and was kind of a reward for sitting on the bench the whole time until Grosenick was through the whole 2 week process.
Like you say though, he’s not had the best save percentage the last few years. Some of that is partly due to playing on a “growing” Condors side last year. I’d like to see him go back down there and pull that average up a little and maybe he’ll make it back to the show one day.
At the end of the day though, he has an NHL appearance and a win. Delighted for the kid.
Grosenick was judged not to have had enough practice time to be match sharp. So Skinner got the call.
dustrock
February 1, 2021 9:52 am
Didn’t watch but what the what how is the McDavid line getting fed against the worst team in the NHL? Yeah yeah score effects, I’m sure McDavid was happy to coast and get 5 points, but still, guys, come on.
I’ve seen such a wide range of views on Lagesson, wow between LT and Cassandra to “meh”.
With Larsson, I get the stats say he’s doing well with Jones, but how many “large mistakes at key moments might overtake the narrative” moments do we need with him?
Me too – I was clearly in favor of re-signing him for two years, even close to his QO.
At the same time, looks like the coaching staff in Nashville has similar thoughts as, despite the numbers, he has been a healthy scratch this season.
Elgin R
February 1, 2021 9:45 am
Is GF-GA still an issue with the Oilers? They are the only team, other than the Senators, that are negative. However, as with in-game score effects, analysis should be made without Senator’s games. The Sens have played Leafs (2), Jets (3), Canucks (3) and Oilers (1).
GF-GA (all games / without Sens games)
Leafs: +4 / +5
Jets: +4 / -3
Oilers: -3 / -6
Canucks: +3 / -10
Still appears to be an issue, but should improve as the season goes on.
So I believe Larsson’s contract up at end of this year. Have always really liked him but his level of play has really dropped off. Not sure if it is due to past injuries or loss of speed. Pretty apparent he is likely a 3 rd pair D at best on a good team. Question is do you resign him???? If yes would have to be 2mil/2 yr at best?????
Sometimes a person never fully recovers when a traumatic, and tragic death of a family member occurs in their presence. I know…I lost my father this way, similar to how Adam lost his. I’ll never be the same, and I am sure the same has happened to Adam. Not to mention that Adam plays one of the toughest physical games in the NHL and injuries, general soreness also play a part…because they are players, it is easy to forget that PTSD is real and can forever change someone.
On this note, I don’t think Milan Lucic was ever the same player after his dad committed suicide.
I have no idea if the sudden death of Larsson’s father has had (or is currently having) any impact on his on-ice play but its a definite posibility.
leadfarmer
February 1, 2021 9:37 am
What does Drai have to do to get more respect.
got 0 votes for the Hart from the experts before season started despite outscoring Mackinnon pretty much every year despite Mackinnon playing with better players.
but somehow Mackinnon gets put in the conversation as top player in game with Mcdavid despite never scoring 100 points
The ‘Deutschland Dangler’ has a few things going against him when viewed by the hockey ‘experts’.
Plays in the Pacific (or this year Canadian) division for the northern-outpost of Edmonton
Plays on the same team as the best player in the world which is an issue (see Malkin, Evgeni)
Not North American – people are still trying to put Matthews and MacKinnon ahead of him
Historical +/- which was negative (-10)
Draisaitl will get his due this year when he finishes second in scoring to you know who (currently 2nd) and first in +/- for forwards (currently 1st and 2nd overall)
Leon didn’t even get first star. Speaking of Mcdavid when’s the last time a player got 5 points and was -1 for the night.
leadfarmer
February 1, 2021 9:35 am
Would you honestly play a rookie defenseman in front of a rookie Ahl caliber goalie (one thing being a rookie goalie that is pushing and won a job, vs thrusted into play due to lack of options)
yeah we all want to see Bouchard play but I understand not playing him yesterday.
This is gonna be a long year for Koskinen
I don’t anticipate Smith to be any better
not tying up sticks in front of the net seems to be a recurring theme for these guys.
There was no way to activate Bouchard for last night without waiving a player or placing a player on IR.
They can for tomorrow as Skinner can go to the taxi squad
Rich M
February 1, 2021 9:32 am
LT you absolutely nailed it with Turris. I watched him for 2+ seasons in Nashville and his defensive awareness was a constant issue. Not sure if it’s because he thinks he’s still an offensive forward, or if he’s not wired for a complete game but it’s something I’ve seen over and over and Tippett, Hynes and Laviolette have not been able to fix it.
It’s not a question of if, but when will Haas be 3C.
And stick tap on Lagesson. Thought he was solid all game and deserves some more ice time with that performance last night.
You only get one chance to make a first impression and Turris has failed at that. Not sure what you do with him? 4 th line centre, 4 th line wing, HS, Bakersfield or buyout! Problem is you still don’t have 4 capable C!!
Hopefully Turris finds his game like Barrie has, but he’s doesn’t look engaged at all, in the ozone or dzone. He doesn’t battle for pucks anywhere. It’s not like he needs to lay out guys with thunderous hits, but he simply doesn’t get into the battle and try to win the puck. Constant flybys, all the time almost every time.
Player of this type simply don’t have the strength to push other players off the puck…they don’t have man power. Ganger did his best to build up and spent a lot of time in the gym but his body and strength was always a bit short. Turris came in out of shape… and it was obvious from game one…
Honestly, if his play can be explained by coming in out of shape that’s probably a good thing.
Litke 94
February 1, 2021 9:24 am
You will never find me complaining about a win on the 3rd game in 4 nights on the second half of a back to back with a goaltender making his NHL debut. Solid win, and sure as hell beats a 2-1, less high-event loss. Take the W’s while you can get them.
I am also not reading too much into that game at all. Haas looked good, Lagesson was fine, and the big boys came to play. Excellent. Tuesday’s game, with some rest, will be a more accurate reflection of the team. Beyond that, Saturday night against the Flames, with 3 full days of rest, will be of extreme interest.
Cassandra
February 1, 2021 9:06 am
A lot to learn from that game. The power play was fire. Obviously. Beyond that:
1) Turris can’t play. His line is dominated game after game, and in his one chance on the power play he singlehandedly killed the powerplay with his inability to control the puck.
2) People seem to like him but Lagesson can’t play. He’s slow and can’t move the puck. He might be better than Russell but Russell can’t play either.
3) Skinner is not an NHL goalie. He doesn’t have the pedigree (sub .900 save percentage in the AHL) and totally over matched last night. Thankfully Hogberg was even worse. The good news is that Grosenick’s record is much, much better. I hope he gets a chance before Smith comes back. I have more confidence in an AHL goalie I have never seen, but with a good track record, than I do with Smith. Smith will suck and then get hurt. And even if he somehow makes it to average, he will get hurt.
That’s the bad news. The good news.
1) Like everyone says, Haas sure looks like a player.
2) Barrie got Ricki’s nonsense out of his ear and started playing hockey. I still think he’s lost a step from his Colorado days, but he’s playing aggressive in the neutral and offensive zone, which is the key to winning.
3) Jones–Larsson is a decent pairing even if Larsson is slow (Stuetzle is some kind of player). The gap between Jones and Lagesson is as big as the universe. Jones might make mistakes, but he attempts to control the neutral zone which means you have a chance to win. With Lagesson you have no chance because he doesn’t cut the puck off at center ice. Jones is excellent at this.
The unknown:
1) If Bouchard is not injured that tells you Tippett doesn’t think he’s an NHL player. That’s huge, devastating, news. It is now or never time for Bouchard. Either Tippett is right, in which case a top prospect is not a top prospect. Or Tippett is wrong, in which case your coach doing serious damage to the team. I hope Bouchard is injured.
Re: Lagesson. If nothing bad happens when a defensemen is on the ice, as long as they can PK, that is sufficient for a 3rd pairing depth defensemen type. Low event D shorten the game.
I am skeptical there is such a thing as a “nothing bad” defensemen. The puck is either in their end or it is in your end. If the puck is in your end, something bad is going to happen.
There is such a thing as a player that shortens the game, I agree with that, but that doesn’t matter if you are losing the game in that time.
I agreed with everything until you got to Bouchard.
I don’t think we’ll really know what the coach thinks of him until he gets in some games. And I think it’s going to take a long term injury to one of the other RD for that to happen.
I think, in Tippets mind rightie now, it comes down to a choice between Jones and Bouchard. And Jones is getting the first shot because of past results and waiver status.
I know that sounds crazy because they play different sides, but they can’t both be in the lineup.
Tippett is already shielding Barrie from the PK. He can’t shield Jones and Bouchard as well.
It’s kind of educational, to see the effect that 1 dimensional dmen have on roster construction.
I really hope that Barrie has a huge offensive year and Holland is smart enough NOT to re sign him.
Or better yet, trade him at the deadline for a draft pick.
Bouchard Draft +1: CHL defenceman of the year
Bouchard Draft +2: Terrific progress in second half of the season to end up as one of the Condor’s best dman in his first year playing against men
Bouchard Draft +3: Team has indicated that he is currently injured.
Duncan Keith was a pretty good defenceman in his day and did not see the NHL for FOUR years after his draft.
Looking at the RD depth chart – does Holland trade this player? No. The BouchBomb will arrive in due time.
It’s very unhelpful to compare Bouchard’s path to that of a defenseman who came into the league 15 years ago.
The game has changed.
The right question to ask is “who was the last defenseman drafted in the top 10 who was not playing regular minutes in the NHL in his Draft #3 season?”
Based on the last 10 drafts…it’s a very, very short list.
Olii Juolevi is one but he has had back, knee and hip surgeries since bing drafted.
Your goalie is in his 1st NHL Game. You don’t double down with a D his first NHL game. Ya, I know, Bouchard played a few games a couple years ago, but Tipp is right not to play him last night.
I would like to see Koskinen back in net and Bouchard in for the second Sens Game.
I thought Lagesson had a good game. He’s fine as a 6-7 D, especially with a looming expansion
The was no ability to activate Bouchard for last night’s game without putting a d-man on waivers (technically they could have put a forward on waivers but they were not going to go with 11F and they only have 12 on the roster).
They could have waived Lagesson or Jones, I guess, but (a) they aren’t going to waive Jones and (b) they clearly value Lagesson, as they should.
WIth the Skinner game out of the way, they can send him back to the taxi squad for tomorrow night and activate Bouchard if they want.
My god, read the damn post – as I said, they couldn’t activate him WITHOUT PUTTING ANOTHER PLAYER ON WAIVERS!
So, you are just trolling again.
Of course, you also don’t know what you are talking about, as per usual, given Russell has a NMC so, no, they couldn’t “easily have but Kris Russell on waivers”.
I don’t think HH is trolling, he just struggles with original and fleshed out thoughts. Which is why he resorts to parroting or cannibalizing other peoples work or observations. And also why his comments get chaulked up to “trolling” when his original thoughts spiral out of control and into absurdity.
If a “hockey expert” spoon fed him the info you did earlier, he wouldn’t have replied to you with that comment.
It is futile to borrow trouble. Bouchard will get his opportunity when the coach thinks he’s ready which may not coincide with what we as fans think. To assume that we know what the coach thinks by certain actions such as the coach not playing him when you think he should, with our limited knowledge of factors many not in our purview is at best foolish.
NEW for The Athletic: Edmonton Oilers report card for January.
https://theathletic.com/2359158/2021/02/02/edmonton-oilers-january-report-card/
Seems to be some mocking of other teams goaltending, so time for a wake up call.
Starting goaltenders in the North Division:
Markstrom .929
Demko .914
Hellebuyck .910
Price .903
Koskinen .895
Anderson .892
Murray .849
If you’re looking at back ups:
Allen .933
Campbell .923
Brosoitt .911
Holtby .896
Skinner .868
Hoberg .845
Rittich .810
Given how many goals are being scored this season in the Loosey Goosey Division, the standouts are Markstrom, Demko and Hellebuyck with Allen and Campbell (injured) and Broisott looking decent as backups.
The rest are pretty much a tire fire.
They’re teasing you. Relax.
Good grief.
This is timely.
I was just looking at North division goalies in games not against the Ottawa Senators. The games against competitive NHL teams… and it seems to make quite a difference.
I’ll include all goalies who’ve played 6+ games as “starters” since there seems to be some confusion about who holds that role in Vancouver. 6 games should at least mean the goalies are in a 1A/1B situation.
So excluding games vs. the Senators:
Markstrom .929 (no games vs. Ottawa yet)
Hellebuyck .913 (1 start; it was actually dragging his SV% down)
Andersen .905 (1 start; the only L vs Ottawa; also dragging is #s down)
Price .903 (no games vs. Ottawa)
Koskinen .895 (no games vs. Ottawa)
Demko .881 (2 games vs. Ottawa)
Holtby .879 (1 game vs. Ottawa)
Murray .849
True backups got the other 4 games against Ottawa.
Markstrom and Hellebuyck are certainly the standouts, no surprise there.
Beyond that it’s a bit hard to tell exactly where the tire fire starts (Murray aside).
Another factor in determining who is or is not the starting goaltender is the number of games teams have played overall.
Vancouver has played 12 so have had to employ two goaltenders more often than average.
Edmonton has played 11 and likely would have employed a back up more frequently if they actually had one.
Both teams will now see a reward with more time between games in the near future so will be able to employ their starters more often,
If you’re looking at who is trending hot, Demko is on a heater with a .971 save percentage and a 1.00 GAA in his last four games.
Yes, a couple of those games were against Ottawa but he has stopped 100 of the last 103 shots he has faced.
That ain’t nothing.
I understand why you’re trying to distance yourself from Holtby and call him a backup, it was a terrible signing.
But Holtby and Demko have started the same number of games. Holtby got the nod in the opener. It was Demko who got 2 of 3 vs Ottawa… You can repeat it all you want, but all indications are that it’s either an equal 1A/1B or that Holtby is the 1A.
And Demko, the numbers you’re quoting are the last 3 games (2 vs Ottawa). In only 1 of Demko’s 4 non-Ottawa games has he had a .900 SV%.
HH moving the goalposts ? You can’t be serious ;)…
Shots don’t care who takes them.
Are Ottawa shots easier to stop than others?
Show your work.
North Division SH%:
Ottawa 7.64
Calgary 9.66
Edmonton 10.92
Toronto 11.04
Vancouver 11.17
Winnipeg 11.43
Montreal 12.54
Ottawa shots are easier to stop. ?
So, since Vancouver has played Montreal four times, we should adjust their save percentage by a factor of two in those games?
Am I doing this right?
https://twitter.com/nhlflames/status/1356423652561080321?s=21
i could only imagine this place if Koskinen let this in
It would be quiet. Everyone would be in a coma.
Tommy Salo was never the same again.
What a pass by Valimaki
Hahaha
Great to see them with hope of hitting .500 soon!
.500 and a bag of chips will get you 6th place in a 7 team division.
Matty tweeting that Skinner likely back to the taxi squad with Grosinick backing-up tomorrow.
Well, yes, Matty – that’s the logical way and the only way they can activate a d-man off the taxi squad (Bouchard) without further waivers (or IR) and keep 12 active forwards.
Death March™ Update:
The Montreal game at puck drop is the Deadline for Regular season Action, this is around ten days away.
Register for Regular Season Death March™ before Montreal game.
note: players for the Regular Season Death March™ will be considered for prizes.
Montreal Got Gud
Petry Got Gud
wow. Impressive.
MacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMacTMactmactMacTMact
Don’t you wish the Oilers would have signed Holby? No? .760 so far tonight, even worse than his save percentage for the year
Koskinen .895
Holtby .896
I know Quinn Hughes is a very dynamic offensive player but his negative goal share coming in to the game tonight is continuing. He’s been on for three 5 on 5 goals against (along with Petersson, Boeser and Miller). Its tough to help outscore those type of results.
Resident troll would tell you he is a number one D man. I’m not sure if that was according to one of his so called experts or part of his own fantasy facts!
Well, he is essentially tied for 2nd on the team D in TOI at evens but doesn’t play a second on the PK.
Without the sheltering, he is having trouble helping outscore the defensive deficiencies it seems.
Connor McDavid don’t kill penalties either.
Connor McDavid also doesn’t get dangled out of his skates by an old broken Corey Perry ?♂️
Actually he gets dangled a lot…he may be the first player in NHL history to score 5 points in a game against an historically bad team and finish the night MINUS 1.
So you would rather have a player who gets dangled a lot, doesn’t get 5 points and gets -2 on the night? Have you gotten your blood pressure checked recently?
I think a far more appropriate comparable is Tyson Barrie.
If Hughes can continue bringing offense, while taking on a couple more even strength minutes a game, he’ll be a really close match for pre-2021 Barrie.
Quality hockey player.
You may want to re-assess that.
The list of NHL defensemen who have scored 67 points in their first 82 NHL games is very, very short.
Tyson Barrie scored 51 points in his first 106 games.
At his current scoring pace, Hughes should easily surpass 100 points in 106 games.
Barrie’s best offensive season was when he was 27 years old and scored 59 points.
Hughes blew that away in his first 82 games…at the age of 20.
Is this your way of saying you admit that you lost the Mackinnon bet since you love depending on scoring paces so much?
No, I think Barrie is a very good comparable.
If you’re going to say things like that you should really get out your calculator (current pace = 84.5/106).
Barrie’s best offensive season was 17-18 when he scored 57 points in 68 games. That’s a good match for Hughes this past season (53 points in 68 games).
Both are undersized, offence-first players. Both have had to be sheltered/put into positions to succeed. Both have generally had solid on ice results in those roles.
There’s lots left to be written for Hughes, so clearly he has a chance to be the better player, though it’s not a given. Perhaps you were a little premature in declaring Hughes and elite #1D.
Tyson Barrie was a legit player in his prime – I don’t think he was ever mistaken for a legit #1 d-man mind you.
Yup, agreed.
I think you need to take a brisk walk.
The last European club game will be played in the middle of March (6 weeks away), with a 2 weeks of quarantine, that would mean Holloway, Broberg and Samorukov would be legit for taxi squad or maybe the team. IF Klefbom’s shoulder is health “enough” to play the last 15 games of the season. Could the play-off Oiler’s defense be very different than today.
Trade Larsson or Barrie (for THAT winger)
Nurse-Bear
Klefbom-Larsson/Barrie
Samorukov-Bouchard
Jones
That’s something.
We’ve been told with certainty that Klef is not returning this season and he’s aiming for September.
I’m fairly confident that all of Maksimov, Broberg, Samourkov, Kemp and Lavoie will be heading to the Condors where they come over – Holland has said as much.
I’m not positive that Holloway will be signing this spring (not positive he won’t either) and, unless he’s ready to make a material impact, I would think he’s not playing NHL games this season
Connor McDavid doesn’t PK either….bust.
Take a deeeep breath.
The Canadian Division of the AHL has announced it will not begin play this weekend.
No new scheduled start date.
Anyone surprised by Alex Chaisson being placed on waivers?
No, it’s just to add flexibility moving players up and down from the taxi squad. I don’t think they want or expect anyone to take him.
I trust Holland to handle the players so far, and he’s not been bad so therefore he gets more time to move the team forward.
Leave Poolparty where he is, just stress less cross ice swoop in neutral zone. Too many times Nuge and Him looked to outlet and Poolparty had swooped out of picture. Put Lags/Bouch together, have familiarity from farm.
I hope Haas can keep building on that game. If that’s what he looks like coming back from a serious case of covid then i wonder how he will look once he gets upnto speed.
On paper Neal and Kassian are ideal wingers for him. They fill a lot of each others gaps in their skill sets. Of course we won’t really know unless they get a few games together.
I previously said that I didn’t expect Haas to make much of a difference to the team moving forward. Last night suggests I underestimated what he could bring. 3C seems ambitious, but if he can play the role of strong 4C + PK, that would be great.
Pittsburg D is utterly battered
There is no way anyone should suggest waiving Any D especially Lagesson. He will get claimed for zero return and ya need 10D to complete a season
Maybe….just maybe, the Oilers could make a trade…
You mean a trade that would actually make the team better. I’m of the opinion we should be careful what we wish for! I’m not sure we have sufficient assets to make this a viable option. Our history re trades is not stellar.
Just listened to Tip and he was very express that getting Bouchard on to the roster has been the primary reason of why he hasn’t played yet – waivers, having enough forwards, etc.
It sounds like he would have played last night if it had been an option (and it wasn’t unless they were going to waive Lagesson, which they weren’t, or if they were going with 11 forwards which isn’t the plan).
I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play tomorrow.
But I read definitively in the comments below that the coach had made up his mind on Bouchard, that he wouldn’t ever play NHL for the Oil, and that we needed to trade him asap. You’re not possibly suggesting that those posters were dramatically leaping to stupid conclusions are you?
We likely lose a member of the leftorium to the Kraken. So I preserve Lagesson as we may need him next year and there is no way he survives waivers with some of these injuries around the league
also these injuries may hit us at some point
Kyle Capobianco just passed through waivers. He’s younger and has a better pedigree than Lagesson.
6’ 195 lbs. 2 games this year 9 last year, pass.
Not even close to the same, hard pass
So hard to predict where they go with the expansion draft at this point even as far as 7-3-1 vs. 8 skaters. Nuge and his extension is a big factor. Klefbom and his usage in the lineup for next season is a factor. Lots of factors.
I believe that Samorukov will impact the Oilers d-lineup next season, potentially as early as right out of camp.
I don’t think there’s any chance Samo is ahead of Broberg in management eyes.
I also don’t think there is any chance that Lagesson is ahead of Bouchard in management’s eyes but he’s played two games ahead of Bouchard this year.
Its not quite that black and white.
Sammy is apx 2 years older (haven’t checked age) and having a better season than Broberg in a higher league (and has played plenty of North American hockey).
That’s right, he hasn’t been injured.
You are entitled to your prognostication.
I will state the opposite case: Broberg will have a bigger impact on next season than Samo.
Looking at the league standings today and we really aren’t that far off despite what feels like a worrying start. Seems teams around the league have shared a sluggish start.
Doesn’t excuse the worrying holes on the roster though. I am heartened by what appears to be a more concerted effort to call shitty hooks and holds now that the PP seems to be returning to normalcy.
Nice to see Skinner survive trial by fire. Thank goodness the Sens are generally a very poor team this year (they should be on the rise 2-3 years from now).
I think Haas will be migrating to 3C in about 1 week once he gets his sea legs and some more reps. I don’t mind having Neal and Kass as wingers on the 3rd line for most games, particularly if they are playing near their full potential….just need a C that is not as bad as Turris – who has to realize the clock is ticking for him to get his shit together…
I imagine when Bouch gets in that Tippett will play him with KRusty for that “veteran coverage”, but I would like to see him paired with Lags. They seem to have had some chemistry in Bakersfield and have some complimentary skills. Maybe Koekkoek?? With Koski back in net would Lags-Bouch 3rd pair against Sens be any riskier than playing Skinner? I don’t think so…
Anyway, it will probably be KRusty McStarfish as the mentor.
Is Bouchard better than Starry McStarfish playing on the right side? God I hope so. I thought Lagesson played a fine game last night and a Lagesson – Bouchard 3rd pairing would be just fine against the Sens.
Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) Tweeted:
Question: “So, Bouchard might play tomorrow?”
Tippett: “We’re going to try to get him in pretty soon, yep.”
https://twitter.com/sportsnetspec/status/1356325445562552320?s=21
Jets and Flames play against each other a bunch of times in a row. The Oilers likely have to beat out one of these teams to make the playoffs. So who are we cheering against?
You new here?
????
Hard to say. I am not sure if I like watching the Flames crash and burn during the regular season, or in the off season more.
ABC, baby!
The Flames and the Oilers were the two best teams in the 80s. They forced one another to be better. I have been a die hard Oiler fan since they were in the World Hockey Leaugue and will live and die as an Oiler fan until they plant me. Turtlechuk is easy to dislike. Living in B.C. now and retired my most disliked franchise is the Dys. HH our resident troll feeds that dislike regularly so for me my two favourite teams are Edmonton and any NHL team beating the Dys.
The flames should finish one point out of the playoffs, each and every year – preferably after trading their 1st round pick to rent Oli Jokinen.
Given how seldom the Oilers have made the playoffs over last “few years”, my main vested interest in the post-season is cheering for whoever he flames and cancuks are playing. I will always watch the playoffs but this provided a real vested interest. One year the Hawks took out both the flames and nucks – will always respect them for that.
anything but a.. 3 point… aw crap
Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) Tweeted:
Duncan Keith on his many shot attempts the past 2 games: “Getting the Corsi up so you guys think I’m good.”
https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1356331937586159618?s=20
Pressbox Larsson for a spell, any other defender does what Adam did last night and they’re scratched.
Lagesson is eating Larsson’s lunch.
Haas is eating Turris’s lunch.
Top line is snake bit, it’ll come if Davey can hold the line.
The conclusions about Bouchard by the troll brigade is rather hilarious. Holland is known for slow play, and as much as I wring my hands about some of Daveys in game decisions, not a single soul knows what he thinks about Bouchard. There is no damn tells and the 2014 Minnesota Wild still fucking stink.
That fancy forward in Van switched agents, a certain agent that is now publically known for helping his clients move on from their situation. Quinn will be next ?
Speaking of Turris lunch, my gramma was seen stealing and pulling it right of his hands…he’s weak, out of shape, and needs to go to the gym…but it’s obvious…
Well said!
Bear not on ice for practice today so I think its safe to assume that he won’t play tomorrow night.
Tippett asked if Bouchard will play tomorrow and the response:
“We’re going to try and get hi in pretty soon, yep”.
As per Spector!
NHL Stars of the Week.
https://www.nhl.com/news/thatcher-demko-alim-somani-named-nhl-first-stars-of-week/c-320963026
Would very much like to see one game of
Ennis Haas Archibald
Agreed
Agreed but they are very small. Only if we are at home and can hard match them against smaller comp.
Apparently, all of Ennis’ relatives read and post on the blog.
Haha, you may be the only anti-Ennis poster on the internet.
Yes because Ennis playing 4LW 5 min a night is really holding this team back.
I would like to see Neal Haas Kassian playing 3rd line minutes.
100 Degree Hockey
@100degreehockey
·
1m
The AHL will begin play this Friday as planned after the BoG approved the modified CBA for the coming season today.
The modified CBA is a very bad deal for some players in that they will be paid $40K, will lose half that in taxes in some jurisdictions and will have to find suitable short term accommodations that are often very expensive.
https://theathletic.com/2350395/2021/01/27/ahl-deal-season-question/?article_source=search&search_query=Sean%20Shapiro
Marginal tax rates for California (one of, if not the HIGHEST taxed jurisdictions) is 18% (Federal + State) for an income of $40k.
I guess hairy hairball does not think people can just google this stuff. 50%………
Read the article…it was a direct quote.
Did you research it or just take it at face value. I know, it was written by an expert!?
I would never have thought $40k would put someone in the highest marginal tax bracket…….
Dont know about where you live but in most jurisdictions payroll taxes are payable monthly.
$40K in 4 months is the equivalent of $160K.
Hm, so 4 months in a 12 month year is 1/3. Multiply $40k by 3. Yup, $160K per year looks right.
The modified CBA has been ratified by the players association and the AHL so the season is indeed a go.
As per Greg W.
Jesse had zero box-cars last night but Nuge failed to cash on 2 grade A chances and 1 grade B chance that would have netted Jesse assists (one would have been a secondary assist but it was a great pass to Nurse that set up Nuge).
Not bashing Nuge, not even a little, just being a Jesse-apologizer. His play is uneven these days but his box-cars under-represent his contribution to offensive chances, in my opinion.
I think this is borne out in the “expected numbers”.
How long can you go with Jesse not scoring on Connors wing that position needs to cash.
I agree. Nuge had some great looks as well.
Nuge also fed Jesse for 10 bell chance.
I just hope JP does not get down on himself here….
That is the key – that Jesse’s confidence doesn’t crater.
I’ve been concerned about that and was very happy to see him bang his stick on the ice on Saturday – to be honest, I don’t love when player’s do that but it signaled that he wanted the puck and that his confidence is still there.
It feels good to win and I wish JP would get a goal here.
But – without Chabot – that is an AHL defence in Ottawa.
Terrible. Terrible team.
I would take Gudbranson…
Even Russel can shoot the puck down the ice without shooting it out for a penalty. Gudbranson is not a top four D which is why he keeps a suitcase packed at all times.
haha
Gudbranson could beat up Russel…
Why?
Do you miss Petrovic or Manning all of the sudden?
Cause Gudbranson could punch both of them out at same time…
Terrible, terrible team that (unfortunately) scored 5 goals against us.
One of the goals shouldn’t have counted and a couple of them were a function of the goaltender who is highly unlikely to play another NHL game this year.
Don’t get me wrong, lots to “not like” in that game and it is frustrating that they didn’t commit to tightening up defensively, but I’m not overly concerned with the 5 goals.
I’m also highly confident that, if McDavid really wanted to, he could have challenged Sittler’s record last night. Drai probably as well. I think the Oilers could have very well scored more goals if they wanted to dig in.
After the game last night, when asked about Bear, Tip said he’s “day to day” but he was feeling pretty good today (or something along those lines).
I would expect that they’ll give him Tuesday off almost for sure – then there are three days off before the game against the flames – if he’s not ready by then, it’s a bit more serious.
————
With Chiasson on waivers, that doesn’t really do much of anything for activating d-men.
With only 12 forwards on the roster, if Chiasson is sent to the taxi squad (or claimed), they would activate Ennis (or Nygard) to play. I don’t see them going 11F any time soon – in particular with Haas looking so good last night and, realistically, they aren’t going to bench Turris, run Haas at 3C and not have a 4C.
With that said, Skinner will be re-assigned to the taxi squad (and Grosenick can back-up Mikko) so there is the ability to activate Bouchard for tomorrow night.
My guess for Tuesday would be Ennis in for Chiasson and Bouchard in for Jones (Russell to the left side).
Nuge-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Kahun-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Neal-Turris-Kassian
Ennis-Haas-Archibald
Nurse-Barrie
Lagesson-Larsson
Russell-Bouchard
Koskinen (Grosenick)
Of course we’ll have to wait and see.
I’m not so sure the Chiasson doesn’t keep the lineup spot over Ennis (not sure he will though).
Nurse and Lagesson as 2/3 LD is a bit scary.
I’m hopeful that the coaches run Jones right back out there and Willie/Bouch form a 3rd pair.
I was thinking Chiasson out since he was waived, and Ennis had a nice game vs. Toronto.
Would there be any motivation to waive Chiasson, except to put another forward in the lineup? There was no other need to, right?
On Lagesson, I thought he played decently well, but I’m trying to read the tea leaves more than anything. Russell and Lagesson were 1st and 3rd in 4v5 TOI last game. Both played more than Jones at evens too.
As we saw with Khaira, players can be waived and kept on the roster and in the lineup after they clear. I do assume that, yes, maybe Ennis comes in for him but, at the end of the day, they can be fairly sure he’s not getting claimed and it provides more flexibility.
Nope, no specific reason that I know of to do it right now though if they weren’t planning on making a switch for tomorrow.
Looking at that Condor line-up … what is this the point of running a development team in the AHL in another country. I wonder if maybe a 4 (6 man) man taxi squads are here to stay.
If the Oilers left Rodrigues, Benson and McLeod in Europe and put Marody on the taxi squad instead of Shore. Does anyone’s development slow down, is the NHL team worse off with Marody vs Shore.
I am not sure if the Condor make money, if they don’t I can see the day where the NHL works with the European leagues for a new import quota, the Oilers buy a team in the SHL/ KHL or the Oilers move the “Condors” to Edmonton.
Niemelainen, Lennstrom, Safin, etc. – all getting playing time in North Amercia as well.
Of course, within 2 months, each of Broberg, Samorukov, Kemp, Lavoie, Maksimov and maybe Berglund will be joining the Condors – potentially even Holloway.
The California division is very successful.
San Diego Gulls games are well attended.
There’s a desire to add a team in Palm Springs and Grant Fuhr would be involved with that.
In season opportunity for call ups is always there, and it’s not that far considering 3 division rivals are in California.
This year, the point is for continuity and some development.
It will be a big $$ looser, but long term the market is growing.
Have to wonder how many games McLeod gets in Bakersfield before playing 3C, with Turris on taxi squad. McLeod was apparently quite good last night.
As LT said above…Kyle Turris is slow to recognize danger.
Kyle Turris first saw the NHL during the 2007-08 season and he turns 32 this summer.
Played over 700 NHL games
We are seeing all Turris has to offer in D zone. This is Kyle Turris
Impossible for me to imagine – McLeod being any worse than Turris
Apx 40 (which I believe is what the Condors are scheduled to play this year).
I know the McLeod dominated the AHL exhibition game yesterday – as he should.
I’m confident that Holland will allow this second year pro the proper development time in the proper league.
In my opinion, the best course of action for Ryan McLeod is to be a full time top 6 center in the AHL (plus PP and PK1) and come to camp in September ready to compete for a roster spot.
McLeod wasn’t even a full time 3C in the AHL the last time he played a game in North America. He is a second year pro that has areas of his game he needs to develop prior to playing in the NHL.
That is fair on McLeod.
But you never say how long you are, personally, not the coach, willing to watch
Kyle Turris ply his trade at 3C for us?
At some point, we have to make a call on Turris at 3C, no?
Maybe they give Haas a shot there?
I did respond to this in another post in the thread I believe.
Yes, here is what I said:
This could happen in time but I would think that they want to give Haas quite a bit more time at 4C prior to this.
I really like Haas and I thought he was very good last night – both at 5 on 5 and and the PK. He is an every day player on this team and an every day 4C.
Asking him to move up and play 3C is a bit much right now. It may be required in time if Turris continues to Turris but I think they need to give Haas a stretch of games at 4C and PK prior to moving him up.
———–
It took Tyson Barrie 7-8 games to settle in – here is hoping that Turris just needs a few more (although, from watching him, it may not be a function of settling in but a function of not being able to play the role the team hoped for).
Yeah, sorry I saw that post after I responded.
And agree on giving Haas more time at 4 C first.
At some point soon, I would like to see Tippett make a move to remedy the 3C problem.
I miss Ryan Strome. At least with him nothing happened.
Looking at the Rams trade for Matt Stafford yesterday and you know what? There’s some similarities there. The Rams have a generational player in Aaron Donald and a All Pro in Jalen Ramsay. Connor and Leon. They paid a ton in draft capital to unload a bad contract and make a massive upgrade at the league’s most important position.
It’s time for Ken Holland to step outside his comfort zone and give 97/29/93 the help they need to take serious runs at championships. Plural. They are 24/25/28 respectively and their window is now open. Nurse, Bear, Yamomoto and Holloway are the supporting cast. There are some cheap and useful players that wouldn’t generate a ton in trade value anyway so Jones, Kahun and Haas can stay. Barrie can as well if he signs as a 3RD/PP guy.
Go get John Gibson out of Anaheim today.
Get a 1RW that fits with 97 sometime in the next 12 months if it isn’t Jesse
Figure out the mess that is broken Klefbom, unsigned Nurse, whatever this version of Larsson is, Bouchard and Broberg and decide if you need a 1LD, 1RD or can get by with something slightly cheaper.
The point, in our lifetimes you will NEVER have what you have with 97 and 29 again. You have an obligation to get the help they need.
The player they need to trade is Bouchard. The coach has made his decision on the player. If they aren’t going to fire the coach, they need to trade the player before the offer is Sam Bennett or a second round pick.
Tippett wasn’t playing the rookie Dman in front of the shaky rookie goalie. Not even a chance that was going to happen. Tuesday night’s line-up might be the real tell, but there is the PK to consider.
Excuses, excuses, excuses:Bouchard isn’t some 4th round nobody pick he went 10th overall as a D if he isn’t nursing a injury it’s time to package him up for help on Connors wing. When they didn’t play him in the play-ins when Jones was hurt and green opted out was a tell then they sign Barrie to do the exact job that Bouchard was drafted by the last regime to do. I feel bad for the kid he’s done everything asked of him and then some but still no playing time.
You have to wonder if a point will come when Bouchard just says enough of this shit ala Sam Bennett and Victor Mete.
While Bouchard sits, many other D drafted in the first round in 2018 are already playing meaningful roles on their teams.
If they resign Barrie can’t see Bouchard having a career in Edmonton it’s a shame because Barrie will cost 5 times as much. After watching the Habs D control the front of their net and then seeing how soft we are in that area Holland might want to think about beefing up in that area. Maybe I’m wrong and it’s Bear that gets the Lido Shuffle out of town.
Tippett did play a rookie defenseman in front of the rookie goalie last night. Just not the one most were expecting.
Two factors involved beyond ‘Tippett doesn’t rate him’ though.
1) Do we know Bouchard is 100% healthy yet?
2) Did the team not have to waive someone in order for Bouchard to play last night?
Either or both could be important in who played last night.
And more generally to those reacting to Bouchard not playing.
A reminder that he is in YEAR 1 of his ELC (due to being so young and leaving the CHL early last season).
2 full seasons of his entry level deal remain AFTER this one. There is no real/actual urgency here.
I would imagine there is great deal of urgency on the part of Bouchard and his agent.
By the time his ELC expires, he will be almost 24 years old and many of his draft cohort will be well into their second contracts.
His NHL salary actually goes DOWN next season since he will no longer being paid $92,500 in signing bonuses so he will be getting paid only $832,500 while others like Dahlin, Hughes, Boqvist, Dobson, etc, etc will be making millions.
Young players are always impatient, nothing new there.
As you said Bouchard will be 23 when his ELC ends. That’s almost 3 full NHL seasons away. Bouchard has lots and lots and lots of time.
Sounds like Tippett is going to get him into the lineup imminently in any case.
He played Lagesson, who as far as I can tell a rookie D man.
Note, I am not down on Bouchard as a prospect, however the other D from that draft are getting their chances, and it isn’t as if Bouchard is blocked, far from it. And now he’s been passed by Lagesson. So this tells us what the coach thinks of Bouchard.
His value is depreciating. If the team has made a call on him then he’s the most valuable trade chip that isn’t helping this team, and who doesn’t seem to be a big part of future plans.
Yup, my bad…total brain fart on Lagesson.
Shouldn’t you wait even a week to make this comment?
One is still operating in a hard cap system with GUARANTEED contracts. The NFL has a softer cap with mostly extremely limited guaranteed money and many many more low paid players on the roster relatively speaking.
The Rams are already a solid team. The Oilers have far more roster gaps. Stafford, because he is on an existing contract, and not demanding a new one, is an extreme bargain for the Rams.
And remember, the Rams haven’t won anything. One can aim for a tight window in the NFL With Aaron Donald, opening a two year championship window with a better quarterback makes sense.
But if the 49’ers end up with Deshaun Watson, it will likely be for naught.
Holland will begin to have more flexibility after this season. But that Kassian contract is horrid. More cap room, and more prospects nearly ready to contribute.
Matt Stafford turns 33 in a few days.
Middle of the pack QB for QBR in 2020.
Middle of the pack QB in Pro Football Focus
The Rams paid a MASSIVE, MASSIVE price for a 33 year old QB.
Other offers for Stafford now coming out and nothing even remotely compares to what the Rams paid.
Make or break for Rams GM
So, Holland is totally trading the 1st to Seattle to take James Neal? And then signing Taylor Hall and Jordan Binnington this summer and Seth Jones next, right?
I’m kidding (mostly), but I don’t think Holland is getting impatient with this team. I see where you’re coming from but Holland isn’t going to pull off a similar move, not in a million years. It just isn’t in his DNA.
Reading through the thread, to me:
Reposted from last night with updates, which I was scrambling to get done on my phone before puck drop. Also note these stats are their records with Edmonton.
Congrats to Stuart Skinner, I wish the young man all the best tonight! He is the 12th drafted Oilers goalie to play for the team. To date 45 goalies have been drafted by the team and Skinner is the 13th to play in the NHL.
FYI, Adam Hauser drafted in 1999 never signed with the organization, but played 1 game in the NHL for LA several years later.
Ranked by regular season GP and wins here is the list (please excuse any inaccuracies, I did this all by hand).
1. Grant Fuhr 423 – 226
2. Andy Moog 235 – 143
3. Devan Dubnyk 161 – 41
4. Jussi Markkanen 102 – 35
5. Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers 58 – 20
6. Joaquin Gage 23 – 4
7. Mike Morrison 21 – 10
8. Daryl Reaugh 7 – 1
9. Mike Minard 1 – 1 3.00 GAA
10. Stuart Skinner 1 — 1 5.00 GAA
11. Mike Greenlay 2 – 20 mins, 12.00 GAA
12. Tyler Bunz 1 – 20 mins, 9.00
To put things into perspective, here are the last goalies on this list to make an appearance in net for the Oilers over the past 20 years:
1. 2021 Skinner
2. 2015 Bunz
3. 2013 Dubnyk
4. 2009 Drouin-Deslauriers
5. 2007 Markkanen
6. 2006 Mike Morrison
7. 2000 Joaquin Gage
Gager was looking good on the broadcast last night. Hope Skinner gets more games than just the 1.
I anticipate that will be Skinner’s only NHL game this season.
Grosenick will back-up Mikko tomorrow and, come Saturday and beyond, will be “up to speed” and ready to play, if needed. I say if needed as it sounds like Smith will be back in a week or so (and Grosenick will be #3).
Look for Skinner to the the starter for the Condors and have a really solid year. He’s still on his ELC and the organization does seem to like him. This should/could/might be a “pop year’ for him.
Holland has almost a clean slate with the goalies this off-season.
Both Wells and Skinner will be done their ELCs and Konovalov will be permitted to sign an NHL ELC. Holland will get to chose which goalies he wants to keep.
At this point, presumably, Wells can walk and Konovalov and Skinner sign.
Of course, Rodrigue is in the picture as well (already signed).
Konovalov/Skinner/Rodrigue (in no particular order) works pretty well for Bakersfield and Stockton.
It does although, presumably, Rodrigue is re-assigned to Stockton when Skinner heads to Bakersfield.
I have speculated about the possibility that Konovalov is ready to be 1B next year for Mikko. The hope is that he signs and comes over in May and plays a bunch of games for Bakersfield to give the team some information on him heading in to camp.
That is a wild long shot and probably too much of a risk in any event.
I was thinking to next year with Skinner re-signed (assuming). Their play can determine who ends up in Stockton.
And Konovalov, it really is very aggressive to consider him for the backup role next season. Especially considering how little he’s playing this season (his .912 SV% is also below average for that league).
Hopefully he does get some games in Bakersfield at the end of the season, but I’d consider it a success if he shows enough to give confidence as the #3 next season.
If Skinner is in the ECHL next year, well, that’s it for that prospect – don’t get me wrong, goalies do make it to the NHL from the ECHL but we are usually talking about rookie pro goalies at 20-21. If Skinner is an ECHL candidate after this season, he’s likely not going to be re-signed. I doubt that is the case.
I agree on Konovalov – its a massive pipe dream and, as I said in the post, no matter how we performs for the Condors this year (assuming he does), it would still be too massive a risk to go in to camp with him as a 1B or back-up option
Agreed that Skinner *shouldn’t* be an ECHL goaltender, and that it wouldn’t be a good sign if he ended up there. But if he posts another sub .900 SV% in the AHL this season then it’s entirely possible that Rodrigue/Konovalov get the bulk of the AHL work next season. (and also entirely possible he’s not re-signed if he doesn’t improve over last season).
Rodrigue *should* have been ECHL bound this season (I guess he may still be, forgot he’d been recalled from Austria). But he’s only a year behind Skinner so I don’t see any reason to ticket him to the ECHL for 21-22 at this point.
I’m actually hoping/expecting both Skinner and Rodrigue have nice NA pro seasons in this year, and adding Konovalov for next year gives the team 3 real prospects in net.
If one of them has to go to the ECHL when they deserve to play in the AHL that’s a good thing IMO.
I think if Skinner doesn’t improve on last year’s performance in the AHL, he may not be re-signed – I’d be fairly surprised if that was the case though.
I anticipate that Rodrigue will be in the ECHL when Skinner gets assigned to the AHL (upon Smith’s return).
I believe there is a 2-year gap between Skinner/Wells and Rodrigue – Rodrigue is a rookie pro and the other two in their 3rd years of their ELCs.
I could see Skinner re-signed with a similar (.890-.900) AHL performance but it’s definitely possible he wouldn’t be. Hopefully he shows improvement!
Agree that ECHL is most likely for Rodrigue this season but he should normally make the jump in his 2nd pro season next year. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he outplays Wells and stays in Bakersfield even this season.
They were drafted 2016 (Wells), 2017 (Skinner), 2018 (Rodrigue) but Skinner is a late birthday so is about 1.5 years older than Rodrigue. Wells is almost a full year older than Skinner as well.
I guess I just think Rodrigue is probably the best prospect of the 3, based on his track record (SV%) since being drafted.
Rodrigue was the best tender in the Q after the World Juniors last year – he was on fire.
I kind of have Konovalov up there with him but its really tough to get a read on KHL tenders to start with let alone with his playing time issues this season.
Oh yeah, fully agree Konovalov would be in the same range. I think he and Rodrigue are step (or half step) ahead of Skinner as prospects, and all of those 3 have a leg up on Wells (I’d be pretty surprised if he gets another deal from the team).
Just wondering what people think of a trade involving Sam Bennett and JP, with salary retained to even out the cap?
-40, whistles, I guess you have your answer without even receiving an answer.
The Burger Baron’s NHL North Division standings February 1st using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
TOR +5
MTL +4
WPG +2
VAN +1
CGY 0
EDM -1
OTT -6
To account for the different number of Sens free bingo squares here are the over/under par scores with wins over Sens set as par rather than above par (i.e. Sens games scored 0/-1/-2)
—-breakway—-
TOR/MTL +4
—–peleton—–
CGY 0
WPG -1
EDM/VAN -2
Need to sweep Ottawa to keep with the peloton.
EDM Goal Share after 11 games (5-6-0)
Even strength (5v5,4v4,3v3)
97 On: (5-9)-36%
29 On: (8-2)-80%
97 & 29 On: (6-0)-100%
Turris: (3-10)-23%
Other: (0-5)-0%
Net EV: -4
Special Teams: 14-13
Net ST: +1
Empty Net: 2-2
Net EN: 0
SO & PS: 0-0
Net SO & PS: 0
Net Goal Diff: -3
93-97-13 have the 4th best xGF% in the league and getting PDO’d right now. It will come. Not sure about JP’s ability to finish, especially in close with that long cue he uses.
The numbers will get improve AH (After Hass).
Wuf wuf Turris. Yuck
Chiasson apparently on waivers.
Finally.
Should we be embarrassed if all of our bottom 6 players sail through waivers?
I missed it yesterday. Why did we play Skinner instead of Grosenick?
Skinner hasn’t seen a .900 SV% since his WHL days.
I’m not a goalie scout, but he seems to drop down while deep his net with regularity leaving the top of the net open.
Dropping down while deep in his net? That sounds like year one Koskinen….
Seriously though, I’m happy Skinner got his start – and he won, even if Ottawa did bag 5 goals. I’m guessing the reason he started that game is a prelude to him going back to Bakersfield/Taxi Squad, and was kind of a reward for sitting on the bench the whole time until Grosenick was through the whole 2 week process.
Like you say though, he’s not had the best save percentage the last few years. Some of that is partly due to playing on a “growing” Condors side last year. I’d like to see him go back down there and pull that average up a little and maybe he’ll make it back to the show one day.
At the end of the day though, he has an NHL appearance and a win. Delighted for the kid.
Grosenick was judged not to have had enough practice time to be match sharp. So Skinner got the call.
Didn’t watch but what the what how is the McDavid line getting fed against the worst team in the NHL? Yeah yeah score effects, I’m sure McDavid was happy to coast and get 5 points, but still, guys, come on.
I’ve seen such a wide range of views on Lagesson, wow between LT and Cassandra to “meh”.
With Larsson, I get the stats say he’s doing well with Jones, but how many “large mistakes at key moments might overtake the narrative” moments do we need with him?
Whence Benning?
Benning being Benning:
5v5: 7 games played / 11.8 TOI / +1 / FF% = 50.0 / PDO = 103.9
I always liked Matty, but QoC is a thing.
Me too – I was clearly in favor of re-signing him for two years, even close to his QO.
At the same time, looks like the coaching staff in Nashville has similar thoughts as, despite the numbers, he has been a healthy scratch this season.
Is GF-GA still an issue with the Oilers? They are the only team, other than the Senators, that are negative. However, as with in-game score effects, analysis should be made without Senator’s games. The Sens have played Leafs (2), Jets (3), Canucks (3) and Oilers (1).
GF-GA (all games / without Sens games)
Leafs: +4 / +5
Jets: +4 / -3
Oilers: -3 / -6
Canucks: +3 / -10
Still appears to be an issue, but should improve as the season goes on.
3rd line still giving up goals – even against Ottawa.
Impressive.
Turris!
So I believe Larsson’s contract up at end of this year. Have always really liked him but his level of play has really dropped off. Not sure if it is due to past injuries or loss of speed. Pretty apparent he is likely a 3 rd pair D at best on a good team. Question is do you resign him???? If yes would have to be 2mil/2 yr at best?????
Sometimes a person never fully recovers when a traumatic, and tragic death of a family member occurs in their presence. I know…I lost my father this way, similar to how Adam lost his. I’ll never be the same, and I am sure the same has happened to Adam. Not to mention that Adam plays one of the toughest physical games in the NHL and injuries, general soreness also play a part…because they are players, it is easy to forget that PTSD is real and can forever change someone.
On this note, I don’t think Milan Lucic was ever the same player after his dad committed suicide.
I have no idea if the sudden death of Larsson’s father has had (or is currently having) any impact on his on-ice play but its a definite posibility.
What does Drai have to do to get more respect.
got 0 votes for the Hart from the experts before season started despite outscoring Mackinnon pretty much every year despite Mackinnon playing with better players.
but somehow Mackinnon gets put in the conversation as top player in game with Mcdavid despite never scoring 100 points
The ‘Deutschland Dangler’ has a few things going against him when viewed by the hockey ‘experts’.
Draisaitl will get his due this year when he finishes second in scoring to you know who (currently 2nd) and first in +/- for forwards (currently 1st and 2nd overall)
Leon didn’t even get first star. Speaking of Mcdavid when’s the last time a player got 5 points and was -1 for the night.
Would you honestly play a rookie defenseman in front of a rookie Ahl caliber goalie (one thing being a rookie goalie that is pushing and won a job, vs thrusted into play due to lack of options)
yeah we all want to see Bouchard play but I understand not playing him yesterday.
This is gonna be a long year for Koskinen
I don’t anticipate Smith to be any better
not tying up sticks in front of the net seems to be a recurring theme for these guys.
That and I think the Sens play a more grinding / Chippy game which is better suited to a Lagesson than Bouchard.
Last season, Skinner had an .892 in 41 games in the AHL. Is that even AHL caliber?
They did play a rookie defenseman.
Didn’t they need to waive someone to get Bouchard in the lineup?
There was no way to activate Bouchard for last night without waiving a player or placing a player on IR.
They can for tomorrow as Skinner can go to the taxi squad
LT you absolutely nailed it with Turris. I watched him for 2+ seasons in Nashville and his defensive awareness was a constant issue. Not sure if it’s because he thinks he’s still an offensive forward, or if he’s not wired for a complete game but it’s something I’ve seen over and over and Tippett, Hynes and Laviolette have not been able to fix it.
It’s not a question of if, but when will Haas be 3C.
And stick tap on Lagesson. Thought he was solid all game and deserves some more ice time with that performance last night.
You only get one chance to make a first impression and Turris has failed at that. Not sure what you do with him? 4 th line centre, 4 th line wing, HS, Bakersfield or buyout! Problem is you still don’t have 4 capable C!!
Hopefully Turris finds his game like Barrie has, but he’s doesn’t look engaged at all, in the ozone or dzone. He doesn’t battle for pucks anywhere. It’s not like he needs to lay out guys with thunderous hits, but he simply doesn’t get into the battle and try to win the puck. Constant flybys, all the time almost every time.
Turris rides the bus in Bakersfield next season
I would love to see Tyler Bozak next year at 3C.
I know he’s 34, but signing him for 2 yrs >>> Turris for 2yrs.
Isn’t Tyler Bozak knows for poor defensive play as well?
Wasn’t that his issue in Toronto at least?
It is like watching Sam Gagner all over again….he must be related to Turris.
Player of this type simply don’t have the strength to push other players off the puck…they don’t have man power. Ganger did his best to build up and spent a lot of time in the gym but his body and strength was always a bit short. Turris came in out of shape… and it was obvious from game one…
Honestly, if his play can be explained by coming in out of shape that’s probably a good thing.
You will never find me complaining about a win on the 3rd game in 4 nights on the second half of a back to back with a goaltender making his NHL debut. Solid win, and sure as hell beats a 2-1, less high-event loss. Take the W’s while you can get them.
I am also not reading too much into that game at all. Haas looked good, Lagesson was fine, and the big boys came to play. Excellent. Tuesday’s game, with some rest, will be a more accurate reflection of the team. Beyond that, Saturday night against the Flames, with 3 full days of rest, will be of extreme interest.
A lot to learn from that game. The power play was fire. Obviously. Beyond that:
1) Turris can’t play. His line is dominated game after game, and in his one chance on the power play he singlehandedly killed the powerplay with his inability to control the puck.
2) People seem to like him but Lagesson can’t play. He’s slow and can’t move the puck. He might be better than Russell but Russell can’t play either.
3) Skinner is not an NHL goalie. He doesn’t have the pedigree (sub .900 save percentage in the AHL) and totally over matched last night. Thankfully Hogberg was even worse. The good news is that Grosenick’s record is much, much better. I hope he gets a chance before Smith comes back. I have more confidence in an AHL goalie I have never seen, but with a good track record, than I do with Smith. Smith will suck and then get hurt. And even if he somehow makes it to average, he will get hurt.
That’s the bad news. The good news.
1) Like everyone says, Haas sure looks like a player.
2) Barrie got Ricki’s nonsense out of his ear and started playing hockey. I still think he’s lost a step from his Colorado days, but he’s playing aggressive in the neutral and offensive zone, which is the key to winning.
3) Jones–Larsson is a decent pairing even if Larsson is slow (Stuetzle is some kind of player). The gap between Jones and Lagesson is as big as the universe. Jones might make mistakes, but he attempts to control the neutral zone which means you have a chance to win. With Lagesson you have no chance because he doesn’t cut the puck off at center ice. Jones is excellent at this.
The unknown:
1) If Bouchard is not injured that tells you Tippett doesn’t think he’s an NHL player. That’s huge, devastating, news. It is now or never time for Bouchard. Either Tippett is right, in which case a top prospect is not a top prospect. Or Tippett is wrong, in which case your coach doing serious damage to the team. I hope Bouchard is injured.
Re: Lagesson. If nothing bad happens when a defensemen is on the ice, as long as they can PK, that is sufficient for a 3rd pairing depth defensemen type. Low event D shorten the game.
I am skeptical there is such a thing as a “nothing bad” defensemen. The puck is either in their end or it is in your end. If the puck is in your end, something bad is going to happen.
There is such a thing as a player that shortens the game, I agree with that, but that doesn’t matter if you are losing the game in that time.
The puck is in their end, your end or the NEUTRAL ZONE!
I agreed with everything until you got to Bouchard.
I don’t think we’ll really know what the coach thinks of him until he gets in some games. And I think it’s going to take a long term injury to one of the other RD for that to happen.
But don’t you think the fact the coach won’t play him tells you something about what the coach thinks about him?
It isn’t even a L-R thing, the coach played a Lagesson-Russell pairing instead of Bouchard. If that isn’t a tell nothing is.
Tippett has shown himself to be stubborn (see the lines). That can be a good thing, but if the coach is wrong it has serious consequences.
I think you are right, it will take a long term injury for Bouchard to get a chance. If it doesn’t happen, I think Bouchard is done in Edmonton.
I think, in Tippets mind rightie now, it comes down to a choice between Jones and Bouchard. And Jones is getting the first shot because of past results and waiver status.
I know that sounds crazy because they play different sides, but they can’t both be in the lineup.
Tippett is already shielding Barrie from the PK. He can’t shield Jones and Bouchard as well.
It’s kind of educational, to see the effect that 1 dimensional dmen have on roster construction.
I really hope that Barrie has a huge offensive year and Holland is smart enough NOT to re sign him.
Or better yet, trade him at the deadline for a draft pick.
Bouchard Draft +1: CHL defenceman of the year
Bouchard Draft +2: Terrific progress in second half of the season to end up as one of the Condor’s best dman in his first year playing against men
Bouchard Draft +3: Team has indicated that he is currently injured.
Duncan Keith was a pretty good defenceman in his day and did not see the NHL for FOUR years after his draft.
Looking at the RD depth chart – does Holland trade this player? No. The BouchBomb will arrive in due time.
It’s very unhelpful to compare Bouchard’s path to that of a defenseman who came into the league 15 years ago.
The game has changed.
The right question to ask is “who was the last defenseman drafted in the top 10 who was not playing regular minutes in the NHL in his Draft #3 season?”
Based on the last 10 drafts…it’s a very, very short list.
Olii Juolevi is one but he has had back, knee and hip surgeries since bing drafted.
You’re way off on Bouchard.
Your goalie is in his 1st NHL Game. You don’t double down with a D his first NHL game. Ya, I know, Bouchard played a few games a couple years ago, but Tipp is right not to play him last night.
I would like to see Koskinen back in net and Bouchard in for the second Sens Game.
I thought Lagesson had a good game. He’s fine as a 6-7 D, especially with a looming expansion
The was no ability to activate Bouchard for last night’s game without putting a d-man on waivers (technically they could have put a forward on waivers but they were not going to go with 11F and they only have 12 on the roster).
They could have waived Lagesson or Jones, I guess, but (a) they aren’t going to waive Jones and (b) they clearly value Lagesson, as they should.
WIth the Skinner game out of the way, they can send him back to the taxi squad for tomorrow night and activate Bouchard if they want.
They could easily have waived Kris Russell if they thought Bouchard was ready.
They didn’t.
My god, read the damn post – as I said, they couldn’t activate him WITHOUT PUTTING ANOTHER PLAYER ON WAIVERS!
So, you are just trolling again.
Of course, you also don’t know what you are talking about, as per usual, given Russell has a NMC so, no, they couldn’t “easily have but Kris Russell on waivers”.
Do better!
Actually, be better!
I don’t think HH is trolling, he just struggles with original and fleshed out thoughts. Which is why he resorts to parroting or cannibalizing other peoples work or observations. And also why his comments get chaulked up to “trolling” when his original thoughts spiral out of control and into absurdity.
If a “hockey expert” spoon fed him the info you did earlier, he wouldn’t have replied to you with that comment.
Just another day with the parrot.
Russel has an NMC they can’t waive him
Please explain how they could put Russel on waivers
Very good post.
I am inclined to give Laggeson a longer look at the NHL level. He does look awkward but he gets relegated to the press box for weeks at a time.
The Laggeson treatment pairs well with Bouchard situation. ( possible injury aside)
Leaving Bouchard to rot in the PB seems odd, for so long.
Bouchard looked like he was in peak form in Europe – but now has not played an actual game since December?
He should have been in the lineup before this random, press box, back injury.
This sets up Bouchard for making his 21 debut against NHLer’s that have 10 games under their belt.
It is futile to borrow trouble. Bouchard will get his opportunity when the coach thinks he’s ready which may not coincide with what we as fans think. To assume that we know what the coach thinks by certain actions such as the coach not playing him when you think he should, with our limited knowledge of factors many not in our purview is at best foolish.