Having written about the Oilers for most of the last 20 years, themes emerge. The most common one since 2003 is “Oilers didn’t play well and also lost” followed by “Oilers win despite not playing well” and “Oilers play well and lose.”
Among the most rare themes are “Oilers play well, win with 60-minute effort” and “Oilers play well, goalie is okay and they still lose” which is what we saw last night.
Edmonton’s numbers were good, that might be the most well played 5-1 loss in team history. That doesn’t mean Jack Doodley and it was the sixth loss in a row.
The problem is you develop a past. I’m not one little bit in favour of firing the coach, have made that point over the last several weeks. At some point, a debate over what happens next around a losing franchise can no longer be argued logically.
One time, when the Expos were in a slump, the owner told the general manager to trade the struggling second baseman. So the GM did. Tony Bernazard played almost 1,000 games after he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, and the Expos kept right on looking for a second baseman. Weird. stuff. happens. in a losing streak.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers still haven’t replaced Adam Larsson’s nasty edge and goal suppression ability
- DNB: Oilers’ 5-game losing streak highlights 5 glaring issues that need to be fixed
- Lowetide: If the losing continues will the Oilers make a coaching change?
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Carter Savoie’s comparables, why he wasn’t selected for the world juniors
- Lowetide: Markus Niemelainen winning Oilers recall battle
- DNB: Ethan Bear is rising above and thinking big
- Lowetide: Tyson Barrie’s contract and skill set make his Oilers future uncertain
- Lowetide: Oilers may find inspiration from 1993-94 Detroit Red Wings
- DNB: Several Oilers issues coming to a head
- Jonathan Willis: Which Oilers are on track to make their countries’ 2022 Olympic hockey teams?
- Lowetide: Evan Bouchard’s first full NHL season a learning experience
- 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: Is the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl even better than we think? A look at his stunning historic comparables
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 0-5-0)
- 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: 1-6-0, 2 points in 7 games
- Oilers in 2021-22: 16-11-0, 32 points in 27 games
Oilers really have fired a gigantic cannon of suck into a fine start, but are on track for finish the season with 97 points based on current trajectory. If the team can beat the Blue Jackets, Seattle, Los Angeles and New Jersey, plus grab a victory somewhere in the other games, it’ll be a 5-3-0 finish and 21-14-0 after 35. It’s going to be some time before the team gets back to real 10 games over .500 though. Incredibly, Edmonton remains in a playoff spot this morning.
MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE
- Mikko Koskinen stopped 20 of 25, on a night when the Oilers spent much of the evening far and away. The first goal was poor puck work by Darnell Nurse, the second poor positioning by Tyson Barrie, the third goal was deflected by Edmonton’s captain, the fourth was good passing, bad coverage and a quick release, the last one was Nuge not getting the puck out and a great shot by a great player.
- Cody Ceci played 21:22 and was 0-2 five-on-five, with 1:10 clean on the PK. He got beat around the back of the net by Nylander, but was late due to defending the cross slot pass. Not a major sin, but someone needed to interrupt Nylander. Also made a couple of errant passes.
- Duncan Keith played 21:12 and was 0-2 five-on-five, he had five shots on goal and a takeaway. I liked his game with Ceci, the team looked more prepared on breakouts. He didn’t stop the Nylander pass on the Reilly goal, but did get a pass to Nuge safely before 93 botched getting the puck out on the late Matthews goal.
- Darnell Nurse played 19:06, 1-1 goals five-on-five, had six shots, nine attempts and three giveaways. He had one great look and jumped into the play often. Nurse’s creativity with the puck is less abundant than it was last season, but he’s on track to post 4-43-47 in 82 games. He still won’t get any respect for his offense, but a 45+ point season is an accomplishment.
- Evan Bouchard played 15:04, 0-1 at five-on-five, 2:15 on the PK, 0-1 there. Two shots, four giveaways, he didn’t look sharp with the puck but he wasn’t responsible for the GA five-on-five. He’s on pace for 12-34-46 for a team who could boast several defenders with quality boxcars at the end of the year.
- Tyson Barrie played 14:12 five-on-five, 1-1 goals, two unproductive minutes on the power play. He did puck up an assist on the Sceviour goal, I did not see him good on the Simmonds goal. I wrote about replacing Adam Larsson on this team by the deadline, handling Simmonds better in the postseason will be vital.
- Markus Niemelainen played 10:16 five-on-five, going 0-1 goals. He took himself out of the play on the Simmonds goal, leaving his feet to block a shot, allowing Reilly to pass by him to Simmonds for the goal. Rookie mistake, young defensemen break your heart.
- Leon Draisaitl missed a wide open net, he’ll never miss that one again. My goodness. He played 17:24 at five-on-five, 0-2 goals. Took a penalty, drew a penalty, he was on for the Reilly goal and I didn’t see him in the frame until late. What happened? Don’t know. All of these minutes may be adding up. Has zero five-on-five points in the last five games.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played 16:58 at five-on-five, going 0-1 goals. Four giveaways, the most ghastly a late mistake that allowed Matthews’ third period goal. Had on HDSC. Has one five-on-five points in the last five games, it was a goal.
- Connor McDavid played 15:46, going 0-2 goals and tipping in the Brodie goal by mistake. Shyte happens, he’s saved more jobs than 10 presidents. Two shots, two hits, a takeaway. He didn’t wheel through the neutral zone much at all, TML did a good job staying tight. Seemed to be trying to do it all by himself, a sure sign of a player who is frustrated. Has one five-on-five point in the last five games.
- Kailer Yamamoto played 15:19, clean slate save for a hit, a giveaway and two blocked shots. He’s getting farther from the action every game. Whatever hockey’s Off Broadway is, that’s where you’ll find this young player currently.
- Warren Foegele played 14:34 and had some looks. Four shots, two high danger chances, he doesn’t have elite finishing skills but drives to the net with authority.
- Jesse Puljujarvi played 14:15 at five-on-five, going 0-1 goals (Reilly). He had three shots, four hits. Had one HDSC and was the most involved winger from the Oilers side. Has 1-1-2 five-on-five points in the last five games, he should be getting more playing time.
- Zack Kassian played 11:52 at five-on-five, going 1-1 goals, had an assist, a high-danger chance and a power-play that ended an Oilers power play. Four hits.
- Colton Sceviour played 11:16, going 1-0 goals five-on-five and he scored it. Had a good night, landed on the third line for a time.
- Derek Ryan played 9:24 going 1-0 at five-on-five, was on the ice for a PK goal against. He had two HDSC.
- Kyle Turris played 8:31 five-on-five, going 0-1 and just missed the net on one sortie.
- Tyler Benson played 8:21 five-on-five, going 0-1 with one shot and a takeaway.
- Devin Shore played 8:04 five-on-five, going 0-3 goals. How? Also took a penalty five miles from the Edmonton net.
FORWARDS
Draisaitl line should have had a goal, tough to get mad at Leon since he scores most every night. Maybe his angle was too good? The Ryan line was the third line on minutes and posted a positive goal share. For Ryan, that’s a major victory. You can see Colton Sceviour eating Kyle Turris’ lunch in real time. The McDavid line had the best expected goal share. I thought Tyler Benson was going to get Ryan McLeod and Kailer Yamamoto as linemates, alas it was Devin Shore and Kyle Turris. Still managed close to 50 percent expected goals.
DEFENSE
Keith-Ceci played a ton and truth to tell I liked their calm presence. Keith’s the better puck mover, that was on display and hopefully the pairing (and the team) have better puck luck against Columbus. Nurse-Bouchard and Niemelainen-Barrie had good numbers while also spending time digging the puck out of their own net. Edmonton’s five-on-five goal share is now 51-63, 44.7 percent. It was 35-37, 48.6 percent on November 18, meaning the Oilers at five-on-five are 16-26 (38 percent) in its last 11 games. I blame injuries for the most part, most Oilers fans blame the coach. We’re at a point where logic and reason leave the room and chaos marries the wildest fantasies of ownership. Can you list any Oilers from the golden era who are currently coaches? Former coaches? Have expressed an interest in coaching? I know you’re thinking Jay Woodcroft and a large analytics department, but Mike Babcock might be Holland’s answer. We wait.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, TSN 1260, we pick apart another loss by the Oilers. Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey gives his opinion on another loss (he’s getting used to this!) and we’ll look at options for the coaching staff. Joe Osborne from Odds Shark will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on making bets, and the Raptors strong performance against the Nets. We’ll also chat Oilers and their recent slide. When does a smart human go in on Edmonton? 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
What a kick in the junk losing Klefbom was
Agreed.
And Archibald – for all his faults – would have helped that fourth line.
Strome was also a major, major loss as was Perron wanting out so badly.
Ramp up the Cher song “If I could turn back time…”
“…If I could find a way
To convince Mrs. Pronger
To stay…”
Why has Tippet or GG lately or I don’t think I’ve even seen much mention of it,thought of trying C depth.
Connor
Drai
Hyman
RNH
I don’t think Hyman has ever played center at the professional level.
Ovie past the dynamic duo tonight …
Now leads NHL in scoring 46 pts
Pretty incredible.
It’ll be a career season at 36 if he can keep it up. He’s on pace for 129 points, his career high is 112, and he hasn’t even cracked 90 since 2009-10. Amazing.
Caleb scores in OT for Blackhawk win
Holy Cow!
Here come the Canes.
https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/ten-canes-prospects-selected-for-world-juniors/c-329026052
One Canadian (a 7th round draft pick)
And 9 guys from the Philippines.
If Chychrun is in fact available Holland better make a strong play
Hearing the ask is large. What would it take?
I would think Broberg, Barrie (some value and for cap purposes) and a 1st would be the starting point.
I would make that trade in a heartbeat. Chychrun is exactly what we are hoping Broberg becomes.
I agree but I don’t think that’s enough to get it done.
It also means we have two NHL RD…..
Why would they want Barrie?
At all.
More likely Broberg and 2 firsts.
They are going to need to take some money/cap back and they are going to need actual NHL d-men to play on their team next season and Barrie does have some value. They have 5 roster players for next year and 18 organizational contracts – both including Chychrun.
I do that deal 10 times out of 10
I would like to add Lawson Crouse into this trade
Alex Ovechkin now shares the NHL lead in scoring…… what a phenom.
Even more remarkable is he did it largely without Nik Backstrom his long time center who finally returned from injury tonight.
Truly incredible, the man is a freak of nature that shouldn’t be able to do what he does
This team obviously has flaws, but it’s not as bad as the general mood here. A real goalie will solve many of the team’s problems.
I don’t get the anger at Nuge. He’s a proven 25 goal scorer and 60 pt player in this league. Sure, he’s a streaky scorer, but that’s what you get with 25- goal scorers. The players who aren’t streaky are 40 goal scorers. I don’t know what people are expecting for a $5 mill player.
The Oilers have struggled at 5 on 5 and Nuge has been part of that – he’s accumulated a large majority of his points this season on the PP.
Personally, I think Nuge’s current cap hit is fine but he really needs to produce a bit more at evens to be considered value for it.
He touches many parts of the game and is valuable but, this season, he’s essentially been a special teams specialist.
He hasn’t been a 25 goal scorer since March 2020.
You mean he’s one full season removed?
I thought we are concerned with 5v5. Why should RNH avoid that scrutiny?
Being an Oilers fan this season:
Just as fans see light at the end of the long dark tunnel they suddenly lose all of their possessions, lose their job, get evicted then lose their families and friends; then standing staring in the rain outside of the warm restaurant watching everyone they know having a great night out.
Holy crap FML!
No surprise, as he was on the team last year (and it got him drafted) but Munzenburger is officially on Team Germany.
I’d overpay for Chychrun and run Chychrun-Bouchard for the next decade
You watch Nurse out there fumbling, bumbling giving the puck away and you say it was good for Holland to sign him at $9.5M or whatever it was. Then you watch Nuge do nothing at 5×5 and shoot wide and high on the left side of the net on every PP and you say it was good for Holland to sign him for close to $6M again? And Keith’s contract… oh to hell with it. But you say things will be better when Mikko’s contract expires or better when Kassian’s contract expires yet you sign even worse contracts. Groundhog day over and over and over. I honestly think Tipp told mgmt he’d step away for 10 days to see if that helped. Covid Schmovid.
The tip thing doesn’t deserve a response
Nuge has been snakebitten but there was no other option and there is value to retain our assistant captain/special teams specialist/ top 6 center or winger long term for $5million
You can get mad at nurse all you want but he is a top pairing defenseman. Not perfect but damned good, and that’s market value
Nurse will be the 3rd highest paid defenseman in the league next season.
He is nowhere near the 3rd best defenseman.
Not even top 10.
Why have you been repeating his un-truth the last few days?
Nurse will be the #7 defenseman cap hit next season (pending any new deals).
He (at $9.25M) is one of 10 defensemen making $9M or more.
4 of those 10 are being paid $9M+ for their RFA seasons.
I’m guessing he’s talking about the $12MM in actual dollars he gets next season with the full knowledge that that number is absolutely meaningless but using it because its more anti-Oiler.
Edit: Actually, as it turns out, the $12M in dollars Nurse will get next season is the highest in the league among d-man – not that it matters.
https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/rankings/cap-hit/defenseman/
What am I supposed to see there? Nurse is #7…
Holy fuck, your own link shows Nurse as #7 for 2022.
There’s also this about our ‘not even top 10’ defenseman:
https://www.hockey-reference.com/awards/voting-2021.html
And that list will probably grow between now and his first pay cheque.
Yup, and continue to grow for the 8 years after that.
If the time has come for a coaching change as many feel it has, might as well go with the masses opinion and change out the GM as well.
Bye Holland and Tip, it was a slice.
Hire a new GM, coach and get an analytics guru forthwith. Skid Mikko, Kassian, Ryan, Shore and whoever else.
Now here’s the rub.
Team doesn’t rebound in a meaningful way, same story as before. What then?
Get rid of McDavid.Give the other 31 GM’s a week, best package takes him. No dilly dallying, get it done.
Screw getting fair return because in a cap world or not, there is no equal value.
It would suck the hind tit of a boar, but how many coaches and GM’s is this going to bleed through?
Might as well rip it part and start clean slate.
Just this fan’s opinion.
So the solution to losing 6 games in a row is fire everybody. Failing that we trade the best player in the world and start fresh.
Makes sense to me
Frankly, firing everyone would be the dumbest goddamn move they could make! I am NOT putting this at the feet of either Holland or Tippet. According to a lot of folks, the sacrificial cow needs to be blooded and tossed to the piranhas.
as for trading McDavid?
Take the chance, lose the scoring and pizazz but balance the damned lineup with the return. If the kid back checked like he scores and dipsydoodles opposition defensemen I’d be a bit more in awe of him.
Not that I want to see McDavid playing for anyone other than the Oilers, but the Eric Lindros trade made the Nordiques/Avalanche into Stanley Cup contenders. Personally, I wouldn’t do it just based on how often the pro scouting department for the Oilers misses on players.
That was pre-salary cap. It’s a critical difference.
The deal would have to be structured perfectly and it would be something like MacKinnon plus Makar (plus more) but 2 years ago when MacKinnon had years left on his huge value deal and Makar on his ELC.
Yeah, it’s close to impossible to structure though. For instance, recall Makar is $9M next season in your example.
Yes, as I said, it would have had to be the situation 2-years ago when Makar was still going to be cheap for two years.
I can’t really think of a current similar situation.
Oops, I didn’t read to the end.
Even then you’d have had to know Makar was going to be a Norris contender before he was playing regularly in the league.
I don’t think the Cap makes such a trade as impossible as you think it is.
I could see it if you’re a rebuilding team and the deal includes lots of futures (ie – NOT the Oilers situation). In terms of getting similar value for cap hit in return, I’m having a tough time seeing it but have no issue being proven wrong.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-urgency-covid-19-grows-pausing-schedule-will-last-resort/
interesting take on Chychrun…..
Interesting take on the Oilers….
Hear me out, what if Tip starts getting the bottom six to lay on top of each other in front of our net so the puck can never go in again?
I strongly believe a 6’ 400lb goalie stacking the pads all game would win a vezina.
They tried that with a sumo goalie. Doesn’t work as well as you’d think. Despite some people’s opinions, goalering takes skill.
I did not think it was possible but this is the most disheartened I have ever felt as an Oilers fan.
The Oilers are going to waste all of McDrai’s prime years. It is an absolute tragedy.
I do not know how they fix this mess.
Regardless of whether you want him canned or not, how long does this streak have to stretch for Tip to get the boot?
My guess is eight games.
Just when you’ve emerged from the last level of suck, the Oilers pull out another one.
I really liked Gulutzan’s media avail today (and I generally do whenever he is filling in for Tip).
A few things:
He’s a likeable fellow, but was not a good HC. Unless he would have stayed with the Flames of course. Same issue he couldn’t get the players playing how he wanted and had that stick throwing tantrum.
Me nervous.
I hope Hyman receives an image of Grace Kelly.
I didn’t think that I would like Foegele on a skill line but with McDavid specifically it just may work (love him on a third line if you’re running top 6 bottom 6):
getting to loose pucks, driving the net, or giving it to McDavid and going to the net.
Saw this a few times last night with McDavid controlling the puck and JP and he providing passing options for Connor in the HD areas.
The ideal set up, and what I think Hyman did for TO, is a high skill player, and net crasher forechecker chaos creator, and a shooter (can also be a high skill type of course). The Oilers problem top 6 are no shooters that aren’t the skill player as well. Somebody has to put it in the net.
I’ve been thinking about why opposing goalies become Vezina calibre when facing the Oilers. I think one of the reasons is where the shots they’re facing are coming from. The Oilers have consistently had a greater percentage of their shots from defenseman than forwards vs their opposition (at least in these six games). Defensemen generally have a much lower shooting percentage than forwards (see https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/25883523/for-defensemen-shooting-puck-why-less-more).
Here are the proportions in the last six games:
Opp. OIL D% OPP D%
SEA 31 18
LA 41 23
MIN 33 19
BOS 35 27
CAR 35 26
TOR 42 33
I think this aligns with the ineffective cycle game we’re seeing.
Cycling has to develop plays to the slot for sure (the HDSC), or it’s pretty hard to score and a tiring grind. They aren’t good at setting up for tips either.
It really seems like they aren’t actively coached to do either as an active strategy, I believe a lot of the teams they play are, and it works on us.
Truth be told, Jack C. and Freddie A. are indeed in the Vezina conversation this season.
Interesting. So is this a feature of the oilers or just their losing streak?
Gregor specifically asked Playfair after the game last night if backing in and giving up the blueline so easily was an issue or if that is something that is structural coached.
Playfair was pretty clear that is 100% not coached/structural and its an issue they’ve been addressing.
At the same time, Playfair advised that its not quite as easy as us fans seem to think it is. He didn’t say that those words but referenced part of the issue is the d-men having confidence to stand up and keep a closed gap and part of it is inexperience (although we see the likes of Russell do it quite a bit). Another part is needing the appropriate forward pressure, etc.
I guess my point is, in many cases, there is a structure and system that is in place and its execution that is the issue – the players, individually or as a group, that are slumping in the area.
At some point good coaches get it done, it’s been over 2 seasons now
I always thought skating played a big role. Russell skates better forwards than backwards and has been pretty poor at giving up the blueline for years because of it. Keith doesn’t get around the rink like he used to either.
This is bang on. Russell is a much better skater forward than backward. Keith too.
I mean, I know it is better to have a tight gap in men’s league too, but I don’t, because I can’t.
It is entirely possible that Holland keeps giving D that can’t play the system Tipp wants to use.
Maybe at forward as well. Although they seemed to make some progress with Hyman and Foegele, maybe Tipp didn’t want them either.
Why I keep going on about this is it really seems something isn’t jiving. Are the coach and GM not on the same page now?
Why can’t the two of them stabilize the team? It doesn’t have to take a half decade to sort out players outside of the core when I watch other good teams work.
Even LT has his doubts now about Kenny!
Everyone skates better forwards than backwards since all of time.
They back in too far and if that isn’t bad enough then they lay down. Fack me lordy!
#3 The Oilers distribute their best talent over three lines and keep all the forwards under 20 minutes a night.
Never mind, that wasn’t crazy. It’s what every other team does. There are 25 forwards in the league playing more than 20 minutes a night and McDavid and Draisaitl are #1&2.
#2 IIHF organizes so NHL players play the Olympics somewhere in North America.
Every important league has a scheduled break anyway, but there are both practical and ethical concerns with going to Beijing. Players and fans get the best on best tournament they deserve and China gets to win hockey gold over Myanmar and Iran.
I can’t remember if it was officially from the league (Bettman or Daly) but a tournament in North America during the break, as opposed to going to the Olympics, was addressed and apparently its all but impossible to get that put in place.
I 100% crave an Olympic style tournament – a best-on-best nation vs. nation tournament. Its needed, Its been since 2014.
Unfortunately, in the near future, its either going to be the Olympics or not at all and the Olympics is looking less and less likely by the day at this point.
Nothing is impossible, but I know Bettman covets the Chinese market and would not want to piss off Xi. Thus the carrot of Olympic hockey gold.
Not impossible, Rogers could host again!
Of course, its not impossible – just relaying on the info that I read/heard on the idea which had been floated up the chain apparantly.
OK. Crazy idea time. #1
Oilers use Tippett’s COVID protocol time to call up Woodcroft from the farm. Tippett isn’t being replaced, but the ship needs a captain, right?
Result is a winning streak? Tippett gets long COVID and avoids an embarrassing firing.
Result is mediocre? Tippett returns triumphant to lose in the first round of the playoffs again.
I hope Tipps is ok and not having a rough go.
I have to admit in the back of my mind wondering if he doesn’t come back as coach.
I also wish Tippett nothing but the best. He pulled this team out of the sewer, so it would be nice for him to have an honorable exit.
This makes way too damn much sense.
This might be over the moon stuff but the Oilers have as bad of a roster make up than at any time during the Chiarelli years.
What ever happened to the “I need to fix this right” days of Sather?
would slats let his roster down like this.
I’m with lowetide, you don’t make the playoffs with bad coaching and firing Tippett won’t help, it will hurt worse.
I understand CAP is an issue but they’re trades out there waiting…
Chychrun, (I get it’s just talk) the great thing about ARZ is they almost have to take back CAP, Barrie plus Broberg.
Strome is just sitting in Chicago awaiting a trade I’m sure, give CHI a call.
Manson & Rackell without contracts next year in ANH
C’mon Hagg, Eakin and Hinostroza are just sitting in Buffalo never to return, I would think a Kassian trade would at least get Hagg at 1.6 & would be an upgrade to anyone on the bottom pairing.
at this point, I’d trade Bouchard & Holloway if it meant a significant roster upgrade.
I know I’ve said Holloway is an untouchable but reality is the Oilers don’t have much on the active roster to trade & teams would have to eat money & take back bad money.
Holland is terrible at GMing.
Filly Don’t Do Rebounds
And Holly Don’t Do Hockey Trades.
The closest semblance to a hockey trade would be something like the Neal for Lucic deal in the offseason.
Has Holland ever made an actual in-season hockey trade that wasn’t buying or selling at the deadline?
The hard cap is $81.5 million ($82.5 million next year) Bouchard and Holloway are cheap contracts one absolutely needs to make it work.
For sure, it’s the transition guys they are missing until some forwards push their way on the roster full time – Petrov, Savoie, Bourg etc
D is covered
You say Holland is terrible at GMing while posting trades that aren’t reasonable.
Why in the world would ARI trade Chychrun for Barrie and Broberg?
Barrie is a player that likely do not want as they rebuild for the next three years and, while Broberg is a great prospect, he’s likely to never reach Chychrun’s level (notwithstanding his terrible year which is likely mostly team related).
Chychrun, at $4.6M for 3 years after his one, has insane value.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-urgency-covid-19-grows-pausing-schedule-will-last-resort/
Looks like ARZ is looking to trade him
That doesn’t really respond to OP’s question though, does it?
Why would the Yotes make THAT trade?
There was a bit of conversation yesterday about filling in the schedule if the NHL players do not go to the Olympics. I had mentioned that I heard (Seravelli and a few others) that it building availability would be a problem and it would be likely that they may only be able to come back like a week early and there would still be at least a 10-day break.
There was some push back in response to that re: building availability.
There is an article out at The Athletic today and, while some buildings aren’t quite as booked, many are. The article surmised its likely a major headache to try and re-jig the schedule.
“For two-thirds of the league, building availability would be a major hurdle to start. Twenty of the 32 NHL buildings have at least five events already booked during the scheduled Olympic break, with eight buildings already having 10 or more events on the calendar. Because of building schedules, the only way teams like the Washington Capitals or Los Angeles Kings could take part in a revised schedule would be if they were on the road for each contest.”
https://theathletic.com/3016133/2021/12/15/if-nhl-players-skip-the-olympics-what-happens-to-the-schedule-in-february/
They likely can’t do it–sponsors etc–but I’d look into moving the all-star break.
I would not be surprised that they can’t feasibly do Olympics, and use the break as a circuit breaker
I was excited for Benson to get some reps with talent and real NHL players, with McLeod and Yamamoto. I was excited to have Yamamoto down the lineup, on the 3rd line, where he might be able to thrive and gain some confidence. The McLeod Covid issues put the kibosh on that.
I still want both those things to happen and I think they can by moving Nuge to 3C. The coaching staff may never try it but maybe, just maybe, at some point they will.
Foegele/McDavid/Puljujarvi
Hyman/Drai/Kassian (ugh)
Benson/Nuge/Yamamoto
Perlin/Shore/Sceviour
Damn we need one more top 6 winger – shit, maybe McLeod can play 2LW and Hyman 2RW when McLeod is back….
Hyman will be back before McLeod?
McLeod is 10-days minimum.
Hyman wasn’t ruled out yesterday until game day – he may be back tomorrow.
So in other words, we don’t know.
I posted this line up in august:
Hyman – McDavid – Kassian
Benson – Draisaitl – Yamamoto
Foegele – RNH – Puljujarvi
Archibald – McLeod – Ryan
I stand by it, but it was even clear in training camp that Benson wasn’t going to be an answer.
one more top nine wing and a coach who will spread the wealth is all I want for Christmas.
For me I would have hyman JP and Foegele on separate lines. They are the same player type, none are great finishers, put each with one of the three top 6 centres and find the third guy who is hopefully more offensive
Maybe it gets Yamo off the schneid. It won’t be perfect but maybe it ignites a few guys. Right now functioning should be the goal.
I agree with the first sentence. That was a fun game to watch for the vast majority, up and till the 4th goal against. I thought the Oilers were very much the better team a 5 on 5 up and till that point. I thought they were very aggressive and tenacious on the forecheck, they were causing turnovers all game long and turned them in to chances – they simply couldn’t finish/execute.
This wasn’t a case of making the opposing goalie look good (for the most part) – Jack C. was VERY good – in some respects he stole that game. Even if we don’t want to go that far, I would say that the difference between the goalies was the massive difference in the game.
With that said, I also agree 100% with the 2nd sentence. Even though I think they win most games playing that well (the skaters), they didn’t win and, when its the sixth time in a row, its, well, frustrating and problem.
They will go on a run soon enough I think – hopefully it starts tomorrow night. 14 of the next 20 points will get banked – that’s my personal goal. Shit, my personal expectation.
To me the Troubles come across as a logic problem, I suppose that is how I think about things
Do they need analytics? Not necessarily. Stats are supposed to verify what we see according to statisticians
What happens if you are looking for the wrong things? Stats may not help then. Good NHL people should be able to see players that will help if they are actively scouting, stats would support that if their thinking is straight, but aren’t necessary to get it right
We have seen several flawed teams this season move from underperforming to playing to a decent level simply by changing the coach.
I have yet to see an argument that moves me off of thinking the org is valuing the wrong things, and the coach’s strategy doesn’t work for players in the ice, they’ve turned enough over and nothing changes
They have loaded up with bigger faster players, but one dimensional types. I like them, but it’s like too much of the same thing with varying degrees of quality. Scoring ability being the missing ingredient
Its a GM and coaching issue. Injuries yes, but playing a game that doesn’t work and often doing it poorly at some point doesn’t seem like all players being lousy, more like getting frustrated when lousy because they know it doesn’t work, but it’s not their choice
Nothing is going to change soon. But I am convinced it needs to to take the next steps. No rebuilding necessary, the core is young. Play the right game and change a few support players out. Not that hard to do.
Just have to have to value the right things
Another dud game by Jessie Hot Potato. As Howie Meeker says, “He couldn’t put the puck in the ocean from the pier”. Mordecai Brown could count on one hand the number of times Connor passes to Hot Potato in the game. He needs to be demoted to the 3rd or 4th line, not given more ice time. I know Lowetide has his favourite players and overvalues them and this edition is Hot Potato.
It’s time to take Ziggy for a walk Al😊
We are losing for a reason teams double team and gravitate towards Connor and Leon which leaves the wingers open hot potato and especially Yamo are terrified to touch the puck and have hands of stone. Yamo needs to sit or at least lowered in the batting order. Right now I’ll take Cassie Campbell over Yamo when it comes to beating a Goaltender with a shot.
I thought Tippett was an idiot for not playing RNH-Drai-Yamo?
This poster reminds of Verdad……
Its an interesting take considering Jesse essentially led the Oilers in all possession metrics, had 4 hits (led the Oilers), a couple of shots and a few splendid defensive plays.
That’s just me though.
This poster reminds of Verd 2.0……
Its an interesting take considering Jesse essentially led the Oilers in all possession metrics, had 4 hits (led the Oilers), a couple of shots and a few splendid defensive plays.
That’s just me though.
There is no way to criticize the 2 best players in the world.
But if I could ask for one thing, it would be that they not worry too much about individual play or playing as a duo, and put as much effort as possible into making the players around them better. They certainly do this already by osmosis. The fancies prove this . But can they do more in this regard?
Can they ask Tip to not play them together? Can they request that talent be divvied up between 3 lines? Can they practice set plays with players not currently in the top 6? Can we try two 60 second PP units, one with McDavid the Other with Draisaitl? etc
No player has ever been good enough to consistently win games alone. It’s not basketball.
They have to learn to use their wingers, it’s not an option. Maybe Kenny shouldn’t have got as many energy guys. JP Hyman and Foegele are the same type. None have a scorer’s touch, which is what both top lines lack.
I’m wondering if Hoffman would have been a better fit and I’ve never liked him as a player.
LT – you are correct that if Chychrun is available you get in on that auction and Broberg should absolutely be on the table there. That’s a proper hockey trade in the making.
Foegele looked good on the 1st line for the bit that he was there…but then again Kassian has looked good in short bursts too.
I’m interested to watch this unfold. Maybe Foegele can channel his internal “big rig”.
I have no problem when Holland did his buddy and Keith a favour by acquiring him from Chi-Town but Mikko needed to be a part of that deal. Chicago needed a goalie and we had one yet we took the loss in that trade when we had pocket aces. If you step back and look at the whole scenario and how it went down makes Holland look like a sap and I don’t think he’s ever been accused of that.
I don’t agree with Holland on needing to acquire Duncan Keith but Holland had that view – he wanted that particular player given what he’s accomplished in the NHL and the situations he’s been in.
The deal was not available with Koskinen going the other way.
I think Holland should have walked. He didn’t.
Saying that Koskinen should have been in or the Hawks should have retained don’t really say much as they weren’t options.
The option was to walk from the deal, not to include Mikko or get salary retention.
Just like Caleb had nothing to do with Seth coming to Chicago. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, It’s a duck! Take the blinders off Holland lost the trade. Keith could of really put Bowman’s balls in a vice if he didn’t trade him out west. Why is so hard for you to put 2+2 together?
Seth Jones was traded to Chicago, he had no control over that.
Seth Jones was given a massive contract that most would agree he has not earned and was a huge overpay – he would have signed that contract even if Caleb played for the arch-rival.
I don’t disagree, it was a poor trade decision by Holland. That does not mean that he could have forced the Hawks to retain or take back Mikko.
Are you that gullible to believe Caleb just happened to run into his brother Seth at Ohara airport with both saying simultaneously what are the chances. The Hawks needed a Goalie this is before they went and got Fleury. Mikko could of easily been on the table and I’ll put some of your hard earned cash that he was but Holland caved.
I’m highly confident that Seth Jones would have been traded to the Hawks and signed the contract he did even if Caleb Jones was a Red Wing.
Yes, I’m also confident Mikko was on the table from Holland – that part of the trade was simply not accepted by Bowman.
You do realize that Seth signed after he was traded and his brother was a Blackhawk already. You couldn’t figure this out in real time and you can’t 6 months later.
I kind of like games like last night. It shows everyone involved just what it’s going to be like in the playoffs.
You will be up against Elite goalies. Your time and ice will be limited (much more so than it was last night). Pretty goals will help, but ugly goals will win. You won’t be able to count on other teams making mistakes, because some of them won’t. The first 10 minutes of the game will be as important as the last 10 minutes of the game. Individual heroic’s will not carry the day the way they might in the regular season. Team play will dictate the outcome. Officiating will favor the strong, the aggressor. Frustration will set in and you will have to overcome it. A single injury to a key player can/will derail you. You will need to CREATE some puck luck. And even with all of this, chances are you will somehow have to beat a better team.
Does this sound like us?
EDM Goal Diff 27 gp(16-11-0)
EV Only(5v5,4v4,3v3)
97 w/o 29(13-13) 50%
29 w/o 97(13-7) 65%
97&29 On(13-10) 57%
93 w/o either(4-6) 40%
71(4-6) 40%
10(4-16) 20%
Other(2-6) 25%
Net EV -11
Special Teams:30-16
Net ST +14
Empty Net:6-5
Net EN +1
SO/PS 2-0
Net SO/PS +2
Goal Diff +6
“YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!”
“How does he know where we’re going?”
Now just to clarify, is 20% GF good or bad?
Apparently Bettman is going to sign a 5 year extension to remain commissioner. So brace yourself for another 5 years of the NHL kneecapping it’s star players. Guy is 70 years old, just move on already
Go get Connor Brown from Ottawa. two way 20 goal scorer that played with Mcdavid. allows Yamo and Jesse to drop down a line and help balance the EV play.
no idea on a goalie, but move out kassian (he hurts us in the lineup now and his cap is needed) and dump Koskinen if possible. I know everyone is down on Khudobin (rightly so) but I’d sooner take him over Koskinen even to change it up on the belief side for the players. Deal with next year’s cap next year.
And coaching wise would love to see Woodcroft get a shot, but it will not happen with this GM
I haven’t looked at Brown in a while, but he seems like a nice add though he has a $3.6 m cap, so you’d have to pay for Brown and to have them take back a bad contract. That would be expensive IMO.
I’d go shopping at the Sabres, they have a cadre of $1m players who’re probably better than many guys on our roster.
I’d start with Hinostroza who’s scoring the same 5v5 boxcars as Hyman.
Then I’d see if they’d throw in a Hayden or Jankowski–two guys who while they can’t score worth a damn, seem to bleed less than Shore and Turris.
Actually like Asplund more on Buffalo. And one of their RD Jokiharju. Would they be good with Barrie and a pick? Barrie gives them a top PP guy and would help them convince Power to come from Michigan next year. And take pressure of Dahlin for PP duties and obviously they have cap space.
Then make a move for Brown and Holden (upgrade at 3LD) from Ottawa. Kassian plus pick and prospect. Heck i’d even do Yamamoto for them. Sell them on USA young guy to play with all their American buddies. And then he is in the east and won’t kill us in the future. and kassian there to protect the youth……. in theory.
I was looking for cheap and realistic trade targets. 🙂
The type of players that fit under the cap without sending back bad salary and cost ~4/5th rounder type of trades.
Asplund is 24 and under team control that’s why I didn’t suggest him. I’m not sure they’d want to trade him or if they did the price would be considerably higher. I don’t think Barrie would be a fair trade here.
Sure, I’d trade Kassian plus for Brown, but I don’t think Dorian would unless we’re talking substantial adds on the Kassian side. He’s getting a far worse player and a bad contract in Kassian.
Hinostroza 5×5 boxcars in Edmonton when he’s paired with Ryan or McLeod will tank.
They need Eakin to come with.
Well, ideally we wouldn’t be playing Ryan, Shore, or Turris at all.
Eakin would be nice to bring with Hinostroza, but he has a $2.25 cap which makes it more complicated. Eakin isn’t an offensive dynamo any more either. He has 8 points in 23 games.
Foegele – Ryan – Hinostroza would have a chance at least.
Winning when it counts won’t ever happen with this GM. Prove me wrong. How many years has he gone without a playoff win? Isn’t it like 8 or 9 already?
Is that you Bill Clinternet?
I’m going to look at the positive here and say that maybe the Sceviour-Ryan-Kassian line is something to run with. 55.44 xGF% is darn good.
The key for me is to get Yamo to the 3rd line. Possibly something like this:
Foegele-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Nuge-Drai-Hyman (when he’s healthy)
Benson-McLeod-Yamo
Sceviour-Ryan-Kassian
I’m back to this whole we either need another top 6 LW or RW to make this fully function issue. I’d rather Foegele was the 3LW, then you either bring in A.N.Other LW to play with McDavid, or Hyman stays there and we bring in A.N Other RW to play with Draisatl.
Still, the Foegele-McDavid-Puljujarvi combo were at least delivering very strong numbers. As LT stated Foegele doesn’t quite have the finishing prowess required to stay up there though.
I do believe that we’re nowhere near as bad as a 6 game losing streak, there are mitigating factors and by golly, I thought we should have had something from the Boston game and the Carolina game at a minimum. Last night we played pretty well and couldn’t score, and I think I felt the same way versus Minnesota.
A good chunk of these next 7 games are far from impossible outs. Wins are coming.
Foegele-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Nuge-Drai-Hyman (when he’s healthy)
Benson-McLeod-Yamo
Sceviour-Ryan-Kassian
Yes Please.
And after the deadline
Foegele-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Nuge-Drai-Hyman (when he’s healthy)
Benson-Perrault*-Yamo
Sceviour-McCleod-Kassian
*Perrault from MTL
I do like a bit of Perreault. Being able to do the wing or centre thing is nice too, means that if Ryan does work as part of that 4th line, then McLeod and Perreault could both be 3rd line with Benson flipping out. That’s a nice alternative to spending big on a top 6 winger.
While you’re there, pick up Paquette too. He won’t cost anything and he’d be a great 13th forward. Big, physical, defensively responsible checker with playoff experience.
Was at the game last night. I only go around 2 games a year but man everytime I go I end leaving extremely disappointed. Last game I was at was the Leafs vs Oilers and guess what they lost 4-1. Same year was the devils and guess what they lost 4-1. First game I ever went to at Rogers they lost 6-2 to the Sabres lol
But anyways I think it is becoming obvious that this team needs a new coach. I liked Tippett a lot at the beginning. But this team plays so predictable and uninspired at 5 on 5 it was actually painful to watch especially in person. The most notable thing the last couple games after playing teams like Toronto and Carolina is just how much the Oilers use the boards. Like every facet of their game is based on using the boards and they really have no interest in using the middle of the ice, which in today’s NHL is how you generate speed and in turn create scoring chances. Every breakout is Dman rings the puck to the winger, winger has to peel the puck off the boards, chips it off the boards to the centre man, centre man looses some speed so he has to chip it in behind the dman, rinse and repeat. It was actually mind numbing to watch live. The Oilers are essentially executing the opposing teams game plan for them which is keep the Oilers to the outside, slow the game and make them play a cycle game. It’s frustrating because when they are on the powerplay there is creativity, flow, tape to tape passes etc…
I know this is a flawed roster but IMO there is no reason this shouldn’t be able to roll 3 solid lines. In fact beginning of the year the consensus was the Oilers would have one of the best forwards cores in the league. But Tippett has seemed to suck the life right out of them.
Maybe it’s a confidence thing. The board is usually the safer path then through middle of the ice in terms of generating turn overs.
Chicken & egg question but very noticeable whenever they are losing that their go-to breakout would be a pass to stationary winger at the neutral zone wall tryingto chip-in (and give the opponent another freebie chance to regroup attack).
Yeah they are trying to lower their goals against but for me confidence and coaching go hand in hand and part of Tippett’s job is to get his team playing confidently. Give an NHL player a little time and space and they will make confident plays. And the concerning thing for me is you have players with really solid track records with other teams, such as Derek Ryan and Warren Foegele, that come here and they just fall right off.
Is it possible the other side is clogging up the middle of the ice so they can’t generate any speed through the neutral zone .
That is probably a factor but for me a big part of their neutral zone problem is starting in their dzone. Instead of making a tape to tape pass to the winger they are just rimming the puck which then gives the wingers less time and space to make a play. And on top of that they never do a centre ice breakout when the wingers are covered
~ That loss was Tippetts fault! F#cker didn’t make a single innovative move to stop the onslaught” ~
Grab your pitch forks. We meet at Kingsway at noon!
You do realize that Tippett wasn’t coaching last night right?
Long Pause….
Well you know, my pitchforks under a pile of stuff in the garage and I’ve got an appointment with my urologist at 12:45 … so …
Well guess we are here. i take solace in the fact that we had a great start and it means we are still clinging to a playoff spot. Doesn’t excuse this stretch, but it sure beats being out of it completely by Christmas.
Nuge with Draisaitl and Yamamoto have been brutal. Chances sure but results speak. Time to go three deep at centre in an effort to stop the bleeding because the existing lineup isn’t getting it done at 5v5 so why stick to it. Accepting Mccleod is out for a few weeks, then I hope this is our lineup Thursday
Foegele-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Hyman-Draisatl-Turris (why not)
Benson-Nuge-Yamamoto
Shore-Ryan-Sceviour
As for D, i hope Barrie is our trade bait. all indications are he is one of the best teammates and loved in the room, but this D is screaming for a better all around defender at RD. And as LT mentioned his offensive skill is duplicated by Bouchard. I hope they go looking for their new Larsson asap cause Bouchard is being overmatched defensively too often and as our 3rd RD top PP he is an upgrade on Barrie and anyone playing with Nurse needs someone stronger to play tougher minutes.
So the bottom six, eh?
No worries, we’ve got a bunch of guys like .. er Raphael Lavoie bubbling under in the AHL, don’t we?
*checks AHL stats*
Okay then, nothing to see here. Move along.
Just rotten puck luck for the bottom 6, apparently.
The Moral Victory Gang has been formed and they are riding again.
Dylan Holloway and Carter Savoie are likely the closest to NHL ready. Savoie may need an AHL season but he might not.
Coming from college is a bit easier than coming from the CHL.
I wonder about Bourgault too. 1st round forwards who put up points like he has sometimes move quickly.
Can someone please explain to me why Kassian was even on the ice during a power play?
imo… Sometimes Coaches are looking to jump start a player when they see he has a little jump to his game on any particular night.
There may have also been a few moves last night that Assistant Coaches have been curious about for some time.
Could see them ‘thinking’ that he’s willing to go to the front of the net to create screens, take up space.
And of course, take a penalty so we’d be sure to lose the PP as well. But, he has been part of the 2nd unit (which is seeing very little time).
Well he is the highest scoring Oilers who’s not already on PP1.
Judging from the volume of posters here, Kassian is responsible for all of the Oilers’ warts.
Kassian’s P/60 at 5 on 4 are 4th on the team among forwards, ahead of the likes of Hyman and Puljujarvi.
Taped the game last night. Heard they lost 5-1 but watched it anyway.
Pleasantly surprised by how the Oilers played. They deserved to win this one. And I think I could say that in about 3 or 4 of the last 6 games.
Posters were ranting away on last nights thread, but the Oilers are simply running some bad luck right now. The first 3 Leafs goals were all created by puck luck. That stuff usually evens out over 82 games.
Some of us were saying the Oilers weren’t that good after the 9 and 1 start. And I think some of us are saying that they are not that bad after a 6 game losing streak. But there is a large group of fan(atic) posters here who seem to think if it’s a loss, Oilers bad, and if it’s a win, Oilers good.
My one gripe with the coaching is this continuous loading up 1 line with McDrai everytime the Oilers get behind. I thought Foegele and JP were playing great with McDavid. Why break that up? McDrai gave up the 3 and 4 goals in their first few shifts together, but I bet the coach keeps doing it.
Speaking of Foegele, I think he’s the obvious replacement for Hyman at 1LW. When Hyman gets back they should stick him with Draisaitl and Nuge. It’s interesting that Hyman and Foegele are almost mirror images of each other. Boundless energy on the forecheck and they are bigger guys who can skate. They both appear to have the same weakness though. Neither one sees the ice really well. It seems like the only play they make when they get the puck down low is to try and force it to the goal mouth. They don’t seem to recognize open teammates in the high slot very quickly and neither player seems comfortable making little give and go plays in the ozone. They both tend to try and make something happen on their own by taking every puck to the net. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but I think they’re a little too predictable offensively.
Agreed, Oilers played well last night, and in 3 of the other loses. Some they 0layeed real well. But this team has had a 5v5 scoring problem all season that can’t be chalked up to puck luck. Something needs to change.
I watched it late too despite the score, which was definitely not indicative of the game that was actually played. Game ended at 2am lol.
I saw one team loose and executing the few chances they got. I saw another team tight, trying to do too much, and scared of losing. They didn’t finish their looks.
In other words… looked like an Oiler playoff game. This team is waay too much in its own head when the shit is on the line.
With McDavid and Puljujarvi, Foegele should be a really good fit It would force McDavid to look for somebody other than Draisaitl. It would force the next step in Puljujarvi’s game as Foegele would assume his role, and Jesse would assume the Draisaitl role.
Ditto Hyman with Nugent-Hopkins and Draisaitl.
And McLeod and Yamamoto (I would like to trial Benson on their wing.)
Our team needs some puck luck. The hockey and reffing gods have punished us enough.
Warren Foegele has 2 goals. A third of the season is done.
Warren last scored in October.
To be sure, the kid works hard. Skates well.
But – at some point you have to be a nominal threat to score.
Warren is in grave danger of being caught by Sceviour or Turris here.
As our host mentioned, Mr. Foegele does not appear to have elite finishing skills.
I am starting to question if he has even average finishing skills.
Carolina broadcast crew did not really seem to miss Warren.
Interesting how many minuses your post has garnered.
Stop playing him with Kassian. Stop playing anyone with Kassian.
I would posit that Foegele was the highest threat to score last night.
I believe he had 3, if not 4, high danger shots per the Cult.
No, he doesn’t have great finishing skills which is why he’s a 3rd liner with some ability to fill in up the lineup.
So you agree with MS33 that Foegele has questionable finishing skills
Yes, I don’t think that’s really debatable.
The Old Boys ‘ Club continues on, only in altered form. It moved from consisting of Great Retired Jersey Oilers to Team Canada Good Ol’ Boys.
You need one of Nicholson or Holland in the glad-handing role, not both.
Until Bobby Nicks is gone, even if they move on from $5 million/year Holland and don’t renew Tippett, they’ll continue to go back to the Team Canada Carousel.
I don’t get mad at Katz because he’s willing to spend, and not every owner does that. But he trusts the wrong people.
Nice post. I was going to write something similar. The root of the problem is hiring Bob Nicholson. It’s just an endless recycling of the old hockey Canada guys who built teams 30 years ago.
Hopefully we can play Devin Shore for 24 minutes like he played in Game 4 against Winnipeg last playoffs.
Put Turris and Shore on PP1, I think they just haven’t been given the prime minutes yet, it will come, their historically bad GF-GA in limited minutes is just puck luck.
Actually, might as well play Shore and Turris with McDavid, put them on PP1 and PP2.
Yes, and Benson should be on the second line, and Kassian on the first😉
So for the past 2 games I have changed the channel to stop watching once the Oilers were down 2-0 (checked the score once in a while) I have cheered for the team since their first WHA season. Finding it difficult to keep engaged with this team and the ways they can let you down. Promising start flushed down the toilet. Getting off the roller coaster for a while.