The Edmonton Oilers sent several role players and some skill to Seattle to play the Kraken Monday night. It promised to be a yawner, but a big hit against Devin Shore early, and a shot that hit Philip Broberg in the face later in the first period suddenly made the game of greater interest to Oilers fans.
THE ATHLETIC!
New Lowetide: If Ryan McLeod lands on the Connor McDavid line, how much of an offensive boost would it be?
New DNB: Oilers notes: Dylan Holloway impresses vs. Jets
New DNB: How Edmonton Oilers’ salary cap and training camp impacts roster decisions
Lowetide: 5 obscure Edmonton Oilers prospects pushing for an NHL look
DNB: Darnell Nurse’s big-money contract with Oilers isn’t going to change who he is or how he plays
Olivier Rodrigue didn’t have a lot of work in the first period, but made a fabulous stop late in the period (right pad) against the Kraken power play. Let in a softie on Matty Beniers shot early in the second. Stopped eight of nine, .889 on the night.
Ryan Fanti got caught on a wraparound from Ryan Donato in the second, but settled in and stopped a breakaway later on in the period. He had no chance on the third goal, a two-on-one with Yamamoto as the one. Fanti’s best work came during a 3-on-5 PK late in the third, he was dandy. He stopped 16 of 18, .889 and was by far the more impressive goalie on the night.
DEFENSE
Philip Broberg played 10:30 in the first, despite taking a puck in the face early on. He finished 22:18. He and Barrie combined for 7:52 at five-on-five, winning the shot share 2-1 and owning an 86 percent Corsi share five-on-five. Broberg faced the Tanev line, meaning the feature trio for Seattle attacked elsewhere. Too much defending, but that was a function of the forward group (not much offensive zone time) in my opinion.
Tyson Barrie had a solid first period, got some pucks through and played 7 PK minutes. I don’t think veteran NHL players are easy to assess in these games, for me Barrie was fine, your mileage may vary.
Mike Kesselring hammered the post midway through the first period, looks more confident and or mobile this year. He had a nice look on a scramble play in front of Seattle’s net, had several whacks and then engaged physically. I like his game. He is moving up the depth chart. Kesselring faced the Wennberg line most often.
Markus Niemelainen had 5 hits, the most obvious a large elbow that flattened a Kraken late in the third period. Two blocks and over 6 minutes of the Beniers-Donato-Bjorkstrand unit, 0-3 shots but no goals against. I’m not sure if the Oilers coaching staff pursued the matchup but for me this is the second night in a row the big man played well enough to be considered one of the best blue for Edmonton. I think, as is the case with Broberg, the two men spent so much time defending it was difficult to look good on this night.
Alex Peters had a nice game, he’s big and mobile. Yanni Kaldis was the expected blue in that spot.
Max Wanner played very little. Got walked in the second at the Kraken blue line and exposed on the second Seattle goal.
Best defensive player: Niemelainen based on qual comp.
Worst defensive player: First game for these fellows mostly, Wanner is young and lacks experience that isn’t the same as being poor.
FORWARDS
Derek Ryan played well enough but didn’t stand out in the game. Took a hit from behind in the second. These are not games that lend themselves to evaluating NHL players.
Devin Shore got rocked early in the first period, but also had a takeaway and blocked a shot on a good chance, two more later. I know many math folks aren’t fond of him, and he’s getting a little older for the role, but I had no quarrel with him on this night.
Greg McKegg didn’t play much in the first half of the game, but was solid in the dot. Caught a little more time later, but I think he’s behind Ryan, Malone and Shore in the race for No. 4 center (if there is a race).
Tyler Benson had a breakaway, just missed five hole on the Oilers best chance of the game’s first 30 minutes. He mishandled the puck on the five-minute power play on what looked like a developing chance. Stood up for Hamblin after the head hit. Had three HDSC to lead the team, but didn’t score on any of them.
Jake Virtanen had some speed going down the RH side on the power play but didn’t get a good chance or a strong pass. Had a great look on the 5-minute power play and missed the net. He isn’t having much of an impact and this was a game where he saw six PP minutes. Had one HDSC, at four-on-four.
Seth Griffith caught my eye on the power play and on a late breakaway but a poke check ended the sortie. He didn’t play on a feature line but six minutes on the PP got him in the spotlight. I thought he played well, didn’t get a result.
Mattias Janmark was one of Edmonton’s best players early, made a wonderful defensive play on what liked a sure goal by hauling ass to turn a 2-on-1 into a 2-on-2. He didn’t do much offensively. I liked him on the PK.
Noah Philp scored a goal that was disallowed (it should have counted) and turned over a couple of pucks. I like him, but he isn’t getting big minutes in these early games. Passed over on both special teams.
Luke Esposito had a takeaway, and was involved in the play. He makes progress difficult for the opposition. Also had a HDSC.
Reid Schaefer impressed me. He’s a teenager and the Seattle team had some veterans but the young man battled.
Kailer Yamamoto was Edmonton’s most skilled player, turned over some pucks and had some looks but needed more help on the night.
James Hamblin was his usual active self, forechecking like a demon and playing hard every shift. Took a head hit in a defenseless situation from Jacob Melanson in the second. Managed a HDSC.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
On the Clock is out (order here and check out the book signing details) so we’ll chat about it, plus great CFL and NHL talk. 10-2 today, TSN 1260, 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
Nice little hurricane skipping by to the west tonight. Winds here in Miami are about 50mph but these are not the hurricane yet. They should hit around 2am (75-80mph). Had a ton of rain but just wind now, but later, this city will be flooded! Looking forward to tomorrows game!
It’s a blast! Wind is picking up! I do not know how to attach video but it is quite a bit higher now. I know I will not get the full brunt but it is still kind of fun! Maybe this is why I like fighting in hockey! (I know, I will get a lot of “feedback” on that!)
It is really interesting! The wind this morning is crazy. I was thinking of going to the beach but there is so much junk flying around in the wind it is dangerous. By the way, it reminds of Alberta, so flat here you can see the storm coming for miles. I’m on the 14th floor and I can see the weather in Naples which is about 100 miles away!
Btw, easiest thing for video is to upload it to Giffy or some similar site, so < 30 secs, and then use the URL they give you to embed it in a comment here.
Oh boy, she’s blowing this morning. Cat 4, just shy of 155mph Cat 5. Has not hit land yet but when she does it will be about 100 miles away so safe for me. Man, Ft. Meyers is going to get it.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
September 27, 2022 6:52 pm
Wake me up when September ends! (jk, it has been so nice in Edmonton)
Early season prediction:
Connor McDavid opens a can of whoop-ass on opposing goalies. Bettman creates the McFairness rule that states McDavid must play the rest of the season in crocs with no stick.
Hollaway needs to play and play with skill or else your just burning another year without playing your best players. This isn’t rocket science everyone including Woody can see the kid is chomping at the bit to play meaningful minutes. These minutes will include PK duty in the not too far distant future as well.
Oilers goalies are value contracts by comparison. I used to love Florida and their management style but lately… seems like they got spooked by getting whooped by TBL.
Munny 2.0
September 27, 2022 12:47 pm
The radio broadcast last night kept repeating that there are plans to get Hamblin some NHL games this season. Woody relied on him heavily last night despite the B2B, likely seeing how deep a tank a guy who makes a living with his motor has.
I continue to be impressed with the crop of blueline prospects this organization has assembled. Outstanding group of fellas recruited from all corners of the hockey jungle. And likely more talent than positions available. It’s going to be interesting to see how that story plays out over the next 12-24 months.
And goalie seems to be coming around nicely too.
Biggest challenge for Holland, and really the only one left now if he can keep the youth movement headed north, is that darn cap. And yutes will help alleviate that pressure, but will they arrive soon enough?
I definitely wouldn’t count Hamblin out. I knew his family so I have followed his career, he is a great kid and the type of player whose game coaches love. I believe size is the only reason he wasn’t drafted. He has made the most of his skillset everywhere he has been.
There are increasing concerns that the uncertainty about US TV regional deals and the plummeting Canadian dollar are going to keep the lid on the cap for quite a while.
One estimate I heard today was $88.5 million in 23/24
Wanner and Schaeffer sent back to junior, leaving only Petrov as a junior aged player still at camp. He may go to the AHL but I doubt it. Surprised he hasn’t played a game yet.
I suspect the next round of cuts will be all the guys on AHL only pacts, and if any of them survive the next round, it could mean they’ve shown well relative to their peers.
Much appreciated, still dont see it on the website, must be a new intern.
OriginalPouzar
September 27, 2022 10:30 am
1) Lets remember that “meh” performances by veteran locks mean absolutely nothing – this is mainly about Puljujarvi and Yamamoto and, I guess, Barrie (i.e. PP board mistake).
2) Speaking of veterans, well, Malone is CLEARLY up on the battle vs. McKegg who I thought did absolutely nothing last night
3) Is Benson in the battle with Malone/McKegg (and I guess Shore) for that 12F spot? 2 games now where he’s been “in the play” in the offensive zone and vis-a-vis scoring chances but he’s got to actually get some damn points if he’s going to stay, right?
4) I didn’t see Janmark good last night (one nice back-check but that’s an “expected skill”). I think others saw him better, clearly you did L – Maybe he’s in the group of “veteran locks” but I’m not sure he should be – I saw Holloway and Foegele both better if they are in the same category.
5) I’m not sure what to think of Broberg’s game. I mean, he’s a 2-way defenceman that is breaking in to the NHL – what should we expect him to show in the prospects games and an early exhibition game? Should we expect dynamic offensive players and end to end rushes? Probably not. I’m not sure if I should have an up, down or even arrow for him erly
6) Kesselring is showing why some of us think he’s got some decently high potential – should be a relied upon player in Bakersfield. Wonder if he gets PP time with Broberg in the NHL (presumably)?
hunter1909
September 27, 2022 9:53 am
Lowetide: In other words Yamamoto doesn’t drive the play?
Yamo seems to be getting better at finding the soft areas in and around the net. If he just had hands were talking a quiet 35 Goal scorer. He seems to panic and not shoot when he has grade A chances he needs to learn how to be selfess and shoot.
Great shot and placement, but that can’t go in if you’re trying to make a good impression. Very soft goal and Rodrigue knew it the second it went in. I’m a goalie and absolutely hate shots like that going in. 100% stoppable, but he’s still young and developing. I think he’s making good strides and hopefully stays healthy this year!
Tough angle, but perfect shot.
Looked like there was enough room for 1 puck in that opening and Bernier hit it. I think I’ll cut the goalie some slack on that one.
I thought the 2nd goal was a much bigger blunder by Fanti.
I’m going to cut both goalies some slack and say I was fairly impressed by both of them. Rodrigue has made progress, hopefully that continues this season in the AHL (or he’s absolutely lights out in the ECHL). Fanti could also rapidly impress in the AHL next year as well. He’ll get used to the speed that wrap arounds will come at him quickly enough – I haven’t noticed any real issues with side to side speed from him.
Hello LT
Can you let me(us) know how to get a signed copy of your book – I’m out of town and unable to attend the signing at Audrey’s.
I hope you find parking!
I’m just waiting for my ordered copies and then I’ll be able to let you know how to get a signed copy. They seem to be backed up a little.
I am interested as well!
Nice little hurricane skipping by to the west tonight. Winds here in Miami are about 50mph but these are not the hurricane yet. They should hit around 2am (75-80mph). Had a ton of rain but just wind now, but later, this city will be flooded! Looking forward to tomorrows game!
Be safe.
It’s a blast! Wind is picking up! I do not know how to attach video but it is quite a bit higher now. I know I will not get the full brunt but it is still kind of fun! Maybe this is why I like fighting in hockey! (I know, I will get a lot of “feedback” on that!)
I’d be just as fascinated.
Have you ever been through one?
It is really interesting! The wind this morning is crazy. I was thinking of going to the beach but there is so much junk flying around in the wind it is dangerous. By the way, it reminds of Alberta, so flat here you can see the storm coming for miles. I’m on the 14th floor and I can see the weather in Naples which is about 100 miles away!
Btw, easiest thing for video is to upload it to Giffy or some similar site, so < 30 secs, and then use the URL they give you to embed it in a comment here.
Be safe!
My thoughts are with you!
Oh boy, she’s blowing this morning. Cat 4, just shy of 155mph Cat 5. Has not hit land yet but when she does it will be about 100 miles away so safe for me. Man, Ft. Meyers is going to get it.
Wake me up when September ends! (jk, it has been so nice in Edmonton)
Early season prediction:
Connor McDavid opens a can of whoop-ass on opposing goalies. Bettman creates the McFairness rule that states McDavid must play the rest of the season in crocs with no stick.
This post is sponsored by your local dispensary.
Melanson gets suspended two games for his high hit on Hamblin.
Notification from The Score app.
EDIT: https://mobile.twitter.com/NHLPlayerSafety/status/1574910608025198593?cxt=HHwWgoCxhdK2mtsrAAAA
It’s Seattle. And a pre-season Seattle team.
Feature Role. Lots of ice time.
Not sure what conditions Benson needs to actually score….
7 year contract to a 32 year old whoof – Kadri
Rolling Stone ranks the top 100 TV shows of all time.
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/best-tv-shows-of-all-time-1234598313/the-sopranos-5-1234599298/
Thanks for this, a great trip down memory lane.
Happy Birthday Elliotte Friedman.
Mike Schmidt turns 73 as well. Probably the best 3rd baseman ever on both sides of the ball.
I liked Mike. He was definitely top end.
Lavoie has started skating. Likely ready end of October in Bako per Bob.
Just got the notification that the new Lowetide book is on the way! Excited!
Injuries starting to pile up.
John Tavares out 3-4 weeks…oblique strain.
Brock Boeser out 3-4 weeks…hand surgery.
More injuries are coming as training camps unfold. Who do you think will be traded Foegele, Yamo, J.P? I’ll throw Ryan’s name in there as well.
Foegele – 75%
JP – 40%
Yamo – 5%
Ryan – 10%
Barrie – 10%
That’s a lot more than 100%.
Intentional?
Wasn’t meant to add up. There is a chance nobody gets traded.
In nine out of ten scenarios Barrie is not traded.
Hollaway needs to play and play with skill or else your just burning another year without playing your best players. This isn’t rocket science everyone including Woody can see the kid is chomping at the bit to play meaningful minutes. These minutes will include PK duty in the not too far distant future as well.
Well, it is a good thing the Oilers have enough skill to staff 3 lines then.
I really don’t see where they could play him that he wouldn’t be playing with skill outside of the fourth line which Holland has said is a no go.
Then it should add up to less than 100% 😉
Fair enough though.
Math is a malleable tool. 😉
Hmmm
Don’t get me started on statistics!
Knight signs a 3 year extension with Florida making their cap hit for goal $14.5M starting next season.
Oilers goalies are value contracts by comparison. I used to love Florida and their management style but lately… seems like they got spooked by getting whooped by TBL.
The radio broadcast last night kept repeating that there are plans to get Hamblin some NHL games this season. Woody relied on him heavily last night despite the B2B, likely seeing how deep a tank a guy who makes a living with his motor has.
I continue to be impressed with the crop of blueline prospects this organization has assembled. Outstanding group of fellas recruited from all corners of the hockey jungle. And likely more talent than positions available. It’s going to be interesting to see how that story plays out over the next 12-24 months.
And goalie seems to be coming around nicely too.
Biggest challenge for Holland, and really the only one left now if he can keep the youth movement headed north, is that darn cap. And yutes will help alleviate that pressure, but will they arrive soon enough?
I definitely wouldn’t count Hamblin out. I knew his family so I have followed his career, he is a great kid and the type of player whose game coaches love. I believe size is the only reason he wasn’t drafted. He has made the most of his skillset everywhere he has been.
The cap-issue isn’t really an issue anymore. As discussed previously by those who crunched NHL TV numbers.
https://twitter.com/PuckReportNHL/status/1574862793387417617
Loads and loads of room to keep everyone around and re-sign Drai at a hefty raise and still have some walking around money to spare.
There are increasing concerns that the uncertainty about US TV regional deals and the plummeting Canadian dollar are going to keep the lid on the cap for quite a while.
One estimate I heard today was $88.5 million in 23/24
Source on both as we know you do not credit any of your “facts”.
This is the background story that Leavins alluded to in his Nine Things last Sunday.
https://nypost.com/2022/09/20/mlb-nba-and-nhl-may-buy-biggest-owner-of-regional-sports-tv-networks-sources/
No matter how much money the cap provides there will always be cap issues.
That is a promise that the cap makes to every team. 😉
Despite your loving abuse of math above, I think you win today’s comments with this one.
Hehe. Math is a great tool. It serves a multitude of purposes.
For the love of Gord keep drafting #pipeline
Wanner and Schaeffer sent back to junior, leaving only Petrov as a junior aged player still at camp. He may go to the AHL but I doubt it. Surprised he hasn’t played a game yet.
I suspect the next round of cuts will be all the guys on AHL only pacts, and if any of them survive the next round, it could mean they’ve shown well relative to their peers.
Is Petrov carrying an injury?
Good question
Where are you finding this information? I do not see anything on the interwebs.
https://mobile.twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1574779656968245248?cxt=HHwWgMDU0aTw3torAAAA
Much appreciated, still dont see it on the website, must be a new intern.
1) Lets remember that “meh” performances by veteran locks mean absolutely nothing – this is mainly about Puljujarvi and Yamamoto and, I guess, Barrie (i.e. PP board mistake).
2) Speaking of veterans, well, Malone is CLEARLY up on the battle vs. McKegg who I thought did absolutely nothing last night
3) Is Benson in the battle with Malone/McKegg (and I guess Shore) for that 12F spot? 2 games now where he’s been “in the play” in the offensive zone and vis-a-vis scoring chances but he’s got to actually get some damn points if he’s going to stay, right?
4) I didn’t see Janmark good last night (one nice back-check but that’s an “expected skill”). I think others saw him better, clearly you did L – Maybe he’s in the group of “veteran locks” but I’m not sure he should be – I saw Holloway and Foegele both better if they are in the same category.
5) I’m not sure what to think of Broberg’s game. I mean, he’s a 2-way defenceman that is breaking in to the NHL – what should we expect him to show in the prospects games and an early exhibition game? Should we expect dynamic offensive players and end to end rushes? Probably not. I’m not sure if I should have an up, down or even arrow for him erly
6) Kesselring is showing why some of us think he’s got some decently high potential – should be a relied upon player in Bakersfield. Wonder if he gets PP time with Broberg in the NHL (presumably)?
Lowetide: In other words Yamamoto doesn’t drive the play?
: p
Complementary player for sure. That does have value though.
Yamo seems to be getting better at finding the soft areas in and around the net. If he just had hands were talking a quiet 35 Goal scorer. He seems to panic and not shoot when he has grade A chances he needs to learn how to be selfess and shoot.
Beniers goal was a softie?
I don’t agree with that assessment LT.
Shouldn’t go in from that angle.
I agree, but IMO laser beams into top corners don’t qualify as soft goals, because I consider them high-skill.
Great shot and placement, but that can’t go in if you’re trying to make a good impression. Very soft goal and Rodrigue knew it the second it went in. I’m a goalie and absolutely hate shots like that going in. 100% stoppable, but he’s still young and developing. I think he’s making good strides and hopefully stays healthy this year!
Tough angle, but perfect shot.
Looked like there was enough room for 1 puck in that opening and Bernier hit it. I think I’ll cut the goalie some slack on that one.
I thought the 2nd goal was a much bigger blunder by Fanti.
I’m going to cut both goalies some slack and say I was fairly impressed by both of them. Rodrigue has made progress, hopefully that continues this season in the AHL (or he’s absolutely lights out in the ECHL). Fanti could also rapidly impress in the AHL next year as well. He’ll get used to the speed that wrap arounds will come at him quickly enough – I haven’t noticed any real issues with side to side speed from him.
It’s still optimism season for me.
Rodrigue was down a split second too early but Berniers absolutely sniped that one despite getting the pass rather awkwardly.
Donato made just enough contact with Fanti to push him awkardly back into his post – should’ve been goalie interference.
How does a goalie stop that shot unless he uses his face/head to block the shot?