2021-22 Game 46: Oilers at Sharks

by Lowetide

Edmonton Oilers fans are hopeful the coaching change will give the team a Filthy Bruce bounce, and many are thinking the prospects from Bakersfield will fly up on one airplane. That’s not a winning formula. New coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant Dave Manson need to get acclimated and find out about the roster players before making any moves. Once established, what might we see?

THE ATHLETIC!

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 February results: 2-2-0, 4 points in 4 games
  • Oilers in 2021-22: 24-18-3, 51 points in 45 games

Edmonton is on track with my predicted start to February for the Tippett Oilers, but this is a new ballgame. I don’t think these are especially reliable, history tells us a bounce or elevator shaft is as likely as win one, lose one. The trip to Florida and Carolina at the end of the month may be painful. Can the Oilers get 8 more points out of this month?

LINES AND PAIRINGS TONIGHT (PROJECTED)

  • Hyman-McDavid-Puljujarvi. 221 minutes, 54% shots, 56% goals
  • Kane-Draisaitl-Yamamoto. 26 minutes, 57% shots, 0-1 goals
  • Foegele-Nuge-Derek Ryan: 10 minutes, 44% shots, 0-0 goals
  • Benson-McLeod-Perlini/Shore: 0 minutes
  • Nurse-Bouchard: 497 minutes, 55% shots, 42% goals
  • Lagesson-Ceci: 36 minutes, 45% shots, 0-2 goals
  • Niemelainen-Barrie: 62 minutes, 32% shots, 0-1 goals

The Oilers want to solve problems with internal solutions because the money ran out, so the solutions to the Derek Ryan on No. 3 RW issue are (in order) Zack Kassian and Kailer Yamamoto (if Dylan Holloway is a successful recall and they move Hyman to RW). A real long shot is Raphael Lavoie being recalled but I could see Holland bringing in an inexpensive Tyler Ennis or Daniel Sprong.

On left defense, the things I value (Puck IQ and Corsi Rel) like Ryan Graves of the NJ Devils, although he has an extra year so that’s a no go. Carson Soucy of the Seattle Kraken would also be a solid option. I think Markus Niemelainen may have this job won by the end of the season, but we’ll see. Luke Schenn of the Vancouver Canucks is the only player who is RH I can see being available and not costing the moon. I don’t know if that’s an upgrade.

There are lots of players like Henri Jokiharju, who have a strong Rel but have uneven or poor performances versus elites (via Puck IQ). My guy has always been Radko Gudas, but he’s hammering wingers senseless in Sunrise and loving every minute of it.

A good RH option? I think Holland is going to have to live with Tyson Barrie until summer. It is interesting that Woodcroft, who dressed extra defensemen when Evan Bouchard arrived in Bakersfield for a playoff spring, ran him alongside Darnell Nurse Friday night and had him doing the same at practice on the weekend. Holland needs to find a Jason Smith or a Steve Staios. Schnell. I can’t see him. I bet the Puck IQ brain trust can. Ken Holland should hirethemall.

Wheeler has the goods and the mid-season rankings are the first really solid look at what the first round could look like. Early favourite for Oilers pick (at No. 15): Connor Geekie.

LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE

At 10 this morning, we’ll drive the show into the week with fervor, TSN1260. We’ll chat Super Bowl, Olympics, CFL free agency and Jason Gregor will pop in at 11 to chat Oilers road trip and various other item. We’re working on guests, Sal vs. Al (Crossfire!!, the spitty version like Robert Novak did) in hour one. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!

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Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Looks like Skinner has been drinking his Jordan Binnington juice.

Melman

Stat of the night candidate = TOI?
Nurse: 23:11
Drai: 21:58
Benson:7:58
everyone else between 11 & 20.

Chelios is a Dinosaur

Vegas: 48gp 28-17-3 59pts
Edmonton: 46gp 25-18-3 53pts

So. Edmonton has a perfectly reasonable chance of going 2-0 vs LA and Anaheim, which brings them to 48gp 27-18-3 57pts. Thats two measly points off the pace of the division lead with nearly half a season remaining. Amazing how a combination of the Oilers’ lightning start, the slump taking place largely out of division, and that division not being particularly on fire on its own… has left the Oilers in the fight for the division and masters of their own playoff destiny.

Munny 2.0

I think you were asking about the jerseys earlier. Apologies, I was just referring to a portion of the commentariat that holds that the blues are the good luck jersey at home. Blog choice.

Chelios is a Dinosaur

Gotcha, the typo from blog > bloq had me turned right around.

Munny 2.0

lol, yeah, typos are what I do.

Munny 2.0

Benson and Skinner go back to Bantam AAA together

31saves

My friend went to Mt.Carmel school with them (much younger than the two however).

He said Skinner had the mustache back in Jr. High and Benson (pre-injury) was the best hockey player he had ever seen in-person.

Also said that they were both great guys!

Decidedly Skeptical Fan

What an enjoyable game to watch. Loved the defensive pressure up the middle … I thought I was watching a VGK game. More please.

Diablo

The forwards did a great job in the neutral zone bottling up SJ. Also our D are doing a much better job at holding the blue line … can see Manson’s influence already. Overall, the team play is much more disciplined … only a couple of times tonight where the team defensive structure broke down … and Skinner was ready each time.

Skinner deserves to stay in the NHL. He’s better than Koskinen. Let him spend the last half of the season learning under Smith.

KnightRain

Solid game. Need to work on the start but the rest was very good. Skinner was good when he had to be. D men were playing smarter and forwards were coming back. Niems isn’t going anywhere, ppl. Bro needs more time but 7 d suit him. Hoping Benson gets a goal. Seemed Woody thought the same and gave him some good minutes late.
Really liking this “Team” effort the last two. Let’s keep this thing rolling!

OriginalPouzar

Going to be interesting as Mikko will be eligible for Thursday and will need to be activated….

northerndancer

and I was just starting to feel good about things.

Reja

Woody knew Skinner was 6-2 in the Shark Tank and gave his boy the start. If I watched as much AHL hockey as other folks I would have probably known that.

OriginalPouzar

Are you going to answer the question? It would be nice to know which viewings of Holloway you are referencing?

His games at the World Juniors can be your answer if true.

Material Elvis

Time to make a difficult decision and send Mikko to the minors. Smith is the starter and Woody trusts Skinner. Plus Skinner has better numbers than the other two.

Munny 2.0

Finally a game Darryl Sutter could be proud of. Been a long time since we’ve seen the Oilers play this game. I’ve been bitching abut it all year. About time.

If Woodcroft knows how to push this button, this team will go a long ways.

Material Elvis

If I was an NHL player, I would want Jay Woodcroft as my coach. He’s smart, tactically-sound, *never* throws his players under the bus or loses his composure — a true leader. Manson is also an upgrade on Playfair. Working 7 defenseman seamlessly has been nothing short of brilliant. The fact that four(!!) of them are basically rookies is mind-boggling.

Reja

Attaboy Skinner Woody has your back who could of seen that coming.

OmJo

Last game: Woodcroft’s 1st W.

Tonight: Skinner’s 1st shutout.

Munny 2.0

First ever NHL shutout for the Principal

Gerta Rauss

That’s a big win

On to LA with a confident group and a rested Smith

And if I heard correctly, the Kings haven’t played in 13 days

OriginalPouzar

That is correct: similar to the Sharks today – this was their first game in a few weeks.

northerndancer

says OP, doing his best impersonation of someone we all know. Tell it op. Tell it.

Chief Inspector

Skinner Shutout!

Chief Inspector

41-14 shots after the 0-6 start. Impressive effort tonight.

N64

O thank heaven for Jay’s 7-11

Reja

Skinner made some tough saves and more importantly didn’t give up the first goal.

verlefte

Holland is an abstract genius. Why is he not being extended right now? Before this game is over, there’s still time…

Gerta Rauss

it is before 10pm on the West Coast….

Last edited 2 years ago by Gerta Rauss
Munny 2.0

right down to resting Smith for half the season so he’ll be fresh for the playoffs, sheer genius…

Material Elvis

To whoever made this account….well done.

Munny 2.0

Agreed

David

Broberg caught flat-footed.

Munny 2.0

Pujo gotta make sure when the whole top half of the net is wide open

Material Elvis

How the hell is that not interference on Meier?

Chief Inspector

Because Oilers

Prairie_Sentinel

In my (admittedly not as high level) experience, two players looking at each other, or even with the assumption that they see each other coming, it’s not really an interference call unless one player gets caught in a vulnerable spot. Foegele’s gloves were in the face, and Meier sold it well

OmJo

How is that even a penalty? Roughing? He was the one getting hit?

Material Elvis

Getting hit without touching the puck. I guess you can do that now.

fishman

Game management…..

OriginalPouzar

Fine line here between really skalling back Nurse’s minutes and giving the Lagesson/Niemelainen/Broberg a bit more and realizing that Skinner is doing what he’s doing.

With a game tomorrow night after travel…..

Material Elvis

Barrie sure has trouble with outside speed. Leads to a grade A slot chance.

ArmchairGM

Larsson did last year too. It’s a bad sign.

OriginalPouzar

Puljujarvi is abject failure: abject!

Munny 2.0

Another HDSC given up there

OriginalPouzar

Would like to see Benson (and Yamamoto) with some offensive production this period – come on Tyler!

Munny 2.0

Ryan takes a spin on the first line after Yams fills in with the 4th, and 97 is still all whirling dervish leading to another glorious chance

Oil2Oilers

I much prefer the shot clock tonight than the night San Jose shot the lights out against an amazing Scrivens performance.

maudite

Random note:

After dropping off about 600 lp’s at thrift store (culled from last collection of ablut 1500 Id picked up ovwr a year ago) and then foolishly going to friend’s mother’s place and deciding to buy her deceased boyfriend’s 750 or so records…I actually feel in my mid 40’s for the first time tonight.

Passed out for basically all that 2nd period and woke up wishing game wasn’t on so lake and thinking I shoukd get an ice pack for my lower back lol.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
KnightRain

I feel ya. I’m barely hanging on, here, too. lol

OmJo

Reimer makes two big saves and then lets that in, lol

Prairie_Sentinel

Whoever was asking for some killer instinct – McDavid delivers.

Material Elvis

McDavid scores. He was absolutely relentless on that shift. Wow!!

Munny 2.0

they have to call that stick hold on 97. Doesnt matter, the shooting gallery ends with Connor finishing the asskicking

DevilsLettuce

Oilers are only beginning.

KnightRain

BOOM!!! McD with the dagger!!!

OriginalPouzar

All those ridiculous chances in close and the goal that goes in is a ticky off-pacer by McDavid…..

fishman

Yea Baby!!!!!

Gerta Rauss

McDavid with the insurance goal…woot!

Gerta Rauss

Jack saying they are giving goal #2 to Nurse from Nuge

Mayan Oil

I thought I had seen everything with this club. Since halfway through the first ( 1.5 periods) we are outshooting them 25-5. Holy Hanna.

Oil2Oilers

I hate a rude pp, manors people!

Munny 2.0

14 shots but only 12 Corskis?. Sumthin wrong there…

Munny 2.0

And wow, if that’s only 2 shot attempts allowed in the period. Although we did have a ton of pp.

OriginalPouzar

Shots are total and Corsi is 5 on 5 (I think).

Munny 2.0

yep you’re right, my bad

KnightRain

Solid if unspectacular period.
If we’re ever gonna be a top team we gotta develop a killer instinct. That should be the focus of the third. Come out hard and put this thing away.
I swear, if they come out playing not to lose in the third, I’ll lose my shit…

Munny 2.0

When was the last time we saw the Oil hold the opposition to two shots in a period?

Chief Inspector

Third period of Game 7 in 1987?

flea

Any other Sportsnet Now users on the site? My feed went black with about 3 min left in the 2nd and has not returned. 630 ched for me!

Harpers Hair

Same.

tsunami

oh you’re watching ? any comments to make ? probably not since Oilers are winning :)…

David

Mine too

KnightRain

Mine too. Switched from SN Now to SN West and it’s working.

flea

Thank you – working for me on the SNW channel as well.

Gerta Rauss

Nice effort thru 2

A 3rd goal by the good guys wouldn’t suck

Munny 2.0

This is simpler hockey at the end of the period than we saw from Tippett’s teams

Munny 2.0

Right from Nurse backing off the zone all the way to behind his own net there was a kill the clock mentality to the shifts. Puck and clock management we haven’t seen since last season.

David

I don’t think that call is all that weak, but I do like Louie becoming a little bit more of a homer.

Material Elvis

The interference call on Hyman? I thought it was chintzy. He wasn’t even looking at Cogliano so did not intend to throw a pick. Guilty of not trying to get out of Cogliano’s way, perhaps, but not a penalty imo.

Prairie_Sentinel

Defending player would have the right-of-way on the ice, it’s one of those calls that gets made almost all the time.

fishman

Wow talk about a wasted opportunity. Our PP looking poor tonight.

Bondo11

Teams have figured out the PP over the last 25 games.

I hope that Woodcroft makes some changes. Maybe split up 97 & 29 and try running with 2 units. Give a few different looks and don’t be so predictable. I see lots of flying around the O-zone, but not too much puck control. Simplify things a little. Stop trying low % passes through 2 defenders and get more shots through to the net with traffic in front.

Munny 2.0

Man.

KnightRain

l love it when the penalties are so obvious. You get to hear the reluctance in the refs voice. lol

Gerta Rauss

I can’t recall the last time I saw the double minor on the same guy (2 different penalties)

David

Virtanen at the world juniors.

Munny 2.0

Gotta score here