These are notes from early in the 2011 (Joey Moss) training camp, Edmonton looking to push into the playoffs after a busy summer of free-agent signings (Eric Belanger, Cam Barker, Ben Eager) and trades (Ryan Smyth, Andy Sutton in, Andrew Cogliano out). It was a wild and crazy time, but the management vision (Steve Tambellini) wasn’t inspired. Inspired is a word I think we can use with Jay Woodcroft, based on early evidence.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: How could the Oilers’ skill lines look in 2022-23?
- Lowetide: Excerpts from “On The Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Edmonton Oilers at the NHL Draft”
- DNB: How the Oilers plan to work around the salary cap barring a trade
- Lowetide: The truth about Jesse Puljujarvi and the Edmonton Oilers
- Lowetide: Why Edmonton Oilers fans should be worried about waivers
- DNB: Jack Campbell is determined to win in Edmonton: ‘I’m ready for this’
- DNB: What I’m hearing on Oilers’ looming roster crunch, Ryan McLeod contract and more
- Lowetide: How will Oilers deploy free-agent addition Ryan Murray?
- Lowetide: Making the early call on Edmonton Oilers’ 2018 draft haul
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers’ most likely recalls from AHL Bakersfield in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Is the Edmonton Oilers’ 2022-23 lineup balanced?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ opening night roster will be influenced by salary cap, waivers
- Jonathan Willis: The Edmonton Oilers are rapidly approaching their “all-in” moment
- Lowetide: 9 Bold Predictions for the 2022-23 Edmonton Oilers
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers reasonable expectations for every player in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Oilers math shows 41 candidates for 23 (or fewer) jobs. Who could play where?
- Lowetide: Who will the Oilers trade for cap purposes?
- Lowetide: 5 Edmonton Oilers training camp surprises
- Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
NOTES FROM THE FRIDAY NIGHT GAME AGAINST WINNIPEG
- Ryan Fanti stopped 21 of 23 (.913) and made some great saves. I don’t think he was busy enough or tested severely, so wouldn’t pick him as a game star. He did leave some bigger rebounds, but a solid effort for the first game of the preseason.
- Olivier Rodrigue and Jan Spunar did not play.
- Philip Broberg showed well, good speed and closing gaps. On the power-play goal, he could have been more aggressive leading up to the cross ice pass, it was a weird play as his own forward looked like he delayed progress. Either way, I thought he showed what he can bring, along with the growing pains we’ll see this season, AHL or NHL. I think he’ll play most or all of the year in Edmonton.
- Noah Dorey was beaten clean on the first goal, in fact center James Hamblin was in his spot when Brad Lambert took the pass. I like him though, he has size, some speed and plays a rugged style. Oilers are collecting these fellows lately, it’s a good sign.
- Max Wanner showed some calm under forechecking pressure, getting the puck out most of the time, some of outlets quality. He can skate, defend and move the puck. We have plenty of time to find out more about him.
- Michael Kesselring handled the puck several times, including a few sorties where he drove down low behind the Winnipeg net. He’s very good at carrying the puck, holding off opponents with one hand and controlling the puck with the other. He scored a goal and drew a penalty, he was one of the men under consideration for three stars.
- Darien Kielb scored the first Oilers goal on a gorgeous pass by Carter Savoie and had a brilliant chance later in the game but rifled it directly at the Jets’ goaltender. He has a nice pro skill set, we saw it plenty in Bakersfield last year. He might be a candidate for an NHL deal if he keeps playing at a high level.
- Phil Kemp was quiet to my eye, he did win some battles but also turned over the puck a couple of times. Early days, and not something to dwell on, but all of the pro blue were better than Kemp last night.
- Charlie Wright and Jeremy Hanzel did not play.
- Dylan Holloway had a great night, including a massive hit, standing up to an opponent after a slash on Kesselring after the defenseman scored, a fantastic chance on a great Bourgault pass that required the best stop of the night, and a feature role in the turnover that led to the winning goal. He was quality.
- James Hamblin was not a huge help on the first goal against but he was responsible in being the forward covering. He scored the winning goal, skated miles. I really like this player.
- Xavier Bourgault drew a penalty, could have drawn another, passed the puck expertly and with vision, and damn near scored on a clear break (he missed the net). He also contributed to the winning goal. I think he was the first star of the game, or damn close.
- Matvey Petrov was the quietest of the big scorers, he didn’t play poorly but didn’t impact the game much. He did work hard to get the puck to good places and worked effectively along the wall. I’d like to see him with Holloway in this series.
- Noah Philp had a breakaway but couldn’t cash, impressive on the dot and won some battles.
- Tyler Tullio sent Philp in on the breakaway with a nifty pass, and he looks bigger and faster than one year ago. Also drew a penalty.
- Reid Schaefer looked exactly like the guy who got drafted this summer and is younger than everyone else. It’s important not to grade him in the same way as older players. He showed his physical side and seemed between the play often, I expect he’ll get another chance and maybe in a top-six role.
- Filip Engaras has some Lou Angotti in him in that he’s slippery and advances the puck on plays the viewer has already given up on. He’s a smart player, takes what’s available and keeps things going in a good direction.
- Carter Savoie lined up at right wing and then made a fantastic pass for an assist on the first Edmonton goal. Exceptional puck skills. He had a couple of excellent chances, using his patience and quick release. I’d like to see him in a feature role this tournament.
- Dino Kambeitz does what he always does, deadens the puck and makes the other team work overtime to make any progress at all. He’s so good at suppression, no idea how far it gets him.
- Cole Dubinsky took a penalty and seemed to be on the wrong side of the puck.
- Jake Chiasson skates well and was effective in getting the puck and sending it to a good spot. I think we’d need to see him higher on the depth chart to get a good feel for his skill level.
- Luca Hauf and Ty Nash did not play.
THREE STARS
- Dylan Holloway
- Xavier Bourgault
- Mike Kesselring
PLAYING TIME IN PRE SEASON
The note on Curtis Hamilton above got me thinking about playing time for prospects in preseason. I identified Hamilton as a prominent prospect, in his second year, who wasn’t going to be a feature player in training camp and preseason. He played just one game, 10:25 at five-on-five, one shot, one HDSC.
What young wingers were the Oilers looking at five-on-five that fall? Anton Lander played center and wing, averaging 10:31 per game and posting 3.42 points-per-60. He won a job. It would have been better for him to head to the minors, but coach Tom Renney loved him in certain roles. Teemu Hartikainen got into four games, averaging 11:30 per night, eight shots, three HDSC. Tyler Pitlick, also a 2010 second-round pick, saw three pre-season games, no points and averaging 11:31 per game, no HDSC. After that, names like Antti Tyrvainen and Ryan Keller got plenty of playing time, even though making the NHL team wasn’t going to happen. Numbers are here. What does that mean? I think Matvey Petrov and Reid Schaefer will be separated early from the group that includes Holloway, Bourgault, Tullio and Savoie. Not exactly breaking news, but interesting. By the way, Renney should have kept Hartikainen over Lander.
NEW for The Athletic: Oilers prospect Xavier Bourgault could make things interesting at camp
https://theathletic.com/3602190/2022/09/17/lowetide-oilers-xavier-bourgault-prospect/
Best first name on the team, best nickname (X) on the team.
For a team that doesn’t have any very good prospects we sure have some very good prospects
What are the prospects of our prospects being good prospects?
The thing that stands out to me when I watch the Bourgault play is that he excels in tight spaces.
Time and space disappear at the NHL level and the guys that can make quick plays in traffic tend to be able to bring more of their offence than the guys who don’t.
Drance had a sit-down with Holland
https://theathletic.com/3603665/2022/09/18/oilers-ken-holland-interview/
Its heartening to me that, even with less than a full 23 player roster, it seems Ken is keeping the door open to keeping 8 d-men as he hopes another young d-man (in addition to Broberg) pushes – for me, that’s Dimitri Samorukov – an aggressive, mean and nasty defender with real skill – a skillset that this team needs.
whens the last time the Oilers had a farm system this good? its criminaly under rated if you ask me
Good energy in the arena again. Daryl Sutter has a long line for a photo and shares a few words with everyone.
I thought Wanner, Rodridges, Holloway played the best for the Oilers.
For the Flames Beck and Klapka stood out for me.
I liked Wanner lots tonight too.
Solovyov surprised me for the Flames. I think I saw a half game of Stockton last season, so don’t know him at all. They spent a 7th on him. He’s 22 but after watching tonight I’d say that’s damn good value.
I just want to give credit to Flames colour guy (?) Brendan Parker, who did colour with Bob tonight. That was a really solid broadcast from the two of them, considering the partisan possibilities.
He was the late night sports guy on Global Calgary for a lot of years as a very young guy.
He’s solid.
Feeling good with Rodrigue in net, despite the one weird walk-about he has managed some good saves and gives me confidence
And as I write this Bob calls out that he’s had a good night tonight!
Saw almost no difficult chances after the first period.
Which gives me far more confidence in Chaulk than I had at the end of last season.
Hard to evaluate though. Did everything he had to
Holloway and Bourgault are not going to spend a lot of time in the AHL.
I’m a BIg Borg fan but I’m lowering my aim despite how well as he has played tonight. I think he’s next year now not a late season permanent addition. Maybe he leaps ahead, but he’s not finding the same space as he did in the Q. And he needs strength. Might just be finding the tempo and we’ll see…
I’ll guess that he gets 10-15 NHL games this season for injury call ups and makes the team out of training camp for 23-24. Holloway is ahead of him and will force Holland to make a move to open a spot for him at some point this season.
If he’s not on the opening roster submission, add $175K to his cap hit when called up, for $1.1MM.
Designated fighter Klapka pushes Kesselring after a discussion earlier in the game and Kesselring (who doesn’t fight) accepts but no fire works. Clash of the Titans though
Holloway with a highlight, curl and drag snipe.
Holls with a nyuk-nyuk goal
Clever little play from the Flames using open ice crossing the blue line
I have Zary as the Flames best F this game, little bugger has been everywhere
I bet the Flames fans are saying the same thing about Holloway
Walker Duehr has been good for them, too. He is 24 years old, though.
He’s the player who broke Samorukov’s jaw on his first shift in Exhibition last season. He is big and fast and plays a consistently hard and heavy games. He will play at least 20 in the NHL this season.
That’s right. I forgot about that.
Zary has no finish
No he doesn’t, but he is always involved and in a good way. He will have a career.
Zary seems to play a very light game. He is easily knocked off the puck and consistently loses board battles.
What do you mean by very light game? He’s always been an active, involved player since before draft day. And he broke up a lot of plays tonight. Won battles.
Nice chance for Chiasson after good Engaras forecheck.
Hahaha Bob with the extra emphasis on KesselRING a couple time in period 3. What are the odds he is a regular here?
Wouldn’t surprise me, but I bet he got the gears on Twitter too.
Good shift by Petrov Chiasson and Engaras.
Holly: “I don’t see us carrying 23 players… probably going to carry 21-22 players because of the cap.”
So it’s confirmed – Holland is going to stay patient and go with 21 man roster, rather than get hosed on making a deal just to clear out cap dollars. Can we stop the false narrative about Jesse getting traded now?
I think Holland is prepared to start the season with a 21 man roster
I’m less certain how long that will last
Things change once the puck drops – early expectations aren’t met, roster deficiencies are exposed, guys get injured
All the GMs are playing their cards close to their vests as opening day approaches
Holland publicly stating his position is perhaps a little posturing
We wait
No, it could also be considered negotiating in public. But I’d say it leans the way of patience. It’s not asserting otherwise is a false narrative though.
Holland confirms its unlikely they will be able to carry 23 players – will probably carry 21, maybe 22.
Playing with fire?
I think it means that he won’t make a trade unless it makes the team better immediately
Stauff asks Holland who has stood out so far tonight and he names: Hamblin, Bourgault and Wanner.
A couple good vision and good skill passes by Chiasson late – nice to see him make a few plays.
Philp has been quite noticeable with the puck coming down the seem, to me.
Out of the Fs that I’m not worried about, he’s been the best (as one would expect).
The 4th line has been good, Nash’s work rate is excellent… as you said, Chiasson is making some passes… just not sure if that’s because match-up, but they’re certainly filling their role.
brouhaha…
Good example of Kesselring’s open ice speed while carrying the puck. Pretty impressive.
As un-Petrov a shift as I have ever seen and it was on the PP
4.53 to play in the 2nd, shots are 6-0 Oil
FYI, Bob was wrong. Schaefer does play on Seattle’s PK, he’s on PK2.
I’m loving Kesselring. He’s entertainment.
Poor Stauffer just can’t figure out his last name.
ref is like 12 feet away and no call
The cross-check on Petrov that put his face into the dasher?
yup
Hamblin deserves that. His feet have been moving all period. Great work by his line though.
That line has really separated themselves from the other prospects. Can’t wait to see them in Bakersfield together.
I like Wanner’s eyes and feet on the PP. There’s something there.
Little bit of tunnel vision from Hambln. Made his decision crossing the blue line and stuck with it
(And it wasn’t the right decision)
that was a different FO from Philp
No Savoie for the second period
I’m liking Xavier Bourgault, lots of effort in his game – as much on the defense as the offense, and it appears that he thinks the game well, always in position or looking to get into position. I see many similarities to him and Nuge. Very promising prospect, I think his challenge in the NHL will be the physical side of things… but that should come as he grows
Our X-man is the goods. I’m not worried about him or Holloway or Broberg. Plus we have a pretty good idea what Hamblin is.
It’s dem udder guyz…
I quite like Bob on play by play actually, with one exception. He has been saying “Kesseling.” If that is a word it probably means to eat hot dogs out of the Cup, and is not in fact Mike Kesselring. Let’s see if he adjusts for period 2.
He was saying that on OilersNow earlier in the week. I had to check the spelling on Kesselring’s name, thinking I had it wrong the whole time
I put up with years of Kevin Quinn saying Niklas HJARmullson (should be HJALmarsson)
This too shall pass
Into period 2 and he’s still doing it. Maybe we are the ones who are wrong and the r is silent?
Could be, I guess
I read it as Kessel – RING
Kesseling requires a Falcon, Millennium.
And 12 parsecs.
I don’t like the way they played the last half of that period. Maybe everything since the PP. Stretches where they were selling the farm, high risk choices. Learning how to bear up under a forecheck at least.
One of the most “high event” 10 seconds you’ll see from a player – Kesselring.
Petrov getting PP1 time and has under-rated skill with the puck – he’s not just a shooter – example, a soft lead pass to Holloway on a 2 on 2 for a quick break.
Also, more examples of Holloway’s wrist being just fine – a fantastic release and a bullet of a one-timer that caught a part of the bar.
And Holloway laying opponents out…. again.
Savoie leaves the game with a trainer – gringerly walks down to the dressing room
I hope its just equipment problems
Need a goal?
I Noah guy.
With shots like that Noah could Philp the net this season….
Philp with a BEAUTY skill move to gain the zone and then scores on a loooooong snap shot through a screen that Wolfe should have had.
Is tonight’s game being broadcast anywhere?
They are all on edmontonoilers.com (as will all the exhibition games except the one that is on SN).
Oilers Access
@oilersaccess
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22m
Oilers vs Flames lines:
Holloway-Hamblin-Bourgault
Petrov-Philp-Tullio
Schaefer-Engaras-Savoie
Nash-Hauf-Chiasson
Broberg-Wanner
Wright-Kesselring
Hanzel-Kemp
Rodrigue
Fanti
Scratched: Kambeitz, Dubinsky, Dorey, Kielb, Spunar
Correction to line-up:
Tullio out, Kambeitz in
Houston, I’ve got a problem.
I think I have got one of my computers infected with a keylogger malware.
I have two questions.
Is there malware out there that can sniff the traffic on a wireless router?
How deep a reset does one have to do on the computer? Is a fresh reinstall of Microsoft sufficient? Or is there hardware/firmware/startup stuff I have to worry about?
Should I consult a pro?
I want to know about sniffing the router on whether I can just keep the suspect computer around as my browse anywhere computer.
Buy a Mac.
20 years without a single issue.
I would hope your Mac could handle you making posts on Lowetide, downloading Joe Sakic wallpapers and the occasional “what is Brogan Rafferty doing now?” Google search.
Yep…all of those work flawlessly like everything else.
Just try up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start. Works every time.
I’m assuming this is a laptop yes..?…Windows 10..?
I wouldn’t underestimate any malware these days but malware with Wifi packet sniffing capabilities would be pretty intense. I would suggest any malware is likely local to the infected machine
A full wipe and re-install of the O/S is usually sufficient. If this is a current laptop ie:it came installed with Win10 or higher, and does NOT have a CD drive, the O/S is usually on your C: drive in a separate partition.
Google your make a model on how to wipe and re-install your operating system from your partition. If you have a disc or thumb drive with your O/S on it, even better
I am suspicious of my router, because I have had two breaches. Likely one on my Windows 10. And likely one on my older MacBook Pro a couple of months later. Some quick googling suggests malware deposited in Windows potentially can infect routers.
So I will probably just go with a new router, and do a reinstall of my Windows.
I will have to figure out the sequencing though.
Oh, it’s your router- I misunderstood, my bad
Side’s advice below is on the right track – google your hardware make/model and there are remedies available including factory resets
Ultimately you’ll be better off re-installing your O/S on your laptop(s)
There are viruses and malware that can take over your router and spread to your other devices. And yes, they can sniff your traffic, change your settings, etc. There should be some tools you can download to scan your router with. If the router does have a virus, you try a virus/malware removal tool, or firmware update, or factory reset.
For your PC, you could try downloading an anti-virus/anti-malware tool to remove it. If you don’t want to buy one, it may not hurt to check and see if your internet service provider provides one to use through your plan. For example, Shaw provides McAfee for free if you are on their internet plan.
Not sure which Windows OS you have, but doing a freah install may be your best bet. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long nowadays to wipe and reinstall an OS.
If you want to try a free and pretty decent malware removal tool though, check out Spybot Search and Destroy.
thanks
Todd M. already has it. Sorry.
Wolf starting again tonight as per Tony Brar, but why start again on a back to back? My guess to prep for a Flames career where Darryl runs him into the ground so that his skills will inevitably erode if they make the playoffs.
🤣🤣🤣
Chaulk was asked if there would be any changes to the lineup (other than Rodrigue starting) and he said there were a couple question marks or game time decisions.
Geez, bumps and bruises already?
Suspect Kesselring might sit as a precaution after the shot block yesterday. Maybe Savoie too after he got crunched a couple times.
If we can make through training camp where a young prospect doesn’t blow-up his shoulder will be nothing short of a miracle. How come the Flames never have any injuries??
Regarding comments about Philp yesterday, just wanted to follow up with FO stats that I had to hand tabulate, as I cannot find season totals, just game results. So be aware that these numbers may not be precise (I only counted once). If anyone know where to find actual season totals for junior, minor pro, Euro Leagues and for schools, please let me know. I been looking for 3 years.
2017-18 Seattle 42.7%, 827 FO’s
2018 playoffs 52.6%
2018-19 Seattle 55.5%
2019 playoffs 55.7%
Next 2 seasons, U of A, 0 FO’s
2021-22 U of A 72.3%, only took FO’s in the last 3 games of the season (playoffs, championship)
Solid numbers and good progression, he has a great chance to be 50+% in the dot as an NHL 4th liner. So, good arrows.
Agree on those observations LT. So fun to watch hockey again, didn’t really note any major negatives in play from the good guys so just a few positive things I noticed last night:
– Fanti was indeed very smooth and composed. What jumped out to me was his aggressive puck handling, and he was excellent at it.
– Wanner was fun to watch in the same game as Kesselring since I’ve always thought them to be similar type players possessing similar tools. I’ll admit it was a pleasant surprise to see him manning the point on PP2 and not looking out of place.
-Borg was head and shoulders the most skilled player on the ice, and despite his physical gifts I still think his hockey brain is his biggest asset.
– Holloway was fantastic to watch. Had to laugh when he said post game his legs didn’t have much jump. Gord help everyone else out there when he does have jump.
– Savoie is not slow at this level whatsoever. I enjoyed his fiestyness and of course that sublime pass. Ditto Ty Tullio, who I think has a great chance to stick as a middle 6 F in a few yrs and end up a fan favourite. I see a Gallagher as a realistic, but not highly likely, outer marker.
– Engaras really surprised me with how smooth and speedy he was. Might be nice depth in Bakersfield.
– Schaefer was a but quiet but I liked his ability to read the dmen on the forecheck. Also liked him stepping up after Savoie got hit, but his game is early more than just functional toughness. He showed his hands and straight ahead speed at times, I’m hoping he gets some run in the top 6 in the next couple games here.
– same for Chiasson re: hoping for more opportunity in these games. I liked what I saw in limited mins on the 4th line, especially one d zone play where he beat two Jets to the puck in the slot, pushed it ahead splitting them and broke up ice. Can see why he was invited to the WJC Summer Camp with plays like that.
– Broberg played a calm, mature game. Kielb continues to impress as has been the norm since turning pro it seems. Lots said about Kesselring already, I agree he looked great, quite the gazelle out there lugging the puck out.
Can’t wait for tonight’s game, if I can stay awake till puck drop at midnight here in NL haha.
A lot intelligence and ability in this forward group, for sure. The lack of opportunities for Engaras last season drove me nuts. He was always in the right place at the right time, but wasn’t rewarded for his obvious ability and effort.
The presence of Philp will likely further limit his opportunities, unfortunately.
I did not see the game. I appreciate all your observations.
We sat through the Flames v. Canuck games. Flames prospects that stood out were Wolfe (but he is small I feel NHL shooters are going to score top shelf alot) and Poirier. Schwindt was ok, Zary was pushed off the puck consistently, Pelliter is small and had very little impact last night.
Canucks kinda took the game over with a 2-2-1 forecheck. I though Bains and Nielsen stood out for the young Canucks.
Wolfe is quality, he will be Saros within 2 seasons.
He was an obvious NHL draft pick that everyone overlooked due to size bias.
That was real good game last night. The Oilers vs. Jets…not so much lol
Nice to see half-dozen forwards in the prospect pipeline. On the big club we Hyman, RNH, Kane, Connor, Leon and McLeod (core) are here to stay in the top 9. What Brad has to do oops I mean Ken is squeeze some ELC value on a couple of forwards in the top 9. Are we getting full value out of Foegele,Yamo and J.P this year and beyond.
And on a lighter and very inspiring note…
https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1571185204726829056?s=20&t=xBJR551cE-RjoB_V7-C55Q
Very cool!
Great to see, thanks for sharing!
Great write-up Al – we saw alot of the same stuff.
1) Always guard about gleaning too much from any non-regular season game (including NHL exhibition) let alone a prospects game but my two dark-horse d-men are developing reputations among Oiler fans.
2) I’ve been talking about Kesselring for two years and citing that, while he’s far from a lock to “make it” and its going to take time but he has a top 4 ceiling. Great size and skating and raw skills and they are starting to come together. He may push ahead of Deharnais on the depth chart soon.
3) The other is Max Wanner who I’ve been talking about all off-season after a tremendous draft development year – great splits (in play and box-cars) including an offensive spike that went in to the playoffs. No doubt he’ll earn an NHL deal which is already a win for a 7th rounder, right?
4) To noone’s surprise, Holloway and Bourgault stood out among the forwards – on another level.
5) Also as should have been expected, the junior aged kids showed their age – Petrov and Schaeffer – no worries there.
6) I expected Philp, given his age, to “stand out” more. I thought he was good but I anticipated he’d be more noticeable. Then again, his game is not being noticeable but doing ALL of the small things – which he did.
7) Good moments from each of Tulio and Chiasson – both looked good (I guess that’s a plus for Chiasson given his junior age).
8) Savoie showed that dynamic skill and worked hard back to his own net – he’s also going to have a TOUGH time with the strength and size of pros – he can get pushed around I think.
Let’s hope Savoie thrives and Yamo can take him under his wing. Bouch can buy them burgers and soda after practice.
great, thanks.