That was a big win for the Edmonton Oilers last night, and when the season is over we could be looking back on an important two points. The team had good energy, came from behind, scored on the power play, got some big stops from Mikko Koskinen and contributions from the bottom part of the roster.
Jay Woodcroft is now 8-5-1, the king of the challenge, and the team is once again within spitting distance of the playoffs. The team will get two days now to rest and prepare for a major test against the Tampa Bay Lightning on the weekend.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: How much do the Oilers miss Jesse Puljujarvi?
- New DNB and Lowetide: Who says no? Evaluating 25 Oilers trades
- Lowetide: Could Philip Broberg be Oilers’ answer for problem defence?
- DNB: Leon Draisaitl postgame Q&A
- Lowetide: Markus Niemelainen is Oilers’ unlikely overnight sensation
- DNB: How did Brad Malone make his way back to Oilers?
- 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
- Jonathan Willis: Salary cap limits Oilers’ options, no excuse not to look for a goalie today
- 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: 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 0-1-0)
- On the road to: CAL (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- At home to: WAS, TBAY, DET, BUF, NJD (Expected 3-1-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- 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: 2-2-1, 5 points in 5 games
- Oilers in 2021-22: 31-23-4, 66 points in 58 games
Edmonton is two points back of Vegas Golden Knights, with 24 games to go. This homestand could vault the club into a playoff spot before Game 62, and last night was a very nice start. I had the Capitals game as an overtime loss, so the Oilers had a better result than predicted. My prediction for the month (so far) was 2-1-2, six points in five games, the club is just one point off the anticipated March pace.
GOALTENDER
Mikko Koskinen’s early save on Alexander Ovechkin was a fantastic grab, and the big man stopped most of the tough saves. The first goal against was a combination of Evan Bouchard’s interrupting the puck’s progress and then not tying up the shooter or sending the puck to safety. You’d like Koskinen to be ready for anything, but those goals do go in at times. The second GA came from a fast rush by TJ Oshie (holy crap did he smoke Devin Shore at the blue line) but the goalie needs to stop short side attempts. Third goal was a helluva shot, hard to blame the goalie after the referees ignored the blatant hook on Zach Hyman by Alex Ovechkin. Koskinen was brilliant at times, allowed at least one goal he shouldn’t let in. I think that’s him in a sentence. Stopped 29 of 32 shots, .906 save percentage.
DEFENSE
Darnell Nurse tripped and sent Tom Wilson into the boards heavily, it looked very dangerous but both men skated away. Nurse played 27 minutes, four shorthanded and none on the power play. Played 9:30 against the Ovechkin line, 8-8 shots and 1-0 goals. Got walked completely by McMichael for a grand chance against Koskinen. Cody Ceci scored a big goal, hard-working type of a marker this team needs more of this season. He also suppressed offense by interrupting passes and progress while playing over 26 minutes. Strong game. Ceci is 8-2 in five-on-five goal differential during the Woodcroft era, Nurse is 14-7.
Duncan Keith had three giveaways and a matching number of takeaways, his passes and shots seemed to boomerang all over the place last night. Chased against the Backstrom line, didn’t get scored on but did give up some looks. Philip Broberg had four shot attempts, looked most involved in his power-play time, and had a couple of giveaways. During Woodcroft’s time coaching the team, Keith has a 3-0 five-on-five goal differential (in five games), and Broberg is at 5-4 goals since the new coaching staff arrived. Broberg checked down at times during the game, with Bouchard elevating.
William Lagesson played 8:56, all but four seconds at even strength. He was on for the first (Backstrom) goal against, but did his job by standing up his man at the blue line and forcing a long distance play. The fact it cashed wasn’t on him. Lagesson also took a penalty, Oshie scoring while he was in the box. Evan Bouchard was casual on the Backstrom goal, he intercepted the pass but was slow to react to danger (I don’t think he was aware of the puck’s location, but pushing Backstrom to Leduc would have been effective there). He did have two assists, getting things started on the Yamamoto and Malone goals. He now has 31 points on the season and is top-five in team scoring. Lagesson is 7-7 and Bouchard is 6-7 under the Woodcroft-Manson banner.
FORWARDS
Zach Hyman was brilliant again, six shots, four HDSC (all at five-on-five), drew a penalty and didn’t draw a penalty on a hook by Alex Ovechkin that cost Hyman a goal (empty net). Twitter was still burning down the house over it when I went to bed. Leon Draisaitl was also brilliant, earning but not receiving an assist on McDavid’s overtime goal with some strong work against TJ Oshie to help separate him from the puck. He had five HDSC in the game, two at five-on-five, 10 shot attempts and four giveaways. Lost some teeth. Ryan McLeod skated miles, showed good decision making and continues to solidify his status as a skill forward. Two shots, 7-3 on the dot, shot, HDSC, smart plays all over the park.
Evander Kane had five shots, nine shot attempts, four HDSC (three on the PP) and took a penalty. Connor McDavid went 1-1-2, six shot attempts, two takeaways, three HDSC, drew a penalty, hugged the stuffing out of his goalie. McDavid is leading this team by word and deed. Kailer Yamamoto scored a big goal, No. 12 on the year as he was one of the tweaks on the PP (all worked) after a period of stale production in the discipline. Line was on for the Backstrom goal, no fault among the forwards.
Warren Foegele had a great look, but shot wide while doing what can only be described as a stop, drop and roll. Three shots, one silly penalty. Devin Shore got walked me to you by Oshie on his goal, but also had a HDSC and drew a penalty. Derek Ryan had an assist, a blocked shot and appeared to hurt his shoulder mid-game but returned and played the rest of the game.
Colton Sceviour was quiet. Brad Malone went 1-1-2 and had a major impact on the game, scoring a late goal and adding five hits. I think he’s a good fit for this roster. Zack Kassian hit everything, had an assist and did a good job in not costing his team anything (penalties, poor coverage). A solid return.
WARREN FOEGELE
I’m seeing people express frustration and disappointment with Warren Foegele, wanted to spend a little time on his season this morning. Currently, his boxcars (58 games, 7-13-20) are in the range of his career average, and he’s scoring at pace for a third-line winger. His five-on-five points-per-60 (1.45) is No. 240 among the 358 NHL forwards who have played 350+ minutes this season. The third line ends at No. 288, meaning Foegele is well inside the range.
His five-on-five on ice goal differential is poor (24-35, minus 11, 40.7 percent) but is 7-6 (53.9 percent) in the Woodcroft games. What’s more, he was part of that fantastic Nuge line (Foegele and Derek Ryan) that looked so good before RNH’s injury. The trio played 54 minutes togther at five-on-five, had a 59 percent shot share and were 5-2 goals. You can’t expect those numbers to sustain, but Foegele has in fact delivered some nice things. A year ago, the LW depth chart included Nuge, Dominik Kahun, Tyler Ennis and James Neal. This year, it’s Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Warren Foegele and (last night) Colton Sceviour. I think Foegele is fine, he isn’t setting the world on fire but he’s delivering within expectations.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, we have a big show lined up for you at TSN1260. Chris Johnston, our TSN insider pops by at 10:20 with the latest from the rumour mill and confirmation there’s simply not much out there in the goalie market. Mike House from the Stollery will join us at 11:05 to talk about the Mighty Millions Lottery. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
NEW for The Athletic: Why Stuart Skinner should be starting games for the Oilers right now
https://theathletic.com/3175946/2022/03/11/lowetide-why-stuart-skinner-should-be-starting-games-for-the-oilers-right-now/
So Hairball was 0-3 last night? The kiss of death I tell you.
VGK, NSH And LAK are all betting favourites.
So 1-2. Guess that is why they play the games.
San Jose absolutely steals a point from the Kings as they win 4-3 in OT.
Chaulk on the biggest change to Holloway’s game over the past couple of weeks.
He’s playing harder, stopping on pucks, nose over the net and the blue paint, not ending plays behind the net. A lot of this has come from studying video and he’s been making the changes we’ve showed him. Puck protection needed work and has improved, he’s been more caring and paid more attention to detail on D.
Playing with Hamblin, it’s been a lot of fun watching the two on the forecheck… very strong forecheck.
===============
For what he has to say on Samorukov, Lavoie and Colonel Kesselring, you can listen here:
https://www.tsn.ca/radio/edmonton-1260/audio/chaulk-the-biggest-change-in-holloway-is-that-he-s-playing-harder-1.1768947
Got that one scheduled in for the gym tomorrow.
Flames home record…17-5-5
Who knew?
Sutter has them dialled in who would of thought Johnny would have his best year under old school play the right way Sutter.
A complete non sequitur.
Lol… So desperate.
16 out of the first 19 picks of the 2020 draft have gotten a sniff of the NHL Holloway being on the not worthy list.
How many of those had an injury that effectively kept them out of action for over 9 months with an ailment that continues to impact them?
Quinton Byfield…broken leg
Marco Rossi…long Covid
Cole Perfetti…concussion
Good, so none then.
So, so desperate.
Someone is desperate…it ain’t me.
So how in your mind does Byfield being out a little over 3 months with a broken ankle (not leg), equate to 9 months? Or Cole Perfetti, who had no injuries to speak of until after he made the NHL this past fall (and went back and forth to the Moose),\ and got a concussion in January (about 2 months ago) appear similar to the development interruption seen by Holloway.
Hell, Byfield’s ankle only kept him out 2 months. He was back playing in the AHL in December.
It doesn’t. And he knows it. He’s just too desperate to troll to help himself.
Really? There was someone else answering questions disingenuously to push a narrative?
*checks site*
No, no. It was you. Up there in black and white for everyone to see. Again. And now denying the evidence like a kid whose face is covered in chocolate. “It ain’t me taking cookies, Mom, honest.”
Just too many lulz.
No of course not… says the guy who claims 2-3 months is the same as 9 months
I know where would this kid be without the injury maybe it’ll make him stronger inside We’re long overdue for a Ryan Smith blue collar plugger with hockey sense that can score.
TOUGH IT OUT DYLAN!!
Johnny Hockey with the hat trick goal halfway through the 3rd period.
Flames lead Tampa 4-1
If he’s within 7 points in scoring to end the year he’s MVP with a huge payday. Whoever says players don’t produce in certain contract years is full of shit.
Flames win 4-1
The Oil must think there’s a chance Pujo can return on Saturday. Otherwise he would already be on LTIR. Under the 24/10 rule, if he was LTIR’ed retro to the day after the ANA game, Feb 18, he would be eligible for all future games except Tampa.
On Bob’s show today he said minimum another 2 weeks for Nuge and most likely 3.
They could LTIR Nuge and activate both Pujo and Archie, but that would mean Malone or Shore will be following Sceviour to Bako. Unlike Colton though, they won’t have to serve a suspension when they get there, lol.
Woody has relied more heavily than I’ve expected on Shore, so I don’t think it’s clear-cut that Malone stays up, if the choice is between those two players. But I think it is very likely one of 13 or 15 is returning, so I’d guess Sceviour is headed down for sure.
Defense is a little tougher to suss out, and even if they LTIR Nuge, if Barrie and Pujo both return, not sure if they have the space to activate Archie. I haven’t done the math but at a casual glance it doesn’t look good. But I will guess Broberg goes back, as far as roster size goes.
Meanwhile one of our goalies is suffering from the world’s longest stomach flu. I don’t think they’ll waive him and reassign (after all, they’re catering to Turris, so why would they not do the same for Smith?).
I’m going to guess that at some point Smith goes back on LTIR. Either they will give him one last shot on Saturday and then decide, or they’re working with his camp right now. But something has to happen prior to DET: either Smith or Pujo on LTIR. And you’d think if it was Pujo he’d already be there… unless Smith is being a problem.
There is talk Archie could be ready for Sat and they don’t have the room to activate him with the corresponding assignment not being a more material cap player.
Jesse hasn’t even skated with the team yet, I don’t think there is any chance he’ll be activated for Saturday – its likely either he or Nuge that goes on LTIR or, of course, Smith (which I’m not convinced is going to happen quite yet).
Yes, I know about Archie. I was the one who reported it below.
If there was no chance of Pujo playing on Saturday he would’ve been put on LTIR as soon as they were sure of that… as it does not preclude him from playing the game after and there is nothing to be gained from leaving him off.
So clearly, there is some possibility, as I state above: they “must think there’s a chance…”
As you can see from the above post, I’m not convinced of Smith on LTIR either. But I am pretty sure they will choose that route over Bako, if push comes to shove cap-wise.
…I’m trying to convince myself he’s not playing on Saturday, but I think there’s a strong possbility he does.
There is always a chance I guess but he hasn’t even skated with the team so, realistically, I don’t think there is.
Same situation with Nuge – he’s not on LTIR either.
No, Nuge is not. It’s not affecting games yet. Nuge is some way from that point. For Pujo it is this weekend. If they know he won’t play this weekend, keeping him off LTIR serves no purpose, as he can be activated for any other future game.
That’s not the case with Nuge.
OP, sorry for mis-reading your earlier post on the cap stuff (thought the conclusion was that assigning Sceviour or similar would be enough to activate Barrie and Archibald rather than needing an additional move).
I was looking now though, and wondering whether we’re certain that Skinner was an emergency loan?
The Oilers release on his recall doesn’t mention that, and as far as I can tell his cap hit is included in the Oiler cap calculations on both CapFriendly and Puckapedia.
It may be that assigning Skinner (or one of the other goalies) would open enough space to activate Archibald. Not certain on this though obviously.
I was going to mention in my post (but didn’t) that I didn’t check if capfriendly (which is what I was using) actually counted his cap. I presumed they didn’t as they listed him as an emergency loan but perhaps they are including his cap which would alleviate the need to do anything but swap put Sceviour in order to activate Archie.
Pretty much the subject of my entire comment, lol.
Oh man, did you guys catch the hold on Matthew’s to take him out directly leading to the OT winner?. Normally I wouldn’t care on bit, but coming off the heels of ovi on hyman… What is going on with these refs!
Not even close to the Hyman hook in the middle of the ice. Matthew’s was trying sell it to much Fuk the Leafs and their crybaby fans.
Not quite through month 11 in my job. Working too much lately (due to some mind-boggling HR-related stuff), man what a time and energy suck. Much of my time over the past 6 months has has been doing this kind of thing.
So, it is great to see some positives from this team peeking through the clouds of gloom.
I don’t expect Tambellini to make any earth shattering moves, but I will guess that he does the following if the Oilers are close to a playoff spot.
In: Braun, Pysk, Kubalik, Domi and a Goalie, (either Anton Forsberg or Craig Anderson) and perhaps a handful of low picks
Possible Exits: 2023 3rd, 2022 4th, 2023 5th, Tyson Barrie, Slater Koekkoek, Mike Smith, Kyle Turris, Ostap Safin, Cooper Marody
Huberdeau with a 4 point night…now leads the NHL in scoring.
How was Lindbohm’s debut?
Starting to worry about this Vegas team
They are far less than the sum of their parts
I hope you don’t lose any sleep over them.
VGK tie it up 1-1 with 6 minutes to go.
Any updates?
Did Jon M. do anything stupid?
If so, any consequences?
2-1 Buffalo with 2 minutes to go.
Congrats to Craig Anderson on his 300th career win.
Sabres win 3 goals to 1
Starting to think the Oilers drafted the right guy in ’15
Bear scores! 1-0 Talks about the emphasis on shooting and quick offense in Carolina vs Edmonton.. Go Bear. Love that kid.
The Panthers are sure a fun team to watch everyone pitches in they roll 4 lines and they come at you wave after wave. Plus they have Goalies that make timely saves.
It was awesome when the Oilers beat them
The Clash of the Titans under way in Raleigh.
Colorado outshooting Carolina 27-25 early in the 3rd period.
Score 0-0.
Hurricanes score to take a late 1-0 lead.
The goal scored by someone named Ethan Bear.
– Baseball is a lot different than hockey, in terms on the statistical analysis available given the massive difference in the nature of the game. Management in Baseball is also light years ahead of Hockey in terms of their acumen, and the types of executives they hire: from Wall Street Quant guys, to MIT PhDs, very advanced Kinesiology, and investments in research and development training sites
– But the Jays and the Oilers are similar in terms of the difficulties in attracting talent: all things being equal, both teams would be near the bottom of where the majority of players would choose, for geographic reasons mainly
– That said it is with a lot of excitment that Jays fans anticipate which great players our management will acquire, safe in the knowledge that it is being run by one of the most forward and respected management teams in baseball (with an owner, like the Oilers, who is amongst the richest in their league). Contrast this with the absolute dread I anticipate that the Oilers are going to embark on this trade deadline and off-season.
– The Jays and Oilers are my two longest and storied relationship teams: from the Barfield, Stieb, Bell, Fernandaz years in the 80s, similar to the Oilers and its history from the same time (well Expos broke my heart the most, but that’s for another day)
OK! BLUE JAYS! LETS! PLAY! BALL!
– I’m a Jays season ticket holder, and happy to take any LTers to a game at the SkyDome this summer: just reach out!
– Hopefully can see them in Florida this month now while we are here, and get the tri-fecta: Baseball, Hockey and Basketball this month, while at our place in Miami…Florida is great for that in March
Yes baseball is almost too good at analytics. I cheer for the Jays but am more a Raptor fan. They are another franchise that suffers from geography when it comes to attracting top players. They have to be better than their competitors when it comes to drafting and looking for players in places no one else does. Unfortunately basketball is a sport often dominated by superstars. If you don’t have any tough to win.
– Raptors games I’d argue is one of the great modern live sporting events. I had season tickets for a few years, watched them win the championship, and gave them up after lock-down. I made the “investment” in the Jays, with the view that my kids will get to see a glorious10 year run that the Jays are two years into. I have said the the Jays will win the most games in baseball in the 20’s…I wish baseball games were 30 minutes shorter…
– Having never played Basketball growing up though, I don’t have the same connection to the game as I did being a playing hockey in winter, baseball in summer kid. Fish email me at kingervision@icloud.com to see a game if you want: I will see probably 30 myself, and have a few that buy 10 packs from me, and I give some to clients, my dry-cleaner, our repair guy, etc. ITs fun to be able to share them, thats the beauty of having so many games…
Thank you for the generous offer! Since retiring I have’t travelled to Toronto for some time. I agree that basketball can be one of the best live professional events to attend. For me baseball is just too darn long to watch a whole game. Tend to watch a couple of innings at a time and then drift off to something else. Jays have an exciting group of young players and will be fun to watch!
At lunch I brought up Calgarys success and never got back to the subject. I did just read up on the feedback to the question posed – on why they seem to be overperforming.
Sutter? He seems to have had an effect for sure but didn’t he also walk into the perfect Sutter roster type roster? He seems like a savy analyst, but not inspiring. Is the team playing their butts off for this guy? Not sure.
Toffoli and Coleman – they helped but Calgary was doing well before Toffoli and Coleman was out hurt early.
Signings have certainly worked.
Drafting is okay but average.
So most of the consensus comes back to the goalie. Maybe a big unwelcoming defense has helped; but Markstroms play has “floated all boats” as the Lowetide saying goes.
I see this have an effect all over the ice. First Calgary is good on the boards, that plus Markstrom behind them allows a lot of chances to be taken holding the blue line, pinching or gambling on 50/50 pucks.
So we need a goalie. Who knew! LOL Have a good evening.
Blake Coleman on Sutter.
https://theathletic.com/3174297/2022/03/10/qa-blake-coleman-on-settling-in-calgary-his-opinion-on-the-lightnings-next-blake-coleman-and-more/?source=user_shared_article
Just past the halfway point and Arizona leads Toronto 4-1. Can they make it another 9-goal stomping?
Confidence is the liquor of a fool… we don’t play them until the 28th so they should remember who they are by then.
Toronto ties it 4-4.
Matthews with #44.
No update?
That’s odd….
Young McLood is a player. Hopefully the Oilers braintrust sees it that way too and tries to long term him at a reasonable cost. He reminds me of Chandler Stephenson when he was breaking in with the Caps. Skates miles and an energy bug with some skill, the numbers will come.
Absolutely love his in-season development this year – I can’t remember such substantial in-season development from a non-elite prospect in quite some time (in particular given the, apparant, lack thereof over the off-season).
I think he’ll be ground to the standard 2nd contract – 1-2 years in the $1.5MM range, similar to Yama, JP and all the rest.
A term contract is super tough here. Would the player sign 4 plus years at under $3.5MM or even $4M? Probably not. Could the team even go that high for the next season? Probably not.
You are probably right. Just trying to think of some value contracts for the team to sign as we seem to struggle with that.
And would the team want to do that?
He’s playing great, and I’ve been very pleasantly surprised with his work as a top 6 winger. I don’t mind him in that role one bit.
At the same time, he’s more likely to settle in as a bottom 6 C going forward. If that’s his role on the team, he’s not going to be producing more than 30-odd points and isn’t going to cost $3.5 or $4M (ie – a term contract at that rate may well not be a value contract, depending on his role going forward).
I was thinking maybe 4 x $2.25 or something like that. Maybe that doesn’t make sense from the players perspective.
Oh yeah, that kind of deal would make some sense from an Oilers POV. I wouldn’t sign him to a $3.5-$4M type deal like OP suggested though.
Whether 4 x $2.25M would work for the player I don’t know. But when a young player who’s not yet really established (57 career games) gets offered $9M or $10M, it often gets their attention.
The only benefit to the player for that deal is it will take him right to UFA status but I don’t imagine he’s locking in anywhere near that AAV.
So…this tweet from the Cataractes two days ago says The Bourg will be out two to three more weeks:
https://mobile.twitter.com/Cataractes_Shaw/status/1501398735758282753
The difference in point spreads between the conferences is so bizarre this year. The difference between 8th (WSH) and 9th (CBJ) in the East is 13 points. The 9th place team has been basically out of the playoffs for a while already and the playoff teams are decided. In the west, however, there is only an 11 pt difference between 3rd place (STL) and 12th place (WPG). The difference between 8th (DAL) and 12th (WPG) is only 7pts. 12th place is still in it.
You have to wonder how good the teams in the West and East are and how they’ll do against each other. Seeing as all the East teams play more against their bottom 8, you’d have to think they’d have more ‘freeby’ wins against the bottom half and split a lot of games against the top. While in the West, all the top 12 teams probably split a lot more games against each other thereby making points harder to come by.
Does anybody know where to find team stats against West Conf vs team stats against East Conf?
LT / Bruce / Anyone else from same demographic:
Just came across this story of how former Ranger (and one-time WHA Oiler) Jim Neilson’s memory is being honored in his hometown of Big River, SK. Story is a few weeks old but I thought you’d appreciate:
https://www.eaglefeathernews.com/news/index.php?detail=5190
Thanks so much for this, will enjoy reading.
very humble,respected man.
OK, so lets works out this Barrie and Archie activation as it relates to the cap and Skinner vs. Smith.
The Oilers have $591K of cap space with a 22 man roster
Activate Barrie – he’s on regular IR – no cap impact – fills up the roster to 23
Activate Archie – lose $1.5M of LTIR reserves putting the team $900K over the cap and with 24 players on the roster so need to assign a player off.
Sceviour and Malone are the two options for re-assignment. Chances are its Sceviour but, in any event, they both have a cap hit of $750K so it will take the Oilers to a 23 man roster but over the cap by $150K or so.
Skinner is on emergency loan so his $750K doesn’t even count and they would either need to send him back down or convert him to a regular call up when Smith is ready.
Converting him to regular (add $750K) and waiving/assigning Mike Smith (lose $1.125M) gets them there.
I’m not sure they will do that.
Another option is to put Jesse or Nuge on LTIR – retroactive to when they got hurt. I haven’t dug in to how many games/days they’ve been out to see when each would be eligible to come off LTIR…..
Can Smith be assigned? He has veteran status.
Maybe Smith will be be ‘ill’ for a VERY long time…say until after his contract expires next year and he can be LTIR’d for the duration.
lol
I assume this
was intentional.
I was under the impression that Skinner wasn’t an emergency callup…. yikes. Quite the pickle!
Yup, he is, at least listed as such.
Thanks for the crunching.
Sounds pretty straight forward aside from the Skinner stuff.
Malone is going nowhere this week, coming off being 2nd star. I expect Sceviour will be the guy sent down, though outside chance Benson enters the conversation too.
On Skinner, the tea leaves are pretty clear here, no? If they were considering making a Smith/Skinner switch they had the perfect injury cover after the Montreal game. And if Woodcroft thought Skinner was the teams best goaltender, he’s have given him one of these last 2 games, no? I guess you don’t see it the same way. But it seems clear to me.
Edmonton Oilers@EdmontonOilers·16mSigning Niemo https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/270d.svg
The #Oilers have agreed to terms with defenceman Markus Niemelainen on a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $762,000.
#LetsGoOilers
_______________________________________________________________________
Value contract achieved!!
edit: whoops that’s been posted!
The Oilers got the deserved two points indeed and that is primary.
At the same time, they were robbed of a “regulation win” which is, of course, the first tie-breaker and something could very well come in to play.
If the Oilers tie in points for a playoff spot but lose the tiebreak by one regulation win…….
Party Pooper.
Have the rules been changed this season? The first tiebreaker was/is ROW, not just RW.
It has indeed changed from ROW to RW.
Flames exceeding expectations:
Tkachuk
Gaudreau
Mangiapani
Zadorov
Flames in a contract year:
Tkachuk
Gaudreau
Mangiapani
Zadorov
Projected cap space for next season.
$27 million.
Shouldn’t be a problem,
Sportrac has them at just over $25 million for cap space next year.
Calgary has only 14 players signed for next year as well.
probably safe to assume that Johnny and Turtle (9.5 QO I believe) will come in at least at $17.5M for both if Johnny leaves money on the table
That leaves 7.5 million left to sign both Mangiapani and Kylington, along with 3 other roster forwards.
They could try to ship out Monahan or Looch, but that will cost assets, and they have no first round pick this year to help unload contracts ala Marleau.
Looks like they won’t be able to sign one of those big 4, along with no money for any improvements elsewhere.
This is the fourth time I have provided the context and detail for you and likely the fourth time you ignore it.
$27MM of cap space with 12 players committed for that $27MM. Players requiring new contracts:
Gaudreau – apx $10MM
Tkachuk – apx $9MM (his QO)
Mangiapane – apx $4.5MM
Kylington – apx $$2.5MM
That’s most of that $27MM right there – not including the likes of Zadarov (or replacement), etc.
The flames will be in a big cap crunch this off-season to retain their current team and will almost assuredly need to dispose of roster players to do so.
Sure, they can open up cap space by trading Monohan but (1) they will get no value back for him and may even need to eat a poison pill and (2) that makes the team worse just to keep the rest of the team.
Your assumptions are nothing more than assumptions.
I would think Gaudreau comes in under $10 million depending on term.
Tkachuk should be around $8 million on an 8 year deal.
You’re probably close on Mangiapane and Kylington but they’ll be able to find a bottom pairing D for much less than $3.75 million that Zadorov is earning. (It might be Zadorov)
Moving Monahan is almost a sure thing but rather than spend assets they might just buy him out.
The Flames have internal replacements for him so your baseless claim that losing a 4th line centre will make them worse is just ludicrous.
Flames save $4 million on the cap if they buy out Monahan.
Good for them – are you now promoting buy outs as good cap management.
You speak about the flames having so much cap room but they need to buy out recent core players to keep the rest of the team together – doesn’t sound like they are swimming in cap space given the context.
Buyout Monohan to keep the team together – love it – dead cap space going forward and making the team worse.
Don’t think any Oiler fan should be lecturing the Flames on cap management.
The Oilers have more than $4.5 million in dead cap space next season including on going payments for Lucic, Neal and Sekera PLUS paying another $5 million to carry around the corpses of Mike Smith and Zack Kassian.
The Flames would save $4 million on a Monahan buyout with a $2 million cap charge in the 2023/24 season at the same time the Lucic contract expires.
One of these teams has horrid cap management and it’s not the Flames.
Stating the flames have $27MM of cap space with the implication that they will have tons of excess cap to spend this off-season has been completely dishonest each time you’ve referenced it.
Citing the ability to buyout Monohan in order to open up cap room is absolute and undeniable proof of the same. A team cannot have ample amounts of cap space and be required to buyout out players to open up cap space at the same time. Not in any sort of honest and non-narrative driven discussion.
To bring up the Oilers cap issues is essentially acknowledgement of an argument lost – trying to shift focus to an unrelated discussion.
Good grief.
If the cap rises by $1 million as Bettman has stated and they buy out Monahan the Flames will have $32 million in free cap space.
If they buyout recent core players they will have more cap room to perhaps keep the rest of the team together.
Do you see you opine a team has a ton of cap space and then opine they can buyout recent core players to obtain cap space to keep the rest of the core together?
Good Grief!
Gaudreau is getting Hart Trophy talk right as he hits his one main chance at UFA status – he’ll be $10MM give or take.
Sure, Tkachuk could agree to take less AAV on a long term deal but I doubt he does go below his QO and, at the end of the day, could go for the one-year $9MM taking him to UFA status.
You can quibble about a million or two, in aggregate, for those 4 players but bottom line is takes up almost ALL of that $27MM you speak about and leaves them 7 players short.
Gaudreau under 10mil? Chucky under his QO and less than his brother?? Just when I thought you couldn’t be more unhinged…
I think if I am Gaudreau/ his agent I am asking for Panarin money. Tkachuk is probably the more valuable player to the Flames so not sure he is going to come in much less when he is two years from UFA. Magniapani likely between 4 and 5 depending on term. Flames would be foolish not to long term on Kylington in the 3 to 4 range.
I think Tkachuk is one-year from UFA.
He could take the flames to arbitration for a one-year $9M deal that takes him right to UFA status.
Its been known since the day that contract was signed that the player will have all the leverage at its expiry.
And that scenario would give the Flames $9 million in cap space to replace him.
Gee, I wonder if you can get an impact forward (or two) for $9 million?
So the flames have ample cap space but yet they need to (1) buyout player(s) in order to open up cap space and/or (2) let their most important player walk unqualified, or walk away from an arb award in order to help cap matter.
Got it.
You of course are trying to advance a narrative of doom and gloom for the Flames when, in fact, they have far, far more cap flexibility than the Oilers.
Good luck with that.
I was responding to an often cited point of the flames having $27MM and the implication that they have tons of walking around money.
Its a completely narrative driven statement that has been proven to be untrue.
Trying to cite cap situations of other teams does not mitigate that.
lol
this post is funny. Do you follow your own discussion points?
Tkachuk could go to arbitration and use Marner as a comparable.
Big Red is on pace for 95 points.
I don’t see how he comes in at less than $10 on a short or long term contract.
Whoosh lol
I thought Yama might turn into a poor man’s Mangiapani but he clearly doesn’t have the hands and puck sense. I would use Yama as a utility player up and down the line-up but not as a everyday top 6.
Yama is two yrs younger. Still have a little time to get there
Yama gets rid of the puck as fast as he gets it unfortunately the puck dies on his stick way to much for a so called top six player. I think he would be more effective lower in the batting order where he catches teams off guard and sneaks in a goal or two like Todd Marchant and Andrew Gogliano used to. These two were and are fine players when they are used properly
I think the Oilers should move Yamamoto to No. 3 right-wing the moment they have a better option. Might be Lavoie.
Yamamoto is the Oilers 2nd highest scoring winger with 10 goals at 5v5 (Hyman has 13). He’s also in the top-100 forwards in the league in that category, tied with Ehlers, Tavares, Zibanejad, Marchment, Arvidsson, Raymond, Scheifele, Rakell and a few others. He’s young, cheap and under team control. Despite having a poor season, there should be no doubt that he’s a top-6 winger.
He’s 2nd because he’s been stapled to Leon and Connor’s hip. Bring back Dave Lumely he’ll score 30 or how about Pat Maroon both these players didn’t make much money but they drove to the net and opened up ice for their star Centres. I’ll never forget Lumely scoring 12 games in a row and how Gretzky was spoon feeding him. What the hell let’s staple Malone to Leon’s hip for 20 games and see how many goals he would pot in Yamamoto place.
Are you taking into account Yamo’s linemates?
I’m not trolling by saying this, the Flames should NOT resign Gaudreau. He was dreadful the last 2 years and he is playing big in a contract year. He is in his prime years right now.
If the Flames were smart, they would work around his modified no trade clause and trade him for a kings ransom after the season, before the trade deadline.
there are plenty of teams who would sell their soul for him
Congrats to the big Fin – what a progression. My guess is its a 2-way then a 1-way:
Edmonton Oilers@EdmontonOilers·
55s
Signing Niemo ✍️
The #Oilers have agreed to terms with defenceman Markus Niemelainen on a two-year contract extension with an AAV of $762,000.
As anticipated on the 2-way and then 1-way:
Jason Gregor
@JasonGregor
·
1h
Oilers have signed defenceman Markus Niemelainen to a two-year extension with $762K AAV.
First year of the contract is a two-way deal and the second year is a one-way via Oilers release.
Is he a dad yet??
Not due for at least another week, I believe.
Ah, I figured it was imminent with the talk of him being assigned to be with his wife. Thanks.
Not to leave the gift horse in the mouth, but that second goal called back on the Caps is a real pisser. This used to regularly happen to the Oilers too: a missed offside call that ultimately goes to a contested board-battle or scramble and the team eventually scores. The offside didn’t have much to do with the goal. I still don’t like that challenge.
Stupid rule especially when the team scores a minute after entering the zone. Oilers being as fragile as they are probably lose if the goal stands. The linesman need to be better they probably let the close calls go because of the challenge rule. Lord Geez when they miss a blatant call makes you wonder exactly what they’re doing calling a fast paced NHL game.
I find Calgary an interesting study. To me they play greater than the sum of their parts.
How did they build their roster and what can we learn?
Didn’t protect GIO
Sent a top d man away in Hamilton away, actually improved
Signed Tanev, Guddy, Zadorov (size) Were they studying Montreal?
Signed Coleman, Lucic who else?
Outbid others to get Markstrom
Parting with first rounders (Toffoli)
What talent did they start out with? Turtle, Johnny G, Backlund, some rookies showed up. Monahan dropped.
Help me out here, what am I missing?
They hired Suter.
A lot of the individual moves don’t seem to move the needle much. It’s definitely weird.
Zadarov was a 4/5 back when he played on Colorado. He’s actually a 6th in toi/g for Calgary
Gudbranson is also bottom pairing by toi for Calgary.
Mr. Andersson is their TOI leader for d which is pretty nice for a 2nd round pick.
He also has a great $4.5m cap, more points than Nurse and a right-hand shot.
Markstrom is rocking a 926 this season which is probably the biggest thing.
Imagine where we’d be in the standings with a 44 gp 926 goalie.
Don’t overlook the acquisition of Blake Coleman and Tyler Toffoli
Coleman:
SF% – 58.7
GF% – 54.45
PDO – .987
https://www.naturalstattrick.com/playerreport.php?fromseason=20212022&thruseason=20212022&stype=2&sit=5v5&stdoi=oi&rate=n&v=p&playerid=8476399
Toffoli (small sample size) has been a PPG player in Calgary since being acquired.
Both appear to have been perfect fits for the Flames.
The difference between a .926 goalie and a .904 goalie at 1844 shots against is 41more goals against!!! Over 58 games, it is .71 goals/gp. Or they’d have 3 games in a row with 1 less goal, then one game with the same result. I think that could amount to a lot more wins. Someone check my math, though.
Yup, that’s correct. Pretty huge delta.
.926 is quite a bit above league average this year which hockey reference has at .908
Many teams looking like juggernauts or like better teams than they should be, are riding hot goalies. As always
.926 makes the Oilers look like a contender. Maybe actually one
Balance.
Mangiapane and Toffoli play on their 3rd line.
Mangiapane has 29 goals while Toffoli has been a PPG player in Calgary.
Their D is also well balanced with a puck mover and a 2 way D on each pairing.
And, of course, they have one of the best goaltenders in the league.
Sadly (happily) not for long
The Cap calleth as noted above. The Oilers can ride ELC’s and bridges until Leon’s up. If things start to go well maybe we see a couple of team friendlies, and the cap will start to jump up
Given The Dynamic Duo have made serious bank already, if the team can get to contending, winning might mean more than maximum dollars, and both have plenty of non contract opportunities
Last year’s goalie was Markstrom
This year’s goalie is McMarkstrom
Markstrom recently talked about how last year it took him time to adjust to a new team and systems but now feels comfortable.
They haven’t had many injuries this year. That has helped.
I don’t say this to diminish their performance as they’ve been very VERY good, but they’re also getting a whole lot of good luck.
Their 1st line has been the single most effective line in the league this year riding an on-ice sh% of 12.3% and sv% of 93.8% to a 51-19 goal share (72.9% GF, 61.1% xGF). Sure, they’re likely to continue being a great line, but not “14 goals above expected” good. On top of that, they have the fewest man-games lost to injury in the league this year.
Kylington is better this year. Has helped fill Giordanos (spits) spot.
Of course anyone who plays with Tanev seems to do well.
Whose durability has always been an issue
Was the shift on which 97 scored Bouchard’s first ever OT shift for the Oil?
I don’t think so… but great question.
Looks like I was wrong.
You can sort out 3v3 game state on NST. Bouchard has played 46 seconds at 3v3 on the season, and it was all last night.
Nice catch, and seems like something we ought to see more of going forward.
Bouchard – we want him, you can’t teach his offense and skill, but Evan please just pick up your man and that doesn’t mean passively standing beside someone.
Honestly if Bouchard becomes Tyson Barrie is that a good thing? Id like to trade some of that offense for some defence and see him as reliable top 4 option. Time to keep learning is now.
Foegele? He brings his lunch bucket every game. Our team has a top layer of talent and a second layer. It is what it is. And you will see some points sacrificed by some grinders to feed the top. Team wise, it should still work out to wins, doesn’t matter if Foegele and Yamo are down a few individual points.
Id go Koski and Skinner until the cavalry arrives – as most state here. But going into playoffs with Skinner is just as big of a gamble as Smith. Skinner really hasn’t been tested.
My, is Broberg ever high event. Makes Bouchard look steady at this point right?
Why the heck didn’t Leon get an assist?
Reply showed Ryan taking a cross check across his arm, I believe thats where he was hurt.
Just sharing some thoughts through lunch break……
Drai never touched the puck.
And how was that Ryan crosscheck not a penalty? Nowhere near the puck and on his way to the bench…
Bouch is way taller than Barrie. For me he easily will be better defensively
He’s young and it takes time to fill out the lanky frame naturally
When he gets stronger he’ll be more confident physically
Look how a few years turned JP from Bambi on skates to guys bouncing off of him trying to pile drive him
He’s an offensive player first so he won’t be Pronger. That’s ok as long as he becomes stable
Yup, I’m frustrated.
Last night even Benoit Pouliot would have blushed if he took an offensive zone penalty like that.
Buffalo has to be pretty motivated tonight to steal one against the Las Vegas Golden Eichels.
They are not fans of the ol’ Eichel Recycle
Perlini will play tomorrow night against San Diego.
Marody has joined Koekkoek on personal leave.
A brilliant zero point game by Leon. Dave/Bruce had him with contributions to 10 grade A chances, 10.
He was at exactly 18 minutes played through 2 and I think ended up with 27 minutes (including OT). Its too much but two full days off (with no travel) and then another full 2 days off (with no travel).
Last night was a time to ride the bull.
He took another ill-advised extended shift in OT. The one before the shift that created the goal. Ballooned his minutes a bit (as did the final shift of the 3rd, but that one ballooned the entire core’s minutes).
Sounds like Barrie and Archie will be activated for Saturday. That will require roster moves.
Archie?! Seriously?
Apparently they are taking a serous look at him in practice this week to judge whether he is up-to-speed.
Archie is exactly what this team needs someone that is a pest and can also throw a hit. Malone created the Ceci goal with a real body check this team has been way to easy to play against. You add in Archie Malone and Kassian all of a sudden you have opposing D looking over their shoulders resulting in turnovers.
Not sure Archie can go full Archie in his first few games in – he has not played a single game this year, missed training camp and his recovering from micro..,
For that matter am not even sure why he is playing at this point. What are the chances he is better than the worst player (Sceviour?) on the team? Is it showcasing for a trade?
I’ll certainly take Archie over Sceviour.
Any guesses on the moves?
I live in Australia and usually watch the game a few hours after its finished so I might be a little out of touch, but I cannot remember a time that the crowd booed Ovechkin everytime he touched the puck and can only imagine the reasoning behind this…
I’m not looking to get into it but I thought it was poor class if it wasn’t the case i am happy for anybody here to correct me if I’m wrong.
And if I’m not wrong we can cross any Russian with trade protection off our trade list as well as free agency.
This is like walking out of prison and seeing an empty armoured car with the engine running.
KEEPING IT ON THE ICE.
I usually never comment before reading the blog of comments so this may have been mentioned. And I’m sorry if it has LT. Feel free to delete my comment or ban me for the time if it has. Been a busy morning and I haven’t read time to read.
Then find the time to read and look into why.
That’s what I just did. I asked the question.
Where in Australia do you live?
I live in Brisbane, Queensland. Probably wouldn’t have made the news out there but we’ve had severe flooding and have been flat out with flood cleanup the last week or so.
Check Ovi’s social media, that should give you the answer you’re looking for. He has hedged a lot when facing questions over the past few weeks, but he’s made it pretty clear who his president is in the past.
(Hopefully that’s explanation enough without crossing any lines! My apologies if not, LT.)
I’ve seen some incredible photos/video of the flooding. Scary stuff – hope you and yours are safe!
Thank you for that. Living in Australia it’s hard enough staying up to date with all things oilers, which I still manage. Even have my partner up here who watches every game unless she’s at work and I don’t wait for her haha. I hadn’t been up to date with all things Capitals.
Been pretty unlucky here the last few years with fires and floods, not to mention the other world issues going on. Luckily all my family and friends have been mostly unaffected by the floods. Unfortunately not the case for most.
I spent 10 months in Brisbane in Indooroopilly. Many moons ago. I miss the people lifestyle and weather of course
Giant spiders, lizards in the garage, wild turkeys in the yard. One summer a fire was burning up in the hills, I’m like shouldn’t we be worried? Na mate!
Queensland vs New South Wales rugby. Powers. Bundy rum. I miss Oz!
In part I spent so long there as there was massive flooding up north
It took a while to get the slang down and riffing with the friendly abuse one gets. Of course if you can’t keep up it just gets worse!
A workmate every morning would say ‘G’day ya half hearted Yank!’
After a few weeks one morning without thinking (getting used to the give and take I suppose) I replied ‘G’day you half hearted Kiwi!’
You should have seen the look on his his face, priceless. He was a lot less ‘feisty’ after
I live in BC now and such extreme weather events are our yearly experience as well. I wish you all the best Ozoil!
I live in Taringa, one suburb over from Indro. The lifestyle is incredible here. I actually came out on a 6 month holiday six years ago and just never went home, I’m from Winnipeg so you can imagine how I feel about the weather here haha.
The rugby rivalry is pretty incredible. State of origin is bigger than the actual grand final!
Definitely stay away from the Bundy Rum!
Jay last night: “…between periods we talked about out-working their goal-tender…”
I think that’s the first time I’ve heard a coach use the phrase “out-working their goaltender.”
I thought about that during the game. Samsonov made 20 saves in the first period and looked unbeatable, but I remember thinking “if the Oilers get 60 shots, one of them HAS to go in”.
I like it – I think it’s akin to saying – don’t get discouraged. He’s having a good game but so are we. Just keep at it and it should balance out (It did)
I was impressed by their consistent effort last night. After the first goal goes against them – they kept pushing. When the game gets tied in the third, they kept pushing. Late goal against – still lots of energy in OT (and let’s be honest 3v3 is a coinflip)
I think the comments were part’n’parcel with the efforts of crashing the net. When Was the last time we saw an Oilers team playing that style?
This to me is why he should be kept playoffs or not
I think he has the right personality for this group
He pushes but in a modern way that isn’t about people but process, which to me is how it is in this era
Blowing folks up doesn’t work anymore. Unless you’re Monty Python of course
I know Woody isn’t a Holland choice when brought into the organization. Wether we make the playoffs are don’t I really hope they have him back next year. Woody earned his call up plus I don’t want to see Babcock he’s way to arrogant for my taste.
Codi Ceci is good at hockey. I listened to a couple PIT reporters/bloggers in the off-season and was enthused by the signing based on their verbal of his play and based on PIT fans generally being disappointed they could not bring him back.
He is the player described by those reporters/bloggers and, to me, I think he is a player took a while to develop and “figure out” the player he is at the NHL level. He was highly touted coming in, floundered in a losing org and being given too much responsibility too early. He’s 28 now and figured out who he is. The Oilers have him from 28-32 which should really be his prime NHL years.
He has been full value for his cap hit all season long and should be for the duration of his contract.
Great signing by Holland – 10 plus teams were interested in him and Holland got him by giving him an extra year (and that may turn out to be a good year – shouldn’t see much regression by that point given his game style).
You may have posted this before but is he an overall upgrade on Larson? I’m inclined to say yes and as such he’s the biggest net positive for the team this year, maybe save McLeod’s emergence.
Perfect timing since we are just about at the same number of games as last year…:
Name Season Team Positions GP WMTier EVTOI CTOI% CF% GF% PDO
Cody Ceci 20212022 EDM [“D”] 53 All 930 100 52 49.3 996
Cody Ceci 20212022 EDM [“D”] 53 Elite 293 31.4 49.7 33.3 973
Cody Ceci 20212022 EDM [“D”] 53 Middle 295 31.7 48.4 57.7 1029
Cody Ceci 20212022 EDM [“D”] 53 Gritensity 341 36.7 57.2 50 983
Adam Larsson 20202021 EDM [“D”] 56 All 930 100 46 48.3 1004
Adam Larsson 20202021 EDM [“D”] 56 Elite 304 32.7 50.1 41.2 985
Adam Larsson 20202021 EDM [“D”] 56 Middle 318 34.1 44.5 63.2 1045
Adam Larsson 20202021 EDM [“D”] 56 Gritensity 307 33.0 43.8 40.9 975
Very similar to one another. They’ve even played the exact same amount of ice time.
Larsson played a bit more of his ice time against the elites, but only by about 1%.
Ceci’s Corsi is better across the board (Except Larsson has him beat a bit against the elites). Larsson had a bit more luck against the middle, and Ceci is struggling against his PDO for the Elites, but he is demolishing the gritensity tier more than LArsson and its frankly not even close.
Overall, Ceci has covered the bet as a Larsson replacement.
Interesting. By eye, I think the Oilers have been way soft in front of the net this year, and thought much of that was attributable to losing Larson but perhaps not.
Tough to compare which of the two would have more of a positive impact on the lineup given how different they play the game.
Ceci isn’t as mean or physical as Larsson but I would suggest he impacts the game defensively close to as materially as Larsson and, of course, brings more 2-way and transition ability.
Younger, cheaper and, seemingly, more durable…..
it would be nice to have both, of course.
Larsson’s meanness and defensive acumen aren’t helpful as Ceci’s skating, passing and offensive ability
Having both would be perfect
I totally agree. Just a real solid player. I feel safe when he’s on the ice.
And at a real good cap hit.
I missed who it was in real time and ask the blog if it was Broberg that got beat with that outside speed (but didn’t receive an answer in real time).
I heard you mention Shore on the radio this morning and I’m glad it was him and not Broberg.
I also mentioned in real time that I’m not sure I blame Mikko on the 1st goal – maybe its questionable on him but it was a tough one. The 2nd one is 100% on Mikko, he’s got to stop that one. The tying goal would have been an impossible save – an epic shot.
If the Oilers had lost, one could have said the Oilers were out-tended and that wouldn’t be wrong even if Mikko wasn’t bad (but for one goal) but, the Oilers didn’t lose, Mikko didn’t give up the winning goal and, while it wasn’t his best night, he did give the Oilers a chance to win and they did win – and deserved to win.
For those wondering at the timing of Samorukov signing the contract for next season… apparently CSKA was trying to ink him to a 3 yr deal. Per Stauffer.
That’s good info – thanks.
Samorukov came to Canada as a teenager to play multiple years in Canadian major junior.
The only reasons he was in the KHL last season was because of Covid.
I don’t think anyone can argue against his #1 goal being to play in the NHL.
Good on Sammy – he’s coming on strong.
I hope we see next season
Nurse Ceci
Keith Bouch
Bro ?
Niems
Then after
Nurse Bouch
Bro Ceci
Niems ?
Samu
Then
Nurse Bouch
Niems Bro
Samu ?
I can only look so far ahead and, for next season, yes, I think that looks about right.
A priority for this off-season would need to be to find away to move Barrie and replace him with a more defensive-minded/steady d-man.
I would note that, Jay Woodcroft is 8-5-1 as an NHL head coach and his team has had to travel after every single one of those hockey games – every single one.
So little practice time, so many injuries, so much travel….. yes, the team has been up and down but the toughest road is behind and the team, staying at home now, and 2 full days before the next game and then another 2 full days, is primed to gain some momentum.
No sure thing they will go on the needed run but Kass is back (and last night he helped), Archie will be back soon (and he helps over Sceviour, for example), Jesse/Nuge should be back by month’s end…… the team will get the needed rest…… the opportunity is there.
Looking forward to big regulation wins by San Jose, Buffalo and, yes, Anaheim, tonight!
VGK, NSH And LAK are all betting favourites.
Good thing they play the games
I see you planted the
“BookiesOddsAreNowMeaningful” goalpost today.
Cool info bruv!
What were the betting odds on Vegas trailing after 1?
What were the betting odds on Vegas trailing after 2?
Hopefully Stolarz starts. Otherwise it could get messy early.
Talking about goalies – wasn’t there rumours that Samsonov was available? It’s a bit of recency bias since he played so well last night, but if the Caps are letting that guy go, the Oilers should check in. It’s probably an offseason move but maybe the Caps want to solidify goaltending for the playoff run. He might shake loose.
He’s a career 0.905 but only 78 GP. Washington plays a porous style not dissimilar to Edmonton.
I’d take a flyer on Samsonov, maybe the Caps would like Mike Smith as a veteran presence in the room for their playoff push. (I can only hope!) More likely need to send a defensive prospect back and dump cap elsewhere.
I also think the Oilers could potentially move Koskinen at the deadline but at this point. Teams need veteran cover and I think Koskinen fills that role. I’d rather somehow shed Smith and run New goalie/Koskinen/skinner for the goaltending trio. Next Year a Samsonov/Skinner combo has the chance to be a cheap but useful tandem – both guys pushing to be starters.
Georgiev is in the same boat IMO. Maybe the Rangers would take Koskinen back too. They have a tonne of deadline cap space.
Samsanov, Georgiev, etc., etc…….. is there any real indication they are better than Skinner, either immediately or in the next few years?
They might be but, given recent play, and aggregate work, it may be that they only thing they have on Skinner is a more famous name.
Don’t get me wrong, they very well could be better but its no sure thing and I simply can’t get on board with any material assets out to bring that level of goalie without giving Skinner a chance to prove himself.
Skinner has earned the opportunity to show he can be a legit back-up or even a 1B in a split, Skinner costs not assets, Skinner is at league minimum next season.
I agree with you, but don’t you need another guy alongside Skinner? Koskinen is gone next year, no way he resigns in Edmonton unless he wins them the cup this year (which I doubt). Smith looks done, but he is signed. They need another goalie. Running a trio into camp next year of Skinner, Samsonov, Smith – I think that is good and may the best duo win.
It probably makes more sense as an offseason move.
“is there any real indication they are better than Skinner”
Yes. NHL experience is a real indication. Whether you buy it as sufficient reason to spend assets or not is another matter. However, it is an indication supporting the notion that Georgiev is currently better than Skinner.
To turn your point around, let’s say Skinner does “prove himself” through the rest of the season. What then? Wouldn’t his “proof” then have to be met with similar skepticism as to what you’re suggesting we now apply to Georgiev and Samsonov? We all know how variable goalie performance can be over time.
My point is that the question isn’t “is Georgiev > Skinner?”; it’s “is Georgiev > Smith?”. No matter what Skinner proves this year, I would 1000% rather spend a 2nd to acquire a player like Georgiev to support him than go into another season with Smith (or another longshot UFA bet) in net.
Interesting ideas
Koski has been good, but this is Koski ‘hot’ and he’s still leaky
The brain is still developing until 24-25 YO. Which could be why as someone mentioned it’s an age when goalies settle if they develop an NHL level game
For me as long as the G has solid fundamentals it’s a better plan than old guys
Without the fundamentals it won’t work long term, and do the Oilers have the ability to suss that out?
Yah I have no idea. I just think they need some younger talent. That isn’t really holland’s MO though. Bring on Fluery!
I would definitely be interested in Samsonov.. he seems fundamentally sound, and although I haven’t seen him much, I can’t seem to figure out why he hasn’t been able to put it all together yet. He seems more than capable every time I watch him.
I’m only interested in trading for a burgeoning potential 1a/1b goalie at deadline if Smith is included other way. If not, I take a flyer on the likes of Husso in off-season.
I strongly believe they should seriously be looking at spending assets on any deal that helps reset cap space for next year starting at deadline.
Kassian
Barrie
Smith
I still like barrie to Seattle as u do believe it’s a fit and they aren’t going to be high on any free agent list given the season they’ve had. They also don’t have much of anything in cupboard for picks/prospects.
Tie that deal to something like Braun in for a 3rd or prospect and I think structure wise you are better for a run.
Then I look at Detroit…surely they owe us a favour what might work there for a kassian type deal?
Which is where I come up with dekeyser in maybe some cash retained on renainder of kass’s contract (less than buyout amount) with whatever reasonable to get them to bite out of prospects.
Find lowest cost taker for Smith.
I think both Seattle and Detroit could bite on the reverse oiler historical trades (we’ve bitten hard on far too many mixed bags of Shiney bead level deals it would be nice to see a couple in reverse rather than hold all prospects until little left as far as unknown value goes then discard said asset with little value regained).
I don’t think holding onto everything makes any sense given you have 3 years left before current house of cards starts tumbling.
Holloway and bourg are your best bets to add real value in this time frame out of forward depth. Anything below that is expendable if it creates better chance of constructing stronger roster for next season.
Spending assets on a good bet for a long term solution at G I think is always a prudent move.
I’d trade for the guy yesterday. If he washes out, oh well, it’s still a much better bet than a 39 year old goalie on a 2 year deal.
We are all for the d sussing themselves out (LT’s 3 go in, 1 come out). Why should goaltending be different? What has Skinner done to receive the special treatment without competition? Deslaurier and Dubnyk sorted themselves out (I know, mostly in the AHL). Samsonov is approaching 100 games and has been as good as our 4 million dollar goalie but with way more upside. If Skinner takes the net and runs with it, good! Now you have a cheap young backup or can trade him to a team that in my scenario used to be in our situation.
Giving Skinner a chance to run with the net is a good move. Having multiple goalies who are a reasonable bet to be the solution and can challenge each other to be that true number 1 is a way better move in my opinion. Best move is to have Vasilevsky but i digress.
Very small sample size, but I had written off Brad Malone.
He is forcing me to rethink my position.
Scoring aside, he looks better than any of Sceviour, Perlini, Turris, and perhaps even Shore and Benson.
He plays the type of game (style) that looks sustainable. ( he plays a simple game)
If the combination of Shore/Malone could be counted on to win some faceoffs (with occasional/situational help for Leon and Derek Ryan) , that would be music. It would allow Derek Ryan and Ryan McLeod to continue to play wing.
Shore Malone Kassian
Archibald/Benson
Malone finds himself in good places often, to my eye. That said, he’s a bottom 3 player at absolute best.
Still, that elevation on his 1-time in-close on a pass arriving between his legs (definitely not a tape-to-tape pass) – that’s a sneaky difficult play that he made gracefully. I assumed it was Hyman by the savviness of the shot. It was delighted to be wrong.
Is priority one re-signing JP?
Yes. With a caveat.
If Holland can convince Evander Kane to sign here at a cost that is within 1- 1.5 million of what JP is going to cost, then re-signing Kane becomes priority one imo.
The playoffs, should we get there, may provide Holland with all the intel he needs to make just such a decision.
Not sure how these things are mutually exclusive.
If you can get both players signed to contracts that make sense for the team you go ahead and do it, no?
Well, you can only have one “priority one” so if it becomes Kane (not that I agree with it) then it can’t also be Puljujarvi.
My Oiler watching minutes will be severely cutback next year if Kane replaces Puljujarvi….because my wife’s interest in watching non Puljujarvi Oilers drops quickly. Especially if a guy like Kane is the reason why.
I keep Jesse all day long and twice on Sunday.
But I’d look at keeping both if it’s possible and monies work.
Kane is fine hockey player.
Fine hockey player.
Agreed with everything you said said about Foegele.
I think he is part of the solution in the bottom six, and look forward to watching him forecheck in the playoffs.
Foegele RNH Ryan will be critical to any playoff success we might have.
#Chemistry
Foegele is an ok 3LW
Foegele isn’t value at $2.75MM/yr
Foegele at $2.75/yr is a waste of $1.825MM with Holloway being ready soon.
Good teams watch every dime and spend them where it will make a difference.
Kenny has grinded away all his cap space with deals like this, Kassian, taking on Keith’s full hit, etc.
I think that the two biggest challenges any team can face in the playoffs is 1) Coming up against a Hot Goalie and 2) Coming up against a Poor Official
The Oilers faced both last night and still came out on top.
#GreenChutes
Perfect description of Mikko. So many forget “was brilliant at times.”
Night after night, I watch the best goalies in the league let in a goal that they should have stopped.
Last night it was Thatcher Demko.
Most of these goalies are playing in front of Defenses that make our team look like Swiss Cheese.
Hence Mikko let’s in a bad goal more regularly than the elite tenders, while facing more odd man rushes than a Black Friday at Best Buy, and more Dman brain cramps than the kids outside the Tastee Freeze on a Hot August Night.
#DiamondOnACougar
“The first goal against was a combination of Evan Bouchard’s interrupting the puck’s progress and then not tying up the shooter or sending the puck to safety. You’d like Koskinen to be ready for anything, but those goals do go in at times”
You and I view the games slightly differently. Mostly the same, but slightly differently.
In my viewing, the first goal was a combination of Evan Bouchard and Evan Bouchard and Evan Bouchard.
First he’s too deep in the offensive zone and coughs up the puck; Second, with the help of teammates he gets back on the play and due to his timidity, chooses to finesse the the play to avoid contact with the Washington player, Third, he has a brain cramp and floats the puck, OF ALL PLACES, back into the slot, TOTALLY SURPRISING everyone in the building including his goaltender who is a sitting duck on the play.
To be clear, I’m ok with playing Bouchard through a development phase;. I’m hopeful about Bouchard and his development, but he does have some glaring weaknesses that opposition teams are going to feast on in the playoffs when things get tight and physical. He’s also not trustworthy enough defensively to be counted on as the sole defender on the PP.
Young D will break your heart. But more appropriately they can also break your spirit. Think about it. The Oilers are getting “ripped” for allowing the first gaol against, and who takes the brunt of that? Mikko. So now it’s a vitally important game and Mikko is battling against a red hot Goalie at the other end of the rink. AND BOUVHARD DOES THAT!!! Thank goodness Mikko is mentally tough and is able to maintain his composure AND not go all Smiddy on the young D Man.
If all our D men are healthy, unless he takes a major step forward in terms of development, through the end of the season, or is able to elevate the play of his game, I honestly doubt that Bouchard gets mote than 10 minutes a game come playoff time; Perhaps splitting 3rd pairing minutes with Broberg.
Physical LOW EVENT D Men win in the playoffs.
We have
Nurse Ceci
and then what??
Goalie wasn’t a sitting duck. He was square to the shooter, but cheated expecting Backstrom to pass to the point. He lifted his left pad expecting to move. If he played it textbook, that pad would have been on the ice. Bad play by another player prior to a goal does not excuse a lack of a save that should have been made.