Tight Rope

by Lowetide

The Edmonton Oilers have outscored the Los Angeles Kings 14-2 in the last two games, and lead the Pacific semi-finals two games to one. There were some statistical anomalies after the first period (Nuge was 2-10 Corsi five-on-five versus a fourth line filled with rookies), but the overall feel of the evening was high speed, high octane offense from the Oilers and not much resistance from the Kings. The McDavid line, as you will see, reached another level.

Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson are exactly what the doctor ordered, and in a way owner Daryl Katz got a close-up view of the future (Woodcroft) versus the past (Todd McLellan). McLellan’s patented “shot volume” was on display last night, while Woodcroft’s more nuanced focus on quality shots (delivered at one end, suppressed at the other) is proving to be a far better mousetrap. Go get an analytics department, Mr. Katz! Every department in hockey ops can ‘be like Wooodcroft’ in no time at all!

THE ATHLETIC!

  • DNB: Mike Smith a big part of Oilers win in Game 3
  • DNB and Lisa Dillman: Inside Oilers-Kings matchup between Jay Woodcroft and Todd McLellan
  • Lowetide: Why Oilers line up as summer trade partner with Ducks
  • DNB: Oilers’ Derek Ryan’s under-the-radar play instrumental in Game 2 success
  • DNB: A long travel day, dim lights at morning skate and who’s on the real PP1?
  • DNB: Oilers end seven-game postseason losing streak, a party five long years in the making
  • Lowetide: 5 biggest Bakersfield Condors stories from 2021-22 AHL season
  • DNB: How Dave Manson is making the Oilers blue line better
  • Pierre Lebrun: Can Jay Woodcroft’s message help the Oilers move past recent playoff failures?
  • DNB: Should Oilers play Jesse Puljujarvi and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on same line?
  • DNB: Connor McDavid produces magic, Mike Smith mistake proves costly: 5 Oilers observations
  • Lowetide: Oilers regular season report card for 2021-22
  • DNB: Mike Smith never stopped fighting. A playoff run would be his ultimate redemption
  • Lisa Dillman and Lowetide: Oilers vs. Kings position by position: Who has the edge?
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Shayna Goldman: Inside Oilers’ adjustments that saved their season
  • Lowetide: Oilers’ exceptional April saves a turbulent regular season
  • Lowetide: Why Oilers star Leon Draisaitl’s value peaks in the playoffs
  • DNB: How Connor McDavid’s season is so stellar and why it’s not getting enough attention
  • Lowetide: 5 reasons Zach Hyman was a quality free-agent signing for Oilers
  • DNB: Evander Kane’s banner Oilers performance was fitting. And there could be more
  • Lowetide: Should Oilers re-sign Brett Kulak based on early results?
  • DNB: How Oilers’ Matvey Petrov mastered English and became a promising NHL prospect
  • DNB: Connor McDavid’s Hart case
  • Lowetide: Stock up or down for every prospect in the Oilers system
  • Lowetide: Early look at Oilers free-agent targets for 2022 offseason
  • Lowetide: 7 Condors who could impact Oilers’ fortunes in the playoffs

GOALIE

Mike Smith made some great saves and was a big part of the win. There were few panic in the blue paint moments (although he did make a couple of unusual passes), but the overall feel of the game was the Oilers were solid in goal. Smith stopped 44 of 46 on the night, six of eight HDSC. Overall SP .957. He is the best goalie in the series through three games.

DEFENSE

Brett Kulak took a couple of penalties, and drew one, plus had a giveaway. Blocked a shot. The Corsi numbers (this is all five-on-five, via Natural Stat Trick) and shot share are not a match for the expected goals percentage, Edmonton won the HDSC battle 7-5 while he was on the ice. Tyson Barrie had three shots five-on-five, one HDSC, took a penalty, blocked three shots and created a couple of rebounds. He also picked up a PP assist.

Duncan Keith had one shot on goal, blocked a shot and a giveway five-on-five. Oilers were 2-0 goals overall with him on the ice. Evan Bouchard had an assist at five-on-five, three shots, took a penalty, blocked two shots. His sense of urgency has increased, and he leads all NHL defensemen in playoff points at this time. This pairing led Edmonton’s trio of defense pairings with eight defensive-zone faceoffs.

Darnell Nurse had three hits and a couple of shot blocks at five-on-five, the club was 5-1 with this pairing on the ice at five-on-five. Nurse’s skating looked a little better last night, but his passing and puck management were erratic and created some unnecessary turnovers. Cody Ceci had three five-on-five assists, ranks No. 2 among NHL defensemen in five-on-five points (3) after the big night. He played well. While this pairing was on the ice, Edmonton’s five-on-five HDSC share was 9-4. The duo went 1-1 with Draisialt’s line, and 2-0 with 97 and 93 lines.

FORWARDS

Evander Kane had a massive impact on the game, especially five-on-five. Kane scored three goals in the game state, eight shots, four HDSC, three created rebounds, eight hits. I don’t remember the last time we saw that kind of five-on-five line from an Edmonton winger. Connor McDavid had two assists (four-on-four, PP) and at five-on-five he delivered three shots, two HDSC, drew a penalty, two TK and one GV. He set the tone early, and Edmonton was 10-1 HDSC in all game states with 97 on the ice. Jesse Puljujarvi had an assist, shot, HDSC, two blocked shots. Line finished 7-1 HDSC. Man what a game.

Zach Hyman scored twice (one on the PP) and all-in posted 2-1-3, six shots, three HDSC, one takeaway and three hits. On twitter last night, I called him “the rubber-band man” because of his ability to avoid checkers with his quick detours in unpredictable directions. I’m just so impressed with him. Leon Draisaitl went 1-1-2 with one shot and two HDSC, created a rebound, couple of hits and was hit four times. He hit the deck several times in the game, suspect LAK had him as a target. Kailer Yamamoto had one HDSC and was quiet compared to his linemates, but kept the chain moving and made some nice passes. Line was a little shy in five-on-five possession but were clearly the class of their opposition in shot quality.

Josh Archibald had an assist, two shots, a HDSC, three hits and a couple of blocked shots. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was 2-10 Corsi five-on-five in the first period, we know many of those shot attempts would have been low percentage but it still speaks to possession time. The veteran center recovered big time in the final two periods, going 17-16 the rest of the way. Finished 2-1-3 points, five shots, five HDSC, took a penalty, drew a penalty, takeaway. It was one of his best playoff games statistically. Derek Ryan got slammed in the third period, but did good work on the night. Had an assist, HDSC, took a penalty (everybody got a penalty), two hits and a shot block.

Warren Foegele had one shot, one HDSC, the line was 2-3 HDSC at five-on-five and didn’t give up a goal. That’s a good night for the fourth line. Ryan McLeod had a quiet offensive night, one giveaway and a hit. Zack Kassian had a hit, and drew a penalty. This line was the only one net negative at five-on-five HDSC, going 1-2 on the night. That’s a solid evening, this line is working. I’m less confident in the third line, although Nuge’s performance last night blew all concerns out of the water.

THE SERIES

Game Four will be desperate times for the Kings and coach McLellan. The power play got untracked a little and that’s a good sign, but the Oilers are rolling over Los Angeles with their depth. Last night’s ridiculous gap in penalties was likely a one-off, the Kings can’t count on an 11-1 advantage every night. This isn’t over, but Sunday’s game is a big one. Not exactly last chance Texaco, but you can see it from there.

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Darryl8843

I’m sure they will but one thing that must change for game 5 is the battle level. We must meet the kings desperation and we will win because we’re the better team. But after tonight it’s obvious there not going to lay down

LadiesloveSmid

Man, they have just looked like they’re keeping fresh for game 5 this whole time. Burn the game tape kind of game.

SayItAin'tSo, Gretz, SayItAin'tSo!

It’s alright Oiler fans I get it. Sometimes during a cold and dark February we want to peak over the fence and check if that grass is really greener. It happens, it’s human nature and after your dalliance with Flames Fandom well let you back on the wagon.

But first, bend the knee and remember your new name is Reek.

In all seriousness though then Flames are squeezing the sticks some kinda tight. I’m not sure what Tkachuk’s issue with Klingberg is but he should stop yesterday and give up on that crap and get back to what they were doing before.

And for everyone who said Tippett was off the mark when he quipped on Koski, how’s about Sutter taking shots after a missed breakaway? I made the bet that he’d wear out his welcome with the American Butter Soft Flames this playoff run and now we have these remarks. All so very interesting.

Game 4 at 8 pm (Gary no more of this late game stuff please?) Leon hasn’t had a barn burner in a while, got a feeling he gets rolling tonight.

Go Oilers!

hunter1909

Coaching is elevating this team. The top players are buying in Yzerman style lol

Oilers = scary lol when was the last time this was true

Side

As hunter has not provided a summary of what’s going on at the calgarypuck forum tonight, allow me:

Flames fans are hoping Dallas puts the Flames out of their misery now to avoid having Edmonton embarass the Flames in the 2nd round.

Side

Can someone tell me if I am being biased?

I can’t recall a team who finished first in their division and then looked as terrible against their first round opponent as the Flames do against Dallas. 3 goals in 3 games and boring to watch.

Ice Sage

Well TB a few years back got swept by Columbus.
It’s a real shame though about them flames, real shame

Side

I remember that series being fun to watch at least though.

Tampa scored 3 in the first game alone.

Pavelski has as many goals as the entire Flames team so far.

Ice Sage

Yeah, good points – am finding it interesting how a team that was supposedly playing ‘playoff hockey’ all year can’t find an extra gear. They’ve been a bit snake-bitten and Oettinger has been fantastic – Monday’s game is huge for that second-rate franchise to the south,

jp

Yeah, good points – am finding it interesting how a team that was supposedly playing ‘playoff hockey’ all year can’t find an extra gear. 

I think that’s your answer right there.

Perhaps they were already using the extra gear.

Munny 2.0

I was thinking the same thing during the game tonight.

Everyone else has taken it up a level. They were already at their top end.

But the games are just awful. They both suck.

hunter1909

Dallas are playing Calgary to the limit and its working.

hunter1909

Most seasons there are fake teams exposed by the cruelty of playoff hockey.

Oilers currently score at will, lol

OriginalPouzar

After watching most of the 1st two games, while watchign the game last night, I was thinking, there is no way either of those teams could come close to beating the Oilers 4 in 7 if the Oilers are anywhere near the top of their game.

Of course, the flames CAN play better and goaltending is always the wild card but, my goodness, the Oilers look SO much better against LA than either of those teams.

I know they are “playing good structure” but the Oilers talent, with Woodcroft, should exploit the lack of skill and talent and won’t be beat by truculence.

godot10

The Oilers typically make more mistakes than Dallas. The OIler are better but with greater variance. Dallas may not have the top end Edmonton and Colorado have, but they play at their potential with a high degree of reliability.

godot10

Dallas is an underrated team. If one discounts an injury-riddled season and a half, they have been a low end contender for four years. They are a consistent (low variance) good team. It makes them an extremely hard out. They beat you with boring reliability.

We will win because we will make fewer mistakes than you do.

DevilsLettuce

Malkin is patting himself on the back for his gamesmanship.

gogliano

Sutter giving the gears a bit too Hockey. “We had a breakaway with 3 minutes left, you gotta score there…That’s your job”

Munny 2.0

He never got the puck up. He also could’ve deked and slid five hole. He had enough time to think it out, settle the puck down, pick his moment etc…

hunter1909

Fake scorer exposed by real big hockey?

hunter1909

If he’s your go to player and Kachook is the other one lmao forget it.

Abbeef

https://twitter.com/NHL_Sid/status/1523162979964915712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1523162979964915712%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=
Since 2017, out of all 350 players that have played at least 200 5v5 minutes in the playoffs, Johnny Gaudreau ranks 346th (!!) in 5v5 Points/60.

The only four players he’s ahead of are defencemen, as he ranks *dead last* among forwards.

Last edited 2 years ago by Abbeef
Munny 2.0

Oettinger is all the way in their heads.

Munny 2.0

I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Flames fans had their brains suddenly explode in terror…

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
Admiral Ackbar

My favourite comment ❤️

Last edited 2 years ago by Admiral Ackbar
hunter1909

They were relevant in the last century go back to 1980 lol

maudite

Wow that was a dumb play by benn. How could he not pass that up to other player there?

OriginalPouzar

He needed to take one more stride for center – that was wild.

Munny 2.0

There’s been a strange regression to his game

who

Benning and Seguin look absolutely glacial out there.
That’s a lot of dead money against the cap.

OriginalPouzar

As an aside, just read that Arvidson is out for game 4.

Munny 2.0

I almost wish he was in, for their sake. Almost.

gogliano

Johnny Hockey folks, “Better than McDavid” I’m told.

Munny 2.0

I want him to get the Hart simply for contract. And nice long one too. With an NTC and all the bells and whistles.

maudite

Oh man, that is brilliant.

dangilitis

The even strength point wizard has 1 so far (same as Lucic). Tkachuk invisible.

Munny 2.0

Well to everyone but Klingberg

Reja

Tkachuk has jumped him twice and still couldn’t connect.

maudite

Such a douche. Jump all over the smallest guy he can find. I’m becoming a kilngberg fan.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

How often do teams with a 2-1 lead go on to win the series?

Halfwise

61% of the time.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Thanks!

Halfwise

Plenty of drama still to come. I hope all 4 remaining Stars / Flames games go to double OT…

90s fan

Per sportsnet: When a best-of-seven series is tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 holds an all-time series record of 228-110 (.675), according to NHL statisticians.

jp

That bodes well for the Oilers too.

Munny 2.0

Huge save on Gaudreau all alone on front

Munny 2.0

You have to think Gaudreau could do better there I’d say on replay

Chief Inspector

Johnny Hockey stuffed on a breakaway

Chief Inspector

Maybe Johnny “Regular season Hockey” with 7 even strength points in 33 career playoff games?

Last edited 2 years ago by Chief Inspector
Munny 2.0

That’s a mantra among Flames fans too. I can attest to that. They noticed long ago.

Munny 2.0

Smells like the Flames rubber is hitting the road.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I feel bad for Flames fans. I remember what it was like watching a one line team get stuffed in the playoffs.

maudite

Fuck yeah Pavelski!

(I’ve struggled to pick who I’m cheering against in this one but I can’t stand a lot more of the flames actual players…plus I think there is a better chance they’d cheapshot and really hurt someone on our team if given a chance)

Plus:

I actually really like the stars fans

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
Wilbs

its a win win for me if the stars beat the flames… I’ll get to rub it it to my flames friends about how they lost in the first round to the stars and then we’ll get to exact a well deserved beating on the stars as payback for the 90s.

maudite

I like it.

OriginalPouzar

Terrible PP but worse defence (and tending) and the Stars lead.

Munny 2.0

HUUUUUGGEE GOAAAALLLL

Munny 2.0

Pavelski had a little salesmanship in that I think

Munny 2.0

Darren Pang is almost as tall as the seated Dallas backup. They say Panger’s still the only goalie who could use the net for chin-ups.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
Munny 2.0

Bowness just gave Gauvreau his secret signal.

Munny 2.0

Joe Nieuwendyk would’ve buried that

OriginalPouzar

I’m not sure the Stars were even trying to enter the zone cleanly and set up on that PP – that was the worst 80 seconds of PP time I’ve ever seen – seriously, these two teams suck.

Munny 2.0

Just awful

Munny 2.0

Dallas’s powerplay does not strike fear in my heart

gogliano

Hrudey’s schilling for falmes is tedious.

dangilitis

Dallas has played so poorly overall offensively, it is actually embarrassing for the Flames that they are just scraping by against this team. I get this is part of Dallas’ game plan but they have not posed a consistent threat in the offensive zone at any point, whether even strength or on power play. And I’m not sure how much credit Calgary deserves for this.

dangilitis

Also, halfway through game 3 and Lucic has a point on 1/2 of Calgary’s even strength goals this series – that’s just not right…

Munny 2.0

Flames sure seem to prefer zone cover to a pressure D or at least they have been against the Stars

Tarkus

Summarizing!

Like last night, Wanner was held pointless as the Warriors got trounced again, and now head home down 2-0 in the series.

But, also like Game 1, he finished even in spite of five non-PPG’s against. He has not been on the ice for any of Winnipeg’s nine goals at evens or short-handed so far this series.

GarbanzoHumanBean

I don’t mind the close ups of Rick Bowness tonight. Know what I’m saying? She’s a smoke-show.

Reja

How does he stay focused?

GarbanzoHumanBean

Periphery and married guy experience.

GarbanzoHumanBean

Natalie Gauvreau is the internet rumor.

dangilitis

She’s re-tweeting all the references to her, so I would say so (@SexyNatG)

VanIsleOil

Natalie Gauvreau is better than Johnny Gaudreau

maudite

The st Louis fan that dressed as her was better

Munny 2.0

Stars with the massive first goal

OriginalPouzar

The tying goal seemed like goalie interference to me – I’m biased, of course.

GarbanzoHumanBean

Biased opinion as mine will fundamentally be as well against the flames. Otter needs to fight through that and argue after.

Munny 2.0

Tkacuk and Klingberg need to get a barn.

Munny 2.0

Sid passes Coffey in all-time playoff points with his 197th, an empty-netter.

David

I know people think pulling your goalie makes sense but it really doesn’t.

Ice Sage

So she said

Munny 2.0

Pittsburgh just put a puck off the post of their own empty net from the other end of the ice during a delayed penalty call.

Bag of Pucks

The thing the average sports bettor doesn’t realize is the line isn’t an indication of the strength of the favourite. It’s an indication of where it needs to be set from an arbitrage perspective. The perfect scenario for the book is to get equal action on both sides and they take the vig. When the books are too exposed on one side, they’ll lay off some side action themselves to mitigate their exposure.

If you want to make money on sports betting, track the line movements and pounce when the line is softening for your team to encourage action on the other side.

The smart money is going to be moving onto the Oilers now for this series so you’re going to find it very difficult to find a favourable line. When that happens, a lot of the sharps will exploit props or look to other series offering better value. If you can get the Lightning as a home dog now for instance, jump on it.

Durag

Isn’t arbitrage when you carry your canoe across dry land even though you didn’t need to?

AsiaOil

This team has a shot. Got to give the GM and pro scouts (long weak points of the org) some credit for this year’s adds (Hyman, Kane, Ceci, Kulak, Keith). Draft and system are producing young players who can contribute, and decision to bring in WoodMan means we are not being out-coached almost every night. Very easy to see how much Keith means to Bouchard, how Hyman/Kane give JP/Yamo the space to contribute without undue pressure, and the impact of RNH on the bottom 6 who feel like part of the team instead of after-thoughts. The org and team might have finally matured into a contender.

Bling

OP, if you’re out there:

What kinds of things are you doing to maximize your recovery between workouts? I’m finding it take me a bit more time to recover these days (age-related, I think). Stretching has helped a lot. Do you take any supplements?

Ryan

Branched-chain amino acid supplements before exercise can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. In some studies, they did a dose before and after.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00726-021-03089-2

In the present review, BCAA doses up to 255 mg/kg/day (low) seemed to have better results than studies with high doses.”

Bling

Thanks Ryan. That’s exactly what I’ve been getting; DOMS.

Picked up some protein powder with BCAA, some BioSteel (electrolytes), and some Mg+Zc supplements.

I’ll let you know how it goes. Let’s give it a month!

OriginalPouzar

To be honest, rest and recovery is the part of my routine that I struggle with the most. I don’t take days off from lifting and i KNOW that’s not good but I hate rest day – it fucks with my mind and I think I have to alter my eating and I don’t feel right.

The main thing is that I’ve changed my workout time for middle of the night, to early morning and, now, to mid-morning – reason being: sleep. It allows me to get a full and real 8 hours (give or take).

I think sleep is essential, in particular as we age.

Ya, I take some supplements – for recovery, I take a creatine-based supplement called Recharge:

https://legionathletics.com/products/supplements/recharge-post-workout/

Bling

Thanks OP!

Lifting every day, nice! I only lift 2-3 days a week, and then I play hockey another day. I got into peloton recently and I think adding that on (between 2-4 rides per week) has been giving me a lot of soreness.

Sleep is absolutely vital, completely agree with you, something I struggle with as well.

Bling

I’m going to try protein/BCAA/biosteel/Mg+Zinc and see how it goes; will check out that Recharge stuff if I’m still having issues. Thanks!

Neumann

Something for you all to think about: if all you have is high intensity training days than you don’t actually have any high intensity training days. Track your lifts: know your maxes, know your total volume (daily, weekly, monthly)… when you’ve got a good idea on these things program it in waves.

Low intensity cardiovascular exercise is great for recovery as is having a good aerobic base to begin with. Sleep and nutrition are your best recovery tools. Active isolated joint range of motion along with a balanced strength training program is best for optimizing joint and bone health… both should be viewed under the progressive overload principle.

OriginalPouzar

I track every rep and work under the progressive overload theory – at the same time, I don’t see “gains” very often as my nutrition is in a perpetual maintenance or cut type mode as I don’t like being over 8% or so.

Neumann

Are you looking for gains or gainz? Specificity in training to get the results you desire. Want to get big train to failure, reps don’t matter, failure does. Want to get stronger/powerful train around 85-95% during your effective sets (think leave one or two good reps in the bank) and get adequate rest between sets (3-5mins). Test you 1RM once maybe twice a year. And if you are achieving your goals no need to change what you are doing.

OriginalPouzar

Oh, I’ve done all that – calculated 1RM of all my big lifts, generally lift in the 4-6 rep range (sometimes in the 2-3 rep range), rest 3 minutes between heavy sets, etc., etc.

Not really looking for “gains” – tough to maintain 8% body fat year round (leaner to start vacation and in summer generally) and make gains.

I don’t really have a specific “goal” right now which is making the daily session a bit of a slog recently. Its too long as well – 2 hours every day – I can’t mentally cut it short as, again, its a calorie burn thing at that point (which is not a proper way to think of it but every calorie matters at this point).

Last edited 2 years ago by OriginalPouzar
Bling

Dang 8% BF? OP you’re killing it!

Lol, one of my motivations for working out is being able to eat more or less whatever I want while maintaining only a small belly 🙂

OriginalPouzar

“Eat more or less whatever I want” – I WISH – I count every calorie and macro.

Thanks for the words. I put a TON of work in to it. Not always sure its worth it but its who I am (i.e. fitness/nutrition is essentially my “hobby” just like the Oilers).

Bling

What are your thoughts on magnesium and zinc?

Bling

I agree with this. In fact, I read something recently about high performance athletic training (think pro athlete, olympic level amateur, etc) where it was emphasized that these athletes are most definitely *not* pushing to the limit every training session. Reading that made me relax a bit in my own workouts, which made them faster and more enjoyable.

Like OP, I track all my workouts and reps. I try to advance weight when I can, but I am cautious in doing so. My goal isn’t so much adding strength, but rather I like finding different workout programs and trying my hand at getting through them.

For me, HIIT came into play because the overwhelming health benefits were too much to ignore, and because I wasn’t getting enough higher level cardio. I cycle to work every day, but it’s low-impact.

I’m cautiously optimistic I will start to see some benefits with HIIT in my weekly beer league games, but thus far that benefit has been obscured by my difficulties with recovery.

OriginalPouzar

There is no doubt that HIIT can have massive benefits in the fat-burning area.

Lets not forget, true HIIT is something special though – its hard to get in to the area where one is truly doing “HIIT” – if you can do the workout for longer than 15-20 minutes, its likely not HIIT.

When I’m cutting, I add HIIT 3-4 days to my routine as a second workout but, at the end of the day, its not true “HIIT” as I’m not going 95% during the “work intervals” which is a very very tough thing to do.

Reja

Fastest 2 minutes in sports coming up in 20 minutes. Let’s go Messier. Boook it……

healthyscratch

Keumper went down with an apparent eye injury in the first period today. Could be a huge loss for the Avs.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1523050269419835392?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Last edited 2 years ago by healthyscratch
Bling

The rise of athleisure during the pandemic is something I’m not going to criticize — I do love my Lulus — but Evander Kane is demonstrating that there remains a place in every man’s wardrobe for one good suit (or 5).

Wide lapels. Bold fabrics. Crisp shirts. His look overall is aggressive and brash, but also refined and fun. Tom Ford? Zegna? Cuccinelli? Bespoke? It goes without saying, I’m a huge fan.

In an age where seemingly ever star athlete is either in a coffee shop or sports gambling commercial — yawn — Kane should give some real consideration to lending his likeness to men’s formal wear.

meanashell11

Definitely Tom Ford, not close to Cuccinelli.

Victoria Oil

Hey Meanashell, the Oilers gave you a sweet birthday present yesterday.

Are you going to the Miami Grand Prix?

meanashell11

I am not. Prices are ridiculous. Tables at clubs here are going for $100k, tickets are around $4000 minimum. I will go to the Montreal GP instead.

Bling

The wide lapel is why I thought Tom Ford initially, you’re right Cuccinelli is very different.

I remember reading somewhere that the TF suit look is heavily inspired by English bespoke, so Saville Row remains a possibility!

meanashell11

Tom Ford did the last James Bond movie, that is the look you are talking about. Cuccinelli is a very soft unstructured look. More about the fabric than the structure.

Bling

Of all the acquisitions — many of them good — Kane has been the most impactful. McDavid probably doesn’t *need* a top 10-15 LW, but he got one.

I am continually astonished at all the different ways he scores goals. The top corner snipe on the second power play unit in game 2. The weird bounce off the boots. The take out the garbage goals in game 3.

A small nit pick to his game — probably, in hindsight, relating to his late start — was his skating.

Well, he has been punishing on the forecheck, getting to pucks, finishing checks with authority, and finding his teammates. He has annoyed the hell out of the Kings and stayed out of trouble.

Forget about being the best Oiler in season acquisition — that’s done and settled. Kane is likely one of the best in-season additions all time. He has made this team a complete offensive juggernaut.

I get in trouble for calling this forward group the best ever. So how about historic instead? 🙂

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

For me, the small nitpick was his passing. Especially early, I thought he made some poorly timed passes, especially in the ozone. His timing has certainly improved as the season has progressed.

If Kane gets re-signed, I would bet a large sum of $$ that, if healthy, he hits 50 goals.

Bling

It’s a good point. His passing was a touch off.

I see some concerns (elsewhere) with age and so on, it’s a young man’s league, etc, but take a look at some of the years guys in their early to mid 30s are having. I’m not saying age is just a number 🙂 but certainly some of the elite guys (a group Kane is a part of) are not exactly withering away at age 31.

Catching up on Jay’s post-games. Mentioned that he told Evander that he has good habits in his games — stops and starts on pucks without looping, doesn’t fly by, physical, “invests” on the other team’s d-core.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Holland is fighting against ageism one free agent signing at a time ;)!

Ryan

I haven’t done the math on the back of a napkin yet, but is 10-15 LW a tad low?

I saw something somewhere that suggested Kane had a big drop in rush chances this year, but I’d imagine starting late was a huge factor.

Kane isn’t McDavid fast, but he isn’t ponderous either.

Agreed that he has a lot of tools. He’s been a monster in the playoffs.

Bling

You’re right in the sense that if he’s a legit 40+ goal winger over a full season that puts him in a higher echelon.

OriginalPouzar

If you are looking at recovery, I would suggest that a creatine based supplement would have MUCH more favorable effects than BCAAs.

Offside

For pure dollar value, creatine is the best supplement out there

Bling

I know many people who use creatine, but for some reason I’m a bit skittish. I’m even a bit skittish about protein powder, mostly because in the past it made me feel a bit bloated. I’m hoping the one I bought with probiotics is better, but who knows.

OriginalPouzar

I don’t use protein powder but only because I prefer to eat my calories with real food. I’d rather have a chicken breast that protein power, for example.

There will obviously be different levels for a supplement in turns of quality but creatine is likely the most studies supplement out there and its fairly universal in terms of effectiveness with little to no side-effects. I believe its only a potential issue if a person has pre-existing kidney issues.

I’d look in to it for sure.

I buy all my supplements from a place called Legion Athletics – its based out of the states and I’m getting killed on exchange rate (shipping is no longer a financial issue – it was for a while).

For various reasons, I have alot of trust in the Mike Matthews and the company and have been buying from him for over a decade.

They include write-ups of every ingredient in their products, why (with links to studies, etc.) and the amount.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Also, I have said it before, but playoff Keith has been a boss. Great passing and so dirty. It is great.

W

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Last edited 2 years ago by W
Munny 2.0

,

(I’m feeling contrarian)

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I wonder if Rob Blake laces up for game 4?

Durag

I sure hope not!

I must have been a weird kid, because Rob Blake was my favourite player. An absolute bone crusher without being dirty and delivered the hammer of Thor from the point.

Last edited 2 years ago by Durag
hunter1909

Woodcroft has more or less cemented his ability as a head coach in the NHL.

Ask the LA Kings lol

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

After years of losing to underdog teams, it would be fun if Washington beat Florida.