The Edmonton Oilers are on a roll again, as the season of the “toilet seat” continues unabated. The runaway train of momentum is flying high currently, but stay tuned for further updates. Can Oilers fans take it? We’ll find out.
Yesterday in Winnipeg the Oilers played about 83 percent of an ideal game and then misremembered the score and allowed some loose riffs to a rock solid Winnipeg Jets team. It was a win, but was very close to an ideal win. So, that gives everyone something to work on.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers’ Raphael Lavoie has turned the corner as an NHL prospect
- Lowetide: The furious race to land Oilers’ open job on left defence
- DNB: Derek Ryan flourishing under new Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft
- Lowetide: Jay Woodcroft’s early Oilers roster challenges and possible upgrades
- DNB: Oilers picking Philip Broberg over Trevor Zegras is still debated.
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid’s remains a transcendent talent. Here’s why.
- DNB: Jay Woodcroft’s ascension to Oilers head coach is more than a dream come true: ‘Winning is a skill’
- 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
- Lowetide: Oilers pro forward depth chart about to get overhauled
- DNB: Three Oilers questions that will define stretch run
- 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: 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 2-0-0)
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- 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: 6-2-0, 12 points in 8 games
- Oilers in 2021-22: 28-18-3, 59 points in 49 games
The Oilers are one win away from reaching my predicted point total for the month. That road trip is going to be an extreme test, but the work done over the last five games (and the one tonight) will ease the possible blow to the organization. Here’s the Oilers after 50 games in the McDavid era, and this year’s team after 49 games.
OILERS AFTER 50 GAMES, 2015-22
- Oilers in 2015-16: 19-26-5, 43 points; goal differential -30
- Oilers in 2016-17: 27-15-8, 62 points; goal differential +18
- Oilers in 2017-18: 22-24-4, 48 points; goal differential -24
- Oilers in 2018-19: 23-24-3, 49 points; goal differential -21
- Oilers in 2019-20: 26-18-6, 57 points; goal differential +1
- Oilers in 2020-21: 30-17-2, 62 points; goal differential +29
- Oilers in 2021-22: 28-18-3, 59 points; goal differential +8
This has been such a rollercoaster season, it’s at least comforting to see that this year’s team is third best in the McDavid years, and incredibly just three points shy of the two best records with a game in hand. The goal differential is a concern but is rising, and last year’s Canadian division numbers are not like the others. A good, if wildly inconsistent team.
Mikko Koskinen was solid last night, I have a rule that if a goalie stops a breakaway while his team is on the power play, his team should feel shame. If the team gives up another one, and the goalie allows the goal, his team is the one that should feel shame. Good grief! Koskinen stopped 22 of 24, six of seven high danger and owns a .915 SP at five-on-five this season (Skinner is .916 and Smith is .919). I don’t think he’ll be back, probably gone at the deadline (Rangers?), but I expect him to be in the league next season.
DEFENSE
Darnell Nurse loves playing the Jets, I think it goes back to the outdoor game. I always see him good when he’s against Winnipeg. He played almost 28 minutes, had one goal (EN), seven shots, one HDSC, two each of give-take, was involved physically, made good decisions and stayed in his lane. He was on the ice for the Connor PP goal, both he and Nuge interrupted the slot pass but 25 couldn’t get back in time to intercept the Connor shot. Tyson Barrie had two assists, blocked several shots and was good with the puck on his stick. His flummoxing performance on the four-minute power play (vapor lock that aided two Jets breakaways) marred his performance.
William Lagesson played a calm game (the veteran Barrie was the chaos on this night) and has settled in to the role of second pair LHD quite well. He is 10-8 goals and 55.6 percent so far this season, I’m pleased for his success. He was always the third man in the Bear-Jones-Lagesson part of the pipeline, looks like all three might make it. Cody Ceci had a great night, the most important work 5:44 on the PK and two vital shot blocks late, late, LATE in the game that saved the day. As you see above, he plays well with everyone.
Markus Niemelainen did to Kristian Vesalainen what Dustin Byfuglien used to routinely do to Edmonton Oilers players: Smashed him without noticing or being punished in any way. Niemelainen’s reputation grows by the hour, Oilers fans searching for the last towering defenseman who was dirt mean and represented the town team. He had three hits, but they’re going to need to add a category for ‘flattening’ if this fellow keeps it up. I can’t believe he didn’t even get a penalty! Evan Bouchard was quiet, Philip Broberg uttered not even a sound. The separation on defense is underway.
FORWARDS
Zach Hyman had a goal, four shots, took a ridiculous penalty on the PK (pursuing the puck is not a crime and bowling is a fun sport, zebras!) and was a pain in the ass for the Jets all night. I don’t know how many years like this one we’ll get from him, but peak Hyman is a joy to behold. Peak McDavid on the other hand, is one of the great wonders of the modern world. What a fantastic player. He set the tone, he tore the ads off the boards, he made very good NHL players look like pee-wees. Good lord it’s a surprise cities don’t slap him with 100 speeding tickets before he leaves town. Kailer Yamamoto scored a goal from his office, he’s at 10 now and on pace for 17. He had three HDSC’s and three shots at five-on-five, always a good indicator for this player.
Evander Kane had three HDSC at five-on-five and eight shot attempts overall on the night. He was a bit unlucky but I’m liking the effort and he didn’t take any penalties. Leon Draisaitl’s pass to McDavid was just an incredible display of skill and execution by the big man. In my lifetime, there aren’t many I’ve seen who can cross-ice backhand through sticks platter pass to a teammate. Absolute fire. Ryan McLeod made the line and I was pleased to see it, he seemed a little in-between but if they keep him there I expect good things will happen.
Warren Foegele is in a good spot now, even on a night when he didn’t score (had one great look and two takeaways). I like his game. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made a patented Nuge play on the PK, where he saw a loose puck, pursued it like a demon, forced the puck to a danger zone, and drew a penalty. Fine player, big brain. If he ever decides to coach, hire him. Derek Ryan had his first quiet night since being elevated, that’s okay he’s a great winger for the Nuge and is playing well. Tyler Benson had two shots and a couple of hits, his best look was from high slot, he needs to find a way to get closer. Brendan Perlini had one good look but was quiet otherwise.
I don’t think there is a team in the league that could win 5 games in 7 days. As someone else said, burn the tape and move on.
Do they sacrifice Smoski to the east coast pagans or call up Principal and try to get a few saves?
Whatever you think of Smith and Koskinen, surely you wouldn’t call up your rookie/prospect goalie to face the #2, 3 and 4 teams in the NHL in consecutive games, would you?
Eichel looked good tonight.
Disappointing result but fun game to watch nonetheless.
Edmonton fans are great. The chirps from the balcony did not disappoint.
Smith shit the bed. The team looked mentally tired. Made a ton of poor passes in the first 20 minutes.
Holland should try and trade for a goalie.
There were long stretches where they made a ton of no passes.
Why you have to be mad? It’s just game!
Good point, Fuhrious. And Scevior hadn’t just played the sked these guys had. They have McLeod and Ryan playing up the line-up so the bottom of the line-up suffers, but I wouldn’t mind adding a 4th line forward that can push the play and calm the waters on that line. A Clutterbuck-type would be great.
I think there’s a chance Holloway has Benson’s spot by the playoffs, depending on his play. McLeod returns to the 4th once Pujo comes back. That’s not bad, but pretty rookie.
The problem is Kassian. I don’t see him playing with the level of energy and commitment Woodcroft requires. Is it just me or has he survived the deadline by being hurt before? Dammit. I don’t know if I could pay a pick to partially dump the contract just to clear both the space and slot for a better 4th line player.
Coz no way can he babysit the other two. He can’t babysit his own play. Ryan’s not bad but is more useful playing off other, better players.
The Oil could use a little depth there.
Kass has 2 more yrs left on his contract. He may be a difficult trade at the trade deadline and better in the off-season due to his contract.
I have more hope for Kassian than you two, but if nothing else his LTIR relief should be useful at the deadline.
Won 5 of 6.
#EXTENDTHEWOOD
A little bit of shrinkage tonight I think.
#babyitscoldoutside
#iwasinthepool
#soyou feelyouwereshortchanged
Travel day tomorrow, practice Tuesday.
And then the pain.
Steel your nerves, big boy, you’ll be fine.
Consistency, but blind squirrel’s are notoriously poor shots.
Lagesson was +2 on this debacle with 15 minutes TOI and an assist.
That seems impossible…
At one point, Scevior was at -2 at 2:12 TOI.
Apparently the penalty had expired and will go in the records as an even strength marker.
BOOM!!! Beauty pass by McLeod and nice finish by Hyman! Loved how the crowd erupted! lol Edmonton fans are the best!!!
Well let’s see…I’ll flag the cretin as well.
Hyman gives us a positive ending. Shortie
I would love to see Kane tune Fiala
I have really enjoyed watching the game at fast forward speed. I stopped only for the Oiler goals and Genes haircut and it was a feel good night! Highly recommend watching the 4th game in 6 nights using this method. 😂
I continue to love McLeod’s PK work.
#positives
I love Yamamoto.
Amen. He plays the game the way I think it should be. One day the curse on his goal scoring touch will be lifted and he’ll be the perfect complimentary player.
Not trying to be rude, but I have to point out, if Yammo, a 1st rnd NHL draft pick is a loser, what, in your perspective does that make you, or the rest of us?
Schedule loss. Staple McDavi to the bench (I know he’s fine but there’s no need to push him) and play hard. This game is over, the team is tired, the season has been saved and we’re on to Florida.
I don’t think this is the night to get mad at the Oilers. Honestly.
thank you! haha. this comment section just gets mangled every loss.
It’s just the one kid that mucks it up.
The only thing I’m mad about is I had a chance to wager on MIN earlier today and I passed
We could see this result coming from a mile away
Yep. Hopefully they arrive in Florida with a burr in their saddle!
For a while I thought ‘fine the coaches can use it as a teaching moment’ now it is burn the tape and don’t look back.
Abject defeatism
this is an organizational disgrace
fire Holland tonight
and don’t let Smith or Koskinen play again
just waive them
and trade all prospects and pix for actual players
Nurse goes
The season is far from saved.
The competition will not be sleeping while the Oilers are getting hammered in the SE.
Yeah I guess when Woodguy posted that bit about this being the mother of all scheduled losses it didn’t sink.
We’re all a little fragile these days I guess.
I think we all knew deep down that our boys were not going to prevail tonight. But the way they went down kind of stings.
Let’s hope they clean things up on the road trip.
This
I don’t get ‘mad’ when they lose
I get ‘mad’ when they don’t seem to be working toward the next step,which is puck and game management
As a group they have a very immature game that way
Getting beat because your a half step behind is one thing, playing sloppy, out of position and falling apart are another
Don’t lose the plot just because Smith can’t play anymore, and Koski is hardly any better, even though it’s hard to do
That’s good effort by Hyman but he has to realize the danger of the situation. If we continue to give up this many odd man breaks the beasts of the east will feast on us.
So many bad reads and miscues tonight. Get it out of their system and reset for the big trip east. That’s the hope, anyways.
Man. Lost count of the mental mistakes in this game. Throwaway game. Erase it from memory…
Have no battle strength tonight.
Even though the team has been playing so good the last five games, McDavid and Draisaitl don’t have the cheat code touch they did early in the season to believe in a “get ready for it” comeback.
Don’t think Holland can find a starter for the playoffs, so they’ll be heading in with 3 back ups.
He has to find another back up in the least though just to show the troops he’s looking for a solution and not wasting the great progress that’s been made.
Hooray for Benson especially after the tough 1st.
Nothing left in the tank for a very fast Wild squad, just try to keep the battle up and have a strong finish.
Definitely a fatigue laced game. Legs don’t look super slow but the synapses aren’t firing quickly and it shows in the many, many turnovers and missed plays. This game was always gonna be on the goalie and it’s disappointing that Smith couldn’t elevate but we sure didn’t do him any favours.
Give Benson a regular shift with McD or Drai and get him some confidence!
Play Niems and Bro half the period.
Then throw the game tape into the deepest part of the ocean.
Yup a pretty disjointed affair
I feel bad for Sceviour I liked his game before the demotion. More than some of f the others
He’s not doing himself any favours tonight
I understand the reasoning of bringing in a vet but I was really hoping to see Marody. Weird that he just can’t ever get a chance.
Agreed. Tough start, push, flood. But in the words of the great philosopher Luba, innocent (with an explanation).
The continuing emphasis on Gene’s haircut is incredibly bush league.
Wouldn’t be surprised if they break out into the Chicken Dance next.
Good grief.
It’s Gene!
what are you gonna do next, complain about Xmas?
Then why are you watching the broadcast? What a sad sad man you must be.
If I had the option of watching an actual professional broadcast crew, believe me, I would be.
These guys belong in a comedy club in Bakersfield.
hack calling hack hacky.
Yeah, charity and fun are awful things to witness.
Honestly? Thank goodness you’re not in control of the broadcast.
Gene looked pretty sharp after the cut.
Has Holland been fired yet?
That is the only thing that matters
fire him and gut the team
to lose 6-2 to Minnesota is a disgrace
dusgrace
This is a freeflow forum. You are allowed – encouraged, even – to contribute more than the same tired post ad infinitum, if you are able.
Gene looks at least 10 years younger.
Smith is done. NHL goalies stop difficult shots that’s why they’re NHL goalies. Smith is regularly beat by any decent look, it isn’t normal just because they are HDSC
If this season matters you can’t gamble it on him recovering. Koski never had it
NOT addressing our goalie situation is one of Hollands biggest failures this past season. It’s not likely there is a good solution this season without being turned over a barrel. Personally I would like to see Skinner get a run of games.
I don’t think he’ll go into a third playoff with Smith-Koskinen. (lights candle)
Better light more than one!
Check out how many times Smith has given up multiple goals in the first half dozen shots this year. It’s ridiculous b
Dallas loses, SJS losing – good news for Oilers playoff prospects.
One game and you’re falling over yourself dying to troll people here.
The Oilers just waxed the Kings and congrats to Eichel for the injury recovery should be a treat to watch him battle McDavid and Draisaitl for years to come.
You claim you cheer for the underdog but constantly try to flaunt the top dogs like some sort of trophy collection.
Way to go Verdite Hair.
6-2 is beyond pathetic
and some of still invested in “prospects”
time to gut this garbage but it begins with Holland, an abject incompetent
the team they are playing is shit and they are losing 6-2
But only when they’re losing, right? Or are you just busy when the Oilers are winning?
You forgot to say fire holland by midnight.
So, Jofa is gone for a month, unless he can sign in elsewhere and then we’ll welcome him back sooner.
I’m done with this. If you can’t respect the rules, then I’m ending the comments section.
WE CANNOT HANDLE POLITICAL DISCUSSION HERE.
Please respect this request. Please.
Thank you for all you do for us.
Haha
Jofa?
Sorry LT but I have to say it, it seems fitting JOFAs timeout comes on the same day Benson scores his first.
Very fitting 😉
I think JOFA’s helmet is too tight on his head.
Pouzar would disagree
Can you do verite as well, please.
Throw in the troll as well.
Yeah..let’s purge everyone with unpopular opinions.
It’s astonishing how often you miss the point.
It’s a hockey forum … we all have our political opinions but most of us come here to enjoy a thoughtful discourse on hockey, with the central theme being the Edmonton Oilers.
The emphasis is on thoughtful and Edmonton Oilers.
Nurse forgot to put on his thinking cap this afternoon. Muffins no traffic, miss high and out, Kulikov almost a breakaway
Good for Benson, something out of the ashes
Woody should just pull the goalie now, no need to dress one if they are both worse than a shooter touter. You think 7/11 is innovative, the full period goalie pull will be revolutionary!
Congrats to Benson.
and I love the push into the back of the Wild player afterwards.
Can we just fire Holland?
this is a disgrace
a organizational failure
fire him before midnight
and gut this team as soon possible, hopeless and gutless
Meds!
There’s no reason why the team shouldn’t be 82-0.
I so appreciate this.
Benson!
BOOM! Benson with a McD shift pots his first!!!
Good for him. Too bad it’s on a night where oilers are getting slaughtered on the scoreboard
My thoughts exactly. A life long dream to take that step yet tough to celebrate achieving that milestone under the circumstances.
Agreed. But it’s a night he can finally get some shifts with top players. Could go a long way to build his confidence. I hope he gets more time in the third. Lose the battle now but win the war later kinda deal.
BENSON!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE BUTLER’S FIRST!!!!!
*begins hunting for his own delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol*
Hot garbage tonight, even given the 4 in 6.
Uggh
That powerplay had “pressure” and zone time but it really seemed like it was obvious that they just wanted to get that pass across to Drai. They would move down the left pretending like they could do something but the Wild knew they just wanted to send it to Drai.
Yeah, the PP needs a few more options – new coaching staff haven’t had a moment to work on this. The creativity and experience of the top guys will deliver.
For sure. The PP needs more creativity.
They need a RS on the left half boards as many have said. Nobody is shooting from there, makes it too easy
Put Hyman there and put Kane in front if they want a screen. Or maybe Bouch left side
Just one of those nights where nothing rhymes. Crappy deal. Overplay the younger guys. Rest up the top 6. Try some funky stuff.
The Oilers PP still trying to set up the cross seam pass to Draisaitl long after the rest of the league has adjusted.
Kyle Connor and Alex Ovechkin can’t hear you.
Both teams have significantly varied methods to set those up.
The Oilers is static, predictable and preventable.
Didn’t see your post when I made mine. Exactly what I saw.
I still call bs on the entire league abruptly figuring out and adjusting to the best PP in 40 years 150 games in.
Finally, some game management in our favour. I think that’s two minutes for being bigger, but I’ll take it.
Maybe just maybe tonight is the night that they find the Oak Island treasure…
Seems more plausible than a third period come back.
they do that every time we’re on the doorstep but finally it’s called.
It’s easy to say this because I’m not watching but… 4 games in 6 nights playing a much harder game and only 3 lines of forwards. This is a throw out game. More interested in their response in coming days.
You’d like to see them keep it closer, though, if the turnaround, good habits, goalie improvement is real. Maybe a mirage!
Oilers’ goal diff could go negative tonight.
This was a scheduled loss but man, this is a humiliation
I kept the faith until the 5th goal.
I bailed on the 4 th goal against. Watching a James Taylor/Carole King special I had taped and following the blog for entertainment. Boy those two can sing!