The Edmonton Oilers arrived on the west coast this weekend and powered through three fairly solid periods against a pesky Vancouver Canucks squad. The key was the power play, and the two teams were fairly even at five on five in both Corsi and high-danger chances, although to my eye Edmonton was the more dangerous team at even strength.
Connor McDavid was fantastic, flying down the ice many times with tremendous speed. He also made a fine defensive play against Bo Horvat in the high slot that surely would have been a goal without him. The Oilers can win 6-5, they’ve shown it since 97 arrived. Winning 2-1? That’s a gear that can be hard to find. Can they play that game again, when necessary? Against better teams? We have miles to go in finding out.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Will Xavier Bourgault be the best Oilers’ QMJHL pick this century?
- Lowetide: What Evan Bouchard’s move up the depth chart means for the Oilers’ defensive pairings
- Lowetide: How hot streaks, shuffles and slumps will determine the fate of the Oilers’ second line in 2021-22
- Jonathan Willis: Evan Bouchard’s evolution, in context
- Lowetide: Zach Hyman’s buzzsaw style makes him an instant Oilers fan favourite
- DNB: Comparing the Oilers’ 5-0-0 start this season to their 5-0-0 start in 2019-20
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Philip Broberg showing his potential
- Lowetide: Should Jesse Puljujarvi drive his own line for the Oilers in 2021-22?
- New DNB: He’s a one-shot scorer’: Oilers prospect Carter Savoie thriving at DU
- Lowetide: The Oilers finally have an effective third line — so how should they deploy it?
- Jonathan Willis: Success or failure for the Oilers could depend on their Duncan Keith-Cody Ceci tandem
- DNB: Evan Bouchard subscriber Q&A
- Lowetide: First impressions of 2021-22 Oilers — is this strong start sustainable?
- Lowetide: Which Oilers AHL players are most likely to be called up in 2021-22?
- DNB: The Battle of Alberta gets heated
- Lowetide: Evan Bouchard is going to be the Oilers’ secret weapon in 2021-22 — and he’s already showing why
- DNB: How the Oilers’ new-look second line wears down opponents and makes a difference.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OCTOBER
- At home to: VCR, CAL, ANA (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 3-0-0)
- On the road to: ARI, VEG (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 2-0-0)
- At home to: PHI (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- On the road to: VCR (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 5-2-0, 10 points in seven games
- Actual results: 6-1-0, 12 points in seven games
This is a splendid start, and the Oilers should get credit top to bottom. The players have delivered and the team is improved overall in some important areas. Many of Ken Holland’s bets have worked well in the early days of the season. Dave Tippett was aggressive in moving Evan Bouchard up the depth chart and has been stubborn in keeping Kailer Yamamoto on the No. 2 line. Lots of work to do, but the first chapter was an enjoyable experience.
GOALTENDING
Mikko Koskinen was terrific for Edmonton, stopping 29 of 30 shots (.967) and all six high-danger shots. Overall, the big Finn is .934 for the year, he looked under control and had some 10-bell saves late in the game.
DEFENSE
Darnell Nurse-Evan Bouchard played 21:54, going 14-6 shots and 6-2 high dangers. Both men posted an assist on the first goal, Nurse had five shots, took a late penalty. Bouchard had one shot, three blocks, many tippable shots and several fantastic passes. This pairing helped dominate the Hughes pairing and Pettersson line, including a big edge in HDSC’s. Contributed to a strong game for the top of the roster.
Duncan Keith-Cody Ceci played 18:12, going 9-7 shots and 1-2 HDSC. The duo was matched up against the OEL pairing and Horvat line most often and battled them to something resembling a draw. Both men played all two minutes of the PK, and Keith had two shots one impressive chance, Ceci three shots. This trio is loose at times, but is 4-4 goals through seven goals and plays a lot. I thought last night was one of their better efforts overall.
Slater Koekkoek-Tyson Barrie played 11:15, going 5-10 shots and 0-3 HDSC’s in the game. Koekkoek has chaos in his game and there are times when his shifts are something resembling high-wire acts. Barrie kept it simple for the most part, he made some creative plays and worked hard at both ends of the ice. Coach Travis Green got the Hughes pairing and Pettersson line out against this duo for 4+ minutes, the results (2-6 shots, 0-1 HDSC) predictable but not a disaster. The third pair is going to be much discussed over the winter.
LINES
Zach Hyman-Connor McDavid-Jesse Puljujarvi played 14:43, going 12-5 shots and no goals. HDSC’s were 4-1 at five on five, and I thought all three men were brilliant. Hyman had a HDSC and skated miles pressuring the opposition and turning over pucks. Holland won’t get credit for it, because changing your mind these days is apparently a sign of weakness, but the Hyman signing seems like a rare UFA home run. McDavid’s six HDSC and nine shots on goal reflect a dominant night all places but the scoring summary, where he managed a power-play assist. I thought he had one of his best games of the season last night, could have had several more points. Feel bad for the Kraken Monday night, 97 usually takes points uncollected as a personal affront. Puljujarvi rang a puck off the post and delivered some nice looks and was solid net front. He pursued pucks on the back check too, something all three men did last night. That work by McDavid on Horvat is music, the captain is still adding bullet points to the resume.
Nuge-Leon Draisaitl-Kailer Yamamoto played 14:40, going 4-8 shots and no goals. The trio was 0-1 HDSC. Nuge had a fine assist on Leon’s goal and three shots overall. Draisaitl scored a huge goal, made some fine passes and few turnovers (charged with none). Yamamoto had some promising sorties but they didn’t result in goals, although he did draw a penalty (high-sticking by OEL). I give Tippett credit, was (and am) worried he’d send KY down the depth chart. Maybe Monday. The line has been rock solid at five on five, having now played almost 52 minutes this season together and not allowing a goal (2-0). The top line is 2-3, No. 3 line is 3-5 goals at five on five.
Warren Foegele-Derek Ryan-Zack Kassian played 9:39, going 5-5 shots and no goals. Line was 0-1 HDSC. Foegele scored the opening goal on the power play, and did good work throughout the game by making smart decisions with the puck. A clearing play can be a good idea. Ryan had three shots, worked hard on the forecheck and had position on his mark for much of the game. I love that about him. Kassian hammered someone early, and seemed engaged the whole night. He had a giveaway and a takeaway. I know he has holes in coverage but do believe he is effective with this group. Need to suppress the GA.
Tyler Benson-Devin Shore-Kyle Turris played 6:04, going 2-4 shots and 0-3 HDSC. Benson turned over the puck in his own zone, then iced it, but delivered several hits and was effective in a brief stint with McDavid later on. I’d love to see him get a chance with a skill center. Shore was not effective, he played two fewer minutes than Benson. Turris had one brief look but was quiet otherwise.
CONDORS
I watched the Condors game last night, there are NHL defensemen down there. Dmitri Samorukov is NHL-ready, he looks nothing like the struggling rookie of two years ago. Philip Broberg is constantly impacting plays and his positioning is improving by the sortie. I also believe Markus Niemelainen is going to see the NHL, and it wouldn’t shock me to see Filip Berglund get a cup of coffee at some point.
Ken Holland will want to cash a blue for a forward at some point in the coming days. Pretty sure.
Hair Brained scheme alert…
At the end of this season, Holland decides if Skinner will be the backup for 2022/2023…he will be in the final year of his ELC at 750k.
Let’s assume Skinner plays 2-3 games this year, and 30 AHL starts, shows reasonably well.
Keep in mind with only 64 jobs in the NHL how much uncertainty exists for a guy like Skinner trying to break into the NHL.
Here’s my scheme…at the end of this year Holland offers Skinner a 5 year extension for $1.5M per year, all salary, no bonuses.
From Skinner’s perspective, that turns a contract year 2022/2023 into a low pressure situation and all but guarantees him years of opportunity to establish himself. You could even throw a NMC in there if he wants it… He would be 24 when the extension kicks in and 29 when it expires. Job security and opportunity to build his resume.
If Skinner outplays his contract over 5 years he’s got $7.5M earned and a chance at big money as a UFA. In this case the Oilers would have 6 years of goalering at near league minimum.
Here’s the rub, at the end of the 2023/2024 season, Skinner is 25, and if he has soiled the sheets for 2 years since signing the extension, he can be bought out for only 1/3 of the contract. $500k for 8 years.
If after this year Skinner establishes as an average backup with starter potential, I would make this bet.
Have we ever seen a contract like this? Offering long term low value to a guy with 2 or 3 NHL games?
Worst case scenario he shits the bed, gets hurt and we can’t buy him out….
Most likely scenario he’s an average backup and improves reasonably, plays 15-30 games a year depending on who the starter is in years 3-6.
Best case, he grabs the starter net in year 2 or 3 and gives Holland a massive discount and value contract until 2028.
I’m curious to hear people’s thoughts on this… is this a reasonable gamble? Am I out to lunch? Would a guy in Skinner’s position sign this deal? I think this bet only works for a goaltender…extra uncertainty on both sides of the equation.
Not that it matters, Skkiner isn’t on his ELC, he signed a 2-year extension this past off-season (next year is a one-way deal I believe).
Also, can’t buy out contracts with a $1.5MM cap hit – I believe the min is $4MM.
I’m really antsy tonight. I quit drinking nearly three years ago…and blogging as well for the most part. Thing is I experienced the five alarm heart attack about four weeks ago. If the paramedics and or the hospital had been more than five minutes away, I don’t think I would’ve made it. Now I’m waiting for a call from my heart surgeon regarding a specific date for the triple bypass.
I’ve never spent a day in a hospital in my life…so absolutely shocking. I thought it was severe heartburn until some invisible hand opened up my chest and took a cheese grater to the lungs and heart. And down in the man cave working on some studies for larger paintings, I had to crawl up 14 steps to unlock the front door.
“Stay on the line, stay on line, stay with me the 911 operator is yelling. I was passing out on the front room floor when the paramedics came flying in and started initial treatment. Then off to the Vic in PA where I’m all wired and tubed up before the fast trip to RUH in Saskatoon where I spent the next five days wondering “what the fuck”. My 20 something lizard brain still somewhat in charge.
Sooo…antsy.
Ok…enough with the personal shit.
Wow. I’m glad you were so close to the hospital and I hope you get that surgery soon.
I wish you well Melvis!
Hang in there!!
Thanks a lot guys! I was going to say regardless of age or lifestyle…get yourselves thoroughly checked out. Really. I’ve never been seriously ill in my life, so I’ve been way too lax about this stuff. And now this. Let me tell you. There’s absolutely nothing that’s anywhere close to this shocking, painful (physically and psychologically) and scary. So get it done.
A guy I work with just had a teammate on his beer league hockey team die from a massive jammer after a game. The guy was not in great shape but was only in his 30s. Life can be fleeting. Good to hear you pulled through. Hope you get all fixed up soon!
I know a few men who are having long, full, healthy lives after heart attacks and bypass surgery, with pacemakers implanted. Peace to you, all will be well.
Hang in there Melvis, get well soon
That is scary stuff Melvis. Best of luck to you.
I appreciate the post. Take care of yourself. I’ll do the same.
Quietist Halloween ever. 5 kids 2 parents.
Rock of the Westies actually has me listening to Tumbleweed Connection. Amoreena specifically. Best band I ever played in covered Amoreena. The 16th highhat groove by far my favourite…but That Nigel Olsson groove was a bitch to play…but packed room at the Kings Hotel in Regina back in the day. Matt Frenette (Loverboy) out front checking out my oversized Ludwigs.
What are you listening to?
I still like Madman the best, such a great album. Drives me crazy when people call him a top-40 artist when the albums, especially the early ones, were so strong.
Absolutely LT. I was going to suggest a couple of documentaries if you haven’t seen them.
“Who the F..K is Arthur Fogel”
He was a manager at The Edge in TO when Sting, the Clash, Ultravox, Carole Pope and Rough Trade, etc., etc were in attendance. Lots of misspent nights in that good old joint
Also:
“Soundcity”
I was actually doing a session on Jeff Porcaro’s kit when Mick Fleetwood walked in and had Keith Olson play him some Buckingham Nicks tape. Stevie’s day gig at the time was cleaning houses and scrubbing toilets. That night their drummer Hoppy Hodges said, “I think I’m out of job.” He was right. Lots and lots of nights there…and way too many rails off the dash of that Neve.
I am cheering hard for Yamamoto but right now he is fighting it so badly that frankly it is impacting the performance of that line. The play is dying way too often on Yamo’s stick. I wish I had an answer as to how to get him going because this is a big concern. If the powerplay wasn’t already lights-out I’d suggest maybe some PP time for him just to get him on the scoresheet.
How McDavid didn’t end up with three or four points that game is a bloody miracle, hats off to Demko who stoned him a few times and played great.
Its a big contract year for him squeezing the stick extra hard.
How hot would Hertl look on line 2?
Big Zoolander vibes from this post.
Great, but only in the short term as he’s a pending UFA that the Oilers won’t be able to re-sign. Also he’s a center not a winger, he’ll cost a fortune at the deadline due to all he teams that need a center driving up the cost.
If Yamamoto needs a change of scenery* I’d look at a hockey trade… Kaapo Kakko isn’t tearing the cover off the ball in New York and the Rangers might be open to moving him at some point.
*Personally I think he needs a boost and I’d put him on McDavid’s line for 3-4 games for that reason.
If Yamamoto can’t pull the trigger with Driasaitl and Nuge try Marody, he can fire the puck.
Right now, Seth Griffith is the best forward in the Condors (and has an NHL contract).
I still think this team is incomplete
need. Things we are missing before the balance photo
G. We will call it Fleury for now. Although it looks Smith Koskinen can do in a pinch
2RW. Don’t like the look of that line one bit so need to change out the weak link which is Yamamoto. This is the biggest hole right now
4C. Shore is no good. A decent 4c will make this group much much better
3LD. We can call this Samurokov but Holland may want someone more experienced.
Now don’t get me wrong, fixing all those doesn’t make us a complete roster alone but Stanley cup favorites.
With respect to Yamamoto, and 2RW, the Nuge/Leon/Yamamoto line is a line that many wanted to fire the coach for splitting up and then fire the coach for not putting back together.
The line has played 50 minutes together this season – its essentially 3 and a half, or 4, games.
I know Yamamoto’s struggles go back to last season but this line, has barely been reunited and could get hot and explode at any time.
I agree, right now 2RW is a need for balance but I’d give that line a much longer stretch of games – its not getting scored on and the team is 6-1 – there should be rope to ride this out for a while longer.
—————
4C – yup, however, that solution should come internally. McLeod was serviceable there last year and is back in the AHL continuing to develop.
I haven’t really seen him engaging physically too much in the AHL so far but, hopefully, he learns to at least lean on players and try and battle in the offensive zone.
His speed and ability to exit and enter the zone would be a big benefit if he could be at least passable in the offensive zone.
There is also the thought of Holloway there if McLeod can’t handle that.
————–
Here is hoping that Sammy gets that call-up and a real shot at LD around the turn of the calendar, if not sooner, assuming he continues plus play in the AHL. A more veteran upgrade may be needed but, you never know, that position may be filled internally (with big upside).
McLeod doesn’t strike me as a 4th line center you go to the playoffs with. Sure he’s fast and well he’s fast but doesn’t do much else
I hated when Tip broke up the Drai line but that magic is long gone.
Holloway has a pretty serious wrist injury so until I hear that it’s healed it’s a lost season
Sammy may be ready in a short period of time but we already know that Holland doesn’t work like that as he’s shown most recently with Bouchard and he’s not gonna like two rookie D going into playoffs
McLeod has shown to bring clean zone exits, neutral zone transition and clean zone entires. The key would be the additional development which, presumably, is currently happening in his game. If he’s the same player as back in May or earlier in October then, nope, he’s not that guy but, presumably, he’s getting better.
The January to March 2020 “magic” will never re-appear but that doesn’t mean the line can’t be a very very good line (even if not the best in hockey over a 3-month stretch). The trio have not even been given a stretch of 5 games together since then. 100%, that position could use an upgrade as it stands now but, given the team’s record, that line not getting scored on (ever) and drawing penalties, I’d give it MUCH more rope.
As I said, hopefully Sammy arrives and gets that opportunity well before the deadline so Holland has a good sense on if he’s the potential solution. You are probably right that he’ll default to a veteran in event (although he didn’t upgrade the bottom 6 center last year but relied on McLeod).
Such a shame about Holloway. He could have been that 4C. (And next year 3C.)
Let’s hope he still might be able to.
That’s not a balance issue but an upgrade issue. The team is balanced as constructed — players are slotted in the proper positions, no one is playing too high up the order, not too many rookies, and the lefty/righty thing is spot on. There are players who could be upgraded.
There are a few arguments that players are too high up:
1) Yamamoto may be too high up for 2RW at this stage
2) The entire 4th line may not be NHL players (although each of them probably line up with the 4th liners on many other teams – I mean guys like Z. MacKewan play on 4th lines).
A few thoughts from last night:
I like Barrie at 3RD and PP1 a lot. He needs a better LD partner and it might be Sammy who fits the profile perfectly. Bouchard does not need more minutes than he gets playing with Nurse at ES and PK.
The 4th line is a work in progress but Yamo might be part of the answer. He needs some softer competition to get his mojo back. I like Yamomoto but he’s a bottom 6 player because of his size and hands. Wish we had Archie available.
Kass does best playing with a bash buddy like Fog and a smart vet C like Ryan. No way you mess with L3 chemistry.
Might try Perlini a bit at 2RW. We could use a bit of size and shooting skill on L2 with the elite passers. It’s not a complicated role. Check like hell both ways and shoot when you get the chance. It should not be hard to fix 2RW when you play with RNH and Drai (but good god he gave the puck away over and over last night).
McD, Hyman JP = music
Not surprising to see Kos back. He is a 1B starter or elite backup. Play Skinner tomorrow or Smith if he’s absolutely 100% ready to go (not 98% or 99% as the risk is absolutely not worth it).
Sure the UFA signings of Hyman, Ryan and Ceci have worked out nicely, and while not the elusive 3 for 1, Bear for Foegle and Kassian has been the best trade of the offseason. I think Yammo gets another 10 games to sort himself out in the top 6 so long as they keep winning because why would you mess with that 3rd line right now and risk going back to last year’s 44.
Scouts in LA for Sabres/Kings:
VGK PHI CGY EDM FLA STL ANA
KRussell for Byfield.
That’s insane.
Need more from the Kings’ side 😉
3 of coach fancy suits finest threads.
I honestly haven’t watched a player this unbelievable at 1on1 (or even 1on2) since Bure or Lemieux. Pure respect for Crosby but McDeity is honestly reliable at beating Dmen where no one else can. He did it 4 times in the 3rd yesterday.
Remember the Morgan Reilly walk? He does this with an ease that’s honestly scary. I’m so elated to be watching this blessing of the hockey gods. For realz, he’s on our team!
I was checking out spittin chiclets #347…surprised to hear how positively effusive Ryan Whitney is on the Oilers chances for a cup…and over the top on McD.
As in,” call me stupid, call me dumb, but McDavid is the best player EVER.”
And he included Lemiux, Gretz, Sid, et al in his comparisons.
Bobby Orr went around the opposition like they were standing still until they took his knees out.
You better knock on wood after that bloody statement! I don’t care if you aren’t superstitious!
To be fair, I do believe McDeity has slowed a good step since the Giordano trip into the post.
And he got away with it Scot-free if that would have been Gretzky they would’ve been on him like a pack of Wolves for the rest of his Career.
I’m glad Hyman and Foegele are on the team and Keith is no shrinking violent either. I can also see Evan being tough to play against once he figures what he can get away with.
I’m not into debate. Whitney said it, I didn’t.
The rink rat laced up my first pair of skates (way too tight…but then he disliked ankle skaters;-) when I was five in ’58. For the next ten years I lucked out with the Bobby Hull #9 on my jerseys. West Hill Blackhawks in Prince Albert. Played pond hockey with Ron Wilson (the other Ron Wison…and Eddie Chestolowski.
https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=7371
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/143551/ed-chestolowski
Eddie was the best Junior B player I’ve ever seen, should’ve stayed in Canada. Polish Guy Lafleur. Too bad about the pack a day habit, bottle of rye every weekend. But then full ride Michigan Tech, mechanical engineering, wife and kid while still in college. Oh well…we all harbour some regrets.
I signed my Oilers pledge card in Sept. ’79…reading the papers over lunch at the Coffee Mill when it was located in Lothian Mews in TO. The Hungarian Goulash and a Heineken, iirc… Funny what sticks out in the old memory banks.
Anyway, I’ve seen a lot of the old great greats over the years. Live and in colour. So I also think McD is actually getting better…and will tap 200 points in a season sooner than later.
Despite the fact there are dozens of good dudes on this blog who know a fuck of lot more about hockey than I know.
Great post. Thanks for this – it was such a pleasure reading. And I hope you’re right.
LT I just have to say – I don’t think there were too many people, maybe a few of the diehard Negative Normans, who were saying Hyman wouldn’t be a good fit for McDavid.
It’s the term, baby. Remember with Looch, we were hoping for 2-3 years cover off that iffy contract and it was just surprising how quickly he fell off a cliff.
Same thing could happen with Hyman, but you hope he’ll at least be able to perform at 3LW rates for most of his contract.
When you have a window, you need to use it. Who knows what the future will bring.
Agreed. A certain amount of time must pass (or a cup win) before we can consider this a home run. So far, the results are right at the upper limit of expectation. I hope Hyman can stay healthy.
One thought if we are comparing the two signings, Lucic was already starting to decline prior to the signing whereas Hyman has been improving right up to the signing (and seemingly continues to do so).
Different prime years for these players.
How so? I don’t believe this is true.
I’m now sure how much stock we put in this guy’s PNHLe rankings but I do think age-adjustment is key in equivalencies and he does that. I refer you to #1 and #7:
https://twitter.com/nhlrankking/status/1454849609801601026?s=21
So John Gibson, eh? $6.4m cap for five more seasons after this one and he hasn’t been good for the past three years.
Looks like it’s Fleury then. Ken Holland trading for the rental of a 38-year-old Fleury seems like a story that writes itself, no?
Maybe Seattle? Depends on where they are in the playoff hunt
Would a rebuilding team consider retaining some salary?
Optional skate today and only 7 players out there including Smith.
Is there merit to starting Skinner on Monday against the Kraken to give Smith another few days and Mikko a rest?
The schedule now starts to get heavier and both Smith and Koskinen will be needed.
Doubt it. Koski deserved the shutout and Tippett is gonna give it to him
Koski seems to require a certain amount of action to stay warmed-up. He’s played well save the Phi game. I’d keep riding the horse.
The Rags are in Seattle tonight tendering up the Kraken for a McDavid all you can eat tomorrow.
Ya The Seattle Calamari are not to be taken lightly breaded
Lest you encounter some crusty SEAmen.
Look at that Nuge still leading the apple board.
EDM Goal Share after 7 games (6-1-0)
Even strength(5v5,4v4,3v3)
97 w/o 29 (2-4) 33%
29 w/o 97 (2-0) 100%
97&29 On (5-2) 71%
93 w/o either(1-2) 33%
Ryan (3-5) 38%
Other(0-1) 0%
Net EV -1
Special Teams:12-2
Net ST +10
Empty Net:3-3
Net EN 0
SO/PS 1-0
Net SO/PS +1
Goal Diff +10
early days, but once again Dave Tippett’s special teams really are special. He has special weapons on the PP for sure, but the PK keeps getting the job done. Last 5 games the unit is 1 for, 0 against.
The PK gets to practice against the PP. The games are easy compared to practice.
Bieksa said last night, “There’s no set. There’s no set play. It’s just Draisatl and McDavid skating around beating guys, passing the puck, and making plays. How do you shut that down? How do you prepare for that?”
(To my recollection)
Is it just me or is Jesse looking really fast out there. It is like he has found another gear!
Nearly catching Hughes on some forecheck…..unreal skating
Traffic is brisk this morning.
Nothing like a fresh cup of coffee on Sunday morning with a Lowetide post after the Oilers beat the Canucks on Saturday night, right?
Yup. I’ve been away for the week with spotty & zero internet and just got home late last night.
Sunday morning here with last night’s game on the PVR & a hot cappuccino is a great way to settle back in.
Don’t forget to feed your Katz
Hey 2 for 2 to start Tabernac Saturdays this season, calls for celebration.
One can argue the merits of any individual move such as the acquisition cost for Foegele or the acquisition cost of Keith or taking on Keith’s full cap hit or the contract terms for Ceci, etc., etc., etc. but, for me, its become quite obvious that Ken Holland has improved the team and this team can contend for the cup and should be able to do so over the next few years.
The right side defence has, essentially, changed from Barrie, Larsson, Bear to Barrie, Ceci Bouchard – I think an argument can be made either way on if that right side has been improved or worsened (or moved lateral).
Take that right side change with where this team has vastly improved:
1) 2nd pairing left side. Duncan Keith is simply better than what he had as 2LD last year. He just is, well, at least in my opinion. Duncan Keith, in my opinion is >>>> Jones/Lagesson/Koekkoek/Russell/Kulikov
2) Additions of Hyman, Foegele, Ryan – my goodness is that top 9 real and spectacular. This team has had a very very poor bottom six for years, in particular the 3rd line and, with the additions of Ryan and Foegele, this has gone from a massive hole to a big asset. The other issue was wingers in the top 6 and the addition of Zack Hyman has really helped in that regard.
I keep reading and hearing about all these things Holland did wrong and all these wasted assets and wasted cap dollars. Bear out is a travesty. Ceci in is horrible. Duncan Keith is still a horrible d-man (and person), etc., etc., etc. “I would have done this…… kept Bear and signed a Foegele”.
At the end of the day, the aggregate of moves that Holland has made has filled holes on the team and pretty much balanced the lineup and turned it in to a yearly playoff team for the next number of years (likely) with “multiple chances” to go deep.
Yes, there will be some cap maneuvering to be done in the next few years but the core of this team is priming for a number of years. The core of this team is McDavid, Drai, Puljujarvi, Nuge, Hyman, Nurse – the first two and Nurse are just starting to enter their primes and those primes should be long and spectacular. Nuge will be this Nuge for years and Hyman, well, we’ll see how he ages.
Samorukov and Broberg are both trending to replace Keith and the revolving 3LD within then next 2-20 months (Samorukov could be 3LD ready before 2022 and Broberg is developing in real time already in Bakersfield).
So much vitriol towards Holland daily that I read (mainly on twitter) it seems because the contending team wasn’t built the way that tweeter thinks it should have been. Much of this has to do with Bear. Yes, I wish Bear was still here but the trade was part of an aggregate of moves that were required to balance this team and make it a contender. It is. So many thing “they could have been so much better if X, Y and Z” – well, X, Y and Z may not have been available to Holland.
It’s hard to make moves in the NHL and Ken Holland has created a contender. The window is now and its wide open for at least 3-4 years.
Lets do this!
Great post but you order for the right side D is in inverse order. First casualty for cap purposes will or should be Barrie. Few posters were against the acquisition of Keith but the fact that Chicago didn’t have to retain cap. This could still be problematic moving forward. Overall I think that Holland has done an excellent job with his crowning achievement to date getting JP back in the fold!
Oh, I think there were many (not necessarily in this community mind you) that hated the Keith acquisition even taking aside the cap hit – just acquiring the player – calling him the worst d-man in the league last year, etc.
Can we add Bouchard to the core yet?
100% & he is still learning on the job.
For me his ceiling is still untouched.
Interesting for me is at the moment; who his partner & what he is being asked to do as essentially a rookie.
Stark contrast to what was expected of Darnell Nurse when he was at the same stage of his career.
The (thoroughly mediocre) coach, the (defense last) forward group, Jultz,
All conspiring against him.
Aghh, yes, good point, I think Bouch can be added to the core…. he is clearly an important part of the contending status in the next 3-5-10 years.
For the moment, I don’t disagree. The team is playing well, and I’ll admit that the new additions are playing much better than I had predicted. The fact that Keith-Ceci looks like a real second pairing is good news indeed. Foegele, Bouchard, Hyman, Puljujarvi are all playing really well right now.
Still, the season is long. And then there’s the playoffs. The last two years, this team made big season-over-season improvements, with nothing to show for it in the playoffs. I’m holding my optimism in check until this team has won a playoff round.
I am not surprised, but the exciting thing, IMO, that has not yet been tapped into are the organizational reinforcements, like Samorukov, Skinner, Holloway and possibly even Archibald that could have positive impacts later in the season.
I am not counting on this happening, but the adds so much fuel to the HOPE that had buoyed our fandom once upon a time.
All in all, it simply is a great time for Oilers Nation 😊
I really want you to be right about this, OP, but I dare say that we can’t call this team a contender until we see it perform against other contenders. I’ll be really watching those games against TB, Car, & Col. That Vegas game lacked Stone snd Patch. I don’t think anyone could say Veg had a good game there.
Good point, Admiral Ackbar. Contending teams play a different kind of game, especially come playoff time. For years, we’ve been able to beat up on bad teams, but we’ve struggled against good teams. It’s the games against contenders that will tell the real story.
Hopefully some of the grinding types (like Hyman and Foegele and seemingly Puljujarvi) will help with that. But when we want to play hard-nosed hockey, Ceci is surely a downgrade from Larsson (even if the switch from Larsson to Ceci made sense from the perspective of age/injury/avoiding expansion loss). In fact, nobody on the right-side D – despite their wonderful outlet passing – is really a hard-nosed type.
My reaction to both the Ceci and Barrie (re-)signings was “right contract, wrong player”. I don’t mean to bash Old Dutch here, because it’s difficult to get the right contract AND the right player, but you do need some of those guys to win a Cup. (Tampa has a lot of them.)
Last night saw Vancouver trying their hardest to keep pace with a relaxed superior Oilers team.
The Oilers 2nd powerplay is probably comparable to Vancouver’s 1st powerplay. And no one has a powerplay like the Oilers 1st.
Watching the game is a lot more enjoyable when you know your team is in control of the game. Vancouver remind me of the old MacT Oilers, always chasing the game and often coming short.
Great game last night and I think the team will continue to get better. I can’t remember the last time the Oilers forechecked like this. All three of the top lines are capable of extended play in the ozone.
The biggest issue right now might be execution. The guys are missing shots, not taking shots and overplaying the puck a bit IMO. That will come. McDavid and Drai might be the best two executioners in the league.
Just a little comment on Corsi. I think Drai was something like 27% last night. That’s 10 miles and $10 short of actually reflecting what happened out there IMO.
The second line needs a trigger man. Drai might score 50, but he’s a pass first player. That’s who he is. RNH is a pass first guy too. They need a shooter.
I am genuinely surprised Drai didn’t get credited with any giveaways. Y’know how sometimes your eye locks onto something and you notice it all game? I was seeing so many errant passes or failed dekes, particularly in the first, I was sure he’d be in double digits. Maybe I just don’t know what constitutes a turnover?
This is not a Drai trash post, just something that seemed strange last night versus his usual game.
In other news, happy to see Kass throwing his body around, haven’t seen that for a few years. I do wish he would stop flying the zone so quickly. Anytime an opposing player bobbles the puck in our end there’s just a Kassian shaped smoke cloud where he should be standing.
I thought Drai was off all game, barring the PP goal and some work in the circle.
“Holland won’t get credit for it, because changing your mind these days is apparently a sign of weakness, but the Hyman signing seems like a rare UFA home run. “
This sums up a lot of issues at at the moment. As far as Holland goes, every move he’s made hasn’t been a home run but he’s had plenty of singles and doubles. His patience is refreshing.
How did Zach Hyman end up being -5?
Yamamoto has one atrocious game defensively, with Hyman. And the first line, with Hyman, has had some bad luck, and a couple of soft goals against by the goaltender,
DEPTH is showing thru.
A 2nd PP Unit Goal? Those have been rare for the last decade.
Love the Top 3 lines.
LT: U say cash a prospect D for an F? What quality / position F are you thinking ?
You know whose skating Benson resembles? Craig Simpson. At least by my eyes.
Before or after the back injury?
Fellow Lowetidians, it looks like Jack Eichel is coming to a division near us. Vegas, Calgary, or Anaheim. Is this good or bad? Where do we want him to end up?
If he’s unhappy in Buffalo, I wonder how he’d enjoy life under the Dementor? Or under the tender loving kindness of Darryl Sutter?
Vegas and Calgary would have to move cap back which Buffalo said they don’t want.
even if they changed their mind Calgary would have to move Lucic Backlund or Monahan all of which probably have Buffalo on their no go list.
Anaheim is further away from competing than Buffalo, so that sounds like an awful idea.
It’s entirely possible a third team (Arizona?) could be involved in the transaction.
I posted a couple/few months ago that Calgary was well situated to pick up Eichel and that remains true today.
Eichel, with Calgary is also the more dangerous team of the three listed imo.
This years salary is irrelevant because Eichel would immediately go to LTIR. The dangerous bit, for Calgary, is next year. Eichel, and Mangiapane’s next contract, will take some hard maneuvering to fit in.
That said, there is time.
In terms of salary going back to Buffalo. I think Buffalo would be fine picking up Mangiapane, Dube or Andersson because those are names that are probably in the mix. Valimaki and Kylington are probably in play as well.
Don’t see Mangiapane or Andersson being moved, but I am 100% sure Buffalo would take those players.
So that leaves Year 2 of Lucic and Monahan. With only a year left on each, Monahan is a deal that can get done and even Lucic can be dealt by that point in time. Hell, if all they do is buy-out the last year of Lucic they still save $1 million+ on that first year.
It’s an expensive process for Calgary, but it is doable.
Would rather he ends up in Anaheim. Anaheim would have to gut its young talent to get Eichel and everything left is too old or too expensive. I’m okay with that.
I think any deal for Eichel would have to include Mangiapane. It can’t simply be draft picks and Pelletier is their best prospect. That’s not close to good enough on the prospect side IMO
Kassian has been very good Kassian thus far this year.
That’s it. That’s the post.
Er no… that breaks the laws of physics (or so we have been repeatedly told).
It is more Foegele and Ryan carrying him than Kassian being better.
Just to make sure I have this right…
If Kassian plays well, it’s because of his line mates.
If Kassian plays badly, it’s because of Kassian.
If his line mates play badly, it’s still because of Kassian.
And if a bear shits in the woods, that’s definitely on Kassian. Unless it’s a good shit. Then it’s the bear.
Exactly,
Fucking Kassian!!
This doesn’t seem to equate with reality, as seen with the eye and in the numbers.
We may get to test my thesis when Foegele gets moved up to #2RW, if Yamamoto doesn’t wake up soon.
If Perlini or Benson replace Foegele on the 3rd line Ryan and Kassian aren’t supposed to miss a beat?
What thesis exactly would be tested here?
As far as the 3rd lines goal share goes, two of the goals against were direct results of Ryan losing defensive zone faceoffs clean (and one was pure Mikko).
Perhaps is 3C (Ryan) that is the issue…… if you want to add some substance to the conversation?
Over the last two games Yams has had one shot, a high danger chance. that’s his only Corski over that time. One shot attempt.
You can tell yourself you will get out of a slump if you’re getting looks and they’re not going in.
He’s not even getting looks.
So far the coaching staff has managed to correct both Barrie’s game and Koski’s game after having bad outings. Barrie has looked noticeably calmer, not trying to do too much, and Koski looked laser-focused on the puck last night, and was moving his feet in the crease.
I think the coaches deserve credit for both those improvements.
But I can’t for the life of me figure out what they can work on with Yams to get his game to turn around. I don’t think he can forecheck any better than he has been. and he’s doing a great job of keeping his feet moving when checked himself. He’s involved in the play, and throws some hits.
Maybe he needs to be spending more time in the softer areas like a Gaudreau? Give himself more time and space. That’s not really the way he plays though, and he doesn’t have a great shot from distance.
But he needs to find a way.
I don’t see him playing himself off the top-6 yet. As noted, he’s moving his feet. His pressure adds to the flow of play in all three zones. He’s not killing plays or making egregious errors.
Maybe the tonic is a game or two with Connor and Hyman, and move JP with Leon and the Nuge. There’s a chance both RW could pop with a slight realignment.
Agreed.
Leon needs a big body winger and Kailer has had success with McDavid.
Its a long season, now is the time to tinker.
4th line needs remedy as well.
Yamamoto strikes me as less dynamic in transition than JP or Hyman. Would be nice to give Leon someone else to create off the rush.
Half of Draisaitl’s passes, as good as they are, end up on opposition sticks. 🙂
If Yamo had a longer stick they would be on the tape.
You obviously failed fractions and or there is a very new math I haven’t heard about!
I would not be opposed to playing Yamo on line 3 or 4. Not as a punishment but to give him a reprieve in terms of QofC. Let him play on a lower line where there is less pressure to produce and he gets more time against third pairings.
The obvious issue with this option is that there are no real top-6 RW replacements. I know Kass has played well this season but I think part of his resurgence is playing a lesser role.
Yamo needs to be dropped out of the top 6 for now. Leon’s line should be crushing it yet the line look’s like their just doing time waiting for a PP where Nuge and Leon can get their points. Come Playoff time if all you have is special teams your not getting through 4 rounds.
The original poster cited the last two games. In those two games, Yamamoto did not get scored against at 5 on 5 and drew a penalty in each game, which the Oilers scored on – last night, it was the winning goal.
Given the PP this team has, drawing penalties is a major skill. Drawing a PP is like getting half a point.
Hass was good at drawing penalties as well where’s he playing. You don’t hang around this league as a scoring forward if you can’t score.
Hence why your main suggestion for 2RW, Perlini, washed out of the league for a while, couldn’t score.
A 6-1 record does many things, including given the coaching staff time to help player work through these issues without major changes.
I’m guessing (just guessing), Tip also talks to his key players about this stuff and asks Drai his opinion on if he’d like to try someone else on his RW for a bit, like Perlini. My presumption (just a presumption) would be he’d like the coach to keep running Yamamoto out.
Koskinen deserves credit, just a great game. As LT mentioned, some 10 bell chances saves.
It is nice to see Koski have good games.
Still the track record is there. A couple good, maybe a couple of stinkers.
The issues remain. For me if the team is decent in front of him, and the game comes at him in the right way, he’s solid. He’s stays square and fills the net.
If it doesn’t he’s all over the place and the glove gets exposed, and teams obviously look for it.
My money says he’s back in Europe next season. He’s banked, and it would be more fun as a league top goaler again at his age than fighting for a backup job and having issues.
.934 through 5 starts for Koskinen and .920 for Smith. That’s plenty for a deep playoff run, provided they can keep it up. The challenge will be to distribute the workload evenly and, ideally, at some point give Skinner a few games.
There are some famous names not putting up save percentages like that.
With the opposition terrified to take a penalty, that should be spilling over into our 5v5 results, but it sure does not seem to be, which is weird.
Perhaps where it does spill over is into our save percentage. When a D-man joins the rush, and it doesn’t pan out, he often joins the backcheck a day late and a dollar short—with his stick extended.
With the other teams savagely paring down on their return-voyage waterskis (waterskiskis?)—by sacrificing those high-danger shots from joining the rush—that could partially explain our solid combined save percentage.
Any better theories out there?
Maybe its the officials being terrified to call a penalty that is the issue?
The goalies are actually decent/good?
What to do with a challenge like Yamamoto’s slump?
A Foegle Ryan Yamamoto line has all kind of appeal. But, Kassian is doing OK there and is not suited for moving up the order.
Foegle moving across and up is an option, but that might disturb the secret sauce of actually having a functioning 3d line.
No easy options, but a Yamamoto hat trick in his home State tomorrow!
His home state of Alberta?
I would try Benson up there for now. Leave Yamo on the fourth line for a bit. Make him find his way without McDavid or Draisaitl. Abandon the ‘Shore at center’ and put a kid line together on the fourth line. They only play 5 min a game, what’s the worst that can happen?
Since many in here love to point out individual mistakes of certain players, it is only fair to point out some good plays as well. Barrie’s defending against Pettersson one on one was very well executed. He also appeared to deflect Horvat’s 3rd period close in shot attempt out of harm’s way after Garland threw it in front from the corner or at the very least rushed Horvat. Overall, Barrie last 2 games have been fairly solid all over the ice.
He’s been much improved defensively for sure
Should the Oilers be intent on cashing a D for a forward, the place to look might be the LAK.
They have been playing short 2 top 4D and lord knows they are packed with young forwards.
Doubt Holland wants Ahl forwards.
Especially AHL forwards who can’t clear the low bar of 1ppg.
Except for their 29 year old..
HH,
Leadfarmer,
Side.
Oh you three, everyday
I can practically set my watch 🙂
Well the thing is we don’t actually have much for spare D.
Sammy needs to replace Kookoo/Russell whenever he’s ready.
Broberg is our Keith replacement who despite looking decent is 38 after all
As good as LA forwards prospects are I think it’s pretty safe to say that Holland is looking for experience. And on top of that teams don’t like trading in division
It’s a low effort shot of entertainment for me.
-See HH make a bad post
-respond using one of his bad posts in the past
-watch HH argue with himself
Amuses me every time.
Have you seen the Condors forwards?
That’s a pretty low priority if you are trying to win the cup. No?
Cool a Russell for Byfield trade, All in favor say I.
I would give KY just a bit more rope, but not much (maybe another game or two on L2). If he is still in a bit of a funk, I go opposite George for about 2 games -> Move him up to play with McD and Hyman and give JP a few reps with Nuge and Drai. We know JP can rock it on the first line. This isn’t about demotion / promotion but about trying to shake it up just a bit to get KY going and see if these alternative lines generate some chemistry. Because KY has offensive skill and is solid defensively I think it is best for the Oilers to try to get him to work in the top 6 soon. Ultimately, I think he is best suited for a 3rd line role, but the 3rd line is relatively fresh and working well right now, so I would not be so willing to de-rail that progress. I am confident that if JP were moved off 1RW for a few games, and then moved back if nothing rhymes with either line, that L1 could get their mojo back just fine…
For me the bottom 6 has to have a physical presence. There are some players like Archie that have that despite their size, but it’s rare. Yamo has the heart, but nobody is worried about being hit by him. Only that he might pick their pocket. Being good defensively and a PKer aren’t rare skills.
The third line is good now because the centre is smart and can win faceoffs typically, and the wingers are fast big buzz saws. That is no fun for the opponent, and wears them down, hard to play against in every way.
One thing to me that has hurt the Oilers for years is that they haven’t been hard to play tactically or physically outside of a few players. The opponent doesn’t get tired, doesn’t feel pressure in a big way, doesn’t worry about the upcoming game, and that allows them to expend more effort against the top players.
I see Tampa as really missing that element from their team now and it’s showing losing who they did.
If Holloway recovers I see them moving Might Might at some point. To me he’s a productive enough top 6, or he’s on the Gagner train around the league, teams enticed by the skill but….
I sure hope DH does heal, was so looking forward to seeing him emerge.
Benson played a gritty game gave out a few and got a few but made a pass while being hit
What was MacTavish’s line?…something about “you have to make a difference out there; You have to do a least somethings very well”
Benson needs to bring more.
Dare I say we’ve turned into the defenseman factory that was the NSH teams of the last decade or so?
The potential to add an impact player for someone there isn’t room for is tantalizing. Would be nice to see a home run for the home team. We’ve been poached from too many times in years past.
Where do we find the next Bennett who just needs a change of scenery?
It’s the money damit!
I think we’re a ways away from Nashville but a huge turnaround to be sure.
That’s a great question,
We should also consider what or who we are willing to give up in a trade?
I don’t think Berglund & a 5th round pick are going to return a top 6 forward
Shore and Turris are underwater. I like not having the MacBlender for the lines and keeping Yamamoto with Drai and Nuge makes sense for now while they’re winning at least.
But the 4th line come on.
I wonder…if MacLeod and Marody can get going in the AHL if it would then warrant a trial of the Benson/MacLeod/Marody line as a 4th in the NHL for a few games. See if they can carry some of their AHL mojo from last year into the NHL now with a little bit more experience and a little bit more motivation/desperation on their part…
Probability wise, one of these three guys is an NHL regular imo.
My money is on MacLeod.
I see the refs have reverted to form.
This ascendancy of Old Man Bouch is real and spectacular.
The quality of his defence while contributing offensively is marvellous. While he may never be a 60 point player (although not improbable), the fact that his game is built from the fundamentals of the position leads me to believe he’ll possibly become the most complete and impactful defender from his draft year.
“Real and Spectacular” is a fabulous reference but since OP used it already today, maybe we need to limit its use to once per day. “Master of your domain”, “can you spare a square” and “feats of strength” are all still available, though. 😀
“Airing of grievances” as needed also.
“It’s not you, it’s me” could be used to bring our fellow posters down a bit more gently….
I think I’d actually be surprised if Bouchard doesn’t have 60 plus point seasons on his resume when all is said and done.
At some point, he is going to be playing PP1 with McDavid/Drai in their primes….
Hat tip to Kostko for a solid outing and bounce back performance.
Happy for Mikko and happy Tipp didn’t listen to the many on here suggesting Skinner should get the start.
Skinner against the SEAmen tomorrow night makes the most sense, as they’ll be on the second night of a back to back and losing an hour travelling to EDM.
100% agree if Smith isn’t quite ready or if a couple of days extra would be beneficial.
Mikko can’t start Monday – the schedule is starting to get busy and he’ll be needed alot in November. Starting Monday would be getting in to “overplaying him” territory.
I’d even go with:
M: Skinner
W: Smith (assuming healthy/ready)
F: Koskinen
After that depends on how W/F went.
Foegele and Ryan are well suited to elevate the play of Kass.
Here’s hoping a little of their defensive acumen will rub off on the big guy.
Kass has definitely found the desire to play aggressively without crossing the line. Music!
Kass has definitely found the desire to play aggressively without crossing the line. Music!
>> This is great if he can keep it up.
One encouraging play Kassian made last night was to aggressively skate toward a slow pass around the d-zone wall. He is notorious for standing still & waiting for the puck while an opponent cuts in front of him to retrieve the puck & beat his man all at once. A sure sign he is engaged.
Tyler Benson… “I’d love to see him get a chance with a skill center. ”
What would that look like?
Benson / ? / ?
Benson/ McDavid / Draisatl
Why not two skilled centers?? /S
Benson – Nuge – JP
Nuge-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Benson-Draisaitl-Hyman
Is it time to try:
Benson-McDavid-Puljujarvi ?
Then:
RNH-Draisaitl-Hyman
Foegele-Ryan-Kassian
And give Yamamoto a seat so that he can collect himself?
Benson Ryan Foegele.
Benson Draisaitl Foegele
Nugent-Hopkins Ryan Yamamoto
“A clearing play can be a good idea.”
This cannot be overstated.
Contrary to trends in the modern game, Icing the puck is sometimes the exact right play.
Our top 2 lines forecheck like demons (including Kailer). And the puck retrieval is like something we haven’t seen in these parts for the last 10 years.
Even the back pressure is much improved.
These are the forward skills that win games in the playoffs imo.
I think our 3rd line forechecks pretty good as well.
Vancouver looks like the same team as last few years. Some good forwards. Horrible team defense and Grade A goalering.
I think you have to give Koskinen the next start. That was horribly selfish play that cost him the shutout and shutout usually gets you the next game.
If Smith is ready, I start Smith on Monday, Koskinen Wednesday, and Smith Friday. One needs both ready for the road trip. Smith probably needs two games more this week than Koski.
Notice how dejected Dave Tippett was when the Canucks scored late.
I think he likes Mikko a lot and wanted that shutout for him.
I think he likes AND values Mikko a lot and wanted that shutout for him.
Agreed, but he should have been looking to keep the shutout with different deployment. I was very disappointed that 3/4 of the team was in jail break mode at the end instead of protecting the house to help MK get the 0.
We beat the Canucks and to a lesser degree the officials as well.
#overcomeadversity
Three obvious tripping penalties missed. The one on Kassian was a joke.
Oilers got away with some obvious infractions as well – shooting the stick down the ice was one – that should have been called and, given the timing, likely a game-changer.
The stick shot down the ice came from between Draisaitl’s legs, who was blatantly tripped as he exited the zone carrying the puck with the net empty. As he was falling with that stick between his legs, he shot the puck over the net. Calling the Oilers for then kicking the stick would have been a gross miscarriage of justice.
That said, there were a couple of other calls that could have been made against the Oilers earlier in the game. On balance though, I thought Vancouver got away with more than the Oilers did.
One sign that things are progressing in an orderly fashion, and that Holland has both eyes wide open, is that the weak links in the chain are now our 3rd D pair and our 4th Forward line; As it should be.
3rd D pair and 4th line forwards, are the positions most easily covered off by low cost players / prospects. And we have said prospects in the system today.
Biggest question moving forward, do we have a decent goalie prospect in the system today?
Three decent prospects, no blue chips.
Decent? Yes, without a doubt. Sure fire NhLer? Well no.
#2RW and #3RW are weak also.
In addition to the #3LD, #3RD, #4C, #4RW. I think Benson and Perlini are adequate to cover #4LW. Benson is frustrating, because it is like he doesn’t have a plan how to seize the job.
Backup goaltender is not a problem. I find it perplexing the overall commentary on Koskinen.
#3LD is the big one though. Fortunately, the Oilers two best prospects are left D.
Seems highly narrative driven to suggest that 3RW is a weak spot to this point this season. We all know that Kassian does have issues with defensive commitment and can take himself out of position to make hits but, at the same time, he has cut down on those mistakes this season and has been a real plus on the 3rd line.
4th on the team for 5 on 5 points (with four) and tied for leading the team in 5 on 5 goals with 2. 3 of his 4 points at 5 on 5 have been primary.
2nd on the team for P/60 and 1st on the team for G/60 at 5 on 5.
Leads the forwards in hits with 29….. more than double the next forward (Foegele with 16) and, to my eye, most of these have been on an aggressive forecheck.
3rd line 5v5 is 3GF-5GA. The PP and the PK puts lipstick on a lot of pigs.
I’m not sure what that stat has to do with Kassian being a weak link on the team.
Of note, two of those goals against were direct results of Ryan losing defensive zone faceoffs clean (and one was pure Mikko).
Perhaps is 3C (Ryan) that is the issue…… if you want to add some substance to the conversation?