The Oilers have a solid history of developing quality talent in the minor leagues. The first player without high draft pedigree who emerged as an NHL player? An undrafted defender who played under minor-league coaches Al Rollins, Garnet Bailey and John Muckler before arriving in the NHL for a long and successful career.
Muckler would have helped make the call on Charlie Huddy, who was recalled for good during the 1981-82 CHL season for the Wichita Wind. Muckler would also move to Edmonton as an assistant coach in 1982-83 and the two men worked closely through 1990-91 when Muckler flew to Buffalo and Huddy headed for the left coast.
Is there a “Charlie Huddy” in the system who will spend the next several years (should it come to pass) with Jay Woodcroft?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Dylan Holloway’s first games in Bakersfield and what it could mean for his NHL ETA
- DNB: Six signs of positive change surface for the Oilers in Jay Woodcroft’s victorious coaching debut
- Lowetide: 7 Oilers players poised to benefit most from Jay Woodcroft becoming head coach
- DNB: Oilers coaching change clears the way: Ken Holland’s roster construction will now have to stand up to scrutiny
- Lowetide: Oilers pro forward depth chart about to get overhauled
- DNB: Three Oilers questions that will define stretch run
- Lowetide: Hard-target search to address Oilers roster needs before trade deadline
- Lowetide: Four RH defence prospects looking to impress while pushing for the NHL.
- DNB: Why Oilers prospect Xavier Bourgault is ‘a player that everybody wants to play with’
- Lowetide: Oilers’ bizarre January ended on a high note
- DNB: Oilers’ Zach Hyman is compelled to speak up about antisemitism when he sees it
- Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice to take Kailer Yamamoto in 2017 NHL Draft
- Lowetide: Why prospects stall in the AHL
- Lowetide: Grading the first 3 years of Ken Holland’s Oilers trades
- DNB: Adam Cracknell is now a Canadian Olympian.
- DNB: Dylan Holloway resumes road to Oilers after frustrating injury interruption
- New DNB: Oilers’ flaws can’t be ignored as losing skid goes from bad to worse
- Lowetide: Why can’t the Oilers win a trade in the Connor McDavid era?
- DNB: ‘We’re finding ways to lose’
- Lowetide: Midseason review of Oilers reasonable predictions for 2021-22
- Lowetide: What to expect from Dylan Holloway in Bakersfield and Edmonton this season
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: WAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: VEG, CHI, NYI (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 1-2-0)
- On the road to: SJS, LAK (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: MIN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: TBY, FLA, CAR (Expected 0-2-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 6-4-2, 14 points in 12 games
- Actual January results: 2-2-0, 4 points in 4 games
- Oilers in 2021-22: 24-18-3, 51 points in 45 games
This season has been the most ridiculous trip, and yet the numbers suggest the team could make the postseason. I don’t do this often because it’s tedious and my leisure time isn’t what it used to be (honest!), but here are the totals after 45 games in each season since Connor McDavid’s arrival.
AFTER 45 GAMES
- Oilers in 2015-16: 17-23-5, 39 points; goal differential -26
- Oilers in 2016-17: 23-15-7, 53 points; goal differential +7
- Oilers in 2017-18: 19-23-3, 41 points; goal differential -22
- Oilers in 2018-19: 21-21-3, 45 points; goal differential -20
- Oilers in 2019-20: 23-17-5, 51 points; goal differential -6
- Oilers in 2020-21: 27-16-2, 56 points; goal differential +19
- Oilers in 2021-22: 24-18-3, 51 points; goal differential -4
I used Natural Stat Trick goal differential numbers, so there will be different totals if you’re using something else. The Canadian division season is an outlier, so we’re basically looking at the 2016-17 and 2019-20 seasons as comparables. I’d like to say this year’s Oilers are better than the 2019-20 group, but with the rollercoaster feel to the 2021-22 campaign it’s basically a case of holding on to your ass until spring. The new coach is a positive move. That doesn’t mean the trades will get better.
THE MODERN HUDDY
Although Charlie Huddy played over 150 minor-league games, he was productive from the beginning. He is one of a very few Oilers defensemen to score 20 goals in a season and of course was part of the five Stanley Cups 1984-1990.
So if we’re looking for a player to fill a similar role with a highly successful Woodcroft, we’re searching for a lower pick (say outside the first two rounds). Kailer Yamamoto and Tyler Benson may enjoy NHL careers, but they aren’t coming from as far back as Huddy.
Ethan Bear would have been a good candidate, but he’s down the line. Cooper Marody has a similar story to Huddy (but with fewer NHL games at a young age) and the Oilers have shown no urgency to get him to the show; William Lagesson would qualify, I don’t know that he’s going to be a long-term solution; Stuart Skinner has a chance to play a prominent role over the next several seasons.
Ryan McLeod was a second-round pick, so is in the Yamamoto-Benson category. Dmitri Samorukov could qualify for sure, he has been playing well in Bakersfield and I can see him forcing his way on to the roster in the fall. Raphael Lavoie is a second-round pick, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway are first-round selections.
I count three possibilities. Markus Niemelainen was a third-round selection but honestly spent most of his time outside the AHL as a distant bell prospect. I think he’s already shown he can fill a need and would give him the best chance of being the modern Huddy (despite obvious differences in style). Phil Kemp, another defense-first blue, and Mike Kesselring are candidates for the next Huddy. Niemelainen is the player to watch though, in fact he might be solving a roster issue in real time.
I wonder if LT will change this to February before March 😆
– it’s interesting to see some of the comments on Spector jones matheson etc.
– the Edmonton Main Street media is fairly unique in terms of its composition: virtually all men who were there from the glory days
– not being from Edmonton and probably never read an article from any of them, it’s funny to follow to narratives over the years.
– more than anywhere isn’t reading a local best writer in Edmonton much like reading official MLB or NHL web site corporate stuff. Never critical about management or coaching untill it’s over, and eager to lay it onto players. It’s weird how docile supplicant and devoid of analysis
’- perhaps this is part of the genius of Lowetide : more knowledgeable fans seeking discourse had to go “underground” to seek knowledge and truth.
George Orwell is credited with saying “News is something someone doesn’t want you to print…the rest is public relations “
By the way, after having been part of the Edmonton media for a long time but now exposed mostly to the Vancouver media, I can tell you that there are just as many or more veteran journalists here as there and they can be much more probing than Matheson, Spector et al and there have often been flare ups with Canuck management and players over the years but generally speaking the Canucks are far less thin skinned.
The Oilers have long had a circle the wagons mentality but often their weapons are pointed the wrong way.
Did you put yourself on the restricted list, then ask LT of you could post again?
That’s real commitment to your self imposed restrictions!
Notwithstanding the Tuesday game against the Kings is more important vis-a-vis playoff positioning, I think that Woody goes with Smith on Monday? Tough not to after being so good last game, right?
Buttons pushed. Lol
I bet he plays skinner Monday. Smith Tuesday. Smith’s played 3 in a row now.
Could be. They are almost certainly going to split.
There are two days before the Monday game mind you.
Then again, 5 games in 7 nights coming up – yikes!
Ya, they will both get their games in.
Actually now I am thinking this:
Smith skinner, smith skinner smith skinner smith.
Smith gets Monday.
1) I doubt that Woody will go with a pure slit like that – he has a history of riding his starter in the AHL.
2) Mikko will be available for Thursday and I’d be surprised if Skinner wasn’t assigned (unless there is an injury to Smith).
Of course, George. I don’t think anyone is on the restricted list.
You should put on a “one time only” vote on who to add to said restricted list tehehe.
Colorado does the Oilers a favour by beating Dallas 4-0 this afternoon.
Since January 1, the Avalanche are 17-0-1 and now have a goal differential of +59.
Kuemper with with 23 save shutout…MacKinnon retuned to the lineup.
Hoo boy.
What a team Sakic put together I bet they roll through the playoffs like the Oilers used too. I’m so glad Kadri didn’t land in Calgary and that they gave up on Bennett. Could you imagine how hard Calgary would be to beat in a 7 game series with these two on their roster.
Kadri scores his 20th goal of the season and is now tied with Draisaitl in P/GP atop the scoring race.
Gotta love those contract years…..
Kadri with the career high in points in 43 games. At age 31.
I wonder how long he can keep it up..
This is Colorado’s go year. They’re losing 2C and 1G at very least.
Then it’s the apocalypse of MacKinnon leaving.
2021 Season:
President’s Trophy which included Vezina caliber goaltending but couldn’t even make the conference finals.
The regular season means nothing for Joe Sakic’s job security.
You often have to lose before you learn to win it all…there are many examples.
And Sakic likely has the most secure job in hockey.
He built a perennial powerhouse.
Sakic has about a decade’s experience in losing as a manager….
Another early exit from the playoffs…..
So you are saying things are right on track with the Oilers? They have to lose before the learn to win after all .
Your statement about losing before you win is so true. Except for when the losing doesn’t lead to winning. Of which there are also many examples.
Your last sentence should have read Sakic has built a perennial powerhouse that has underperformed in post season play! A much more correct and balanced for truth statement!🙈
In the Salary Cap era, the Presidents’ trophy winners have 2 cup wins out of 16 tries (Det ’08 Chi ’13. Even just reaching the final has been a challenge, with only one other President’s trophy winner getting there and not winning (the Nucks in ’11). Not good odds!
In any given season only 1 of 32 teams can win the cup.
1 of 8 ain’t bad.
There you go moving the goal posts again. “Playoff seeding Does matter” is your statement from just down below. Other than 2020, only 16 teams are in the playoffs so places 17-32 (30 or 31 during the actual referenced 16 seasons) are entirely irrelevant at that point. The median place in the standings for the Stanley Cup winner in the salary cap era: 5th. The median place for the other finalist: 9th.
Finishing top 8 matters (13 of 16 wins). Finishing first means has meant very little in the playoffs in this era. Using your logic, 8th (2 wins) is just as good as 1st, and 4th (4 wins) is twice as good. Hell 7 teams finishing 12th or below have been to the final, and 2 of them won it. Just making the playoffs, any team still has a chance.
Might as well award them the Stanley Cup and cancel the rest of the season, right?
What pointless drivel. The best team in the league is still the best team in the league. Got it.
Ignore it HH. This is an excellent post any hockey fan would be interested in. A truly phenomenal hockey team. Could they lose in the playoffs? Of course hockey is an incredibly random sport. But it doesn’t mean Sakic should change a single thing.
Like a swarm of gnats.
Speculation is Sakic is looking at adding a scoring winger if he can get one for the right price.
A high end finisher on the second line with Kadri on the second line with Kadri would be lethal.
What Do Gnats Eat?
Organic matter in a stage of fermentation and decomposition.
Slime produced by moist, organic matter that accumulates in poorly maintained drains, garbage containers, garbage disposals and other sources of waste products.
I find this to be a very un-OP post, haha.
I agree…it actually has a bit of wit.
Yup, Oilers back in a playoff spot with the Dallas loss.
And the Stars next game is also against Colorado in Denver where the Avalanche are 21-2-2.
Petrov picks up the primary assist on North Bay’s go-ahead goal late in the third.
It’s a neat little backhand pass to an onrushing Coe for the eventual game-winner:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1492972121735241739?cxt=HHwWloC5-YGPjbgpAAAA
Engaras had a really good shift early in the second, where his line kept Lowell pinned in their own end due to nice steal by hard-skating Engaras. Generated two shot attempts but missed the net with both.
Was rewarded later in the period with a first assist on UNH’s second goal. Was providing a screen at the right post, puck was thrown toward the net, bounces off him to the UNH LWer who bangs in the loose puck.
Final score from the Bell Centre:
Jeff Skinner 4
Montreal 3
“The Other Skinner” also tacked on an assist as Buffalo won 5-3.
Say what you want about him and his cap but the man can score. He has 285 career goals and he’s only 29.
Tullio, hungry for more offence, helps himself to another apple as Oshawa takes the lead in the second.
And then adds a snipe on the PP as the Generals take a 3-1 lead.
He camps out in front of the net–Petrov’s office, one might say–and promptly deposits his 21st tally-o of the season:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLHockey/status/1492962235601362946?cxt=HHwWhIC9wcjPiLgpAAAA
His 1+2 effort gives him the game’s 2nd star.
The Bourg remains out of the lineup for Shawinigan.
The all important first goal is huge when it comes to how teams defend the Oilers. The ridiculous amount of first goals scored on us the last 25 games cost Tippett his job and rightfully so. Hopefully Woody takes a more aggressive approach in the first 10 minutes. This will lead to more PP for the good guys. Oilers were playing not to lose with Tippett and that approach doesn’t work in the end game.
Youngstown played Green Bay twice this weekend, picking up two wins: 3-1 and 5-2. Lachance didn’t record a point but did a pick up a late third period penalty both matches.
UML and UNH are scoreless after one.
Tullio picks himself an apple as Oshawa opens the scoring in period 1.
Easy to forget about him with Holloway, Borg, Petrov, Savoie and (now) Lavoie all showing so well among the fwd ranks. He is unique to the above, except for possibly Holloway, re: motor, agitating qualities combined w/ skill. I am excited to see what he can do w/ the Condors next season, presumably starting out in a bottom 6 role.
We are in desperate need of a agitator Holland should no better.
Definitely should not forget about Tulio but lets not forget, this is his draft plus 2 season and “real prospects” should being putting up some numbers in the CHL in their draft plus 2.
This kid does seem to have a bit of a “factor” that could really help him in his bid to develop in to an NHL player. I don’t know what it is or how to describe it but its that agitator quality mentioned.
In any event, the kid has a shot but I think it will take some time – likely a couple solid AHL years starting next season.
He takes a pass down the right wing, enters the offensive zone and sends a centering pass that’s neatly deflected:
https://twitter.com/Oshawa_Generals/status/1492943085080305667?cxt=HHwWhoCzge70_7cpAAAA
I might get ripped a new one for saying this, but 97 does fly the zone a lot. I know I’m not an NHL coach or anything, but isn’t the Center supposed to be the defensive conscience of the 3 forwards on a line? When the team was hot at the start of the year, the buy-in to defence was being talked about all the time. How they were being patient and letting the offensive chances come to them, rather than chasing offense. They need that mindset for 60 minutes every night, whether they give up the first goal 2 minutes into the game, or if they’re up 4-0. Good teams understand that.
Take a look at the posts the woodguy made on Twitter in regards to 97’s 5×5 defensive play.
I’ve read about it elsewhere too. Doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement. Defending is how this team is ultimately going to win. I know what the stats say, but I do see him flying the zone a lot.
Since the start of the debacle after Dec 1, McDavid has been on the ice for 11 goals against (5 on 5) in 23 games played. The team’s goals against per 60 for that stretch while he is on 5 on 5 is 1.65 which is at the 90% percentile for that stat among forwards. McDavid allegedly flying the zone has not been a major factor in this teams’ troubles. The team shooting % of 5.64 has been a bigger issue resulting in only 14 GF during that same span.
Now Draisaitl has been on the ice for 22 goals against in the same time span or a team GA/60 of 3.33 – not a pretty picture. In fairness to Draisaitl, the goaltending during his ice time has been worse than during McDavid’s. I think the high amount of ice time is harder on Leon, because McDavid’s a much more fluid seemingly effortless skater.
I’m not disagreeing with any of the points or stats or arguments being posted here. I’m just saying I feel like I see him flying the zone. I don’t wanna say regularly, or often, or whatever. But I do see it happening more than once. I know the defensive stats look good since Dec. 1st. My point (and Spec’s I think) is that this whole team needs to do this, and he’s the captain and he does occasionally fly the zone. If 100% commitment to defending in your end is the recipe for success, he needs to be the poster child for this. This whole roster needs to get to the point where they pride themselves on defence. And everyone should be looking at the defensive stats as something that can constantly be improved upon, both individually and as a group, instead of declaring that McDavid has done enough.
I am not saying McDavid can’t be better, but you, Spec and anyone else better know what Tippett and now Woodcroft are asking him to do before you comment on whether he is “guilty” of flying the zone rather than doing what the coach expects of him. He isn’t flying the zone anymore this season than in the past few seasons, but if the defense are being less effective at maintaining control and passing the puck up than in past seasons it can appear to be more of a problem. If that is the case, then maybe the fault of McDavid or other forwards seeming to leave too soon is actually coaching as opposed to the players not listening to the coach.
Questioning his commitment to defense without actually knowing what the coach asks him to do is effectively a personal attack whether you or Spec intended it to be or not.
No you’re right about not knowing what the coach is telling him to do. Spector’s article said he flies the zone, I just agree that he does fly the zone at times. I kinda looked the other way, but Spec pointed it out.
I am FAR from an expert on these type of matters but my understanding (from watching and reading/listening to others) is that, under Tip/Playfair, the Oilers played more of an F1/F2/F3 system depending on which forwards were back whereas, in Bakersfield, Woody/Manson required the center to have the more traditional slot assignment down low.
Of course he flies the zone at times he’s Connor McDavid not Devon Shore.
How many players are familiar with Woody, dating back to his tenure as one of Flattop’s assistants, or in BAK?
One could say that Woody (and Manson to a lesser degree) was able to take the helm with the ear, and likely the respect, of the bulk of the roster from day one.
That’s an important advantage, especially for a team with basically zero time to practice.
16. Mikko
I believe Woodcroft just started coaching Bakersfield when Mikko joined the Oilers (and Mikko never played on the farm). They would have only seen each other at training camp(s), but that would be true of the entire roster to varying degrees except Kane.
Wasn’t Woodcroft already in Bakersfield during Koskinen’s first year? (he left to be their HC before McLellan was fired)
I’d forgotten that McLellan replaced all his assistants that year too, and that Gulutzan joined as an assistant coach before Tippett and Holland came on board.
Not sure who needs to hear this today but remember no matter how Calgary is doing they simply suck.
ABC, baby!
Appreciate the reminder!
Guess McD had a chat with Spector after pre game skate Friday AM. He called him over for a chat. Be interesting to hear what was said. Spector was not happy with the firing and pretty much slagged a lot of the players who he said should be responsible more so than the coach.
if you read the Spector article, it was quite scathing on several players including McD. Everyone has their own opinion and as writers, you can pretty much have at er in terms of your own opinions on each player or the coach or the organization. We all do in blogs. Spector has his own opinions , but good on McDavid for obviously not being happy and calling him over for a chat.
I am not a Spector fan, but that is just me. I don’t think too many of the players on this team are fans of his either. Pretty sure McDavid isn’t at all.
I would say that’s a fair assumption. Why is it that other cities seem to have a lot of young, sharp reporters and Edmonton still has these guys left over from the eighties. Not that there is anything wrong with being older and wiser, it’s just not good to become too set in your ways.
Spector and Terry Jones never were my cup of tea but at one time I used to enjoy Jim Matheson’s articles. He just should have taken a well earned retirement some time back.
At least we don’t have Eric Francis.
Francis is a weird guy lol. Pretty much all of my Calgary friends cannot stand him.
Or Cathal Kelly.
Or Steve Simmonds.
Among scores more. I think we just focus on the ones we read more often, which is natural. These hot take artists are in every market.
I’d like to think that chat went something like: “I’m a humble guy, but I know my word has meaning in the hockey world, whereas this isn’t the the first time you have written articles like this. One could say you are getting personal, not impartial. If I was to tell Kenny I want you nowhere near this team and to have the team lawyers drag you through years of meaningless slander/libel litigation, what do you think he’d say? I think you’d never write another hockey related article ever. Nobody would touch you”.
LOL Spec would LOL.
Lol, yeah. Under Marcus Phantom.
His bosses might not find it all that funny! His job relies on a symbiotic relation so to laugh at McDavid would be a combination of foolish and outright stupid!
I was thinking the same thing. For a city of 1.2M people with hockey the main/only cultural winter event, there are a lot of LONG in the tooth reports covering every issue. Ray,Jim, Terry for the same owner, Mark and Ryan for cable sports.
These guys have controlled the story for a very long time.
What the coach said, what the players said, at the presser, game day line up, maybe a few hours ahead on a trade. BUT no real reporting on behind the scenes or issues, that would threaten their employment.
Of course, this is all in keeping with the GIN (gated institutional narrative).
I don’t think this is true. We’ve seen Matheson and Spector just rip two of the best players in the world.
Do you believe the Oilers value two journalists over those two? It’s dangerously close to a conspiracy theory. If the MSM in Edmonton are beholden to the Oilers, why would the Oilers want their stars pissed off?
Highly more probably that Matheson and Spector are used to being big fish in a small pond, journalistically, that they crossed the line.
It’s the Oilers that make the stories , good or bad , the journalists just right about it .
Or do they wrong about it?
I hope he told him he has the right to his own opinion but not his own facts and if he can’t back his BS up, the players will no longer answer his questions. They have the right to decide what questions they answer.
I like this
Click bait – no access
Connor – ‘what are they gonna do, trade me? Choo loos.’
I hope he told Spec to keep up the good work the team finds it very motivational and we all expect to change the tone of your rhetoric asap .
Does it really matter what Spector thinks or Matheson or what any reporter thinks?
Yes what these 4/5 reporters say can shape how fans feel about their team. In a small hockey passionate markets that matters. The list of Oiler players run out of town is long. The story line is controlled by 4 or 5 guys for +25 years. This is how Op Ed reporting can work.
Bruce McCurdy is excellent. I could go on and on and on why, but I’ll keep my comment short for once.
A gentleman and a scholar, that McCurdy lad.
A good sort, all ’round.
I’ve got no issue at all with Spec writing a piece about the players at least sharing in the blame.
100% the players should share in the blame.
Even the likes of McDavid and Drai have not performed up to expected levels over the last little while.
100% there are mitigating factors involved, be it, injury, lack of teamate help, fatigue from overuse, too much pressure to lead/perform or an aggregate of them all.
Notwithstanding those mitigating factor, those two have not been up to their normal standards recently, in almost all areas of the game. Going in the game against the Isles, McDavid was 1.13 P/60 in 13 games in 2022 – that’s replacement level.
With that said, there was a massive issue with Spec’s piece, in my opinion – which was the implication that McDavid (and Drai) care as much about stats as winning (or even more) – that was/is the issue, for me, and likely McDavid as well.
Yeah I don’t think anyone was talking about Bruce. He’s a respected scholar of the game.
Agreed. I just think he is able to combine intelligent, balanced, in depth analysis and objectivity while not letting his love for the Oilers sway his judgement. It’s a difficult thing to do… at least for me it is. Yes, also a very classy and respected dude which I think is also a significant accomplishment; media has become so trashy in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, I click on, read and watch all that trashy stuff, it’s good fun – sports isn’t Philosophy 101. On the other hand, you have to be pretty good at what you do to be able to survive in that culture and not be a little bit of turkey. Anyway, I think it’s nice to have the guy around. David, the exuberant little guy he does his podcast with seems like a happy kind of man, also very nice to listen to.
The Oil most likely won’t be in a position to improve their goaltending. But could drastically improve their defense . Which would improve their likelihood of signing a good #1 goaltender in the off season.
I definitely think with Jay Woodcroft as head coach the chances increase we see the next Huddy. With Tippett those with a chance got very little opportunity and a incredibly short leash. Just look at the only game for Samorukov.
I think he only got 2 shifts….admittingly unbelievably bad shifts, but really….2 bloody shifts !!
The game was lost. there was very little chance to come back to win this one. Keith played over 26 minutes. Sammy was beating himself bad enough that his 3rd shift couldn’t have been any worst.
The Oilers tied the game half way through the second period. Gave up the winning goal at the 15 minute mark of the 2nd, and the insurance goal (PP) at the start of the 3rd. Even down 2 in the 3rd, the Oilers have to have the mentality they can come back.
Does anyone think that as much as it was to help the team sitting Samorukov, it could also have been to protect him somewhat? As bad as giving up 2 goals and 3 mistakes in 2 minutes of ice time was, if he’d gone back out and made more mistakes, the hit to his confidence could have been even worse.
I’m not defending the benching, but he got 4 shifts.
3 of the 4 involved major errors resulting in scoring chances, and 2 of those ended up in the net. It was really bad.
Agreed. He made the exact same mistake to get walked at the blue line on three straight shifts. He couldn’t have made himself look any worse.
Watching Samorukov in junior and, for me, his top skill was his ability to step up at the blueline/in the neutral zone to stop a zone entry or cut off a neutral zone pass. He was absolutely fricking elite – super aggressive and vicious when he stepped up.
When Sammy turned pro and started in the AHL he commenced playing the same style and he struggled quite massively early – whether it was better players, faster players, better coaching, advances scouting or what he was getting burnt trying to step up quite consistently.
Sammy had to learn to to pick and choose his spots a bit better and he improved markedly during his rookie season (until has facial injury derailed his season).
This is essentially what happened in his first NHL game – burnt stepping up at the blue line, a couple of times – and these resulted in goals against.
The benching was deserved in the moment.
Sammy has gone back down to the AHL and he’s played even better – he will get more NHL chances and he will be better for his 4 shifts and then re-assignment.
Thanks for posting the year over year LT.
3 year trailing points averages, after 45 games:
2016-2018: 44.3
2017-2019: 46.3
2018-2020: 45.7
2019-2021: 50.7
2020-2022: 52.7
Are we really unhappy with the direction this team has gone in the last few years?
EC standings Feb 13/22 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Atlantic
FLA 22
TBY 20
TOR 18
Metropolitan
CAR 21
PIT 18
NYR 17
Wildcard
WSH 12
BOS 11
Out of playoffs
CBJ 1
DET 1
NYI -2
OTT -8
NJD -9
PHI -9
BUF -10
MTL -24
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, even the wildcard position seem set. Could see NYR drop though, weakest top 3 divisional team in the EC imo.
WC standings Feb 13/22 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Central
COL 25
MIN 18
STL 13
Pacific
CGY 13
VGK 11
LAK 8
Wildcard
NSH 12
DAL 7
Out of playoffs
EDM 6
ANA 6
WPG 3
SJS 2
VAN 1
CHI -7
SEA -12
ARI -20
Calgary is 8-2-0 in their last 10 and have won 6 straight.
Flames have 13 games in the next 30 days.
10 at home…3 on the road….no games remaining in the Eastern time zone.
As you point out constantly. Should there not be a limit on how many times you say the same thing?
Injuries will happen. Every team will get them. their turn is next
The dice have no memory.
Injuries are often a result of tired players and extensive travel combined with a compressed schedule contribute to fatigue.
Calgary doesn’t face those things in the next month.
Again, the same bull shit every day. You and the “dice have no memory”…… You don’t seem to remember and pay the gambling debts you incur. Looks like you don’t have any memory. Guess that’s why you post the exact same shit everyday. No memory.
Please include in your dice analogy the fact that a stray puck or a big hit or a slash have just as much chance to cause injury. See Darnell Nurse. See Duncan Keith. See Marcus Neimelanen. See Kris Russell. See Slater Koekkoek.
This is the key mechanism is injury: is the force applied to the tissue (bone, muscle, ligament, tendon) greater than the tissues ability to absorb force.
Of course that’s true but suggesting those things will happen to Flames players in the future because they’ve been injury free this season is nonsense.
The Flames have no greater injury risk than any other team and, in fact, actually lower for the rest of the season due to their home heavy schedule.
There is a lot of research on this so I invite you to take a look.
Here’s one example that shows playing too many minutes per game increases the risk of concussion:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18373290/
Worth noting, that McDavid, Draisaitl and Nuge are at or near the top of TOI/G in the league.
Leon averages 22:45 while, by way of comparison, Johnny Gaudreau averages only 18:35.
Nurse averages 26:35 while Calgary’s ice time leader on D is Andersson at 22:37.
.Fatigue DOES matter whether some are willing to accept it or not.
Fatigue matters. It is a factor. But to hold true on your dice analogy it would mean that fatigue means nothing. It would mean at any given time an injury could happen, because the dice have no memory. No memory of the last game they played. Or the game before that.
It could mean that because the Oilers had a number of injuries during the “softer” part of their schedule they could be doomed to suffer more. Or because the dice have no memory suffer less. It could mean that Calgary escaped the most fatigue inducing part of their schedule with no injuries that they are destined to finish the season without any. Predicting injury is difficult. If you end up +EV you are likely much farther ahead on the ledger than your opponent.
Hot goalies are a big rug to sweep under
If he stays hot they’re poised
If he doesn’t or is peaking too soon, different story
Great coach, some fine players, I think a 7 game series against a solid opponent exposes them still – a decent roster with a lack of true high end players (Tkachuk can be at times, Lindholm can be good, Bread we’ll see if it keeps going then), there ‘star’ disappears in the playoffs, their depth is pretty good but may not produce better than Oilers when it counts, and a goalie that has hot streaks as opposed to stable high level play
Might work out
Well, I’m not sure how much past playoff performance can be carried forward when a team has a new coach, new systems and different players on the roster.
Thing is, Calgary allows the fewest SA/GP in the league as well as the best shot differential (+6 GP).
Its quite likely they add a scoring winger (Toffoli rumoured) which will have a trickle down effect on their 3rd line increasing their depth.
FTR, Markstrom has only been below .910 once in the past 6 seasons so he’s been consistently good outside last year’s outlier when he was adapting to a new team.
I can’t see them beating any of the Central juggernaughts in the playoffs but stranger things happen every season in the playoffs.
For sure
They are doing everything they can to do the best they can do
Defensive focus is always the key to playoffs. At least in the NHL where reffing is a wildcard, can’t go wrong keeping the puck out of your net
I hope they fail
If the Oilers make the playoffs, Calgary’s record DOES NOT matter.
Regular season records matter even less between historic rivals.
The Bruins ALWAYS lost to Montreal in the playoffs, literally for over a generation. It took an own goal for the Flames to beat the Oilers.
Playoff seeding DOES matter.
If the Flames win the division they will most likely play the 1st wild card which at the moment is (based on points percentage) Nashville while Colorado gets the 2nd wild card which at the moment is Dallas.
Based in what we see now, Calgary is likely to win the division with Vegas placing second and either Los Angeles or Edmonton finishing third.
If the Oilers finish third, they will likely face Vegas in the first round or, if they finish ninth second wild card spot, they will face Colorado in the first round.
It is possible but highly unlikely Edmonton finishes second in the division so any match up with the Flames would have to come after the Oilers face Vegas or Colorado in the first round….not a welcome matchup.
EICHEL?!?!?! lol
Eichel is expected to play on Wednesday.
Conveniently, Mark Stone will be placed on LTIR with a bad back but he will be missed until he returns just in time for the playoffs 🙂
Had heard Vegas was a shoe-in to take the division because Eichel. Now it’s Calgary. 🤷
This is all true. Calgary earned it. Vegas slipped and the Oilers are going to need a terrific second half to make it, either as third place in the Pacific or wild card.
What I don’t understand is your ‘Armageddon’ verbal. The Oilers are terribly flawed, and frankly Ken Holland hasn’t made them better. That said, I do think the new coaching staff might be able to find some solutions and perhaps Holland can deliver a goalie or something that moves the team closer.
I’m understanding your point, but the constant barrage of disaster around every corner reads more like wishful thinking (and I get it, the Canucks are having a great run under Boudreau) than any reality.
Edmonton, despite a very poor summer, are in position to make the postseason for the third year in a row. If they get a goalie, maybe they win a round.
What more do you expect? A Stanley? Not close to reasonable, Mr. Harper.
Shouldn’t expectations at this point be a bit higher than maybe win a round?
If you win a round, is that enough? I’m not sure it should be, but it’s also true that Mr. Katz has been very patient with Bob Nicholson and both general managers (Chiarelli and Holland).
I’ve said this before, but for me the true indicator would be Katz hiring Eric Tulsky, or calling up Woodguy and having him (or Michael Parkatti, or Oilers Nerd Alert or anyone associated with Puck IQ) and having a staff who can find answers you trust.
Add that to a pro scouting group and I think you’re moving in a good direction. Winning a playoff round? Well it helps the owner and might delay any of the top end players asking out.
Holland’s verbal is staying the course and not trading anything valuable for a rental. I’m with him, even if it means he’s simply avoiding a bigger mess for the next guy.
Last season, 10 of the 15 series in the playoffs were won by the team lower in the standings. The season before it was 10 of 23. In 2019, 9 of 15 series were won by the team lower in the regular season standings. In 2018, it was only 4 of 15. So in the last 4 seasons, in 68 total playoff series, the team lower in the standings won 33 of them or 1 win shy of almost 50% or basically a coin flip.
If we throw out last season which was beyond wonky, things look a little different in that the team higher in the standings won 30 while the lower team won 23.
A distinct advantage.
The Flames are humming again for sure.
After all the tumult of the past week, including a new coach, it’s kinda weird to see the Oilers still with a 6-3-1 record in their last 10.
That’s 2nd to Calgary in the Pacific and 4th best in the WC. If they can keep playing 6-3-1 hockey they should get themselves comfortably into the playoffs.
Calgary is probably going to win the Pacific . As much as it pains me to say .
They look really good right now. Markstrom is a huge huge part of that. Give Calgary our goaltending this year and they have 10 more losses and Vice Versa. That said they have him.
Players have bought in to Sutter’s system for sure.
Be interesting to see what Treliving does at the deadline. Calgary Could make a good run if they bring in a scorer , and 1 more D man that is an upgrade on a few of their 6/7 guys.
be nice to beat them in all our remaking games lol.
HNIC had an interesting stat last night comparing puck handling by goaltenders.
Mike Smith was #1 in touches but Markstrom was right behind him.
It’s quite possible. Lots of ups and downs in a season though, they’re in an ‘up’ right now.
If the players figure out what all the lines on the ice in practice yesterday mean, the team should keep winning more than their share of games.
Ha, and get some average or better goaltending.
Also re-figure out the special teams and how to score like they can!
Lots of room for growth from this team!
It’s a great advantage that Woody know the Bakersfield roster so well. If there is someone there that can help fill a weakness he will know.
Mostly the team needs some structure and rebuilt confidence. And goaltending of course. Cutting down on Grade A chances in the slot should help with that.
The flames may or may not suffer injuries in the 2nd half of the season – that is clearly and unknown and what noone can know or determine.
What is known and fact is that the flames have had the least amount of man games lost to illness and injury to this point (and even the small amount of games lost have not been to important players).
Even with their, essentially, fully healthy lineup all season long, they have hardly put any separation between them and the other bubble teams – teams that have faced varying degrees of adversity in that regard.
Exactly, we can’t predict their injuries in the 2nd half. But to this point in the season, sitting in 1st place at the moment, they’ve had an historically healthy roster.
By cap hit of injured players (CHIP) they’re tracking to have the healthiest roster in at least a decade. This season, their current CHIP of $670k is 5 times less than the 2nd healthiest team in the league (Nashville, with $3.36M in man games lost to injury).
It’s extremely unlikely the Flames will remain as healthy in the 2nd half, and their team performance will suffer once their historic run of injury luck comes to an end.
What is known and fact is that the Flames have played by far the most road games in the league against tougher competition.
Between now and the end of March the Flames play 16 games at home and only 5 on the road.
Of those 21 games, only 7 are against teams that are currently in a playoff position.
The Flames are currently 7 points ahead of the Oilers and that will easily be in double digits by the end of this month.