The Edmonton Oilers won a HNIC classic against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. It was a wild game, with five power-play goals, rebounds so massive they were tracked by Norad, and the splendid McDavid-Draisaitl tandem shredding Montreal’s defense. The NHL isn’t a 4-3 league, but that’s how this injury-riddled Oilers roster has to win. Saturday was a thriller and the team is in third place in the Pacific.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers avert disaster with strong finish to November
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers look for rugged forward in a trade
- Lowetide: Oilers’ young players providing a spark after a slow start
- Lowetide: What could Oilers forward Dylan Holloway accomplish in AHL?
- DNB: Oilers’ win over Rangers shows how valuable secondary scoring can be
- 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: Oilers rookie Stuart Skinner is chasing history
- 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
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DECEMBER
- On the road to: MIN (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- At home to: MTL, WAS, ARI, MIN (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: MIN, NAS (Expected (1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: STL, ANA (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: NAS, DAL (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: VAN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: CAL, SEA (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- December expected result: 9-5-1, 19 points in 15 games
- December actual result: 1-1-0, two points in two games
- November results: 7-7-0, 14 points in 14 games
- October results: 6-3-0, 12 points in 9 games
- Oilers in 2022-23: 14-11-0, 28 points in 25 games
The Oilers started an important home stand with a big win on Saturday and the week to come looks inviting from here. It’s important to pile up the wins this week, and Edmonton sits in a playoff spot this morning. The team is perentage points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings for the third spot in the Pacific. The team needs to go 3-1-0 in this group of four home games. One down, three to go.
SUMMARY
- Leon Draisaitl went 1-3-4, drew a penalty and played a strong overall game. His goal was another bullet, and his passes to Nuge, Nurse and McDavid were splendid and resulted in goals. Set up Hyman a few times as well in this game. The torque on the shot that landed in the net (Edmonton’s second goal) could be described as furious.
- Connor McDavid’s second goal was so damn good and it won’t make his personal top 20 this season. He’s magic. Going 2-2-4 on the night, he is now 21-26-47 in 25 games. On pace for 69-85-154, that’s a peak Phil Esposito season in a more defensive era. Outrageous.
- Zach Hyman had two assists, five shots, three HDSC, drew a penalty and made a stellar play on the pivotal Nurse goal. It came at the wildest period in recent memory and was patented Hyman. If he had given up even a little on the sequence, the goal doesn’t happen. That crosscheck by Edmundson was a nasty piece of business.
- Mattias Janmark missed an empty netter, had a HDSC plus a GV and a TK. He had one or two good offensive chances, the hands are the hands but I like him. I think he tipped a Caufield shot at an open net out of danger.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a fantastic goal (No. 11 on the year), three shots, a takeaway. He won two of 13 draws and that’s not good. Might hit 50 points by the All-Star break.
- Jesse Puljujarvi was a supreme pain for Montreal all night. Eight hits, two blocked shots, good work on the power play. He’s getting used to physical contact, seems to be enjoying that side of the game. He isn’t scoring goals but is going everything else well. Gaining confidence.
- Klim Kostin had three hits but didn’t do anything special with the puck on his stick. There’s a big opportunity here, Kostin needs to take advantage. Good not great passer.
- Derek Ryan had two takeaways and there were threads of opportunities offensively. Was on the ice for a PK goal against, but he also made some good plays on the 4-on-5. At 36, I don’t wonder about effort but do wonder if he might need a game off once every couple of weeks. Otherwise, no complaints.
- Devin Shore had an early look, had one shot and was noticeable. He isn’t fast (at all) but sometimes his legs are working well and last night I thought things were clicking for him in this area.
- Tyler Benson had an early HDSC and didn’t turn over pucks in bad places. His speed is much better this year and he’s a smart player. He needs to keep it up whenever he’s in the lineup.
- Dylan Holloway played just seven minutes and didn’t have any crooked numbers in the good columns. He can battle and is strong, plus there’s awareness of his role. He’s going to have a fine career, where he’ll play on the roster as a mature forward still up in the air.
- Brad Malone had his best game during this period of NHL resurgence. Three shots, two HDSC, two clean minutes on the PK. A good effort, he could be Shore’s replacement a year from now. Or sooner.
- Darnell Nurse scored a huge goal, two shots, one HDSC, three giveaways and a takeaway, took a penalty. He was 1-1 at five-on-five with a 59 percent expected goal share in the disciple. Played almost two clean minutes on the PK. On pace for 13-33-46 this season. He is 8-4 on-ice goals at five-on-five in the most recent five game run, after starting the year 13-19 in the game state.
- Cody Ceci had three giveaways and offered no support for Stuart Skinner on the Dadanov goal (he needs to be in better position). He’s far better than he’s shown in the last five games. Needs to get back to where he once belonged.
- Brett Kulak played a great game, despite the fact he didn’t impact the game offensively. Used his speed effectively to transport and to find good positioning, and was rewarded with a 2-0 goal differential five-on-five. He is 6-2 five-on-five goals in his most recent five games, the rest of Edmonton’s defence is 7-9 during that period.
- Tyson Barrie had two assists, two shots, blocked a couple of shots. On pace for 13-36-49 for the season. Played almost two PK minutes, 0-1 in those minutes.
- Philip Broberg played 1:13 clean minutes on the PK, and almost 11 minutes at five-on-five where danger lurked but no one broke through. He was 1-4 goals five-on-five during the previous four games, so 0-0 goals is a win. Had one reasonable look and a takeaway. He’s getting there. Patience.
- Evan Bouchard had very little going on with the puck on his stick, aside from three giveaways (and a takeaway). Led the Oilers with four PP minutes but didn’t get anything going. He is 3-5 goals in his last five games, and Broberg-Bouchard is 1-4 in those contests. It takes time.
Stuart Skinner stopped 30 of 33, .909. Hockey-reference has him delivering seven of 12 quality starts (58 percent). He has allowed 13 fewer goals than Jack Campbell while playing 34 more minutes. Ranks No. 6 in five-on-five save percentage (.935) among goaltenders with more than 420 minutes played this season. Nick Suzuki’s goal was a fantastic shot, Evgeni Dadanov’s goal was some slow reaction by Ceci but also a kevlar rebound from Skinner. The Arber Xhekaj goal was from range, so you’d like your goalie to stop it. It was a five-on-three so there was lots going on, but I think we’re safe in saying Skinner had some accountability on two of the goals. He’s a Godsend for this team.
TOP 20 PROSPECTS
I received a dm after The Athletic posted my latest top-20 prospects (here) pertaining to how many players have NHL careers. Among the 20 names I wrote about, I projected 11 to be future NHL players of some note. I was asked what represented an NHL player and if 11 is a big number. I count an actual NHL player as someone who has played most of three seasons (150 games is my line in the sand) in the NHL, 75 for goaltenders. Is 11 a large number? In order to make my point, I’m going back to my 2010 top-20 list, as that group has had a chance to either succeed or fail in the full length of time.
- Taylor Hall 784 games (qualifies)
- Jordan Eberle 882 games (qualifies)
- Magnus Pääjärvi 467 games (qualifies)
- Martin Marincin 227 games (qualifies)
- Theo Peckham 160 games (qualifies)
- Curtis Hamilton 1 game
- Tyler Pitlick 340 games (qualifies)
- Linus Omark 79 games
- Anton Lander 215 games (qualifies)
- Alex Plante 10 games
- Devan Dubnyk 542 games (qualifies)
- Jeff Petry 828 games (qualifies)
- Ryan Martindale 0 games
- Chris VandeVelde 278 games (qualifies)
- Olivier Roy 0 games
- Taylor Chorney 166 games (qualifies)
- Teemu Hartikainen 52 games
- Brandon Davidson 180 games (qualifies)
- Jeremie Blain 0 games
- Tyler Bunz 1 game
Of the 20 names listed, I have 12 men who qualify. Your mileage may vary, but I’m going to be very stubborn on Brandon Davidson so pack a lunch it’s going to take you all day to argue your point. If you take away the No. 1 overall selection, that’s 11. I believe Ken Holland will use his farm system more than past GM’s, meaning the current versions of Linus Omark and Teemu Hartikainen are more likely to see the light of day. So, yes. I believe the Oilers have 11 men who will one day play 150+ NHL games. I will have them in the wrong order (witness above) but they are there. Maybe more, Oilers are better at procurement now. The most difficult projections are the two Russian players, who may never come to North America.
Campbell getting the start tonight or Skinner?
It would be shocking if its not Skinner.
Just noticed the Condors have a Rapid Highlights video package ready right after the game ends.
Here it is for those interested.
https://www.bakersfieldcondors.com/video/rapid-highlights-condors-2-ontario-5-12-4/
Byfield looks good in a league where he has a extra second to make plays. He’ll never score more than 21 in a league where everything happens so fast. They should of taken the German Sniper like I believe most of the scouting staff wanted.
How many goals did Podklozin score? 6 foot 6 power forwards dont come along every day!
I cannot believe he was 82. RIP Barry Fraser.
https://edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/matheson-former-oilers-head-scout-barry-fraser-architect-of-championship-80s-teams-dead-at-82
That was an excellent piece of writing.
Thanks for sharing.
RIP Mr.Fraser without Barry the Oilers aren’t the Oilers. Barry drafted the greatest team that has ever laced up the skates.
He also taught us that scouting from Mexico on reputation dose not work.
and a McDavid like end to end rush (splitting 3 Reign defenders for Bourgault’s second of the night.
Spending the first real night with my wife since October so only seeing bits and pieces of the Condors game but, from what I’ve seen, full value for the 4-1 deficit.
The goal was a heartening one though – Bourgault with a high zone forecheck is able to cause a bad pass, jumps not the turnover and snaps one by Cal Petersson from distance.
Summarizing!
Wanner did not impact the scoresheet, registering only 1 SOG.
Prospecting takes a break till Tuesday.
A dispatch from the World CUP:
Hilarious thread on Twitter.
Chris Jones
@EnswellJones
Thai is the sneakiest hot food. Hottest thing I’ve ever eaten was a Thai soup. Sitting here eating a “mild” chilli beef and my face just slipped off the front of my head and fell to the floor.
https://twitter.com/EnswellJones/status/1599372704305774592?s=20&t=dTSgfBgXJ2ZpEfVnD82gwA
Kuemper is day to day after taking an elbow last night.
I doubt he starts tomorrow.
Elbowed in the head by Toffoli. Brutal play.
So you’re saying Nuge gets injured before the all star break?
Bold move by Berube calling out his tender publicly last night for his continued antics – he’s absolutely right and I love the balls on him for doing so.
Woody says “maintenance day” for Hyman.
Of course, he used that exact phrase for McLeod a few weeks back so his response basically means nothing.
Funny stat I saw today…
Quinn Hughes has averaged 24:40 per game so far this season, and has registered one hit. On pace to finish the season with 4 haha.
How about that Xhekaj guy. Wouldn’t he look great in Oiler silks.
I’ll take a Guhle for the other side as well
Maybe some gabaguhle.
Guhle’s two 1v1 stops of McDavid on the same shift were 👀
The next Hedman
Certainly not based on his stature: 6’2″, 205 lbs vs 6’6 241 lbs. Hedman has a decent shot at the hall of fame. It’s early, and Guhle is doing well, but he hasn’t arrived like he is on track for a hall of fame career.
Who knows but I’ve read about several games where he was their best player if not best in the game
He’s 20. Yuge upside and enough size, also mean
He recieved 21 and change of ice-time as a D-man meanwhile the forward drafted 2 spots ahead of him gets his usual dogshit 6-7 minutes. I don’t understand what the long game is on Holloway are they purposely trying to stunt his growth.
Of note, his bad penalty was part of the unforced errors that did his team in.
Looks like a nice find for the Habs.
He made up for that with a power play goal . It was Edmundson with the cross check to Hyman’s head that was the Habs biggest undoing.
Hell of a scrabble name
6 letters and three of them are X, K and J
The double word score potential is breathtaking
Oh my
The Connor Bedard travelling road show comes to Edmonton this afternoon.
Anyone going?
I notice there are many tickets available.
Makes sense – way bigger arena, Edmonton gets to enjoy the original GOAC 50 x a year and they’re not in the sweepstakes unlike BC / Vancouver.
When the Oilkings play Bedard in the playoffs it’ll be packed.
The Oil Kings currently have a win percentage of .173.
Pretty sure they won’t make the playoffs.
Well, now maybe that’s another reason ticket sales are slow!
My bad, didn’t realize the OK’s were such a dumpster.
They are 4th in the WHL in attendance, less than 100/game back of 2nd (and about 500 back of Spokane in 1st).
Be a pretty tough task to sell out Rogers Place for any WHL game (which would be about 4x the Oil Kings regular attendance, and 6x the average WHL game attendance).
A relatively quiet game for Bedard.
3 assists so far in a 5-0 game.
4 assists after 2 periods.
6-0
Bedard with a goal 31 seconds into the 3rd.
7-0
At what point do you give Soup another start? Not like he has earned one. You hope he recovers at some point to starting goalie level performance but we haven’t seen it yet. Hopefully Skinner can handle the work load.
Arizona
To be fair to the Western Conference, nobody looks like a true contender.
Its as good as year as any to get into the show and see what happens.
https://twitter.com/jfreshhockey/status/1599433153097015297?s=46&t=FlMQYFnrlhNCkyEIgvpDaA
in case you’re thinking about making bets on Seattle.
they are running hot hot hot
Between now and the middle of next month, Colorado will be adding these players to their lineup:
That they’ve been able to go 13-7-1 (7-3-0 in their last 10) with that number of injuries to key personnel is a testament to their depth.
They also have about $4.5 million in free cap space to make additions before or at the deadline and that amount will increase as the season progresses.
Some chatter that one of those additions could be Bo Horvat to fill the 2C spot.
Did you see that Boeser was given permission to trade himself
oh my!
Yep.
Vancouver needs to embark on a demolition and I expect that will happen soon.
Too bad for Boeser…he’s a great kid.
https://twitter.com/mangameslostnhl/status/1598845005937971201?s=46&t=yXXawwUth-5KKo9lFgp73w
yet points lost to injury equal the Oilers
And both Edmonton and Colorado are 6-4-0 in their last 10 (Avs 7-3-0 is not correct).
Deleted to respect comments below!
I do wonder if the “man games lost” analyzers include the likes of Klefbom and Smith – given those players are, essentially, not on the team and won’t be, they should be discounted but I’m not sure if they are.
I doubt Klefbom factors in as he hasn’t played since any of these models were made
It doesn’t make any sense without Klefbom and Mike Smith.
Except they seem to show the man games lost for the Oilers at around 125. I don’t see how the total gets to that without counting Smith and Klefbom each being injured for the Oilers 25 games thus far. I only get to about ~60 games lost for McLeod, Yamamoto, Kane, Holloway, Foegele and Benson.
Between now and the middle of next month is going to be an excruciating time for our host.
Nothing wrong with you’re post other than it it’s bait for those who have a hard time ignoring you’re shtick.
Our host has been very clear that the bickering engendered from your expert jabs are a vexation to him.
It would be great if we all could honour our host by not rising to your bait and you could give it a respite until the middle of next month.
He deserves that from us.
Amen to this.
Seconded.
They are the Champs and looking good to repeat once they’re healthy. Sakic will probably make another shrewd move before the deadline.
The Bruins look like they will be a formidable opponent.
Guess not.
Formidable team with strong management
I so hope the Oilers crush their dreams
I expect Dallas may have something to say about that.
Under Pete DeBoer they are a transformed team…an offensive juggernaut.
They lead the WC with 98 GF and a goal differential of +26
Jason Robertson has gone supernova (on pace for 72 goals) and their depth scoring is remarkable.
Roope Hintz, Joe Pavelski and Jamie Benn are all on pace for 80+ points (Benn is playing on the 3rd line) and Miro Heiskanen is finally getting a chance to show his offensive chops.
Obviously, Colorado will be much better when they get all those players back but I expect Dallas will challenge them for the division title.
Broberg got crunched on his last shift twice. He looked a little hobbled coming off so I hope he is ok. I didn’t mind Broberg’s game but I’d like to see him move his feet more. His greatest strength is his skating and he doesn’t use it at all.
Dave Manson needs to teach him the fine art of the Sher-Wood Sandwich.
For such a reportedly big kid he doesn’t look big on the ice and sure gets knocked around a lot
Also does get rocked at least twice a game. Not good for long term health
How is Bowen Byram doing for games missed do to injury?
Not good which is what I mean
Being available is skill #1
Byram has been skating and is expected back in the lineup when Colorado returns from a 4 game road trip December 7th.
Darren Helm also expected back at the same time.
Interesting to note that Broberg has only played 12 games this season (only 5 in the NHL) while Bryan has played only 10.
It would seem injury is an ongoing issue with both players.
I did mention when Hyman came back that we may not be out of the woods as, anecdotally, I’ve seen many players come back in a game only to later have some concussion like issues – here is hoping that is not the case today:
Bob Stauffer
@Bob_Stauffer
·
4m
Oilers today:
Draisaitl-McDavid-Yamamoto
Janmark-RNH-Puljujarvi
Kostin-Shore-Ryan
Benson-Malone-Holloway
Hamblin
Nurse-Ceci
Kulak-Barrie
Broberg-Bouchard
Murray
Skinner
Campbell
Not on ice:
Hyman
The Caps are only 21st in the league on the PP at apx 81% but they scored 4 power play goals in 5 chances last time and I fear something similar may happen again.
I’m somewhat convinced the Oilers’ issue on the PK is less the players and more the structure/systems. Many of the prominent PK guys are WELL below their career norms in GA rates.
Darnell Nurse is over 13.5 GA/60 and he’s been 7 to 8.5 his entire career except one year below 5 GA/60.
Nuge is over 13.5 GA/60 and his career norm is around 6 to 9 (and a year below 4GA/60 and another below 5 GA/60.
Woody/Manson have also had poor PK teams in the AHL historically as well.
I am not technical enough to analyze PK structure/systems but I think the above is somewhat telling but I am happy to be corrected if my premise is off.
Do we know Gulutzan’s role? Was he coaching the PK under Tippett? Is he coaching it now?
I think Gully runs PP only, both under Tip and now
I don’t think Gully has had any role on the Oilers PK in ages, if ever.
Playfair was the PK guy under Tippett.
PK is mostly goalie and that makes sense when our numbers are down year to year
The Oilers PK SV% is 79.75. 4th worst in the league.
The Oilers SCA/60 is 63. 12th worst in the league.
Nurse PkGA/60 of 17!!!
Kulak 9
I find 4 on 5 more useful than full PK.
I would also note that the vast majority of the time, Nurse would start against PP1 and see ALOT more PP1 than the likes of Kulak.
I know most teams use the i formation like Bruce said on Cult of Hockey podcast but for the life of me I don’t see why it is better than the traditional 4 corner box. Maybe other teams execute the i formation better than the Oilers but when the Oilers are in it they leave one of the points wide open. All the other team has to do is make a D to D pass and the point man can walk right down and have a point blank shot. Usually Nurse is down on one knee trying to block it 5 feet in front of his net screening his goalie.
My favourite was in Chicago when Devin Shore raced straight past Max Domi with his stick extended to take away the point-to-point pass, & Domi calmly walked past him & picked his spot from the top of the circle.
Yep. They’re constantly having to try to race up to the point. They’re almost always late.
I think sometimes coaches feel the need to do something different from the norm when the same old is easier to execute
https://twitter.com/jfreshhockey/status/1599450841848909824?s=46&t=jFTZnDsAb7dxTtAQj2xRKw
in honor of our resident Martin Jones fan.
may you cherish those 8 games
Was lucky to be at the game last night, a few observations from the upper deck:
Watching McDavid pull away on a breakaway in that building never gets old. Even the Habs fans all around us were talking in awe afterwards. The place just goes electric. The pace he comes in at on rushes is just unreal watching from up in the bowl, he backs people off so much, and I swear you can hear the goalie mutter obscene things.
Love watching a game with an “Original 6” team in the house, it’s a fun atmosphere with chants of “Let’s Go Oilers”, immediately followed with the “Go Habs Go” counter punch. When the Habs score, it’s a gut-shot – a home goal for the away squad. Weird feeling.
Broberg had some good sequences, still gets utterly pasted a few times a game. He took a huge hit in the corner, then got a second shot right after. He needs to add some shimmy-shake to his game in the corners, avoidable hits in my opinion, at least from up high.
Holloway doesn’t take a lot of routes through open ice, he really tries to keep his game along the boards, (maybe this is a coaching thing with his turnovers earlier in the season), but it seems to rob him of his dynamism. Benson, same thing, not super noticeable (agree he looks faster, in that he wasn’t noticeably slower than peers this game), and kept his game to the wall, but again, with his passing ability, it does seem to limit his game. Rooting for both, but they won’t impact the game unless they free-wheel a little, in my opinion.
I don’t think Broberg survives much longer without a injury. He got blown up in Minnesota where he was left crumbled up in the corner for several seconds. Last night same thing he was wallpaperd in the same corner and left in a heap. It’s like this kid never played contact hockey he puts himself in strange positions to be bodychecked.
Great observations – I’m figuring he’s always been the biggest, smoothest player on Olympic-sized ice. He needs NHL reps and good coaching to adapt his game.
He has really cleaned this up compared to last season and I don’t recall Broberg “getting crumpled” vs the Wild, but I do recall him avoiding hit attempts in quick succession from Greenway (I think) and then Reaves.
In fact I can’t recall him getting hit at all during this recent call-up, but of course I could be wrong…
Opposition defence and goalie: “F#$&ing McDavid!”
Or in last night’s case, “TabernacDavid!!”
“McTabernac!!”
I think we can agree that, when the Oilers lose it’s often due to self-inflicted wounds – unforced mistakes.
It’s nice to take advantage of the opposition making those mistakes.
My goodness, Oiler fandom is a crazy ride.
Win 4 of 5 despite injury and travel adversity, and the masses are irate about how the team garnered those 8 points – the coaches have lost the plot as shown by deployment decisions, Puljujarvi has been made a worse player and his ceiling cratered because the coaches are making him body check, etc.
Always entertaining, that’s for sure.
Go Oilers!
My guess is that what you are reading is not truly representative of the masses of Oiler fandom. The twitter and blog trolls who only ever seem to complain, win or lose, are a small minority. The Oilers probably have well over a million fans. And I am not saying that none of the specifics criticisms have any validity, but yes the constant hyperbole and vitriol is over the top.
Imagine that, people on Twitter are negative.
I cannot believe anyone is still on twitter. I dropped it years ago. It’s a town square full of people yelling at clouds.
I guess a win is a win, but the team I watched last night does not look like a cup contender. If Montreal doesn’t shoot themselves in the foot with all the penalties I think they win that game rather easily. They were clearly the better 5×5 team for the first two periods.
Oilers puck management was awful, and their dzone play was even worse. I don’t remember ever seeing an NHL team allow so many players to skate the puck through their slot uncontested. It almost looked at times like the Oilers were actively trying to get out of the way of the puck carrier. The parting of the Red Sea came to mind on some of the Hab rushes.
It’s easy to blame this on injuries and AHL call ups, but in a lot of cases it’s veteran players making these mistakes. I know we are a little thin on the blueline, but I don’t think talent is the only issue. This team looked completely out of sync last night.
I see the cup 1/3 full – after some pond hockey, that 3rd period was playoff-level shutdown hockey. I didn’t think this team had that in them… especially sans Foegele and McLeod.
Good teams can win when they’re not at they’re best.
Poor teams need to be at their best and catch good teams on an off night to win.
The Oilers aren’t much for taking away time & space. The puck seemed to be constantly in their D-zone. To me it was a very opportunistic victory.
I also noticed the team absolutely lock in down in the 3rd period and not give up a single high danger shot attempt.
The way the team plays in December is not necessarily how it plays in April, May and, hopefully, June.
February 2022 the team was so bad, giving up odd-man rush after odd-man rush and getting the coach fired – three months later it was in the Western Conference Finals.
Prospectoration!
Max Wanner is in the midst of a fine D+2 season. As a 7th-round pick, he’s done all one can ask, plus plenty more. What has he done? Well…
He gets a chance to pad his totals further this afternoon @ 2 p.m. Fort Assiniboine time.
He sure doesn’t look like a 7th rounder. Usually the skill guys taken that late are waterbugs, but this guy is 6’3″ and still shows some decent hands and feet. He’s a distant bell but it’s ringing pure right now.
Wanner is a very interesting player for sure. With his lack of WHL games and very little information, like video highlights after being drafted he was quite the mystery to me. It was strange given he is from Saskatchewan and not a hockey outpost like Slovakia or Iceland, lol. What limited info I was able to find at the time, and I think I shared it here, was that he had flashed substantial skill in small samples (like this most recent display) prior to playing games in the Dub. I am glad that we are seeing some of that promise this season.
Amongst the other “2nd tier” prospects, Ty Tullio is looking very promising.
I wrote about Wanner’s 2021-22 splits in the CoH summer prospect series, noting the arrows pointing up up up.
Updating:
2021-: 33 GP, 1-9-10, 27 PiM, -6 (0.30 P/GP)
-2022: 22 GP, 5-8-13, 26 PiM, +2 (0.59 P/GP)
Playoffs: 9 GP, 3-4-7, 10 PiM, +3 (0.78 P/GP)
2022-: 20 GP, 6-14-20, 24 PiM, +15 (1.00 P/GP)
He already has 56 shots on net.
I loved how his game-winning goal celly in Red Deer last night mimicked Darnell Nurse’s in Edmonton, with both taking a big spill in the same corner (from the camera’s p.o.v.)
2 big differences:
1) Nurse’s was in the NHL, Wanner’s wasn’t.
2) Nurse was a 7th overall pick, Wanner a 7th *round* pick.
A long way tp go but he’s 19 with a contract & plenty of track. Hoping against hope the Oilers got a diamond in the rough in the late rounds.
Plus/Minus is what it is as as stat but, without further on-ice numbers, its what we have to work with.
His plus 15 is not, only near the lead league for d-man but Moose Jaw is a good, not great team – the team only has a plus 15 goal differential itself (all situations) so that plus 15 is quite telling – it lead the team by 5 over second place
Do we think there is ANY chance he’s invited to Team Canada selection camp coming up?
Possible, but unlikely.
Have been trying to avoid hockey recently yet looked at the standings today and Oilers are like just ahead of most of the opposition 6th in the Western Conference.
That’s not what was expected by many, but its better than Flames/Canucks territory.