It’s been a lot of fun and all, but this year’s edition of the Edmonton Oilers really does have to win some games in February. The Philadelphia Flyers are in town and that’s always fun. The first time these two teams played each other in Edmonton, it was a 2-2 tie. Philly goals by Ken Linseman and Rick MacLeish, with Brett Callighen and Stan Weir replying for the Oilers.
Bobby Clarke, Reggie Leach, Bill Barber, Andre Dupont, Brian Propp, Pete Peeters and Behn Wilson were on that team. They were a steamroller, 15-1-3 at the time and on the way to 48-12-20. Pat Quinn’s best team he coached, not close. This edition of the Flyers? Also not close. Doesn’t mean they’ll lose.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice of Philip Broberg at the 2019 NHL Draft
- Lowetide: Oilers have an emerging prospect in Noah Philp
- Lowetide: Oilers centre Ryan McLeod’s comparables and career trajectory
- DNB: The Ben Stelter Fund is a legacy his family, Connor McDavid and the Oilers will proudly carry
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers’ 7-11 alignment here to stay?
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ asset cost in an Erik Karlsson trade and why it’s worth it
- DNB: What I’m hearing about Oilers’ interest in trading for Sharks’ Erik Karlsson
- Lowetide: Will Oilers prospect Phil Kemp have an NHL career?
- Lowetide: Connor McDavid’s top Oilers linemates and what it could mean for trade plans
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland NHL trade deadline Q&A
- Lowetide: How the Oilers finally found the key to five-on-five outscoring
- DNB: With Kailer Yamamoto nearing a return, which Oilers could be salary-cap casualties?
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers are about to start a major makeover at right wing
- Lowetide: Is Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft saving another season?
- DNB: Why Ryan Nugent-Hopkins matters more to the Oilers now than ever before
- DNB: Are the Oilers actually good again or are they simply benefitting from an easy schedule?
- Lowetide: 3 trades that could help the Oilers this season and beyond
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: DET, PHI, OTT, MTL (Expected 3-1-0) (Actual 2-1-1)
- At home to: DET, NYR (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-2)
- On the road to: COL (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-1)
- 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: 2-1-4, 8 points in seven 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: 30-19-8, 68 points in 57 games
Edmonton received all kinds of breaks yesterday, both Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames losing games that should have been won. Sound familiar? A win tonight puts the Oilers on a trajectory to finish with 99 points and a playoff berth. They would probably face Vegas Golden Knights, not the worst outcome possible.
AHL SPLITS (YOUNG FORWARDS)
I always like to monitor the post-Christmas spike and this year we have three among the young forwards. Raphael Lavoie is tearing up the blacktop now, he’s in such a scoring zone one might be tempted to give him an NHL look. Tyler Tullio is also delivering on another level now, I’ve noticed him taking faceoffs at times and he certainly has a scoring touch. Nice range of skills. Xavier Bourgault has been quiet for several weeks but has come alive again recently. Noah Philp is pushing now and I could see a recall based on handedness and skill set. Don’t forget about Carter Savoie, he’s a pure scorer and will be heard from.
MY TRADE DEADLINE
I do this every year but rarely publish. This is akin to my roto baseball league deadlines where you’re loading up and damn the torpedoes. I will tell you this comes in at $275,000 under the cap. Here are the deals:
- Jesse Puljujarvi, Reid Schaefer and the 2023 first-round pick to Calgary for Mackenzie Weegar and Matthew Phillips.
- 2023 third-round pick for Nick Bjugstadt.
- Warren Foegele for Ivan Barbashev
- Tyson Barrie and 2024 second-round pick to Nashville for Tanner Jeannot and Philip Tomasino
- Kailer Yamamoto for David Perron
Weegar is the key for me, he is a fabulous player and has been extended. The are rumours the Flames may deal him, and while I doubt Edmonton is the destination he would be a supreme solution in my opinion. I like Jeannot and Bjugstadt for depth roles and Perron for his anticipation, filthiness and skill. Barbashev is a key acquisition in my opinion, he can do many things and was impressive in the St. Louis run to Stanley. I also added two young forwards (Tomasino and Phillips) who appear to be on the outs with their respective organizations at this time. If you’re trading three high picks, as happens in this example, getting some future back is the right call. Thoughts?
VINCENT DESHARNAIS RECALLED
DNB on twitter just broke the news, Vincent Desharnais is back and one assumes he’ll play in tonight’s game. He was ill, unable to play, and I believe Stuart Skinner was also caught up in the bug going around. So, I’m not sure the “Holland is blowing it!” theme holds water, as the only thing that has gone truly sideways is the Holloway injury and that’s bad luck, not dereliction of duty by the GM.
THE POINT
This is what we should be talking about, ladies. The damn thing is almost there!!!! One of the reasons I added David Perron in my flurry of deadline deals in the model above is because the big man needs some help and I believe a veteran like Perron would be a great target. However, the bottom lines are going well and Connor McDavid is in the range of 50 percent, so 29 solo is the worry. This isn’t a horrible spot and with better goaltending things will work out fine.
I wouldn’t trade Jack Campbell either. You’re chasing rainbows if you do. Stuart Skinner has the look of a man who could be your No. 1 this time next season, when he’s out of sick bay send him into the starter’s net for a few games. Stay the course. Do you remember how many things were said about Mike Smith when he was injured or struggled? Of course you do. Trading a guy in a slump for a guy on a hot streak is expensive and inefficient.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
We’ll preview the Oilers-Red Wings with Tom Gazzola, find out what he’s hearing on the trade deadline, plus head to Calgary to find out what in h-e-double-hockey-sticks is going on with the Flames. CFL free agency, XFL reaction, MLB talk and more. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
NEW for The Athletic: What’s going on with Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl?
https://theathletic.com/4234484/2023/02/22/edmonton-oilers-leon-draisaitl-stats/
@FriedgeHNIC
Bjugstad to EDM for a 3rd
ARIZ retains 50 per cent
Frank Seravalli
@frank_seravalli
·
1m
Hearing #Oilers have acquired C Nick Bjugstad from #Yote
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Desi’s PK shift with 10:10 remaining in the 2nd is worth re-watching…he’s so sound defensivley, he’s covering multiple lanes with body and blade, and directing traffic…he’s a poor man’s Chara already….I’m excited to see how high his ceiling is.
Since it’s a topic of conversation, and I wanted to re-listen. Stauffer on Holland during the intermission last night.
Bob: talking about how the team hasn’t been great lately. Feels like the players are ‘waiting for something to happen’.
Joaquin: disagrees and says he believes players (generally) want to be part of something and make a difference in a situation like this. If (players) hear things from outside, they tend to look inside the dressing room. Something from outside isn’t always coming, players want to be difference makers.
Bob: disagrees, is around the players on a daily basis, he can sense it. He continues, Holland is “well compensated”, and the management team is “privileged to have the roles they have, and there should be some traction. Now, I don’t want to be the guy who over-promises and under-delivers, but the time is now, let’s get going here”.
Summarizing!
Not much to add to Victoria Oil’s intrepid reporting below (thanks, BTW). Schaefer finally got off the schneid in potting his 20th–sorry, no video evidence–and added two assists in another shellacking.
Prospecting takes a break until Thursday.
Thoughts from the Midnight Darkness
Well, all of the trio hits their respective milestones on the same play, a powerplay, of course. Could there really be anything more fitting? Lol… Wonder who gets the puck?
Two goals against went in off skaters in the last game, otherwise we win it hands down and then in the fiery aftermath, all of a sudden the mightiness of McDeity was being questioned. Some people–I’m not mentioning any names–may have pointed at the universe as the main culprit in this vicious plot to defame My Captain, my Captain.
Well tonight the universe paid the Oilers–and specifically McDavid–back. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. And finally… Balance has been restored to the universe.*
As a whole, the Oilers struggled with the Tortorella Trap and the Flyers’ tendency to attack the puck at the end of an offensive play. So many shots and passes went awry, and yet another blockfest suffered against this team.
I actually didn’t have many issues with the effort. They simply looked like they were playing a trappy, blocky team and Skinner stupidly gave up an easy, early goal to the trappers. Always a bad strategy. They got out-legged after the Flyers’ first goal and for a stretch in the middle of the second, but mostly I thought they were frustrated in their effort by the Flyers’ tactics.
They also definitely made an effort to play a safer game tonight and manage the puck better. There were still some stupid plays, especially when trying to break down the trap, but they didn’t put their goalie in much danger and despite the early goal, Skinner made the one they needed him to make, that brilliant pad save on Tippett late in the 3rd before McDavid started stabbing away with his dagger.
I also thought Nurse was excellent tonight and Barrie very good on transition and in the OZone.
Stauffer showed he’s more than just an organization mouthpiece during his first intermission analysis. Not quite the inspiring carpe diem from Dead Poet’s Society, but I think he’s right, it’s on the player’s minds. Part of Holland’s job though is to get the best prices he can. It’s a grand game of chicken with a ticking clock and the heads of twenty odd players involved. Glad he’s playing it and not me.
*No it hasn’t, but you have to use reverse psychology on the universe, if you want your spells to work.
Last night Stauffer was bordering more on Howard Beale from Network – but point taken. They won against the trap – lesson will come in handy vs. LA.
Next Two Oilers Games!!
Game One vs arguably the Worst team in the NHL
Game Two vs Boston Bruins in Edmonton, with the 2nd game played 5 games later in Boston.
Oilers vs Boston in Boston is the biggest test of the Oiler’s shiny season so far.
If you agree that Boston 2X coming up is the biggest test of the season press: Thumbs Up.
If you think Toronto, Winnipeg twice, Buffalo are the biggest test press: Thumbs Down.
Getting a bit ahead of schedule I think, the next game is the Pens on Thursday, then onto Columbus.
Schaefer gets another assist. Now 1+2.
Schaefer finishes with a goal and 2 assists in an 8-0 win. He was also +4 with 3 SOG. Played a good chunk (but not all) of the game 5-on-5 with Dylan Guenther and Brad Lambert. Got some time on the PP and while killing off Seattle’s only PK, drew a penalty. I was particularly impressed with his shot, which combined with his size/physicality are his best assets.
As Tarkus has pointed out, Victoria wasn’t much competition for Seattle as the aggregate score for the 3 games was 23-1.Seattle has 9 or 10 drafted players to 1 for Victoria.
Schaefer now has 42 points in 42 games but going into the game was only 7th in team scoring and 9th in points per game.
that has been his regular line since the trade additions.
Sooooooooo, the majority of Vinny’s ice tonight was against the top 6 of the Flyers…… that’s new.
Philly’s top-6 is like an average NHL team’s bottom-6
Philly looked fine until midway through the Third Period.
2-1 lead and all that.
Sure but they just try and scramble the game. It’s like me candidate for worlds worst speller vs my wife an avid scrabble player. The game is competitive but nobody’s having any fun lol.
Schaefer scores. However, it wasn’t immediately ruled a goal as the puck came out right away and Victoria thought they scored 15 seconds later. Video replay showed Schaefer did score. 6-0. Oops, now 7-0.
what did stauffer say about holland in the intermission?
He basically told him to stop being a pussy!
YMMV
That’s reasonably accurate.
But he followed it up by basically guaranteeing there will be trade(s).
found a clip.
one thing he said was terrible, “Ken Holland is well compensated. That management team is priveleged to have the roles they have.”
What?!
I actually didn’t mind that.
That quote is 100% true. You aren’t paid to dither, neither are they.
It’s the, “That management team is privileged to have the roles they have” part I thought was odd.
The last time folks were getting really agitated at Holland for dithering, snoozing and generally doing nothing, Evander Kane arrived as an Oiler.
100% they aren’t paid to dither, but I would probably give them another nine days until the actual trade deadline before getting worried about inaction.
I’m not worried about their inaction, I said the quote Twine had an issue with was a true statement. The privileged part does sound odd on the rewatch, would guess it was a ‘stand for the people’ attempt.
Condors finish off the 3-1 win.
They held the Gulls to 10 shots through two period (12 in the 3rd – score effects).
Lavoie with a goal.
Philp with a goal.
Bourgault with 2 assist.
Kemp with the great beatdown but he’ll be suspended – automatic for an instigator in the last 5 minute. Demers left the game after taking a cross-check and didn’t return so next game could be a big precarious on the back end.
Team is rolling and off to Texas for a couple.
They are rolling.
I was going to lament how they’re a pretty long way back and still have a serious hill to climb to make the playoffs, but looking, the AHL playoff format this year is foolishly forgiving (23 of 32 teams get in).
So the Condors are somewhat comfortably in a playoff spot, despite not quite having broken .500 yet.
Anyway, good to see them rolling. Good to see they should get a shot to carry it into the post season. And I do think they might be able to do some damage once they get there since they’ve been playing well for a while now.
Great to see (and hopefully Demers is back soon for them).
Pickard bulled over behind the net and Kemp comes flying in – the gloves drop – good fight, Kemp lays the most blows and the knock-down punch at the end – great scrap.
Pickard was down for a while, post-fight – looks like he’s ok and will stay in the game.
That’s my boy Phil!
I wonder who takes the 3rd goal puck? Leon for his 700th or Connie with his 800th? I’m going to guess McD cuz he’s 5th fastest ever to do it.
Just love that Nuggy was sandwiched in-between the two point getters on the goal too.
Tiebreaker goes to RNH.
Connie?
Let’s not.
Nuggy?
How about Draisy and Kaney and Hymany?
Just stop.
It’s a hockey team, not a daycare.
The Oilers players call him Nuggy.
Stop telling fans how to fan.
Hahaha!
Nuggy came from the players. Connie came from Jay and Dan.
Sorry I ruined your day Sparty.
IIRC Jack Michaels said early in the game that the Oilers had collected points in 14 of their last 15 games.
This would make it 15 of 16.
Not so terrible for a team surrounded by so much hand wringing lately.
points in 17 of the last 19 if you go back a bit further.
only two teams they didn’t get points against: LA (6-3 loss) and MTL (6-2 loss).
The whole back-end looks better when Nurse plays only 22min, and everyone else is under 18 min.
Stu with a .920
Brings a year to my eye 🥲
Tear not year…
Such a fail 😖
Liked the finish after an ugly start!
Must Win Game!!
Hunter 30 games Season in a Season has the Oilers rise up to 12 – 5 – 6 in their last 23 games. This amortizes into a 107 point season if played over 82 games.
Oilers now head off to Columbus for one of the the last “easy” games out of the remaining 7 left which include Boston(twice) Winnipeg(twice) Toronto(once).
Fun how Boston are thinking about the upcoming 2 game series vs the Oilers…so much that Boston players going to the press to go out of their way to slag off Edmonton. For this the Bruins deserve to lose both games.
Boston deserves to lose both upcoming games with the Oilers: Press Thumbs Up.
Boston deserves to gain points out of their upcoming games with the Oilers: press Thumbs Down.
Kudos to the 4th line tonight!!
Pretty obvious to me that Woodcroft peeled some paint after the second period the way we played the third
I know, I know, it didn’t look good through two periods but the Oilers were also giving up very little. NST had the expected goals in the Oilers’ favour in all three periods: 66%, 55% 71%.
Frustrating that it took them so long to get going but they did grind through the Flyers suffocating style through that game.
The game may be over but idk, I have a feeling the Flyers are going to tie this one up.
A tip o’ the hat, sir.
That wonderful pad save by Stu after the PP helped keep the team rolling.
I’m glad they play Phili often… what a terrible game to watch, just like last time.
*don’t play Phili often
Oh shit, didn’t notice till now (probably already posted?).
Vegas managed to lose in OT to Chicago.
Oilers gained some ground tonight with the Kings also losing to Minnesota.
Edit: Vegas lost in the shootout.
In 3.5 weeks we’ll be a very very happy blog.
Top Seed in the West baby it’s there for the taking.
Now we can all breath.
Ugly start but a good finish
It wasn’t pretty but we’ll take it
Outstanding pad save by Skinner while it was still 2-2 to keep us in it
Love it. Need to win those kinds of games and that’s what that looks like.
Glad the Oilers weren’t actually dead, as was widely believed.
There we go!
Dug deep and gutted it out.
Stu with a big stop, McGoals, good job team good job.
Lets roll!
Ground it out. Important win.
Flyfish:
Only 17 shots in the final 20, but close enough for Jazz, right?
Banging on a garbage can is good enough for jazz.
Set your bar higher.
All you need is 900 goaltending.
Love Desharnais’ penalty killing.
Yeah that was a bit of a display there.
Bouchard misses the Gretzky to Lemieux then takes a penalty. Tough sequence and McDavid bails us out.
Double clutch DeAngelo, too slow.
Empty McNet!
Now, its Stu’s turn……
I love when the opposition pulls the goal on the PP – for that exact reason.
Back to a 3-goal lead on Parayko.
That was a beautiful goal from 180 feet.
empty netter short handed for McD!!!
And they closed it out .
Thats not going to help Bouch’s confidence (or the fan’s current vibe towards him)….
But helps keep his next contract down.
That might be a delay of game penalty – we’ll see what the refs think
-damnit
Bouchard lucky that McDavid saved his bacon. But he’s been handling the puck like a hand grenade for several games now.
The kind of goal they needed. Feels good to get an ugly one from an artist.
Nice to have a bounce go the Oilers way.
From his reaction, I think McD purposefully banked it. If not Hyman was there
Finally showing some Hart.
I see what you did there.
Digging deep digging deep!
Lock this the fuck down!
Oilers started to play once that 4-minute penalty was then and earned that break.
God bless Devin Shore’s fragile face!
Good ole timey greasy goal.