The Edmonton Oilers lost a physical game against the Minnesota Wild last night, but received another strong performance from goaltender Stuart Skinner. He should be a far bigger story than he is, but if he keeps delivering quality starts (now 11 of 16, 69 percent) more people will notice. Tonight, it’s probably Jack Campbell and a lesser, though physical, Nashville Predators team.
Oilers team needs now may not be team needs at the deadline. Here are nine names management and the pro scouts may be contemplating. https://t.co/bToYmLG173
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 3-1-0)
On the road to: MIN, NAS (Expected (1-1-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
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: 3-3-0, six points in six 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: 16-13-0, 32 points in 29 games
I had last night as a loss, let’s face it the Wild are not a good matchup for Edmonton. Evander Kane gives the team an edge, but Minnesota under Bil Guerin is a lot like Bill Guerin as a player: Mean, determined, skilled, hard-nosed and comfortable inflicting pain. They’re your basic nightmare for a more pure skill team like the Oilers. The difference between the Wild and Preds? About four very good NHL players.
SUMMARY
Stuart Skinner made some huge stops in the game, and now sports a .938 save percentage five-on-five for the season (No.4) in the discipline. His overall SP is .919, No. 6 among qualified goaltenders. Should the team start him tonight? I think Jack Campbell gets the start. Skinner should be getting some Calder talk about now. Isn’t happening. He’s been key.
Darnell Nurse had four shots, two HDSC and had one of the truly grand scoring chances on a breakout with 97 and 29. Nurse received a pass from McDavid, and it looked like he was either trying a pass or shooting in hopes of a rebound. It wasn’t the greatest pass, but that was best chance to tie it. Nothing rhymed, and it didn’t cash. That one hurt. Unable to intercept a pass that landed on Matt Boldy’s stick for the opening goal (it was on the power play). Spent 9:24 against the formidable Eriksson-Ek Foligno-Greenway line, they are a load. Nurse went 4-3 shots and 3-3 HDSC against them. He had a reasonable late chance. I thought he played well against a miserable opponent (miserable being good).
Cody Ceci had a takeaway, a couple of hits and was on the ice when the power-play goal went in (he was late for the sky, and got to the wrong guy but that was the one he could get to in time; Minnesota passing play was dynamite). Ceci had several moments of opportunity with the puck at the Minnesota blue line, but was not creative with and the Wild is exceptional at blocking lanes.
Brett Kulak played over 20 minutes in all game states, blocked a shot and skated miles. The gap between his ice time with McDavid and that of Nurse is decreasing. He was 2-6 shots versus the Kaprizov line, there were many anxious moments against that Wild trio.
Tyson Barrie had an assist, four shots on goal, two penalties and a blocked shot. Had a helluva time with Kaprizov, two penalties against the same player. Helluva player.
Philip Broberg was involved in the GWG against, pinching at the blue line. It looked like 97 had the puck but it went right to a Wild player and was jailbreak from there. I don’t fault Broberg on the goal. He is coming along now. Took a penalty, played just 11:08, the coaching staff trying to limit his exposure.
Evan Bouchard didn’t play the GWG well, backing in and then not checking down to cover Frederik Gaudreau. That pass to Gaudreau has to be intercepted. Had a shot on goal, a takeaway and and a block.
Leon Draisaitl had one shot, one HDSC and drew three penalties. He was checked hard, slashed and generally abused, but the line beat the Eriksson-Ek group 8-1 shots and 3-2 HDSC. I think a coach would take that production.
Connor McDavid had an assist, three shots, 2GV and 1TK. There was little room for the world’s best player, and he took the man with the puck (as did Bouchard) on the winning goal. McDavid needed to mark the open man there. I expect we’ll see more points and better attention to detail tonight.
Zach Hyman scored a goal, his first in 10 games. Five shots, four HDSC, I thought he was Edmonton’s best forward.
Mattias Janmark had one shot on goal and some good two-way work throughout the game. I don’t think he lasts 20 games as the No. 2 LW, but you can see why coaches love him.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a shot on goal, one HDSC and won 64 percent of his faceoffs. That’s impressive. Played the Kaprizov line to an uneasy 0-0 draw.
Kailer Yamamoto had a quiet night offensively, did make some nice defensive plays. He moved up to the McDavid line and was effective, perhaps we see that tonight.
Klim Kostin drew a penalty and rattled the boards. He makes creative decisions with the puck and is aggressive getting into a shooting position. This wasn’t his best game, but no lack of effort.
Devin Shore had a takeaway and was 3-3 in the dot. His line struggled badly in about four minutes versus the Kaprizov line, losing the shots 0-3 but just 0-1 HDSC and zero goals. It wasn’t tidy, but it worked.
Derek Ryan blocked a shot and went 2-1 in the dot. He’s delivered in every role asked and is putting together a solid season. As is the case with many Oilers, the Wild’s mixture of skill with brawn is a difficult task for him.
Dylan Holloway was solid without the puck, cutting off rushers and separating the puck with effective hits. He and JP had a couple of hard working shifts down low in the offensive end but it came to no good.
James Hamblin had a shot, a takeaway and a reasonable chance on goal. This line played the Mason Shaw Trio to a draw, although the Wild did get the HDSC against them.
Jesse Puljujarvi had one HDSC, worked hard along the wall, played a physical game with great effort. He’s in a spot right now, but if he could score a goal here or there the belief could return. He won’t be here in the fall.
OILERS LOST
I think the Oilers played well enough to get this game to overtime, but the magic wand didn’t work. It happens. The December results are flat, and the team does need to deliver about 17-18 points in these 15 games. However, everyone knows Minnesota is a tough matchup. I don’t think fans should punish that effort. If you want to blame someone, blame the people who traded the Eriksson-Ek pick in 2015. That guy is hella good.
TONIGHT
Since the team lost last night perhaps there’s a chance to see some tweaks. Here are my suggestions:
Draisaitl-McDavid-Yamamoto
Janmark-Nuge-Puljujarvi
Holloway-Hamblin-Hyman
Kostin-Shore-Ryan
Nurse-Bouchard
Kulak-Barrie
Broberg-Ceci
Skinner
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
A busy show this morning, we’ll review last night’s Oilers game and preview tonight’s tilt. At noon, it’s World Cup semis as Argentina faces Croatia. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
1) Okay, tidbit. No one mentioned it below, although one commenter did wonder, so I’m guessing people are unaware but this was raised on the radio: If Connor had gotten one more point, he would have been the first player since both Jagr and Lemieux in 95-96 to score 60 points in 30 games.
We haven’t seen anything like this on our team since Gretzky. This is an incredible season by an incredibly motivated young man, with the talent to deliver on his ambition. Almost every night he is seizing moments, flickers of mistakes and whisps of open ice, to drive absolute daggers through defenses. It’s hard to say whether he’s a better passer or shooter now. He can no-look both at top speed. He’s built like a brick shithouse, no longer just the skinny kid with the slick boots. He plays hard in the corners, takes abuse all game, and gives it out too. His faceoffs have gone from weakness to strength. And now it looks like he wants a 50-100-150 season.
Supernova. This is going to be fun.
2) I don’t know if I can put a lot of that first goal on Campbell, clearly it both changed direction and dove after ricocheting off Ceci. Score one for Team We-don’t-like-blocking-shots.
But think about this goal for a second. Soupy’s had all this struggle in a new town he hasn’t been able to settle into yet, at least on the ice, and then gets this piece of adversity in the first two minutes of his first start in two weeks. And then puts in a pretty damn fine effort, considering some of the high-jinks on front of him. Kudos where kudos are due. We’re going to need both goalies this season, so hopefully Campbell can build off this and finally find his groove.
3) Oilers sure were more physical tonight and against a bigger team in the Preds. The Oil were still playing the body deep in the 3rd. Good to see that change and right quick. The lead helps I know, but for some reason we like to wilt against Minny.
4) I thought Janmark played a real noticeable game again tonight, including a fantastic backcheck early on. My card on him from views during the pre-season was good passer but can’t score, good boots, decent vision and smarts. His passing package of hands, vision and smarts is better than I originally thought and he battles harder on the walls than I expected. He’s pretty utility, can sustain up the line-up better than I thought, just not the best guy to have at the end of a play.
5) I wonder if Hyman gets more hatties now that he’s finally got one after a gazillion opportunities. No one gets more looks in a game and it’s all from sheer hard work. What a player. More hatties, please.
6) Bouchard on D might be the death of me. But… He’s really mixing up his shots now: delays, steps, slappers, wristers, different speeds, slap passes. He’s getting pucks through much more consistently. Forced Lankonen to make a save not long before the slap pass to Hyman. He and Broberg had a strong early shift on an OZone FO with 97’s crew and it seemed to infuse both kids with confidence. Broberg took a good shot on net on that shift IIRC. He had a really nice game: some wobbles but nothing major. He’ll never see Bakersfield again.
7) At his size and speed, now that he puts up two+ hits a game on average, JP has to have value to other teams. He’s only 24, there’s just way too much there. Probably just suffering from the Oiler Coke Machine Curse. 😉 Verbeek’s a smart man if he’s in on that. Scoresheet by the way credited Pujo with only one hit tonight, but that’s incorrect, he had more. Glad Verbeek was there to watch.
======================
Game wasn’t as tight defensively as I would have liked especially against a weak opponent and a perfect opportunity to practice said defense. But it’s tough when the other team is willing to skate with you and that just happens to be your strength. The old throttle gets opened up.
Credit to the Preds. They played with heart and pluck tonight while completely out-manned. They could have folded any time after puck drop but showed up and made a game of it. They never stood a chance, but that was pretty professional.
kgo
December 14, 2022 1:01 am
Someone needs to show Woodcroft how to tie a double windsor knot….Just watched the post game interview and his tie knot was smaller than a nickel!
Probably a full Windsor or even half Windsor knot would suffice.
He’s prolly rocking the four-in-hand with a skinny tie.
I’m not the fashion maven that I used to be, but it’s hard to pull off the skinny tie if you’re over 35.
Munny 2.0
December 13, 2022 10:49 pm
Okay, finally home. Time to watch this bee-atch. Good result, but sounded sloppy from the parts I caught. Congrats to Hyman on his first career hattie. From the CHED post-game sounded like Pujo had a few good moments. Too bad Connor missed out on his big milestone.
If I’m still awake at the end of this game, maybe I’ll post some thoughts, but it doesn’t feel likely right now lol. Time to smoke something, cue up your game comments and relax knowing I’m watching a win.
jp
December 13, 2022 10:38 pm
We’ll see it anything happens on the Verbeek front.
If it does, who from the Ducks could conceivably be of interest to the Oilers (and conceivably available)? The possibilities I see:
Adam Henrique (C – 32 – 2x $5.825M)
87 27-29-56 (boxcars last 2 seasons) (#3 on the Ducks)
Great on FO (54.5%)
Plays PP and PK
Great on ice results
Isac Lundestrom (C – 23 – 2x $1.8M then RFA)
On IR currently
104 17-18-35
Poor on FOs (45%)
Plays PK
Very poor on ice numbers (though getting DZone starts FWIW)
Derek Grant (C/LW – 32 – $1.5M – UFA)
Currently on IR
86 17-15-32
Pretty decent on FO (49.4% but he takes more SH than even strength draws)
Plays PK
Very poor on ice numbers (also getting DZ starts)
I think he and Lundestrom play together based on on ice numbers, but didn’t check)
Max Jones (LW – 24 – 2x $1.295M then RFA)
Former 1st, big, hits, penalties, hasn’t scored
30 2-3-5 (missed almost all of last season)
Has PKed a little
Reasonable on ice numbers in his previous 2 seasons, but very bad in these 30 games.
Maxime Comtois (LW- 23 – $2.037 then RFA)
2nd round pick, big, hits, penalties
71 11-10-21 (this after a 55 16-17-33 Covid season)
Some PP
On ice numbers are OKish
Sam Carrick (RW – 30 – 2x $850k) 79 11-10-21
Not overly big, hits, penalties
A little PK On ice numbers are OKish
Dmitry Kulikov (LD – 32 – $2.25M – UFA)
109 9-24-33
We know this players style
Primary PKer
On ice numbers aren’t great
John Klingberg (RD – 30 – $7.0M – UFA)
96 7-48-55 (only 22 1-7-8 this year)
Primary PP. Basically does not PK.
Incredible on ice PP numbers in DAL
On ice numbers had slipped a bit in DAL. Awful results this year in ANA.
Kevin Shattenkirk (RD – 33 – $3.9M – UFA)
107 8-35-43 (25 0-8-8 this year)
PP and PK
Quality on ice numbers
Only playing 18 minutes per game this year after being over 21 the previous 2 yrs.
Where does that leave us.
Klingberg is expensive and having a really tough year. Very difficult to see moving out Barrie (or Bouchard) for the sake of adding Klingberg, even though there was reported interest in the summer.
Shattenkirk looks like a quality D but again, but not an improvement or style change from the incumbents.
Kulikov could be a useful add to help Kulak on the left side, but I personally wouldn’t go there yet since Broberg should be playing games. Definitely wouldn’t mind seeing him at the deadline though, and his role wouldn’t be a big as last time around.
Henrique seems like the obvious choice, if the Ducks are willing to retain. Can win draws, play C or W, plays both special teams. Can score, has good on ice results. Not sure the cost but he’d be a great add IMO.
If you squint you can see some utility (in some way or other) in all the other cheaper forwards.
I left out Silfverberg because he’s 32, makes $5M+ and has another year on his deal, and hasn’t scored a lick since 19-20 (129 16-26-43 over 3 seasons).
Anyway, Henrique. I could get excited about him at $3M-ish for this season and next.
oilers remain youth, get RFA control I believe, gain cap space for deadline, and seems like a utility player where as I view JP as a specialist on a specialist to max team
Faustkarz
December 13, 2022 10:29 pm
hard to probably quantify
anybody have quantitative stats a good PK means good 5×5
mostly due to momentum
Admiral Ackbar
December 13, 2022 10:14 pm
This Leon vs the Preds is getting pretty unbelievable…
-rough start for Campbell but I thought he settled in – it wasn’t pretty, but baby steps. That’s a big win for him and the team
-Hyman is a beauty, a motor that won’t quit – what a player
-I agree that Jesse up with McDavid late was a showcase, and I thought he showed well. Several nice plays, and his size was noticeable tonight. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s moved in the next 48 hours and tonight was his last game as an Oiler. We wait.
Yamamoto got hurt and Jesse then got some time up in his place.
I don’t imagine, all of a sudden in the 3rd period of a game that’t not over Woody (on his own or on mid-game instructions from Holland) is bumping Jesse up for a showcase.
I think every deployment decision was based on winning.
OriginalPouzar
December 13, 2022 10:01 pm
Leon Draisaitl has 51 points on the season and 47 of them are primary points…… 4 second assists.
That would be more primary points than any non-Oiler has total points.
Reja
December 13, 2022 9:56 pm
Captain Jack will get you high tonight
and take you to your special island
Captain Jack will get you by tonight….
dangilitis
December 13, 2022 9:55 pm
Campbell played well for the last half of the game but it goes without saying that 30 minute efforts aren’t going to be good enough most nights. Those first 2 goals against were stoppable, momentum-sapping misses that Skinner has stopped routinely. I’m happy how he closed it out but Skinner has to remain the undisputed starter at this point.
Hyman full credit for the hat trick, that was overdue and well-deserved!
Draisaitl’s 20 goals and 30 pts in last 10 games against Nashville is insane.
And Nuge reaching 34 pts 20 games sooner than in several prior seasons! I am really hoping this is the beginning of a late renaissance period for him. If anyone is capable of reaching another level at 29 and sustaining it for another 8 years, it’s that guy
Totally fair. But the only reason he’s coming in cold is that he was unprepared to be the starter and lost his job. I am rooting for him but he deserves a short leash
Not sure why we need this/you if we have The Score app. The facts are redundant and the analysis is skewed in an obvious direction if not outright linked to untrue premises.
Comparing LT’s storytelling to Hairy Hands’ trolling is just gross.
Worst. Post. Ever.
Scungilli Slushy
December 13, 2022 9:35 pm
Oilers 4th GF 24th GA
The win was great, but it was an easy game. If the Preds had executed better (a lot of players open in scoring positions) it would have been a lot tighter (I’d say a loss)
So if it’s not what they are being asked to do (and what’s with the one hand on the stick defensively all the time?) it means they aren’t good enough players. Win when it’s easier, not when it’s harder
If the Oilers had finished more of their chances it could have been another blowout. That’s hockey. They also, as usual, deserved more than the 2 PP they got and despite the game management they were perfect on special teams.
Wanner picked up an assist in a losing cause. In doing so, he has exactly matched last season’s boxcars (6-17-23), but in less than half the games (24 vs. 55). He also sports a +19 compared to last season’s -4.
Prospecting takes a break until Thursday.
jp
December 13, 2022 8:59 pm
What else happened tonight?
Knights beat the Jets (6-5) Stars won (4-1 NJD)
Kraken lost (2-6 TBL)
Kings lost (0-6 BUF)
Lotta 6 spots being thrown up. No 3 point games so far (involving WConf playoff-relevant team).
And still in progress:
Avalanche leading the Flyers (2-1 after 2)
VGK +12
WPG +9
DAL +9
SEA +7
COL +5
MIN +4
EDM +4
LAK +3
——-
CGY +2
NSH 0
VAN -1
STL -2
ARI -4
SJS -7
CHI -9
ANA -13
jp
December 13, 2022 8:51 pm
All the forwards under 19 minutes TOI tonight (Draisaitl led with 18:38, McDavid and Hyman both at 18:31).
KnightRain
December 13, 2022 8:47 pm
I only heard most of the second so I can’t comment on it but I really liked how we played in the third. Strong defensively and no cheating for offence. We only scored on an empty net but had plenty of good chances while limiting them to only a couple of dangerous chances.
Bottle it up.
My kinda hockey.
Was at the game and really liked their 3rd period. First shift was a little loose but after that, they did a nice job limiting Nashville’s chances. Campbell seemed to settle down as well.
Sierra
December 13, 2022 8:44 pm
Lots of calls throughout the day to break-up the top line, some even putting Hyman on the 3rd line. The Coach was right tonight.
jp
December 13, 2022 8:39 pm
Alright. .900 and the W for Campbell. Solid 3rd.
For the record, his last .900 start was only 2 games removed (ie- two sub .900 games between this game and his last .900 start on Nov 23rd).
Good to get the win tonight.
OriginalPouzar
December 13, 2022 8:38 pm
20 straight saves by Jack to finish the game – its something!
After his blunderous play on the 1st shot of the game, I was worried (bet he didn’t feel real great about it either). But credit due, as you said, 20 strait IS something. Hope he gains some confidence… you can do it Jack.
1) Okay, tidbit. No one mentioned it below, although one commenter did wonder, so I’m guessing people are unaware but this was raised on the radio: If Connor had gotten one more point, he would have been the first player since both Jagr and Lemieux in 95-96 to score 60 points in 30 games.
We haven’t seen anything like this on our team since Gretzky. This is an incredible season by an incredibly motivated young man, with the talent to deliver on his ambition. Almost every night he is seizing moments, flickers of mistakes and whisps of open ice, to drive absolute daggers through defenses. It’s hard to say whether he’s a better passer or shooter now. He can no-look both at top speed. He’s built like a brick shithouse, no longer just the skinny kid with the slick boots. He plays hard in the corners, takes abuse all game, and gives it out too. His faceoffs have gone from weakness to strength. And now it looks like he wants a 50-100-150 season.
Supernova. This is going to be fun.
2) I don’t know if I can put a lot of that first goal on Campbell, clearly it both changed direction and dove after ricocheting off Ceci. Score one for Team We-don’t-like-blocking-shots.
But think about this goal for a second. Soupy’s had all this struggle in a new town he hasn’t been able to settle into yet, at least on the ice, and then gets this piece of adversity in the first two minutes of his first start in two weeks. And then puts in a pretty damn fine effort, considering some of the high-jinks on front of him. Kudos where kudos are due. We’re going to need both goalies this season, so hopefully Campbell can build off this and finally find his groove.
3) Oilers sure were more physical tonight and against a bigger team in the Preds. The Oil were still playing the body deep in the 3rd. Good to see that change and right quick. The lead helps I know, but for some reason we like to wilt against Minny.
4) I thought Janmark played a real noticeable game again tonight, including a fantastic backcheck early on. My card on him from views during the pre-season was good passer but can’t score, good boots, decent vision and smarts. His passing package of hands, vision and smarts is better than I originally thought and he battles harder on the walls than I expected. He’s pretty utility, can sustain up the line-up better than I thought, just not the best guy to have at the end of a play.
5) I wonder if Hyman gets more hatties now that he’s finally got one after a gazillion opportunities. No one gets more looks in a game and it’s all from sheer hard work. What a player. More hatties, please.
6) Bouchard on D might be the death of me. But… He’s really mixing up his shots now: delays, steps, slappers, wristers, different speeds, slap passes. He’s getting pucks through much more consistently. Forced Lankonen to make a save not long before the slap pass to Hyman. He and Broberg had a strong early shift on an OZone FO with 97’s crew and it seemed to infuse both kids with confidence. Broberg took a good shot on net on that shift IIRC. He had a really nice game: some wobbles but nothing major. He’ll never see Bakersfield again.
7) At his size and speed, now that he puts up two+ hits a game on average, JP has to have value to other teams. He’s only 24, there’s just way too much there. Probably just suffering from the Oiler Coke Machine Curse. 😉 Verbeek’s a smart man if he’s in on that. Scoresheet by the way credited Pujo with only one hit tonight, but that’s incorrect, he had more. Glad Verbeek was there to watch.
======================
Game wasn’t as tight defensively as I would have liked especially against a weak opponent and a perfect opportunity to practice said defense. But it’s tough when the other team is willing to skate with you and that just happens to be your strength. The old throttle gets opened up.
Credit to the Preds. They played with heart and pluck tonight while completely out-manned. They could have folded any time after puck drop but showed up and made a game of it. They never stood a chance, but that was pretty professional.
Someone needs to show Woodcroft how to tie a double windsor knot….Just watched the post game interview and his tie knot was smaller than a nickel!
Probably a full Windsor or even half Windsor knot would suffice.
He’s prolly rocking the four-in-hand with a skinny tie.
I’m not the fashion maven that I used to be, but it’s hard to pull off the skinny tie if you’re over 35.
Okay, finally home. Time to watch this bee-atch. Good result, but sounded sloppy from the parts I caught. Congrats to Hyman on his first career hattie. From the CHED post-game sounded like Pujo had a few good moments. Too bad Connor missed out on his big milestone.
If I’m still awake at the end of this game, maybe I’ll post some thoughts, but it doesn’t feel likely right now lol. Time to smoke something, cue up your game comments and relax knowing I’m watching a win.
We’ll see it anything happens on the Verbeek front.
If it does, who from the Ducks could conceivably be of interest to the Oilers (and conceivably available)? The possibilities I see:
Adam Henrique (C – 32 – 2x $5.825M)
87 27-29-56 (boxcars last 2 seasons) (#3 on the Ducks)
Great on FO (54.5%)
Plays PP and PK
Great on ice results
Isac Lundestrom (C – 23 – 2x $1.8M then RFA)
On IR currently
104 17-18-35
Poor on FOs (45%)
Plays PK
Very poor on ice numbers (though getting DZone starts FWIW)
Derek Grant (C/LW – 32 – $1.5M – UFA)
Currently on IR
86 17-15-32
Pretty decent on FO (49.4% but he takes more SH than even strength draws)
Plays PK
Very poor on ice numbers (also getting DZ starts)
I think he and Lundestrom play together based on on ice numbers, but didn’t check)
Max Jones (LW – 24 – 2x $1.295M then RFA)
Former 1st, big, hits, penalties, hasn’t scored
30 2-3-5 (missed almost all of last season)
Has PKed a little
Reasonable on ice numbers in his previous 2 seasons, but very bad in these 30 games.
Maxime Comtois (LW- 23 – $2.037 then RFA)
2nd round pick, big, hits, penalties
71 11-10-21 (this after a 55 16-17-33 Covid season)
Some PP
On ice numbers are OKish
Sam Carrick (RW – 30 – 2x $850k)
79 11-10-21
Not overly big, hits, penalties
A little PK
On ice numbers are OKish
Dmitry Kulikov (LD – 32 – $2.25M – UFA)
109 9-24-33
We know this players style
Primary PKer
On ice numbers aren’t great
John Klingberg (RD – 30 – $7.0M – UFA)
96 7-48-55 (only 22 1-7-8 this year)
Primary PP. Basically does not PK.
Incredible on ice PP numbers in DAL
On ice numbers had slipped a bit in DAL. Awful results this year in ANA.
Kevin Shattenkirk (RD – 33 – $3.9M – UFA)
107 8-35-43 (25 0-8-8 this year)
PP and PK
Quality on ice numbers
Only playing 18 minutes per game this year after being over 21 the previous 2 yrs.
Where does that leave us.
Klingberg is expensive and having a really tough year. Very difficult to see moving out Barrie (or Bouchard) for the sake of adding Klingberg, even though there was reported interest in the summer.
Shattenkirk looks like a quality D but again, but not an improvement or style change from the incumbents.
Kulikov could be a useful add to help Kulak on the left side, but I personally wouldn’t go there yet since Broberg should be playing games. Definitely wouldn’t mind seeing him at the deadline though, and his role wouldn’t be a big as last time around.
Henrique seems like the obvious choice, if the Ducks are willing to retain. Can win draws, play C or W, plays both special teams. Can score, has good on ice results. Not sure the cost but he’d be a great add IMO.
If you squint you can see some utility (in some way or other) in all the other cheaper forwards.
I left out Silfverberg because he’s 32, makes $5M+ and has another year on his deal, and hasn’t scored a lick since 19-20 (129 16-26-43 over 3 seasons).
Anyway, Henrique. I could get excited about him at $3M-ish for this season and next.
I still like lundestrom
oilers remain youth, get RFA control I believe, gain cap space for deadline, and seems like a utility player where as I view JP as a specialist on a specialist to max team
hard to probably quantify
anybody have quantitative stats a good PK means good 5×5
mostly due to momentum
This Leon vs the Preds is getting pretty unbelievable…
Just getting caught up on the PVR
-rough start for Campbell but I thought he settled in – it wasn’t pretty, but baby steps. That’s a big win for him and the team
-Hyman is a beauty, a motor that won’t quit – what a player
-I agree that Jesse up with McDavid late was a showcase, and I thought he showed well. Several nice plays, and his size was noticeable tonight. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s moved in the next 48 hours and tonight was his last game as an Oiler. We wait.
Yamamoto got hurt and Jesse then got some time up in his place.
I don’t imagine, all of a sudden in the 3rd period of a game that’t not over Woody (on his own or on mid-game instructions from Holland) is bumping Jesse up for a showcase.
I think every deployment decision was based on winning.
Leon Draisaitl has 51 points on the season and 47 of them are primary points…… 4 second assists.
That’s unbelievable, wow.
That would be more primary points than any non-Oiler has total points.
Captain Jack will get you high tonight
and take you to your special island
Captain Jack will get you by tonight….
Campbell played well for the last half of the game but it goes without saying that 30 minute efforts aren’t going to be good enough most nights. Those first 2 goals against were stoppable, momentum-sapping misses that Skinner has stopped routinely. I’m happy how he closed it out but Skinner has to remain the undisputed starter at this point.
Hyman full credit for the hat trick, that was overdue and well-deserved!
Draisaitl’s 20 goals and 30 pts in last 10 games against Nashville is insane.
And Nuge reaching 34 pts 20 games sooner than in several prior seasons! I am really hoping this is the beginning of a late renaissance period for him. If anyone is capable of reaching another level at 29 and sustaining it for another 8 years, it’s that guy
Looks like Campbell’s previous start was dec 1. That’s almost two weeks. It can be tough coming in cold sometimes.
Totally fair. But the only reason he’s coming in cold is that he was unprepared to be the starter and lost his job. I am rooting for him but he deserves a short leash
It’s a tough spot because Campbell is a $20 cab ride away from reliable, but it’s a huge risk to run Skinner into the ground.
I’d give Campbell the Ducks, Preds and Winnipeg (b2b) for the rest of the month to get Skinner a couple chances to take a breath.
Ovechkin with a hat trick to hit 800
Not sure why we need this/you if we have The Score app. The facts are redundant and the analysis is skewed in an obvious direction if not outright linked to untrue premises.
I disagree.
The host loves to tell us non-Oiler stories from his youth and Ovi chasing down the all time goals record is worth celebrating.
Its mean to crap over this feat regardless of the poster
Comparing LT’s storytelling to Hairy Hands’ trolling is just gross.
Worst. Post. Ever.
Oilers 4th GF 24th GA
The win was great, but it was an easy game. If the Preds had executed better (a lot of players open in scoring positions) it would have been a lot tighter (I’d say a loss)
So if it’s not what they are being asked to do (and what’s with the one hand on the stick defensively all the time?) it means they aren’t good enough players. Win when it’s easier, not when it’s harder
Hmmmm
best wins past few games are against the yotes and preds
playing real comp is the issue
.
If the Oilers had finished more of their chances it could have been another blowout. That’s hockey. They also, as usual, deserved more than the 2 PP they got and despite the game management they were perfect on special teams.
Not sure I’d call any 2nd of a back to back easy.
God this is a stupid and lazy analysis.
Oilers win -= shit on them for not winning enough
Oilers win the enough = shit on them cause it should have happened.
Oilers lose = shit on them cause they haven’t fired anyone.
You Winchester and Reja deserve a timeout for the HH level of stupid shit you guys post. Pathetic do better.
youre forgetting
oilers win against good team = plan the parade
Told y’all yesterday. He scores one he scores five or six. Atta boy!
Soup above .900, Yaaaaassssssssss
Good game team. Now focus on preparing for the Wild and the Kryptonite Playoff Defense!
Connor and Leon both under 19 minutes tonight (Hyman as well).
Oooops – sorry JP – saw your post after.
Summarizing!
Wanner picked up an assist in a losing cause. In doing so, he has exactly matched last season’s boxcars (6-17-23), but in less than half the games (24 vs. 55). He also sports a +19 compared to last season’s -4.
Prospecting takes a break until Thursday.
What else happened tonight?
Knights beat the Jets (6-5)
Stars won (4-1 NJD)
Kraken lost (2-6 TBL)
Kings lost (0-6 BUF)
Lotta 6 spots being thrown up. No 3 point games so far (involving WConf playoff-relevant team).
And still in progress:
Avalanche leading the Flyers (2-1 after 2)
There is no reason to panic Oiler fans.
Its all about Peaking
We’re just ahead of the Kings now on points %
Weird game.
LAK outshot BUF 30-15 in the first two periods then fell apart.
Anderson with his first shutout in 3 years.
Yup, or:
VGK +12
WPG +9
DAL +9
SEA +7
COL +5
MIN +4
EDM +4
LAK +3
——-
CGY +2
NSH 0
VAN -1
STL -2
ARI -4
SJS -7
CHI -9
ANA -13
All the forwards under 19 minutes TOI tonight (Draisaitl led with 18:38, McDavid and Hyman both at 18:31).
I only heard most of the second so I can’t comment on it but I really liked how we played in the third. Strong defensively and no cheating for offence. We only scored on an empty net but had plenty of good chances while limiting them to only a couple of dangerous chances.
Bottle it up.
My kinda hockey.
Was at the game and really liked their 3rd period. First shift was a little loose but after that, they did a nice job limiting Nashville’s chances. Campbell seemed to settle down as well.
Lots of calls throughout the day to break-up the top line, some even putting Hyman on the 3rd line. The Coach was right tonight.
Alright. .900 and the W for Campbell. Solid 3rd.
For the record, his last .900 start was only 2 games removed (ie- two sub .900 games between this game and his last .900 start on Nov 23rd).
Good to get the win tonight.
20 straight saves by Jack to finish the game – its something!
He needs his mojo back and this could be the start.
After his blunderous play on the 1st shot of the game, I was worried (bet he didn’t feel real great about it either). But credit due, as you said, 20 strait IS something. Hope he gains some confidence… you can do it Jack.
I hope jack can turn it around. Koski ver.2 would be ruthless
Jesse sells out and blocks a shot in the final seconds of a 6-3 game. Love seeing stuff like that.
Best of luck on your next adventure, Jesse.
even after my drunken rants about JP
I do love the guy and hope him the best in the league
I won’t feel anything but happiness if he becomes a perennial 20g 30p guy for 15 years
Same. Just not when he plays against us. I never cheer for ex players when we play them. But I do keep track of favs and I’ll be keeping track of him.
One of the better empty netters.
EN goal be damned
great stick work by hyman
Called it.
BOOM!!! A “Hyman” type of goal for the hatty!!!
Imagine if Darnell Nurse made the effort/play that Josi just did….?
Not like he makes $9M.
Hyman, ha!
A “Hyman Style Empty Netter”
.900!
.903!
.906, who would of thunk it?
Don’t fuck with the (third period) shutout!
Bouch played that perfectly. Except for the shot outta the rink.
Hardly see him use his positioning that well…
Jack/Louie – JP us getting moved up because verbeek is there.
Wondered about that.
He did play well though (ie – wouldn’t have been close to odd even without Verbeek in the bldg).
Also, Woody waited until awfully late to do it if there was a plan to showcase.
The real time prop bet on Zack Hyman passing the puck again tonight must pay huge…..
Hyman will never get a hattrick
Empty net. Book it.
damn nice call lol
Hah it worked!
Bison King making things happen on the top line
Great sauce by Jesse to McDavid – would have been nice!
Broberg still with some panic and rush in his game in the defensive zone….. he’s coming though.
What a motor Hyman has!!! No quit!
I love Hyman.
Liking Klim’s game. Hits hard and not afraid to wade into the battle. Wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him get an audition with Connor or Nuge’s line.
Campbell needs 9 more saves to get to .900!
Why would you mention that?
Settling down nicely.
“Nobody seems to want it at the moment.” -Nashville play-by-play. No, that’s just how Malone is.
Yammo looks ok. Whew
Nuge is playing the best offensive hockey of his career and the best 2-way hockey of his career.
Great to see Yamamoto back.
A shortie to put this away would be nice….
That’s a bad penalty by Malone.
Wow, huge sell by Fabbro. I thought it was actually a penalty in real time.
Replay looks like it was stick waving for 2
100%. Unsportsmanlike was the only actual penalty on the play.
4th liners shouldn’t take offensive penalties
Especially when you just get back into the lineup
In his defense, he didn’t actually do anything against the rules.
Oh crap… Yammo didn’t look good