Someday Never Comes

by Lowetide

If you’ve lived on planet earth long enough, you have some experience with difficult times. If you’re an Edmonton Oilers fan, you’ve lived several lifetimes since 2006, so last night isn’t so much a surprise plot twist during a play at the theatre as a familiar voice calling out a funeral dirge at the local church.

The Edmonton Oilers are exhausting for everyone. Including the Edmonton Oilers.

THE ATHLETIC!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN JANUARY

  • On the road to: NYI, NYR, TOR (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 0-2-1)
  • At home to: OTT, FLA, CGY (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
  • On the road to: VAN (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: NAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • On the road to: MTL, OTT (Expected 2-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • Overall expected result: 4-5-1, 9 points in 10 games
  • Actual January results: 0-3-1, 1 point in 3 games
  • Oilers in 2021-22: 18-15-2, 38 points in 35 games

The Edmonton Oilers are defeated, from the captain to the captain’s mess. The team had a 3-1 lead after two periods last night and came away without so much as a standings point. Everyone who plays the Oilers has Bernie Parent in net and the 1977 Montreal Canadiens roaming the ice. I think this team needs a vacation.

STUART SKINNER

Tough night for the rookie, you want him to succeed but the team in front of him didn’t show a lot of veteran savvy when the goals started coming. I wouldn’t blame him even if I could, a team has to play better in front of a rookie. For the record, I saw the GA as follows:

  • The penalty kill didn’t set up at all, Norris was wide open in front of the net. Pursuit is good, but you can’t get caught with no one guarding an NHL shooter from that range. That goal is on the PK, which experts tell me is coaching.
  • Second goal: I thought Bouchard was a little slow to react on the other side (Ethan Bear made the same play early last season and was benched) and Lagesson has to get some part of the puck or Senator so that help can arrive in time. Sweet Jesus it reminded me of a Caleb Jones pinch and slow reaction from Bear a year ago.
  • Third: Skinner behind the net sends it to the wrong side, and that’s all she wrote. Godot 10 mentioned in the comments that it happens far too much and blames the coaching staff. I think there’s some truth there, seems to me everyone is being trained to be Mike Smith. Goalies are made for stopping pucks. Takes years to learn something like that, why not concentrate on what got you to the NHL?
  • Fourth: Lagesson can’t tie up his man, Bouchard screen, Skinner wiffs. Where did Zub from from? Ork?
  • Skinner might have had that one, PK pretty passive and that cross-ice pass was way too easy.

Look, Skinner had a tough night. That’s a fact. However, he’s a rookie. The veteran goalies have been worse and or injured. Ken Holland has to get a goalie, for this coach or the next one.

The new lines were a mixed bag, I prefer Puljujarvi with McDavid because the big winger (and Zach Hyman) turn over pucks. Tippett likes to load up his top line, but I’m sure he noticed that all of the other lines scored and the only points for the top line came with the man advantage. Tippett should put Puljujarvi back on the top line and Draisaitl on the second line.

The expected goals-for are solid for each line, the massive minutes given to McDavid-Draisaitl is too much. The fourth line played three minutes and scored, maybe run them a little more, shorten the shifts for the No. 1 line and things might get better. Edmonton doesn’t play for several days, so I get it, but my goodness that’s a lot of playing time even for elite talents.

I thought Nurse-Ceci and Keith-Barrie looked good, although Nurse has stopped making clean outlet passes and is back to icing the puck. I don’t think he’s 100 percent yet. Ceci’s penalty really hurt, damnable thing, Barrie’s first period mistake was also a kick in the head.

None of that matters. The Lagesson-Bouchard pairing is going to take a lot of heat over the next few days, and God knows what coaching and management decide. Young defensemen will break your heart, that’s why most teams don’t play two of them on the same tandem.

NEW COMMENTS SYSTEM

There was a time on this blog, now approaching birthday No. 20, when I could ask people to refrain from arguing in the comments section and all would comply.

Those days are gone.

I’ve tried everything I can think of, and others have chimed in brilliantly. I honestly thought the reporting system would work, but it requires a little patience and sadly some of you have none.

So, I’ve had enough of the arguing. From now on, comments will be approved, one at a time. For 99.9 percent of you this is extremely unfair, but banning people doesn’t work (they just create new nicks) and I’ve had my fill of 50 post arguments over how to spell grey-gray.

I promise to do my best to approve comments as quickly as possible, and weekends should be better than weekdays. I know I will lose some of you and it gives me no pleasure in making this decision. It may get so awkward the entire comments section will go away.

I’m now in my 60’s, I am busy and there are times when I cannot devote several hours a day to monitoring. The comments section has been a mess for a long time. That’s on me.

Not anymore.

THE COACH

Two weeks ago, I put my opinion down on the coach and other issues (it is here) and nothing has changed.

A team with no answers and a lot of recent losses often changes the coach, and there may well be a bounce with a new man behind the bench.

Or management could trade for a goalie. Today.

This morning, Edmonton’s save percentage for the year is .898, hockey-reference has the average team sitting at .905 for the year.

Ken Holland told us last week he believes in this team. We know Daryl Katz believes in Ken Holland. We know Holland is on the phones but is hesitant to trade youth.

Management has been building for someday, but someday never comes.

The fans pay the price.

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Munny 2.0

I would like to express my deepest heartfelt congratulations to the San Francisco 49ers for turning a lost season into an NFC Championship appearance. And for defeating the hated Cowboys.

Another team with talent that can’t seem to put it all together, but they saved their season. And have made me smile again. Same can happen with the Oil.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
JimmyV1965

Trading McDavid or Drai is such a bad, bad idea.

OriginalPouzar

The Oilers’ leader in G/60 – Brendan Perlini (who is also at 1.63 P/60).

Decidedly Skeptical Fan

The 4th line guy getting 5 mins TOI lately when he isn’t a HS? That guy?

Scungilli Slushy

This is why stats need context

I think that is probably how Kenny is looking at the old farts guide book

dcsj

Hi LT, just a quick comment on the new comments system. You don’t have to post this! I moderate several sites and know what a pain comments can be. I was just noticing the flagging system, and was afraid I was inadvertently flagging multiple posts including some of yours. It’s placed right where my thumb goes when scrolling up on my iPad, my usual way of reading your site. I hope I am not adding work, and I don’t mean to flag any of them.

as always, thanks for the site. I enjoy reading it and the comments. I played hockey as a kid, but never really clued in to the finer points… perhaps that is why my career ended in Midget C. Or was it D? I forget. Been an Oilers fan from day one, ever since Wild Bill Hunter started rumbling about the idea.

OriginalPouzar

This should make Oilers fans smile – development away from the puck – great steal and assist by Savoie:

https://twitter.com/DU_Hockey/status/1482898590749974529

Scungilli Slushy

Whomever gets the best player wins the trade

Can’t win

Plus, it is so hard to get elite talent, and that isn’t the problem to begin with

Now if you could trade Burgers and Holland for that

jp

Has the Oilers presser tomorrow been reported/confirmed by anyone other than Baggedmilk?

TheTikk

Yes, I’m hearing rumblings from my sources. No, wait that’s just my IBS.

jp

Just wondering if it’s legit. I don’t see anything on the Oilers site or Oilers twitter about a press conference.

OriginalPouzar

Not that I’ve seen.

jp

Thanks.

OriginalPouzar

There isn’t going to be another press conference less than a week after the prior without some important news and there is really no chance that any such news would not have been broken/leaked by now.

tileguy

Marner and Nylander something retained Connor and Kassian

Munny 2.0

Whenever there are calls for the coach, check the team’s save percentage. And the number of bullet holes in the players’ feet,.

That said, these guys have been –are–coach killers.

If you’re going to change the coach it has to be one either smarter or harder than the room.

Babcock, Maurice and Torts are available. I’d prefer Maurice, but the other two carry bigger whips and maybe that’s what the team needs.

tileguy

Torts with Kane, that will wake up the room.

90s fan

Yikes.

Decidedly Skeptical Fan

Worth the price of admission.

Admiral Ackbar

Good Gs can have poor save% too. It’s often a team stat and shouldn’t exclusively be pinned on one player. Good Ds can make an average G look stellar and great Gs can make an average D look stellar.

hunter1909

That “woke” NHL commercial last night reminds me of the first Robocop movie.

Reja

When the weirdos are given the keys it can only get worse.

Tye

& of course the boomers downvote this. Lol

Tye

I agree… (apparently, I can’t even make the mildest of jokes, so I’ll leave it at that)

Tye

My apologies.. I thought my comment was deleted.

OriginalPouzar

Guess I’ll step up in the absence:

Savoie’s 1st period PP goal tonight:

https://twitter.com/DU_Hockey/status/1482887820184207360

TheTikk

Wow, great release.

Tarkus

Tullio picks up a late aPPle in a 3-1 loss.

Meanwhile, The Bourg will have to wait a little longer to return to action, as the Q has extended its hiatus to Feb. 1.

winston

Why hasn’t McDavid request a close door team meeting, surely this stretch warrants one…no?

OriginalPouzar

because they are really nothing but BS and have little effect (as per a number of ex-players on the radio these days, M. Kassian, R. Brown, etc.)…..?

JOFA

Haha not even close

TheTikk

If the request comes in, what choice do they have? You either fold the franchise or try to make the Lindros deal.

TheTikk

I know it’s a subject we’re all loathe to seriously consider, but we may be closer than we think to having to figure out who gets the kids and who gets the dog.

Harpers Hair

As a thought exercise…

C – McDavid $12.5 million

——————————

C – Quinton Byfield $895 K

C – Alex Turcotte – $895K

RW/LW – Arthur Kaliyev – $895K

RD – Brandt Clarke – $925 K

G – Jonathan Quick – $5.8 million.’

——————————–

1st round 2022

1st round 2023

LA gets a very marketable star while the Oilers get a 2C, a 3C, a top 6 winger, a blue chip prospect at RD and an upgrade in goal (.921 2.38 GAA) and save almost $3 million on the cap as well as 2 first round picks.

TheTikk

Yeah, probably something like this, would need a different take on the Quick idea.

Bad Seed

Yeah, I’d say McDavid is ‘very marketable’. Kind of like how Gretzky was very marketable for them.

OriginalPouzar

The deal would need to be based around another superstar on a value contract with term and an emerging start on his ELC.

Something like MacKinnon plus Makar (plus, plus) but 2-3 years ago when MacKinnon had years left on his value deal and Makar has a year or two on his ELC.

Similar to Huburdeau plus Knight, but when Huburdeau had term left.

Harpers Hair

All of those LA players except Clarke are already in the NHL while Byfield is close coming off a broken leg,

Remember that those LA players will also free up additional cap space when replacing unproductive vets.

Its not so much a rebuild but a re-set with a raft of of talented youth.

Yukon Jerk

No, this is the opposite of fun

TheTikk

Ha. Great handle, btw.

I forgot to add that they’d have to throw in a mature analytics department and stock the soda machine in the dressing room for three years.

Yukon Jerk

Hey I’m just happy Trump is off the list.
Because, fuck that guy

Reja

Are you American?

OriginalPouzar

Its interesting that that 4th one has been posting the last week or so under another name….

unca miltie

I have been thinking about the Kane situation and I have a guess as to what is going on. First of all, I think the Oilers did sign him. He and the NHLPA are contesting the termination of his contract. The league is doing an investigation including talking to Kane with the threat of a suspension. Would be possible that the league says to Kane, drop the contesting of the suspension and we will let accept the contract with the Oilers.
if Bookje is right about the presser, then my guess is that it is either about Kane or Tippet. .

OriginalPouzar

With respect, that’s not it.

The contract has been terminated and the league has advised Kane is free to sign with another team. Yes, Kane, through the NHLPA, is grieving the contract termination and, at the end of that process, there may be a financial settlement (and a cap hit to SJ) but the contract is over and will not be re-instated.

The reason no team has officially signed Kane is that the league is considering supplementary discipline in connection with his cross-border travel – there is a chance he gets suspended for 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 games and, of course, if he’s suspended for 20 or 40 games, that changes things for a team like the Oilers.

There could also be things going such as talks between the Oilers and the NHL related to if Kane’s cap hit would apply during a suspension – his cap hit with the Sharks did NOT apply when he was suspended for the first 21 games.

Justthestatsman

When’s the presser?

Sierra

Let me start by saying that I’m not blind to Barrie’s defensive weaknesses. I also don’t understand the term of his contract, but we don’t know what Holland was bidding against.

That said, Barrie sure take a lot of heat here. After reading through today’s blog and comments I thought he must have been minus 2 or 3 on the night. Turns out he was plus 1, the second highest defender in ice time and 4th highest skater, and it was other defenders that were minus 2 and minus 3.

OriginalPouzar

Barrie and Keith have probably been the best two d-men, overall, in the last 10 games.

godot10

Because he was being babysat by Keith. Keith should be babysitting Bouchard, and Barrie carrying his own water.

As a result, the two effectively first year D had to play with each other.

Bouchard can do whatever Barrie can do, and more, for less. There was no need to duplicate Bouchard’s skills.

Barrie and Kassian are two massive structural flaws in the roster. It is basically impossible to work around two such structural flaws.

Holland will not likely lose his job this time. But Tippett agreeing to re-signing Kassian and Barrie (and the dumping of Bear) effectively doomed him.

Last edited 2 years ago by godot10
godot10

Because Barrie is earning real money $4.5 million AAV. Because the NHL is a hard cap league. Anyone earning real money has to be a difference maker

OriginalPouzar

Barrie has been playing well, overall, for quite a while now, including on the 3rd pairing with the likes of Koekkoek/Laggeson and not with Keith (or Nurse).

Tarkus

Tippett’s previous gig was a senior advisor to the fledgling Kraken franchise.

Part of me wonders if (when?) he does conclude his coaching duties, then he could get moved up to an advisory role with the club. Holland is too loyal to can him outright.

Brewha Ha

It would be really cool to see the balance photo prior to LT leaving us to go hang with the hockey Gords. For a minute there, it seemed possible. Last nights game made me think not so much anymore. LT, help me to believe that the photo actually exists and that balance can be achieved by this club. Just show us a corner of it please so we can guess at what it might be.

JOFA

I think the infamous balance photo might be the problem. Burn the photo Al 😄

BornInAGretzkyJersey

You must have missed it when he posted a while back. It was Grace Kelly.

Yegfoundation

Over the past several weeks, LT has received criticism from some well known people via Twitter for his perceived reluctance to support replacing the Head Coach (Tippet).

Fair?

Last edited 2 years ago by Yegfoundation
thepeetso

I don’t think LT has been overly in Tippet’s corner, but he surely also understands there is some roster construction issues.

The question is do you think a different coach could get better results with this lineup?

Personally, I do. So change the coach and see, if the answer is no, then get rid of the GM.

Or just #firethemall

because standing pat is not an option any more.

fistycuff

I would say mostly unfair since there are many (Spector, Brownlee, Staples, Stauffer and many more) who believed vehemently that firing Tippet was not the right move.
Many fans wanted him gone since before the season even started.
The thing is, Tippet had a winning record. Something the team hadn’t seen in ten + years. Their evaluation had merit.
Not anymore. 12 straight losses. Nuff said.

JOFA

Not fair. I think the “perceived reluctance” comes from thinking maybe it would be better that the new GM picks the new coach. BEDMAS. Start with the brackets 😉

Harpers Hair

You get to the point where there is no other option.

You can bet all the decision makers watched McDavid’s post game last night and have also seen the visceral reaction on social media and the MSM.

When you’re a business trying to sell tickets and get eyeballs on TV, you can let’s things fester for so long.

Even in this community today, many are expressing their decision to tune out.

Fan apathy is deadly.

Reja

The team is just going through the motions. If mister nice guy Holland doesn’t have the stomach to do what needs to be done then he needs to be replaced.

Sierra

So then why wasn’t Tippett fired today?

Harpers Hair

I have no idea but it’s possible that today was spent reviewing options and there will be an effort to allow Tippet to maintain some dignity by resigning as Maurice did.

Of course this all speculation and perhaps the press conference will deal with something else entirely.

Kane?

Sierra

One would have to think Holland was already doing this if he was thinking replacing Tippett could be necessary. No way that Holland suddenly, after the loss last night, started thinking about Tippett and started doing his diligence. But then again, nothing would surprise me with this organization.

Harpers Hair

Jim Benning and Travis Green got a vote of confidence from Canucks’ ownership about 10 days before the dynamite went off.

There is always a tipping point.

NorwegianOiler

Votes of confidence are more like kisses of death. They’re only made when in dire straits; and completely unnecessary when operations run smoothly.

JOFA

Friday morning press conference?

Sierra

Why wait to Friday?

YYCOil

In a small, single sports market with 20 bloggers and 6 beat reports ish. News is eyeballs and firing a coach (or sending away very good players that are not currently in the fans favour) is news.

Edmonton’s “fan apathy” in this moment is no reason to move a $1B business off its strategy.

Fan’s quoting 5v5 or Corsi or zone entries are fun for us, but is no way to run a business.

Let Bob, Ken run their play.

Harpers Hair

Follow the money.

YYCOil

Daryl bought the Oilers in 2008 for $170m USD and they were recently valued at $1.1B USD. This is way bigger than who the coach is or what the corsi is for a month or two.

If you are “following the money” -the strategy is baked in for years to come. This organization is not run by a lazy billionaire.

Sierra

My take on LT’s position is that a NHL coach deserves for his GM to supply him with NHL goaltending. It’s hard to argue with that position, unless you believe that the Coach’s system is responsible for the weak goaltending we too often witness.

90s fan

I do believe the coach is responsible for percieved weak goaltending. But also the GM. Because, defensive structure will affect goaltending. Just look at what happened when Dubnyk left.

CrazyCoach

I think the main reluctance is that it’s too easy a move, has the potential to backfire for players who might be on their 4th coach in 6 seasons, and may buy the GM more time that he doesn’t need.

90s fan

We’ve been more steady lately. 2 coaches in almost 6 years. (I’m not including Hitchcock.)

leadfarmer

LT is not a person that calls for people to lose their jobs
that’s why we like him

verite

Not all of us

jp

lol

YYCOil

Kane-McDavid-Puljujarvi 
Savioe-Draisaitl-Hyman
Hopkins-McLeod-Yamamoto
Foegele-Holloway-Kassian
Ryan- Archibald

Nurse-Ceci
Keith-Barrie
Klefbom-Bouchard
Broberg

Blackwell
Smith
Stalock 

Woody
Manson
Gulley
Wiseman

Last edited 2 years ago by YYCOil
ArmchairGM

Savoie? Klefbom? What year is this?

Last edited 2 years ago by ArmchairGM
Sierra

And interesting is Bouchard has 3RD. He is trending better than that.

YYCOil

Playoffs 22

90s fan

Lol, are we in the past or the future?

Reja

I’m calling it right now after Kelfbom takes another year off he makes a comeback signing in Seattle and joining his soul brother Mr. Larsson

OriginalPouzar

I would think the insurance provider would have an issue with paying for three years and then a miraculous recovery.

Reja

We shall see don’t fret about the insurance company they’re not in the business of losing money they’ll just pass it along.

ArmchairGM

The scary thing is that Holland’s moves last summer not only spent every penny in the bank for this year, but for next season too. So bringing in a new GM isn’t necessarily going to change much for next year unless they hire a horse trader who can get value for underperforming assets… once you re-sign the RFA’s, there’s basically nothing left for next season. The money has already been spent.

I know most here will say there’s a zero chance it happens, but this situation makes a Keith retirement – and the $9M cap space that brings – all but a necessity. Note that I’m not down on Keith, but he won’t be worth $9M next year.

ArmchairGM

Second years for aging veterans like Smith and Ryan greatly complicate next year’s cap too. This was avoidable and known at the time of signing (as was the Keith contract AAV and term) but Ken went ahead with these moves anyhow. These bets, poor at the time, look even worse now.

Oil2Oilers

Worse than that, the typical deadline capital of 2nd & 3d round picks was hamstrung by the performance clause in the Keith trade. It was a trade made by someone not able to understand second order effects or finical management.

Gerta Rauss

While on the surface that is true, I think the workaround for that situation is to add a condition on trading the “other” asset

ie: “I’ll trade you Dimitri Kulikov for a conditional 3rd round pick, with the condition being that the Chicago transaction vests first, and you get the other asset”

It actually might be an attractive offer, because if the Oilers don’t make the final, AND Keith doesn’t hit the performance metrics, Chicago gets the 3rd, and the ‘other” asset is the 2nd round pick

Both picks are held in escrow as it stands – I think this workaround would be acceptable to the NHL

Oil2Oilers

Fair point, I had not thought of that.

The poor pick management which was part of a overpayment could be mitigated by further future overpayment.

Gerta Rauss

Oh yes, and trading a 2nd round pick for Kulikov would be so Oilers LOL

*ducks

Last edited 2 years ago by Gerta Rauss
LMHF#1

I’m honestly hoping Katz’s kids are in charge.

No 80s nostalgia crap. No kissing Lowe and MacTavish’s feet. Have seen the ugly and don’t want their future investment tainted with it anymore. That’d work.

Harpers Hair

I’m stumped on who to bring is as POHO but would throw a ton of cash to bring in Eric Tulsky as GM.

He has been Assistant GM in Carolina while they built a powerhouse however there’s a chance he’s also on Jim Rutherford’s list in Vancouver.

LMHF#1

I’d be crazy enough to bring in someone from outside the sport in the Prez’s seat – but that’s probably just me. I’m a big believer you need an actual executive – not just a decent manager from the hockey pile.

Someone who knows how to assess an industry and hire. Hockey people just call their people. That’s not good enough.

Harpers Hair

Agree completely that would be the wisest decision but it rarely happens in hockey.

Scungilli Slushy

Gary was a basketball guy

UnjustEnrichment

I agree that McDavid and Draisaitl do not belong on the same line, generally speaking. I also agree that Puljujarvi should be stapled to McDavid’s right side. But I do not agree that we are one or two shrewd trades away from winning the Stanley Cup or being in serious contention.

I disagree vehemently with the idea of trading the blue-chip prospects for help right now.

If one really wants this team to sail into the playoffs right now, one must be blasphemous and think outside the box: Trade McDavid for as much as anyone is willing to pay, in a way that fills all of the holes on the team for the foreseeable future, rebuilds the prospect pool, increases the number of upcoming draft picks, and makes the team into a contender. You could also throw Barrie, Kassian, and Koskinen into the deal. Make it an unforgettable blockbuster. Create balance.

Of course, such a deal only works if one gets high quality players, prospects and picks back in return. Like I said, it is blasphemous to even think the thought. Consider it a thought experiment. I do not necessarily know if I would have the courage to do it.

Admittedly, we are all electrified by McDavid, but the sad reality is that his existence on the team creates an imbalance of immense proportions. He is also very difficult for other players to play with, given his unique talents. It does not help matters when he has nothing to say at post-game press conferences. However electrifying he often is on the ice, he is the exact opposite at press conferences. He needs to work on his soliloquies and read up on his Shakespeare if he wants to lead a championship team!

When Denis Potvin was reigned in by Al Arbour, Potvin gave up the possibility of scoring a whole lot more points than he actually did, and he did not get to make as many electrifying plays as he might have wanted to make. But his transformation made him into a formidable team player at both ends of the rink, and his Stanley Cup winning teams had the sort of balance and cohesiveness that the Oilers dream of.

One cannot compete for the Stanley Cup, or win it, with just a handful of star players. Imbalance is the problem.

Okay, the thought experiment is over, at least it is for me.

31saves

I’ll entertain that McDavid might need to adjust his game. A shame because if the team had been built properly I don’t think he would have.

But to trade him?
For not being a good interview at a press conference where he has to explain why the team has now dropped nearly 14 in a row?

First of all, Sidney Crosby took up a larger percentage of the cap when he was McDavids age. He has 3 cups and a finals appearance to boot. I couldn’t tell you a Crosby quote. Or a Stamkos. Toews was renowned for being serious and brooding and he has cups.

Difference is they had a supporting cast around them.

Once you trade McDavid, the trouble is, you no longer have McDavid on your team.

Harpers Hair

An elite goaltender and a true #1D are essential to a successful rebuild.

JOFA

I’m told Nurse is that guy, but maybe there is some confusion based off of next year’s AAV.😉

A Markstrom signing would have made it hard to overpay Nurse while solving the goaltender issue.

winchester

Many broad and accurate observations about the organazation today. All of which were and have been covered up by the play of a few superstars, and if things turn around, they will continue to be covered up. A smart man would see this, would have seen it earlier, but that man doesn’t work for the Oilers.

Last nights game, I thought had similarities to the last three. The team played pretty good, they were the better team on the ice, worked hard, created more but still failed.

The biggest reason is while they may play a strong 50 minutes, they continue to give up soft chances, soft coverage, and take unnecessary risk. The roster has weaknesses but it could have won those games. we know this because of early season success.

I can’t say they didnt battle but certainly they lost key battles at key times. Soft coverage. Oilers lack muscle but have no excuse on how much they tend to give up and when.

For risk, just look at Draisaitl. Oh he’s good but coach simple needs to tell him not to go for these high risk passes. Leon, there’s a time for the sweet pass and a time for the safe pass (or dump)

1.Take out these high risk plays and soft coverage, those games are won. Who is responsible for allowing these to continue?

For gods sake Tippet you need to know your team. Rookie goalie, twin rooks on defense. Why didn’t you pull everyone back for the third period. Why were wingers up at the offensive blueline waiting for the flip pass?

2.Add a 915 save percentage, these last games are also wins.

These two moves belong to Holland. Coach and goalie. But Holland is so far out of his play book he is lost.

3.Then add Kane up front and some muscle on defence.

godot10

Nurse broke a finger. Of course his passing is going to be a bit wonky for awhile.

OriginalPouzar

Good point.

London Jon

I don’t have the numbers, but why are Foegele and Ryan (and every other bottom 6 forward for the last 5 years) so much worse with the Oilers than their previous teams?

System? Fitness? Coaching?

winchester

It is an excellent question to pose. My answer is this superstar syndrome coaches seem sucked into.

I think it creates a spit in the team. Less ice time, less responsibility, become more of a watcher and less involved. Just a thought.

Falls to the coach in my opinion.

tileguy

^^this^^, that’s why one of them has to go.

Offside

Every time I hear the CCR song, I have to fight back a tear. How fitting is your title after the Oilers collapse

Todd Macallan

Sounds like Oilers presser tomorrow (as per Baggedmilk from ON on twitter)

Psyche

“Katz announces that he’s bringing in Lowetide and Woodguy to lead a forensic audit of the Oilers!” Pretty please!

Scungilli Slushy

Lowetide as POHO WG as GM

Harpers Hair

It has to be Tippet…maybe pulling a Maurice.

Gerta Rauss

I think that’s a reasonable guess

Decidedly Skeptical Fan

We should thank God Maurice showed him the way … Tipp doesn’t have enough imagination to figure it out on his own.

Harpers Hair

(@Bookjie) Tweeted:

If Bob Nicholson and everyone else is fired, who shows up to do the press conference?

My guess – Kevin Lowe and Katz.

https://twitter.com/Bookjie/status/1482845694226354176?s=20

tileguy

Lol, ooooh that touches a nerve.

fistycuff

Pressers for this team are more like depressers. Like eating a pill. It is more than 18 hours since the game ended, and I am still gutted. Hollands last presser felt like he was doing his best Tambellini impression. Basically, he tells the entire world that his plan is to do nothing and that the team we see is good enough, that he believes in the players and the coach, that he has no plan to remove the coach, and that he will not make a trade that can help the team now, and that the team needs to do this internally. Whatever the team has to say at this “depresser”, barring a major blockbuster deal, or a coaching change, will have no effect on the state of the team. Didn’t they just try this a few days ago? It is so painful to be an Oiler fan. That loss last evening was very disturbing for me from so many angles. Mostly, I have just realized that although we have had a couple decent seasons and things looked like they were turning, that we are now in year 16 of the rebuild but yet no further along than when we had Hemsky…all the fans want is a team that works hard, plays hard and we get a team that is softer than a pillow. Disappointing on every level.

etownboi33

Stalock cleared waivers and is going to get some games in Bako. Maybe the oilers version of Binington?

Admiral Ackbar

The hope strings are getting more and more difficult to grasp…

innercitysmytty

Is Ted Lasso available to coach the Oilers?

StixMalone

If the Oilers are going to reinvent themselves ( like Elliott Freedman suggested last night ) they can’t do it with this coach…..

childishzamboni

I can’t post about the Oilers, it’s too depressing.

When I woke up on Christmas morning I thought to myself, “Do these folks blog on Christmas Day?” To my surprise, another posting. I really thought everyone would take the day off, but was happy when you didn’t. Anyway, I thought that the article from the author and the comments from EVERYONE were wonderful. I also remember thinking this isn’t just a great sports blog, this is a very special place on the internet. I upvoted everyone who made a comment that day.

I have seen the author plead with the community enough.

I haven’t been perfect and have likely overlooked things myself so I can’t point the finger at any individual for their behaviour. I will adjust myself, it’s something I can do.

I’m not exactly sure what is expected, but the old adage “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” comes to mind. It also appears that overly argumentative discourse is becoming a challenge.

Before I make another post, I will remember all of your Christmas comments and the wishes of the author – he has created something very special for us all, even if we just read it. 20 years of anything is amazing as far as I am concerned, wish my marriage lasted that long. :)))

I will be better, thanks to you all.

Admiral Ackbar

Great post. Much appreciated.

We’re all going to look back on these times in a few years and realize just how wound up we all were…

leadfarmer

I don’t think bringing Evander Kane into this mess is a good idea

OriginalPouzar

I do.

Its zero risk (assuming presumed contract terms).

StixMalone

I think this as well. No risk for this season….

Admiral Ackbar

Provided there’s no term…

I’ve learned to never disregard this organization’s ability to make bad deals.

Last edited 2 years ago by Admiral Ackbar
leadfarmer

No risk?
is that because of his history of bringing locker rooms together?

OriginalPouzar

He does have a history of going to teams and then signing long-term contracts after being in the dressing room.

If he can “damage the room” in a few months, well, then the bodies in the room need to be blown up.

The only real risk of a deal for the end of the season is PR risk and, frankly, I’m with McDavid on that one.

jimmyneutron

What do you mean?? The Oilers are an Evander Kane away from being a western juggernaut lol.

€√¥£€^$

One of my guys (who is a legit good guy) played with Kane for 2 yrs on the Giants. He described him an as an asshole, which is the opposite of how my nephew described Nurse, that being that Nurse is a genuine down to earth approachable and generous human being.

What we know for certain is that there are many genuine good guys in that room. There may already be an asshole or two in the room as well. Kane should be coming in knowing that he is being welcomed in by the top player in the world and if he screws it up, his career is likely over. So he will be coming in on his best behaviour, so that is something to be aware of. If it’s Maurice coming in, not sure if it matters, but he also knows the player. This might be an important factor.

When all is said and done, there are lots of pro teams that have had assholes in their locker rooms, the successful ones know how to make it work. Let’s see what happens (if it does) but reserve judgement until after 10 games….

Last edited 2 years ago by €√¥£€^$
Decidedly Skeptical Fan

No worries … I very much doubt Kane does either.

Bobcaygeon

I’ve never said this before & I’ve laughed off comments of McDavid.

After watching that post game presser, I fear McDavid and Draisaitl head space more than ever.

I fear it more than Holland making a panic move…

TheGreatBigMac

Not that afraid, if McDavid ends up wanting out or some similar tragedy we can all make our peace and move on and wish him well. He would fetch an amazing return. A Chia style panic move could mess the team up for many more seasons.

Caustic

Why… Why does Tippett never use his timeout? After the second goal you could feel the comeback coming. How about use the timeout and slow the momentum.

Why is he playing 97, 29, 25 as much as he is? How does Tip not see they are exhausted and are starting to reach for pucks because of it.

Last edited 2 years ago by Caustic
StixMalone

Tipp’s presser was a man dejected like he knew his time is ending….

innercitysmytty

Gregor asked him about this and he said something about his players seeming like they were well rested and didn’t need it or something to that effect.

LMHF#1

He’s a veteran coach who doesn’t know how to use timeouts or when to change goalies.

It’s crazy to watch. He appears to believe he can’t influence the game after it has started.

CrazyCoach

Hey LT & the most knowledgeable Oilers group on the Al Gore.

Last night was strange. I only saw the last two periods. I’d like to say I saw each second but a day of chipping and removing ice plus a Chinese buffet got the best of me and I pretty much cratered for the two goal meltdown and I awoke to a tie game. In hindsight In should have just slept or gotten up and done something productive.

This is a whipped hockey team right now. The stats show it, the naked eye shows it, and it certainly shows on the scoreboard. As a member of the coaching fraternity, I shouldn’t throw Tippett under the bus, but I would suggest he do what Paul Maurice did in Winnipeg. He’s clearly lost the room and his in game tactics have been so predictable that other teams scouting know they are going to get an easy assignment when playing the Oilers, because he’s too predictable. Lemaire was predictable, as were many others, but they beat you because the players bought into the system. I don’t see that right now. I see players wishing they were somewhere else.

Having said that, the rot doesn’t end with Tippett. It ends at Bobby Nicks. Holland has been an abject failure through and through. He’s done some good work such as us handling with JP, but he counters that with the Kassian deal. He’s failed to address needs (#1 goalie, 3 C, effective 4th line), and basically ate up all cap room.

Bobby Nicks has hired a steady stream of Hockey Canada alumni, with the same results. This isn’t the World Juniors or the Olympics where you get to select the best candidates from a huge pool with very few parameters and the blind faith of a country behind you. This is the NHL where every dollar matters and every hiring should be based on a proven track record, not because Coach A won a tourney with a stacked team.

The owner is like many of us: stuck in the ’80s when this team steamrolled through this league like never before. Those were different times and nostalgia is a powerful emotion, but it’s not the emotion that builds successful hockey teams.

I’ve watched more games this season than I have in a while. It has been a roller coaster like no other. I will continue watching, but wow, this is a deeply flawed organization. I sure hope it changes in a hurry. My fear is that it becomes a joke franchise with an owner who doesn’t care because his bottom line is not affected.

I don’t want to be the NY Jets of the NHL.

Scungilli Slushy

Beauty comment Coach

I think Tipp’s schemes don’t fit the personnel

It’s kind of like Chris Jones and his D scheme, players love it because it is aggressive

Football players are aggressive by definition. Asking them to sit back and play safe they can do, but they love the attack, riskier, but to the brave goes the glory

Connor and Leon are aggressive ultra competitive types in the ice. Boudreau and his energy and schemes would suit them better. Or somebody like that.

Tipp is a good coach per se, but is too stoic for this group IMO. Need some experienced controlled fire.

Reja

Dead Man Walking… For a team to be in the Stanley Cup window and your Head Coach has lost 12 in a row and still has a job. Your G.M who’s making more money than 9 of the apostles is burying his head in the sand, is that the right play here? Fire Tippett, sign Kane and get Holloway up to speed as fast as possible. I was hoping they would of signed Gretzky as G.M but the mob would of went ballistic with the OBC bullshit. I have no doubt in my mind that we would of been further ahead with Keith as our G.M over Santa Claus Holland.

JOFA

I was against Gretzky being GM. But I can’t say I disagree with you. It would have been interesting. Imagine if they would have stayed with MacT.

Alpine

I was against Gretzky but mostly because I thought the optics would be poor and that I wasn’t convinced he was the best candidate out of the many assistant GMs out there. But he almost surely would have been better.

In retrospect the 2019 deadline moves were largely inconsequential but the logic behind them was more sound than what the guys before and after him were doing. He got a still serviceable NHLer for a guy who was soon to be out of the league. He turned an underperforming goalie on an expiring contract into a younger G with potential who has recently started to fulfill it in another org.

Bobcaygeon

I wonder what Paul Maurice is up too…

Admiral Ackbar

He’s 199% my choice.

Tarkus

Petrov bangs home a pretty between-the-legs feed to tie the game at 1. #22 for #22.

https://twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1482796973598117892?cxt=HHwWiMC41bj_-ZMpAAAA

Harpers Hair

Ovechkin with his 26th on a 106 MPH slap shot from his office on the PP.

achotai

Sorry you had to resort to that approach in the comments Lowetide. But, I suspect some good will come out of it.

Regarding the Oilers: My feeling is the players seem to have lost their confidence and sense of fun… I think even if we get a goalie upgrade and bring in Evander Kane there’s still going to be this problem. A coaching change might patch things up if the new coach brings some fresh air and fun to the locker room.

If you’ll allow me a bit of tangent here… This team reminds me of when I have a fight with my wife. We both know that the worst thing we can do is try to force a resolution, or keep hacking away at the issue that caused us to get angry at each other… that will only lead to making things worse. Better is to separate for a while, calm down, reavaluate, and then come back fresh and talk things through. The key is that both of us know that the fight and the resulting separation is temporary, we both have trust in our relationship and love, and the strength of our relationship to work through some small (or big) issue.

I think the relationship with winning needs to be like this… There needs to be a bit of a lighthearted approach to the game, and a trust that losing (and winning) is temporary so just enjoy the experience, if issues arrise you step back and reevaluate and fix them.

A great coach knows how to help the players do this, but there’s not too many great coaches out there. So, I think the Oilers might benefit from bringing in Woodcroft… that and a decent analytics department…

Just my two cents.

StixMalone

The Sens were a loose group. They were having fun. No pressure on them if they win or lose….

Randle McMurphy

Seriously. The one bright spot from last nights game….

The MANY posters names that I have not seen before.

Nice to see, if even on a down beat occasion.

Randle McMurphy

And man, they’re really good posts…. like achotai above ^ and Shamus23 just below

Shamus23

Holland has put himself in a very bad position.

He has a coach that is set in his old ways and is making questionable lineup decisions

He does not have anything at his disposal that looks like a #1 goalie and on this losing skid, or an NHL goalie period

He made questionable moves this past summer that left him no $$$$ to do anything now without giving up more Picks or prospects for teams to eat $$$.

He now has a Captain that looks totally defeated as does his other big gun Drai. It is showing in the game they are both playing right now ( Trying to do it all by themselves and Squeezing the stick way too hard

we have a D that is not good at all defensively.

A pk that is slow and really poor ( This is where they miss Nuge the most)

I mean he brought most of this upon himself.

But really what can he do? Well every team that we try and trade with right now is going to get EXTRA from us because we are dealing from a really bad spot right now.

This is a really crappy spot to be in.

He made his moves this Summer and in a perfect non Oiler world , all would have gone right. But this is the Oilers, and not much seems to ever go right for a long time now.

He gambled on a Relic in goal
He gambled on another Relic in his top 4 at a ridiculous price
He possibly thought Holloway and Archibald would be in his lineup adding huge speed and truculence .
He probably thought he had Larsson locked up .
He didn’t sign Barrie early until he had to scramble for D after Larsson left.

So now he is left with a club that is really underperforming with a porous D, no goaltender and no toughness , and now a Captain that looks like he is really done with the whole thing .

It is very sad state he has put the organization into.

I just do not see any quick fix here

I don’t think Tippet is the answer to pull this team out if it either.

Trades are going to be hard. Getting Kane would be a bonus about now, even with the baggage he brings.

You see proposed trades all over the place. But who wants a Barrie and that contract. His pp game has dropped off. Who wants Kass and that contract . Etc etc

Tough going for Kenny boy. But he has to do something to at least make it look like he is trying to help out his stars.

Same old , same old crap for this organization, just another day in Oilerville

Randle McMurphy

Like this post.

The point that hits home the hardest for me “But really what can he do? Well every team that we try and trade with right now is going to get EXTRA from us because we are dealing from a really bad spot right now.”…” Trades are going to be hard. Getting Kane would be a bonus about now, even with the baggage he brings.”

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Shamus23

Yes it is quite sad.

Diablo

I don’t agree with the idea that the vets can’t be dealt at the deadline. Usually there are very few, like 5-6 sellers, 5-6 true contenders and then another 20 teams that are on the fringe of the playoffs.

Every year there are vets with barely anything left in the tank traded for picks … because GMs and coaches have a pretty short shelf life in the league now (by comparison to 20-30 years ago) … young players don’t move (unless they are about to become UFA), so GMs who are “going for it” can end up convincing themselves that they are “helping the team” by trading lower picks for vets.

None of Kassian, Barrie, Shore, Ryan, or Smith are on massive deals. Koskinen’s deal is done this year. Even Keith may be tradeable if he agrees to wave his NMC (given that the Oilers are unlikely to make the playoffs, and that he has maybe 1-2 more years left in the tank, that may be an easier sell than we think it is).

Holland needs to pivot hard and realize that this season is lost. I doubt he has the guts to do it though …

OriginalPouzar

I don’t agree at all that the GM needs to pivot hard at this time and look to be a seller. I’m not saying that its a time to trade material futures for a rental but we are far from the other end of that spectrum.

At the same time, he should always be looking for hockey trades to improve the team and Tyson Barrie could potentially be one of those assets and I see a potential match with Seattle who won’t have Gio next year and could use a PP d-man and they have Grubauer and Drieger

Something around Barrie and Drieger may have legs.

I would like Drieger and Soucey but, if Barrie is going out, a RD is needed – a Fleury, they have two of them……

OriginalPouzar

Gio is PP1 in Seattle and is likely not there next year (or for the entirety of this season).

Could they have interest in Tyson Barrie?

Could there be something centered around Barrie and Drieger or, preferably Drieger plus Soucey of Fleury (I wish Soucey shot right), either Fleury?

Barrie plus ??

TheGreatBigMac

Maybe but Drieger is under contract for a while. So the question is, is he the guy? We won’t get a do over, would he be the next Koskinen or Roloson? Varlamov seems like a better bet if we can get him.

OriginalPouzar

Its only for two more years and he’s a couple million cheaper than Varlamov.

I have confidence that he could split with Skinner next season.

TheGreatBigMac

I like Skinner, he is not a proven NHL 1B. Drieger is not a proven 1A. There would be a lot of risk in this deployment. If we spend assets it should help reduce risk, not just give us another roll of the dice.

Last edited 2 years ago by TheGreatBigMac
OriginalPouzar

I’d be pretty comfortable with Drieger for this current contract. He’s struggled this season but his last two seasons in Florida were magnificent when one compares them to the other tenders used by the Panthers in those seasons – massive gap in results.

jp

I’d worry about Dreidger too. The previous two seasons were excellent, but he only played 35 games total. It’d be something else for the big goalie addition to have a worse SV% than any of the 3 goalies the Oilers currently employ.

lenko

Big shakeup is necessary!

Bling

LT, that comment on Nurse’s passing last night is bang on.

I couldn’t help but contrast how Nurse was moving the puck with Chabot. Boy is he effective at moving the biscuit. Nurse could potentially benefit from a less is more approach.

Keith was excellent yesterday and has been good for some time.

Hyman – McLeod – Puljujarvi were tremendous. Wow that could easily be a very good second or third line. Possession demons, particularly Hyman. All three of those guys are effective on zone entries. JP was turning over pucks as per usual.

I really liked Yamamoto’s game, as well.

There are some glimmers of hope, here, but honestly I’ve given up on this year. I will watch the games but I don’t expect anything, not even playoffs.

At this point, I’m following to see the ongoing development of KY, JP, McLeod, Bouchard, Skinner and others. Hopefully Broberg soon.

Randle McMurphy

Agreed with everything you said and thanks for saying it.

I still think they’ll right the ship and make the playoffs.

London Jon

The number of times Nurse ices the puck when under no pressure at all…

OriginalPouzar

Absolutely Nurse struggled passing the puck last night but, aside from that, he was bordering on elite last night. Great defending, in particular defending the rush, and he skated miles in all zones making positive plays and contributing to chances.

At least to me eye.

doctoreye

Never say Never!

Bryan

Sorry to hear that you’ve had to add babysitting to your daily duties, LT. A bit ridiculous that it’s necessary but it is what it is. I can remember Vic Ferrari going scorched earth a few times but the comments used to be quite well behaved and respectful.

Very disheartening game last night. Bringing in the right goalie would certainly help. Barrie needs to be swapped for a competent defence man. The team is screaming for a new man at the helm though. They look lost.

Munny 2.0

Vic and Bruce had some slobberknockers back in the day.