Knocking Lost John

by Lowetide

The Edmonton Oilers needed a game like last night, and some performances from a group that has struggled so far this season. Jack Campbell delivered a save percentage over .900, Dylan Holloway and Kailer Yamamoto scored, Philip Broberg picked up an assist and did some good things. It doesn’t make up for the sleep walk holidays, but climbing into the playoffs is less daunting today after the win over New York.

THE ATHLETIC!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN JANUARY

  • At home to: SEA, NYI, COL (Expected 1-1-1) (Actual 1-1-0)
  • On the road to: LAK, ANA, SJS, VEG (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: SEA, TBAY (Expected 0-1-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • On the road to: VAN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: CBJ, CHI (Expected 2-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • January expected result: 7-3-2, 16 points in 12 games
  • January actual result: 1-1-0, 2 points in 2 games
  • December results: 7-6-2, 16 points in 15 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: 21-17-2, 44 points in 40 games

The Oilers have a real opportunity over the next week plus to hang a big number in the wins column. I have Edmonton getting seven wins in 12 games over the entire month. If there’s a winning streak to be had in this schedule it could involve a win over the Avs Saturday and then a California sweep. Can this team begin the month 5-1-0?

SUMMARY

LAST NIGHT

Connor McDavid posted his 75th point last night, in Game 40. That’s a 150-point pace halfway through the season and my goodness it’s been some time since we’ve seen this kind of production. He had a couple of assists and three shots last night, and his line (Klim Kostin and Kailer Yamamoto) won the five-on-five shots 8-3 and HDSC 3-0. Kailer Yamamoto scored a shorthanded goal and drew two penalties, he was involved all night and worked hard over all 200 feet. Klim Kostin had some big hits and a couple of HDSC’s. The line looked good. I would like to see them again Saturday.

Leon Draisaitl had a strong game, playing with veterans Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. Leon scored and had a great assist on Hyman’s goal. He also had eight shots on net, four HDSC and drew a penalty. He was responsible with the puck and played a fine overall game. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists, one HDSC and took a rare penalty and then another. He was effective across 200 feet. He is No. 10 in all-time scoring for an Oilers player, one point behind Doug Weight. Zach Hyman scored an impressive goal, he has 18 on the season. Five shots, six HDSC. His inability to get the puck out of the zone late in the second, resulting in a goal, was the most galling play on a terrific night for the team. The line went 5-0 shots, 1-0 goals and 6-0 HDSC. Man that’s a second line!

Ryan McLeod picked up an assist on a couple of shots, and his line (mostly with Jesse Puljujarvi and Mattias Janmark) went 4-4 shots and 0-1 goals. McLeod also had one HDSC. Mattias Janmark had a shot and a giveaway, he was decidedly unlucky at five-on-five (0-2 goals). Jesse Puljujarvi had one shot, a couple of hits and played just past nine minutes. Derek Ryan had a couple of shots and two HDSC, played a responsible game and offered a great screen on the Holloway goal. Dylan Holloway scored a goal, three shots and a couple of HDSC. A good night from the rookie.

Darnell Nurse played well and was the only Oilers player over 20 minutes at five-on-five. Great shot share (13-8), HDSC (5-0) and expected goal share (78.5 percent). Effective against the Barzal line, a trio that brought their work boots. Cody Ceci was also effective, he was 0-1 at five-on-five but quality with Nurse on the night. For the season, the duo is 22-20 goals at five-on-five (52.4 percent). Considering the qual comp (Puck IQ has them at about 39 percent) these numbers a rock solid.

Brett Kulak was decidedly high event (1-1 goals), had two shots on goal and an expected goal share of 56 percent. He and Tyson Barrie have formed a good second pairing, their five-on-five goal differential (15-12, 56 percent) more than good enough to justify keeping them together. Tyson Barrie blocked four shots on the night, crazy high event (2-2 goals) evening at five-on-five.

Philip Broberg was quality. Seriously. Had an assist, three shots, transported and passed the puck well, and won several battles. Engaged physically, got in lanes to suppress progress, and his 95 percent expected goal share five-on-five reads like a dream. Music! Evan Bouchard had a 92 percent expected goal share, was 7-0 in HDSC at five-on-five, had a couple of takeaways (and a giveaway) and saw some signs of his offensive ability returning. Delivered a vicious elbow, too. I miss the offensive Bouchard, hope he gets well soon, but this was an effective evening defending. Markus Niemelainen played just 3:06 on the night, barely got his car out of the driveway.

Jack Campbell stopped 20 of 22, that’s .909 and good enough for the win. He is up to six quality starts (33 percent). I have little doubt we’ll see Stuart Skinner Saturday.

JAY WOODCROFT

Many of the things we saw last night rhymed with what we saw one year ago when the young coach took over. Seven defensemen, a fourth line that was makeshift and ran efficiently, fewer slow boots. The real story last night was attention to detail, Edmonton being fairly meticulous overall. Hyman didn’t get the puck out on the second goal, Nurse made an errant area pass that robbed Yamamoto of an EN goal. If your team wins a game and you’re reaching for examples of miscues, let. it. go. This Oilers team played well, so well Jack Campbell had one of the easiest nights in memory for an Oilers goalie.

LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON

A busy Friday show, we’ll talk Oilers, WJ’s, NFL and more. Steve Lansky, Tyler Yaremchuk and more as we get set for a big weekend! 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Friday, baby!

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officezombie

Already getting outshot. Refs aren’t helping.

Reja

Broberg is off too the Glass factory.

Reja

Brad fuking Hunt what the hell is going on?

leeinvan

I thought the whole idea of having a farm team was to give the kids the ice time they need in order to be ready for the NHL
It’s not like this farm team is breaking any records on this season, doesn’t make sense.

Tarkus

Summarizing!

Brind’Amour led the way tonight with a pair of helpers along with great success on the dot, going 12-for-18 (66.7%).

Chiasson picked up an assist and a whopping 16 minutes in penalties (roughing, double high-sticking, misconduct; all separate plays).

Wanner and Lachance were held off the scoresheet. Schaefer has yet to return to his junior squadron.

Tarkus

Chiasson picks up an apple as the Kings of Wheat open the scoring in period 1. And a nifty pass it was.

Schaefer, along with his 3 T-birds teammates on Team Canada, is not in Seattle’s lineup. No problem though, as Seattle is up 4-0 after 1 on a Bedard-less Regina squad.

Fun fact: Seattle’s only blemish in their last 13 games is an OT loss. Amazing they can be without 4 players for the WJHC camp & tourney and not miss a beat. Depth!

Last edited 1 year ago by Tarkus
Munny 2.0

TBirds gonna make a big trade in the next two weeks, I’m thinkin.

Reja

Why pay players 3M when you can go dumpster diving and get a hungry 25-35 year-old for 750,000. Sonny Milano, Gagner and many others would play balls to the wall if given a opportunity. The 3M Squad can be replaced for 2.4 million total with a savings of around 6.5 million which will get a solid number 2 D-man.

Scungilli Slushy

I think Kenny is essentially looking there. In the Shady deal he turns a 3rd round talent into a 1st round. Signed Justin Bailey former 2nd rounder and a player type we all seem to feel they need. Maybe he finds the stuff again that got him drafted that high

I was looking through the Av’s Capfriendly. Curious about how many drafted players they’re using now. It’s a low number. Basically they’re high skill players. They also have all of their 1sts, despite wheeling and dealing to a Cup. Not much else left though

I like that approach. Basically the odds say your 1st rounder is your shot at a good or better player. 2nds not bad, later the hope is they make the NHL, but almost always replacement level outside of the odd (and rare) home runs

You can sign those guys yearly for solid cap value and they’re trained for you at no charge. What the Oilers did for years for the league

What stood out is the Avs have 2 undrafted regulars that they found. O’Connor and Francousz. Nice

I used to bemoan that often the Oilers would not value and player, and grind out their value in the minors until zero. Instead of trading them for a similar situation player, why not? It’s better than getting nothing and sometimes the fresh opinion works, as with Shady so far

Hopefully Kenny is on full bargain player hunting. Seems like it should fit his conservative style. He’s got a few multi million guys to save cap with

LMHF#1

This is the way to utilize cap space best every year.

6 or 7 forwards and 3D. Ideally a goalie and maybe one more D. Everyone else is transitory.

I wish it weren’t like this – but this is cap world.

Reja

The 3M Squad has 10 Goals combined half way through the year. These 3 need to be held accountable they’re not rookies but they seem to get a pass. It’s time for Woody to show some tough love either start producing Foegele-Yamo-J.P are you eating popcorn in the gallery.

Harpers Hair

I’ve been arguing this point for years.

If your draft picks are not firmly ensconced in the top 6 or top 4D by the end of their ELC’s it’s likely best to move on rather than pay them on a second contract.

There of course are exceptions but there are always bottom of the lineup players available every season at bargain rates.

Victoria Oil

For your AI fans, I was curious to see what ChatGPT had to say about Klim Kostin. It’s a bit lame, but not terrible for something that took about 10 seconds:

Klim Kostin, Oiler’s pride and joy,
His puck handling skills, oh so coy.
He skates circles ’round the competition,
Leaves ’em in the dust, no need for contrition.
But watch out, refs, he’s known to get feisty,
One wrong call and things might get dicey

Scungilli Slushy

He has his own poem now, he should see it! It’s not terrible!

It made me think/realize how desperate fans are for the team to return to glory

We are looking for a Deliverer, any Deliverer, to come and save the day

Unfortunately that also means not delivering can lead to quick Monty Python witch trials. Hopefully when the other Deliverer comes back, they can defeat the Black Knight of the DoD as easily as King Arthur

TheGreatBigMac

How did you get that, when I ask for a poem it just says it doesn’t know Klim. Did you give it some input data on him as well?

Victoria Oil

I think I said something like ‘write a humorous 40 word poem on Klim Kostin of the Edmonton Oilers’ or something along those lines’. The first time I tried it, I omitted the word ‘humourous’ and it was super lame.

Tarkus

Brind’Amour records an apple as he wins a draw back to his winger, who promptly buries it to open the scoring in period 1:

https://mobile.twitter.com/QU_MIH/status/1611517472041238528/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1611517472041238528&currentTweetUser=QU_MIH

OriginalPouzar

Woods with a nice long spot on Oilers Now today.

Some really great words on Holloway and his progression.

Some thoughts on the $3MM men and their lower than expected production.

Ryan

comment image

Fun stat of the day.

200 min played at 5v5.

Who’s leading the league in penalties drawn/60?

Klim Kostin.

Last edited 1 year ago by Ryan
Mulroneys Mandible

The kid is earning a full time job.

Last edited 1 year ago by Mulroneys Mandible
VanIsleOil

Beware of the Klim Reaper…
comment image&ct=g

Last edited 1 year ago by VanIsleOil
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I was originally in the “Klim Reaper” camp. But, I think Klim Shady is better. Klim Shady + Drai gives the Oilers a cohesive rap theme.

Reja

He’s built like a brick shit house you can’t hurt this man KliM, Kane and Holloway need to be in the top 6 with the 3M Squad getting 3rd line minutes are scraps on the 4th line.

OriginalPouzar

and 13th in penalties taken/60.

As I keep saying, with his ability to create with the puck (and create chaos in the offensive zone) and his penchant for some poor decisions/plays in the neutral and defensive zone, he is one hell of a high event player. I love him on the team, on the ice and in front of a microphone!

Reja

You mentioned these same scouting report comments from day 1 and have accurately described this player to a T in my opinion.

OriginalPouzar

Thank you.

It was solely from his AHL games – I knew little of him prior to the trade.

Ryan

Vrana is an interesting player.

He has a poor reputation away from the puck, but one of the best goals/60 in the game. He’s a weaker defensive player for sure, but his shot teeing off passes from 29 and 97 would be interesting.

I don’t see Detroit retaining salary in the deal which basically makes a trade nearly impossible.

Ryan

He’s 0-0-0 -6 in 4 AHL games. 🤔

Scungilli Slushy

If we take the Barry Fraser approach, how does he play in traffic? Or in other words tight games such as deep playoff games?

Some teams need a scorer, damn the consequences, because they can’t enough

winchester

Well, he should fit right in.

Crazy Pedestrian

That win last night was good and all, but what would really be nice is if the Islanders take their frustration out on Calgary tonight, and handing the fLames a crushing loss on home ice.

OriginalPouzar

Yes, I would be in to that…..

YYCOil

Last night, the Kraken went into Toronto and stole the Leaf lunch money, easily handling TML 5-1.

We we were all disappointed with the Oiler/Kraken result, however when Kraken are playing well they can win convincingly on any given night.

Scungilli Slushy

True, other than the 2-0 lead and domination, until they fell asleep

YYCOil

Or the Kraken woke and began to play.

Scungilli Slushy

Slay it!

OriginalPouzar

I thought both Kostin and Yamo were effective on McDavid’s wing last night. They both helped create chaos in the offensive zone but, at the end of the day, Isles defended McDavid quite well and that line didn’t score at evens. No worries – they didn’t give up a goal either.

I thought Leon was skating as well as he has since early May – he looked powerful and was also using his edges and had his feet moving. A good sign.

Gotta love Hyman. I mean, he scored a goal and was all over the puck in the offensive zone, as always. At the same time, does the coaching staff realize that this dogged determination is generally one-way with Hyman. He doesn’t show that battle effort in the defensive zone and it cost a goal last night. I think the coaching staff thinks he’s a good 2-way player but, really, he’s not great from the red line back. Love the guy. Love the effort going forward. Not sure its there as much going back and I’m not sure that is realized…..

Nurse was struggling for a few weeks, big time, with high event mistakes. At the same time, even with the high event mistakes that were leading to goals against, his numbers remained quite good against top competition. Well, those high event mistakes have gone away over the last number of games and he’s settled back in – playing big (not huge) minutes against the best comp and, while never a perfect game, munching those minutes and helping the team win. Great player.

As I said before the game yesterday, Broberg has been playing well and he’s coming. He didn’t get big minutes at 5 on 5 last night but man was he good. That kid can defend and he’s barely 21 (well, half way past his b-day). He’s going to be a very good d-man for a long time if he can stay healthy. Play the next 42 games Bro, play. Of note, almost 3 clean minutes on the PK last night (2nd to Ceci).

JJS

Nurse with a ghastly turnover late in the third. Was behind our net with his back to the play and sent a backhand pass to 2 Islanders in front. If they had scored, the narrative would have been significantly different.

I like Nurse but he really needs to keep things simple and play to his strengths. When he tries to make cute plays behind his goal line, cuts back against the forecheck, or drives wide in the offensive zone, his processing seems to slow and he makes rookie plays.

Scungilli Slushy

If he gets to making the straight forward NHL hockey play he could be a force

Not many can play an effective fancy game, so he’s not unusual in that

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Great game. Now do it for five games in a row.

I find it funny that folks are praising the 7-11 deployment even though Nemo played 3:06.

Really, Woody went 6-11.

TheGreatBigMac

Forget five games, it’s one game at a time. Let’s see a similar effort against Colorado without major regression. Let’s get after the Avs!

Last edited 1 year ago by TheGreatBigMac
Reja

Av’s are on a losing streak. We need to come out hard and be up 2-0 by the 10 minute mark.

Tarkus

I need some assurance that I will be my own non-public boss.

OriginalPouzar

It was earlier this week that I speculated Justin Bailey potentially being signed and called up at some point – only reason he’s on an AHL deal as opppssed to a 2-way NHL deal was because he would have had to be on the opening roster while hurt to start the season messing up the cap structuring.

Well, he’s now been signed to a 2-way deal and out on waivers for assignment to the AHL.

He has been the best Condors’ forward recently.

cowboy bill

Is he better than Puljujarvi ?

Offside

Talent-wise? No. Contract-wise? Yes

OriginalPouzar

Seems highly unlikely.

Richard Roma

He has one assist in his last 30 games in the NHL. Those are face puncher stats. Is he a 4rth line grinder type?

Last edited 1 year ago by Richard Roma
€√¥£€^$

No, he is not overly physical, similar to Janmark. The big man has wheels though, he can fly. He has a great shot as well.

Similar in many ways to Perlini, but more defensively responsible.

Last edited 1 year ago by €√¥£€^$
OriginalPouzar

To be clear, I’m not advocating for Bailey on the Oilers and hope that it doesn’t happen. Just reading the tea leaves the last little while and speculating who would be called up if and when they need someone (or want to try someone).

Reja

I’m enjoying Klim’s simple game he knows his job is to clear some prime real estate for McDavid. Klim may have found a home with McDavid if he can keep his stick on the ice and crash the net. Once Kane returns to form I believe Klim, McDavid and Kane will be a crackerjack line.

Ice Sage

Wouldn’t it be nice if he becomes Maroon 2.0?

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Leaves the Oilers to win three cups with other teams?

Reja

Maroon hands are underrated watch the Goals he scored some of them are very hand skilled. Klim seems to love the limelight and I’m sure riding the buses in the A.H.L is forever implanted into his thinking. Has Klim found his Niche his game does seem to be high event which we could probably all agree is entertaining.

Ice Sage

My point was more about the eternal quest for a big, north-south, stick-on-the-ice lineman for 97 who can clear space and tap pucks in. Maroon is special and has a halo effect from his success since wearing the Oil drop, but wasn’t all that when he joined.

Richard Roma

Who plays d on that line?

cowboy bill

That should be the plan every night, let the goalies have easy nights or afternoons.

Reja

I would go with Campbell again on Saturday he’s earned it with his steady play last night. Skinner needs a rest he’s been letting in a few weak Goals at the wrong time. As bad as Campbell been he’s 2 games over 500 same as Skinner.

Redbird62

While clearly Skinner thus far has been playing most facets of the position better than Campbell, the one area where it seems Campbell has been better is handling the puck. My observations are that he stops pucks around the boards a little more often and effectively, and when he does, he makes better plays to the defenseman (or sometimes past the defenseman) than Skinner. Campbell is no Smith in this regard, but Skinner, who is only a rookie, will need to get better to hopefully get to even league average in this regard.

So far this season, Skinner has faced an average of 33.56 shots per 60 compared to Campbell’s 30.26 and gets 9.25 HDCA per 60 compared to 7.75 HDCA per 60 for Campbell. Some of that can potentially be attributed to the quality of opposition each has played over the course of the season, the fact is that the Oilers spend less time in their own end with Campbell in net than with Skinner and part of that will be because Campbell so far has done a better job of helping his D against the forecheck.

Further to your point, facing over 33 shots a game, while playing 2 out of every 3 games since November 1 is probably wearing on Skinner a bit. He could use the break and Campbell needs to get his mojo back.

Munny 2.0

Some of that higher count can also be attributed to the aforementioned rebound control. Easiest way to rack up HDCF is to allow rebounds (which tend to be plays inside home plate).

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

If Skinner can improve on his rebound control, he will be elite.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I would also like to see a game-by-game comparison of Skinner rebounds (if such a stat exists). I imagine rebounds become more of an issue when a goalie is fatigued.

Last edited 1 year ago by Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
Redbird62

Naturalstattrick has rebound attempts against per 60 at 4.38 for Skinner and 4.42 for Campbell so virtually identical by their count.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Thanks!

Interesting numbers. Maybe my eyes are failing me (this would not be the first time).

Reja

I really think your on to something when it comes to playing the puck especially when it comes too teams that dump the puck in more than other teams. This kind of thinking should be in the thought process when Woody decides on his starter in my opinion.

Scungilli Slushy

A very solid game overall. If they can keep the group play up like that, then It’s just ‘softness’ in individual’s games like Zach’s whiff, and big time brain farts that lead directly to goals

They also need to tighten coverage up. Luck favoured them as they did still have pretty loose coverage at times, just didn’t get burnt every time like usually

I hope they can go better than 7/12 and climb. .583 won’t do that

innercitysmytty

I’d quibble a bit with the loose coverage point. Maybe a couple of times, but no team ever plays a perfect game. I think if they play this way most nights they will be fine.

I believe LT had the Oilers at 7 wins but with 2 Bettman’s as well. In Gary’s alternate universe that amounts to a higher than .583 winning percentage. I’d rather go straight wins and losses. The Oilers are actually in a pretty decent position under this scenario.

Scungilli Slushy

I look at RegWins when I want to gauge team strength

Takes more luck and bounces out of the equation

The Oilers do look pretty good that way

Their Reg Losses are hurting them in points. That for me is about the ‘cascading breakdowns’. 15 minutes of bad play can lose games, and it does for them

This is the basis of my issue with high event players. If it’s Connor, you take that all day. If it’s Barrie, not for me, he’s not impactful enough at O

It’s all about playoffs for me. You have to get in, but then it’s way more about errors than offense because it is so unpredictable including reffing. If you don’t get PPs and you rely on them your hooped if you don’t have a solid two way 5v5 going on

For now I can live with Bouch developing especially if he can be sheltered with an appropriate partner. Vets, unless it’s Karlsson we’re talking about at D, no thanks. There’s only a handful that are so impactful it’s worth it. And they also ‘tend’ to be more expensive bcs points and need sheltering at evens often

teddyturnbuckle

Great game last night. Kostin played well all over the ice last night. I also liked how he jumped in right away to defend McDavid in that scrum. He made more plays with the puck in one game than Puljujarvi has made all season.

That back check Bouchard made was sublime. Best play he has made all year. He needs to work on his pinches and keeping the puck in at the blue line to avoid those situations.

After the first goal against I was ready to unload on Ryan McLeod but he turned his game around in the last two periods and made several good plays. I still think Holland needs to trade for responsible third line centre who is strong on face-offs . I don’t think McLeod will ever be that type of player.

Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

if we are wanting a 3c i think toews is the guy.

Veteran leadership, cup pedigree, has the street cred to have a voice that matters in the room, amazing on the dot, and has historically been an absolute pain in the rear to play against because he makes the right play more often than not.

also the fact he is owed so little in real dollars means getting double retention will be fairly affordable.

Scungilli Slushy

Good points

The question isn’t what he was, it’s what he is

I don’t know but am curious if he’s still git enough game and boots

innercitysmytty

If you could find that urgency in Bouchard’s game regularly when he’s playing without the puck, he would be a much better defender. Then give him the leeway to be creative with the puck and his game would take off.

SK Oiler Fan

I’m not betting on the urgency becoming regular with #2. This is what he is. Was in the scouting reports to.

We all get so hopeful after 1 positive game, but it’s not often you see significant changes in player’s games mid season unless They’ve rid themselves of a nagging injury

Pretendergast

I think if Connor teaches Clouder that in-tight roof move he’ll score 20. He flew by defenders multiple times, drove the net, then sent a puck right into the pads. Practice lifting the puck in tight young man.

Scungilli Slushy

Hang on. Nuge is scoring because he’s getting pucks up. Been saying for years he had to. Low blocker can’t be your only pitch, also there’s not a lot of room down low – hence the butterfly and hybrid styles – it’s a challenge to the shooter, get it up or don’t score

Most great shooters consistently hit top net. Or be Ovi and over power, if it doesn’t hit the goalie it’s in

Scungilli Slushy

Bang on I means

officezombie

Exactly this. I saw McLeod stuff it into the pads twice that night. This would help Puljujarvi too. Assuming you can learn reflexes and dexterity like that?

106 and 106

So, was the answer 7-D the whole time?

  • Keeps everyone fresher
  • Takes a 4th liner out of action, replaces with McDavid
  • Gets Nurse 3-4 minutes less a night

Seems strange that yesterday was the first time (unless it mistaken) that 7-D was employed since last year?

Redbird62

Nurse played over 26 minutes last night and his season average is 24. So far this season, the Oilers have had 7 defenseman 9 times.

innercitysmytty

Any idea what their record is in those games?

Redbird62

Including last night, pretty much like their season to date: 5 wins 4 losses and up and down (L,W,L,W,W,W, L,L,W). The one change last night is the 6/7 defensemen were Broberg / Neimelainen. The previous 8 were with Neimelainen / Murray and all occurred prior to when Broberg got called up to the NHL Nov 25. The top 5 D on the team have played all 40 games.

innercitysmytty

Thanks and that’s interesting.

ArmchairGM

Jekyll & Hyde.

Pretendergast

But what did you think about the game totally real Annie?

KnightRain

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times. I never thought the biggest issue was personnel. I always thought it was work ethic and commitment.
Last night was a great example of how this team can be really effective by having everyone on the same page.
Top to bottom, every player was engaged and committed to working their butts off and staying on the right side of the puck. Very little cheating for offence. It’s amazing how good our defenders look when they only have to cover their man, instead of worrying about multiple attackers due to the forwards playing to high or not following their men deeper.
Last night was one of the few games where we looked like we had an actual system. I bet it looked like the plan the coaches drew up repeatedly on the board but hardly saw on the ice, eh?
It’s amazing how good a team can look when they work hard and commit to the team game.
One game could be a mirage, two could be luck but three times in a row and you might be on to something.
Let’s see how this goes.

Bag of Pucks

Completely agree across the board.

Now, do it again lads because that’s what legit Cup contenders do, night in and night out.

Scungilli Slushy

Nice comment

I’ll nit pick that motivation is also a personnel issue. Finding a really good mix of people is a big part of any sports GM’s job. As I’ve been saying a lot I don’t see this group as well balanced on or off the ice

On ice bcs too many similar player types meaning their natural game is one dimensional and ‘lite’

Off because the ‘group’ doesn’t have a lot of natural fight in them – to win battles, hit assignments; which means win. Most of them aren’t players that like physical play. They take losing lightly compared to many teams as I see it, just get mopey or brood

I think they’d benefit from some life in the room. Energy – positive ‘characters’ to keep things relaxed, and ferocious for when things aren’t being done well. I think Messier imprinted my idea of an ideal leader for hockey

Bag of Pucks

I think this is a really interesting assessment of their chemistry and leadership dynamics. It’s impossible to tell because we’re not in the room but based on what I see on the ice and on the bench, I agree they need some vocal motivational personalities. I think Kane is good for this when he’s in the lineup. I think Mike Smith was as well although his temper tantrums at defensive lapses weren’t what I would describe as team building moments.

I like a Jonathan Toews add because he kind of fits that recent Corey Perry acquisition model of functional grit and leadership. But the “Captain Serious” title reminds me of McDavid’s personality that I see as hugely intense and competitive but a little too quiet and measured at times. Does Toews just add to that dynamic? Does his resume actually threaten Connor’s leadership a tad? Doubtful but these are the things a GM and HC have to consider.

Imo a team actually needs some loose cannons in the dressing room, guys that release tension when that’s needed and actually remind everyone that it’s a game and it should be fun too. It’s amazing how much credit those old Oiler HOFers give players like Semenko, Tikkanen, and Fuhr for what they brought to the dressing room in addition to what they brought on the ice. Sometimes it’s a joke. Sometimes it’s a well timed ‘calm down.’ Sometimes it’s a big hit or a big save.

I don’t know exactly what the missing piece with this dressing room is, but they take their foot off the pedal way too much. They have lots of A Types skill wise. I think they need a few more A Types verbally.

Last edited 1 year ago by Bag of Pucks
cowboy bill

They are better when they communicate collectively, not just certain individuals. As a whole they need to be more involved in the process.

Scungilli Slushy

Thanks. Perry is a fiery competitor who refuses to lose. Vicious, great when the chips are down. That is what the team needs along with on ice play

I agree Toews may not be a great fit. They don’t need (and can’t do. at this point) different leaders, can’t parachute it in, they’re all vets, piss or get off the pot). I don’t know if Toews would be comfortable after being Hawk Alpha for a long time.

Would he want to pick his spots or assert himself with possibly negative consequences?

Another voice with a different dynamic yes, every team can use that. Coaches have commented (Tipp?) it can be a quiet room. I see they have silent intense types, brooding even

I think we can make some assessments by what we see. On the ice, bench, and from game to game, they are looks into the inner dynamics. They show us who they are by what they do, as LT saying we know what the coach and GM think by what they do and say without the inside scoop

They Need the a perspective type (you’re playing in the NHL enjoy it!), energy, pump it up types. For balance. Connor has the intensity part covered for the whole group

Munny 2.0

You and I have been the on the same page with this since the fist month of the season.

And the team keeps proving us right.

Pretendergast

Saw that in Dallas too. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another month to see a forward swing low to support a controlled exit and keep numbers against a hard forecheck (thats the book on us until a lead is gained).

It’s harder work to get back for that. The Nhl is a hard league.

rich tm

This all day long. When I saw the forwards coming low to support the breakout from behind the net (a little tic-tac-toe) instead of cheating for offense in the neutral zone, it did my heart good. It’s those little things that add up in a game and for 1 night, it was great. Time to string a few of these together.

innercitysmytty

I’d say short of a putrid stretch in the second game against Seattle, they have mostly played this way since the first Seattle game. Agree, let’s see if they can keep doing it.

OriginalPouzar

I don’t think that personal and work ethic/commitment are necessarily seperate issues.

I think there are certain personnel that simply can’t/won’t/don’t provide the work ethic/commitment on a consistent basis – that’s part of who they are as a player.

It seemed that every player dressed last night showed up and provided that work ethic and commitment for the entire game (for the most part) – they can all do it on any given night but every player in the NHL can. The question, for any particular individual, is if they can bring that 90% of the time (100% is almost not realistic).

PokeCheck

I only caught the third period, but it looked like Draisaitl was back to playing mostly on one leg. I hope that was just him trying to be “energy efficient” and not a sign of troubles to come.

John Chambers

Umm, he sped past the Isles defender with less than a minute left to draw a penalty. Looked alright to me.

KnightRain

He looked good right up until he was tripped and planted on his face, anyways. lol I didn’t see any issues with his skating last night. Fingers crossed but high ankle sprains are tricky, in my experience. Some good stretches followed by a tweak then bad stretches. I had a high ankle sprain in my early 20’s and it bugged me, off and on, for more than three years. Though I assume Drai has better doctors…

jtblack

Did not see the game, but sounds like it was Excellent from the Oilers !!!

Now for a great Saturday matchup. LET’S GO OILERS 🙂

Zjunior

Quick note about the Canadian Juniors, but as they were accepting their medals the announcer was giving out their home towns. If I’m not mistaken, the team had one player from Edmonton, 1 from St. Albert, and 2 from Fort Saskatchewan.
Well done lads!!!

Todd Macallan

5 total actually:

Schaefer (Edmonton, grew up Spruce Grove), Ostapchuk (St. Albert), Guenther (Edmonton) and the two bys from Fort Saskie, Zellweger and Dach.

What a showing for the area!

Zjunior

Thanks for setting it straight (with names), that has to be a record and just amazing for our local hockey scene!

Tye

AB produces something like 30% of professional hockey players worldwide & 8% of NHL players, so this shouldn’t be all that surprising. (those numbers used to be higher as well I believe).

OriginalPouzar

That doesn’t quite line up – did you mean 3% worldwide?

Paulie

Was Foegele scratched or injured?

Reja

Both.

OriginalPouzar

Its interesting – the intel last night was that he was injured and seen with an ice-pack recently.

In the post-game, Reid Wilkins was talking about him as a healthy scratch and that being meaningful. Reid is generally very much in the know and I wonder if there was some “messages” crossed/missed on this…..

Offside

I aint no professional coach but its amazing how you get better results when you work hard for them.

I wonder if Holland knew he would be getting rid of JP which is why he traded a D for him. Kostin doesn’t have JP’s skillset but is getting better production. Hopefully it lasts once the novelty of playing in the NHL again wears off

cowboy bill

I think Holland just got lucky with Kostin and it helps to get rid of Pulju Jarvi. Though we still wait.

Offside

If nothing else, I think we can say he created his own luck

Sierra

Mature game by the Oilers last night. Well played.

Occasionally they show they can play such a game, now they need to do it consistently.

rocket

I divided the season into 10 segments of 8 games each. (last 2 games may/maynot matter). So far after 40 games: segment #1: 5W-3L; seg #2: 4W-4L; seg #3 to seg #5 are all 4W-4L. Just another perspective to look at the Oiler season. I see lots of articles with 8 segments of 10 games. Looking at it with an 8 game segment one sees that the team is about a .500 team.

KarateLongjohn

One item I found interesting during last nights broadcast was during one of the intermissions, Stauffer mentioned the 11-7 deployment coming up in contract negotiations with a defenseman (Kulak?).

Sierra

Can anyone elaborate? Kulak’s camp was in favour or not in favour of 11-7?

fishman

Pretty sure it would have been NOT!!!!!!! (my opinion only of course)

KarateLongjohn

Apparently defensemen, particularly 5-6-7 defense, aren’t generally fans of that configuration. It eats into their ice time.

Kulak was just speculation on my part. The only other defenseman that I can think of that negotiated a contract last summer with the Oilers was Ryan Murray.

hopeoil

Could have been a positive in Murray’s case maybe??

Pretendergast

My guess. Expected minutes would be lower and compensation for playing less minutes would be lower.

GarbanzoHumanBean

Hey Mr. Bruce McCurdy,

I just finished listening to your podcast and I’d like to thank you for justifying my anger last night. I felt paranoid about being the only person screaming into the ether about the faceoff coverage by sportsnet. Such an important detail when critiquing the Oilers effort.

cowboy bill

I always enjoy McCurdy & Staples podcast. They do their research and McCurdy truly has a sharp eye on things.

OriginalPouzar

Their scoring chance data work and individual assignment of culpability/credit is yeoman’s work and should get much more recognition in the market.

Tarkus

Prospection!

The Reid Rocket, like a certain Austin Powers villain, loves gooooooold; he now has some after the WJHC concluded last night. It’s uncertain whether he will return to the T-birds in time for their match tonight, but he is included in the listing just in case.

With Schaefer’s pre-WJHC binge on assists, he has passed the Cy Young torch to Shane Lachance, who is rocking a Greg Maddux-esque 17-6 line. Lachance is also on the ice tonight.

Also in action is another son of an ex-NHL’er as Skyler, Son of Rod continues a solid senior season with the #2 Quinnipiac Bobcats.

Quinnipiac (Brind’Amour) @ 5 p.m.
Youngstown (Lachance) @ 5 p.m.
Moose Jaw (Wanner) @ 6 p.m.
Seattle (Schaefer) @ 6 p.m.
Brandon (Chiasson) @ 6 p.m.

All times, at all times, are Galahad time.

Todd Macallan

Galahad eh, not far from my old Forestburg stomping grounds where I learned to skate/crash full speed into the boards as a 3 year old haha.

W

Big Knife provincial park is one of my fave camping spots when I go east.

Todd Macallan

Yes I remember it well! Moved away when I was 5 but that was a favorite spot before then.

Tarkus

That looks like a really nice park, and it may bear an investigation by me and the Mrs. sometime.

Reja

Auntie May’s

Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

Perhaps this was my boy Brobergs coming of age party.

he looked fast, physical, confident, demonstrated his speed and size defensively to box out, played a shiiiton of PK (second only to ceci) and he also showed that he has some chops offensively. NYI are a decent NHL team and he showed incredibly well.

Another game like this my son… and another and another. If he can string 10 of these together perhaps it changes greasy old kennys mind.

over a 95% expected goal share 5v5. i repeat 5 vs 5. Whilst playing against a decent NHL 4rd line for the majority of his mins.

You forget how big of a thing feeling healthy is for these players, and the confidence that can come on so quick once they start making progress.

no straight lines with dmen but it looks like arrows up for the lad.

also massive kudos to holloway who played a darn good game as well.

W

I think that healthy thing you mention can apply to Yamo as well.

Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

100%. Health is HUGE for players

Scungilli Slushy

I liked that he was playing hockey and skating, and I didn’t notice him pretending he’s Kostin and trying to be physical all the time

To me it’s pointless, he’s on his ass all the time and gets hurt. He gives up 25 lbs to small players. His path has to be with his head and his boots and non physical tenacity. Save the hitting and mucking it up for key moments, for him

SwedishPoster

I was thinking during the Seattle game that he’s about to pop, had some iffy defensive zone moments in that one but overall looked comfortable, his on ice awareness looked like it was up a notch as he started to direct traffic, read and react quicker and making the refs calls before they did(the Tony Adams hand in the air for those who remember Arsenal in the nineties). All signs of a guy who is more aware of what’s going on around him and less focused on just keeping things at bay.

The follow up last night was even better. As you mention, now we just want to see it repeated 10 times and then hopefully he starts adding some proper rushes and offensive confidence on top and we have a player. I’ve said it before but once he’s fully comfortable I think he’ll move quickly from borderline NHLer to impact top 4 D. Here’s to hoping this is what’s going on. This D group could use it.

KnightRain

For me the best sign was that he was able to avoid getting hit multiple times. I don’t actually think he took a hard ride into the boards all game. This, to me anyways, shows that the game has slowed enough that he can see what’s going on around him and react appropriately. No more indecisiveness, chipping the puck blindly or bobbling, leading to getting crushed repeatedly along the boards. This awareness and comfortability led to cleaner outlets and rushes along with smarter defensive play.
Onward and upward for The Bro. We might look back at this stretch of play and realize it was when it all clicked.

Last edited 1 year ago by KnightRain
Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

he is showing up right on time in the klefbom timeline just as he has been tracking similarily to klef since his draft.

Pretendergast

He had a great game with some good minutes on the PK.

I’d temper the expectations a bit. He only played 11 minutes, 9 at 5 on 5.

He has earned more minutes and positive arrows but I’ll save the coming out for when he goes end to end like he’s mastered at the AHL level.

Yes i am fun at parties why do you ask.

OriginalPouzar

Actually, Broberg played the most minutes against the Beauvillier, Parise, Pageau line (and then against the 4th line).

That Isles team, in particular the 4th line, is very physical and they finish every check on the d-man and that type of team is often one that Broberg would struggle against – not last night – he handled it very well.

I believe the game is slowing down for him.

flyfish1168

That was the best effort in a long time. Close to 60 minutes played.
I do believe Woody runs the bench better with a 7th Dman dressed

KnightRain

I don’t think they will play it much once Foggy is back. Niems was insurance in case The Bro was shaky. Since The Bro killed it, Niems wasn’t needed and barely played.
So long as The Bro continues his accent I don’t think we see much 7-11.

Diablo

I don’t see the point of having a 12th forward who only plays 5-6 minutes a night. Traditionally that role went to a face puncher, but the Oilers traded theirs away this past offseason.

The intermission panel pointed out that the 4th line wingers seemed to have more zip to their game lining up with McDavid. I’d also point out out that the first line wingers were given internal competition to earn their minutes next to McDavid.

The only thing I’d like to see done differently is to dole out the minutes more evenly amount the 7D … they need to reduce Nurse and Ceci’s playing time to keep the fresh.

flyfish1168

Woody’s record is better when he plays 7-11.
I like the idea of reducing Nurse’s and Ceci’s TOI.

Redbird62

So far this season, the team is 5W/4L in games played 7-11. That is the same points % as their record overall. Have you looked at his record for the 38 games he coached last season? I haven’t checked the regular season, but in the playoffs, Woody went with 7 defenseman 6 times in 16 games. Their record in those games was 2 wins and 4 losses. Their record with 6 D in the line up was 6 wins and 4 losses.

And Nurse and Ceci played two to two and half minutes over their season average last night with 7 D in the line up.

flyfish1168

Bob Stauffer i believe last evening mentioned how woody’s record was better

OriginalPouzar

Just listening to Woody on Oilers Now and he mentioned that 11/7 isn’t something that they look to do but will use it in certain circumstances and situations. It seems highly unlikely that it become the norm.

Shamus23

It was a very good game. Little minor hiccup in the 2nd but they answered that attempted come back with a goal.
They simplified the game ( especially the D) and just did the jobs they were all supposed to do.
Nice for Campbell to get the win and he played solid. Maybe even start him again on Sat and show some confidence in him.
The D especially simplified the game and sure a few mistakes and giveaways but most of the night did a better job as a whole core than on most nights.
Great to see some secondary scoring as well. I like the 11-7. And it actually gives Holloway and Ryan a better C option with them.
They still need to get a D man and 1 more gritty C man or forward for sure.
Kane’s return will be a great one. Do hope as some rumours say he is back sooner than later. He is missed huge.
Now let’s see if they can do the same type of game against Colorado on Sat night.

BlackGold19

If only they could play like that every night!

KnightRain

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times…