The Edmonton Oilers won another thrilling game with a third-period comeback and then an OT winner. The team has been running on empty for most of November, and a six-pack of injuries increased the degree of difficulty. The last two games have been thrillers and the coaching staff isn’t sending the tape to the Academy, but a win is a win and there’s two in the bank since Saturday morning.
THE ATHLETIC!
DNB: Oilers GM Ken Holland Q&A: Can the team be improved? If so, how?
Lowetide: Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins into 2nd decade of being misunderstood
DNB: Oilers have a long way to go as defensive problems persist
Jonathan Willis: Oilers’ Jack Campbell will be better, but can he be a true No. 1?
Lowetide: The Edmonton Oilers and early-season trades during road trips
Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers’ lack of secondary scoring is a critical situation
Lowetide: 5 Edmonton Oilers trade targets from the AHL
DNB:How Oilers star Connor McDavid went from poor to unreal in a pivotal win
DNB and Jesse Granger: Is the Connor McDavid vs. Jack Eichel rivalry finally about to become reality?
Lowetide: How the Oilers can replace Evander Kane’s production on a budget
Lowetide: Why the Oilers need to trade for an established defenceman
Lowetide: What should the Edmonton Oilers expect from Klim Kostin?
Lowetide: Oilers rookie Stuart Skinner is chasing history
Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers start October slow but finish month strong
Jonathan Willis: Jakob Chychrun would look good on the Oilers, but is there a deal to be had?
Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers reasonable expectations for every player in 2022-23
Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN NOVEMBER
At home to: NAS, NJD, DAL (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 1-2-0)
On the road to: WAS, TBY, CAR, FLA (Expected 1-2-1) (Actual 2-2-0)
At home to: LAK, VEG (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 1-1-0)
On the road to: NJD, NYI, NYR (Expected 1-1-1) (Actual (1-2-0)
At home to: FLA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
On the road to: CHI (Expected (1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
November expected result: 7-4-3, 17 points in 14 games
Actual November results: 6-7-0, 12 points in 13 games
October results: 6-3-0, 12 points in 9 games
Oilers in 2022-23: 12-10-0, 24 points in 22 games
The Oilers are on pace for 89 points now, that’s shy of a playoff spot but the club continues to hold on to No. 7 in the Western Conference and is now tracking down the Los Angeles Kings for third-place in the Pacific. A big game against Chicago coming up, the lineup could use some help from the injured list.
Leon Draisaitl scored the winner, he had three shots (one HDSC) and drew a penalty. He had one takeaway and three giveaways, Florida is an aggressive and rambunctious team. He was 79 percent in the dot, and played 24:06. What a fantastic hockey player.
Connor McDavid was they to the victory. His passes to Bouchard and Draisaitl for goals had the Midas touch, and his goal was pure fury. 1-2-3 on the night, five shots and five HDSC. Blocked a shot, took a hit and a mauling. Played 26:42. For those who question the wisdom of Jay Woodcroft playing him that much, I would refer you to the standings and the roster last night.
Zach Hyman was back to his usual hijinks, three assists, five shots, five HDSC, drew a penalty. Now one of four men on the roster to be averaging a point per game this season.
Dylan Holloway had one shot, one HDSC, took four hits and is already being used for zone entries by his line. The thing we’ve been watching all season is five-on-five time on ice. With a bare bones roster, Woodcroft used him for 8:16 in the discipline, 9:28 overall. If he can find 12 minutes, I think he’ll stay. He is certainly one of the nine best forwards on the team.
Brad Malone played 10 minutes, took one shot, took a penalty, had four hits (he gets his money’s worth).
James Hamblin made his NHL debut, such a wonderful moment for any player. He played 9:55, had one giveaway and took several hits. He is a smart player, and I believe it was reflected in a safe and somewhat tentative game.
Devin Shore played 9:28 but didn’t get noticed much. He had one takeaway.
Derek Ryan was in the thick of things and had more touches than normal to my eye. Two shots, one HDSC, a takeway, and good work in the circle.
Klim Kostin had three shots, one HDSC and played a smart game to my eye. I’m not sure where he plays when everyone is healthy, but he brings a rugged edge and the Oilers are looking for that element.
Mattias Janmark was very involved in the game compared to recent events. He had two shots, two HDSC and seemed to be around the Panthers crease at least once a shift.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins picked up an assist, drew a penalty and was 4-10 in the faceoff circle. He’s a winger now. He had chances at five-on-five but didn’t cash. Having a terrific offensive season by his own standards.
Jesse Puljujarvi had two shots, one HDSC, and drew a penalty. His last seven games have seen Jesse closer to what we’ve seen the last two (productive) seasons.
Darnell Nurse had some adventures with the puck, misplaying a puck and having it land on the stick of diabolical Matthew Tkachuk. Also took an unwelcome penalty. On the other hand, his pass to Leon in OT was a big moment in the game. He is on pace for 45 points.
Cody Ceci had two shot on goal and took a penalty. He and Nurse battled the Bennett-Cousins-Tkachuk line all night, they are a load.
Brett Kulak picked up an assist, had a shot on goal and used his mobility well.
Tyson Barrie scored a goal, three shots, one HDSC, and blocked a shot late that is likely a worry today. Wow these Oilers are testing their depth right now.
Philip Broberg was an adventure with the puck, the rookie was credited with 2-1 GV-TK but his decisions with the puck were chaotic. Young blue will give you an ulcer and break your heart.
Evan Bouchard is regressing like a demon now, another goal and another huge one. Seven shots on net and two takeaways. Is now 3-6-9 for the season.
Stuart Skinner won the game and maintains a solid save percentage for the season. A productive player.
THANK YOU
I dreaded yesterday, telling you about Jo-Anne. Somehow, when it wasn’t known publicly it was easier. I wasn’t at all prepared for the outpouring yesterday from far and wide. Your kind words made me feel so much better and I can tell you my children read them, too. A few we read together. I can’t respond to everyone, but know if you posted her, on twitter or at the TSN1260 text line, I read you and appreciate you. I’m back on the air today with Dave and Matthew, 10-noon on TSN1260.
Summarizing!
Wanner picked up three assists and a +4 as MJ cruised to an 8-3 win.
He now has 5+11 in 18 GP.
LT, you’re in our hearts and minds at ours. The love of Mrs. Lowetide and your love for her comes through in your work. It’s what makes this a special place. The two of you have helped create a real community. I love this place – it’s what all of the internet should be like.
Thank you. Be well. And please accept our deepest condolences.
Early goalie pull (over 4 mins) as the Condors have a late 3rd PP. Manning the point on the 1st unit out of a TV timeout… Jason Demers everyone.
Bourgault on the left half wall with a few sharp cross seam darts but also can’t get a shot through when he gets a dish from the top.
5 or so icings later… Bourgault obliterates another shin pad and Podkolzin fires it 160 feet into the twine.
6-3 final, back tomorrow night for more!
And just like that… 2 quick ones the other way. Puck handled like a live grenade in the neutral zone, Kesselring tried his best to break up the 2-on-1 with a well timed slide but Klimovich walked around his outstretched stick and ripped it far side; and an extended own zone tire fire with Griffith eventually getting lured too high and turned around, cross crease pass, and the Canucks resident coke machine had time to dust it off before sliding it home. 5-3.
SEA 8 LAK 6
At the end of the 2nd period
SEA 9 LAK 8 in OT
17 goals on 65 shots in the game. Combined save percentage under .750.
Ask and you shall receive I guess! Three quick ones. Hard low slapper from Kesselring that may have been tipped, and two absolute gifts in the zone where Griffith & Tullio made no mistake. 3-3!
Condors with as little offence as a team can possibly muster but Kesselring with a half wind up one-timer fluffed finds its way though, yet again, for his 8th.
The Condors are visiting me in Abbotsford tonight and tomorrow. Amateur game report after two periods and a few beers:
Lots of mix and match with lines and pairings as you’d imagine, having been strip mined for top talent.
Kesselring having not his greatest night. Puck skills not blowing me away – more than one ugly giveaway as the last man back, Fanti bailed him out once, and the Canucks missed the net on the other.
Demers is either having a really rough night or he is cooked. Beat wide at the AHL level, his feet are just not there. Can’t make a stop, feeding passes into skates…
Bourgault is s-m-a-r-t, gets to good places. Doesn’t have a fantastic first step though, which holds him back when he anticipates a play but can’t separate that extra step.
Fanti overall has been good so far, though puck handling is a major adventure. two no-chance goals on cross crease power play passes (he can thank Phil Kemp for being stuck too far up ice trying to create a 3-on-1 on the PK for #2), but the third was ugly. He thought he had it squeezed and, well, he didn’t.
Overall the boys are in tough against a good portion of the NHL Canucks.
This might sound overly negative but then again it’s 3-0 Abbotsford on 25-11 shots at the end of the 2nd. Could use some jump in the third!
Ha ha! This is cool. I appreciate the color and the commentary!
You’d have to think the best are playing for the Canucks in the NHL but who the hell knows!
Chris Johnston
@reporterchris
With Gary Bettman and Bill Daly in attendance, Tempe City Council has voted unanimously in favour of approving the Arizona Coyotes proposed arena and entertainment district.
The project will now be put to a referendum of local citizens in May.
The 2022/23 Bakersfield Condors may have the worst special teams in the history of North American Pro Hockey.
Raise your hand if you had the top 4 teams in the West as:
Vegas
Seattle
Winnipeg
Dallas
Interesting first quarter to be sure.
Coaching changes in 3 of those 4.
Georgiev is stinking out the joint tonight
The Hairball kiss of death!
Of note, top tier prospects, Podkholzin and Rathborne both in the lineup for the Canucks tonights…… the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL….
It’s coming!
@benkuzma
Road goal warriors:
Gretzky: 402.
Ovechkin: 402.
Yzerman: 362.
Jagr: 355.
Brett Hull: 353.
Ovechkin with another one.
Now with 403.
Talk about cherry picking a stat to be a dick.
Not sure why you would be butt hurt about an historical NHL achievement that was widely talked about on the TV broadcast tonight.
Rodrigue gets a rest tonight with Fanti starting – boys are back to back so Rodrigue will start tomorrow I’m sure.
Depleted Oilers means depleted Condors (in addition to their own injuries with the likes of Deharnais). Forward group is, well thin….. time to gut it out.
My attendance here has been lagging of late, as life and distraction get in the way. Somehow with the Oilers having an expectation of success, I don’t need to drop in as often. During the decade of darkness, I Needed to read daily just to bring a little bit of optimism to being a fan, which like many I probably hold too close to the heart.
So I’m a little late to the news, but devastated all the same. We’ve all gotten to know your family quite well through this place, and Mrs Lowetide was no exception. I feel like I could picture your interactions well, especially over something like a Riders game, a holiday occasion, or a very odd Oiler moment, which are often.
My deepest condolences LT, know that you are supported and cared for by many.
As a long time follower, I’ve developed a connection to you and your family from your stories. I’m sorry for your loss. Kind thoughts to you and yours.
Some random lawyer guy just recently won the Internet by figuring out how to fix soccer.
https://twitter.com/jarvis_best/status/1597708392587403264/photo/1
Scientists at Princeton University have reconstructed this 3D model of how Adam, the first human being created by God, might have looked.
https://twitter.com/jimrosecircus1/status/1597637817001480192?s=61&t=fMbnBMh6hmRE8aP3KwnrUA
Matt Tkachuck’s decision to attack Nurse on the 3 on 3 was the most selfish and/or bizarre play we’ve seen from an opponent this season. Forget the fall…that was irrelevant…or at least secondary.
I teach my kids to attack if there are any of the three B’s. Backhand, blind (as in facing the boards), bobble. Nurse was in full control and on his forehand. He actually should have made the pass right away but double clutched. Or looked at another way, he calmly reset and zipped a pass on the tape.
I say bizarre because 95% of players respect 97/29 so much they play ultra safe until those guys need a line change.
I saw selfish because I don’t like the kid and it wouldn’t surprise me if he still is trying to prove he’s in their tier.
Did you also witness Tkachuk standing in no man’s land with a bird’s eye view of Bouchard hammering home the tying goal? Hard to say from Maurice’s perspective whether Bouchard was Tkachuk’s responsibility or instead Reinhart’s, with Tkachuk more responsible for Barrie on the right point. Regardless, Tkachuk was a complete bystander on the play.
In reality though, Bouchard was unchallenged for the shot due to the “McDavid Vortex” tm. The “McDavid Vortex” is the phenomenon where once McDavid moves on the puck in the offensive zone, the fear that generates in the opponents’ minds often sucks their attention away from everything else on the ice and has them only focus on him. The instant Hyman slid the puck back to McDavid, every Panther on the ice had their eyes glued on McDavid and started moving towards him. McDavid tossed the puck out of the center of the Vortex to the area where he knew Bouch would likely be.
Tkachuk can do the hardest thing in Hockey, he can score. Tkachuk stands in his office which is in front of the net this is not a easy way to make a living. Huberdeau looks lost Khadi does his disappearing act for many games and Weeger is stifled with the Sutter system. I’m glad Bennett, Lomberg and Tkachuk are off the Flames.
So what’s your point in relation to anything in my post? I was only discussing the specifics of one play on the ice. With 9 seconds to go, holding a 1 goal lead with a face off in his end, his job at that moment is to help prevent a goal, or he shouldn’t be on the ice. Several Panthers didn’t do their job in that moment but he was as useless as any of them.
I found it kind of curious that he chose to use the old ‘hand to ear’ move to taunt the crowd when he scored 3 minutes into the game. Not that it necessarily got the Oilers fired up, but it seems kind of early when there’s so much time left in the game.
I know it makes me a bad person, but after that bit of ‘class’ and many other antics over the years, it was satisfying to see him make his poor decision and finish dash 1 on the night.
It will be interesting to see the reception he gets in Calgary. A hat trick from the Turtle tonight might cause rioting in the streets!
Spending lots of time thinking of you and yours today LT. As Ashley says, flag at half mast.
LT,
I had a longer comment yesterday morning that seemed to get lost in the ether. I just wanted to echo all of the condolences for your loss, and that I am so happy for the time you two were able to have together based on all of your lovely words over the years.
Today would be a great day to donate to the blog to show appreciation to the Lowetide family. 🤠
My apologies for ranting on this a second time today (first rant was on previous post), but I think it is extremely important to the integrity of the game to be consistent with applying rules.
The contacting the puck with a high stick rule is an inherently flawed one. The fact is Tkachuk made contact with his stick a puck above the crossbar while standing outside the crease in an attempt to score. It is not clear to me if the puck actually hit Skinner or not (I don’t think it did) but when it hit the ice it was inches from going into an empty net, which is why Barrie (he desperately tried to block it) ended up in the net and ultimately interfered (or Skinner did not react knowing Barrie was in that space) with Skinner’s ability to stop the shot.
After the shot hit the ice it took a very strange bounce away from the goal and on to a Florida player’s stick at the LW side of the net and the player passed it to the R point, where Montour scored from.
So had Tkachuk scored either directly or indirectly, it would not have counted. If the Florida player shot and had scored, rather than passed it would have been more “arguable”. What I don’t get is why Tkachuk is allowed to direct the puck towards the net in the first place. It should have bee whistled dead when his teammate touched, because it created an unfair advantage.
My understanding has always been that: “any puck directed toward the net that has been contacted by a stick higher than the crossbar is a dead puck”. Apparently this is not the case. But it should be. My point is, why is okay to make that shot attempt, but not okay to score that way? It should be treated in the same way as a hand pass, IMO.
There needs to be an amendment to the rule that in the offensive zone. I think it should be that the offensive player cannot make contact with the puck above the crossbar. That way it eliminates any possible confusion or controversy.
This is feeling like deja vu to me, does anyone recall this kind of play in recent years?
This change would lead to a huge amount of controversy since it would change the definition of what constitutes a high stick.
As it is…it’s a stick higher than the shoulder and, in most cases, that is higher than the crossbar.
And how would you accurately determine a high sticking infraction if it occurred, say, 10 feet away from the crossbar but was directed toward the net?
The standard for a high stick playing the puck in the NHL was historically the shoulder height of the offending player. Only when they brought in video review did they eventually add to rule 80 that the standard for a high stick for a puck directed into the net became the crossbar. For all other circumstances, the standard has stayed shoulder height. Since the high contact with the puck did not go into the net, the standard for the play last night was the shoulder height.
Since the referee would not blow the play dead for contact below the shoulder if the event occurred at center ice or near the blue line, he is also not going to blow the play dead if it occurs in the vicinity of the net either. The referee during live action often won’t know whether the contact was made above the crossbar unless he has both the crossbar and the puck in the same site line, it is unreasonable to ask him to use anything other than the shoulder for normal course of play.
Clearly when a high stick puck goes straight into the net, the play is stopped immediately no matter what, and the referee then gets to use his judgement to determine whether the initial call is a good goal. And the coach on the team unhappy with the initial call can ask for a review where the replay officials have the tools to clearly see if it was over the cross bar.
On the play last night, I’d say it was 50/50 on whether the high stick contact was at or above the shoulder. Since it put the team down a goal with only 4 and a half to go, I can see why the Oilers would gamble on the challenge. If the video review team is on the fence on whether it was at or above the shoulders, they won’t overturn a call made on the ice.
I posted this earlier but I think it got lost in the forum teck issues.
Gazzola mentioned on the show that Yamamoto was one of the few (8) on the ice for the optional today and participated in all drills, including some battle drills. Woody mentioned he’s “close” (again) – didn’t mention which day/game he’d be back though.
Barrie is fine – just a bruise (per Woody).
Foegele wasn’t on the ice and Woody gave us the “day to day”.
Matty also tried to bait Woody with a guided question about Jesse “can’t score” – Woody went on, at length, about the positive ways he impacts the game including numerous recent examples.
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. It doesn’t make it any easier, but do remember that she is part of the fabric of everyone she touched and lives on through every act of kindness and care that helped those around her. Kindest thoughts to you and your family.
Reader since the blogspot days and followed you over from hfboards (still in contact with IceDragoon?).
As others have mentioned, lowetide.ca has been part of my daily reading for years. It breaks my heart to hear of your loss. Deepest of condolences and much respect for continuing to write each and every day as your heart must have weighed so heavy in the last weeks.
LT, I am so sorry to hear the sad news of the passing of Mrs LT. My sincere condolences.
Really sorry to hear about your loss LT.
Can’t imagine a bigger gut punch than losing a lifelong partner. Wish I had words to make it better, but I doubt anyone does.
Oh god, I’m so sorry to hear the news. My heart aches for you and your family.
Half mast.
yah site is def acting up …..
Seems in and out for sure. Go Daddy downloaded an item the other day and I don’t use Go Daddy, trying to get them to reverse.
Go Daddy can be very pernicious if you’ve done business with them in the past.
I think my comment didn’t make it. Just wanted to say, LT, I admire your fortitude and your willingness to keep the daily blog going at a time when not one of us would dispute you taking a break. It is part of my daily routine to read, even if I don’t post, and I thank you for this. 🙂
Thanks dustrock and thanks to all. Your comments are beautiful and make me feel better. I appreciate it.
I’ll admit I was asleep the second the 3-2 goal happened. Forgot Bouch bomb will not be denied right now. Pleasant surprise to wake up to.
Nuge – Eye test saw struggle last night, especially on that awful 3 on 1. Numbers match it as he was brutal relative to team. Florida has lots of heavy forwards and Nuge has to get creative in those situations. Not his best night.
Hamblin – in all the right places, smart player. Got tossed around but he can learn to be savvier with more experience. Like Archibald in that he has no fear for his size.
Holloway – agree with LT put him on the 2nd line as entry man for Leon and friend and watch him thrive. Mcleod doing that on the 3rd line and 97 on 1 means you have a burner carrier on all 3. Wouldn’t want to be a defender when all 3 are up to speed and rolling. LA wouldn’t stand a chance with 1-3-1. Zero dump-in hockey.
The focus is on Bouch as it should, but saw Kulak very strong last night. Just doing good things. Lower event than the top pairing but on the right side of chances. If he ends up on the 3rd pairing I believe whatever move facilitated that (Chychrun, etc.) means our team/dcore is championship calibre. At least on the left side.
Nuge, in his defense, did break up the pass that turned into Connor’s cherry pick goal. Nuge looked like a regular Scott Niedermayer on that play.
Great win last night. You can feel the team coming together a bit. Loved the 4th line last night of Holloway, Malone and Hamblin. I’m ok with keeping Holloway here until the team gets healthy. Only worries I have now are with Campbell and Left 3rd pair.
Dear LT,
I am sincerely saddened to hear about your loss. Your prose, wisdom, and rational observations about the Oil is something I have treasured since moving to Japan 20 years ago.
Your life stories and references to your family make this blog so unique and IMO, unparalleled on the internet.
If I can only read one thing on the web on a given day it is Lowetide. I don’t post but am one the many who stay on the sidelines to enjoy the banter of the regulars everyday.
You have created the most amazing community for Oilers fans and I sincerely thank you for everything you do for us.
Today when I read your blog I was stunned to learn of your loss and I could not help feeling that one of my best friends had lost someone special. Even though I have never met you, I feel like I know you and everyone in this community.
That’s why I was not surprised to see so many posts from nicknames I have never seen before. We are all coming out today to let you know we share in your grief, that you and your family are in our thoughts and that we appreciate the sacrifices you and Mrs. LT have made over the years to create this wonderful community.
I normally don’t but today I pray for Mrs. LT, may she Rest In Peace, and you and your family as you navigate this difficult time in your lives.
Thank you Sir for keeping the shop open for the Oiler faithful who comprise of many different personalities. I still can’t figure out how Bouchard was left so wide open in the slot under the circumstances. Maurice looked like he was going to blow a gasket and rightly so. I’m glad Bennet and Tkachuk don’t play in Calgary and are our out East.
Bless you and your family LT. Please let us know if there is a charity your family would like to support in your wife’s name.
A poster recently mentioned that 97 and 29 are struggling this year putting up points at 5v5. Curious, I poked around NST to see how they ranked in 5v5 total points over the past four seasons (raw points, not pts/60 or other rate stats).
19-20: CM ranked 5th, LD ranked 2nd (97 missed 7 games during 1st COVID season)
20-21: CM ranked 1st, LD ranked 4th (COVID shortened season vs. CA teams)
21-22: CM ranked 7th, LD ranked 9th
22-23: CM ranks 68th, LD ranks 120th.
I was shocked at how low they rank this year. For CM, the team’s 5v5 on-ice shooting percentage = 6.8%, which is lower than the previous 3-year average of 10.2%. Seems like the boys have been unlucky with CM on the ice. This should regress, resulting in more 5v5 points for CM and goals for the team.
Several posters have mentioned the LD looks hurt, which could account for his slow start. He seems to be laboring on the ice at times, like he’s favoring something lower body (ankle maybe?). With Leon on, the 5v5 team shooting % = 9.7%, also down a bit from the previous 3-year average of 10.7%. A healthy LD with some regression should lead to more LD points and team goals with him on the ice.
With everything else that has gone wrong this year added to the temporary decline in CM and LD 5v5 productivity, I’m surprised the team isn’t doing worse. If they revert back to historical norms, it will make a huge difference. However, if LD (27 yrs old) and CM (turns 26 in January) peaked at some point the last year or two, well . . .
I will be at the MN game on Thursday and will watch LD closely.
That may have been me as I started posting about the relatively low production from McDavid and Drai at 5 on 5 (and them losing the goal share) as PART of the issues the team was having.
The verbal was all about secondary scoring (and defence) and I was bringing up primary scoring (at 5 on 5) as PART of the problem and McDavid/Drai losing the goal share at 5 on 5 being catastrophic for the team if it continued.
Of course, the above was not “blaming” the stars (even if some of the responses went on that tangent) but simply mentioning a fact, which I think is very important, and posting that, at some point, those two are gong to go on 5 on 5 heaters
This still has not turned around even a little – McDavid had 3 points last night, none at 5 on 5. The single point each for McDavid and Leon against the Rangers was not 5 on 5.
Their production is AMAZING given the foregoing, unreal. At the same time, we need the 5 on 5 to turn around as the team goes nowhere unless those two are significant outscores at 5 on 5 – which they should, and will, be.
——————-
I can’t remember exactly when I heard/read it but the intel is that Leon’s ankle is NOT 100% – I think it may have been a note from Matty…… this was in the last week or two.
The blog is acting a fool today, my apologies if you are having a difficult time finding today’s content.
It sure it but no need for apologies – thank you kind sir.
Too late in my current time zone to watch the whole game. Last I saw it was tied at 1 so checking this morning I saw we won then saw the highlights. How much antacid is Woody using!
So going forward if Bouch scores we win. Hoping he scores 60 more.
Good morning Al (and everyone), I hope you slept well and thank you for the early morning blog.
The expected goals of McDavid/Drai with Hyman vs. Jesse is interesting to me as I thought he line was mediocre until Hyman was moved on it and then started to roll – at least offensively (Hyman had a couple poor defensive moments as he tends to).
Its tough to argue with results but I thought both bottom 6 lines were effective through the game and I wished that Woody didn’t shorten the bench so much in the 3rd.
James Hamblin had a very good first game – no obvious mistakes that hurt and some plus plays that almost led to goals. At the same time, I don’t know why Woody can’t find 10 minutes for Holloway in any game and he managed to find 10 for Hamblin in his first game.
I thought this exact thing when I saw the X-Goals number. 90.8 yet the line looked much more dangerous with Hyman on it. What to make of this?
That xGF is a flawed stat and has to be viewed in context.
Haven’t had a chance to check the Grade A scoring chance contributions at the Cult of Hockey yet, but I’d put more weight in their assessments than raw data scraped from nhl.com with no analysis of the play as it transpired.
Yes, its definitely flawed//limited given there is no subjective analysis of “high danger chances” and it only goes on where the shot came from (as far as I know) with no other context, and doesn’t slit into high danger and “five alarm” as they do at the Cult.
I know NST had expected goals for each team near 3.5 (just over for the Oilers and under for the Panthers) but Dave/Bruce has the Oilers at closer to 6 based on their analysis of scoring chances.
I think it has something to do with Holloway’s early season mistakes ending up in the back of the net followed by shifting to chase mode with ice time being tilted to 97-29.
I tuned into the third and didn’t see much of 55 except for a few brief moments in PP2
Between special teams and chase mode, ice time for 55 is tough to find.
I can see why Woody goes to Hamblim he can be trusted on marking his man and being on the right side of the opponent on the D end of things.
To my eye Hamblin plays a safe, reliable type of game. He only had 27 seconds more ice time, not much to sneeze at, and they were both under 10 minutes. Hamblin played ahead of Benson that might tell us something. And I would have to say I prefer Holloway & Hamblin to Shore & Benson as regulars in the lineup.
Last night’s ice time does not indicate that Woody favours Hamblin in any way to Holloway. On comparing Woody’s usage of Hamblin and Holloway, Holloway has played 10+ minutes 5 times already this season: ~15 against Carolina, 11:32 – Dallas, 11:00 – Nashville, 10:40 – Islanders, and 9:54 – New Jersey (Hamblin played 9:56 yesterday).
Also in yesterday’s game, Hamblin and Holloway were on the same line and Holloway played 9:29. They played most shifts together. The 30 second difference in their total ice time mostly resulted from the timing of changes going on and off on the fly, and juggling around penalties not anything that Woody planned. Holloway got 2 PP shifts, and Hamblin got 8 seconds on the PK. And Hamblin got one regular shift without Holloway right after Holloway came off from the PP.
That there was more ice time to go around upon Hamblin’s arrival is because of the absence of McLeod and Foegele, who had been playing 15 and 14 minutes per night, since the absences of Kane and Yamamoto who themselves played ~19 and ~16 minutes per night. Janmark has stepped in to take up 14 minutes a game. While he didn’t have a great camp, he was down in Bakersfield mostly due to his cap hit relative to the bottom of the Oilers roster (If not for cap, I have little doubt he is on the roster ahead of Malone, Shore and Kostin).