That was not the night I expected and I’m uncertain what information can be drawn from the loss in Abbotsford. If we’re grading on merit, Markus Niemelainen outplayed Philip Broberg again and then hit Elias Pettersson from behind on a dangerous play. It’s possible he starts the season suspended. Darnell Nurse had his own moment outside the rules, and we’ll see about that, too. In the end, the Oilers were bewildering and if not for Connor McDavid’s brilliant goal the entire evening would have been the rare modern Oilers game you could have missed without regret. Maybe the coaching can use this game to tighten up like Archie Bell and the Drells.
Stuart Skinner stopped several breakaways and gave a strong effort for the first two periods. The final stanza got a little strange for everyone, but for me Skinner was one of the few players on the road team to make a postiive difference. The numbers last night won’t be added to his pristine .953 SP from the first three games and I believe that’s fair.
DEFENSE
Darnell Nurse had an epic power play at the end of the first, he turned over the puck (I believe) four times. He was also loose in coverage at times, but made some good defensive plays and a few good passes. He took six minutes in penalties, including a clothesline of Nils Hoglander that might get him a phonecall from the league. The entire defense resembled Crazy Horse at the Fillmore at times, but Nurse needs to be the rock and this was a decidedly uneven game for him. He was unable to block the shot on the winning goal, although he looked to be in position to do it.
Cody Ceci played well, he didn’t give up much and he didn’t transport or pass a great deal. These aren’t bad things, in fact the Oilers could have used a few more like him on this night.
Philip Broberg made some nice outlet passes, we didn’t see that often in previous games. He was late to box out Nils Hoglander, he did recover nicely on a Jason Dickenson partial breakaway. He looks tentative and I do believe there’s a chance he lands in Bakersfield on the weekend.
Ryan Murray had some chaos early (leading to McDavid penalty if I have the correct pairing) but settled in and played the kind of veteran game you expect. Calm feet, interrupted progress, and snuck into offensive situation when the opportunity presented itself. He hasn’t made the team, but has yet to falter.
Markus Niemelainen has an NHL job on merit, but the hit on Elias Pettersson might be enough to get him suspended for a game or two. Other than that, he played a physical game, skated well, made good passes and kept things simple. He’s winning a job, with the caveat being this is a small sample and Niemelainen has no waiver issues. Two assists, those outlet passes were effective. I’m now actively cheering for him.
Jason Demers. I like his game in the same way I like Ryan Murray’s game. If there were a way to extend his PTO, or have him take a two-week vacation in the area, I wouldn’t object. The defense position needs to be 10 deep. I think Demers might be able to help during a long season.
Dmitri Samorukov didn’t play a huge amount when I was watching and I think at this point it’s basically a decision over waivers for this player. Murray, Niemelainen and Broberg are ahead of him imo.
FORWARDS
Connor McDavid hockey is the best hockey. The moment when he passed Quinn Hughes like he was a house on the side of the road was transcendent. Fantastic defensive play on a partial break late in the first period. 1-1-2, could have had several more. Crazy.
Dylan Holloway took an early hit from Elias Petterson, Tyler Myers would say hi to the rookie later in the first period. When Holloway took a third hit, the Oilers started taking liberties. Connection? Probably. Rookie didn’t have the kind of impact we’ve seen from him recently but the Canucks were a strong squad and Holloway did touch the puck often.
James Hamblin scored a goal, worked hard, and Jay Woodcroft suggested after the game he’s still pushing for an NHL job. I thought that was the most impressive thing (97 goal aside) about the evening. The coach doesn’t care when you were drafted or how you got here. Bodes well.
Zach Hyman scored a goal, four shots, contested the enemy on every sortie, and made some great passes. He is a pleasure to watch play the game.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a nice goal and did some good things, but even he (and I love his game) seemed to be off on this evening.
Jesse Puljujarvi worked hard on the forecheck but didn’t have much going on a night when he was on a feature line. I like his game even when he isn’t scoring, but he was unable to break the Edgar Allan Poe feel of the evening.
Ryan McLeod did good things and then did a not good thing that led directly to a goal against. These things happen, and are a reminder that young players do young things. Don’t worry about McLeod, he’s going to have a long career.
Mattias Janmark made a quick clear on a giant rebound by Skinner as Edmonton killed a penalty. Drew one.
Jake Virtanen got a first period shot on goal and an assist on the Nuge goal.
Derek Ryan clipped Quinn Hughes with a high stick, it would have been discussed more but Niemelainen was about to crosscheck Pettersson, so, yeah.
Brad Malone did some PK work, hit a couple of guys.
We could see waivers today and I do think there will be pain.
It’s going to be a busy one, 10-2 on TSN 1260. A complete look at mlb playoffs, Oilers cutdown and NHL waivers, plus the Canadian men’s soccer team moving up the FIFA rankings. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
Draisatl ankle not fully recovered?? Could be issue for Edm this yr ….
Ice Sage
October 6, 2022 10:27 pm
Well it seems the Oilers are the sexy pick for the cup this year from Wyshynki at ESPN to my local Island community rag. After years of being the butt of japes (many deserved), it’s a bit disconcerting… all the pieces are there, let’s go.
Weird that Foegele was held out of practice… on the same day Spector pens a feature on him and his future with the team. Maybe he was held out for the interview… lmao.
If it is Foggy and Dima for a pick, I’ll hope for a 2nd, but I won’t believe it till I see it.
ARI GM Bill Armstrong was at the Oiler-Canuck game last night. Bob is relating it to Chychrun but doesn’t see a fit there for the Oilers.
It is curious how the info was made public – it is an off day, the team could have simply said ‘maintenance day’ and nobody would have said boo about it
Then again, this summer long saga is coming to a head (getting cap compliant) and Foegele out seems to be the most reasonable path forward
I like the players but I’d move them both for a pick at this point
The maintenance day thing was bugging me too. And then for it to be two players. Which is what we were expecting, right? That some asset would have to be added to Foegele. And Samorukov has had a target on him since we began this cap compliance talk approximately 14 seconds after shaking hands with the Avs.
The statements today fit so many of the theories floated around these parts. And yet it is all quiet on the Western Front.
It is curious how the info was made public – it is an off day, the team could have simply said ‘maintenance day’ and nobody would have said boo about it
Agreed.
Actually, whether those guys end up traded or not, I thought it was a bit out of character for Woodcroft to reveal that much (unnecessarily, and about a sensitive subject, presuming a trade hasn’t already been finalized).
I’ve had this feeling in the back of my mind for a while now that Samourukov could be the sweetener needed to move Foegele. Would be very happy if we got a 2nd back if that was the case, but I expect it to be less. We wait.
Woody in his presser really balked at the reporter who said that Murray was being “billed” as the 7th defenseman. Not sure if that was a tell with respect to Sammy’s future on the team.
I wonder if all three of Sammy, Niemo and Broberg might be in the lineup on Friday to parse out who stays and who goes back down to the AHL.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pre season hype but if Holloway can carry his production into the full season the top 6 looks great. The third line looks ultra defensively responsible but who is going to score?
That is the easy solution if you can guarantee Bouch doesn’t take a step back and stays healthy. Then you will have to pay more for his next contract. With Barrie we can suppress Bouch a little and Barrie would be a more straightforward trade before next season.
Bouchard’s still learning he would of been another year further in his development but Tippett had him hidden at Motel 6 smoking dope and playing video games for 75% of the season.
That forward lineup is pretty much it with one of Janmark/Ryan replaced with Malone (not even cap room for Hamblin who is over $800K).
It occurred to me, James Hamblin has a higher cap hit than Ryan McLeod (although likely to be making his AHL salary of $80K most of the year – not even a large guaranteed min).
Mayan Oil
October 6, 2022 1:38 pm
Ryan Rishaug tweeted Foegele not on the ice for practice today. Hmmmm? Do I smell a trade or is just a rest day?
Risk is slim to none – remember, any claiming team would have to keep him on their NHL roster or put him back on waivers. Not even Vegas needs him as 2G.
I think the next steps are quite clear, and have been discussed on this blog ad infinitum. AS I understand it :
Certain cuts are Demers, Neimalainen , Pickard, Virtanen, Hamblin, Malone – taking us to 24/ The rest will depend on whether there is a trade (I assume Foegele) imminent and how pressure Ken feels to run a 23 man roster vs a 21 man roster …
If no trade is coming right now, it’s a 21 man roster with Foegele. 12 F, 7 D, 2G – so questions remain for Janmark, Benson, Shore for #12 F and Broberg, Murray and Samurokov for #7 D. Only bonus concern is Broberg and waiver concern for Samurokov. Need to run 11/7 is likely at this point and probably favourable to better develop rookie D, at least in the short to medium term.
If they trade Foegele for returns not immediately impacting the cap (picks/prospects/buryable player), we can do a 23 man roster This means Janmark and Shore likely make it, as well as Samurokov. Probably still run 11/7 for a while also.
In both scenarios we fit JUST under the Cap. I am undecided which is more preferable, but am leaning towards the 23 man roster for depth reasons. Does this sound about right?
No it wasn’t … he was totally zoomed by Zegras last year, and had one famous moment. Otherwise he’s a fringe NHLer.
Munny 2.0
October 6, 2022 12:30 pm
Just a reminder that PTOs at the NHL level are essentially indefinte in term. AHL PTOs have a limit of 25 games (although you can re-sign to another PTO as long as other teams get a shot at offering a real contract first).
Oilers have used this “indefinite length” at the NHL level in the past and they may do so again for injury coverage, if the two players presently on PTO have no other prospects.
1) That was an AWFUL game to watch. Maybe it was the terrible stream quality that made it feel worse then it was. The parade to the penalty box (earned) certainly didn’t help.
2) Ya, I would have to say that Nimeo looks better than Broberg on a shift to shift basis but, damn, he can still treat the puck like a grenade sometimes – a couple passes directly to the opposition in the natural zone with little pressure. That’s not good.
3) Its an easy switch – Broberg down for one of Nimeo or Sammy after the initial roster is set but I do think that Broberg will get game 1 (and 2) at least before an AHL assignment. Perhaps its even a couple nights off here and there with Murray filling in, or an 11/7 to take the pressure off before an actual AHL assignment.
4) I mentioned a potential issue if Nimeo gets suspended and wasn’t sure if that stopped an AHL assignment (which would cause huge day 1 cap issues) but Puckpedia did confirm to me there is no issue sending a suspended player down – the suspension just waits until he’s back in the league.
5) 10 minutes until the waiver wire. Is this the day Holland tries to sneak a few names through? Sammy? Janmark? Ryan maybe even?
I don’t agree with the statement that “the NHL is not a development league” and there are certain aspects of player’s games that can only develop further in the NHL and, at a certain point, a real prospect can only develop further overall in the NHL.
Now, I’m not saying that Broberg is at that point but lets remember back to Nurse and Klefbom in their early NHL seasons (and part seasons) and the growth they showed, not only season over season but also in-season.
Not saying that the three young LD shouldn’t play this season … of course they will. But I’d feel better about getting out of the gate with a vet like Murray on the third pairing.
I don’t disagree with that and I wouldn’t be against Murray starting next Wed – I was really just speaking to the position that players should’t be developing in the NHL, that’s all.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
October 6, 2022 11:31 am
Are other fan bases/local msm as nutty as the Oiler fans/local msm?
People were unironically suggesting putting JP on waivers.
I’m sure a lot of egos were bruised when there was all of the JP drama where fans and local msm all had various degrees of outlandish opinions on what Holland should do about it. And then Holland didn’t do what most of them suggested.
So the next best thing for them to do is to exaggerate how bad JP is and suggest something crazy like waive him.
At least that way they can say “see, I told you Holland should have traded JP for an 8th round pick when he had the chance! I was right! *deeply inhales the smell of their own fart*”
I think the biggest reason is just a short memory. PJ ranged from poor to bad for most of the last month of regular season and playoffs last year so that is what is remembered.
Few fans consider that Yamo couldn’t finish for the first half of last year and PJ was playing well as the opposite was true in playoffs. (Bad case of what have you done for me lately and playoff performances being amplified.)
I’ll have to take your word for it since I can’t recall ever… EVER.. being wrong or forgetting about anything, ever, especially when it comes to hockey.
(Kidding of course)
Last edited 1 year ago by Side
winchester
October 6, 2022 11:06 am
Oilers played that game with attitude. Like they were playing an AHL team, a non threat. We don’t give a s*it about you and there is no need to take you seriously type of attitude.
It may be a mistake in regards to getting ready for the season, but it was like they were playing Rodney Dangerfield.
The #Oilers have added the former defenceman as a special advisor to the hockey operations staff with a focus on player development. As President & GM, Staios recently led the @BulldogsOHL to the 2022 @OHLHockey championship.
So long as it isn’t Steve Smith brought in to help the team prepare for the playoffs.
YKOil
October 6, 2022 10:45 am
Was thinking about the Pulju trade issue this morn and it occurred to me, where is Buffalo in this conversation?
— Okposo, a RW, is almost done – last year of his deal
— Skinner had a bounce back year so he can stay, a LW though
— Olofsson is real but his defense is suspect and he is more LW
— Tuch is RW and is legit, also huge
— Thompson is C/RW, also huge, may have some regression, but is also legit
— Quinn is a legit RW but he is just starting
— Cozens and Krebs are C/LW all the way
— Asplund is ‘meh’ is every way
— Hinostroza is small (5’9″) and is NOT Yamamoto
— Bjork has nothing for stats at all
So basically, at the end of this year, with Okposo gone (never underestimate his injury issues), there is a good chance that Buffalo is in good shape on the RW with Thompson, Quinn, and Tuch, and maybe I have answered my own question…
… but still, I look at that line-up and think… get good players, keep good players; Pulju is a legit upgrade on that roster on performance alone and gives them another monster wing to go with Tuch and Thompson
Flip Edmonton a package of Bjork (retain $350k), the Vegas 2023 2nd, and a 2024 3rd… maybe a 2025 2nd instead of the 3rd…
… and secure good player. Then sign to a Tuch deal.
Sometimes I think GMs fake themselves out. Just because Edmonton looks like they are in a position where they have to take a lowball offer, GMs are forgoing the pick-up of a very good young player.
Then what is Buffalo waiting for? They should definitely give up their 1st rounder to have the Bison King in Buffalo. Giddy-up. They have the cap space.
Teams with significant cap space usually do so for 1 of 2 reasons:
1) They are tearing it down for a rebuild and saving the cap for future signings of impact players
2) The cap is reflective of a budget, so $3MM in actual dollars may be just as scary as the cap hit is for us.
LOL, not in a Bedard year… but if Holland was interested in my (Buffalo’s) 2025 1st rounder, then maybe.
€√¥£€^$
October 6, 2022 10:36 am
A poll.
Some here might recall that I’ve been banging the Michael McLeod drum for a long time. According to some NJD bloggers, MM could be sent to Utica and the thinking is no one would claim him, given the Team Canada WJ scandal, etc.
I think he is a solid 4C, albeit a bit pricey, but still under $1 million. If he is put on waivers (I put it at 35%), who thinks Holland should claim him?
We didn’t have room to give his younger brother an extra $2K for a clean $800K (let alone the $1.2MM he earned) – I’m not sure that $975K for a tweener is a good idea, right?
I don’t like brothers on the same team unless they are clearly proven. When a brother is a marginal player, it hurts the performance of the other brother.
The OIlers are also tight to the cap. Michael McLeod would not be able to be waived, without New Jersey reclaiming him. Which disincentives every forward in Bakerfield because Michael McLeod is blocking callups.
The spotlight tonight shines squarely on Matvey Petrov, who is rocking boxcars of 2-3-5 in two games for North Bay so far. It’s good enough for a share of the team lead in points.
Ever stopped in at that little store there? Think they’ve had the same 3 broken down vans there for 10 years lol.
Pretendergast
October 6, 2022 10:11 am
I am none worried about Nurse playing loose or the team taking liberties after the rookie was getting bullied. Costs 0 points in the standings, sends a message. This Oiler team is showing they may have lost some grit but they won’t be pushed around.
As much as we don’t want it to be, time and again players agree hockey, and all pro sports for that matter, are a game of intimidation. If you get in the other guys head, or make them hesitate for a moment, you got em.
I don’t like the hit but I like the mentality. Execution certainly needs work. Hope Petey is fine.
Yeah, I’d be more worried about Nurse the last couple of games if it was regular season. 2 fights is pretty stupid though, we can’t afford to start the season with our best d-man hurt.
Nurse ending the season hurt is sending a message to the NHL that he is happy to beat the daylights out of anyone crazy enough to take him on.
Otherwise he gets every punk in the NHL trying to “prove” something at his expense.
Eh Team
October 6, 2022 10:02 am
Can they cut Virtanen now? He’s got enough ice time and if anyone else wants him, they have seen him play enough. Wouldn’t it be much better to keep someone like Hamblin over Virtanen?
I don’t know what attraction Holland has for Virtanen but man I don’t get it. Seemed like a bad decision before camp and nothing Virtanen has done has changed my mind.
I would sign Jake for $750,000 NHL and $100,000 AHL contract. 25 pro AHL games might make him better. At this point in a win now season he is a better call up than Lavoie, Tullio and arguably Xman
Throw a dart at the waiver wire and you could get a player as good as JV. Hopefully one that is going to try their ass off to make an NHL team and not coast on their draft position.
Agree on the three listed but is he a better call-up option than Malone, Benson, Griffith, Shore and one of Janmark/Ryan (who are likely to be off the roster to start)?
I agree, 100%, Malone is a great Condor and his largest value to the organization is as Captain of the Condors and leading that team, both on and off the ice. He has been commended by Yamamoto, in particular, but others as well as a massive help to their development.
With that said, unless the team is running with 11 forwards on the roster, without a trade, Malone is locked in as 12F for cap reasons. Its down to him and Hamblin but, not really, as the team doesn’t have the cap space to keep Hamblin and his $807,500 cap hit.
Yes, I agree, and I’ve been saying that for months, shit, years.
I’ve also been saying for months there is a decent chance he’s on this team – his career has taken a massive turn up since Woody was hired to the Oilers – he went from not having played an NHL game in 2-3 years (and not having a point in like 6 years) and on an AHL only contract to, an NHL contract, a call-up to the NHL, NHL games, NHL playoff games over healthy legit NHL players and taking defensive zone face-offs in OT of an elimination game in round 3…… to a NEW 2-year contract.
Also, as above, without a trade for cap out, he’s on this team, there is no other current option for 12F that works within the cap.
Dustylegnd
October 6, 2022 10:02 am
Losing good players on waivers is the best thing that can ever happen to a Hockey club, when nobody wants the people u send down, they probably don’t want the ones you are keeping on the Big Club either ….this type of Pain Don’t Hurt
Could it be that last night’s play is a result of scrambled lines and lack of familiarity
HenryDrix
October 6, 2022 9:41 am
Was at the game last night, what a treat to watch McDavid and Co. To all you fans in Edmonton that get to get games in live regularly, you get access to the best show in hockey at least 41 times a year. I envy that.
SoCaloil
October 6, 2022 9:40 am
Holy Buckets LT, you’re outdoing yourself today.
Your next book should be a book of one-liners.
Like no joke.
“passed Quinn Hughes like he was a house on the side of the road “
I suspect Quinn Hughes might need some AHL time to work out some wrinkles.
LT, just listened to the Jim Parsons show. Absolutely awesome interview, thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks for sharing.
kgo
October 6, 2022 9:26 am
I hope we see the Ken Holland Development Model (TM) on full display here with Broberg…he’s still 140 games and 2 years away from waiver eligibility…send him to Bako and leave him there until he kicks the door down. Samo and Nemo are close enough that it makes more sense to send Nemo down for waivers….Samo has earned a shot here, slot him 7th, give him 10 of the first 20 games and reassess.
I’m thinking the same thing. Holland kinda painted himself into a corner by saying it was Brobergs job to lose.
The only time Broberg has really stood out to me is at the U18 tourney in Red Deer. And maybe when you see him pull away from guys in open ice.
The physical tools are obvious. Big, long body with the effortless skating stride.
But how often does he use that size to push people off the puck? Or to shield the puck when he has it?
And how often does he really use that speed? LT commented on him catching a Canuck from behind last night, but that was the only time I really saw it. And he was the guy who got caught deep, and out of position at the offensive blueline, which resulted in the breakaway in the first place.
His hands, his decision making, and his assertiveness don’t look NHL ready to me.
Maybe he just needs to settle in and play 20 games, I dunno. But right now, he looks like a much better skating version of Griffin Reinhart.
I think he’s going to be just fine long term. He’s a young defender, had one full year in N.America. Plus we heard a lot about the extra muscle he put on this summer – his skating hasn’t looked quite as flawless as before, maybe the extra weight has impacted that a little? Point being that once he figures out the optimum man strength body that doesn’t slow down his skating then we’ll have a winner.
I’d rather wait one more year on him than rush him. Heck, we waited longer on Bouchard than I’d have personally liked and it seems to be paying dividends now.
If he starts the year in the minors, his cap hit upon recall becomes $1.663M instead of $863k if he starts the year on the roster.
If he starts on the roster and hits any Bonus, it counts as overage against next year’s cap when we need to sign Bouch, Mcleod, PJ, Skinner etc…
I think there’s merit to the argument of starting and leaving him in the AHL for the year…If he evolves into AHL Pronger and kicks the doors down…make a trade, make space, and bring him up at the deadline.
The main argument against this is for injury callups, Broberg becomes more difficult to call up. If he’s slated as the 6th LD behind Nurse, Kulak, Murray, Samo, Nemo…what are the odds we need to call him up?
If we get a serious rash of Dman hurt maybe KoeKeKo is back by then, or sign Kowboy or DeKyser….or hold your nose and trade Feogle with a sweetener and then call up Broberg….
My point being I disagree that he “HAS TO” be on the opening roster…
Regarding being on the roster (to create the bonus reserves) and then hitting the bonuses, for a cap overage penalty next season, yes, that is indeed to scenario but I did want to note that, unlike Bouchard, its unlikely that Broberg hits 4 performance bonuses (or even 2 or 3 and may not even hit one) due to lower offensive pedigree – 10 goals, 25 assists, 0.49 P/G, 40 points, top 4 in TOI/G (min 42 game), etc.
He’s unlikely to vest any, really.
JJS
October 6, 2022 9:19 am
The value in watching a game like that is it reinforces the need for balance in the lineup.
Hockey remains a team game and is rarely won by a one player – unlike a quarterback, pitcher or power forward.
Although McD and Drais did take it close to that level in the playoffs…
McLeod/ Holloway/ RNH or some combo probably changes that this year for line 3.
at least.
Our Edmonton Operation
October 6, 2022 9:05 am
I watched the McDavid goal again and on the replay, the Vancouver homer colour commentator has the audacity to say, “Excellent try there by Quinn Hughes” as McDavid passes him like a house on the side of the road. He’s not being sarcastic either. I wonder what Hughes would’ve looked like if it wasn’t an excellent try.
lowetide, i wonder by what metric you think niemalainen has surpassed samorukov?
his defensive coverage has not been great and he keeps getting out of position to make hits. i can appreciate the physicality but the other aspects of his game need a lot of refinement to be nhl calibre.
I disagree, I don’t have the stats but I’m willing to bet Nemo completes far more passes to forwards than Samo who seems to get tunnel vision, panick, and throw pucks off the glass.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Samo will settle after 20 games and start to make better passes… he’s shown it at the AHL level, but he’s not there yet…he ices the puck more than Darnell Nurse.
I can’t agree that he’s miles ahead by the eye test.
For one, solid passing is a wild statement to me (sorry, with respect) – his passing is still not NHL level and that’s without the speed and intensity increasing (i.e. less tie) and, as we see nightly, there are defensive mistakes that lead to chances against.
I’m not saying that Sammy and Broberg do not also make mistakes, they clearly do, but, to my eye, both are better puck movers (by far) and Samorukov has been the steadier defender.
I value the impact Niemo can have but, for me, you are over-valuing it or, perhaps, it is skewing your analysis of the other aspects of his game, perhaps, sub-consciously.
That’s my analysis of the players – our opinions simply differ on these guys.
meanashell11
October 6, 2022 8:47 am
I always liked the “Crazy Horse at the Fillmore” quote! Speaking of the Fillmore, last time I was in SF I went by and caught a show. Not as much fun as it seemed back in 1970 or even when Grace Potter and the Nocturnals played there!
NEW for The Athletic: 5 areas for Edmonton Oilers roster improvement in 2022-23
https://theathletic.com/3661620/2022/10/07/edmonton-oilers-roster-improvement-2022/
Draisatl ankle not fully recovered?? Could be issue for Edm this yr ….
Well it seems the Oilers are the sexy pick for the cup this year from Wyshynki at ESPN to my local Island community rag. After years of being the butt of japes (many deserved), it’s a bit disconcerting… all the pieces are there, let’s go.
Wut in the samhill is a jape butt?
Weird that Foegele was held out of practice… on the same day Spector pens a feature on him and his future with the team. Maybe he was held out for the interview… lmao.
If it is Foggy and Dima for a pick, I’ll hope for a 2nd, but I won’t believe it till I see it.
ARI GM Bill Armstrong was at the Oiler-Canuck game last night. Bob is relating it to Chychrun but doesn’t see a fit there for the Oilers.
3 days, 16 hours, 55 minutes left to compliance according to CapFriendly’s doomsday clock. 😉
It is curious how the info was made public – it is an off day, the team could have simply said ‘maintenance day’ and nobody would have said boo about it
Then again, this summer long saga is coming to a head (getting cap compliant) and Foegele out seems to be the most reasonable path forward
I like the players but I’d move them both for a pick at this point
The maintenance day thing was bugging me too. And then for it to be two players. Which is what we were expecting, right? That some asset would have to be added to Foegele. And Samorukov has had a target on him since we began this cap compliance talk approximately 14 seconds after shaking hands with the Avs.
The statements today fit so many of the theories floated around these parts. And yet it is all quiet on the Western Front.
Agreed.
Actually, whether those guys end up traded or not, I thought it was a bit out of character for Woodcroft to reveal that much (unnecessarily, and about a sensitive subject, presuming a trade hasn’t already been finalized).
He usually chooses his words very carefully
I’ve had this feeling in the back of my mind for a while now that Samourukov could be the sweetener needed to move Foegele. Would be very happy if we got a 2nd back if that was the case, but I expect it to be less. We wait.
Woody in his presser really balked at the reporter who said that Murray was being “billed” as the 7th defenseman. Not sure if that was a tell with respect to Sammy’s future on the team.
I wonder if all three of Sammy, Niemo and Broberg might be in the lineup on Friday to parse out who stays and who goes back down to the AHL.
Lots of glowing words for Hamblin too.
I’m not surprised Woody balked. I’d say right now Murray’s in the top 6.
Murray is quite good. Great signing. His only issue is being made of glass.
Summarizing!
Much like how the human torch was denied a bank loan, Petrov was denied a place on the scoresheet. However, he will get another chance on the morrow.
“The arsonist had oddly shaped feet.”
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
6m
Woodcroft said Yamamoto is banged up, Draisaitl had a personal day, and Foegele and Samorukov were kept off the ice.
——-
A personal day….. with his ankle? due to a personal/family matter?
Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
1h
Top three lines at Oilers practice:
Kane-McDavid-Ryan
Holloway-Hamblin-Hyman
McLeod-RNH-Puljujarvi
Yamamoto, Draisaitl and Foegele are absent.
————–
So, Ryan is a placeholder for Kailer and Hamblin is a placeholder for Drai. Is Jesse a placeholder for Foegele or in a likely position for Oct 12?
Lines at practise (assuming Drai and Yamo are in their normal spots) shape up to have regular season line up like this (I think)
Kane. McDavid. Yamamoto
Holloway. Draisatl. Hyman
McLeod. Nuge. Puljujarvi
Janmark. Ryan. Foegele
I like that line up. Just no idea how they make it cap compliant.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pre season hype but if Holloway can carry his production into the full season the top 6 looks great. The third line looks ultra defensively responsible but who is going to score?
Trading Barrie is pretty much the only way to ice that lineup, unfortunately.
Maybe Murray-Demers plus 2 of the young guys on the back end makes sense in order to keep the forwards intact? 🤷
That is the easy solution if you can guarantee Bouch doesn’t take a step back and stays healthy. Then you will have to pay more for his next contract. With Barrie we can suppress Bouch a little and Barrie would be a more straightforward trade before next season.
Bouchard’s still learning he would of been another year further in his development but Tippett had him hidden at Motel 6 smoking dope and playing video games for 75% of the season.
I thought he was watching Knots Landing…
Donna Mills was a hot tamale 40 some years ago.
Wasn’t video games, it was Falcon Crest reruns. Old man Bouch likes quality tv programming.
There are no guarantees and no easy solutions. 🙂
That forward lineup is pretty much it with one of Janmark/Ryan replaced with Malone (not even cap room for Hamblin who is over $800K).
It occurred to me, James Hamblin has a higher cap hit than Ryan McLeod (although likely to be making his AHL salary of $80K most of the year – not even a large guaranteed min).
Ryan Rishaug tweeted Foegele not on the ice for practice today. Hmmmm? Do I smell a trade or is just a rest day?
DNB tweeted that Woodcroft said him and Samorukov were “kept off the ice”. Sure sounds like a trade in the making to me.
What’s the plan if Pickard gets claimed?
Risk is slim to none – remember, any claiming team would have to keep him on their NHL roster or put him back on waivers. Not even Vegas needs him as 2G.
Thanks. That’s a relief.
Ah yes,
Voldemort and the Oilers,
The end of a
eraerror.PTO RW officially relesed from PTO.
Of note: Leon not on the ice today (in addition to Yamo and Benson)…..
But not Demers?
Interesting if that’s the case.
I think the next steps are quite clear, and have been discussed on this blog ad infinitum. AS I understand it :
Certain cuts are Demers, Neimalainen , Pickard, Virtanen, Hamblin, Malone – taking us to 24/ The rest will depend on whether there is a trade (I assume Foegele) imminent and how pressure Ken feels to run a 23 man roster vs a 21 man roster …
If no trade is coming right now, it’s a 21 man roster with Foegele. 12 F, 7 D, 2G – so questions remain for Janmark, Benson, Shore for #12 F and Broberg, Murray and Samurokov for #7 D. Only bonus concern is Broberg and waiver concern for Samurokov. Need to run 11/7 is likely at this point and probably favourable to better develop rookie D, at least in the short to medium term.
If they trade Foegele for returns not immediately impacting the cap (picks/prospects/buryable player), we can do a 23 man roster This means Janmark and Shore likely make it, as well as Samurokov. Probably still run 11/7 for a while also.
In both scenarios we fit JUST under the Cap. I am undecided which is more preferable, but am leaning towards the 23 man roster for depth reasons. Does this sound about right?
Good riddance, Verboten.
Flames release Milano from his PTO.
Wow. That was unexpected.
No it wasn’t … he was totally zoomed by Zegras last year, and had one famous moment. Otherwise he’s a fringe NHLer.
Just a reminder that PTOs at the NHL level are essentially indefinte in term. AHL PTOs have a limit of 25 games (although you can re-sign to another PTO as long as other teams get a shot at offering a real contract first).
Oilers have used this “indefinite length” at the NHL level in the past and they may do so again for injury coverage, if the two players presently on PTO have no other prospects.
The B Keeper hit the waiver wire this morning
I didn’t see any Oilers on waivers
Pickard and Koekkoek
If Pickard becomes Ottawa’s starting goalie this year I’m going to be seriously miffed!
Will have to cheer for a B. Keeper
1) That was an AWFUL game to watch. Maybe it was the terrible stream quality that made it feel worse then it was. The parade to the penalty box (earned) certainly didn’t help.
2) Ya, I would have to say that Nimeo looks better than Broberg on a shift to shift basis but, damn, he can still treat the puck like a grenade sometimes – a couple passes directly to the opposition in the natural zone with little pressure. That’s not good.
3) Its an easy switch – Broberg down for one of Nimeo or Sammy after the initial roster is set but I do think that Broberg will get game 1 (and 2) at least before an AHL assignment. Perhaps its even a couple nights off here and there with Murray filling in, or an 11/7 to take the pressure off before an actual AHL assignment.
4) I mentioned a potential issue if Nimeo gets suspended and wasn’t sure if that stopped an AHL assignment (which would cause huge day 1 cap issues) but Puckpedia did confirm to me there is no issue sending a suspended player down – the suspension just waits until he’s back in the league.
5) 10 minutes until the waiver wire. Is this the day Holland tries to sneak a few names through? Sammy? Janmark? Ryan maybe even?
I don’t think any of the youngsters have shown that they should be played above Murray.
The NHL is not a developmental league. I’d start Murray ahead of all of Broberg, Niemo and Sammy.
I don’t agree with the statement that “the NHL is not a development league” and there are certain aspects of player’s games that can only develop further in the NHL and, at a certain point, a real prospect can only develop further overall in the NHL.
Now, I’m not saying that Broberg is at that point but lets remember back to Nurse and Klefbom in their early NHL seasons (and part seasons) and the growth they showed, not only season over season but also in-season.
Not saying that the three young LD shouldn’t play this season … of course they will. But I’d feel better about getting out of the gate with a vet like Murray on the third pairing.
I don’t disagree with that and I wouldn’t be against Murray starting next Wed – I was really just speaking to the position that players should’t be developing in the NHL, that’s all.
Are other fan bases/local msm as nutty as the Oiler fans/local msm?
People were unironically suggesting putting JP on waivers.
Wild times.
Genius .
I’m sure a lot of egos were bruised when there was all of the JP drama where fans and local msm all had various degrees of outlandish opinions on what Holland should do about it. And then Holland didn’t do what most of them suggested.
So the next best thing for them to do is to exaggerate how bad JP is and suggest something crazy like waive him.
At least that way they can say “see, I told you Holland should have traded JP for an 8th round pick when he had the chance! I was right! *deeply inhales the smell of their own fart*”
It’s Holland, Woody and Manson job to ice the best possible team while managing the cap. It’s go time!
I think the biggest reason is just a short memory. PJ ranged from poor to bad for most of the last month of regular season and playoffs last year so that is what is remembered.
Few fans consider that Yamo couldn’t finish for the first half of last year and PJ was playing well as the opposite was true in playoffs. (Bad case of what have you done for me lately and playoff performances being amplified.)
Short memory for some – definitely.
Convenient memory loss for others is also possible.
If we’re being fair, there’s convenient memory loss on both sides of the debate.
I’ll have to take your word for it since I can’t recall ever… EVER.. being wrong or forgetting about anything, ever, especially when it comes to hockey.
(Kidding of course)
Oilers played that game with attitude. Like they were playing an AHL team, a non threat. We don’t give a s*it about you and there is no need to take you seriously type of attitude.
It may be a mistake in regards to getting ready for the season, but it was like they were playing Rodney Dangerfield.
No respect…No respect at all!
Welcome back, Steve Staios!
The #Oilers have added the former defenceman as a special advisor to the hockey operations staff with a focus on player development. As President & GM, Staios recently led the @BulldogsOHL to the 2022 @OHLHockey championship.
Great add, wouldn’t hurt to have a Dubas type pipeline to swipe from either. Hamilton’s program has come a long way in a short time.
So long as it isn’t Steve Smith brought in to help the team prepare for the playoffs.
Was thinking about the Pulju trade issue this morn and it occurred to me, where is Buffalo in this conversation?
— Okposo, a RW, is almost done – last year of his deal
— Skinner had a bounce back year so he can stay, a LW though
— Olofsson is real but his defense is suspect and he is more LW
— Tuch is RW and is legit, also huge
— Thompson is C/RW, also huge, may have some regression, but is also legit
— Quinn is a legit RW but he is just starting
— Cozens and Krebs are C/LW all the way
— Asplund is ‘meh’ is every way
— Hinostroza is small (5’9″) and is NOT Yamamoto
— Bjork has nothing for stats at all
So basically, at the end of this year, with Okposo gone (never underestimate his injury issues), there is a good chance that Buffalo is in good shape on the RW with Thompson, Quinn, and Tuch, and maybe I have answered my own question…
… but still, I look at that line-up and think… get good players, keep good players; Pulju is a legit upgrade on that roster on performance alone and gives them another monster wing to go with Tuch and Thompson
Flip Edmonton a package of Bjork (retain $350k), the Vegas 2023 2nd, and a 2024 3rd… maybe a 2025 2nd instead of the 3rd…
… and secure good player. Then sign to a Tuch deal.
Sometimes I think GMs fake themselves out. Just because Edmonton looks like they are in a position where they have to take a lowball offer, GMs are forgoing the pick-up of a very good young player.
Then what is Buffalo waiting for? They should definitely give up their 1st rounder to have the Bison King in Buffalo. Giddy-up. They have the cap space.
Teams with significant cap space usually do so for 1 of 2 reasons:
1) They are tearing it down for a rebuild and saving the cap for future signings of impact players
2) The cap is reflective of a budget, so $3MM in actual dollars may be just as scary as the cap hit is for us.
LOL, not in a Bedard year… but if Holland was interested in my (Buffalo’s) 2025 1st rounder, then maybe.
A poll.
Some here might recall that I’ve been banging the Michael McLeod drum for a long time. According to some NJD bloggers, MM could be sent to Utica and the thinking is no one would claim him, given the Team Canada WJ scandal, etc.
I think he is a solid 4C, albeit a bit pricey, but still under $1 million. If he is put on waivers (I put it at 35%), who thinks Holland should claim him?
+ Yes / – No
We didn’t have room to give his younger brother an extra $2K for a clean $800K (let alone the $1.2MM he earned) – I’m not sure that $975K for a tweener is a good idea, right?
I don’t like brothers on the same team unless they are clearly proven. When a brother is a marginal player, it hurts the performance of the other brother.
The OIlers are also tight to the cap. Michael McLeod would not be able to be waived, without New Jersey reclaiming him. Which disincentives every forward in Bakerfield because Michael McLeod is blocking callups.
1.Richard’s
2.Hull’s
3.Mahovlich’s
4.Potvin’s
5.Stastny’s (trio)
6.Watson’s
7.Sedin’s
Who was the marginal player in the above cases?
Prospecting!
The spotlight tonight shines squarely on Matvey Petrov, who is rocking boxcars of 2-3-5 in two games for North Bay so far. It’s good enough for a share of the team lead in points.
Puck drop is 5 p.m. Carrot Creek time.
Ever stopped in at that little store there? Think they’ve had the same 3 broken down vans there for 10 years lol.
I am none worried about Nurse playing loose or the team taking liberties after the rookie was getting bullied. Costs 0 points in the standings, sends a message. This Oiler team is showing they may have lost some grit but they won’t be pushed around.
As much as we don’t want it to be, time and again players agree hockey, and all pro sports for that matter, are a game of intimidation. If you get in the other guys head, or make them hesitate for a moment, you got em.
I don’t like the hit but I like the mentality. Execution certainly needs work. Hope Petey is fine.
Yeah, I’d be more worried about Nurse the last couple of games if it was regular season. 2 fights is pretty stupid though, we can’t afford to start the season with our best d-man hurt.
Nurse ending the season hurt is sending a message to the NHL that he is happy to beat the daylights out of anyone crazy enough to take him on.
Otherwise he gets every punk in the NHL trying to “prove” something at his expense.
Can they cut Virtanen now? He’s got enough ice time and if anyone else wants him, they have seen him play enough. Wouldn’t it be much better to keep someone like Hamblin over Virtanen?
I don’t know what attraction Holland has for Virtanen but man I don’t get it. Seemed like a bad decision before camp and nothing Virtanen has done has changed my mind.
Is there some issue with talking about V-man? I’ve gotten “awaiting approval” the last couple of times I posted about him.
I suspect this is why so many ppl were calling him “He who shall not be named”
Others are calling him “Verboten”
I call him: “Ver-y-terrible”
I would sign Jake for $750,000 NHL and $100,000 AHL contract. 25 pro AHL games might make him better. At this point in a win now season he is a better call up than Lavoie, Tullio and arguably Xman
Throw a dart at the waiver wire and you could get a player as good as JV. Hopefully one that is going to try their ass off to make an NHL team and not coast on their draft position.
Agree on the three listed but is he a better call-up option than Malone, Benson, Griffith, Shore and one of Janmark/Ryan (who are likely to be off the roster to start)?
You want “him” influencing the young guys in Bakersfield?
In the NHL, you have the veteran room. You don’t have that in Bakersfield, only impressionable kids.
That’s why they’re paying Malone the big bucks. He fully understands his role in Bakersfield on and off the ice.
I agree, 100%, Malone is a great Condor and his largest value to the organization is as Captain of the Condors and leading that team, both on and off the ice. He has been commended by Yamamoto, in particular, but others as well as a massive help to their development.
With that said, unless the team is running with 11 forwards on the roster, without a trade, Malone is locked in as 12F for cap reasons. Its down to him and Hamblin but, not really, as the team doesn’t have the cap space to keep Hamblin and his $807,500 cap hit.
Malone’s greatest value is on the farm besides Hockey it’s filling in the youngsters on the ins and outs of Bakersfield.
Yes, I agree, and I’ve been saying that for months, shit, years.
I’ve also been saying for months there is a decent chance he’s on this team – his career has taken a massive turn up since Woody was hired to the Oilers – he went from not having played an NHL game in 2-3 years (and not having a point in like 6 years) and on an AHL only contract to, an NHL contract, a call-up to the NHL, NHL games, NHL playoff games over healthy legit NHL players and taking defensive zone face-offs in OT of an elimination game in round 3…… to a NEW 2-year contract.
Also, as above, without a trade for cap out, he’s on this team, there is no other current option for 12F that works within the cap.
Losing good players on waivers is the best thing that can ever happen to a Hockey club, when nobody wants the people u send down, they probably don’t want the ones you are keeping on the Big Club either ….this type of Pain Don’t Hurt
Dalton
What happens if you waiver the wrong guy?
THE CONTEST FORMERLY KNOWN AS DEATH MARCH™:
now known as – HUNTER1909’S OILERS DYNASTY MARCH™
Here is how it works.
Same rules same everything and all of the previous records will be retained for posterity.
Here is how to play: Predict the total points that Oilers finish the season with.
Tie breakers:
a) – How many points Connor McDavid gets
b) – how many goals Leon Draisaitl scores
c) – Where Oilers finish(1-16th in the West)
Deadline: Puck drop @ Game 6 Pittsburgh
To Recap:
1 – Predict Oilers final regular season point total
2 – Connormcdavid points
3 – leondraisatl goals
4 – oilers finish in the West(1-16)
1- 106
2- 129
3- 52
4- 4th
Could it be that last night’s play is a result of scrambled lines and lack of familiarity
Was at the game last night, what a treat to watch McDavid and Co. To all you fans in Edmonton that get to get games in live regularly, you get access to the best show in hockey at least 41 times a year. I envy that.
Holy Buckets LT, you’re outdoing yourself today.
Your next book should be a book of one-liners.
Like no joke.
“passed Quinn Hughes like he was a house on the side of the road “
“Looser than Crazy Horse at the Fillmore.”
Gold. Pure Gold
He looks a little rusty to me…
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/oilers-mcdavid-blasts-past-entire-canucks-lineup-trademark-smooth-score/
I suspect Quinn Hughes might need some AHL time to work out some wrinkles.
LT, just listened to the Jim Parsons show. Absolutely awesome interview, thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks for sharing.
I hope we see the Ken Holland Development Model (TM) on full display here with Broberg…he’s still 140 games and 2 years away from waiver eligibility…send him to Bako and leave him there until he kicks the door down. Samo and Nemo are close enough that it makes more sense to send Nemo down for waivers….Samo has earned a shot here, slot him 7th, give him 10 of the first 20 games and reassess.
I’m thinking the same thing. Holland kinda painted himself into a corner by saying it was Brobergs job to lose.
The only time Broberg has really stood out to me is at the U18 tourney in Red Deer. And maybe when you see him pull away from guys in open ice.
The physical tools are obvious. Big, long body with the effortless skating stride.
But how often does he use that size to push people off the puck? Or to shield the puck when he has it?
And how often does he really use that speed? LT commented on him catching a Canuck from behind last night, but that was the only time I really saw it. And he was the guy who got caught deep, and out of position at the offensive blueline, which resulted in the breakaway in the first place.
His hands, his decision making, and his assertiveness don’t look NHL ready to me.
Maybe he just needs to settle in and play 20 games, I dunno. But right now, he looks like a much better skating version of Griffin Reinhart.
I think he’s going to be just fine long term. He’s a young defender, had one full year in N.America. Plus we heard a lot about the extra muscle he put on this summer – his skating hasn’t looked quite as flawless as before, maybe the extra weight has impacted that a little? Point being that once he figures out the optimum man strength body that doesn’t slow down his skating then we’ll have a winner.
I’d rather wait one more year on him than rush him. Heck, we waited longer on Bouchard than I’d have personally liked and it seems to be paying dividends now.
Waiver eligibility and salary cap bonus overages will be the key variables this year. Not skill or readiness.
Broberg has to be on the opening night roster due to his contract structure. Full stop.
Not exactly “Full Stop”
If he starts the year in the minors, his cap hit upon recall becomes $1.663M instead of $863k if he starts the year on the roster.
If he starts on the roster and hits any Bonus, it counts as overage against next year’s cap when we need to sign Bouch, Mcleod, PJ, Skinner etc…
I think there’s merit to the argument of starting and leaving him in the AHL for the year…If he evolves into AHL Pronger and kicks the doors down…make a trade, make space, and bring him up at the deadline.
The main argument against this is for injury callups, Broberg becomes more difficult to call up. If he’s slated as the 6th LD behind Nurse, Kulak, Murray, Samo, Nemo…what are the odds we need to call him up?
If we get a serious rash of Dman hurt maybe KoeKeKo is back by then, or sign Kowboy or DeKyser….or hold your nose and trade Feogle with a sweetener and then call up Broberg….
My point being I disagree that he “HAS TO” be on the opening roster…
Regarding being on the roster (to create the bonus reserves) and then hitting the bonuses, for a cap overage penalty next season, yes, that is indeed to scenario but I did want to note that, unlike Bouchard, its unlikely that Broberg hits 4 performance bonuses (or even 2 or 3 and may not even hit one) due to lower offensive pedigree – 10 goals, 25 assists, 0.49 P/G, 40 points, top 4 in TOI/G (min 42 game), etc.
He’s unlikely to vest any, really.
The value in watching a game like that is it reinforces the need for balance in the lineup.
Hockey remains a team game and is rarely won by a one player – unlike a quarterback, pitcher or power forward.
Although McD and Drais did take it close to that level in the playoffs…
Last night?
Throughout all of McDavids tenure lines 3 & 4 have been harming the team.
Last year even:
Kyle Turris
Warren Foegle
Devin Shore
Derek Brassard
Tyler Benson
Colton Sceviour
Josh Archibald
All gave up more goals than they scored.
McLeod/ Holloway/ RNH or some combo probably changes that this year for line 3.
at least.
I watched the McDavid goal again and on the replay, the Vancouver homer colour commentator has the audacity to say, “Excellent try there by Quinn Hughes” as McDavid passes him like a house on the side of the road. He’s not being sarcastic either. I wonder what Hughes would’ve looked like if it wasn’t an excellent try.
I heard that. Funny. He was stammering all game.
I think it was the Abbotsford Canucks announcing crew. Minor league in every sense of the term. The whole production was shockingly poor.
Unlike the Excellent Cult of Hockey.
lowetide, i wonder by what metric you think niemalainen has surpassed samorukov?
his defensive coverage has not been great and he keeps getting out of position to make hits. i can appreciate the physicality but the other aspects of his game need a lot of refinement to be nhl calibre.
He’s a better hockey player in the NHL at this stage.
Miles ahead on the eye test due to the lack of hesitation in his game, solid passing, and blowing people up while not having to chase them.
Perfect #6/7 and he can practice every day against the two best forwards in the world.
perhaps what you are noticing with the eye test is the big hits?
MIles ahead seems grossly optimistic.
Niemo is more noticable due to the hitting.
Samorukov is more effective due to good positioning and passing.
I disagree, I don’t have the stats but I’m willing to bet Nemo completes far more passes to forwards than Samo who seems to get tunnel vision, panick, and throw pucks off the glass.
Don’t get me wrong, I think Samo will settle after 20 games and start to make better passes… he’s shown it at the AHL level, but he’s not there yet…he ices the puck more than Darnell Nurse.
This. 58 freezes with the puck unfortunately. That will fade in his NHL game and probably quite soon, but not yet.
I expected zero from 80 when he came up last year – but the passing was a very pleasant surprise. Usually big bruiser defencemen can’t do that.
I can’t agree that he’s miles ahead by the eye test.
For one, solid passing is a wild statement to me (sorry, with respect) – his passing is still not NHL level and that’s without the speed and intensity increasing (i.e. less tie) and, as we see nightly, there are defensive mistakes that lead to chances against.
I’m not saying that Sammy and Broberg do not also make mistakes, they clearly do, but, to my eye, both are better puck movers (by far) and Samorukov has been the steadier defender.
I value the impact Niemo can have but, for me, you are over-valuing it or, perhaps, it is skewing your analysis of the other aspects of his game, perhaps, sub-consciously.
That’s my analysis of the players – our opinions simply differ on these guys.
I always liked the “Crazy Horse at the Fillmore” quote! Speaking of the Fillmore, last time I was in SF I went by and caught a show. Not as much fun as it seemed back in 1970 or even when Grace Potter and the Nocturnals played there!
I saw Crazy Horse at the Coliseum and they were tight.
The Oilers will get there.
I saw some entertainers at Fillmores in Toronto. Does that count? 😀