Last night was one of those weird games that comes along that makes you question things. I don’t mean in a “can’t anyone play this game?” way, more like a “are the things we counted as confirmed less certain than believed?” and I think that’s a more dangerous question. The Oilers are two games into this season and there are worried minds all over central and northern Alberta. What does the future hold?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Can the Oilers’ AHL affiliate sustain a productive prospect pipeline?
- New DNB: Oilers need Jakob Chychrun or another top-4 defender, as loss to Flames shows
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers early impressions from season-opening win
- DNB: Oilers must adapt to short-handed lineup because it’s coming again
- Lowetide: Can Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi be a modern Jere Lehtinen?
- DNB: Oilers goalie Jack Campbell enters season intent on exceeding expectations
- Lowetide: Why Oilers’ Evan Bouchard will be a key to 2022-23 season
- New DNB: A summer day with Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft
- New DNB: 11 bold predictions for 2022-23 season
- Lowetide: What’s Oilers prospect Reid Schaefer’s NHL ETA?
- DNB: Oilers’ missing pieces? Trade strategy? Breakout player? Mailbag
- Lowetide: 5 areas for Edmonton Oilers roster improvement in 2022-23
- DNB: Projecting Oilers’ opening-night roster
- Lowetide: Is Oilers’ Connor McDavid facing Hart Trophy voter fatigue?
- DNB: Dylan Holloway’s emergence for Oilers puts Jesse Puljujarvi’s future into focus
- Lowetide: Is this the year an Edmonton Oilers player wins the Calder Trophy?
- Jonathan Willis: Jakob Chychrun would look good on the Oilers, but is there a deal to be had?
- DNB: Oilers’ Connor McDavid may have 50 goals in his reach, but a bigger goal remains
- DNB: Darnell Nurse’s big-money contract with Oilers isn’t going to change who he is or how he plays
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers reasonable expectations for every player in 2022-23
- Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OCTOBER
- At home to: VAN, CGY, BUF, CAR, STL, PIT (Expected 4-1-1) (Actual 1-1-0)
- On the road to: STL, CHI, CGY (Expected 1-1-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 5-2-2, 12 points in 9 games
- Actual October results: 1-1-0, 2 points in 2 games
- Oilers in 2022-23: 1-1-0, 2 points in 2 games
Edmonton has one more difficult team (Carolina Hurricanes) on the homestand, I had them 4-1-1 at the start of the month but suspect it’ll land around 3-2-1 now. The key is to get 7-11 points from the homestand. I believe the team will accomplish it.
SUMMARY
- The first goal against featured Oilers (Evan Bouchard and Ryan Murray) chasing and not winning races to or battles for loose pucks, a deflection off Dylan Holloway’s stick and Murray fishing for the puck instead of boxing out Mikael Backlund. I don’t think any of the Oilers involved should be shunned, humiliated in the town square or lashed, but that wasn’t on goalie Jack Campbell and the defense was not strong.
- The second goal was a great shot, but Murray and Bouchard make better doors than windows and cleaning out the front of the net is the job. I believe Murray actually nudges Campbell as the shot arrives.
- The third goal was Zach Hyman firing wide and a jailbreak the other way. Brett Kulak fell down and Nazem Kadri made a nice move on the goalie.
- The fourth goal featured Ryan Murray jumping on the ice in the middle of a jailbreak, falling and unable to impact the play.
Stuart Skinner stopped all 31 shots he faced in his season debut for the Oilers. It came in relief, but he was splendid in stopping seven HDSC and 11 MDSC (medium). I thought he was a highlight of the game. I’m not prepared to throw Jack Campbell under the bus, you’d like a stop on one of those shots but there was a strange brew feel to every damn one of them. His save percentage is .851 for the season. Oilers are not effective in front of him, that’s the lead, but Edmonton needs the goalie to keep them in the game.
- Darnell Nurse had four giveaways and five blocked shots, both unusually high totals. He made a great block on the PK that could have been a GA. Played big minutes against the Backlund and Lindholm lines (Nurse was 4-7 shots against them) but didn’t see the Kadri line much (1:55, 1-1 shots). Four giveaways is too many for Edmonton’s top defenseman.
- Cody Ceci scored a first-period goal that looked major at the time. He also had a giveaway, blocked some shots (3) and took four hits on a night he wasn’t his best. I think he’s a solid defenseman and wouldn’t move him off the Nurse pairing.
- Tyson Barrie was third in ice time (22:06) among Edmonton’s defensemen. Two shots, two HDSC, one rebound attempt, but two giveaways. I’m liking his game.
- Ryan Murray had a nice assist on the Ryan McLeod goal, but as described above was in the photo during three of the four goals against. He was far more effective with Ceci than Bouchard, perhaps we’ll see a shuffle. Murray needs to box out better, and a more physical presence is required to play with Bouchard in my opinion.
- Brett Kulak was exposed on the Kadri goal when he fell down. One HDSC, one penalty, he had a strong first game but this one wasn’t good enough.
- Evan Bouchard had a terrible game, and I say that as a big fan of this player. His offensive sorties lacked flair, and defensively he showed up (as described above) either late for the party or indifferent about the outcome. The young defender needs to be stronger on the puck. Two shots, five hits and a giveaway.
- Oilers are giving up 38.8 shots-per-60 at five-on-five, only Arizona and Anaheim are worse.
- One final thing: The Flames were exceptional at pressuring the defense. I expect the Oilers blue will get a steady diet of this until they can get past it. Last night’s turnover ratio (19 for Edmonton, 7 for Calgary) is a major tell. Among defensemen, Nurse’s four stands out.
- Evander Kane picked up an assist, had six shots, four hits and (gulp) three giveaways. I give him credit, he’s always posting numbers and most of them come in the good columns. Two assists, no goals yet. That will change soon based on past performance. He had four HDSC on the night.
- Connor McDavid scored again, his fourth of the season (4-1-5 in two games). Had a takeaway and drew a penalty. Pushed for the late equalizer but nothing rhymed. I know people are disappointed about last night’s game, but it’s important to key on what’s good and fine. The defensive lapses cost Edmonton, but the offense to win that game was on the roster.
- Leon Draisaitl had two assists, three giveaways, three shots, a takeaway and drew a penalty. The Flames closed space double time on the big man, and interfered just enough to stay away from penalties (save one). It was an effective evening by Calgary against a very dangerous man. Draisaitl is 1-4-5 through two games.
- Zach Hyman had a brilliant late chance that didn’t cash, but typical of the player he was working to the last tick of the clock. His wide shot led to the Kadri goal. One shot, three hits, took a penalty and drew one. He’s a favourite of mine, gotta say.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two shots, a takeaway, one HDSC and a sure goal if he didn’t hesitate. I did the pre-game show last night on TSN1260, and fielded a “they have to trade Nuge” text from a listener. I know it may seem like RNH is superfluous on the third line, but he has a wide range of skills and is willing to be a role player despite owning impressive skill.
- Jesse Puljujarvi had three hits and a shot attempt. He is playing a more physical brand of hockey, and has two HDSC from three shots through two games. He’ll find the range. He is 0-2 goals five-on-five and has a expected goals percentage of 37.4, having been under 50 percent just once in his career.
- Warren Foegele had two shots, a giveaway and a HDSC. Hit a couple of people and tried mightily to turn the corner on a few sorties. If he keeps working, the goals will come.
- Ryan McLeod scored a goal, one shot, one HDSC, one penalty and two giveaways. I love his speed, needs to find a line or at least a partner he can be paired with consistently.
- Kailer Yamamoto had an assist and a shot on goal in his first game of the season, he’s a smart player and the team missed his creativity. Blocked a shot, one hit, got hit thrice.
- Dylan Holloway had three hits, a giveaway and a takeaway, plus a blocked shot. You always look for a rookie to be at or near the puck, hopefully handing it often and making plays. Holloway has been quiet in this area. His play on the first goal against was some bad luck for the youngster.
- Derek Ryan had one shot on goal, seemed forgotten save for PK duty.
- Brad Malone had four hits and a giveaway.
There are things we’re seeing (loading up the top line, defensive indifference) that have to be tightened up quickly. I don’t see a strong recall option saving the day, and don’t see a trade being imminent. The key to Woodcroft-Manson last year was improving areas that needed an upgrade using internal solutions. That’s the goal here in my opinion, it’s miles too early to be tearing apart the summer’s work. Brett Kulak and Ryan Murray are veteran NHL defensemen, and Evan Bouchard is a gifted young player. The answer is on the roster.
I watched most of the Condors game and will tell you they’re going to be a lot of fun. Mike Kesselring is emerging, Calvin Pickard is a fine goalie and Xavier Bourgault worked hard and had good moments. More on the Condors in tomorrow’s post.
If my math is correct, Stuart Skinner is currently rocking a 133:21 shutout streak. Not too shabby.
Tortarella’s team rode great goaltending in both wins, his team was outplayed in both games.
Otherwise, I had to wear my Oakley’s to be able to read your brilliant commentary.
Oilers got bushwhacked last night. And Calgary have a legit good team.
Calgary had all summer to get mad, and they showed up ready to die rather than go through the same humiliation as last season.
That’s Calgary’s trouble – they’re always worrying about the regular season, then when playoff time comes they’re gassed.
With the Oiler’s AHL team finally being deemed competent, it will be interesting to follow the newest coach (Chaulk) and how he does with regards to prospect development.
Given that I don’t know much about Chaulk, I wonder who hired him in the first place. Is he a Nelson guy? A Woodcroft hire?
Who’s running the defence nowadays?
Keith McCambridge, or Josh Green?
After not getting a shift in the 2nd period (I don’t think), the 4th line comes through – Niemo with a cross-ice breakout pass to Tulio at the own blue line – he cross centre and dumps it in but it hits the linesman allow Samuel Dove McFalls to pick it up and rip and bad angle shot shelf for the goal.
They are giving Tulio the assist (even though it was a broken play off the linesman) which means Niemo should get the secondary.
This came shortly after Abotsford had tired it up early in the 3rd (which I missed).
Kostin with another really nice offensive play – button hooks and spins at the circle and finds Demers streaking with a cross-ice diagonal pass in stride – great chance.
Bourgault coming in on a 2 on 1 with speed – about to snap what was likely the 3-1 goal, stick breaks. Damn
I look at last night as what it was: a poor team-wide performance (sans Skinner, who was perfect) against one of the best teams in the league. I don’t think it’s an indication that this team as is isn’t good enough. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, of course. But it’s game two. This is the same roster that got to the WCF a few months ago. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt for a handful of games to start the season.
What happened last night? Well… Calgary was just hungrier. They got absolutely humiliated this summer in the playoffs – in their own arena, in front of their own fans. They had a lot more to prove last night, and it showed on the ice. It is what it is. On to game 3, and see them again in two weeks for some revenge.
IMO, the issue isn’t the roster – it’s the bad starts and defensive breakdowns. The team just looked off. Could barely make passes. And even then, they still lost by one. And it could have been a different story had Vladar not made some great saves, including in the dying seconds. The first period lost them the game.
You can burn me at the stake for this, but… I would send Holloway down. He’s not ready. He had a phenomenal pre-season, he’s going to be an incredible hockey player one day, perhaps even later this season. But now isn’t the time, IMO.
Kaldis and Hamblin with some back and forth passing on the PP (point/left half boards), Kaldis then goes the other way to Griffith who walks in to the top of the circles but doesn’t shoot – he slides it across to Hamblin for the one-time goal.
2-1 Condor in the 2nd.
Bourgault with a nice touch-pass in the o-zone to create a 3 on 2 and a good McKegg shot.
PP: Philp, McKegg, Bourgault, Keilb, Demers – had some good pressure and puck movement.
Bourgault getting some PK time – given the Condors take minors like the Oilers….
Sounds like Broberg might actually be dinged up – per Mike Griffith (who says he was told that last night – he reports on the Condors).
Philp/McKegg/Bourgault line (with the Kaldis/Kemp pair) getting running around in their own zone for a good 45 seconds and a rebound of a point shot ties the game up.
Whoa, Kostin with some good speed and effort to negotiate an icing, make a moves down low and set up Hamblin in front for a grade A. I like that play.
Wow, Phil Kemp:
1) Makes a real skilled play to take a tough pass from Hamblin as they cross the offensive blue.
2) Makes a nice pass to Hamblin in the slot.
3) Drives to the net and bangs home the rebound after a Hmablin pass down low in front misses and is then muffed by Kopely.
Phil Kemp scored
You MUST be a Bot!
Condors rolling with the same lineup except Rodrigue with the start.
Surprised its not Fanti but there you go.
No Broberg, that’s interesting.
Broberg, Jesse and a 1st might fetch Chychrun.
Yeah, they need to move more cap hit than that in order to make it work.
Well, to right away if Chychrun goes straight to LTIR.,,,,,
Given he still hasn’t skated with teammates after his ankle and wrist surgeries this off-season (I think the ankle is ready but not the wrist).
With that said, I think it was Friemdman who said he could join the team this week and start skating with them.
Foegele.
Difficult. The time to do this was during the summer when there were still UFA’s looking for jobs on the wing.
I think NHL teams want to see Chychrun for a few weeks as a healthy NHL D. I also expect another team will make a more competitive offer.
I would think so too. Chychrun will bring in a pretty good return for Arizona.
I read that he is with the Condors now but won’t play tonight.
I suspect he probably just got there today but that’s just my speculation.
Last night was the traditional 12-6-2 line up.
3 forwards played less than 15% of the game. Woody should go with a 11-7-2 and have Murray help Broberg become a 2LD this year.
Exactly – why dress 12 forwards if 2 of them are going to play less than 10 minutes per game?
Anyone know why there are no NHL games today? Seems odd for the first Sunday of the season
Three letters … N-F-L
i wasn’t a fan of Campbell’s rebound control on either the first or fourth goals. The first one was that 58 hopper that came off of Holloway’s stick, somehow dribbled past both Nuge & Murray, & Campbell punted it right into the slot & on the stick of the goal scorer. The fourth was more subtle, but he lost the short side post as Kadri came across & was immobile to deal with the short rebound.
Already 3 goals (Pettersson’s as well) cleaning up loose pucks around the blue paint, lots of that is on the D but the netminder has a role to play as well.
Good point….
Meh. First one is tough. It’s natural as a goalie to kick your leg out at a puck since it’s a reaction. Ideally, he gets the stick on it to deflect it, but the shot was in itself a deflection, and he probably didn’t see it until too late. I have more of a problem with what he did afterwards. There was no reason to push to the right, seeing as he kicked the puck straight. Campbell also has a habit of really torquing his arms when he pivots and pushes out of a butterfly. That left him in a terrible position with his left leg up and stick nowhere to be seen since he was swinging his blocker to pivot, thus the shot goes through his legs. 4th maybe wasn’t perfect, but also keep in mind it was a semi-breakaway in which he stopped the cut to the middle and the initial rebound. Hard to ask for more from him. It’s also hard to control a rebound when the guy drills it into you from 2 inches away. Honestly, I’m not worried about Campbell. He’s just had a bit of bad luck Imo.
If Murray, Broberg, and Kulak can’t get the job done at 2LD, who is the trade target?
If not Chyckrun, which of these guys are an appropriate target:
Edmondson?
Matheson?
Soucy?
Dunn?
I’m not sure if any of the above are a marked improvement.
Maybe if the Jets decide to re-build they could look at a package of Broberg, a 1st + for Morissey, but otherwise the pickings is slim.
I don’t believe ( maybe early in Murray’s career? ) there is any recent evidence of Murray or Kulak being able to play Top 4 minutes in the NHL.
This tells me the org. ( backed up by Hollands verbal ) firmly believed Broberg would step and rise to this role. ( 2LD )
The lowly NY Jets smacking the liar Aaron Rodgers around gives me much much joy.
Green Bay will probably win but Rodgers is going to need an extra dram after this one.
Rodgers loses back to back against NY. All is right with the football world 😀
Love it.
Crappy defence aside, the thing that I hated the most about yesterday was seeing ads for Calgary apparel on Edmonton’s boards…honestly OK with digital ads (as long as they don’t block gameplay), but ads supporting the away team are a step too far.
It doesn’t sound like an effective strategy for those paying for the ads.
kind of like putting cash into a barrel and lighting it on fire.
they will see no return and stop the ads.
Where were you watching the game?
When the Oilers are playing well, they’re playing as a 5 man unit with excellent puck support and gap control. When they play badly, the back checking looks optional and the D struggle to maintain gaps because they’re constantly being outmanned by poor puck support. The D always gets the blame for this because they’re highly exposed. But when you’re seeing your D constantly having to win 1on1 battles, that’s a tell imo that the team is not playing as a 5 man unit.
As an aside, does this D corps miss Mike Smith’s puckhandling? That was hugely effective against the aggressive forechecks.
I’m paraphrasing cos I don’t have the exact quote at hand but in the preseason, McDavid said something along the lines of offense is never going to be an issue with this team. Their success will be dictated by the quality of their defensive play. I loved that remark from the Captain because it was spot on and he was challenging the team off the hop to commit to the structure and mental focus that seems to ebb and flow with this squad.
They’re never going to be Lemaire’s Devils defensively. But they have to raise the standard of their defensive play so it becomes part of the culture and not something they commit to when the spirit or circumstances move them.
Good habits and attention to detail. Commit to it now lads. Build it until it’s bulletproof. Then you’ll be the kind of squad that can win a 1-0 game in the Finals. Failure is not an option.
One huge thing I noticed last year after Woodcroft took over was how often I seen the C down below the red line in their own zone. I haven’t noticed it even once in the first two games. Is that a tactical change? Or the Cs not committing to follow through on that part of the system?
LT, wanted to take a moment and say I’m really loving the post-game formatting this season. Everything is well organized, and easy to read. The charts are dialed in with just the right information to effectively summarize the key events for the skaters. Only thing I’d offer is the goalie stats seem a bit out of synch.
Ryan Murray from PTO to top 4 D pairing?
Way too slow.
Assumed this PTO player was fighting for the 7th D role.
He was never a PTO. Signed an NHL contract from the get go.
Okay, thanks Bruce. My bad.
I fell asleep sometime just after Skinner came into the game (damn 0430 get ups), which was too bad. Watched the highlights today, and looks like there was some high drama right to the end.
I am not concerned about the team, they’ll tighten up and turn it around in due time.
“Four giveaways is too many for Edmonton’s top defenseman.” $9m not incentive enough?
It is irrelevant to the point.
Good thing Holland never spent all of his assets on Patrick Kane this summer because he is going to have to upgrade the D this deadline. At minimum the Oilers are going to need another top 4 guy. Oilers will still finish 1st or 2nd in the division so there is no rush. Thank goodness Barrie wasn’t traded either because Bouchard doesn’t look like he is ready for tough assignments yet. His play in his own zone lacks intensity. Thought Jesse was really trying last night more than usual and saved a goal in the first. He is definitely engaging more physically these days.
Yup.
Acquiring a d-man as the primary focus near the deadline was always going to be the way, and nothing early is changing that.
Holland has a long history of acquiring veteran d-man at the deadline, and his time in Edmonton has been no different.
I could not understand the reasoning of breaking up Kulak and Bouchard to start the year. They had a good run last year. But too much blending now, too much chaos looking for a solution. Murray looked capable of handling 3LD during training camp, but now I am not sure. Bro could do better I think and get valuable experience during the “process”. Niemo would be a good call up option for Flames games. There are only 2 left now right?
I think you are mixing up you “Bs” – Kulak barely played with Bouch last season (18 minutes in regular season and 6 in the playoffs). Kulak played with Barrie (as they have had it most of this season) – it was Keith that was paired with Bouch down the stretch and in the playoffs.
This comment is so stupid, it makes me question what people are even watching.
No one seems to be talking about this but after the first period, the pairings were essentially:
Nurse Boosh
Murray Ceci
Kulak Barrie
I think we will see the return of 11-7 against Buffalo. Either Malone will sit or they will send Holloway to Cali. Holls only played 8 minutes again last night, and while that is a function of the sad state of the scoreboard early in the games, he needs to play more.
Unsure how Ryan Murray is finding himself on a top 4 pair.in the NHL.
If this is the plan, we are in trouble.
LT…not sure why you’re fading Pittsburgh as a tough opponent.
Two 6-2 wins thus far including a dominant win over Tampa.
Sid is on fire.
I make these predictions before the start of the year. Penguins have surprised, so they should be a tough out as well. I would still consider the Hurricanes a tougher matchup for Edmonton.
Perhaps you missed the games last May where it was: Woodcroft 4 – Jack Adams 1
Minnesota has given up a whopping 13 goals in two games. Should be expected with their weak and gimmicky defense and poor coaching. About the right commentary given the Oilers travails am I right?
Or maybe it’s two games into the season and the Oilers lost a one goal outing despite spotting the Flames a 4-1 lead early?
I was hoping to get past the first week before Oiler fans swooned for Sutter, tis not to be.
Calgary isn’t as quick as they were last year. Gonna haunt their offense this year especially when everyone realizes how slow Hubby is. 9.5 million dollar man has been invisible the two games I watched. Early days of course.
Powerplay looks lethal.
Oilers should borrow the box out lesson on defense though. Murray, Kulak and Bouchard had tough nights. Liked the action from the 2nd period onward until that flop of a PP the oilers had in the 3rd. When they zero in on the drop pass entry to McD come hell or high water that’s a recipe for frustration.
It’s all good though, second game of the year. Second game of the year.
Today is a CBA mandated day off for the team. they return to practice tomorrow.
Hi verdad!
The word that comes to mind for me, in the early going, is disconnected. On break-outs, on zone entries, and with puck support.
It’s very early of course, but last year’s team was exceptional in that regard. The culprit to my eye is the D, pretty clear that multiple guys are still rounding into form.
Overall, I’m not concerned.
Skinner was excellent and boy is he quiet/efficient with his movement. He made an extremely difficult blocker save in the third period look like a walk in the park. Just outstanding stuff.
Hmmmm . . . seems our “starter” could learn something from his “back-up”. It’s still very early, but I’m feeling very nervous about Campbell; hope he gets his game in order…soon.
Imo I’m not too worried about Campbell. Just had an unlucky game with deflections, rebounds, and odd breaks. Team didn’t come to play for him. Skinner had a bit of luck on his side with 2 posts and a crossbar. Regardless, Skinner has probably earned himself another game
Flames game plan was a heavy forecheck and it was effective. Murray, Kulak and Bouchard had very poor games. Oilers can expect this from other teams as it is a weakness. I think the team will miss Smith’s ability to move the puck.
We’re still feeling the loss of Klefbomb
such a shame ;(
I’ll take Pronger.
I’ll take rewind the clock for 200 Alex
If your going back at least choose someone not made of glass.
Klefbom is still under contract and didn’t bail at the first sign of personal difficulty like Pronger. Fuck that guy.
We did receive a fair package for Pronger even though it didn’t pan out as well as it could of. All we received for Kelfbom was LTIR cap room and a headache.
Who was the better player last night, Jesse(thumbs up) or Warren(thumbs down)
Jesse was better, but Foegle played well too IMO
I’ll give Jesse mixed reviews
he played very well without the puck
not great with it. He was lacking awareness of his teammates and sending Hail Mary passes. I did not like that
Both did their best work creating space in front of the net.
That is the wrong question. The right question is which one, Puljujarvi, Foegele, or Yamamoto will get the Oilers a serviceable left D.
None, but the cap space will.
What they need moreso than a left d is a TEAM COMMITMENT to defence
Haha! You chose to use the first two games of the season for the premise of your comment, instead of the entire time Woodcroft’s been the Oilers coach?
Prospectophone!
No games for Oilers NA amateur prospects today, so this is a good time to check in on their season so far:
Reid Schaefer (Seattle): 6 games, 8-2-10. His 8 goals lead the T-birds, and is only 1 behind Connor Bedard for the league lead and has played four fewer games. Is also just behind Bedard for league lead in GWG’s.
Jake Chiasson (Wheat Kings), 7 games, 5-5-10. Leads his Wheaties in goals and points.
Max Wanner (Moose Jaw), 4 games, 1-1-2. Scored in his first game as an Oilers signee, but soon got a three-game ban for slewfooting. Returned to action on Friday.
Matvey Petrov (North Bay), 6 games, 3-5-8. Started season strong, has been running in place recently.
Shane Lachance (Youngstown), 4 games, 3-2-5. Team captain leads his squad in goals despite only 7 SOG.
Skyler Brind’Amour (Quinnipiac), 4 games, 1-1-2. Senior season; will he earn a contract when it’s over?
Luca Munzenberger (Vermont), 3 games, 0-3-3. Has already matched last season’s point total which came in 32 games. Leads team in points.
Joel Maatta (Vermont), 4 games, 0-0-0. Vermont’s offense is not good (4 goals in 4 games), so he has plenty of company in the goose egg department. Remains a witch on the dot though.
Tomas Mazura (St. Lawrence), 4 games, 0-1-1. Freshman season with Providence was derailed last December with injury, off to slow start with new team.
Thanks for the Updates ..🙂
Gold.
Thank you
Just to add: no games tomorrow either. Prospecting resumes Tuesday.
No games today – lame.
I think Brind’Amour MAY get an AHL deal. I presume their bring him to Bakersfield on an ATO wth he’s done playing this season and see how it goes (if he even gets in to a game).
I think Lachance is heading to Boston University next season where he’ll have the opportunity to earn himself la chance at an NHL contract…..
Stuart skinner with back to back shut outs in the regular season.
Who knew.
I said it before the season started the D is average at best, Calgary and Colorado’s d is light years better than the Oiler’s. If Nurse is your best D the team is going nowhere
It’s the Achilles heel, very obviously.
Murray was being healthy scratched, no? Wonder about the coaching assessment on him.
It can be argued that Nurse is the best d-men on the two teams.
Yes, for sure, arguments can be made for Weeger, Anderson or Hanifin but, really, aside from pop offensive years this past season, one could easily argue that Nurse is the best of the bunch and there is definitely not seperarting any of those three in to a “higher tier”.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Oilers defensive group is even close but the issue is not that “their #1 isn’t good enough”, the flames #1 is no better – the issue is the depth and help in behind that #1. The flames have two others in that territory and, until Bouchard develops his overall game, the Oilers having nothing close in behind – as much as I like Ceci.
It can be argued that Nurse is the best d-men on the two teams.
Yes, for sure, arguments can be made for Weeger, Anderson or Hanifin but, really, aside from pop offensive years this past season, one could easily argue that Nurse is the best of the bunch and there is definitely not seperarting any of those three in to a “higher tier”.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Oilers defensive group is even close but the issue is not that “their #1 isn’t good enough”, the flames #1 is no better – the issue is the depth and help in behind that #1. The flames have two others in that territory and, until Bouchard develops his overall game, the Oilers having nothing close in behind – as much as I like Ceci.
It can be argued that Nurse is the best d-men on the two teams.
Yes, for sure, arguments can be made for Weeger, Anderson or Hanifin but, really, aside from pop offensive years this past season, one could easily argue that Nurse is the best of the bunch and there is definitely not seperarting any of those three in to a “higher tier”.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the Oilers defensive group is even close but the issue is not that “their #1 isn’t good enough”, the flames #1 is no better – the issue is the depth and help in behind that #1. The flames have two others in that territory and, until Bouchard develops his overall game, the Oilers having nothing close in behind – as much as I like Ceci.
Also, I’m not speaking to cap hits or value for cap hit but just to the statement that the top d-man isn’t good enough.
I would also mention that this team, with Nurse as its #1 and paying #1 minutes while massively diminished in his greatest attribute (mobility) made it somewhere last season – at least in my opinion.
Is this The Twilight Zone?
I saw the Rooney, Lewis , Lucic line very effective last night and they played about 10 minutes of hockey. Foegele, Malone and Ryan should be able to play 10-12 effective minutes of hockey each night it is a long season.
Sounds like I made the right choice skipping last night’s game.
That being said, it is only two games, and the Oilers are integrating a number of new players at key positions. “It’s coming” as they say.
I keep the game on while putting in a workout … I highly recommend it. 30 minutes of cardio, 30 mins of core, 30 minutes of stretching and 90 minutes of weights. No matter if the Oilers win or lose, gains are made.
I’m not so sure this is really true, is it?
They brought back materially the same team as last year but for goal.
Sure, Holloway is playing some depth minutes and Kulak is playing more and Murray is here but, really, as compared to, say, the flames, the Oilers are bringing back much the same skaters in the material positions.
#2Lhd was a big question mark coming into the season and now is a very major question mark.
This team misses Duncan Keith.
This team missed Oscar Klefbom.
This team misses Andrej Sekera.
So you might as well play Broberg.
I would play Broberg unless there’s something wrong (injury). If you’re going to suffer through growing pains, and that’s what happens with rookies, then play the man.
Broberg going -3 is progress. One is ticking off one of his first 100 games. The growing pains are going to have to be endured sooner or later.
Ryan Murray going -3 is a waste of time.
Barrie starts seasons horribly. Forcing him to mentor a rookie would focus his mind. Plus Broberg is Barrie’s ticket to not getting traded next summer.
Yes. Agree completely.
completely agree!