The Oilers started slow, caught up, then fell behind again, surrendering the lead for good last night. A late push was entertaining, but if we’re honest the Kraken worked harder than the more talented Oilers and the standings are a noxious perfume this morning.
I think there are some good things to discuss this morning, and they include young players emerging on a tough night and the importance of not dilly-dallying early in games because the Flames are not going to wilt. If the Oilers want the Pacific Division, going to have to start on time.
And fade some veterans.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Analyzing Cody Ceci’s importance to the Edmonton Oilers and future deployment
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
- DNB: Brendan Perlini subscriber Q&A
- DNB: Oilers turn to Markus Niemelainen
- Lowetide: The Oilers won often in November, but is their roster built to keep winning this way?
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ prospect pipeline has produced 2 call-ups on defence this season. Who’s next?
- DNB: What I think and what I know about the Oilers through their first 20 games
- Lowetide: How promising is the Oilers’ Russian prospect pool?
- DNB: Could Leon Draisaitl score 50 goals in 50 games?
- Lowetide: How the Oilers most pressing needs have changed since the offseason
- DNB: Tales from the days Kailer Yamamoto, Ryan McLeod, Evan Bouchard and Tyler Benson were minor league roommates
- DNB: For Emily Cave, Colby’s widow, a trip back to Boston is about memories, love and legacy
- Lowetide: Is the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl even better than we think? A look at his stunning historic comparables
- DNB: Philip Broberg’s first NHL game was as special as he’d hoped
- Lowetide: Philip Broberg is ready for his NHL audition
- Lowetide: Why Kailer Yamamoto is still on the Oilers’ No. 2 line
- Lowetide: Three auditioning Oilers who are finding their groove and hope to find their place
- Lowetide: Should the Oilers move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to the 3rd line?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DECEMBER
- At home to: PIT (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- At home to: LAK, MIN, BOS, CAR, TOR, CBJ (Expected 3-3-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: LAK, SJS, CAL, STL, NJD (Expected 3-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 8-7-0, 16 points in 15 games
- Actual December results: 1-1-0, 2 points in 2 game
- Oilers in 2021-22: 16-6-0, 32 points in 22 games
It didn’t happen as I drew it up, but the result after two December games matches my projection. I’ve seen some blame for veterans and youngsters and there’s enough to go around (we’ll discuss below), but I do think it’s fair to mention that Darnell Nurse, Cody Ceci, Duncan Keith and Slater Koekkoek are missing from the group, along with goaltender Mike Smith. The Oilers lost a game, not the season. Some good arrows to observe, too.
GOALTENDERS
Stuart Skinner stopped 30 of 34, .882. He is now at .921 for the season and we’ll look for a stronger performance the next time he gets a start. Skinner’s ‘goals he would like back’ include the Gourde goal (he got over but wasn’t in good position) and the Larsson goal (beat him short side). He made some great stops late to keep the team in the game.
DEFENSE
Russell-Barrie played 10:58, going 4-12 shots, 0-3 goals and 1-4 HDSC. Asked to do too much, the pairing was not up to the task. Spacing wasn’t great on the Gourde goal, the pair was caught off guard by Kassian’s ghastly pass on the Blackwell goal and Russell left his feet and was unable to stop the pass to Wennberg on his goal. Russell had three shots, four blocked shots and a giveaway. Barrie had two five-on-five shots, one of which resulted in a promising rebound. Russell had a nice run (2:40 with Lagesson) and Barrie went off-roading with Markus Niemelainen for 5:21 crazy minutes.
Lagesson-Bouchard played 9:46, going 6-2 shots and 1-0 goals, 1-0 HDSC. Bouchard’s goal came off a nice, relaxed swing and landed two inches from the pin. I thought his passing was quality and his shot attempts (six attempts, two found the range) were intelligent and well placed. Had an assist on the McDavid goal in the third, he used a fairway wood on that shot. Lagesson showed some good things, had a couple of shots. I thought it was his best game of the season.
Niemelainen-Broberg played 6:24, going 3-3 shots, 0-1 goals and 1-1 HDSC. The two men were on the ice for the Larsson goal, but for me the blame lied elsewhere. Niemelainen hits like a truck, gets in the way and then clears the puck from danger (making a dandy PK play in the first period) and he looks like a player we’ll see in the NHL in the seasons to come. He had seven hits and three blocked shots. Broberg had a shot, a giveaway and a takeaway and a late open net he missed and it’s hard to know how. I’m a fan of both young defensemen.
LINES
- Hyman-McDavid-Yamamoto: 11:09, 3-8 shots, 0-1 goals, 0-2 HDSC
- Nuge-Draisaitl-Puljujarvi: 7:39, 5-4 shots, 1-1 goals, 2-0 HDSC
- Foegele-McLeod-Kassian: 5:54, 3-3 shots, 0-1 goals, 1-2 HDSC
- Perlini-Ryan-Sceviour: 4:36, 2-1 shots, no goals.
McDavid and Draisaitl were 1-1-2, Nuge 0-2-2 and Puljujarvi had an assist. I expect we’re less than two games away from Puljujarvi on the No. 1 line, the two men played together for 5:03 (mostly with Draisaitl) and looked good.
Tippett is going to settle in here soon. There’s only one combination he has left to try (Foegele-97-Puljujarvi, Nuge-Draisaitl-Hyman) and if he doesn’t shift into that gear we’ll be looking at the righties with the captain and Nuge-KY running with Leon.
Moving Hyman to RW would allow the team to run Puljujarvi, Hyman, Yamamoto and Sceviour on right wing if they chose to, and after Kassian’s double trouble (vapor lock on the Larsson goal, stunningly bad decision on the pass that led to the Blackwell goal) it might be a plan to sit the veteran.
The Oilers are 48-52 overall at five-on-five goal differential, not close to good enough. Rookies make mistakes and that you live with. Kassian and Ryan need to sit in my opinion. Kassian is 11-14 at five-on-five, Ryan is 3-14.
Away from Ryan, at five-on-five, Edmonton is 45-37, +8.
The Oilers boast a nice list of actual NHL players now, led by McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge, Puljujarvi, Hyman up front, and Nurse, Ceci and Bouchard on defense.
I think Barrie, Foegele, McLeod and Yamamoto are capable of playing in prominent positions. This team isn’t far away, but it’s becoming obvious some of the veterans are a drag on the team and must be replaced.
The Oilers have two games in hand on the Calgary Flames, but are three points behind and trail marginally in winning percentage.
That said, it’s a good day for the team to reassess in some areas. Kassian can’t keep making mistakes and stay in the lineup, and Ryan has played 19 games, giving up 14 goals allow the way (at five-on-five).
Speaking of the Flames, I’m constantly surprised at the rage some Oilers fans feel toward them. The best part of sports is to have a rival who is equally strong, and this year Calgary has done it, maybe too well.
After all those years of one Alberta team (or both) being in the ditch, why not embrace what should be a strong battle through the rest of the season?
Personally, I’m hoping the Oilers and Flames meet in the playoffs. Not because I know the Oilers would win the series, but rather because I don’t know the outcome.
That’s the best part of sports.
Have been unlucky to have missed the last 3 games. Has the situation got anything to do with the lower tier players fading off from contributing? Because that seems to happen year after year.
Also…Looks like Duncan Keith, that BlackHawks defenceman is missed more than advertised.
And that Penguins alleged reject Cody Ceci who was much hated around these parts when signed.
Methinks Broberg needs to be sent back to the AHL for his own protection as this is no situation to be learning how to play hockey. Bouchard will be fine.
Condors ended up losing 3-2 in a shootout tonight.
I didn’t watch, but Lavoie finished with 8 shots on the evening.
Rodrigue took the loss but allowed 2 goals on 34 shots, bringing his SV% up to .875.
Looking at Evan Bouchard compared to the league, it’s really pretty damn impressive (ArmchairGM’s been on this, and I’ve posted a few times about how he’d compare to this years eligible rookies). Still, I hadn’t quite realized how much he’s registering league wide.
Bouchard is 22GP 4-11-15 and +9.
He is:
Tied for 18th in points for defensemen
Tied for 12th in goals
Tied for 12th in even strength points (with 12, just 3 back of Hedman/Ekblad in 1st)
Tied for 6th in even strength goals
Tied for 15th in +/-
I know it was reported (Reid Wilkins tweet linked below) that Nurse was 7D today, but the practice writeup on the Oilers site didn’t mention that and listed the D pairs as:
Defence:
Nurse/Broberg – Bouchard
Niemelainen – Barrie
Lagesson – Russell
Considering Broberg-Bouchard have essentially never played together before, and Broberg was the #6D vs Seattle (tied with Niemelainen for least 5v5 TOI, but Niemelainen-Lagesson got 2nd PK minutes), I’m pretty optimistic Nurse will be back vs the Kings.
Here’s hoping. They sure could use him!
I see the Team coming together. As a Cup Contender. LEGITIMATE.
They are not there. But close. 2 parts? 5 parts? But close.
As fans we are in the window.
I believe KH and TIPPETT can do this. Maybe this year ….
I agree. They’re close and could make noise as soon as this spring.
They’re a good team today, and a couple of deadline additions could make a big difference. Growing contributions from the internal guys (McLeod, Broberg, Samorukov, Holloway, etc) could help a lot too.
Four shots already for Raphael Lavoie in the first period.
Olivier Rodrigue – P. U.
Bad goal?
Seems like reasonable numbers overall on the night (1GA on 13 shots).
It’s really surprising how awful the Condors goaltending has been so far this year. Hopefully Konovalov (and Rodrigue) can get on track sooner than later.
It’s impressive the Condors are .500 even given their main 2 goalies have SV%s in the .860s.
https://twitter.com/ontarioreign/status/1467347383004504070
He has made a couple plus saves though.
Yeah that’s a poor goal.
How is Samorukov playing?
How’s his skating?
I don’t think skating is an issue, I think keeping his legs moving is the issue. He was moving last night.
Max Wanner has assisted on both Moose Jaw goals as they lead the Oil Kings 2-1 in the first.
EDIT: One of his assists has been taken away.
Carter Savoie with an early assist as Denver leads 1-0. Savoie now has 21 points in his 14th game compared to 20 points in 24 games last year.
Petrov ended up with three assists tonight but Maximum Wanner is coming for him – 2 first period apples for the d-man!
Paul Almeida tweeted out a list of Top 10 points getters in Oilers silks.
Interesting to note that it is very likey that both McDavid and Draisaitl will pass Gretzky for the top spot before all is said and done.
They are both already in the top 10 list.
I hadn’t looked that far ahead, but I was looking at the all time list recently. It’s likely McDavid and Draisaitl will be 5th and 7th in all time Oilers scoring by the end of this season. Impressive. Nuge is 10th as well IIRC.
Ovechkin with #750.
NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) Tweeted:
Alex Ovechkin (79 GP) needed the fewest games to go from 700 goals to 750 – accomplishing the feat faster than Gordie Howe (106 GP), Wayne Gretzky (116 GP) and Jaromir Jagr (182 GP).
#NHLStats: https://t.co/OauF28PJHy
https://twitter.com/PR_NHL/status/1467316679206129665?s=20
Our FW’s sure don’t block shots at 5×5 hey?
Here are the Oiler ranks for shots blocked/60 amongst the 384 fw’s with the most ice time (32×12)
62
144
214
277
333
336
340
378
380
Tortorella wouldn’t like this team
62 is….?
Nuge blocked a shot once. He was out a long time.
lol,
yeah, I’m not big on them in the reg season for that very reason (injuries).
They do reveal a commitment level though. Players sure appreciate when their teammates block.
MacT was big on them. Remember the rubber pucks practice?
I’m not great at remembering plays from the past like many here are.
But I think I remember that one because I remember thinking, that was one weird shot block. Hands down by his skates for some odd reason.
Yep. Too skilled to be doing that, but he’s a game rooster.
That’s nuts….
https://thecomeback.com/nhl/matt-hendricks-tweets-picture-of-his-cup-after-taking-slap-shot-to-the-nuts.html
That was wild
I got:
72
177
194
237
261
294
297
355
376
(of 384 players)
The median (192nd) forward only had 7 blocks, and only 15 forwards had more than 15 blocks. This isn’t something any forwards are doing a lot of, so I’m not sure if we can glean much from it.
Sceviour and Shore don’t make the top 384 TOI cutoff, but would be 94th and 261st on the list FWIW.
NST?
Ryan is now at 61. It’s updating as the games tonight are ending.
Do you glean much from giveaways, takeaways, penalties drawn, penalties taken, rebounds created, rush attempts, points, goals, first assists, second assists, total assists? cuz there are more blocked shots than all of those
It could be the updated games I guess. But isn’t Nuge the guy around 60th and Ryan the one around 140th? Or are we somehow looking at totally different things? (I am looking at 5v5 blocked shots on NST, so I don’t know where the difference is coming from).
Uh.. In some cases yes, others no.
Some of these things (goals, assists, points) are very obviously more tied to winning hockey games than blocks are.
In other cases, no I don’t glean much from them. Maybe looking at the top players in things like takeaways, penalties taken/drawn, etc.
You seem to be making the case that more blocks = more commitment to the defensive side. So in a more specific example, effectively that Nuge (11 blocks), Scevior (10) and Ryan (8) are more committed to D than Draisaitl (2 blocks), Puljujarvi (4) and Hyman (4). I don’t think that’s fair or true.
If you look at the team level (NHL.com), the Oilers are 24th in the league in blocked shots per 60, so bottom third of the league (used /60 since they’ve played fewer games than most teams).
The 8 teams behind them are (with ranks in points % and GAA):
Winnipeg 16th Pts%, 12th GAA
Boston 13th, 7th
Florida 1st, 10th
Buffalo 26th, 31st
Calgary 3rd, 1st
Toronto 5th, 2nd
St. Louis 14th, 15th
Carolina 8th, 3rd
Aside from Buffalo, all of the teams are average or better both overall and defensively (including the top 3 defensive teams in the league). I don’t think blocks are an indicator of commitment level.
I was using BS/60 as I had mentioned
“Some of these things (goals, assists, points) are very obviously more tied to winning hockey games than blocks are.”
no no JP, I wasn’t suggesting value comparison of the stats I was saying that if you don’t glean much from the blocked shots stats because of the AMOUNT of them then how can you glean much from any of those other stats because there are even less of them.
anyway, all good.
That’s maybe a little fuzzy way of sussing out commitment level no?
“You seem to be making the case that more blocks = more commitment to the defensive side. So in a more specific example, effectively that Nuge (11 blocks), Scevior (10) and Ryan (8) are more committed to D than Draisaitl (2 blocks), Puljujarvi (4) and Hyman (4). I don’t think that’s fair or true.”
I feel that’s a bit of an uncharitable interpretation of my post.
Of course it’s not THE barometer of commitment level. I said that it reveals, “a” commitment level, as in 1 of many other ways to show commitment level.
But, imo, it absolutely is a way one can show how committed they are – or aren’t (I should insert here, I don’t want my stars blocking shots, and as I said, I am not huge on them in the reg season if playoff spot isn’t in jeopardy). Sacrificing some pain to prevent the puck getting to the net. It hurts.
Take, ‘the wall’ for example in soccer. The ball is screaming at your head, what are you going to do? Commit to the block to possibly prevent a goal or duck away. Commitment level, or whatever you are willing to call it.
My bad about missing you say blocks/60.
Yeah I may have been a bit uncharitable there. But I still take take your posts as saying (at least a little bit) that the Oiler forwards lack of blocked shots reveals they are not committed as they could be.
If that wasn’t your intended conclusion then I apologize. If it was, well I still disagree that the number of blocks is informative.
alright, and i’m comfortable leaving it there. all good all good
It’s so hard for me now
But I’ll make it somehow
Though I know I’ll never be the same…
Love that tune and somewhat apropo given four and a half hours of pre- op assessment yesterday morning. Lots of tests and every orifice, both known and unknown – poked, prodded and swabbed followed by interesting chats with the proceduralist, the anesthetist and the head of RUH cardiac surgery. Felt like College of Medicine 101.
Basically BP 125/80 and a 72 resting rate. Music! And good to go for the bypass on Dec.16. Merry fucking Xmas. Ho Ho Ho!. I’m actually very fortunate given the quality of the surgical team and the fact a lot of very necessary surgeries for a lot of people are in limbo because of the current situation.
As for much more music, I’m highly recommending Get Back. But don’t cue it up at 10pm like I did – if you want to get in the sack before 5:00am.
As for the Oilers…they can lick anybody coming out of the gate playing like Snarky Puppy. Larnell Lewis (Toronto boy and Humber College music alum) Monster drummer among several prodigies. Lingus…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_XJ_s5IsQc
Good to hear Melvis
Godspeed
Awesome, Melvis!
Right on Melvis!
I am glad to hear this Melvis, “welcome back”. After going through my newborn’s heart surgeries until his definitive procedure 2 1/2 yrs later, I quickly developed so much respect for the Health Care profession and specifically those in cardiology and PICU’s (I spent about 6 weeks in there, witnessed far too many sad scenes). My son is 27, with only minor issues (but 3 scares) to date.
By boss’s visiting father had a heart attack in front of him in August. My boss had to give him CPR in front of his 5 yr old daughter in his garden. Good thing this happened on a weekend when he was home.
He seemed very healthy and he was always apparently an energetic and positive 77 year old, this is often an insidious thing that seemingly happens out of the blue. It was touch and go, but he survived….
Sounds like you’re in good hands Melvis.
Get Back real soon 🙂
“Though I know I’ll never be the same” … Indeed! You’ll be better, with a new improved ticker for the playoffs.
Petrov continues his apple parade with a first-period assist as North Bay takes a 3-0 lead.
Has now been credited with another assist from the first period.
And Petrov collects a third-period aPPle. North Bay wins 5-1.
Six assists in two nights for Petrov.
Really tired of all the whining and sniveling about 4 missing Dmen, you’d think a knowledgable fan base would have a more mature response than ongoing bellyaching for days and days. Woe is me. Give it a rest. Suck it up. Let the slackass players start the game on time. Let the players show some urgency instead of the la-di-da we observe for the first 2 periods.
Seattle was missing 2 top scorers, Eberle and Schwartz, Cap’n Gio and Jarnkrok. Dave Haskol quoted in the Seattle Times said, “Nobody cares if you have injuries, 2 points are on the line”.
Well said Dave.
But…But…… Kelfbom, who’s probably laying on a private beach as we speak.
5 actually, but who’s counting, lol.
FWIW, the Dmen have not been the actual problem.
There’s a huge difference between elevating a second line player to top line vs having injuries go so deep that your number 6 defensemen is filling in for your number2 on his off side
The Bourg strikes again, this time on the PP to tie the game at 2 in the second. 20th goal of the campaign.
Being the charitable soul he is, he lets teammates score too, assisting on a PP marker to give the Cataractes a 4-2 lead in period three.
But then The Bourg decided to assimilate even more scoring, adding another PP goal to give him a hat trick to go along with his aPPle.
After a recent slump, The Bourg now has 7 points on the weekend so far.
NEW for The Athletic: Evan Bouchard’s first full NHL season a learning experience. He’s real and he’s spectacular.
https://theathletic.com/2996204/2021/12/04/lowetide-evan-bouchards-first-full-nhl-season-a-learning-experience/
feel free to pin this to the top of the comments LT- it’s not game day..:)
E-mail it to Pronman! -).
Nurse/Klef
Keith/Ceci
KooKoo
Andersson/Hanifin
Tanev/Kylington
Gudbranson
If Sutter was missing that on his back end no one would be praising Calgary.
To be fair, Klefbom’s cap space is being used for one of Keith or Ceci, so technically, you are really double counting one guy if you include Klef.
If I’m looking for two players that would have a huge impact for the Edmonton Oilers I’m looking at Rackell & Manson
Now, I have no idea what they would cost, my guess would be Broberg – Bourgault, a 1st & Tyson Barrie for cash in & cash Out but it’s a Deal I’d still make.
I think this is what the Oilers are badly missing.
I would also like to clarify that I would only make this deal if both players signed an extension.
The Oilers right side needs stability.
I also believe the Oilers 3rd C search is over.
just one fans opinion.
Yes – both Rakell and Manson would be ideal. I’d still target Gibson as well.
Figuring out the deal would be tricky – but around here prospects worth anything at all tend to be sacred in the comments section.
I’d rather watch Cup victories than worship prospect development myself…
There was no chance Kale Clague was going to be available where the Oilers were in the waiver order but I wonder if Holland had put in a claim.
The Bourg opens the scoring in the first with his 19th goal of the season.
I think we should pump the brakes on the Holloway chatter. It’s almost certain he plays zero games here this year. He hasn’t played a single pro game. In fact, he only played 23 NCAA games last season.
Definitely agree except I don’t think its a certainty that he doesn’t play NHL games this season.
Its probably more likely that he doesn’t, you know, as you say, given he’s played zero pro games and, of course, is 20 and, by the time he gets his first game, it’ll have been close to a year off.
At the same time, he does have attributes that may help translate to the NHL level earlier than many – his size, speed, physical maturity, etc.
It’ll be very intriguing to see how he does at the AHL level when he starts up.
I pretty much agree too.
So let me play devil’s advocate for a moment: Cole Caufield stepped into the NHL right out of NCAA, with barely 2 warm-up AHL games in between. He was a key piece in getting the Habs to the Finals last year. Holloway scored at the same pace as Caufield last year in Wisconsin, and Holloway has a more NHL-ready frame.
(Of course, Caufield has had his struggles this year.)
If Holloway doesn’t get the injury he’s on the team taking a regular shift.
Tweet from @ReidWilkins: Lines:
Hyman-McDavid-Puljujarvi
RNH-Draisaitl-Yamamoto
Foegele-Ryan-Sceviour
Benson-McLeod-Kassian
Perlini-Shore-Turris
Yes elevating Ryan is the answer I was looking for. 🤦♂️
Derek Ryan is not an NHL player anymore based on abilities, why they have him as 3C is wild.
McLeod and Foegele should be joined at the hip.
Nurse was 7D at practice today and, if there isn’t any risk, I wouldn’t be adverse to running 7D. I’d be all for Kassian sitting for a game and Benson in for Perlini.
I’m usually quite against 11F unless its a huge schedule break, as McDavid/Drai play enough, but I think Kassian needs to be sent a real message after last night. That was so bad.
As for McLeod vs. Ryan, I’d prefer to keep the younger at 3C but, really, he’s been very meh the last couple of games as well since his came off his heater.
Trying to go with two 3B lines instead of a 3A and a 4F?
Tweet from @ReidWilkins: D pairings:
Broberg-Bouchard
Niemelainen-Barrie
Lagesson-Russell
Nurse the 7thD today.
I am intrigued by these pairings.
On the bright side, we have virtually all the core pieces here. We are basically looking for additions to the bottom of the order. I would be very interested in Lehkonen from Montreal. Asset costs would be affordable and he should be available.
The Habs have a player for every budget. All 3 players play either wing.
Toffoli 29, 3 x $4.25m 25-20-45pts
Armia 28, 3 x $3.4m 15-15-30pts
Lehkonen 26, 1 x $2.3m +RFA 15-15-30pts
If we’re looking for a pure rental:
Mathieu Perreault, Center, as a rental AVV $950K
Career CF% 58.9 Career FO% 50.7
Could be what we hoped Derek Ryan was going to be. Same age as Ryan.
Better offensively than Ryan. Would drop Ryan to 4C (or to Bakersfield)
Excellent choice
Lehkonen is a guy whose work rate is really good. He almost reminds me of Hyman in some ways. A less skilled Hyman.
Last season of the top 372 FW’s (31 teams x 12) in 5×5 ice time Lehkonen was 57th in IHDCF/60, this season he is 25th (out of 384).
This is the Brendan Gallagher stat – reigning champ 3 years running.
Hyman btw has ranked 7th, 5th, 5th, and is running 5th again this season
Thanks very much for the post. As usual, thought provoking analysis, even when we lose. Sorry to go a little off base, but I have always wondered about the nickname”KY”and why it has appeared odd to me. Additionally, many folks on the site appear to use it. Therefore, I finally googled “KY” to be certain about what I was considering. Ýup, that may be one of the more unique descriptors of a sports athlete I have heard in a while. Unfortunately, I think I may have also just revealed my naive side. LOL
He is a slippery little fellow
Or revealed that you’re so good you’ve never had a need for it..
Oh my, I wish.
I will admit that that ignorance can truly be bliss though.
And yes, a “slippery little fellow.” One definite upvote for that retort.
Yamamoto needs a better agent! Kailer Yamamoto – “KY” this is the best add campaign ever.
Kassian, Barrie, and Samorukov for Jeff Petry.
No. Just no.
I would do this deal.
I don’t think Montreal would.
Will be interesting to see what direction Jeff Gorton takes the Canadiens in.
Remember his open letter to NYR fans.
“So as we do every season, we have been continuously evaluating our team, looking for areas that can be improved to enhance our chances of winning. We began the process of reshaping our team this past summer, when we traded for assets that we believe will help us in the years to come. As we approach the trade deadline later this month and into the summer, we will be focused on adding young, competitive players that combine speed, skill and character. This may mean we lose some familiar faces, guys we all care about and respect. While this is part of the game, it’s never easy. Our promise to you is that our plans will be guided by our singular commitment: ensuring we are building the foundation for our next Stanley Cup contender.”
Here is a link to the entire letter.
https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/a-message-from-glen-sather-and-jeff-gorton-about-our-team/c-295742648
I also think we might be on Petry’s 15 team no trade list
Co’mon now,
what makes you think that?
New regime in Edmonton. The Oilers have McDraivid and will be contenders. Montreal is a rebuild.
Petry and Ceci would be mentors for breaking in all the young left D.
Petry has a broader skillset than Barrie.
Would Montreal want Kassian back with the organization under any circumstances..?
I’m somewhat skeptical
From your lips to Gorton’s ears.
Petry has had strong CF% and CF% rel with the Habs. Not a lot of injuries.
ATOI consistently at 23minutes.
Not sure of the cap implications across the next 4 years but Kassian + Barrie out / Petry in immediately makes us a better team imo.
It’s the interpersonal stuff that makes the deal unlikely; Kass’s history in Montreal and Petry’s history in Edmonton
This is a terrible trade, for both teams.
Petry is definitely not interested in coming back to Edmonton.
I’d say Kenny is targeting Philly for Giroux and Yandle for a playoff drive.
Isn’t one Tyson Barrie enough? You want two. A team cannot carry two D who cannot PK. A team cannot carry two PP specialists.
Arguably a contending team cannot carry even one offense only specialist on D.
it’s becoming obvious some of the veterans are a drag on the team and must be replaced.
I agree. And I agree that Kassian and maybe Ryan should sit. But how do you replace them in the long run? It’s not like Benson or Lavoie or Marody are really grabbing the reins. And in-season trades are tough in a cap environment. Trading a young d-man for an established 3C means taking on cap space.
Tampa had to pay a heavy price (a mid-first-rounder) for a year and a half of a very affordable Blake Coleman. We could probably afford a fourth-rounder, which might get us the 2022 version of Jerred Smithson.
Holloway could fix a lot of this, but that is a big unknown, and big pressure on a young man. Younger players have their ups but also their downs….as we saw with Skinner last night.
Not defending the player…defending the play.
What did you not like about Kassian’s play on the Blackwell goal? He received a breakout pass cleanly on his backhand side. He pushed up the wall outside the zone and saw support from McLeod. He executed a perfect backhand saucer pass two feet in the air that was going to land on 71s stick with the neutral zone in front of him.
Blackwell just happened to pick it cleanly out of the air and beat two extremely slow defensemen right down the middle.
Of course it’s maddening because he “turned a puck over” that led to a goal but I do pose the question, what would have liked to see him do differently…not in hindsight but in actual real time.
Kassian turned over the puck instead of taking a hit to get the puck out of the zone or make a play. I don’t want to get hit, so I’m going to throw the puck into the middle of the ice.
Kassian had not cleared the D zone when he threw the puck into the middle of the ice to avoid a hit.
This is completely absurd. He attempted a pass and it got picked off.
It was a poor pass. End of story.
Uh what? I think by definition a “perfect backhand saucer pass” does not get intercepted at one’s own blueline. Make a stronger pass or keep skating the puck up the ice.
I actually have much less issue with this play. $hit happens. My biggest issue is actually with the coach – he should have been benched after the Larsson goal. If that happens, Kassisn doesn’t make the second play.
The continued pathetic effort after the pathetic effort on Larsson. It was not an isolated event.
But then it is six years of pathetic effort 95% of the time.
That’s a shame that the responses to this are negative. One of the reasons I have time for HH is because some people here really do need to work on their resistance to group think. People should want to learn and I can promise no one voting this down actually went and watched the play again.
Kassian received a rim pass, on the backhand while standing still and skated it to the blue line. Riley Sheahan angled him off at full speed so he wasn’t going to gain another foot. The puck did get out unlike what a poster says above. Carson Soucy sat perfectly in the neutral zone removing any chance of a bank pass to the stretched Foegle. There was one outlet and one play that every single NHL player would make there and that’s the backhand sauce to McLeod. It was the exact right play executed well and was knocked out of mid air by Sheahan.
At the time of the knock down Kassian and Blackwell were parallel and both reacted at exactly the same time. McLeod skates 10 more feet further and Russell just comes into the picture not having pivoted yet. Kassian reaches and misses Sheahan’s pass to Blackwell by a foot.
Barrie STILL hasn’t reacted and continues skating forward into the picture and 2-3 seconds after the turnover he reverse pivots but can’t get up to speed.
Kassian will get blamed by the lazy fan but I can guarantee the video session won’t be kind to 22.
(Saying all that he should be healthy scratched on the Larsson coverage which was soooo terrible)
Thought the bank pass up the boards was available early. Otherwise, I saw what you saw.
You are correct
I watched that play in real time and sending it up the Left boards was THE play he needed to make. His decisions are aggravating.
He needs to make the safe play and his tendency is to make risky plays. With all the tools available to learn and grow, he is is simply not doing so. He needs to be moved for a player that can consistently make the right play. Jeff Carter please…
I’m not sure that Kass could be moved in connection with a Carter deal without the Oilers retaining but Carter would be available if the Pens fall well out and would be an excellent target.
Ryan and Kassian need some time upstairs. I do think Niemelainen has played his way into the top 6.
can’t agree more…
Holloway being able to play,
Holloway being able to play in the NHL,
Holloway being able to play top 9 minutes.
Solves all kinds of problems for this roster.
Gods speed young man.
Florida’s solution to the 2c spot? Anton Lundell (drafted 2 spots ahead of Holloway). Dawson Mercer (drafted 4 spots after Holloway) is playing 2c in Jersey. He has 6 goals and 14 points in 22 games.
Let’s all wish Holloway’s scaphoid bone a speedy recovery.
It would make the to do list a lot easier to accomplish.
3C or 2W?
3c is an easy fit.
If you put him in the top six at LW, then you could move Hyman over to RW.
However, Nuge and McDavid is not a good match.
Also, I don’t think we’d want to put Holloway right into the 97 minutes.
I also agree with LT that the Nuge is wasted on the third line, since he’s a better complimentary player than a line driver.
That leaves 3c.
I don’t think LW for 97 is a big minutes ask, as Draisaitl should steal a shift there every period plus post PK. Would be tough competition, but with unbelievable good line mates.
Yamamoto, who I love, would be my choice to join Foegle and McLeod one the 3d line. His production since the intial call up hot streak has been more in line with a 3d line player.
Yamo has to be played lower in the batting order and promoted to the top 6 for spot duty when injuries happen. I believe he’ll be very affective in the bottom 6. Leon needs a shooter on his line someone who’ll drive to the paint.
I could see Holloway as 3C next season with McLeod on LW and Foegele on RW
Injured prospects are like…. Better not to get ones hopes up too much.
JF Crazy Train fan
#BeetlejuiceEffect
Principe is such a legend, his egg “kraken” bit last night was peak Principe
I wonder why H.H dislikes Gene so much they must of had a run-in sometime in the past. I love Gene he might be corny as hell but he’s unique and he’s all ours. When he interviews the players you can tell they really like him. I sure miss listening to Rod Phillips then the post game with John Short.
Not to mention, every time the Oil are on the road, you can tweet Gene and he will meet you just to say hello.I’ve met him on Long Island a few times, same with MSG.
Today is just the second day *all season* that the Oilers haven’t been at the top of the Pacific division by points percentage.
It’s incredible what a millstone Derek Ryan is.
When would be an opportune time to address that issue?
10 games ago.
Agreed, 10 games ago.
I suspect we soon see a young dman shipped out to address the Ryan/Kassian issue.
Is he hurt or did the cliff come for him in game 4? Possible that once the NHL got up to full speed, he could not any more. Looks done by eye – except on the PK – and is worse by stats.
5v5 GA/60:
4.95 Derek Ryan
4.02 Oilers PK
3.98 Slater Koekkoek
3.88 Devin Shore
3.75 Zack Kassian
3.72 Kyle Turris
…Giving up a goal per 60 more than the PK is pretty spectacular.
We knew Turris Kassian Shore and Koekkeck were no Good.
What did 90% of us say abiut the Kassian signing? TOO MUCH $$$ & TERM for a player being zoomed.
Shore had the worst Analytics of any NHL player last year.
Turris? Hot trash.
Koekkeck? Should be #9 D.
I had higher Hopes for Ryan. He reminds me of Marc Arcobello ; as in GAWD AWFUL
I liked Arcobello, he just needed to be 13F/utility forward and not 2C.
Ryan makes some good plays but overall, agreed, is getting caved. I wouldn’t completely give up on him but think some press box time is warranted.
It may have been injury related but he Ryan was scratched after he came back from his initial injury.
I don’t think he should be having fatigue issues at this point but maybe he’s not 100% or even close thereto.
If that’s the case, and his game suffers because of it, well, yes, press box time for sure.
Great to see Lagesson have a good game.
William Lagesson: … “The Oilers dominated possession on his watch, with a 19-5 advantage in shot attempts and an 11-2 bulge in shots on goal during his 15 minutes at even strength.” Admittedly, a lot of this was with Bouchard, but it also included the 3rd period with Russell.
From McCurdy’s article: https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/player-grades-young-defenders-play-well-not-enough-teammates-follow-suit-as-oilers-fall-to-kraken
I like his choice of words in evaluating Russell, “He’s done”
<insert pause>
“a lot of heavy lifting this last while, and on Friday it looked like those minutes may have caught up to him…”
I think LT nailed it in the write-up today.
For me, if Kassian isn’t dressed last night, the Oilers might win that game. I’m not kidding, one player, a forward, may have cratered the night. Nope, the goalie didn’t bail him out but there should have been nothing to bail out.
I’m still more “mad” at the first mistake – the Larsson goal – that was just pure trash effort and commitment. The 2nd mistake, the giveaway, that was a poor play/decision but the 1st one, was the give a shit meter issue.
Not acceptable.
The other issue with the team is that Derek Ryan is Riley Sheahan. Helping on the PK and faceoffs but becoming unplayable at 5 on 5.
Is Turris better? I mean, can we go:
Foegele/McLeod/Marody
Benson/Sceviour/Turris
To me the Larsson goal seemed a total brain cramp / misread of the situation more than anything.
Kassian seemed to be playing on autopilot as forwards are taught if the defenceman is at the blue line (to block the pass across) whereas in reality the defenceman was driving for the net with no one between him and the goalie, where, like a defenceman, you should put yourself between.
I can’t give him the benefit of that doubt (i.e. brain cramp) considering that play was not a one-off or rare exception. Shit, its not even just a pattern, its a consistent lack of effort and commitment.
Brain cramp may have been too generous; more accurate might be lack of defensive hockey sense generally, which is not really to give him the benefit of the doubt.
My point is it’s more lack of intelligence that was/is more the problem than lack of effort.
Honestly, to my eyes it seemed like McDavid was fighting puck decisions all night. If he had just alil more success with his thoughts the Oilers walk away with a wort filled win.
Also, Skinner and the horrendously bad first goal while Grubs robbed Jesse with the open net goal in the 3rd.
Hockey Gords wanted to give the Kraken fans a lil slice of heaven.
Reminded me when Yak scored and the Oilers somehow beat the Kings. Closest feeling we got to the playoff.
Hard to imagine a player earning a trip to the press box more than Kassian last evening. Also hard to imagine Tippett sending him there.
He’s good in the room
The press box is a room. He is best in that room. 😀
Niemelainen… Play him every game, hits everything like they insulted his mother. Makes giant 2 stride pinches at the blue line before hustling back. Man played like he never wants to see Bakersfield again.
He also abandons the slot like he could handle some more time in Bakersfield.
(Aside from that stickless rookie panic moment, I thought he played very well.)
If that’s a good enough reason to send him down to the minors the Oilers should consider rotating all their defenders through Manson’s house of defense.
Yes. More would be very good.
This team needs at least 1 d-man to strike some fear into the opposition. He laid to beauty hits last night and he has been doing this all year in Bake…not an anomalyly
Niemelainen is Finnish for “Oilers Logan Stanley”
That would be a fabulous result.
I was too tired to hunt the game down, sounds like that was a lucky plan!
It will be interesting to see what if anything Holland does. There is too much to address all possible upgrades thanks cap.
Surprisingly it seems the forward group is the weak link still or again. Another D is likely in the plans but I think there are bigger issues up front at least right now. A shooter for the top 6 that isn’t a defensive liability, a 3C to push The Highlander and Ryan down, a bottom 6 winger to push Kassian down.
To me Bro and Niems, Kooks returning, and Samu pushing as well are more serviceable options than Perlini, Turris, Kassian and Ryan are in the forward group at the bottom of the roster.
Holloway is probably a distant bell for this season poor kid. I suppose if he gets healthy he could blow the doors off and make it a no brainer. I’m thinking it may not be a good idea to call him up unless the wrist is 100%. Whatever is least risky for his long term outlook.
You could swap Foegele and Yamo, I’m not sure that fixes the bottom 6 though, which is the main issue.
This is where having good pro scouts would make it possible to trade and upgrade in a cost effective way. Oh well. I doubt Holland is aggressive enough anyway to rock the boat. Even though it is the correct thing to do. Being buds is awesome, but keeping ineffective players for culture reasons probably does the opposite of what they think. They all know who isn’t getting it done.
Connor Darnell and Leon are foaming at the mouth, I’m sure they would rather win better and increase playoff odds, and shed a few goodbye tears in getting there.
The Flames are consistent as can be. They play the same way from start to finish every game . They play every game like it’s a playoff game . Oilers should take notice .
Imagine if the Oilers played that way.
Makes me wonder. Maybe the Flames fade, but they are opposite to the Oilers, struggling players finding their games, committed play.
The Oilers, lots of players struggling to play well, inconsistency, lots of mistakes.
The Flames have gone to OT a lot. Not a good sign for them. I see it partly as a lack of high end skill, they can’t break open games like the good guys can, when Lady Luck smiles.
The Oilers lack discipline and pro scouts. And a modern analytics department.
The Flames go to OT a lot because they are in every game thanks to their style of play.
You say they lack high end skill but they do have 2 players over 1PPG and a couple more within spitting distance.
While they don’t have a McDavid or Draisaitl their scoring is much more balanced with significant contributions from their bottom 6 forwards.
Sean Monahan and Milan Lucic have a total of 21 points with Dube, Coleman and Lewis adding another 22 points while the Oilers entire bottom 6 has scored only 18 points depending on where Jesse and/or Kassian are slotted.
Foegele and Kassian have 17 points between them. The ‘entire bottom 6’ has 26 points.
Coleman should be subtracted from your list since he plays top 6.
True at the moment. As SH% evens out as we go, I’m not sure they can sustain their scoring level. 3 of their top 6 scorers are shooting a good bit above norm and don’t have track records of elite scoring. The 3 at normal aren’t going to light the league up.
Where as when the Oilers duo cool off they will still be elite scorers, if they do cool off. And Nuge will likely come out of his SH% funk as Hyman regresses. JP is setting his norms now who knows, Yamo has 5 goals, on pace for about 20 which is where he should be. The Oilers aren’t likely to cool off much in scoring IMO.
We’ll see, but not winning in regulation enough isn’t a good sign. It’s odd given the goal diff and currently balanced scoring the Flames have. Their special teams are at normal levels, no recovery to be found there. Their goalies aren’t going to get any hotter.
Of the top 10 teams in regulation wins, here are OT games ranked by number and 5v5 SV%, PDO to give some context (NST):
Panthers 4-3 / 9.266 / 1.014
Caps 0-6 / 9.275 / 1.035
Flames 1-5 / 9.509 / 1.026
Leafs 3-1 / 9.376 / 1.016
Wild 3-1 / 9.125 / 1.015
Rags 1-3 / 9.338 / 1.017
Canes 1-1 / 9.283 / 1.016
Oilers 1-0 / 9.113 / 1.000
Kniggits 1-0 / 9.118 / 1.003
Avs 0-1 / 9.065 / 1.002
What I see is that if I’m a Caps Panthers or Flames fan, is too many Bettmans running those SV% and PDOs. Too many games they couldn’t close out or had to come back in. Panthers have been luckier but they aren’t as solid as their start might suggest. Leading the best teams in the league so far in OT games isn’t a feather in their caps.
Oiler fans know that means no good in the playoffs. I see the Caps as aging out and sloppy again without Trotz. They have top talent. The Panthers have good players but are loose like the Oilers going by GA (EDIT* 65 GA All game states, same as Oilers), and are lucky.
To me the Flames lack elite scoring,and their great goal diff is from having so many shut outs. But when the goalie isn’t standing on his head something isn’t jiving.
The teams that have the most chance to improve are the bottom 3 in the list, as SV% improves to closer to normal. Given the SV% if you’re a betting man, the Flames are the most likely to cool off, followed by Leafs and Rags.
At 5v5 it appears the Flames bottom 6 has 26 points to 22 for the Oilers bottom 6.
Imagine a team this skilled playing start to finish with effort and structure like a Sutter team does. Thing of beauty.
I’d love to see Calgary ice a defense corps missing their entire starting left side, their best defender on the right side while icing 4 rookies.
Do people think Calgary would still be just as amazing?
PS: Oilers are desperate for an honest to goodness bonafide NHL goalie that they can count on in the playoffs. Koskinnen is a fine backup. That is all. Mike Smith is too brittle. Maybe Skinner steps up, but this is one of those “cup window” seasons that are going to be hard to repalce down the road if they’re blown today, yano?
Nice to see Nuge under 20 minutes.
Had a good game. Looked like one of the most energetic Oilers, first on loose pucks, strong with puck. Coincidence?
Detroit Buffalo + Seattle. Oilers can be had by poor teams who are prepared to die trying to keep up but who haven’t really got a clue how to go about doing it.
Meanwhile Oilers are beating up nearly every “quality” team they face. Coincidence? I think not.
The “good” teams welcome the chance to play real hockey vs McDavid’s Raiders – unfortunately for them, they usually discover that they’re not quite as good as they want to be. Good for Oilers fans though.
I bet if we come out hard and score first in those three games we win at least 2 if not all 3 of them. If you get up on poor teams early they get deflated and know they can’t come back against a team like the Oilers. Slow starts have been a problem almost every game, even the ones where we have scored first.
Goalies “cough cough”
The Bulin Wall would be good for the Oilers right now. And who will ever forget that torrid start with Cam Barker’s world class goal?
Yamamoto can give a lot more effort than he has been giving.
I feel he had good game last night. He was being mugged and stood up for himself. He was extremely tenacious on the forecheck.
Interesting. For me, that’s how he normally plays (and why I think he’s effective and a contributor even when not producing) but I found he was not playing that game last night and it was one of the weaker efforts in that regard I can remember from Kailer.
Is Yamo the biggest disappointment so far this season?
His offensive zone penalties hurt. Hyman and JP attack without all the penalities
Yes, and those penalties may be a function of a reduced work rate. Stick penalties, reaching penalties sometimes are.
Remember when he used to almost get inside a guys shirt and take pucks away. He would get amazingly close to someone without clattering skates somehow (there are some benefits to being a small forward).
The two fellows you mentioned who attack without the penalties certainly don’t lack work rate
Did you know that Hyman’s taken 7 minors this year, Puljujarvi 5 and Yamamoto 4?
Oilers have to start games like they finish them. They would steamroller teams if they played like they have for their last two 3rd periods.
Skinner’s mistakes I put down to him having a little too much faith that nobody would either give the puck away here, or let a man beat them to the front of the net there. I think he needs a little more cynicism in his game.
Exactly!
Maybe they could trade Kassian & Ryan to the Bruins for Debrusk . Shore & Seviour can cover 4c . Wouldn’t that just be the cat’s derriere .
Kassian is a hard to replace type of player. He’s not some plug that needs getting shut of.
Kassian is easy to replace. Any reliable replacement level player is better.
The OIlers would be a better team without Kassian in the lineup.
The problem is that Kassian is difficult to get rid of because of his contract.
If you don’t like Kassian I highly doubt you’ll enjoy debrusk. That’s a sideways move at best
Difference is DeBrusk doesn’t come with a $3.2M X 2 commitment.
Right now, the team would be better without Kassian in the lineup. I don’t think its always like that but its becoming more often that not – his mistakes, mental, physical, other, are becoming consistent.
I don’t mind this.
The only player you listed that I value is Seviour, and he’s certainly replaceable.
I wouldn’t qualify Debrusk, and it’d be like getting out of Kassian’s contract 2 seasons sooner.
He might even be willing to sign for less on a prove himself contract.
Maybe, but at that point he could sign a ‘prove himself’ contract in LA, like AA did.
It is possible, but I wouldn’t factor it into the trade. Holland could also just, you know, use that hypothetical money on someone who doesn’t need to prove himself.
Correct that may happen. But the old man is here along with a better chance at a SC. I can’t see this trade happening for Kassian and Ryan. Maybe if we retain some money.
Veterans were the problem last night, not the young dmen.
Really liked the Bouchard Lagesson pairing. Best game I’ve seen from Lagesson. As for Bouchard, you know he’s gonna put up points, but I’m watching his play in the dzone to evaluate him. Thought he was more assertive physically, and much quicker to engage last night. That’s what I’m looking for, on a consistent basis, from him.
Kassian was awful. Skinner wasn’t sharp. Hyman and Russell had some costly fumbles inside their blueline. The majority of the team managed the puck poorly. In all 3 zones.
End of story.
Detroit, Buffalo, Seattle….seems to be a common theme here that needs to be addressed!
With you 100% regarding the Flames LT. Sure, as a self respecting Oilers fan I don’t want them to be winning. But as Lansky said on your show a few weeks ago, I think it also makes both organizations and teams better. I’d love for us to be neck and neck for most of the season with us squeaking out first and then meeting them in the second round. Head to head I still like us in a 7 game series even with Sutter coaching their team. We’re close enough that Holland owes it to this team to shore up the weaknesses you’ve noted by the deadline.
I came to post my usual update, but see that LT did it.
I’ll do it anyhow because I can’t break habits.
EDM Goal Diff 22 gp (16-6-0)
EV Only (5v5,4v4,3v3)
97 w/o 29(12-10) 55%
29 w/o 97(13-7) 65%
97&29 On(13-7) 65%
93 w/o either(3-4) 43%
71(4-5) 44%
10(3-14) 18%
Other(2-5) 29%
Net EV -2
Special Teams:27-8
Net ST +19
Empty Net:6-5
Net EN +1
SO/PS 2-0
Net SO/PS +2
Goal Diff +20
Thanks for reading!
These are worth looking at twice anyways.
Agreed. I just have a policy of giving Darcy a hard time on general principles. He’s a gentleman, so I know he will take it in the spirit given. After enduring “why do you hate Smid?” for 15 years, I have license!
I’m right there with you on all of that.
Ya know, you never have told us why. I’m guessing Smid blocked in your vehicle and dinged the door at the Ponoka stampede.
Perhaps you can do the numbers on 44, will be ammunition for some.
Kassian w/ Ryan 3-7 30 GF%
Kassian w/ McD 5-2 71.43 GF%
Kassian w/o McD or Ryan 3-5 37.5 GF%
Kassian overall: 11-14 45.18GF%
Nah, I said my piece on 44, he’s playing poorly but has posted solid scoring numbers. I just think it’s time to play Sceviour, Benson and others over him. Sometimes even a veteran needs a reminder, and the coaches see better than me what his decisions cost the team. That’s far more troublesome for No. 44.
Nice to see that 97’s line is finally above water without 27!
It’s incredible that Drai’s line is doing as well as it is with the winger’s scoring issues. I wonder who their D partners usually are and how much scoring they’ve been doing
I think that is a large enough sample size for Ryan. It matches the eye test as well. Kenny and Dave must realize this. Perhaps Kassian and a draft pick could shake a center loose who can at least saw off the opposition.
McLeod is near .500 and improving. Holloway’s wrist has thrown a wrench into things as well. Hopefully it heals properly and he is contributing after the Olympic break.
The young d look promising. Broberg and Bouchard will be a treat to watch for years to come. It’s hard not to love Russell for his grit and warrior mentality but he needs to be the 6th or 7th dman when all is well with the world. Barrie is best suited for third pair and can spell Bouchard on the first pair if the youngster is having an off game. I’m not disparaging Nurse but I think the team misses Ceci more.
LT… Lol, I preferred the “late open night”, although moving Kassian to LW did leave me confused. Some solid ninja editing there.
Lol, I wrote late and slept in, had to do some late night (after 6pm) driving during the evening.:-)