The Montreal Canadiens were the power and the glory for my generation of hockey fans. Some of the most devastating moments for me as a sports fan came at the hand of various legends (Jean Beliveau, Ken Dryden, Yvon Lambert, Guy Lafleur) over the period of my youth. Montreal was beyond a team for the ages, they were the ages. Watching any team face the Canadiens calls up vivid and blistering memories. It will always be thus for this hockey fan.
Seventh-round pick, owning a skill set best suited to the before times. Phil Kemp is impressing defensively and growing offensively in Bakersfield. Will he have an NHL career? And how much does Edmonton's new patience with prospects help his cause? https://t.co/O4kTs2dCGq
On the road to: DET, PHI, OTT, MTL (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 2-0-1)
At home to: DET, NYR (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
On the road to: COL (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
At home to: PHI (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
On the road to: PIT, CBJ (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
At home to: BOS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
February expected result: 6-3-2, 14 points in 11 games
February actual result: 2-0-1, 5 points in three games
January actual result: 8-2-2, 18 points in 12 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: 30-18-5, 65 points in 53 games
Edmonton is doing exactly what they need to with this January-February soft cell: Hammer it senseless. The Oilers are now on pace to finish 46-27-9, 101 points. The Pacific Division title is within reach, it would be the first title won by the team since the 1987 Smythe. That’s some major league atmosphere. Should we have been talking about this years ago? Of course! Should that dampen the enthusiasm of the fans who are enjoying the ride? God no! Remember, listening to constant negativity makes you a curmudgeon before your time!
SUMMARY
Jack Campbell stopped 26 of 29 and won his ninth in a row. He has a .909 SP since December 15 and I do think the Oilers view him as the team’s starter for opening night of the playoffs. Just my opinion, but Stuart Skinner is having a far better year and will eventuallyn take over the No. 1 job. Why not now? I can think of $5 million reasons. The Oilers signed Campbell to win, and especially win in the playoffs. He’ll start game one if he’s healthy. I would run Skinner based on all evidence.
Darnell Nurse got walked by Shane Pinto, who was all maverick on the play, 7-11 shot share, 1-1 goals, 33 percent expected goals five-on-five, missed a 10-bell chance to score. One assist, three shots, one TK, three hits and three shot blocks. Led all Oilers skaters 24:16 minutes, 1-1 goals shorthanded (it was a weird game) goals.
Nurse is a player who receives plenty of ire and I do believe the rage obscures the genuinely good things he does. Example: Later in the first period, on the PK, Nurse gets the puck along the left wall inside the Ottawa zone near the faceoff circle. He has a man to pass to (that’s the play) but instead tries a low percentage high shot around the bar. It doesn’t work, and that’s an opportunity missed. On the next exchange, Tim Stützle sent a dart up the middle that would have resulted in a breakaway, but Nurse had raced back and was in a position to intercept. If people notice the downbeat, and there is some chaos, why so little positive about the upbeat? Mystery.
Cody Ceci was 4-8 shots, 0-1 goals at five-on-five, the top pairing faced the magical Stützle line and that’s a long work day. Ceci had a giveaway, played a physical style and is now 36-37 five-on-five goals for the season, 1-3 in February.
Brett Kulak had two assists, including a fabulous pass to Jesse Puljujarvi to spring him for his goal. Two shots, took a penalty, GV and TK, two hits, blocked a shot. At five-on-five, he was 7-6 shots, 2-1 goals, owned a 56 percent expected goal share. Saw the Giroux-DeBrincat-Greig line, no easy assignment, but had good numbers.
Tyson Barrie took a penalty and drew one, hit somebody and had a shot block. He was 9-6 shots at five-on-five, 0-1 goals in the discipline. Barrie played less than 16 minutes on the night, I would describe his game as pedestrian. It was noticeable because he’s rarely been this season.
Philip Broberg is 3-0 goals at five-on-five during February, but underwater in shot differential and in expected goals. Low event game, 6-5 shots and 3-2 HDSC while he was on the ice five-on-five.
Evan Bouchard had a shot, a giveaway and flew at least a couple shots high and wide from the point. His deft passing has been restored. We now wait for the inspired passes to return, like the swallows at Capistrano. 9-8 shots and 65 percent expected goals on the night.
Vincent Desharnais is just so damned noticeable. He is tough, physical, answered Brady Tkachuk’s baddassery and then some, plus finished 7-5 shots and 1-0 goals five-on-five on the night. You want to know how crazy his NHL debut has been? On the penalty kill, Edmonton is 3-2 goals while he’s on the ice.
Leon Draisaitl had a quality game, two assists, eight shots, two HDSC, took a penalty and drew one. Great passing, several 10-bell chances and is now 29-49-78 after 51 games. Sensational player.
Connor McDavid made a play (on the Ryan McLeod goal) that shows just how much he’s matured as a physical player in the NHL. Cross check, shove, push, separation from poor Thomas Chabot, pure skill, pass and goal. He’s impossible. 1-2-3 on the night, four shots, seven hits and I don’t know how many times he’s done it. Three points from 100, on track to finish 65-85-150.
Zach Hyman scored on a penalty shot, added an assist, five shots and three HDSC. You can set your watch by this guy’s consistency, he always fills in the good columns. Drew two penalties. Since January 1, at five-on-five, the Oilers are 21-8 goals while he’s on the ice.
Mattias Janmark had two shots on goal and his line was chasing (1-5 HDSC) for much of the night. His season with Edmonton has been solid, reflected in his 6-5 goal share and 49 percent shot share at five-on-five since January 1.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal, five shots, two HDSC, blocked a couple of shots. He was 7-7 shots at five-on-five, he is 14-4 goals since January 1 with 51 percent expected goals in his last 15 games.
Klim Kostin drew a penalty, had a couple of hits, and Edmonton was 4-1 shots while he was on the ice at five-on-five. Kostin has cooled, and that could impact the deadline, but his cap hit is so low one suspect the organization will ride out the slump. Looked hurt later in the game, Edmonton can ill afford productive value contracts being unavailable, but Kostin is suddenly cold as ice.
Evander Kane had an assist, three shots, one HDSC, drew a penalty, fought (I thought he wasn’t supposed to!) Brady Tkachuk to a draw, and looks like his timing is back. Kane is scoring well (2-1-3 in seven games at five-on-five) but his goal share in the discipline is 27 percent. That needs to spike in the weeks to come. No worries about him, but those fights are damned dangerous for a skill forward.
Jessse Puljujarvi scored the winner, it was a helluva goal and welcome news for all involved. He and Kostin were the forwards who had the longest drought in scoring, and the goal was the game winner. He had three shots, three hits and an early chance on a line with McDavid. I expect that may have been the final goal of his Oilers career.
Dylan Holloway had a shot on goal and a HDSC, but his line got fed (1-7 shots, 0-1 goals) at five-on-five. He is 8-4 goals in his last 15 games five-on-five. He is 1.95 pts-game five-on-five during that time.
Ryan McLeod scored a wonderful SH goal, and now has 10 for the season. He scored that 10th goal in his 40th game, meaning McLeod is on a 20-goal pace over the season. Two shots on the night. At five-on-five, he was 0-1 goals and 3-9 shots (1-3 HDSC). He has a 47 percent goal share in the disciplline for the season, that could impact his playoff deployment.
Derek Ryan scored a goal, had one shot, high danger chance, and he was money on the PK (scored).
TRADE LIST
For the second day in a row, I’ve added one name to the list.
RD Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks. Chris Johnston reported yesterday the Oilers and Sharks are talking, and it makes so much sense for the Oilers. Karlsson is the only available name I see who could have a major impact in an area of weakness. He’s a sublime player with the puck on his stick, and when he’s on the ice the puck is 200 miles from danger. One of the things we do as fans is project players into a role and then get stubborn on anything that runs counter to our own bias. Karlsson is an impact possession player, he has a 53 percent shot share, a 55 percent goal share and a 57 percent expected goal share on a poor team. If you can buy into the idea that not playing defense because the puck isn’t in a dangerous area is a net positive, then the logic and reason of Karlsson comes into view. His relative possession stats are real real gone, too. I’m beyond pumped at the idea, even as I wonder how in the hell Holland could get this done. One thing I will say: There’s an analytics feel to this idea. Go Brad Holland! Helluva turn, boys. Music!
LD Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes. I’d do it unless the ask includes Philip Broberg. If it’s the first-round pick in 2023, plus say Xavier Bourgault, I’d do it. Lots of chatter Chychrun is heading to Boston or the Kings, both destinations make sense.
LD Jake McCabe, Chicago Blackhawks. He’s available, under control, doesn’t cost the moon and can help the Oilers. If the Oilers are going deep, eight blue will see action plenty through the postseason. McCabe is a strong option.
RW Ivan Barbashev, St. Louis Blues. He can play RW and the Oilers need some help there now. Skilled, versatile, playing some of the best hockey of his career.
RC Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes. He’s not the first guy I’d deal for on this list, but in some ways he is the best fit for Edmonton.
LC Lars Eller, Washington Capitals. The veteran isn’t going to deliver as much offensively as he has in the past, but he’s a smart two-way pivot who has utility.
RW Taylor Raddysh, Chicago Blackhawks. Edmonton’s RW depth chart with everyone healthy is Hyman, Yamamoto, Kostin, Ryan, with Jesse Puljujarvi waived and traded or in the minors. The injury worry surrounding Yamamoto is enough to motivate Ken Holland to add a useful player. I think Raddysh gives the team a few things and he’s scored well in his first big NHL chance. No one but me pays attention to rel numbers anymore, but Raddysh has good ones five-on-five.
Barrie makes $4.5 million and Bouchard is getting a raise next season – combined it probably not that far off what Karlsson is signed for with SJS retaining $3 million. If both those guys and Yamo are the cost – you do that deal and rock it during the remaining McDavid/Drai years.
Broberg and Desharnais are cheap next year and every other dman is signed – you replace Yamo and JP with cheaper internal and external options.
All depends on what Karlsson wants and what SJS is willing to retain. Nobody is swallowing the full contract burrito if Karlsson wants to go and he can choose his landing spot.
This is probably tops at this point – lets not forget in addition to his poor overall season cratering that substantial second deal we presumed he’d get, he’s an RFA with no arb rights coming off his ELC – ask Ryan McLeod how that can go with Ken Holland.
Any deal that has San Jose taking back approx 90% of Karlsson’s salary across a bunch of nobody players isn’t going to fly. If the Oilers are so desperate to get out from under (and then replace cheaper) Yamo and JP why would the Sharks want them as key pieces to the deal?
So the package you’re really looking at is Barrie, Bouchard, JP, Yamo, plus 1st rounders through 2026 and maybe toss in a recent 1st rounder for the heck of it.
So you’re removing around 4 NHL players for 1 and then gutting your draft pipeline possibly going backwards. Add into this the concern about Bally Sports creating another few years of flat cap and well…
That isn’t smart asset management and if I’m one of Kenny’s potential successors I’m doing everything in my power to convince him that this sort of deal is asinine.
The time to get Karlsson was after his Divorce from Ottawa. When you could have talked a different talk, capped off the Nurse raise and kept his value in line with what you’ll need to pay Draisaitl. Its too late now. That ship has sailed.
The Ducks gave up 39 shots today and apparently that’s their average for the year. If the Ducks continue allowing 39 shots on average it will be the highest count since forever. How did MacTavish let Eakins worm is way into being the Head Coach?
Dallas Eakins has a .415 career win % as a coach over 5+ seasons. Statically one of the worst of the modern era.
He’s a trivia answer in a laughable way.
At least his shittiness as Oilers coach landed us 29 and 97.
I hope he gets fired after an 8-1 Oilers win later this season.
When he made goodie two shoes Ference the Captain I think I puked in my mouth. Ference was the worst Captain ever, Shayne Corson was a prick but at least he had talent.
I saw him coach the SD Gulls for several years. Had a lot of success there. His teams were always prepared and played hard. Still hate him for what he did to the Oil, but yes, he has had success at the AHL level when he had talent to work with.
He was smart enough to get a job where nobody knows him except for a small passionate fan base. Remember his press conferences throwing his young players under the bus. He almost ended Devan Dubnyk career among many others. Perron was smart and got the hell out.
Blaming McTavish’s issues on Eakins is a poor route.
“He almost ended Devan Dubnyk career among many others.”
I’m sorry, have you looked at the rosters Eakins was given as a rookie coach?
Oilers during that Era killed careers. I feel sorry for anyone who was part of those years – maybe except for replacement level players who somehow migrated past 4th line due to playing for the Oilers.
Last time I checked, actively sewering your tender as a GM with no other solutions in the pipeline isn’t choice.
You don’t remember the Swarm it was revolutionary the N.H.L hadn’t seen anything like it since the Metropolitans tried to introduce the forward pass a 100 years earlier.
Lewis Grant
February 12, 2023 3:43 pm
Clearly the only thing between this team and a Stanley Cup is Erik Karlsson.
Not discipline, not focus, not the need to play hard every night, not the need to avoid playing down to your opponents, not the need to play as a team.
Yes we are 9-1-2 in our last 12. But that’s several consecutive mediocre performances against very weak teams. (As Craig MacTavish used to say, “when you’re at the end of a winning streak, you win games you don’t deserve to win.”)
If EK does not do the trick, I’m not sure what will.
Tarkus
February 12, 2023 2:55 pm
Summarizing!
Petrov procured an apple to solidify his hold on 2nd in OHL scoring and claw within eight of the lead.
Prospecting takes a break until Tuesday.
Munny 2.0
February 12, 2023 2:12 pm
If they activate Yams with Puljujarvi waived and passing through, and Shore sent down, the Oilers will have $167 in cap space.
I’d bet that’s the hope from head office now. If he passes through they can keep him there and re-activate him at the end of the season, which would be useful.
This is what the roster will look like with Jesse on waivers and Shore also reassigned:
93-97-28
91-29-56
26-71-37
55-10-21
25-5
27-2
86-22
73
That bottom 6 needs some help. And the right side of the D scares me more than the left.
Mainstream guys slowly catching up. Some of us noted that Bouchard might be playing himself out of Edmonton a couple of months ago. Barrie can be a cheap #3RD and PP specialist going forward. And that could flip the Bouchard vs. Barrie decision.
Karlsson’s potential availability makes the “or” NEITHER.
Kesselring will be getting noticed at the NHL level. I’d say there’s a good chance his name has been involved in some of the talks thus far.
Munny 2.0
February 12, 2023 1:14 pm
4-2 Krak with seven to play
doritogrande
February 12, 2023 1:14 pm
Well that sucked.
3rd in 4, in the East. Move on with your Tabernac Sunday everyone. The weather’s great in Winnipeg!
Munny 2.0
February 12, 2023 1:12 pm
Bouchard’s play has been most concerning this year. Has shown no signs of taking a step forward and may actually have regressed. Not to put today’s loss on his ass, there were plenty of weak efforts, but Boosh did stick out again and he has frequently this year
And if the team thinks Bouchard is going to be something real, no way they have interest in Karlsson. Now we have no way of knowing how serious this Karlsson talk is. but if it is serious… Boosh has to be the reason, and it’s easy to see why.
Bouchard’s struggles may be the best possible outcome. Defensemen do not develop in a straight line. This allows us to sign Bouchard for much cheaper than otherwise.
Last year, in his first full season, Bouchard was #14 among NHL defensemen in even-strength points. This put him ahead of players like Quinn Hughes, Brent Burns, Charlie McAvoy, Shayne Gostisbehere, Seth Jones, (ahem) Noah Dobson, Moritz Seider, Darnell Nurse….the list goes on.
Players this year on pace for fewer than Bouchard’s 35 ESP last year: Miro Heiskanen, Brent Burns, (ahem) Noah Dobson, Shayne Gostisbehere, Moritz Seider, Charlie McAvoy, Seth Jones, Morgan Reilly….the list goes on.
Bouchard shown us what he is capable of. He’ll get back to that level and beyond.
Trading Bouchard for Karlsson would be a classic example of “sell low, buy high.”
I don’t know why people use points as a measure of a dmans worth, or ability.
Bouchards problem isn’t a lack of points, its his lack of urgency, his turnovers, and his inability to defend the hard areas.
He was bad today. The shift before the strip and goal against he turned the puck over in his own end THREE times. Without much pressure on him either.
I agree with this. Bouchard’s offensive ceiling is still so damn high – I’m talking like 60 plus points high and maybe even more given he has high end PP1 pedigree.
With that said, even as a big Bouchard proponent, I have to admit being a bit frustrated and demoralized with his overall play this season. I know d-men don’t develop in straight lines but I did expect him to stabilize a bit in the defensive zone which hasn’t happened and I believe his defensive issues early in the season and the confidant hit bled in to his offensive confidence. He is simply not nearly as dynamic with the puck on his stick has he was last year and he historically is.
I still think he can, and will, be the player I projected – which can play 1RD with a solid 1LD and is a top offensive producer that gets by in the d-zone but I’m not as confidant that he will get there and can see the Tyson Barrie type ceiling or even Justin Shultz type ceiling potentially playing out.
Good/very good NHL careers on those players but I projected more elite offence (notwithstanding Barrie’s overall points in his career – I predicted John Carlsson type production).
There will be gnashing of teeth but a 9-1-2 run over the last 12 games including two 4 game road trips
They ran out of gas physically and emotionally
Munny 2.0
February 12, 2023 1:07 pm
Third in four nights and clearly the energy was not there tonight. They needed their goalie to steal one and he didn’t have his best. Maybe even that would not have been enough given the struggles of the skaters.
From all accounts (Rob Brown, Struddy, M. Kassian, etc.), its the 3 in 4 nights (and 4 in 6) that is the real tough sched. Back to backs, especially with no travel, from accounts of those who played, isn’t all that bad in isolation.
This was the Oilers 3rd in 4 nights and 4th in 6 nights, all on the road.
Yesterday was the Hab’s first game since January. They are fully rested and then got one game to knock the rust off – that’s like the perfect set-up for them against a tired team.
With that said, Skinner was poor and Allen was great and that was a major factor in the game.
flyfish1168
February 12, 2023 12:59 pm
It long flight home. The party on the plane isn’t deserved
The fact that anyone believes after playing in the afternoon, traveling to Montreal, then playing in the afternoon again, they were allowed to be out partying last night is ridiculous. It’s a friggin’ business trip. They probably had a team dinner or small group dinners, then back to the hotel by 10pm.
All my proposals come with a 50% retention on the deal. Big physical up and down winger who can skate and who shoots the puck. It is not a bad deal at 50% off.
OriginalPouzar
February 12, 2023 12:43 pm
Oilers haven’t been great (really, some red line back effort from the stars) but damn if Allen hasn’t been great for most of this game (Kane goal notwithstanding).
Probably 6-7 5-bell saves – a few early on the Oilers first PP – and a few more through the game including when the game got tight.
Likely a totally different game if he didn’t make 1 or 2 of those saves.
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve
February 12, 2023 12:41 pm
LOL I do not recognize half the names of the Habs goal scorers.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd goals on the season for three habs…
Kurri17
February 12, 2023 12:40 pm
I know Skinner filled in admirably and bailed out the team when Campbell went through his shaky period. But, wow I really feel like Campbell just wins, and Skinner just loses. Team seems to play worse in front of Stu lately too, although I think it’s fair to say Skinner has sucked today.
It’s time for Campbell to get the reigns. The early season wobbles look to be behind him, and Skinner has been sub par in net since the birth of his child (not surprisingly, those little critters can really drain you).
OriginalPouzar
February 12, 2023 12:36 pm
Skinner not having a good game today.
Nice play by Armia but need that save.
Allen has made a number of 5-alarm saves, none for Skinner (that I remember).
A number of “less than full effort” plays in the defensive zone by the superstars today……
Are you actually trying to tell us that Campbell has been the better goalie this year? Because that is a laughable statement.
Skinner hasn’t been sharp today, but he’s no worse than Campbell was yesterday. It’s not Skinners fault the Oilers have been absolute shit today.
I hope it’s okay to say that now.🙄
Skinner is 13-11-4
Campbell is 17-8-1
Are you trying to tell me a Goalie that battled through a new City a new Team with new Defenceman that has won 8 in a row doesn’t garner some respect.
Sometimes it’s when you make a save or when you let in a Goal that means more than save percentage. What part don’t you understand about winning and losing? Oilers are winning with Campbell and not with Skinner the best part is Campbell knows and will find the Zone come Playoff time.
And what part do you not understand about the randomness of winning and losing.
Skinner saved the Oilers a point against the Flyers, Campbell almost cost them 2 points against the Senators. I doubt either goalie wins them the game today. The Oilers were just that bad.
Campbell game is trending up, no question. It doesn’t automatically make him the best goalie. Skinner has been solid almost every game.
Completely off topic and I’m sure all you hardcore fans already know his but technically (I think I’m right because it’s extremely confusing) Stuart Skinner was acquired through a branch from the Steve smith trade. Picks used in the pronger trade and penner offer sheet make it possible. Has anyone sifted through the mess KLowe made with the 2008 draft and the picks involved coming through Edmonton.
I was curious who on the current roster was acquired through trades. Kulak is from the Bryzgalov sign and trade and Skinner is two parts from the Pronger trade and Yakupov trade.
Anyways go oil
either Karlsson or Chychrun would be amazing but I don’t see it happening.
NEW for The Athletic: The Oilers asset cost in an Erik Karlsson trade and why it’s worth it.
https://theathletic.com/4187678/2023/02/13/oilers-trade-karlsson-assets/
Barrie makes $4.5 million and Bouchard is getting a raise next season – combined it probably not that far off what Karlsson is signed for with SJS retaining $3 million. If both those guys and Yamo are the cost – you do that deal and rock it during the remaining McDavid/Drai years.
Broberg and Desharnais are cheap next year and every other dman is signed – you replace Yamo and JP with cheaper internal and external options.
All depends on what Karlsson wants and what SJS is willing to retain. Nobody is swallowing the full contract burrito if Karlsson wants to go and he can choose his landing spot.
Bouchard will get something in the range of 2 x $3 million
This is probably tops at this point – lets not forget in addition to his poor overall season cratering that substantial second deal we presumed he’d get, he’s an RFA with no arb rights coming off his ELC – ask Ryan McLeod how that can go with Ken Holland.
Any deal that has San Jose taking back approx 90% of Karlsson’s salary across a bunch of nobody players isn’t going to fly. If the Oilers are so desperate to get out from under (and then replace cheaper) Yamo and JP why would the Sharks want them as key pieces to the deal?
So the package you’re really looking at is Barrie, Bouchard, JP, Yamo, plus 1st rounders through 2026 and maybe toss in a recent 1st rounder for the heck of it.
So you’re removing around 4 NHL players for 1 and then gutting your draft pipeline possibly going backwards. Add into this the concern about Bally Sports creating another few years of flat cap and well…
That isn’t smart asset management and if I’m one of Kenny’s potential successors I’m doing everything in my power to convince him that this sort of deal is asinine.
The time to get Karlsson was after his Divorce from Ottawa. When you could have talked a different talk, capped off the Nurse raise and kept his value in line with what you’ll need to pay Draisaitl. Its too late now. That ship has sailed.
because yamamoto has 1 yr left on his deal and tyson barrie has 1 yr left. this gets sharks out from under the contract in 1 yr instead of 4.
Devon Shore on waivers.
This is funny. https://twitter.com/Rwad142/status/1624916203809669121
Hunter1909’s Season in a Season Update:
Amazingly we predicted an Oilers loss today and we weren’t disappointed. After 18 out of 30 games finishing off in Boston;
Oilers are now 11 – 4 – 3
Good enough for 114 points when amortized to an 82 game season.
If you want Karlsson on the team: press Thumbs Up
If you don’t want Karlsson on the team: press Thumbs Down
I guess neither the Eagles or the Oilers played defense today.
Pagnotta just tweeted that Clarke has been informed by the Kings he is not being traded. 2 poor sources = a whole lot of nothing.
Scott Wheeler just doubled down on Twitter also saying Clarke is not being traded.
Pick 6. MAssive play
Overturned after review. Huge swing.
Eagles pass rush is going to get to Mahomes early and often. The head Coach of the Eagles is Stone Cold Sirianni.
No sacks
The Ducks gave up 39 shots today and apparently that’s their average for the year. If the Ducks continue allowing 39 shots on average it will be the highest count since forever. How did MacTavish let Eakins worm is way into being the Head Coach?
Dallas Eakins has a .415 career win % as a coach over 5+ seasons. Statically one of the worst of the modern era.
He’s a trivia answer in a laughable way.
At least his shittiness as Oilers coach landed us 29 and 97.
I hope he gets fired after an 8-1 Oilers win later this season.
When he made goodie two shoes Ference the Captain I think I puked in my mouth. Ference was the worst Captain ever, Shayne Corson was a prick but at least he had talent.
Has Eakins ever has a roster to work with?
If you slap lipstick on a pig its still a pig.
I saw him coach the SD Gulls for several years. Had a lot of success there. His teams were always prepared and played hard. Still hate him for what he did to the Oil, but yes, he has had success at the AHL level when he had talent to work with.
He was smart enough to get a job where nobody knows him except for a small passionate fan base. Remember his press conferences throwing his young players under the bus. He almost ended Devan Dubnyk career among many others. Perron was smart and got the hell out.
Blaming McTavish’s issues on Eakins is a poor route.
“He almost ended Devan Dubnyk career among many others.”
I’m sorry, have you looked at the rosters Eakins was given as a rookie coach?
Oilers during that Era killed careers. I feel sorry for anyone who was part of those years – maybe except for replacement level players who somehow migrated past 4th line due to playing for the Oilers.
Last time I checked, actively sewering your tender as a GM with no other solutions in the pipeline isn’t choice.
You don’t remember the Swarm it was revolutionary the N.H.L hadn’t seen anything like it since the Metropolitans tried to introduce the forward pass a 100 years earlier.
Clearly the only thing between this team and a Stanley Cup is Erik Karlsson.
Not discipline, not focus, not the need to play hard every night, not the need to avoid playing down to your opponents, not the need to play as a team.
Yes we are 9-1-2 in our last 12. But that’s several consecutive mediocre performances against very weak teams. (As Craig MacTavish used to say, “when you’re at the end of a winning streak, you win games you don’t deserve to win.”)
Who has said that Karlsson is the only thing standing between the Oilers and a cup?
Saying that Karlsson will improve the team or make them a contender is not saying that.
Quite the strawman!
I sort of implied he would be a difference maker. I think if Oil go for him it will be because they believe he might be ‘the’ difference.
If EK does not do the trick, I’m not sure what will.
Summarizing!
Petrov procured an apple to solidify his hold on 2nd in OHL scoring and claw within eight of the lead.
Prospecting takes a break until Tuesday.
If they activate Yams with Puljujarvi waived and passing through, and Shore sent down, the Oilers will have $167 in cap space.
I’d bet that’s the hope from head office now. If he passes through they can keep him there and re-activate him at the end of the season, which would be useful.
This is what the roster will look like with Jesse on waivers and Shore also reassigned:
93-97-28
91-29-56
26-71-37
55-10-21
25-5
27-2
86-22
73
That bottom 6 needs some help. And the right side of the D scares me more than the left.
What do they do if Klimdros is really hurt. Hard to replace that contract.
The good news is that the team said it was “not long term” this morning
It looked bad to me last night – I was thinking broken wrist or hand – doesn’t sound like it though
From accounts, he’s not out for term.
If he was our for term and placed on LTIR, I think they’d call up Benson (or J. Bailey) would be the only two options that make $750K.
Karlsson with a goal and two assists so far against the Caps. Sharks lead 4-1.
Brown now also wondering if it is Bouchard’s play that has the Oilers looking for a more offensive defenseman.
Mainstream guys slowly catching up. Some of us noted that Bouchard might be playing himself out of Edmonton a couple of months ago. Barrie can be a cheap #3RD and PP specialist going forward. And that could flip the Bouchard vs. Barrie decision.
Karlsson’s potential availability makes the “or” NEITHER.
The only thing that flips anything is $’s. If Karlsson arrives, Barrie departs.
If Bouchard is leaving, with EK65 arriving then I would use him in 2nd acquisition and that would be Provorov….
We know Mike Kesselring leads the AHL for goals by a d-man but we also know the he is like 34th or 35th in d-man point production.
Some context: take out PP points and Mike Kesselring is 4th in scoring for d-man.
Just a note on a disappointing Oilers’ game day.
Kesselring will be getting noticed at the NHL level. I’d say there’s a good chance his name has been involved in some of the talks thus far.
4-2 Krak with seven to play
Well that sucked.
3rd in 4, in the East. Move on with your Tabernac Sunday everyone. The weather’s great in Winnipeg!
Bouchard’s play has been most concerning this year. Has shown no signs of taking a step forward and may actually have regressed. Not to put today’s loss on his ass, there were plenty of weak efforts, but Boosh did stick out again and he has frequently this year
And if the team thinks Bouchard is going to be something real, no way they have interest in Karlsson. Now we have no way of knowing how serious this Karlsson talk is. but if it is serious… Boosh has to be the reason, and it’s easy to see why.
All good points.
I believe management and fans alike hoped he’d be a legit top 4 heading into his contract year.
Bouchard’s struggles may be the best possible outcome. Defensemen do not develop in a straight line. This allows us to sign Bouchard for much cheaper than otherwise.
Last year, in his first full season, Bouchard was #14 among NHL defensemen in even-strength points. This put him ahead of players like Quinn Hughes, Brent Burns, Charlie McAvoy, Shayne Gostisbehere, Seth Jones, (ahem) Noah Dobson, Moritz Seider, Darnell Nurse….the list goes on.
Players this year on pace for fewer than Bouchard’s 35 ESP last year: Miro Heiskanen, Brent Burns, (ahem) Noah Dobson, Shayne Gostisbehere, Moritz Seider, Charlie McAvoy, Seth Jones, Morgan Reilly….the list goes on.
Bouchard shown us what he is capable of. He’ll get back to that level and beyond.
Trading Bouchard for Karlsson would be a classic example of “sell low, buy high.”
I don’t know why people use points as a measure of a dmans worth, or ability.
Bouchards problem isn’t a lack of points, its his lack of urgency, his turnovers, and his inability to defend the hard areas.
He was bad today. The shift before the strip and goal against he turned the puck over in his own end THREE times. Without much pressure on him either.
I agree with this. Bouchard’s offensive ceiling is still so damn high – I’m talking like 60 plus points high and maybe even more given he has high end PP1 pedigree.
With that said, even as a big Bouchard proponent, I have to admit being a bit frustrated and demoralized with his overall play this season. I know d-men don’t develop in straight lines but I did expect him to stabilize a bit in the defensive zone which hasn’t happened and I believe his defensive issues early in the season and the confidant hit bled in to his offensive confidence. He is simply not nearly as dynamic with the puck on his stick has he was last year and he historically is.
I still think he can, and will, be the player I projected – which can play 1RD with a solid 1LD and is a top offensive producer that gets by in the d-zone but I’m not as confidant that he will get there and can see the Tyson Barrie type ceiling or even Justin Shultz type ceiling potentially playing out.
Good/very good NHL careers on those players but I projected more elite offence (notwithstanding Barrie’s overall points in his career – I predicted John Carlsson type production).
There will be gnashing of teeth but a 9-1-2 run over the last 12 games including two 4 game road trips
They ran out of gas physically and emotionally
Third in four nights and clearly the energy was not there tonight. They needed their goalie to steal one and he didn’t have his best. Maybe even that would not have been enough given the struggles of the skaters.
The Habs were playing back to back as well. This game came down to Goaltending Allen played great Skinner had a bad game.
From all accounts (Rob Brown, Struddy, M. Kassian, etc.), its the 3 in 4 nights (and 4 in 6) that is the real tough sched. Back to backs, especially with no travel, from accounts of those who played, isn’t all that bad in isolation.
This was the Oilers 3rd in 4 nights and 4th in 6 nights, all on the road.
Yesterday was the Hab’s first game since January. They are fully rested and then got one game to knock the rust off – that’s like the perfect set-up for them against a tired team.
With that said, Skinner was poor and Allen was great and that was a major factor in the game.
It long flight home. The party on the plane isn’t deserved
They’re staying in Montreal tonight.
More importantly they stayed there last night……
It’s the most fun city in Canada. I imagine being a rich, young, mega athlete would only expand the list of available pleasures.
The fact that anyone believes after playing in the afternoon, traveling to Montreal, then playing in the afternoon again, they were allowed to be out partying last night is ridiculous. It’s a friggin’ business trip. They probably had a team dinner or small group dinners, then back to the hotel by 10pm.
There is zero chance they were out partying last night.
I don’t think they go out and party on the road during the season these days at all.
I mean, is there any chance Connor McDavid is at any sort of club and pictures are not plastered all over social media?
had that thought.
They are staying to watch the game but flying home later tonight after the game.
PP normally wins this game.
Bouchard souring his trade value in a showcase role.
OK, now I’m convinced its over…..
No need to try and polish this turd.
Burn the tape and onto the next one
Better yet, save the tape and make them watch it tomorrow. And then make them watch it anytime their give-a-shit level wanes like it has today.
first regulation loss in a month.
No need to blow it out of proportion
Yep, 11 straight with a point. Super Bowl night In Montreal awaits. Pretty damn good streak when they desperately needed one.
Yea normally I’d be a bit sour but it took about five minutes in to see they were skating in sand.
Add into that a generally bad game from Stu and well that’s all she wrote
Well, they’ve hit the showers now
a shortie makes it 6-2
Zero movement on the PP setup. Puck goes to the other end and Habs get a shortie off a forecheck FFS
Yuk, oh buch.
ca they find some life on this powerplay?
Narrator: “they did not.”
No.
They’ve already pissed away a 5v3 and don’t have the required effort level today.
6-2 now and I’m done watching this debacle.
Oh, and I’m not 100% convinced this game is over yet. Will be tough though with Allen thwarting 5-alarm chances.
Anderson scores against the Oilers. Incoming godot10 trade proposal to acquire one of the worst contracts in the NHL.
All my proposals come with a 50% retention on the deal. Big physical up and down winger who can skate and who shoots the puck. It is not a bad deal at 50% off.
Oilers haven’t been great (really, some red line back effort from the stars) but damn if Allen hasn’t been great for most of this game (Kane goal notwithstanding).
Probably 6-7 5-bell saves – a few early on the Oilers first PP – and a few more through the game including when the game got tight.
Likely a totally different game if he didn’t make 1 or 2 of those saves.
LOL I do not recognize half the names of the Habs goal scorers.
Jordan Harris takes offense to that comment sir
1st, 2nd, and 3rd goals on the season for three habs…
I know Skinner filled in admirably and bailed out the team when Campbell went through his shaky period. But, wow I really feel like Campbell just wins, and Skinner just loses. Team seems to play worse in front of Stu lately too, although I think it’s fair to say Skinner has sucked today.
You aren’t incorrect.
Stu has only one win in 2023
Few OTLs though
It’s time for Campbell to get the reigns. The early season wobbles look to be behind him, and Skinner has been sub par in net since the birth of his child (not surprisingly, those little critters can really drain you).
Skinner not having a good game today.
Nice play by Armia but need that save.
Allen has made a number of 5-alarm saves, none for Skinner (that I remember).
A number of “less than full effort” plays in the defensive zone by the superstars today……
McD and Drai both -2.
Are you still starting him next game instead of 8W in a row Campbell.
Are you actually trying to tell us that Campbell has been the better goalie this year? Because that is a laughable statement.
Skinner hasn’t been sharp today, but he’s no worse than Campbell was yesterday. It’s not Skinners fault the Oilers have been absolute shit today.
I hope it’s okay to say that now.🙄
Skinner is 13-11-4
Campbell is 17-8-1
Are you trying to tell me a Goalie that battled through a new City a new Team with new Defenceman that has won 8 in a row doesn’t garner some respect.
Sometimes it’s when you make a save or when you let in a Goal that means more than save percentage. What part don’t you understand about winning and losing? Oilers are winning with Campbell and not with Skinner the best part is Campbell knows and will find the Zone come Playoff time.
And what part do you not understand about the randomness of winning and losing.
Skinner saved the Oilers a point against the Flyers, Campbell almost cost them 2 points against the Senators. I doubt either goalie wins them the game today. The Oilers were just that bad.
Campbell game is trending up, no question. It doesn’t automatically make him the best goalie. Skinner has been solid almost every game.
Goalies are streaky you go with the hot hand until he isn’t.
Prior to today, Skinner was the “better goalie” coming out of the break as the best goalie performance was, by far, Skinner in PHI.
Skinner was NOT good today and, of course, Jack gets the start on Wed, on merit.
That’s very kind of you. I would play Jack until he loses
Stu with a game to match the rest of his team today….
Ugly ugly goal
Future Hall of Famer Jordan Harris makes it 5-2
The writing is on the wall I’m afraid
that goose is cooked.
another weak shift from bouchard
Completely off topic and I’m sure all you hardcore fans already know his but technically (I think I’m right because it’s extremely confusing) Stuart Skinner was acquired through a branch from the Steve smith trade. Picks used in the pronger trade and penner offer sheet make it possible. Has anyone sifted through the mess KLowe made with the 2008 draft and the picks involved coming through Edmonton.
I was curious who on the current roster was acquired through trades. Kulak is from the Bryzgalov sign and trade and Skinner is two parts from the Pronger trade and Yakupov trade.
Anyways go oil
either Karlsson or Chychrun would be amazing but I don’t see it happening.
Steve Smith? That’s a helluva a long branch.
Those damn strip bars on St Catherine. Thirst traps draining Oil energy?
The Roadrunner. Only Hab I liked as a kid.
Beep beep
Ticky tack call on Bouchard. FFS
Well they needed a kill there
We’ll see if they have another 3rd period in them
They looked bagged. Three in four. Going to take a supreme effort, especially with Allen looking dialed in.
and Habs get the Kane goal back with good traffic in front of Stu and a deflection
You can tell the Montreal fans are really appreciating McDavid’s game. Lots of oohs and aahs.
Lived there for a year and it’s a great hockey city. Rabid.
Fantastic save by Allen on Hyman. Boosh goes off for interference.
dmen do that a dozen times a game. in particular against the Oilers. Game management call
Yeah I’d say more like a couple of dozen times. Bullshit penalty.
PP looked predictable on that 2 man adv. Would like to see them add the threat of the Bouch bomb from the point as a new wrinkle more regularly.
I think it’s safe to conclude that Kane’s wrist strength is fully recovered. Snipe!
Kane with a wrister!
game on
And still in the 2nd! Might get a point out of this yet, lol
Or not…
we needed a goal out of that and Killer Kane provides one seconds after the powerplay ends
Habs would’ve had huge mo after that kill