There are championship seasons that come together quickly. The Philadelphia Eagles began the 2017 season with a 1-1 record, won nine in a row, lost their franchise quarterback and romped to the Super Bowl behind a quarterback chosen in the third round five years previously. Generously, it was the third best Eagles team I’ve seen since becoming a fan of the team in 1973, but the only one to win a championship.
What would this Oilers team need for a championship run? One Nick Foles? Two? Would Ilya Konovalov turning into an on-ice Semyon Varlamov be enough? What if that happened and Dmitri Samorukov emerged as a top-four shutdown defenseman overnight?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: A set roster? Oilers training camp gone wild? Expect the unexpected
- Lowetide: Xavier Bourgault and his ETA with the Edmonton Oilers
- DNB: Warren Foegele Q&A
- Lowetide: Dylan Holloway’s season and why patience is vital for Oilers’ prospect
- Lowetide: Oilers reasonable expectations for 2021-22: Goal differential
- Lowetide: Oilers’ reasonable expectations for 2021-22: Goal scoring
- New DNB: Mailbag.
- Lowetide: Oilers’ potential Olympians are a small group with maximum possible impact
- Lowetide: What should the Oilers expect from Cody Ceci in his first season?
- Lowetide: Why Oilers can expect an offensive rebound from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
- Lowetide: Projecting the 2021-22 Edmonton Oilers opening night lineup
- Lowetide: Why Oilers fans should be excited about the progress of Maxim Berezkin
- Lowetide: What should Oilers expect from Duncan Keith in his first season?
- Lowetide: Did the Oilers find the new Fernando Pisani when signing Derek Ryan?
- Jonathan Willis: Tyler Benson, Devin Shore and the 4-year difference between a prospect and a has-been
- Lowetide: What should Oilers fans expect from Zach Hyman in his first season?
- Lowetide: Dylan Holloway headlines new arrivals for Bakersfield Condors in 2021-22
- Lowetide: Why Oilers fans should expect more trades and a deep playoff run this season
- Lowetide: How much playing time will Evan Bouchard get with the Oilers this coming season?
- Jonathan Willis: A resurgent Zack Kassian could be an important part of the Oilers’ scoring
- Lowetide: How many goals will Jesse Puljujarvi score for the Oilers next season?
- Jonathan Willis: Oilers 2021-22 depth chart
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, summer 2021
THREE YEAR AVERAGES FORWARD FIVE ON FIVE PTS-60
- Zach Hyman (1.97); Connor McDavid (3.04); Jesse Puljujarvi (1.23)
- Nuge (1.75); Leon Draisaitl (2.69); Kailer Yamamoto (1.72)
- Warren Foegele (1.54): Derek Ryan (1.81); Josh Archibald (1.14)
- Devin Shore (1.30); Ryan McLeod (0.56); Zack Kassian (1.62)
- Tyler Benson (0.88); Kyle Turris (1.32)
The possibilities are far more attractive than a year ago. if you move Nuge to No. 3 center and Foegele to 2LW, the possibility of three outscoring lines is there. Now. If you added 2000 Marian Hossa on a reasonable deal?
I kid, but if the Oilers were fortunate enough to discover Dylan Holloway was healthy, he could have an impact on this roster. Don’t look past Ryan McLeod either, his speed is such a difference maker.
THREE YEAR AVERAGES CORSI PCT AT FIVE ON FIVE
- Darnell Nurse (48.5); Tyson Barrie (52.2)
- Duncan Keith (48.1); Cody Ceci (46.8)
- Kris Russell (44.5); Evan Bouchard (52.4)
- Slater Koekkoek (49.6)
Holland is rocking a veteran unit, with just one youngster in the group. On the other hand, we’re looking at two blue ticketed for the minors (Philip Broberg and Dmitri Samorukov) who could impact the 2021-22 season at the NHL level. Plus Markus Niemelainen who showed enough in Bakersfield to earn a mention when we discuss the season to come. No one knew much about Artem Zub not long ago, and he had a positive impact relative to his fellow defenders last year.
Filip Berglund? He’s more than a distant bell, and based on the lack of a PTO for a RH defenseman, should also be considered an option.
What if, and hear me out, what if Philip Broberg emerges as a real option? His game seems to translate well to the smaller ice, every indication we’ve seen suggests it.
Or what about Samorukov? His KHL season suggests he has turned a corner, and if true, he might solve any issues that arise on the left side of the defense.
GOALIES FIVE ON FIVE SAVE PERCENTAGE OVER THREE YEARS
- Alex Stalock: .918
- Mikko Koskinen: .916
- Mike Smith: .910
I suspect Smith will win the starting job, but am about 50-50 on Koskinen taking over the bigger load by the quarter pole. Stalock is a wild card, he hasn’t played in some time, but there’s no harm in bringing him to camp.
What if Konovalov is the real thing? He isn’t a big man but those KHL numbers shine like a diamond. Stuart Skinner is also in the conversation, and he delivered a strong run in Bakersfield last season. Did he turn a corner?
Holloway. Samorukov. Broberg. Konovalov. The Oilers are in a position to survive without them, but if one of them pops, or two, we’re talking about a step or two closer to a championship. The moves of summer were jarring, absolutely outside of expected, and the team no longer has a pile of cap room to solve issues.
The positive? No kids are being relied upon to make a giant leap. Those young players are the next step. When they arrive is key.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, TSN1260, we have a great show planned. Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal will talk about the Oilers goaltending situation, and Joe Osborne from OddsSharks will chat pennant run and Stanley Cup odds. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Massive congrats to Tyler on the gig with the DFO Rundown – some serious prime talent being accumulated.
I’m so happy for him. He worked hard from day one, and is a perfect fit for the role. Frank Seravalli is moving that platform with manic speed, Tyler can make things go. Good for him.
I recall this Holloway quote from his zoom interview after his surgery:
“I don’t want to rush anything,” Holloway said after signing his entry-level deal on April 16. “It’s an injury where if I don’t heal properly, it’ll affect my hand for the rest of my life.”
Its a bit concerning that, 5 months later, it has not healed properly. Its a good thing he didn’t start to play again before they realized this.
The fact that former 9th overall pick, Michael Rasmussen, had this injury in his draft year and then busted, is further concerning.
Hopefully the 2nd Doctor has better results for the young lad.
For sure but, from accounts, this surgery needing to redone is not a rare occurrence – this likely has nothing to do with how the surgery was done – this happens with this bone.
As some of us speculated at the time.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/oilers-rookie-notebook-dylan-holloways-wrist-injury-tough-blow/
Fans line up for hours to get a Kraken sweater.
https://twitter.com/EmeraldCityHky/status/1438179450441506817?s=20
I posted earlier today in the old thread.
While at work, Safari suggested that I switch to “dark mode.” At that very moment, I realized that either Lowetide had taken over the Al Gore or he was amazingly prescient.
#Lowetideinvented’darkmode’
One of the reasons I started reading Lowetide so much were late bus rides after work on the way home. The dark background saved my phone valuable battery and was much easier on the eyes 🙂
There’s no WAY Lowetide thought of it, but Danny did the design so he should get credit for being prescient.
Alberta going back into lock down.
No specific word on attendance at hockey games.
Not quite a lockdown.
Alberta is implementing a “Restriction Exemption Program”, which means that so long as businesses consent and only serve those who provide proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative Covid test then its business as usual. If they do not consent, than it is essentially full lockdown to some of (if not) the highest restrictions we’ve seen.
https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx
As for hockey, we can’t be sure, but since they’ve already stated they require proof of vaccination, I don’t think we’ll see much change in their plans moving forward for attendance.
Thanks.
No change for the fans, but unless there’s a special exemption added the link says adult sports teams participants also need to join that program.Thrn again the actual language in the public health order may not apply to pro sports employees.
http://www.oilersdeathmarch.com/marches/2021-22
Register here for Hunter 1909s Death March
I wonder if Samorukov has much experience at dropping the gloves?
From following him in junior and the KHL, nope, not really.
Stick in the face is worth more than dropping the gloves! Anyone can drop the gloves. Let the referees make that call. Are you a D man or a fighter? One has value the other is a dime a dozen goon!
Gotta love Sammy – very polite in his interview and excited and, of course the quote: “as long as my goalies are happy at the end of the game” – or words to that effect.
This is the correct answer!
Colton Sceviour was just signed to a PTO.
Since he is an established vet and hence guaranteed a job by Tippett, which of the young players who will never get a chance will be sent to the AHL?
Sail on to Europe, Tyler Benson
Nope he’ll land in our Division. Book it!
Bizarre. I don’t think it’s Benson that is in trouble here. Sail on Archie.
Why would Archie be sailing on?
The tweets from last May that have surfaced have been extrapolated in the potential that he’s on of the unvaccinated that, of course, could create issues on his ability to play all games and participate in all team “events”.
Contingency plan/negotiating leverage in case Yamamoto doesn’t sign?
Aren’t they both right wingers?
I think this might be right – Marody and Turris are in that conversation as well and, of course, both Hyman and Foegele can play the right side (although, for me, Foegele shouldn’t be bumped up the the top 6 to start – let him play the role he’s excelled in to start).
The Archie potential issue is a red hearing though.
From last night but I didn’t see it posted here and thought it would be of interest to some. I really don’t want to see TC start and Yamamoto not there.
@nielsonTSN1260
Ken Holland met with Kailer Yamamoto’s agent J.P. Barry tonight. By all accounts it was a positive discussion, but nothing confirmed just yet. Camp opens in a week, I think it’s good news that they are actually meeting face to face to discuss a deal.
7:43 PM · Sep 14, 2021
Grand. I imagine they have a deal signed in the next day and he’s on ice for day one of camp. I stand by my $1.6 mill estimate.
It really is face to face. Both Yamamoto and Holland are listed as 5’8 which surprises me.
Wasn’t sure if it would be a chest to face kind of situation or not.
Vaccinations prevent serious illness by well over an order of magnitude. (say 20x)
Vaccinations prevent infection by less than an order of magnitude with the new more infectious variants like delta. (say 8x)
So vaccinations don’t significant really reduce the ability of the virus to disrupt a team.
See the New Orleans Saints. 5 or six coaches, all vaccinated. All infected.
For a professional sports team, teams pretty much have to maintain the same protocols, vaccinated or not, or they will be burned.
If you think 8 fold is insignificant, I’ve got a lovely loan to offer you. The interest is almost insignificant.
NEW for The Athletic: The Oilers and the Cooper Marody experiment are at a crossroads
https://theathletic.com/2824337/2021/09/15/lowetide-the-oilers-and-the-cooper-marody-experiment-are-at-a-crossroads/
Hope he doesn’t sell his soul to the devil.
For some good news, per Nugent-Bowman, Samorukov cleared to ply games.
He comes armed with his crowbar.
Seriously though, how many brewskis are you necking on the flight to Turkey? It’s not that far from Greece!
Wouldn’t that be a ply bar!?
Touche 😀
Haven’t had a brewskie in over 9 years so zero, thank you for asking.
Of course, there aren’t direct flights from the islands to Istanbul so it takes a little while.
That post was made from a taxi after 11 hours of travelling – to the extent you were actually interested.
Excellent, good for you. I apologise for making a joke involving drinking – I didn’t realise you were a non drinker.
As for your actual trip, I hope you’re having a great time. Turkey is a beautiful place to visit, I’d love to make it back there some time in the future. Greece is also amazing, oddly never made it to the mainland, but visited more than my fair share of islands.
We spent an amazing 7 nights on Naxos – will be in Istanbul for 4, then back to Athens for a few before heading back home.
Its been great (except I’ve worked a ton (sigh), thank you for asking.
The key my friend is a work life balance! May you find the balance! It is my number one wish for my kids! Life is short and the answer I try to stay true to is always be you!
If the fans need to be 100% vaccinated in the stands , so too should the players .
No double standard should be excepted .
Keith still in BC coaching his son, apparently everyone else is here?
Has there been an update from today?
As of yesterday (from the Oilers site) quite a few others haven’t been on the ice with the team yet.
Off the top of my head, Puljujarvi, Barrie, Russell, Stalock, Archibald, in addition to Keith.
Tony Brar
@TonyBrarOTV
· 1h
Duncan Keith has joined the group skating at Rogers Place this week. #Oilers
On the ice?
I mentioned this before. Lack of state tax doesn’t really matter when the housing costs are that ridiculous in Seattle. Athletic explores the sticker price shock of Seattle housing
https://theathletic.com/2477367/2021/09/15/house-hunting-in-seattle-kraken-players-getting-an-introduction-to-the-market/?source=user_shared_article
It does matter.
While housing in Seattle is very expensive state taxes in other jurisdictions can be crippling.
In California the state income tax rate on a players salary, say of $5 million, is $58K PLUS 12.3% of any income over $599K.
That would produce a tax bill on an income of $5 million well into 6 figures.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/california-state-tax
Not only that but California residents have to pay state taxes on any income they earn OUTSIDE the state.
There are also multiple tax shelters that there aren’t in Canada. Depends on wether you want to spend or invest! It is not near the burden you make it out to be. It’s you negative personality that we all have grown to love shining through! You are an never ending beacon for the rest of us unwashed stupid people. For that we thank you!
I was comparing Washington State and California neither of which are in Canada last time I checked.
Try and keep up.
Absolutely my good sir and would you like me to light a candle for you while I’m at it. Maybe I could get others to contribute and we could have a statue designed for you!
Speaking of keeping up did you actually read what I wrote. I think not as your need to feel superior is foremost in your becoming feeble mind!
Well if you’re a 700k player you’re really not saving anything if you live in Seattle
read the article
I read the article.
Using $700K as an indicator is waste of time since very few NHL regulars are paid that poorly.
Well if you read the article then you’d notice Doonskoi was even having sticker shock and he’s had 20 mil in earnings
Someone makes 5mil and the taxes are ‘crippling’?!
That’s just state income tax….federal tax is much, much more.
Yikes that sounds rough… ?
When government’s spend it foolishly, yes it is crippling.
Average NHL player has maybe a 12 year window to earn salary. Every bit counts.
Even at league minimum it is a problem the majority of Canadians would welcome!
Yeah I wonder what will go through Archibald’s head when he realizes the rest of his team is vaccinated, the team he is playing against is 98-100% vaccinated and the fans in the stands in Rogers place are likely +90% vaccinated.
I’m guessing he will be thinking something along the lines of
“Something will happen! You’ll see.. you’ll ALL SEE!”
He’s also going to take a considerable shot in the wallet, too. Every time he goes into quarantine will get an automatic suspension without pay; in his case that works out to approximately $18,300 per game.
I don’t think that’s an automatic suspension and loss of pay – as far as I know (from what was stated, I haven’t read the protocol), the team would have the ability to suspend and withhold pay.
Team option but as manager what would you do? Connor or Leon you might consider but Archibald? Easy answer from a leadership prospective!
I don’t know Fellas…reading between the lines, it sounds like LT has an itchy trigger finger & wants to pull out that balance photo. A couple of young surprises would certainly be due for this team.
Nothing to be itchy about with the Oilers defense and goaltending. Everything would have to go perfectly for the OIlers to have a semblance of balance (which is an improvement), but they are not there yet.
We all want the balance photo! LT is the constant that keeps us grounded and humble!
Bill Gates is Big Boo confirmed.
Did OP poop in someone’s garden recently? Every single one of his posts/comments is getting majorly negative marks. Apart from the odd misspelling of names I’m not really seeing what he’s doing to deserve that.
Not that negative clicks really mean anything of course.
Maybe the votes are based on poopularity?
You just plopped that joke in there perfectly.
LT should charge $0.25 per post. OP probably continues to post, although perhaps more thoughtfully, and the old troll probably saves his money for better whiskey and we’re all better off.
I apologize all for spelling mistakes while posting in a plane from Greece to Turkey. I’ll try and do better.
I always appreciate a good humblebrag.
I’m waiting for gym pics from Istanbul.
I can post those tomorrow if you wish – its been a long day – word of advise, don’t put the wrong date of arrival on your Turkish Visa application.
Billy have you ever been to a Turkish prison?
Hahaha shirtless preferably?
Humberlbrag seems appropriate given the passive aggressive shots to a person that hasn’t even posted in the thread.
You’re truly insufferable.
Thank you for your honesty.
Note: I am not the one that strayed off hockey/Oiler related matters and started with the personal comments – just responded in kind.
Have a great day.
Sufferin Succotach
But how many burpees were you able to do?
If he’s anything like me, it’s 2N+1 for every can of beer consumed on the flight.
I actually did apx 96 this morning prior to leaving the villa in Naxos.
No time to hit Cyclades Fitness as it opened at 9 and our flight off the island was at 11, Did 19 minutes of Tabatta out by the pool – squat jumps and burpees (20 seconds on, 10 seconds rest – 4 4 minutes rounds).
Thank you for asking.
Yes…inability to spell correctly has been definitely linked to Business Class.
Nerds are working on it.
Thank you for your thoughts.
What is your inability to be correct with hockey related matters linked to?
It’s more a case that I would read and enjoy your posts if there were fewer of them and there was more thought invested in them before you hit Post.
We like you in this community but your insights would have more impact if there were 4 per day instead of 20. I’m clearly not alone in this POV.
Keep posting! We like you – I like you. We would just all prefer you to manage your stream of consciousness better so that it doesn’t dominate the site.
Thank you for your thoughts and they have been considered but I think I need to post in a way that provides myself with enjoyment and I enjoy reading and commenting on what I read – I’m sorry that deludes the product for you but I like to comment and converse.
I believe some of the “we’s” should be “I’s” – there are various opinions in the forum from what I can tell, including as they relate to feelings on individual posters.
My whiskey budget has been bolstered admirably by betting on the Avalanche.
So you won a lot of money on the Avs winning one round of playoffs as the heavy favorite? Or you won a lot of money betting on the Avs to lose against the Knights? Or did you just lose a lot of money betting on the Avs and your ego is attempting to save face?
No, I won a lot of money betting on the Avalanche winning the President’s Trophy and then lost a little on them failing to win the Cup.
In any event, the whiskey budget is fine…I appreciate your interest.
Considering you don’t acknowledge and pay the bets you have lost, I am assuming this story of yours is probably not true.
Three feathers isn’t all that expensive!
I always thought 12 years old aren’t allowed to drink ?
I noticed that too and I think he brings much to the site. While I don’t always agree with him I haven’t really seen anything that warrants the negatives. HH on the other hand is deserving of all the negativity and truly belongs on a Canucks web site! OP is an Oiler fan, HH is a troll!
I think OPs feedback goes in the red whenever he’s on vacation.
Super Mario could fly once he obtained his bushy tail.
Ha! Imagine how fast McDavid is going to be with one of those…
Aren’t you a bundle of joy.
If you think I am bad, you should hear the chirps hockey players actually give eachother.
Are you talking like Sean Avery material.
I can’t even remember a Sean Avery chirp anymore.
Was Sean Avery the one who told Henrik Sedin that his brother was ugly? That one was funny. Tame, but funny.
You don’t remember the open grilling he was giving Dion Phinuff. It doesn’t get any nastier than that unless your into that.
No, I stopped paying attention to Avery after awhile when his antics became exhausting.
I have friends who play in various leagues, and some of them know professional players or played with them. After hearing some of the shit talking examples they gave or heard, they all start to blend together.
The NHL is a very unforgiving league if they find a weakness they’ll pounce on it. They do have to watch what they say now but I’m from the old school especially when it comes to the heat of the battle. Sutter will bring back the battle of Alberta Holland knows this and that’s why we have Hyman Foegele and Keith joining the team.
Old school you were in the opponents face and it was for him alone! The not so old school was for the camera and attention. When the people I knew wether in sport or real life said something of import it was not for public consumption and carried a great deal of weight!
Mr. McCurdy, whose byline should be:
McCurdy the Bruce!
King of Scots! (Sports Columnist of this Site.)
Holloway had wrist surgery and out at least 3 months
https://twitter.com/edmontonoilers/status/1438155654783406085?s=21
Get well soon
Damit not what I was hoping for.
Scaphoid fractures suck!!
Thank goodness they waited for the start of the season!
Edmonton’s “Kucherov” moment!
That sucks. But get well soon young man.
Can someone call Reja’s wife, see if he’s OK?
Anytime you go under the knife you take your chances I’m glad Mcdavid received this memo. This sucks was really looking forward for some new blood to fire up Leon and Connor.
By the time he’s back up and running, that takes us to mid season, and then there’s the adjustment and rust to shake off. Good chance he’s in the minors all year, but if he blows the doors off, could have a strong reinforcement coming up just before the playoffs – like a trade deadline move with the acquisition cost.
Same issue Brock Boeser faced in Vancouver.
It took him over a year to get his shot back.
Thank you Doctor…
Hope we see him on the big club by playoffs. I think he was the number 1 prospect. Certainly the only forward prospect close to making an impact. Big blow. Just hope its something that doesn’t affect his career long term at this point.
Who made the decision to let him play in Wisconsin’s playoffs with a broken thumb? Fire that guy into the sun.
That would have been the decision of Granato and the Badgers along with Holloway. Sure, maybe they could have consulted the Oilers but they definitely didn’t have to – Holloway was their product, drafted by the Oilers but not signed – Oilers had zero control over the player.
Different situation that when Team Sweden consulted with the Oilers (even though they didn’t have to – he was actually signed with the Oilers, and loaned to Skelefteea).
So why wasn’t your prized winger signed yet?
Who is my prized winger? Yamamoto?
Not writing a player off at 22 because he’s small and acknowledging his positives doesn’t equate to what you describe.
I was talking about Holloway and why he wasn’t signed earlier.
I’m talking to myself and others why Holloway was not inked yet? Nothing to do with Yamo but since you brought up Yamo if he looks like he did last year he doesn’t belong in the top 6 of a quality team.
Holloway is signed.
Was Holloway signed before his injury or after?
Holloway signed his ELC in the spring – it was after the injury (he couldn’t sign before he was done with the NCAA or else he would have lost the eligibility.
FYI, Holland today confirmed that prior to breaking his thumb the plan was to get him in the Bakersfield at the end of last season, not the NHL as you keep suggesting. He said it in no uncertain words.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
36m
It’s the left wrist/hand for Holloway, his lower one. Holland said he met with Holloway in August and the player was frustrated that he couldn’t shoot or take faceoffs. There is no concrete timeline for a return to action here. Mid-December sounds like a slim possibility.
You could tell by the way Stauffer asked Keith Gretzky about Holloway’s status when he interviewed him the other day that something was up and Stauffer knew that it wasn’t good.
You knew the Jig was up when they weren’t bragging how ready the kid from Bragg Creek was. How he had a legit shot at making the team especially with Yamo and Archie on the Scratched list so far. We talked about this before how fast your able to heal at 18-19 (Your almost invisible) and how quiet the Holloway camp was.
Holloway’s chances of breaking camp with the team were likely slim even if healthy, in my opinion.
The kid remains 19 years old today.
Easy to say now that he’s grounded for who knows how long. I just hope Dylan playing career is not in jeopardy it’s kinda hard to play hockey when you can’t grip a stick.
Doug Lynch was once 21.
No kids are being relied up (except Bouch) but there is real potential for a kid to get an opportunity (due to injury or struggle) and simply emerge. Maybe more than 1. Lots of pedigree and real potential, developed potential. It’s so heartening.
Let’s hope one does
I wouldn’t exactly call Bouchard who’s legal to drink in Vegas and hit the Chicken Ranch’s if so chooses a glossy eyed kid. Paul Coffey had already amassed 250 points and was on full blitzkrieg on the rest of the league by the time he was 22 years-old.
that was called the mustang ranch when I was a youngster…yup some nice filly’s
The original Chicken Ranch was located in La Grange Texas. Now that La Grange is on my mind I’m going to listen ZZ Top play their best tune and float back 40 years ago.
It had something to do with knowing how to ride!?
It’s good to see that Bouch is well insulated with a solid veteran presence . His time is now as well as the rest of the team . If another youngster emerges so be it . But over cooking is fine in this case , though I prefer medium rare .
As a cowboy I would expect you to like your steak in the category rare enough that a good vet could save!?
Definitely need 1-2 surprises on D for this team to be any good at all. I am more concerned about defence than goaltending, which is saying a lot.
Bouchard needs to be top 4 RHD, one of Broberg/Samorukov need to emerge, and Keith needs to learn how to stop the rush.
I agree. The Oilers need one or two kids to break out to be successful. Most likely one defender and one goalie. Broberg or Sakumokov to push Keith to bottom pair and Skinner or Konavolov to pass Koskinen and push Smith.
I can t discount the possibility of Berglund emerging as a legit serviceable 3RD – no guarantee but he has a skill set and real experience. Of course, right now, I think Tip and Playfair default to Russell (or Koekkoek) on their offside for injury cover.
Most people forget that Broberg & Berglund were paired together in the SHL . So there’s some familiarity there . They could be a force in the AHL , maybe even a solid third pair in the NHL sooner rather than later .
It’s nice that the coaching staff has actual options!
Human can produce, both with and without elites. His rates prove that. Issue is games played.
I spoke to his uncle last night – he said his knees are fine. I take Scott’s word with a grain of salt.
Just play games Zack – stay healthy.
When I read this I had no idea who “human” was. The funny thing is that I immediately eliminated McDavid from consideration, considering him more than “human”. I think the name is Zach Hyman… not Zack Human.
Turbulence in flight!?
I look forward to a season of miscommunication regarding Zach and Zack.
We’re only human, after all.
Zach! Get over the boards!
Both Zach and Zack go over, too many men. Canadiens score, tie game, LT weeps.
Avoiding that is the main reason for moving Kassian back to the top line, I believe.
the McZackAttack line.
I mean this in jest, OP. Your post reads like it was written by an AI program. All of this talk of humans producing with elites and knees and uncles. Scott. Zack.
I don’t know what’s going on, here.
Yes, if Sammy and Konkvalov emerge that way, the tram is 100% a cup contender.
I think both could but not likely this season. You never know though.
Okay now you’re just messing with us!?
Your typo is apropos.
100% LT. The 4 kids mentioned are absolutely key. Plus, the players who got their big contracts this summer need to provided value for their deals. For the prices paid, Nurse absolutely needs to shine like a true #1. Hyman needs to get around 30G if playing with Mcd. Nuge better get back into the 60-70 pt range or kill penalties better than ever (or win a important faceoff). DK better play like Chris Chelios did when he was 38. The price was way too high. Lots of gambles but if one or two of the kids show they are ready, there may be music. I’m optimistic that the team will finish top 10. Go Oilers!
Riffing off the lyric, there is one factor we don’t mention often that is critical in any cup run.
“Without “luck” where we be now?
Without luck, where would we be now-now-now-now?”
I think when we reference Nick Foles and Fernando Pisani, we’re really talking about Lady Luck.
As dominant as the Oilers were in the 80’s, luck played a large role in the creation and life of that dynasty.
Come on PDO……..Mama needs a new pair of shoes!
Long Train Running……..Yaroslavl Lokomotiv.
Can Konovalov be that guy?!?!
Vladislav Tretiak topped out at 6’1″ 201lbs
Ilya Konovalov 6′ 194lbs and growing.
Tretiak will always be a top 5 favourite all time.
6’1″ 200 pounds was huge in 1972. It is undersized for a goaltender today.
Remember Ken Dryden at 6’4” leaning on his goal stick with that awesome mask on. The Goalies back then all had their own shtick to them not like the Goalies nowadays that all look generic.
Konovalov is 22, you sure he’s still growing?
He’s Growing Healthier
Good luck beats good management every day of the week.
The only reason they teach management courses is because they don’t know how to teach luck. 😉
Good management positions a team so it can take advantage of being lucky.
i.e. Good management moves the baseline to where a championship is within the normal variance of outcomes…within one standard deviation.
It was a joke godot.
Spoken like a true manager!