Last night’s overtime loss saw the Oilers play as loose as Crazy Horse at the Fillmore in 1970. The sound 52 years ago was majestic and flawed, and that’s kind of what we saw from the Woodcroft Oilers in Chicago on Thursday. Loose? Oh yes. Skilled? Yes again. That point may not mean much today, but at season’s end it could mean the world. Some of your friends are going to be mad about last night’s game, I’d suggest getting that point on a night when the jimmy legs came with the pants because exhausting road trip needs to be added to the lens. Your mileage may vary.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers sign two Condors as procurement window opens.
- Lowetide: Oilers fans still adjusting to Ken Holland’s management style
- DNB: Ken Holland Q&A
- Lowetide: February tests Oilers’ mettle but playoffs are still in sight
- Lowetide: Positive early returns on Oilers’ 2021 draft class, but there are miles to go
- Lowetide: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers’ quiet man, is making loud noises on a new line
- Jonathan Willis: Salary cap limits Oilers’ options, no excuse not to look for a goalie today
- DNB: Mike Smith keeps showing he’s not the Oilers’ answer in net.
- Lowetide: 3 trade targets that could help Oilers this season and beyond
- DNB: Oilers trade deadline expectations? Mailbag
- Lowetide: Evan Bouchard’s new role with Oilers and the promising early results
- Jonathan Willis: With easy upgrades done, hard work remains for Oilers as trade deadline nears
- DNB: Oilers setting their sights on challenging trip ahead
- 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
- DNB: Oilers picking Philip Broberg over Trevor Zegras is still debated.
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid’s remains a transcendent talent. Here’s why.
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- On the road to: PHI, CHI (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 1-0-1)
- At home to: MON (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: CAL (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: WAS, TBAY, DET, BUF, NJD (Expected 3-1-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: COL, DAL (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: SJS (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: CAL (Expected 0-1-0) Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: ARI, LAK (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 8-5-2, 18 points from 15 games
- Actual March results: 1-0-1, 3 points in 2 game
- Oilers in 2021-22: 30-21-4, 64 points in 55 games
I projected last night as an overtime loss, mostly because the Oilers love to wheel and the ‘Hawks have enough talent to run with them and a fine goalie to boot. The other reason? The schedule, silly. The Oilers played 10 games in 18 days, in nine cities and most of the off days involved flight. That’s a difficult schedule, and the club went 6-3-1 in those 10 games. Edmonton is on pace to finish with 95 points, and based on recent performances by Vegas, Anaheim and Nashville, that could get them into the playoffs. Third place in the Pacific means Vegas, eighth place in the conference means Colorado. Choose wisely.
GOALTENDER
Mikko Koskinen stopped 28 of 32, .875 and now has 20 wins on the season from a .904 save percentage. He has played a lot recently, suspect Mike Smith gets the start against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday. The Habs are 6-4-0 in the last 10 games, so that’s no easy out. Koskinen’s boner in the third was a big part of the game, he has many miles to equal Mike Smith in this area, let alone Ty Conklin. I think Koskinen is the one goalie Holland should keep at the deadline, based on his play recently. Holland needs to get him a substantial and healthy goalie who can spell him. James Reimer is my choice, your mileage may vary.
DEFENSE
Duncan Keith played over 20 minutes, was over 50 percent in five-on-five possession, blocked some shots and got 52 seconds on the power play. He took a penalty, partly because his partner sent him a dangerous pass back into the zone with pressure in the area. Keith made a play I’ve not seen before, he passed the puck to his partner at the blue line but the pass turned into a math riddle when it not only escaped the blue line but the neutral zone, too. I don’t know what the hell he did but I do not recall that wide a miss on what was supposed to be a pass along the line. Evan Bouchard was mostly good, that moment aside, he picked up and assist, had four shots on goal, one good look and covered for his partner too. He was on the good side of possession. He has scored 9-19-28 in 55 games this season. Played just shy of two minutes on the power play.
Darnell Nurse played 27:09, more than any other Oilers player, on the final night of an exhausting road trip and you won’t hear five kind words about it. He picked up an assist, handled the pressure from Patrick Kane well but flew past Colton Sceviour with trouble brewing and was caught out of position on the second Chicago goal. He was one of the defenders on the OT goal but that was some bad luck and quality opposition. Cody Ceci was out of position for the Kubalik goal, Koskinen should have checked but there was no one in sight and that’s an unusual alignment for a team. He is playing well with the yutes, I think he was a wise free-agent addition. He carries the puck a little too much through the neutral zone for a player who doesn’t have much offensive flair.
Markus Niemelainen went the wrong way on the first goal, abandoning the high danger slot for a far outpost. He’s in that phase where he’s allowed himself to relax, and that’s when the heartaches begin. He’ll be fine, Chicago’s forecheck got him out of his comfort zone and he’s been taking on a little air since Carolina. William Lagesson had a couple of shots, created a rebound, drove to the net looking for a pass, and generally did some things in the offensive end we don’t see often. He’s getting comfortable, 54 games into his NHL career. Tyson Barrie had an assist and then left the game.
FORWARDS
Zach Hyman took a penalty, drew a penalty, had five shots on goal, two takeaways, two HDSC’s and tried to MacGyver numerous paths to the net. Wonderful player, I’m so enjoying his season. Connor McDavid had two assists, both brilliant, two shots, drew a penalty, had another strong game. Warren Foegele had two takeaways on a night when everybody was freewheelin’, but didn’t win many battles and didn’t get any shots, so eventually he was replaced on the top line. Edmonton needs Jesse Puljujarvi back, soon!
Evander Kane had a big night, scoring twice on seven shots. That’s the player Edmonton needs, and Kane was delivering in the early games. An encouraging turnaround from recent outings, he is 7-6-13 in 16 games. Leon Draisaitl went 1-1-2, two high-danger scoring chances, a couple of takeaways and a penalty in overtime that led to the loss. I think he had a great road trip and is on pace for 57 goals and 116 points. Outstanding player. Kailer Yamamoto played 21 minutes, had three shots, GV-TK, and got crumpled how he got up God only knows. He played some with 97, too.
Derek Ryan had a good night, two shots, three HDSC, he is one of the feelgood stories of the year for this organization. Ryan McLeod had a HDSC, skated miles and drove down the wall several times in search of daylight. Remember when the knock on him was hesitancy to go into difficult areas? I think that’s over. Devin Shore played 10 minutes but didn’t move the needle much, Brad Malone had five hits a couple of shot attempts and was on the ice for the Lafferty and Kubalik goals. I think he’ll eventually take Shore’s job, could be wrong. Colton Sceviour couldn’t move the puck out along the wall on the first goal against, and the Kane goal, even though he played just 2:47.
WOODCROFT’S OILERS
The smart people tell me 20 games is the minimum sample for any real conclusions, so Jay Woodcroft’s 7-3-1 record is nice, but incomplete as a trusted indicator. How good are the first 11 games?
Woodcroft’s Oilers have a 2.01 GAA per 60 at five-on-five, that’s the best in the Pacific division and No. 6 overall. Goals-for per 60 in the metric is 2.84, that’s No. 14 in the league and No. 4 in the division. Five-on-five goal differential is 58.5 percent, No. 7 in the NHL and second only to the Calgary Flames in the Pacific. Save percentage? .930 at five-on-five, No. 6 in the league and best in the division. Music!
There are some worries. Edmonton’s PK goals-against-per-60 is 8.79, No. 23 in the league. Only Anaheim and Vancouver from the Pacific are worse. The Oilers are also on the PK far too often, 6:12 per game and that’s the third highest total in the NHL. Dave Tippett’s PK numbers were quality, this is an area that needs work. Edmonton’s SP on the PK is .841, No. 22 in the league.
The power play is firing eight goals per 60 minutes, that’s good for No. 14 in the NHL. The Oilers are averaging 5:27 a game on the PP, that’s No. 10 across the league. Shots per 60? 55, but I’d be interested in knowing how many are from the blue line compared to the high performance PP’s. Edmonton needs some practice time, along with the Nuge’s return, but did sputter on the trip.
I’m pleased with the Woodcroft era so far, the team has improved mightily at five-on-five. That’s the big game state and the one a team needs to be good at in the playoffs. I wish people would stop saying the Oilers are running four solid lines now, that’s just not true. The roster depth remains a major issue and I think the idea of bringing this thing in with real hope for the postseason involves replacing Mike Smith and finding Darnell Nurse a partner who is a good match. Both solutions could come internally (Stuart Skinner and Bouchard) but that needs to happen.
Had to mute the TV. Cannot listen to Kelly’s endless stories!
Upgrading the Defense upgrades to goaltending. No brainer.
Deharnais with 2 more points last night and now leads the league at plus 26.
The giant can’t really skate but, my goodness, what an impact he is having at the AHL level.
I see him as quite the distant bell at the NHL level but it will sure be nice to have him in the org and and the Condors for the next few years – success in the AHL helps development.
Great 7th round pick and development curve within the org.
I realize he’s 25 years old and not much of a skater, but he really does have a nice stat line: 44 5-15-20 +26 40PIM 66SH.
He’s contributing some on offense (passed Broberg last night for top scoring Condors D). And that +26 really stands out. Not only leading the league but also doubling up 2nd place on the Condors (Malone and Brousseau at +13).
Clearly he’s a (defensive) driver of on ice results at the AHL level. I’m curious to see him in an NHL game at some point.
Perlini takes a slashing PIM in OT but the Condors kill off the 4 on 3 – out of the box, playing 4 on 4, Perlini skates around the entire o-zone, goes down the right side and a sneaky shot far side wins it with 25 seconds to go.
Between his legs at that, spectacular!
https://youtu.be/R1NU_UcJiWQ
After the most ineffective two periods I’ve seen from him as a pro, Holloway is going full young Taylor Hall in the 3rd period
I’m not sure “going full young Taylor Hall” means what you think it does.
Holloway has 2 SOG…Stockton’s Justin Kirkland has 7.
Who?
Oh the unknown 26 year old. Good for him!
And congrats cherry picking the box scores, impressive skills!
Although I don’t know if anyone else that reads this is as impressed as I am.
So, do you figure this Kirkland fella will ever be as good as Rogaine Bratfury?
Summarizing!
Chiasson (1+1, 5 SOG, 2nd star)
Tullio (1+0, 30th goal of the year, 10-game point streak now)
Savoie (0+1)
Wanner, Engaras, Munzenberger, and Lachance all held off the scoresheet.
The Bourg and Mazura still out with injury.
5 shots by Chaisson, that is awesome!
It’s not as impressive as 7 shots on goal, but good for him! I am glad to see him playing again finally!
Holloway won’t get an assist but he started the play with some great work down low and caused chaos in front. Sammy ties it up and Deharnais with yet another plus (and assist).
Condors with 10 shots through two periods – with 4 PPs.
Holloway probably as many giveaways as the team has shots through 2….. in all zones – not a great night for any forward.
Valimaki with a late goal from the point for the 1-0 lead.
It’s that damn Justin Kirkland, he is Condor kryptonite, according to the box scores (please bear with me, I am still trying to grasp the complexities of a box score)(where is the box, I’ve been looking for 35 minutes and I still can’t find it, these things are more challenging than Wordle)
4-2 Vegas. Ducks have gone all fragile and all the breaks are going the Knights way. Ducks still have half a period to survive and reset. Really need to knuckle down in their own end
And the troubles continue. 5-2. No defensive zone play whatsoever.
Anaheim is falling, don’t think they can hang with the rest of the division. Which is good overall, sucks tonight.
I never thought they were a worry for the Oil this season but they just played a ten minute stretch of the second where they looked like the Oilers in early January. Don’t want to see any pro team have their confidence collapse.
I mean, if you’re in LA right now and need to find a spot to leave your car, drive to the Honda Center… there’s some very safe long-term parking in front of John Gibson.
Not surprising. Ducks early season success was built on getting an abnormal amount of games to OT and scoring a bunch of goals against the grain of play. At least they have fallen away. Gives the Oilers some more options to trade for help.
Not a great night in the OOT scoreboard. Only “good” news is that Hammond will miss the Canadiens game against the Oilers.
He’s been pulling a rabbit out of his hat again.
they have a real good powerplay too.
Ducks get one back on Vegas. Maybe they can make a game of it. 5-3
Knights take the lead but the Ducks quickly tie it up with a great shift.
3-2 Knights.
Who are the RD that are going to be available at the trade deadline?
I feel like the Oilers need to trade Barrie for a safer option.
The pickings in goal look slim outside of Fleury/Varlamov who may not be realistic options.
Dallas takes the Jets in OT.
Condors with 6 truly awful minutes on the PP in the first – just awful.
Lavoie on PP2
Holloway on PP1 but not playing the left point like earlier in the year – playing down low/net font.
These damn pro coaches really need to start listening to me. Holloway-Hamblin-Lavoie = success. Really want to see that line.
Marody not in lineup – not sure why but they are playing a man short.
Enough of the bullshit call up Holloway then trade for James Reiner who’s inexpensive . I would bet the farm that James is the right Goalie for this team.
Watching tonight (didn’t watch the AHL when I was away the last couple of weeks), the AHL is 100% the right league for Holloway right now.
If he’s healthy what is he exactly learning on the farm all his peers are producing in the show our top 6 needs help.
He’s healthy (and he just made a wonderful play leading to the 1-1 goal) but its pretty clear from his play that his game is best served in the AHL right now. Too important of a player for this team’s future not to give him the proper and required development time.
Moog, Fuhr and Especially Ranford had nerves of steel throw in Joseph, Salo, yes Salo and Roloson. Mikko doesn’t have it Smith’s body has broken down. Holland get off your 5 million dollar ass and get a Goalie that can beat the Knights and the mighty Flames.
Reimer is injured, that’s why the Oilers traded Stalock to SJ.
Groin injury. He will be out another 2 to 4 weeks.
Aren’t you the bearer of good news Fuk Reimer he’s always hurt anyway Holland needs to land a Goaltender. Either you try to win a cup are you trade assets for the following year. I like Mikko I also like my Neighbour whose got something in common with Mikko which is neither one is going through four gruelling rounds of Hockey to win a Cup for the City of Champions.
I am just trying to help you out bud, didn’t mean ta bug ya
Its all good in the hood I’m just sick of my sphincter tightening up on every shot anywhere on the ice. Let’s face it Mikko and Smith aren’t cutting it. Times ticking before you know it Connor and Leon will be puff gonzo.
Too much personal info bro, there’s a lotion for that, probably. Might help with the itchiness and cracking….
I am not a doctor so don’t take my advice, but I wish you well, sounds uncomfortable
He was a major part of gruelling for a Gagarin Cup…..
Savoie with an early helper as he sends a bank pass to a streaking winger, who races down the left wing and finishes:
https://mobile.twitter.com/DU_Hockey/status/1499939163965067264?cxt=HHwWgMCszZ-u7dApAAAA
And another primary apple:
https://mobile.twitter.com/DU_Hockey/status/1499953378679422976?cxt=HHwWgICsvdPp89ApAAAA
Interesting, Savoie is back with Brink & Guttman, the old band is back together again! I expect he will be absolutely filling the stat sheets again. Colorado College is simply a doormat for Denver. He might come away with an 8 to 10 point weekend if he stays with his old line mates.
Assist rescinded. Becoming a theme tonight!
Skinner starts (5th straight).
With Broberg recalled, Safin draws in…..
Engaras gets an assist on UNH’s* 3rd goal as they try to come from behind in period 3:
https://mobile.twitter.com/UNHMHOCKEY/status/1499930332774031363?cxt=HHwWhoCjjZqs6dApAAAA
* UNH is not RNH’s uncle.
EDIT: Or not. This USCHO app I use is a fickle mistress.
I’m definitely on board for the Kings giving up 3 goals in less than a minute to the Jackets to turn a 1-goal lead in to a 2-goal deficit.
Are you also on board for the Kings tying it up 3-3 while outshooting Columbus 41-26?
Going to OT.
Columbus wins in OT.
Harpers Hair proves himself to be a fool once again. My data tells me that Kings won.
Boone Jenner goal was disallowed and Arvidsson did the deed.
My data tells me who the fool is.
Thats too bad, we Oilers fans would have rather seen it the other way.
None the less, we all know who the fool is despite Mr. Hair’s claims of the contrary.
Fake reverse troll.
That’s mad skills right there.
Oops..scoring change.
Kings win 4-3..Victor Arvidsson with the hat trick.
Sober up what’s with the fake years.
Disappointing turn of events in the 3rd and 4th periods.
Chiasson gets his first point of the year, a primary aPPle as the Wheaties open the scoring halfway thru the 1st.
He gains the zone along the right wing, then dishes some tasty sauce to a Wheatie crashing the net for the tip-in:
https://mobile.twitter.com/bdnwheatkings/status/1499920107799302152?cxt=HHwWkMC-jYTZ5NApAAAA
And with a minute left in the first, he bags his 1st goal.
Ah good for him. Glad to see him finally get back in games and have success.
Nice hands:
https://twitter.com/bdnwheatkings/status/1499925259272736769
Video evidence of said goal as he whacks home a centering feed:
https://mobile.twitter.com/bdnwheatkings/status/1499925259272736769?cxt=HHwWgsCyyfGE59ApAAAA
Careful with that shoulder on the cele Jake, holy!
I have a good feeling about this kid. HIs scouting report reads like a baby Hyman. Decent skill combined with good work ethic turns out more often than not.
Tullio picks up an aPPle as Oshawa draws within one in period 2.
EDIT: Upon further review, said apple has been rescinded.
He was denied an aPPle earlier, but he shan’t be denied his 30th goal of the year, a PP tally-o.
EDIT: Or perhaps he shall. The goal was reviewed for offside and eventually disallowed.
You have to laugh.
Third time’s a charm! Tullio finally gets on the scoresheet, his 30th tally-o coming on the PP as he zips one from the top of the right circle:
https://twitter.com/Oshawa_Generals/status/1499935021775339527?cxt=HHwWjoCy8ZG969ApAAAA
LOL! Just heard the ‘center of earth’ media debate whether Mathews will win the HART or Selke or Rocket Richard or the Ted Lindsay award.
Why not just him all of them I say and save a bunch of money on travel etc. for the other players?
The important question is whether Captain Underpants will be going commando to the awards show, and whether he moons the audience.
On the Lowedown LT has his segment with Lansky (what a beauty) and talked about how the Big Smoke media there made it hard for their players to succeed
Because they are blowing sunshine up posteriors to the level of crowning kings, and it affects players as he sees it
So keep on TO, you have the best player, the best players, the best team, the best coach, the best GM, the best franchise!!
Plan plan plan the big celly!!!
Even though Petrov isn’t in action tonight, he’s still keeping his puck skills intact:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1499852499154518023?cxt=HHwWjoCyudj5xdApAAAA
Also, Jake will be Chiasson some points as he is officially back in the lineup finally tonight! As per the Wheat Kings Twitter
Shane Warne died this morning. Can’t believe it. For any Aussies or Cricket fans who belong to this little corner of the web. Absolute titan of the game.
Loved him when he played for my home county of Hampshire.
And then there’s the ball of the century vs. Mike Gatting.
Fittingly, that should be his epitaph. ‘Here’s the man who bowled the ball of the century’.
His career highlights are delight. Growing up watching him every summer was a privilege. Truly lived a great life. Gone far too soon. But the brighter the flame the shorter the candle. He will be missed.
One of the greatest leg spinners in history. RIP.
Australia mourns
He packed a lot in in his 52 years! Any fellow aussie oiler fanatics interested in connecting ping me.
Broberg has been recalled. Per Gregor, Barrie will miss at least 3 games.
Gregor speculating that Archie could be an option to play mid-March.
Of course, he can’t play road games outside of Calgary (realistically) but he would definitely help the PK and I’d sure take him on the 4th line over Sceviour or Shore.
I would trade Archibald before he appears in a practice.
I just don’t see a way that they can have a player who can only home games.
The so and so rules change every 5 minutes. I would love to see Archie throw a hit or two. This team is so deprived of body checkers that Malone looks like a Morning Star.
Would Archie and a 4th round 2023 draft pick get you Mark Pysyk from Buffalo?
That almost seems a straight up
Archie is younger and as versatile and about the same in quality
Don’t see why Buffalo would be interested in a pending UFA though….
Why?
Due to his vax status, I’m assuming.
Why so bitter?
Not bitter, but Derek Ryan took his job. I’d prefer Puljujarvi, Yamamoto, Ryan and Kassian. I’d put Archibald ahead of Sceviour and Kyle Turris, but I think the Oilers would be better off trading Archibald and running with the two kids on skill lines, Ryan and Kassian on the third and fourth lines.
I’m a fan of Archibald and would love to see him given a chance to prove himself before he is shipped out. I believe he would be an upgrade on a few players here now.
Mob rules it’s a thing. Makes me sad.
Is there any chance, with Archie’s myocarditis issues, that he would qualify for a vaccine exemption (if that is even a thing)?
Per Friedman on Oilers Now – with a Halak trade, the teams can decide which team pays the bonus and who’s cap it hits – can’t be split. Not that I think the Oilers want him (or that he’d waive for the Oilers) but taking that bonus is a non-starter.
Per Stauff – Archie skated at the Community Arena today.
Per Stauff – Bouch is one goal away from a $250K bonus and may get another $600K (or so) – lets not forget, any performance bonuses will create a dollar for dollar cap penalty for next season.
Also, sounds like the team has left Bob behind – he wasn’t on the broadcast last night and seems like he’s in quarantine in the US.
Stats give us guideposts about quality. The Oilers have a lot got talent.
Stats being aggregate also hide players that make critical errors. The single moments LT refers to.
Bouch needs more time to smooth out and improve in defending. Which is fine because he’s 22 and so skilled
But he’s a liability at the moment. Barrie mostly is. Koski and Smith are, I agree Koski is better for this year.
That’s a lot of key players that are unreliable, and of course there’s more
The next few games determine what Kenny thinks and what he’ll do. I hope Woody can keep them progressing.
It’s still at the point that while better, they’ll fall apart in the playoffs again to my eye, regardless of possession stats
When Connor and Leon start forcing things constantly it gets ugly. They are so good they get points, but it has to be a team thing to go deep
They have to use and trust the guys they play with, not easy, but essential. It’s what made Gretzky so special, anybody on his line went on a heater, even Semenko.
Gretz could play with anybody well. He used them regardless. The key was finding the guys to take it to supernova for him
Watching DeBrincat yesterday, man that was a boner not taking him given the history with Connor. Solid gritty little player and natural born scorer
Nailed it.
I hope with Jesse, having a LBI has spent this time working on his in close shooting and puck control. He’s been great in a lot of areas and he has had a bit of bad puck luck, but if he could finish a few more of those cherry passes from mcdavid… I think mcdavid is starting to understand and appreciate what he brings to the line, if he could add some finish they have the makings of a dominant two way line.
Well put. And to think we took Benson when the Cat was still on the board. I know revisionist history but…what if…
We’d have no money for Hyman.
I have heard many NHLers say it’s a game of mistakes
Mistakes happen. The Oilers make them happen a lot. It makes weak teams look good quite often still
When they happen matters as well. You can play great and lose the game for your team. Game management, make extra sure you don’t screw up when it matters most, it’s a trait of the best teams, not that any team is perfect
I agree with Woody
He focuses on the process, succeed at that and the rest follows. I think it also helps the players stay focused and thinking about right now, not about what may happen
What gets me is games where they play poorly as a team. Colorado has won a ton of games. That means regardless of injuries and the schedule
You give yourself a chance to win if you play right, even if tired. They were in all of the games because of talent in the last 5. Could have one them all.
The process is the next step definitely regardless of the roster. Not there yet
I never really out too much stock in to these charts but here is a tweet with some info on Broberg’s AHL season:
https://twitter.com/jlstoller/status/1499804483919880193?s=21
Certainly looks impressive.
I looked briefly, any idea where the numbers came from? I’m not aware of AHL number that details being collected.
Friedman’s latest gem on Bob’s show – “Fleury is not going anywhere he doesn’t want to go.” Duh! With a non-movement clause, you’d think it goes without saying.
For people who are not listening to the show – nothing new on the trade perspective vis-a-vis Edmonton. No Fleury & no Chycrun.
Why no Cheryl?Has he been traded.If not it would be a good addition if we could make the money work.I still would like a trade with Seattle for a goalie,plus maybe Eberle and a defenseman.We have a lot of young defence prospects,and could afford to throw in Kassian,and Yamamoto.Eberle would fill in for the second line RF with Drai.
Grubauer,and Geo would be a great add.
LT, would you feel OK/good about the team entering the playoffs if those 2 internal changes were made?
Personally I feel like those are more shuffle the deck chair type moves (not that I think the ship is actually sinking). And clearly those changes are available to Woodcroft any time he wants them.
On Smith/Skinner in particular, Skinner being available in Bakersfield is a big reason why I’m comfortable giving Smith time try to find his game. If Smith can’t, we know Skinner is available as a very capable next man up.
And on Barrie/Bouchard, I feel like Bouch will move back with Nurse if/when he can iron out those ‘single moments’ (and I guess injury may have intervened to put him there anyway).
Bouchard really has been leaking though, despite super strong underlying numbers. He was +3 at 5v5 in his first 22 games, but has been -10 in the 33 games since (still with strong SF). He’s even been -2 under Woodcroft, which isn’t that easy to do.
Anyway, these internal options aren’t bad ones. I’m just a bit surprised they might be considered enough (if I’m understanding correctly).
I do wonder also whether Holland might actually bring in a top 4 quality RD before the deadline. I’d been thinking it’s very unlikely, but offensive contributions from Barrie have been underwhelming this season. And he’s actually (partly) lost even his PP1 role. A hockey trade for a different style RD really would make sense.
I am prepared to accept Woodcroft’s call on both scenarios. If he says Smith-Koskinen is the way to go, and that Nurse-Barrie is the right call, then I accept it.
Personally, I wouldn’t trust Smith’s health and Barrie is never going to turn any corner defensively. I don’t know that Bouchard has the ability to accomplish the task, but he has a much better chance to grow into the role.
Thanks for the reply. And I 100% agree on Bouchard. IMO it’s just a matter of time until he’s a stronger option than Barrie (and he is right now by many measures). He definitely has a higher defensive upside than what Barrie is as a finished product.
For Smith, I guess my thinking is that having Skinner available largely mitigates the injury risk since you could hand the reigns to Skinner now, or see what Smith has left and then hand the reigns to Skinner if Smith can’t perform.
“The roster depth remains an issue”
Is that 100% true? The Oilers’ roster depth is currently being tested – they are without Nuge, Jesse, Kassian and Archibald and are plugging through, playing well against elite teams on the road, etc.
RD.
Given Holland isn’t likely to trade or sit a RD, Russell is in Smith territory with injuries, to me the best D fix is a solid defending ruffian experienced LD
The rooks have been fine, but can’t play up in the playoffs (if we want to win) and can’t partner a defensively loose RD, especially another rookie
Yes it’s true. Barrie-Ceci-Bouchard isn’t working and Smith can’t stay upright.
I think this is the most negative I have ever seen you!
Uh, no. https://lowetide.ca/2013/11/03/nadirs-raiders/
Good times. Reading the comments, we’ve lost a lot of good people.
Liked the Eakins paragraph. There is indeed a world of difference between learning and getting schooled.
now that was negative! almost 10 years
All the injuries on the left side have made it difficult to see if there is a balanced pairing line up. Barrie has been very good with Nurse for 2 seasons. 63 GF/ 47 GA 57%. Trouble is Bouchard really needs someone like Nurse or Keith right now, as certainly Tippett and even Woodcroft really aren’t enthused with Bouchard out with other unseasoned defenseman on the left (Niemelainen, Lagesson, Broberg) and Russell has been hurt a lot. A really solid NHL 3rd pair left D (Koekkoek hasn’t never really established himself as a full time 3rd pair defender) could allow Barrie to stay with Nurse, Ceci with Keith and Bouchard with that 3rd pair defender. Woodcroft only got 3.5 periods to try Nurse/Barrie, Keith Bouchard and Ceci/Lagesson/Niemelain).
Smith’s injury is covered by depth though – Stuart Skinner. Oilers are 3 NHL goalies deep.
RD is an issue, yes, but LD has had Russell out, Koekkeok not an NHL player and Keith out for 10 games and they got by.
Overall, I think depth is keeping this team a float given all the man games lost…..
I would say the real missing link is Nuge. His importance to special teams and his Swiss Army knife capabilities are sorely missed. He plays in the hard and critical situations and rarely makes mistakes.
100% – Nuge’s value to the team is immense. He touches ALL game states and touches them well.
He was the best non-star Oiler last night (to my eye) and I mentioned in last night, what a development season he’s had – his game has grown leaps and bounds. We have our 3C for the next decade I believe – allowing the likes of Dylan Holloway to help fill other holes on the roster.
Loving this new McLeod fella.
Where’d he come from?
I agree with that
He is like JP in a lot of ways, unfortunately including not being a serious threat offensively
He makes some nice plays, but there is no consistent push to score
To me Holland has improved the forward group, it’s bigger and faster, more engaged in battles and energy and forechecking, but still lacks determined scorers
Holland drafted a few, signed Kane. The latter has scored, but hasn’t overwhelmed me with his play. I haven’t watched him a lot previously
I don’t know if he’s rusty or this is his game, but I assumed he was a little more polished than what we’ve seen
If this is his game I wouldn’t give him much term, although he’s a help short term
Upper body-core issue for Barrie per Chicago Bob.
Could Niemelin play RD. He’s probably pretty close to as effective there as he is on LD. On a 3rd pair with Keith babysitting him, he could still blow people up every shift!
No knock against his play since the call up, but I think he’s treading water as it is.
Maybe but I’m not sure he’s ever really done it. Don’t know about Liiga but don’t recall him playing much right side in the AHL.
Lagesson shifted over quite a bit in the AHL and did so last night.
Broberg played a ton of the right side with Skelefteea and Sammy played all last season on the right side for CSKA.
Niemalainen was playing RD on that 1st GA last night.
Agree he’s not likely to be the one switching sides.
He was on the ice with Barrie….. I don’t think that’s true, is it?
Was trying to joke about his walkabout to the right side boards. No, he wasn’t supposed to be playing RD.
Aghh, sorry, missed that…. whoosh!
He’s struggling to play LD right now.
Puck IQ has Bouchard as follows:
Overall CF% 55.9% Corsi Rel +5.00 DFF% 53.6% DFF Rel +3.90%
Elites CF% 51.60% Corsi Rel +1.90 DFF% 51.4% DFF Rel +4.70%
In his first full year.
Yet, he is slow and cannot win a board battle.
Your eyes can deceive you; don’t trust them!
He was exposed for both those things last night.
It’s basically his first year he seems intelligent enough to figure out being on the right side of play and tying up sticks the small stuff that makes a complete D. He rang one of the crossbar and it’s so nice to see a D that can join in are sneak right down broadway for a A-one shot.
The NHL is not a development league and you would think a 10th overall pick would be proficient in those skills by now.
His offense certainly doesn’t offset those warts.
Just my opinion, but give Vasili Podkolzin some time. He’ll get there.
🤣 👍🏽 👍🏽 Outstanding!
Honestly the best part of your statement was the “its just my opinion” portion.
I find it hilarious how definitive some pretend to infer things about younger players, when it suits their narrative.
P.s. 100% thanks for drawing as hard of a line you can around “this is a place to talk hockey…maybe dinner recipes or drink mixes and the odd personal anecdote.”
Podkholzin is 2 years younger than Bouchard and is already a plus defensive player.
GF% 57.78
https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20212022&thruseason=20212022&stype=2&sit=5v5&stdoi=oi&rate=n&v=p&playerid=8481617
Not bad for a youngster in a new country, new language, new team and already on his second coach.
I guess Bouchard had to deal with one of those things.
Both these players have a decade of development ahead of them if they adventure the Brogan route you highly touted.
It’s funny simply because instead of that age difference being a factor in the Rogaine bravery vs Bouchard “debate” its now definitely a factor….unless said player falls short of high bar then it will be sone other new player
Is California in Canada now or?
Maybe it’s something to do with the position played
I didn’t bring up Podkholzin…LT did….unwisely.
Bouchard should be judged against his draft cohort and it’s very likely he would fall to much later in the 1st round than where he was taken…as Scott Wheeler has said repeatedly.
I expect the same fate will befall Broberg who was not only a reach at the time but is proving it with his play.
Still lots of time to see how it plays out.
Broberg is having a historical offensive season for a 20-year old d-man in the AHL.
He was sitting in a fuking hotel room all of last year. Tippett had a hard on for him and Tippett died with Bear and playing a Mosquito in the top 6. It was so obvious Tippett deserved to be fired he had a full house to begin with and he fuked it up.
It is his first season
Like his offense. Needs a partner like Nurse. He is still slow. He won’t catch anyone on a breakaway. Nurse can, Broberg can when playing.
That’s part of the problem not the solution.
Many people mistake his hockey IQ allowing him those extra seconds as him being slow. When you watch elite talents this is often the case. His panic threshold or lack of panic is very good to exceptional!
There are times when he SHOULD panic but he doesn’t.
Presuming Barrie is out (and that’s just a presumption), what to do with 3RD?????
Last night same Lagesson on the right side – far from ideal.
Actual right shot options:
Kesselring, Kemp, Berglund – not are NHL ready.
Deharnais, who is also not really an NHL player, is still on an AHL contract (his NHL deal starts next season).
Broberg on his right. Lagesson on his right. Samorukov on his right.
Yikes.
Matty saying a week to 10 days for Barrie.
Not long term but will be interesting to see how they deal with only 2 legit NHL RD for the next few games.
That means Holland may be forced to buy a Dman early, which, in turn, usually means paying more.
The other side of that coin is it allows the new player more time to learn the systems and get used to playing with the new team.
Or the fact we need that guy now. Fan optics seem to rarely take these bits into consideration though, lol
Like a 4th for Pysyk instead of a 5th?
Berglund’s as ready as he’ll ever be, and hasn’t been a disgrace the few times he’s seen the bigs.
Though if ManWood doesn’t give Berglund the tap that would be, as our host likes to say, a tell.
Broberg got the call.
Berglund has sat out the odd game for the Condors I believe and, yes, its a tell – he’ll likely be back in the SHL next season.
It’s not like whomever replaces Barrie is having to replace much defending!😉
Leon and Connor lead the league in points.
Leon leads the league in Goals.
Leon leads the league in GWG with 10
Which of the two players has the better FO% ???
54.1 to 53
For Connor McDavid !
#GiantsWalkAmongUs
That’s impressive, but you need nuance:
Connor has taken 677 FOs, won 366, lost 311.
Leon has taken 1097 FOs, won 581, lost 516.
When you dig even deeper, Leon is only 44.8% SH, whereas Connor hardly ever takes a FO 4 X 5.
Connor makes hay 5 x 5. He’s a stone cold killer.
Leon is more versatile through out all disciplines.
What is the FO% of their opponents is what I’d want to know. Your splits indicate that Drai, being the PK go-to FO guy, likely takes more puck drops against the other team’s best.
Same as at the end of periods, games…
Exactly. Connor has the slightly better % for way less FOs in way less situations.
But I’m not complaining, both are doing an excellent job.
Your opponent question is intriguing. Almost begs a “QoC” of FO adversaries line of thought.
Thanks!
Puckbase used to do it but they’ve disappeared, sadly.
PK faceoffs are also tougher because, of course, a faceoff win is often much more then the center when the draw is scrambled.
That’s how I see it, although with Connor, if he decides something needs to be a part of his game, it soon will be, it’s almost unfair
His full game play is accelerating so quickly I think he’ll soon get ahead of German Gretzky
Now if he’d work on being a little more deceptive with his shot and strategy in the O zone
Not a criticism, but he still goes straight at things a lot, and once the league learns tendencies it gets harder, like the PP
He’s leading the league of course, but to me he can go up another notch, at least, that nobody else can, and be blowing the league away all season
Say what?!?
Willy Laggs with the Jimmy Legs.
If not for Koskinen’s boner they may very well have stolen a 3-2 victory in the windy city without venturing into OT .
If not for Mikko they lose that game in the 2nd period
Are you suggesting they would have pulled their goalie in the last minute & scored the game winner instead of merely tying it up?
It’s what Sergei Federov would do!
Does CHI play the trap through most of the 3rd without that goal? I don’t see any indication in Cowboy’s post that he was saying what you’re suggesting he is.
The first goal was week and we all know how that 1st GA sets the tone for the Oilers. Mikko played alright but watch the third goal again Mikko sees the Hawk player and passes it to him like he’s colour blind. A goal like that in a playoff series could not only cost a game but a entire series.
Yes, the first goal was weak, first by Sceviour, second by Barrie and third by Niemelainen.
You’re telling me we couldn’t get up the standings because of a boner? Perfect happy ending to a rager of a roadie.
Ken Holland should have a contract already written with a term of 5 yrs.
Just sign it…… Ryan McLeod
I think McLeod has been the best story of the year. So Far.
Once you get past McDavid and Draisaitl, he may have been the best forward on the team over the last 20 games.
He certainly looks like a top 9 forward. He’s skating miles, is making some plays, seems responsible defensively, and can win some faceoffs. He has had the puck on his stick an awful lot the past month.
He needs to score more, but hopefully his lack of production keeps the cap hit of his next contract down.
Agreed and yet, per Woodguy’s phone, since the coaching change:
71(1-4) 20%
Hopefully he finds his way to being part of more goals for. I’d like to see him more aggressive with the puck, take it to the net more and defer to others less.
Yeah it’s funny Randle, I feel like McLeod is the anti-Bouchard. Great by eye, but actual results are middling.
The knock on him is that he plays the perimeter offensively, that’s been his problem at every level.
That would be a poor term – taking him right to UFA – maybe buying one year.
Why would he sign for five years? One would think the would want to bet on himself by signing a transition deal.
Koskinen didn’t lose the game for the Oilers but he needs to stop handling the puck so much. 50% of the time he touches it he doesn’t make a good play and causes chaos in his end. His last game he shot it over the glass for a penalty 10 seconds after he hit the top 1 inch of glass on another clearing attempt. If you watch his giveaway last night there was never a player in the area he was passing to. If he would have stayed in his net the puck would have gone to Nurse in the corner. The Oilers D need to provide better outlets but the problem is Koskinen can’t make a pass to an open player even if D men are in position. Manny legacy told a story once about how Nick Lidstrom said to him “stop overhanding the puck, just stop it behind the net and get out of the way”.
Smith gets lots of accolades for his stick skills. Often mentioned he is like a third D out there. You don’t think Koski hears this all the time? His game is staying in the net and not trying to be Mike Smith. Smith has also made a number of bonehead playing the puck this season!
Brad Malone. A noble warrior. Not part of the solution.
Evan Bouchard’s fancies seem to bely his overall effectiveness as a Dman.
This appeared to be true of Ethan Bear as well.
That is not a shot at either player. Just wondering if there is a stat pack that helps to explain this? A sort of “brain cramps per 60” ? Minutes played apart from Darnell?
Evan Bouchard brings some good things for a player his age/experience; As did Ethan Bear.
The regular season is one thing, (you’re willing to pay a cost to develop the player) but as it stands now, Evan Bouchard could only be counted on playing sheltered 3rd pairing minutes in the playoffs no?
That is sort of my view as well. Geez, the last couple of games have been cringe worthy.
A large problem as I see it is due to the fact Barrie can’t play top four minutes and not be a liability unless paired with Nurse the coaching staff has had to play the much less experienced young Bouchard with multiple partners trying to find a fit for him! The pass to Keith was fine if he had been expecting it! There is growing pains with young D as we all have acknowledged on this site many times.
Do you trust the math on a season long sample size, or your own eyes from watching games?
His counting stats are fine and in fact I suspect his Rel% stats are even better compared to his teammates, though I haven’t looked in a while.
Maybe Woodguy can pipe in. 😀
I feel like it’s the same story with Jeff Petry, Ethan Bear, and now Evan Bouchard. Guys who are good passers, make good decisions with the puck, but sometimes make boneheaded decisions in the DZ that make you want to pull your hair out. And the fanbase undervalues them.
Bouchard is the best D passer we have, full stop. I suspect he’s probably the best PP quarterback we have as well, though Barrie obviously has more experience with that at the NHL level.
This is his first NHL season and he’s moved around from top pairing to 3rd pair to 2nd pair.
In an ideal world, yes he’d be PP1, 3rd pair and maybe PK2.
His stats with Keith have been fantastic, he had an extremely strong start with Nurse, and he’s had difficulty with other partners.
He’s 22 years old and could play on this team for the next 10 years.
And yet I feel that some of the fanbase is ready to move on. I don’t get it.
I’m certainly not wanting to move on from Bouchard. He could be a real value contract over the next few years.
But I think it’s important to recognize where he’s at right now. He needs to be sheltered defensively. He appears to have lost some confidence, and his passing over the last month has noticeably slipped.
I think Evan Bouchard has a bright future. Defending well seems to take the longest to master of any element of game. Evan Bouchard ideally should not be playing first pair minutes at 5 on 5. With Darnell Nurse, the duo is 15GF/23GA (39% goal share). Yes they has a .957 PDO, but that’s because many of Bouchard’s mistakes are colossal and skilled players take advantage and put them in the net at a much higher rate. Those get reduced with experience for players who handle the puck a lot. For all of Barrie’s faults, on ice with Nurse this season he is 14GF/12/GA. And while his defensive coverage is not good, he gives the puck away at half the rate of Bouchard. I agree that ideally, Bouchard would have been a high end 3rd pair defender this year getting 15-17 minutes against softer competition and some PP, which is more how Manson is using him now.
The giveaways by Petry continue to this day be his biggest flaw. He leads the NHL in that regards since he joined, and since he should not be mentioned in the same breath as Karlsson, Burns, Carlson, Doughty and many others in terms of puck handling, he should absolutely not be at the top of this list. Countless times, I would watch Petry play a good to great game, only to have that all wiped out with just the worst giveaway at the wrong time, which ended up in the Oilers’ net. He still does that to this day if you watch him. I hope Bouchard and expect that Bouchard will not follow in Petry’s footsteps in this regard.
I just wish everyone would give young D the cooking time they gave Nurse.
It is Bouchard’s first full season in the NHL, so yes. 3rd pairing should be the expectation.
Bear’s two years as an Oiler were his first and 2nd full (shortened by Covid) seasons.
Per Rick Weathead;
A Rus player on the OHL’s North Bay Battalion (one of two Rus on NB) was allegedly targeted during Thursday game with an anti-Rus slur by at least one Sudbury Wolves player, North Bay GM Adam Dennis confirms.
Dennis says OHL is investigating & conducting interviews
Reportedly Matvey Petrov.
Ugh terrible
It might be me, but lately it seems like Draisaitl is taking a lot of bad/inopportune penalties. He also seems to get away with a lot. Would love to see him clean up some of these plays as it cost them last night.
Who coaches the PK and PP? What is Gulutzan’s role?
I can remember when the rumours first surfaced regarding Jake DeBrusk being on the market.
I suggested at the time that the ask would start with someone like Kailer Yamamoto.
And the cries arose “Overpay!. Overpay!…DeBrusks qualifying offer is “outrageous”.
I said at the time, in the right deal, you could negotiate a new deal with DeBrusk as part of the transaction.
It was then pointed out to me that the Bruins are in need of a Dman more so than a forward.
Anyway, the reason I bring it up, is, there is a school of thought that says “get good players, keep good players”. I would expand the definition of that adage to include “get your fresh produce in season”.
If you are not a true contender, you need to take advantage of any and every opportunity to improve your team for the future. If “the choice goaltenders” are out of season, turn your attention elsewhere. If the next Codi Ceci is not in season, turn you attention elsewhere.
At or before the deadline, Ken Holland should gauge the temperature of the Kane camp to understand the interest/ballpark cost of re-signing Kane. If that cost appears too dear, turn your attention to Jake DeBrusk….that is, if the cost is not already astronomically high given his recent turn around.
I use DeBrusk for purposes of illustration only, as that ship has almost certainly sailed. I can see Debrusk being part of a bigger package for a “superior” Dman.
Debrusk has heated up in a big way now that he is on the top unit. ( shut out last night). Always liked the kid, and in comparison to Yammy he has a larger frame. He is not as fast, but has a better shot. In previous playoffs he plays with more grit than in the regular season. I think what is hurting us currently is the loss of forwards in Nuge, Jesse and even Kass. It has forced the coach to push guys like Foegle up in the lineup, when he should be on the 3rd line. Forced Hyman over to the RW, and weakened the bottom six with Sceviour and Malone added who are not NHL players. Even Shore is at best a 4th liner. Benson on the other hand and Macleod have both been good.
We are paying Archibald, get him in the home games at least if he is up to par.
We do need some forward help right now.
Bring up Lavoie for a cup
I thought it was interesting that when asked about Archibald/vaccination status (by DNB in his recent Athletic article) Holland talked a lot but didn’t at all rule out Archibald playing part time.
I think Kailer could take Jake in a fight, easily. With one hand tied behind his back.
He is the softest player in the Bruins lineup, which is weird considering who his father is.
but I bet ya Jake’s Dad can beat up Kailer’s Dad….
Hey, look at it this way- they’re improving against Chicago.