The Edmonton Oilers lost a Saturday night game to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. It ranks in the top two regular season events fans most worry over (loss to the Flames the worst). What do the Maple Leafs’ writers have to say in a similar situation?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: What to expect from the Oilers’ 2023 NHL Draft after trading first-round pick
- New DNB: Blunders hurt Oilers in loss to Maple Leafs
- Lowetide: Making the call on the Edmonton Oilers’ 2023 RFAs
- DNB: The Oilers and Stuart Skinner can use their comeback over the Bruins as a springboard
- DNB: For new Oilers Mattias Ekholm and Nick Bjugstad, family matters most after a trade
- Lowetide: How unique is Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins career season?
- DNB: Connor McDavid’s importance to the Oilers keeps showing no bounds
- Lowetide: Oilers finally commit to Evan Bouchard. How much will it cost?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Tullio is outplaying the high picks
- DNB: Why more vintage Kailer Yamamoto outings could solve Oilers’ right wing woes
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers spring signing season preview
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers winger Kailer Yamamoto and the balance between value contract and injury risk
- DNB: Why Mattias Ekholm is a big addition for an Oilers team that needs to win now
- Lowetide: Oilers’ mediocre February shows importance of protecting the puck
- DNB: Inside Brad Holland’s scouting process
- DNB: Oilers captain Connor McDavid surpasses 800 career points
- Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice of Philip Broberg at the 2019 NHL Draft
- DNB: The Ben Stelter Fund is a legacy his family, Connor McDavid and the Oilers will proudly carry
- Lowetide: Will Oilers prospect Phil Kemp have an NHL career?
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- At home to: TOR, WPG (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 2-0-0)
- On the road to: WPG, BUF, BOS, TOR (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 2-2-0)
- At home to: OTT, DAL (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: SJS, ARI, VGK (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: ARI, VGK (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: LAK (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- March expected result: 9-6-0, 18 points in 15 games
- March actual result: 4-2-0, 8 points in six games
- February actual result: 4-3-4, 12 points in 11 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: 36-23-8, 80 points in 67 games
The Oilers loss meant the road trip is 2-2-0, as I predicted at the beginning of the month. The team is ahead of my projection and a nine-win month, which I consider central to finishing in the top-three slots Pacific Division, is still in play. It’s my opinion this team will need another 4-2-0 run beginning Tuesday against the Senators.
GOALIE AND DEFENSE
I was out last night (more in a moment) so can’t provide you with the usual summary. However, there are a few things that we can say about the defense and goaltending last night. Darnell Nurse had a fine game going, but lost a neutral zone battle that cost the team, plus took an unfortunate penalty that led to a killer PP goal by the home side. His passing was erratic, Edmonton needs him to play a safer game (turnover in neutral zone could have been a two-on-two handled differently). Mattias Ekholm scored a fine goal, was the Oilers best defenseman by a long shot, Woodcroft and Manson are going to have to move him up in minutes during the big part of the game. I don’t know if Evan Bouchard goes with him, but the young blue made an astute defensive play that caught my eye in real time. Two assists, I thought that pairing shone like a diamond. Vincent Desharnais made a risky play when a bounce off the boards would have been safe, it turned into a goal against Edmonton. Not the worst turnover, but it cost and came in a time the Oilers had some wobble. Desharnais was hurt in the game, we’ll find out today or Monday about the extent of the injury. Stuart Skinner saw many great chances and stopped a bunch, I’m not certain we can say ‘the rookie looked shaky’ based on what I saw last night. I’d run him on Tuesday.
FORWARDS
Connor McDavid was outstanding again, the will to win present in every shift. It was not a night when the Oilers looked sharp on every play, but 97 led with vigor. Zach Hyman is 0.96 pts-60 at five-on-five in his most recent eight-game segment. Edmonton needs him to contribute more. Evander Kane scored a nice goal, and gave Michael Bunting the business later in the game. Leon Draisaitl looked good by eye and number, for me he had a lot of jump in the game. The comments section here at Lowetide was most unkind, suspect turnovers are the issue (two listed by NST). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists, and his foot deflected the puck perfectly (in a bad way) on the late Tavares PP goal. Warren Foegele looked good when he had the puck, Nick Bjugstad can back check well, Derek Ryan took a terrible hit and no penalty. Ryan McLeod made a noxious pass that began the slide into darkness for the road team, he can’t make that mistake and yet he did it. A mature team picks him up in the next game, happened many times to the glory Oilers kids in the 1980’s and I recall it being a rallying point for the roster. Perhaps we’ll see jut that from this group.
THANKS!
I wanted to drop a quick note of thanks to Lynn, Krista and all involved in the Oilers Girls Night Out event at Soho last night. It was an amazing event, for an exceptional cause, I had a wonderful time (as did my son). If you get a chance to attend one of their get togethers, I recommend it heartily. I also want to thank the ladies from Concordia University of Edmonton for being such delightful company for us. If you are looking to support a worthy cause, please consider Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton. I met many ladies and a gentleman too (hi Mike!) who I follow on twitter and all were a delight.
CLARITY AND PERSPECTIVE
One of the things I love in life is finding people who have clarity and drop truth in good places. It doesn’t have to be preachy, just forthright. I think it’s fair to say the Oilers deserved to lose last night, while also pointing out the club was ahead 3-1 at one point (although the chances and shots were in Toronto’s favor to my eye). I love getting things right, not getting riled up over emotional to the point where prose appears to be lashing out.
May I give you an example? This is Kevin Papetti from The Athletic in the Maple Leafs post-game report card after the team’s recent loss to Edmonton. Notice how factual he is, and how little he embellishes beyond making a strong point.
- No Leafs player won their minutes in terms of five-on-five expected goals through the first two periods, and they fully deserved to be down 5-1 heading into the break. The O’Reilly line was so ineffective that Keefe broke them up, and Matthews certainly didn’t look like himself. Samsonov looked like Petr Mrzek, and I expected a better effort from the team after their general manager made several key additions this week. Marner was the only member of the top six who decided to show up, and Toronto’s bottom six still looks mediocre offensively. Perhaps the additions of Luke Schenn and Erik Gustafsson will give this team another spark, but there’s no excuse for Toronto’s effort tonight following a series of big trades. Keefe will need to find the right line combinations and defence pairs going forward, but all he learned from this matchup was what doesn’t work. The Leafs were fortunate that the Oilers only won by three.
Clarity. I believe Daniel Nugent-Bowman delivered exactly that in his fine piece at The Athletic today. Here’s a portion:
- The Oilers had just knocked off the Bruins in dramatic fashion two nights earlier. It was one of their best performances of the season, overcoming a two-goal disadvantage and needing a third-period comeback against the NHL’s top team. It looked like there were plenty of signs they were continuing that fine work for more than half of Saturday’s game. And then McLeod turned the puck over. And then Desharnais did the same. And then. And then. That type of collapse should never happen to a team like the Oilers, the defending Western Conference finalist. One blunder should stop at one.
THE 2023 DRAFT
I’ve been remiss in looking at the 2023 draft but do have a piece up at The Athletic I believe you’ll like. We’re getting a handle on Tyler Wright and his scouting style, that’s reflected in the article. I’ll have a top-62 for the 2023 draft up in the next week, and you’ll see more frequent posts on the subject as time goes by.
Lowetide, am avoiding everything to do with the Saturday Leafs game. I was watching until the Insane McLeod turnover and having took a few minutes off to recover the Leafs were already ahead by the time I was ready to return to the game( I didn’t want to watch).
15 games left and some of the other teams in this epic race just don’t lose games anymore. Right now it looks like Oilers are going to open in Dallas or some other such nightmare scenario.
Sure they can probably get past 1 or possibly 2 teams opening on the road all of the time; but history suggests it’s the fast track to the golf course.
Hunter:
The Oilers have opened at home 3 of 3 years before this one (not that it did them a lick of good in 2020 and 2021).
Summarizing!
Petrov had an assist in a shutout victory.
Chiasson incurred no soup in a lopsided loss.
Prospecting takes a break until Wednesday.
Jets not going away quietly…a big 3-2 win in Tampa to move into 3rd in the Central one point ahead of Colorado which has 3 games in hand.
I don’t know how your ankles can survive jumping on and off so many bandwagons every year.
Judging by your lack of commentary about the Flames game tonight, can I safely assume you’ve already jumped ship on that team?
Puljujarvi has now played two games for the Canes and they’ve been shut out in both – an oddity.
Not a shock, given the fact of his absolute degeneration as a viable NHL player/prospect.
0 to 100 on that take hey
Just another Oilers fan. JP got to the point where it was no more than a distraction to the future of the hockey team.
Sorry but thats the way it goes when the new team he’s gone to gets worse lol
Gary Lawless reporting on the VGK broadcast that the league Board of Governors is going to consider a proposal to increase the amount of retained salary on trades to 75%.
The thinking is, it would eliminate the need for third party teams to get involved in trades and would increase the number of transactions.
The NHLPA would have to sign off.
Amen
They should also look at varying the amount of retention per year on multi year contracts – often times it is the current year that requires the most discussion, and year 2/3/4 doesn’t matter as much, considering teams have time to alter their future contract commitments
The league really shouldn’t have a problem with this – the HRR calculations wouldn’t be affected – the money is already committed and agreed to, the only thing changing is who’s signing the cheques
Throw in the option of paying/co-paying signing bonuses while they’re at it
The NHL is financially constipated, they need more tools to make transactions easier
All great ideas.
This almost gets to perpetual compliance buyouts without costing the players a penny.
If the Oilers owner had the option of (retroactively) paying the $10M signing bonus to the San Jose owner, Erik Karlsson would probably be an Oiler right now
And both San Jose and Edmonton would be better for it.
This would be the end of the Coyotes tho! noooooooooooooo
Great forecheck by puj, gets to aho wide open out in front -> huge save with puj hands already lifted above head thinking it was in.
He does definitely look less out of place at present – but that was funny.
What came first the Chychrun or the Ghost?
Which player will finish the season with the most points post-trade, Chychrun or Ghost?
Not points per game either since we’ll credit either one for staying healthy if they’re able to. A tie-breaker is settled by plus/minus.
Currently, both are GP 5: 2-2-4.The Ghost is minus 3. Chychrun is zero.
[+] Chychrun
[-] Gostisbehere
this ain’t reddit
Wow, that was an unfortunate game against the Leafs.
Great post by Sheps!
I like McLeod, but as I’ve read online, they really do teach you I pee wee not to make that pass.
Nurse played a horrible game. Very poor decision-making.
I agree with Leavins, I was surprised Woodcroft didn’t call a timeout.
Brutal hack on Desharnais. I thought he was exposed last night before that. Toronto was targeting that 3rd pairing. Do we see Kulak-Broberg?
Skinner wasn’t sharp.
The Oilers are unable to close out games with a tight defensive style.
Oilers left themselves lean on the right side defense .. i think 11 and 7 maybe should come back 🤔
To both of you I’d say:
The Oilers went 4-2-0 through TOR, WPG, WPG, BUF, BOS, TOR.
That’s the big picture.
And given the big picture (most specifically just beating BOS in BOS, TOR coming off a recent embarrassing loss to the Oilers, many Oilers playing in front of their families), I personally don’t think there’s a lot to be learned by dissecting that loss in much detail.
YMMV.
Question: if the oilers finish 7th, wpg 8th, Vegas 2, dallas 1: who do oil play? Is there any rule where they try to avoid the oil/Vegas division matchup at the wildcard level?
Winner of the conference plays the weakest wildcard team.
Winner of the other division plays the other wildcard team.
Second and third teams in each division play each other.
At the moment:
Vegas vs. Winnipeg
Dallas vs. Edmonton
Minnesota vs. Colorado
Los Angeles vs. Seattle
That was my thought, just started to doubt that this week for some reason
2/3 with kraken in other slot is sweet spot I figure.
For our defense there is another option for our top 4. We are able to run Nurse with Bouchard and then ekholm and ceci as a lower event pair. Nurse and Bouchard have 122 min together and are at an xgf% of 66.53 and an expected goal differential of 1.95 per 60 at 5v5. Ekholm and Ceci only have a few min together but it is a good start. The note there is they are both good at chance suppression with an expected ga of 1.31 over 60 at 5v5. Also please go back to 11 and 7, our RD is our biggest weakness (besides goal). Broberg and Desharnais can take the extra minutes and pressure off Bouchard and Ceci.
I think that’s ideal, but it all hinges on Nurse getting his game up a level
I think he has it in him, but he has to commit to what needs to be done
Like Ekholm talks. Do the job at hand, for the team
I was thinking about where the weak links are and what to do. I think we might see as things move along that the answer to Ceci not playing top pair, which is a problem I think, comes in that Ekholm and Bouch end up becoming the top pair, by playoffs. If Bouch keeps settling and playing as much better as he has, since the deadline. Maybe Bouch and Ceci switch, but I have issues with how Nurse is playing
Humans understand things best through narrative, through story. Which is why I think this place is so special, LT spins stories around the happenings of our Oilers
I form my opinions about the team that way. I appreciate stats, but they inform the meaning of the story. The Coles notes. When I watch the game, I am watching for the story as it unfolds. I get my impressions about the individuals not from single events – every player messes up – but from the story they wrote in a game, stretch, season
I think every player should execute their role on the team well, consistently, because that is what makes great teams. It is a huge drag on the team effort when certain players make a lot of mistakes and poor reads. The bigger the role, the bigger the drag. Each shift informs the next. Players feed off of the team dynamic. If too many guys keep screwing up and creating negative pressure, tragedy is being written into the story line. It reduces positive momentum
Nurse is such a wildcard, brilliant one play, awful the next, good for 20 minutes bad for 5, I’m concerned how that impacts the success within a game, and later. I can only see the fix as Manson eventually trusting the ‘second pair’ more, and easing up more on Nurse so he can play better overall. Ceci should not be playing top comp, he isn’t doing it well enough for a contender
Same with Leon. He is so talented he will get his points, but to my eye he constantly creates pressure against because he makes so many weak offensive zone plays and turns the puck over so much, both because he’s trying to go cheat mode every play. Yes it works sometimes, but the dent he puts in flow and momentum to me is not a good thing. It affects the rest of the team and their mental space
A few great plays a game isn’t enough for me, I want the story to be the creating of constant pressure on the bad guys, keeping momentum driving at them, preferably in waves. It breaks them down eventually, even the best of them
It’s about outscoring within the game, not on the leader board. Each line, each pairing. I like all of the players I mentioned, but for me they need to play in a way that helps the team effort more, play a more mature game, and Ceci down a rung. And the coaches have to play the players that are playing best for the team, regardless of their postal code or previously designated gig
There is something up. I cannot remember a point where you were happy with this team. It has been nothing but not good enough. There has to be something to enjoy.
what’s up?
https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1634750532433657856?s=61&t=WWzo5XOO0SDsOISFpfGKMg
Since being dumped by #LAKings:
Jonathan Quick – @GoldenKnights
3-0-0
92 / 98 (.939 sv%)
1 shutout
Let hope the McLellan effect on goaltenders works quickly on Korpisalo.
This was discussed last night on the Oilers Radio Network. Why do we need a rehash?
Well I am not sure everyone was listening. Besides this is a huge item for us going forward as we are likely to play the Knights in round 1 or 2. If quick gets hot thats very, very bad news for the rest of the Pacific. If I may remind everyone how dreadful those cups were when he carried the kings from an 8th seed to glory.
You also have to wonder if some of his resurrection is due to a change in systems play.
That can make a huge difference to some goaltenders.
It was Sutter who took over mid season. I would ask others for a comparison between Sutter and Cassidy for coaching styles.
Vegas 1-1 after two in STL.
24 year old Czech Jiri Patera in net for Vegas playing his first ever NHL game.
.918 in the AHL.
They have a few good young goalies. This year if Logan is in net vs Skinner then it’s a wash imo. If quick gets hot however that’s a problem. Cassidy from my reading is a very good defensive coach.
Fleury 2.0? Vegas resurgence?
Motivation is hell of a factor especially in contract years. This is a totally different kettle of fish this is the vindictive EX-Wife getting vengeance on your sorry ass.
Revenge is HUGE as a motivator. If the gords are willing the kings will play Vegas first round and get that out of his system.
Ekholm’s play is indicative of how sub-par our D has been since … June 2006?
There was a time Ekholm was NSH’s 3rd best blueliner. That’s how they got to the Cup Final. He’s our top defenseman and the McDavid years have been stunted by the Sekera and Klefbom injuries.
Two weeks ago you might’ve thought: Ekholm or Chyckrun might be our 2nd or 3rd best D. Nope. They’d be our best.
What about Darnell? I thought he was the top defenceman on this team making 9 plus mil.
https://twitter.com/friedgehnic/status/1634759291163799554?s=61&t=WWzo5XOO0SDsOISFpfGKMg
Earlier tonight, Providence beat Northeastern 2-1 in Hockey East quarterfinals. Decisions to come include Devon Levi (BUF wants to sign), Jayden Struble (MON) and Aidan McDonough (expected to sign with VCR).
Petrov with the primary apple as NB extends their lead to 3-0 in Period the Second.
Where is Zach Hyman?
If he is hurt, please sit him.
As the quality of comp picks up and the style of game really tightens up- Kailer has just disappeared.
Kostin has his warts, but there is a clear change needed here.
hyman is slumping but he isnt a 100 point player ! his production will come again; same with Kane.
Set aside not getting points, he is simply not affecting the game in *any* meaningful way. As others, have pointed out….plays are simply dying on his stick.
Gone is the ruthless, tenacious, forecheck.
I hate giving excuses like this because they are *so*over used around here…but he just does not look like himself. So much so, I suspect injury or illness.
I subscribe to the thought that if you aren’t creating, you have to be doing something, and that better not be getting scored on
Almost all players are streaky. Only the very best produce consistently. So if you’re cold buckle down until you warm up. Most coaches say if you play defensively the offense comes from that. Nurse said it after the Boston game
Lots of Oilers skip that step and start forcing things which usually has the opposite effect
If I have to choose who sits right now, I think it would be Yama. He’s missing wide open looks and his forechecking right now is no better than anyone else in the bottom six.
Sheps with the post of the day….tip of the cap on the game recap and fatherhood.
Re: Draisaitl:
Like BOP mentioned, my hope is Leon is saving himself for playoffs.
My fear is that simply flipping a switch is not that easy to do.
As Godot has been mentioning for some time, Both McDavid and Leon need to really up their game in their own end.
Mathews line was killing us.
That should be a personal affront to our C’s playing against Mathews.
McDavid is an elite defensive forward. Playing him with Zach Hyman and Evander Kane is going to drag down his defensive results.
I’m sure I’m late to the party on this, but occurred to me last night that Ekholm has in effect replaced our man Klefbom and this is closer to how things may have looked with Oscar. I “think” Ekholm has the edge as a player, but my memory of healthy Oscar is that they’d be close comparables. Such a shame for he and the team the way things turned out.
I’m not sure Klef had the chance to get to the defensive level Ek has
Klef was a bit more dynamic but didn’t control the D zone like Ek. Not that he couldn’t have
As many I had this 7 game stretch as an important marker, and told myself 4 wins would be a successful push. Sucks to finish with a loss against Toronto in Toronto. But I’m happy for the series win. This team is fun, fast, and frustrating. But I can imagine they don’t they lose more than three over seven until the SCF.
Nurse’s bad mistakes don’t sneak up on anyone. You can see when he goes off the rails. It’s written on his face and how he’s suddenly stiff-skating with the puck instead of in the flow of the game.
Woodcroft should know enough and be strong enough to sit him down. He didn’t. It cost them dearly.
Even fewer excuses for that performance after the Boston game. Their top guys weren’t very good in the Boston game for one thing and should have bounced back. For whatever reason this team is allergic to consistent effort. This should be an 8-2 per 10 games (with a bit of wobble every couple cycles) hockey club who is running away with the division. Instead, they’re barely above the cut line with the two top scorers in the league mowing everyone down.
One of the greatest parts of the 80s Oilers was how everyone upped their game to get closer to 99 and 11 and 17. I’ve only seen a little bit of that from this squad so far. They need a lot more.
You can’t split games for 4 series and win a Cup. It isn’t done. You have to put your foot down and sweep a team or two.
This crew needs to find that.
If the rest of the roster upped their game to current 97 29 the team would be losing a lot of 14-8 games
What needs to happen is for the top 6 and Nurse to actually disregard points and take pride in the GA. To stop behaving like it’s 3 years ago and the whole deal is on their shoulders, it isn’t anymore. They don’t have to score every game or lose
The olden Oilers figured it out quickly, in a couple of playoff runs, about playing two ways. Even they couldn’t outscore sloppy play against the top teams at the end of the playoffs. When that came about, they ran through their Cup runs hardly losing games. I think Connor is there, it’s just he’s playing on a different plane
I think he’ll find his balance but he hasn’t yet, and still has jailbreak in his eyes, as he’s not tightly marking his guy, looking back with his skates pointed up ice, as the puck goes in the wrong net. I hope it’s this year he gets there
Leon is playing selfishly to me, no better way I can think of to describe it. There are few guys in the league that wouldn’t be benched for the kinds of plays he tries to make and mostly fails to do, game in and out this season
There are give aways because you play with the puck more, and then there are peewee level giveaways that every NHL player (and most under that) know you don’t try, well, because they end up in HDSCA or GA!!!!!!
Who knew the answer to turning Bouchard into a top 4 player was right in front of us the whole time. Get him an actual top 4 partner, not Kulak or Broberg. This pair is out performing Nurse and Ceci.
Last night was a good learning lesson for guys like McLeod. He needs to find his role on this team and bring a simple contributing style that actually helps his team win. I’m thinking Todd Marchant.
Last week Woodcroft went out his way to mention Draisaitl’s exceptional two-way play in the home win over TO. Today, well…read Sheps post.
Is Leon nursing an injury or is this inconsistency the only consistency in his game?
From my pov, the low percentage passes that he was able to saucer through in the past are getting picked off more this season. He also seems less dominant in protecting the puck on the wall and that sometimes results in him spraying out these ill advised grenades.
All that said, I’m not worried. The regular season is a grind. Leon has proven himself as a playoff performer. He’ll tighten this down and up his cycle game once the real season starts. In his prime, Malkin was a bit like this for the Pens. If Leon is saving a bit for postseason legacy over regular season glory, I’m ok with that.
This is exactly my hope as well. I really want to believe he’s just saving his strength for when it really matters. Playoff Leon is my favourite Leon.
FWIW I would bring in Kostin for Yamamoto for a game. I’d like to see how Klim reacts to a shot in the top 6. I’d also like to see how Kailer reacts to a healthy scratch.
I don’t think Yamo needs to be scratched but he does need to see that his spot in the top 6 isn’t guaranteed. I think he’s been moved down once or twice, but there should be scratching and clawing going on for that spot.
I feel Yamo has hit his high water mark. He is just too small to play the way he does. He needs 20 lbs of musscle to protect his frame and be able to take on the bigger players in puck battles.
I like Yammo, but he is one I would really look into moving this summer. Let Lavoie play RW next year and hopefully he adds more O . He has the size they need in that top 6
You can’t have a teeny-weeny forward in the top 6 that’s not a threat to score.
I would qualify with does score. I also think small players need plus speed as in faster than others they play against. Like Cliff Ronning
When Nurse plays like he did last night, there’s always going to be vitriol about the contract. That’s the optics a player signs up for when he’s paid like one of the best in the game.
The most common arguments I’ve seen for the contract are, A) the team eventually paid the piper for the earlier bridge deals, and B) the contract represents the market value signings of recent comps like Jones and Werenski. Both of these rationales hold water and offer the necessary context. But there’s a third item that rarely gets mentioned.
The Oilers bridged Nurse twice because they couldn’t fit his demands in their cap AND Nurse repeatedly negotiated like a player who expected to be paid like one of the best in the game. Every time the Oilers came to the table, Darnell and his agent brought their hammer and were seeking Norris caliber money. The Oil rightly balked at paying that kind of dosh to a non-elite offensive Dman that doesn’t run a PP. Then Darnell put up an outlier offensive season and Holland decided to pay him as if that season represented both the present and persistent future for Nurse.
Darnell Nurse is not worth this contract. Full stop. He’s not an elite offensive defenceman. He’s not even the best defensive defenceman on his team. He’s a player that’s too undisciplined to be a true ‘shutdown’ but when he’s focused and makes the simple play, he is an effective two way defender against the toughs. That has value without a doubt. There’s just a gap between the value paid and the value derived and you see it graphically in games like last night’s.
If I had one negotiation in my life that I had to nail, I would hire Paul Cappizano. He played this perfectly and set up Nurse for life. But make no mistake, that doesn’t happen if the player and the agent aren’t coming to the bargaining table every time looking for a contract that compensates Darnell amongst the top 5 at his position. Whether they bridged or not, there was never a point where the Oilers were going to stick a fair value contract with Nurse. That was simply never the endgame for this player. This contract was inevitable because it was precisely what Nurse and his camp demanded every single time. The possibility for a bargain with this player never existed.
What would Tulsky have done?
See Dougie Hamilton for reference.
Yup. There comes a point where you’ve got to be willing to cut bait and allocate that cap better elsewhere. Unfortunately if the anecdotal reports are true, that was not an option with Nurse considered essential to the McDavid core. If the Nurse contract premium is the price paid to extend Connor, I can live with that.
Yes…but it remains a huge risk as extending Connor is not a given and, even so, Nurse is very likely to be past his “best before date” at that point.
Agreed. Unfortunately it’s a sunk cost now.
Yep..
That’s why the window to win is this season and the following two.
Nurse, Draisaitl, Kane, Hyman and Nuge will all be at the point on aging curves that performance can fall off a cliff.
Nevermind Jack Campbell.
The window can be extended if they win a Cup or are close to it. The cap is going up and some of these aging players with big tickets are tradable assets if they have the ‘proven winner’ stamp on them. Worry about extending Connor and Leon first. The reload challenge is moot without that.
I am pretty sure Nurse talked to Drai and McD about their longterm plans. Prior to signing. Remember he initially only wanted to sign a 3-5 year deal. Same with Nuge taking a cut for long term
Likely true but does nothing to ameliorate aging curves.
So many teams to see examples of teams that won and subsequently signed stars to long term contracts only to stumble.
Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles and soon Tampa just the most recent examples.
Its true that he was looking to sign for like 4 years but pivoted to the 8 year deal but I don’t believe it was because he talked to Leon and Connor about his plans but it was because of the Seth Jones signing and he all of a sudden was able to get $9.25MM for that term – he pretty much said that expressly, if I remember correctly.
He might be past his best before date at age 32…but I would counter that age 28-32 should be his best years…
On the contrary, try to picture a 36 year old Darnell, 1000 games under his belt, 100 playoff games to boot, big grizzly beard with his angry smile shining through it…old man strength plus gym rat strength, hairy buttocks, veteran guile, hopefully a cup ring or two, fresh off his contract with over $100M CAD earned to date….if the band is still together maybe he plays a year or two for cheap to chase another cup.
Not only did Holland sign Nurse after his outlier season, what irks me, as I mentioned a couple weeks ago, is the fact that Holland could have waited a year to sign him. Instead, he locked him up when Nurse had maximum leverage. Yes, there would have been some risk that Nurse could have duplicated his 2020-21 season, but that is a (fairly small) risk that Holland should have taken, IMHO.
Had he waited and Nurse repeated his outlier season, it’s highly unlikely the contract would have been higher.
Very good chance it would have been significantly less.
It comes down to evaluation and negotiating skills
If Holland didn’t know what Nurse is that is bad, he’s the highest paid GM right? That’s why he gets the money
If he didn’t have the intuition to wait Nurse out also bad. Nurse doesn’t want to leave. I think drafted players are loyal. It’s after a trade they get all business. Especially if success is at hand. It’s a big risk if you love hockey to leave Connortown. And I think Nurse loves hockey and winning
At the end of the day Holland knew the cap is static. And was for a while, he’s privy to inside info from the league. That he did an even worse version of this with Campbell who didn’t have any team connections makes this pattern with Holland clear. I don’t see how it can be framed another way
He overpays and over terms what he values. And he’s not right a lot on the big tickets and key positions. He shouldn’t have needed Ekholm (which cost a roster player with strong value and 2 firsts) if Nurse was a strong league top first pair D as he’s paid and termed
And he hadn’t blown balancing the D group. And overpayed and over termed Kulak to play third pair, which he is
So he’s left with making decisions on Kulak, Ceci, Yamo and Foegele next summer, at least
Good points. Fully agree.
Thank you Sir
My memory is that for his first extension he was looking somewhere around the 5.2Mx5 range. That doesn’t seem like Norris money to me. And they could’ve done it if they hadn’t needlessly signed Chiasson.
Nurse is a cautionary tale of using bridge contracts. There are also many examples of guys getting locked up for big money early on and never growing into the cap hit.
Nurse got that deal to keep Connor and Leon long term…..that’s the only justification for paying him that. Both must re-sign a year prior to their deal being up. If they choose not to, deal them both for a fortune and rebuild on the fly.
Last night Oilers blew a game that would have had them keep pace with their competition – which currently is about 6-7 other Western Conference teams.
With fifteen games left, can Oilers still finish ahead of their competition?
If you think yes: please vote Thumbs Up
If you think no: please vote Thumbs Down
Another random thought. How long before we determine Yamamoto isn’t a top 6 player? Or is it he’s just the best available option?
I’m already there.
Yep
I would love to see the NHL have the balls to suspend tavares for that slash on Desharnais. From the replays tarares looked and aimed before swinging.
John Tavares slash on Vincent Desharnais – Have your say! – YouTube
Toronto’s John Tavares has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Slashing Edmonton’s Vincent Desharnais
I don’t get the suspension rules lets say Tavares gets 2 games which happen to be against Winnipeg and Calgary. It’s like penalizing the Oilers with John out of the line-up. I believe that Travares should be instead suspended the 2 games when Toronto plays Edmonton next whether or not it carries over into the Playoffs or the following season.
I like this idea in theory but not sure it’s practical. What happens in the case of a 10-20 game suspension against a team in the other conference? The player only serves it over a 5-10 year time-frame. That wouldn’t end up being much of a deterrent. What happens if the player is a tweener that is not likely to play the other team much more in his entire career, he may get off essentially free. Maybe some combination of this and current rules.
Holy crap. I didn’t watch the game, so saw this for the first time. That is one nasty thing to do to another human being. If Kane does that to Matthews, how long is the suspension?
Life
If Kane did that; it would be a life suspension plus we would owe Calgary a third round pick.
I think Broberg and Kostin both should be in the lineup up Monday.
Kostin can come in for Shore now (or Ryan who, with Bjugstad on the team, can take the odd night off – he’s not young and his load can be managed).
I do think Broberg can simply slide right in for Deharnais – He and Kulak can get some reps on the right side – there are only 3 right D on the roster, injuries will happen, a left shot will need to play the right side often in a playoff run.
They could also run 11/7 as well (and both Shore and Ryan can have a night off with Kostin in).
No, I don’t think McLeod will be, or should be, scratched.
Yes, I think Yamamoto COULD be an option but I don’t imagine it actually happens (and he’s not top of my list).
I hope Deharnais’s arm is OK. That was an intentional aim and swing slash. He should have been suspended.
The OIlers have been worse since Yamamoto returned to the roster.
and last season the Oilers were worse when Mike Smith returned to the roster, a couple of times….. until they weren’t, right?
As per my post, I personally think he could be an option but don’t think he would be for the coaching staff.
Time to bring up Lavoie/Bourgault
Bourgault is hurt, and not ready – not to mention his cap hit would be over $1MM.
Oilers don’t have the cap room to bring up Lavoie unless they send down BOTH Shore and Broberg.
Random thought. Kulak benefited greatly getting bumped down to third pairing by Ekholm. I wonder if Nurse wouldn’t benefit the same getting bumped down to second pairing? I do understand the contract and dynamics but wouldn’t that make the Oilers a better team?
Right now … yes it would.
In my humble opinion Ekholm is already our top D. Nurse has terrific physical tools and the big contract (management boondoggle) but doesn’t handle the puck well enough and doesn’t think the game well enough. Great 2 nd pair D who can play lots of minutes and I am a fan.
I said the same thing two days ago (and was roundly downvoted). I suggested that Ekholm’s and Nurse’s TOI should be reversed. In the Boston game, Nurse played 4 minutes more than Ek. Last night they were almost dead even. Ekholm needs to be playing closer to the 25 minute mark.
I did a little bit of researching thinking I was going to respond to this post by stating that you are asking Ekholm to do something he’s never really been asked to do, play that many minutes.
The exercise proved quite informative as I can’t say that.
In this six seasons prior to this season, in 5 of them Ekholm played right around 23:30 per game (and the other season was just below 23). This season he was down to 21:42 in Nashville and has been just under 21 in Edmonton.
Its see completely reasonable to ask him to play another 2-3 minutes per game. 35 is aggressive but up 23-23:30 is something he has a long history of doing.
I think he easily could. Just not sure it wouldn’t upset the Apple Cart
I thought Nuge had a tough game last night. I saw him with some giveaways (one dangerous one that didn’t lead to harm but could have), a couple missed checks, some bobbles with the puck, etc.
I see he had two assists, was 1-0 goals at 5 on 5, positive shot share and dominant expected goals.
What the hell do I know?
Sometimes the tasty nugent isn’t obvious when it’s wrapped in shit not chocolate
I was disappointed in many aspects of the game and the officiating.
the Oil are the 4th largest team in the league now and should be playing like it, like they own the ice. Kane was the only one who played big.
That Tavares shot on Vinny warranted a strong response and Bunting should have been taught a lessen in humility.
I can’t wrap my head around the officiating either, all those non- warranted coincidentals. Wtf was that all about? Trying to keep game level? Make the calls when they happen.
During intermission the commentators talked about new rules being discussed at the GM meetings, why? The refs don’t call the rules that currently exist.
None of these reasons are why the Oilers lost, but it didn’t help either way.
It’s just the way I saw the game.
The NHL zebras are more managers than officials. Rule books seem to be a rough guide. Very frustrating for fans.
“No powerplays for the Oilers until they are at least 2 goals behind”
That’s sure what appeared to be the directive last night. If one of the obvious calls is made at 3-1, maybe we’re talking a different result, irrespective of how we played.
For all the bad officiating last night, the non-call on the hit from behind in the corner on Ryan was the worst. I couldn’t believe he got up and kept playing after that.
I find plenty of commenters here see the games as the two writers do and comment as such
Love the team but can see poorly played NHL hockey and call it out, doing the same for well played hockey
I think also think the bipolar LT alter ego exists as viewpoint to non marginal.degree…it does a good job of cutting off some reactionary segment at the pass before it runs too amok in here.
As for game:
One step forward one step back. No significant “abduling” required.
Love they didn’t feed Vinny and McLeod to spector after game.
Last night was my annual ‘my in-laws are nice enough to let me use the family seats while in enemy colours’ game, which is always a treat. I don’t get to the ACC as frequently as I’d like these days (work, life, about to have my first kid etc. etc.), so I’m just grateful for any chance I have to see sports live these days.
Anyhoo, here are a few observations from last night that nobody asked for and then I’ll resume my standard practice of showing up if someone mentions whisky, Neil Young or my long lost son Nail:
1) This year’s model is a much bigger, faster roster than I think I’ve seen in person in several years, possibly since the 06 team. The additions of Ekholm and Vinny on the back end are very noticeable, but not in a ‘hulk smash but not skate’ kind of way. The size, mobility and better gap control was very noticeable, particularly in the first period when the Oilers were playing the way I think many of us know they’re capable of playing.
2) Ekholm is a revelation. His positioning, defensive zone awareness and general hockey IQ continues to impress, but it’s his sneaky offensive instincts that are the biggest surprise. His goal was stunning – I had no idea he could do that.
3) Continuing the Ekholm appreciation line, he’s the perfect partner for Bouchard; they compliment each other well. Bouch is watching, learning and improving pretty rapidly. I saw some subtle but assertive stick checks, standing up leafs players at the blue line and generally stronger, smarter defensive plays that were absent from his game earlier in the season. A 2nd pair like this will be so helpful in the playoffs, especially to balance out the distribution of minutes. It’s a true top 4 now, not just a top 2 and then the rest.
4) Despite all of these seemingly positive team developments, this team is still maddeningly inconsistent, especially when protecting a lead against a strong opponent. The 5v5 play was… not good. There was very little sustained offensive zone pressure or puck possession, especially in the 2nd period. The only 5v5 goal that wasn’t off the rush was Ekholm’s. The carelessness, blind passes, and trying to force a beautiful play when a simple play would have been sufficient was a real problem. Murray’s lateral movement is quite bad – more crashing the net and forcing him to move across the crease would have resulted in more chances and likely more goals, but without any sustained pressure, it allowed Murray to settle back in.
5) It was interesting/frustrating to see the blender come out in the 2nd as well, especially considering the Oilers had the lead. I could tell it was an attempt to get the top 2 lines going (i.e., moving Foegele up to the McDavid line at times), but the McLeod-Ryan-Shore and Janmark-Bjugstad-Foegele combinations were actually quite effective in the 1st. They were tenacious, fast and actually established a bit of a cycle game. If the blender is going to be a thing, might as well switch back to the 11/7 formation. It seems like the coach is better at playing to the strengths of his players in that formation than in a traditional 12/6.
6) Bjugstad adds a dimension that the Oilers badly needed. He’s versatile, positionally sound and clearly earned the coach’s trust in a very short amount of time. Great pick-up, especially at his cap hit.
7) These next two points will hurt to write because I love Draisaitl and Hyman, but they were both dreadful last night for different reasons. Hyman was where plays went to die – the effort was there, but he seems a step slower than earlier in the season and the puck seems to be bouncing a lot whenever he’s near it. The chemistry with McDavid is off as well. It might be time to shift him back to LW and drop him down a line and reduce his minutes down the stretch. Foegele playing with McDavid and Kane for stretches made it seem like the coaches have drawn a similar conclusion.
8) Draisaitl’s 5v5 play is starting to become a concern. He was invisible for long stretches of the night, and when you see him in person, he’s not exactly hard to see. He’s not carrying the play at all, seems to lack the explosive burst he had last season (possibly the lingering effects of playing on one leg last spring?) but he just doesn’t seem to be as engaged, almost like he’s avoiding contact. He was floating a lot, playing as the high forward in the defensive zone, leaving Nuge to play C in the defensive zone and seemed to be cheating for offence in a way I haven’t seen since Tippett was coach. Leon is one of my favourite Oilers of all-time (not hyperbole – I was wearing a 29 in Orange at the ACC last night for a reason), but from watching him closely last night, either something isn’t physically right or it’s possible we’ve seen the last of peak Leon as an elite play-driver. Either way, it’s sad to think about.
9) The two giveaways that led directly to goals were obviously brutal, and while individual plays don’t define a season, once in a while individual plays define a game. Last night was a very strong example of this very issue. That said, the problem isn’t the individual plays, it’s the patterns that these individual plays become over the course of the season. It’s the giveaways and carelessness from the top players that gives me pause. In the playoffs, sloppy blind passes in the neutral zone or in the defensive zone could be series-killers. The competition will get more fierce. Small mistakes will lead to goals against, and while we saw a few playoff track-meets last season, I don’t think the team (or we as fans) should expect to outscore every mistake every time, especially once the checking gets tighter and the playoff goaltending rhythms set in. Lots of time to clean these mistakes up and break out of bad habits, but the match-up difference between the 2 seed and the WC1 seed is pretty significant. The time to tighten up has to start now. The Boston win and the Oilers home win vs. the Leafs demonstrated what this team is capable of when they play a clean game. It’s time to play that style of game with more consistency. They have the pieces in place from the middle out (which is such a nice change of pace); now they have to execute.
Great post!
Excellent post. What is up with Leon?
This is great thanks!
P.s. nice to see your name in a post.
Nice post. Especially points 6 and 8.
I wonder if Woody builds a dedicated shutdown line around Janmark-Bjugstad- maybe Ryan…
Thanks for this great summary, Shepso, & congrats on the pending arrival!
So if I tell you all about this new distillery in a town in north Ontario that makes a Russian Whiskey named Nail Young, you promise to post more?
That first batch of Nail Young (ie Krueger Reserve) was actually quite good. A nice smooth finish that slid over the palette like a postgoal celly.
They jumped the shark when they went the additive route ala Tennessee Honey. Bees. It was the damn bees I tell ya,
Ha! I was trying to add in something about honey and Nail’s bees but glad I didn’t attempt because yours was far better.
I decided to go dry from Jan 1st to May 1st this year for no other reason than to prove I could do it. Thus far, I can honestly say it’s been the most boring 2+ months of my life. lol As a result of this misguided decision, my ability to romanticize and wax poetic about the demon alcohol is off the charts atm. lol
Great to see a longer post Sheps. You need to post more. Congrats on the baby!
Btw Neil Young no longer on Spotify is a major aggravation.
This is a blanket reply to everyone – thanks for the kind words. The baby’s about 3 weeks out, which is crazy. First time dad at 41… hopefully I have the energy to keep up. I figure that come playoffs I won’t be sleeping anyway between the late starts (Ontario time) and the night time feedings, so you might see more of me on the game day threads moving forward as long as I have the brain power to write.
@BoP & TM – brilliant. I should have known someone would take that ball and run with it. If such a distillery were ever to come to pass, I’d post every day. Amazing call-back to Yak’s bees; I’d forgotten about that meme. (JD Tennessee Honey is disgusting, though I’ve grown to appreciate JD for what it is. The single barrels, especially the barrel-proof single barrels are some of the best value bottles in the bourbon market these days).
@BoP – 100% Neil’s music not being accessible to everyone anymore is a major bummer. Thankfully I’m an Apple Music guy so it’s all still available for me. I think it’s all on Amazon as well? I recently started expanding the vinyl collection. Picked up the 50th anniversary reissue of Harvest a couple weeks ago and found a near-mint first run of Time Fades Away at a flea market. As nice as it is to stream music on the go, nothing beats the warmth of an LP played in the comforts of home.
I would kill to have Neil on vinyl again but I lost my album collection in a flood back in the day, replaced all the essentials with CDs and never went back. I don’t love where we are hi-fidelity wise in the streaming era, but I run everything at a lossless rate when possible. Honestly, I don’t know that my old ears qualify me to be an audiophile snob anymore. I probably couldn’t tell the difference in a blind taste test. A good buddy of mine has a wonderful vinyl collection and holds regular listening parties so it’s nice to get my fix there. I do miss the ritual of vinyl,
The ritual is a huge part of it. There is something so satisfying about making a point of listening to an album, flipping the record, even the act of pulling the record out of the jacket, taking time to examine the album art. All of it. I’m sorry to hear you lost your collection. That must have been heartbreaking.
My dad passed when I was in my early 20s. Didn’t leave me with much other than an incredible record collection, lots of soul, funk, jazz and RnB from the 60s and 70s (and early 80s), but almost no rock records at all. (My dad was a character). The collection never travelled with me to Ontario when I made the move; I took whatever could fit in my car and never had a proper opportunity (or the disposable income) to ship them out once I settled down. About 18 months ago, when my mom retired and moved out here from Edmonton, the records came with her. I’ve been slowly expanding the collection to include some of my favourite things to go along with what my dad left for me. With the baby on the way, I figure what better way to let my kid get to know me (and my dad) than through music.
I love that story about the connection to your Dad and son through music.
My Dad was a huge outlaw country guy so I was inundated with Willie, Kris, Waylon, Hank, Merle, Marty, etc. growing up and I absolutely hated it!! Tough sell when you’re a young guy more interested in Led Zep, The Who, and Van Halen.
Now it’s come full circle and I absolutely love that traditional C&W I was weaned on. Listening to it brings back the old man in a big way. I can almost smell the Old Spice and picture those forearms like pipe wrenches. I can also visualize Dark Side of the Moon on the turntable and him yelling down the stairs, “Turn that hippie music down!” lol
Lol, the irony of the “turn that hippie music down!” is just how much the American hippies were influenced by that outlaw C&W. Back in the day, the Dead did lots of country covers, Kris, Merle, Marty, even a Loretta Lynn tune for a time. I wonder if your dad had any idea?
Love that stuff. Hated it as a kid, but the lyrics and the song-craft really speaks to me now. As a punk loving teen in the 90s though (much like you with Zep & VH), it couldn’t have seemed further away from good at the time.
I love all the outlaws. Steve Earle tells the story of Texas college kids finding Willie Nelson and going to his concerts to get high, lean against a wall, fall down and pass out.
Problem. Old timey folk came to dance! A few run ins and of course the kids couldn’t fit worth shit, or at least Earle couldn’t in his story.
You guys like Joe Ely?
I do like Joe Ely. The ‘Road Goes on Forever’ surfaces in my Spotify mixes regularly. I also got into James McMurtry because the lyrics in ‘Choctaw Bingo’ made me laugh every time I heard it and I started digging into more of his catalogue. Cool guitar player. Has that Billy Gibbons vibe down pat.
I do, but I only learned about him recently and I still have a long way to go in his catalogue.
Love that Steve Earle story. Also Steve Earle. Hell of a songwriter. Saw him and the Dukes a couple of times (and one time with the Duchess before he and Allison split). He’s getting old, seen a lot of shit, keeps on going. I was gutted when his son died. Justin seemed like he could’ve been the next one. I thought his final record was outstanding.
After a massive influx of stuff into collection: I learned I’m a lot bigger jerry jeff walker and Tompall Glasser fan than I ever realized.
I have a decent chunk of doubles on neil young section I think.
If you promise not to kill me, a guy making a statement like that is deserving place to reasonably sort out rehoming. Every friend I’ve rehomed solid artists to would 5 star rate the experience.
It ain’t so much about money its more they deserve to be played.
My dad is 41 years older than me. Great dad. Learning to bond with an older dad is why I love hockey and music from 30 years before I was born.
Great post. I’m an older Dad, and the thing is you don’t really have a choice about keeping up, you just do. We had 4 in 5 1/2 years starting at 39 for me. God willing health sticks around!
Best of luck and best wishes
Joni pulled her stuff at the same time – I miss them both, although I guess I could break out the vinyl and cassette tapes if it came to that
— Great post Sheps. I will text you seperate to wax virtue on having kids in your 40s. I somehow managed to collect 4 in my 30s and 40s
— first born in 09 last in 21 : so kids born in 3 decades! (I’m born in 70s wife in 80s uni in 90s so 6 decades of stuff!).: met your awesome wife I know you guys will be amazing parents.
— Re your vinyls: FUN FACT : this year more vinyls sold than CDs first time since 1986. Of course both dwarfed now by streaming but it’s what the kids like now apparently…
https://www.tankathon.com/nhl/remaining_schedule_strength
well at least we burned off the hard part of the schedule
I have in my head – if just can maintain at least wildcard until last 12 games:
Good chance all division spots still possible but not really that bad if the #1 isn’t, as wild card draw likely worse matchup.
But at 12 game mark destiny should still reasonably be in their own control.
Does this mean the rubber is about to hit the road?
A mature team picks him up in the next game, happened many times to the glory Oilers kids in the 1980’s and I recall it being a rallying point for the roster. Perhaps we’ll see just that from this group.
——————
Indeed it was a frustrating game where each error was another loose thread in a sweater that was pulled by the Leafs as they walked away (with the win, thanks Weezer).
However, I believe LTs rallying point above already began last night post game where both DNB and Spector tweeted that the Oilers leadership group stepped up with Nuge and Kane giving avails post game to protect Highlander and my cousin Vinny, as the latter two were actually requested to speak initially by the media.
I think that is what rallying around young teammates looks like, and was the most heartening thing I took from last night besides Connor, as always, and Ekholm’s clapper that ended up in Valhalla after the top corner.
Tkachuk in the scoring race sits alone in 4th place where as Huberdeau is tied with 8 other players for a 125th place. After the Tkachuk trade last summer I wonder what Treliving could of parlayed Huberdeau and Weeger plus that 1st rounder if he would of flipped them immediately.
Prospectovision!
After all the action was stateside yesterday, now it’s the Great White North’s turn. All three CHL teams what house Oilers prospects (North Bay, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw) have punched their playoff tickets. That means the currently suspended Max Wanner will play some more this season after all. Meanwhile, the other two CHL prospects, Chiasson and Petrov, are in action today.
With St. Lawrence and Vermont eliminated in NCAA postseason action yesterday, only five NA amateur prospects remain to report upon this season.
Oh, and as a lifelong Saskie, I loooove when this particular time change hits. Out-of-province games start an hour earlier, and I can get summaries done earlier! (Oh, and blog posts get put up an hour earlier.) In conclusion, it wouldn’t break my heart if other jurisdictions went to year-round standard time too.
North Bay (Petrov) @ noon
Saskatoon (Chiasson) @ 4 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Marwayne time.
Saw on twitter that Keefe was being very careful to keep Matthews line away from Ekholm-Bouchard.
Woodcroft still overplays Nurse-Ceci, especially in a game like that where Nurse looks a little too restless.
Matthew’s TOI vs EDM top 4 Dmen and his xGF% against that Dman:
Nurse 8:18 – 71.8% xGF
Ceci 6:31 – 71.9% xGF
Bouchard 5:43 – 88.0% xGF
Ekholm 5:34 – 83.5% xGF
TOI isnt’ that disparate and he torched all of em
No forward support for the D last night. The D get blamed for the loss, but it was the forwards play that lost the game.
Not sure why Coach didn’t call a timeout after possibly the 3rd but for sure after the 4th. Thought Yammy, the whole 4 th line Ryan M, Nurse, Ceci and Desharnais had poor games.
The reffing was very poor as well.
Throw this one out. Maybe go back to 11-7. Or sit both Desharnais and Shore and bring in Kostin and Broberg.
Otrawa is a totally different beast currently. They play hard pressing hockey. Need the points.
Play 11-7. Take out Shore and Yamo and yes bring in Kostin and Broberg. Play Broberg >> Desharnais
Last night, Jets last Saturday, Colorado repeatedly this season etc are why the Oilers are still growing and not quite there yet.
They had the opportunity last night but couldn’t get out of their own damn way to choke it off. Reminded me a lot of the L.A. game back in January honestly. Their was some feistiness to the performance but to many vapor locks to overcome. I don’t mind feisty but it shouldn’t come at the expense of good hockey and that’s where it appeared to come from last night.
If Stone Hands Foggy manages to tip that 2v1 a bit further Post side we have a very different game. If McLeod doesn’t totally forget what he’s doing we have a different game. And on and on and on. No big deal, learn, grow and move on.
Hyman hasn’t been great for a few weeks now but the concerning part is that the chances are coming slower these days. More than anyone I think he could benefit from a game against non-Top comp (full team not a line demotion). He needs a goal in a bad way I reckon.
Yea the Hate-Nurse brigade was out in full force last night. They were conspicuously silent when he scored the game winner against Boston but last night they came out of the woodwork and let fly. Nobody seems to fire up their carnal passions like #25.
Ever since Hyman smacked his head on the goal post 3 weeks or so back, he hasn’t been the same. Sure he has had great games , but just not quite as consistent . I also think he plays better on the left side. Would like to see Kane a bit on that #1 pp unit as well.
Hyman’s goal scoring has always come in bunches (at least as an Oiler) and he is prone to periods of low production. At the same time, what seems to be different right now is that his “motor is running low” which doesn’t happen very often. Fatigue? Injury? Just a “slump”?
If anything, I would probably be more of a Darnell Nurse apologists than hater but I did post last night that it was one of the worst games I’ve seen him play in a long long time. He was OK to start but the second half of the game was, to my eye, as poor as he can perform given his abilities.
I don’t think apologist means what you think it means! -)
Nurse and his supporters don’t have to apologize for anything.
Amen.
Clearly the point being that I am one that “defends” Nurse’s play, think he’s a legit top paring d-man, etc., etc. and I thought he have as poor a 30 minutes as I can recall.
Tough 7 game stretch for the Oilers and:
Split with Boston.
Split with Toronto.
Split with Winnipeg.
Beat Buffalo.
At least no fans are over-reacting and/or being catastrophic!
I think where oilers fans have a right to be frustrated is they were in all 7 of those games and had a chance to win them all. (Maybe aside from Campbells performance in Winnipeg)
The team can’t seem to get a Bettman to save their life in these types of games.
I said if they split these games, they would still have a shot at the division but would need to have a run down the stretch at some point. 15 games left, 10-5 gets them to 100 pts. Looking at their schedule it is possible. I’m not sure it’s enough, but the 2nd Pacific spot would be a nice finishing spot. LA would be tough but any first round series is a challenge.
Policing Oilers fans again?
Fans aren’t allowed to be upset with the Oilers because they won a game a while back?
Okay, then.
How about you celebrate Oilers losses in your preferred manner and let other Oilers fans do the same?
I am fanning in my preferred manner and have not told anyone else to do anything other than they prefer.
I see your preferred manner is to try and police me and my posting – this seems to account for about 65-75 percent of your posts on this platform. I am
No need to overact…McDavid has dragged us into a Wild Card position.
WC standings March 11/23 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Pacific
VGK 20
LAK 18
SEA 15
Central
DAL 19
MIN 17
COL 14
Wildcard
EDM 13
WPG 11
Out of playoffs
NSH 8
CGY 5
STL -2
VAN -4
ARI -9
ANA -13
CHI -16
SJS -17
WC teams +/- to fake Bettman over the past week:
VAN 3
VGK 2
LAK 2
MIN 2
ARI 2
DAL 1
SEA 1
COL 1
EDM 1
CGY 1
STL 1
WPG 0
NSH 0
ANA 0
CHI -1
SJS -2
WC had a good week.
EC standings March 11/23 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Atlantic
BOS 41
TOR 23
TBY 18
Metropolitan
CAR 30
NJD 27
NYR 18
Wildcard
PIT 11
NYI 8
Out of playoffs
FLA 6
OTT 5
BUF 4
WSH 4
DET 2
PHI -7
MTL -8
CBJ -18
Start the playoffs tomorrow. This is pretty much set
A seven-game stretch that included Boston twice, Toronto twice, Winnipeg twice and Buffalo. Going in I would have been very happy with 4-3. Coming out, a little disappointed, but tough lessons. Carelessness with the puck in all three losses were key factors. Hopefully they work on that through the rest of the season. I think they have it in them. Ekholm-Bouchard is their best pair.