The Edmonton Oilers won a wild game against the Seattle Kraken Saturday afternoon, continuing an exceptional March that should land them third or higher in the Pacific Division. Lots of good news on the night, with Evander Kane getting a hat-trick, Kailer Yamamoto scoring a goal and an Oilers team that matched Seattle’s depth with a strong and deep performance of its own.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers prospect Matvey Petrov and his possible impact in 2023-24
- New DNB: Oilers’ recent play gives 3 reasons to be optimistic about a long playoff run
- Lowetide: Is Oilers defenceman Brett Kulak the odd man out this summer?
- Lowetide: Is Oilers AGM Brad Holland having an impact on trade success?
- DNB: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl shows he’s more than Connor McDavid’s sidekick
- Lowetide: Are the Oilers carrying too much youth to win the Stanley Cup?
- DNB and Dom: Why Connor McDavid should be the unanimous Hart Trophy winner — again
- Lowetide: What to expect from the Oilers’ 2023 NHL Draft after trading first-round pick
- 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
- 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
- Lowetide: Oilers prospect Raphael Lavoie turns a corner, now NHL-ready
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- 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 2-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- 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: 7-2-0, 14 points in nine games
- February results: 4-3-4, 12 points in 11 games
- January results: 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: 39-23-8, 86 points in 70 games
The Oilers are now on pace for 101 points and this month has been one of the best in recent history. A second January was the dream, Edmonton is doing a hair better so far this month. I have the team going 4-2-0 from here, if that happens the team’s record would be 11-4-0, 22 points in 15 games for the month. Edmonton’s record for the year would be 43-25-8, 94 points in 76 games. Helluva run since the trade deadline.
GOALIE AND DEFENSE
Stuart Skinner played well despite allowing four goals. The Jaden Schwartz goal was a nice glide by at an opportune time. You could get mad at Ekholm and Bjugstad for not securing the puck during a battle behind the net, but for me that’s just bad luck. The Jordan Eberle goal got through him, but Skinner had every right to expect Evan Bouchard would make a better play on the sequence, or at the very least stay in the play (Bouchard had a little walkabout). The Oliver Bjorkstrand goal was made possible by a gorgeous pass from Yanni Gourde, I think Ekholm may have screened the goalie there. Final goal from Eeli Tolvanen starts when Leon Draisaitl gets beaten off the wall, then a nice give and go that Vincent Desharnais couldn’t disconnect. NST had his expected goals-against at 3.64, he gave up four. I think Skinner was fine.
Darnell Nurse played well, the best moment a long pass to Zach Hyman that contributed to the first Evander Kane goal. He and Cody Ceci were outshot 9-4 but the team won the HDSC 3-0 during their time on ice (14:13) at five-on-five. Stood tall defensively, damn near scored on a lovely pass from 29. Ceci was solid if unspectacular.
Mattias Ekholm was involved in damn near everything, 3-3 is high event but I can’t identify a ghastly mistake. It could be I’m just enchanted by Ekholm’s play, he was on the ice for 3 GA. However, the first GA was good coverage combined with bad luck imo and he screened the goalie on the second. On the other hand, he got a couple of points and made good plays.
His partner, Evan Bouchard, couldn’t locate the puck and lost track of his man (Jordan Eberle), that was a bigger mistake. Bouchard brought more chaos than you’d like, but that’s something gifted young blue bring with them. Oilers will need Bouchard this spring, suspect he’ll make some big plays. One thing I am going to push back against is Bouchard’s perceived indifference. You can’t help how you look and his resting hockey face is identical to his intense hockey face. It’s no sin to be the person God made you. On the Eberle goal, his mistake was thinking he had kicked the puck to his stick. It’s a mistake, but not a lack of effort. There’s a difference. Oilers fans and observers eat their young defensemen. This young man is very good. Seriously.
Brett Kulak’s numbers were excellent, he picked up an assist on the third Kane goal. Vincent Desharnais and Jared McCann had a helluva battle in the third period, it had a ‘There Will Be Blood’ feel to it and I throught I saw Desharnais mouth “I drink your milkshake” to McCann when they were in the penalty box. Perhaps I’m wrong.
FORWARDS
Leon Draisaitl is back on the good road, he owns a 57 percent goal share five-on-five in the last 10 games and is scoring well. On this day, his passing was the lead story, highlighted by a backhander to Evander Kane for his third goal of the evening. Connor McDavid didn’t hit the scoreboard until the second period, then posted three points while making great plays all over the ice. His pass to Kane was especially brilliant (he had just set up Ekholm for a nice look and capitalized on a broken play to find the open man). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins made a great pass to Kailer Yamamoto for a first-period goal that gave the Oilers the lead. He was also part of a nice sequence of passes that allowed the Oilers to exit their zone under control. Love that conside passing, Edmonton’s best teams are always brilliant passers.
Evander Kane scored three goals and was rewarded for good work over the last several games when he appeared to be getting closer to 100 percent but was not rewarded. It all came through like a slot machine at the casino Saturday afternoon. Seattle’s goalies aren’t grand but Kane can shoot the puck. He is on a pace for 41 games and 18 goals, he isn’t going to join the other 30-goal men but only due to injury. His third goal was vintage Kane, your first blush reaction is soft goal by the goalie and then you see the quickness and placement and oh my, this is a terrific hockey player.
Zach Hyman scored a goal, a nice shot off a 97 pass (backhand, perfect) on what looked like a broken play. It was goal No. 30 for the veteran winger. Music! McDavid-Kane are 52-32 goals at five-on-five in 662 minutes this season. It was just his second five-on-five goal in the last 18 games, he has scored just four in all game states during that time. Sometimes a player gets tight when getting close to a milestone, often the floodgates open once the goal has been achieved. It may happen just this way for Mr. Hyman.
Kailer Yamamoto scored his fourth goal in the last 10 games, but it felt like the slump (zero goals in six games before yesterday) was a month or more. Why was he in the cross hairs? Oilers fans are going to focus on non-foundation pieces who aren’t impact players. If they’re playing well, not a word about them. Struggling? Check out comments about Yamamoto, Cody Ceci, Jack Campbell in recent weeks. No one seems to realize there’s an ebb and flow to a season. Remember when Warren Foegele was a bad, bad man? Yeah. Oilers fans are fickle now, I get it, everything means Stanley won or lost. Execpt it doesn’t and you’re going to need everyone. Including Kailer Yamamoto.
Nick Bjugstad was on the ice for the Jaden Schwartz GA but where he was is the key. You can be miffed the puck didn’t get cleared but he’s a big, smart center who is in good spots most of the time. More, please. Warren Foegele was mostly quiet, I noticed him a time or two (he had a couple of takeaways and a shot on goal) but didn’t impact the game. Hard to be critical of a player who has risen to the occasion in a big way over the last month. Mattias Janmark took two penalties, drew one, and played his solid game on a night when Edmonton needed it.
Devin Shore had a pedestrian game, did have a shot and a HDSC. It’s funny how hockey works. Shore and Derek Ryan spent 33 seconds on the ice with Yamamoto yesterday and the trio delivered 3-0 HDSC. Shore has rarely looked slow this season to my eye, his skating is an area he must have worked on. He did look behind a little against the hard skating Kraken. Derek Ryan had two shots, three HDSC and is the brains of the operation on pretty much every line he plays on. You know who would have loved him? Scotty Bowman. Might have turned him into Jimmy Roberts (played both defense and forward) given enough time. Klim Kostin had a fight, although it is best described as a square dance with John Hayden. Like Foegele, he’s in a quieter time. It’s okay, both men have contributed in a big way to the season.
A FEW THOUGHTS
Plenty of mistakes on the night and the Oilers defense did lob the puck out often, but for me the team gets full value for winning a road game against a tough opponent. The Kraken are aggressive forecheckers and can easily wear a team down. On several sequences (especially the first period) Edmonton was running around in its own zone and we haven’t seen it much lately.
However, there was also some excellent passing and calm feet in big moments. Not every game is going to be a Rembrandt and this team sure as hell isn’t going to resemble the MacT-Pronger Oilers. That said, they are a freewheeling team who met another freewheeling team and won the day. You can blame Ekholm if you wish on the first goal, Leon didn’t intercept the Gourde pass, Bouchard thought he had the puck until he didn’t have the puck and by then it was too late.
Give the other man his due. Respect the Kraken. They’re real and they aren’t going anywhere.
Any clue why Fanduel has Flames odds of winning the SC higher than the Oilers right now? Also higher than the Wild and pretty even with Dallas? What the hell? Flames +1700 – Nashville 1 pt back (but admittedly dropping) at +3500. I am decidedly NOT a betting/odds person but – really?
Betting odds are not conducive to actual odds. It’s Fanduel making themselves money in tandem with consumer sentiment.
Thanks – mostly it just irks me on a fundamental level to think the Flames have ANY chance and anyone would suggest they do! I would be more than happy to see them go 0-12 from here.
What you stated made no sense, despite the fact these are betting odds not actual probabilities. So I went and looked it up.
Fanduel has Oilers +1300 and the Flames considerably higher at +4800. Preds are +28000. Not sure what you’re looking at or why you’d refer to something external without a link, but it’s tough to help without that link.
Here’s mine:
https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nhl?tab=stanley-cup
I wonder how many Rocket Richard trophies McJesus wins …and how many years, if ever, until Bedard supplants him…my guess would be 4 trophies for Mcd, maybe 1 or 2 for Bedard but not during his ELC
Generally agree… BUT… I would be fine with paying the $2-3.5 million for a player that offers all standard skills with one or two outstanding skill sets.
I.e. if Foegele was decent in the face-off circle as a regular sub-in, above average defensively, and was aces on the penalty kill then maybe I am fine with the $2.75 million he gets and wouldn’t begrudge the sub-20 goals.
But Foegele isn’t all that so it leads me to looking to invest in McLeod instead (who already plays more EV, does more PK than Foegele, and can play centre).
That said, your overall point is spot on, JP and Yamamoto, through little fault of their own, have basically priced themselves off any top-tier team that needs to be Cap cautious. Which, given the COVID affected years, is all of them.
ReginaPats
1st Overall Picks since 2000 and their CHL Draft Year Goals:
Connor Bedard – 70
Sidney Crosby – 66
Patrick Kane – 62
Steven Stamkos – 58
John Tavares – 58
Connor McDavid – 44
#2023NHLDraft
And McDavid is about to have more goals in an NHL season than any of those players. Just another testament to him growing his game since his CHL days.
We’ll see what Bedard can do in the NHL soon enough.
Connor Bedard – 70
Sidney Crosby – 66
Patrick Kane – 62
Steven Stamkos – 58
John Tavares – 58
Connor McDavid – 44
The relevant piece of information missing here is games played. Kane, Crosby, Tavares all scored slightly more goals than their games played. Stamkos and McDavid slightly less. Numbers so tight that obviously teammates come into play.
Bedard’s number is clearly above the rest of the pack though. It will be interesting to see how it translates into the NHL. All of these players grew and grew in different ways after their Junior career. And there are other first overalls who didn’t grow much at all. Don’t count your chickens, many a slip betwixt cup and lip, and all that.
Trust HH to get all caught up in the draft hype and the simplest of numbers. Some people are just gullible, I guess. Eager to grasp at any straw…
🙂
Strawman
It seems like HH is advocating that McDavid is like the sixth best first rounder in decades, and these stats prove it. 🤣🤣🤣
There’s honestly nothing better than an idiot making themselves even more idiotic than examples like this.
🤣🤣🤣
And honestly, I hope Bedard is the next one, good for the game. ❤️❤️❤️
Not advocating for anything…just providing some information to inform discussion,
That used to be a thing around here.
Some guy named Ray Ferraro owns the WHL goal scoring record with 108 in 1983/84 but he was almost two years older than Bedard at the time.
Bedard is now tied for 30th all time but has some games remaining.
Without context, in isolation, to push a narrative.
Same old, same old.
oh we’re fully aware of your discussion level buddy…
I was pretty sure WHL is easier to produce in than the OHL or the Q. In any case, great pure goal scoring talent.
Great for Canadian hockey.
Can anyone tell me how the Canadian D and G pipeline is coming along?
The Q traditionally boasts the highest offence within the CHL.
Decade of Darkness aside is there a reason Oilers fans can’t just enjoy a good ride? My goodness we don’t always have to fix everything and find fault with something. We have 2 of the best players in the world and a fine supporting cast. Bite your nail’s every game and enjoy it. That’s what sports are about.
Summarizing!
Petrov potted his 27th as North Bay blew a 5-2 lead but prevailed in OT.
Chiasson did not earn soup today.
However, Quinnipiac has indeed punched their ticket to the Frozen Four playoffs which begin Friday.
Prospecting takes a break until Thursday.
Best statistician on the blog. Always good to hear from.
We have come a long way since Chiasson and Letestu were key parts of our power play.
Letestu had 11 PP goals that one year….. Leon 10, Nuge 5, Eberle 4, McDavid 3 – all played 82 games (Letestu 78).
He was our mini-ova!
NYR have 7 SOG in the 1st period and lead NSH 6-0.
SERIOUSLY?!?
Holy terrible goaltending Batman!
Kevin Lankinen pulled with a .200 save percentage.
Ouch. They could have put you or me in net and gotten about the same result.
Out of the four games to make it to the 3rd period so far today, three have a team putting up a 7 number. Goalering and expansion…
I was really hoping for either Nashville or Winnipeg to pick up two points today but neither one is looking good.
Do we cheer for the Flames to squeak in and lose in the first round saving Sutter’s job so they can be even more terrible next year or do we prefer them drafting 16th overall?
It’s a poser. 🥸
https://flamesnation.ca/news/why-arent-the-calgary-flames-in-a-playoff-spot
That’s a dangerous game to play, hoping for Flames in the playoffs.
Winnipeg keeps flubbing chances to put Calgary on the back foot, and it has me worried. CGY odda to get in just jumped to 40% with the WPG loss to STL. The referenced article by Ryan Pike is a pretty good synopsis. It concerns me because if the finishing and/or goaltending improve (with Markstrom inconsistent but showing improvements), they can actually win both the fancies and the games.
The only consolation is that WC 2 is going to be facing a solid and streaking team as well (as it is going to take a very hot streak to win the conference between VGK, LAK, DAL, MIN, COL and EDM)
I think even if they miss the playoffs, they plead unfamiliarity, patience, bounce back. And they stay the course. No cleaning of house.*
So they might as well miss the playoffs, I figger. Although I don’t mind them getting a crappier draft pick either, if they’re willing to be 7 game
gauntletfodder against the conference champ.*Maybe they swap out the deck furniture on the second floor balcony. Get a new statue or tree for the entrance hall. But no major renovations.
I wouldn’t be surprised if one of Sutter or Treliving is let go this summer unless something unexpected happens and they make the playoffs and actually win some games. Once Sutter teams start losing things tend to unravel.
Treliving is more likely I think. Part of me wonders if he didn’t make a deadline splash because he could be conservative, he knows his job isn’t on the line. Part of me wonders if he didn’t make a splash because he was on a short leash from Murray. No one wants to see a GM go full Chia desperation mode.
The org seems a bit glacial, despite their moniker. Edwards hates wasting money. But Treliving’s deal is up and there’s talk of a new arena. Problem is new GM usually means new coach. They apparently talked extension with BT before the season started, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. It wouldn’t surprise me if he went, but nor if he stayed.
both
never ever cheer for the flames
Jack Campbell’s walking a little taller tonight.
I was going to pick him up in my yahoo fantasy team for today to help me win the goaltending duel. Good thing I chose Jeannot to win out in hits instead!
They have twice as much equipment with the same net as the Eighties. What gives?
Well when Ekholm is gone. Josi and Mcdonaugh out. You get to ice guys like Kevin gravel. You guys remember that guy?
You mean pocession driver and closed Corsi wizard, aka Kevin Gravel?
Very interesting. So back to 5v5 then?
I think the key is marbling youth, prime and veteran (past prime) players on to the roster. Prime and past prime often are either paid in full or paid more than value. Inexpensive players can thrive while they build a resume.
Take the 2010-11 Boston Bruins. Here are the most common lines, quoted with five-on-five pts-60.
Lucic (2.3)-Krejci (2.53)-Horton (2.35) (wingers made $4m, Krejci $3.75m)
Recchi (1.65)-Bergeron (2.17)-Wheeler (2.00) (Recchi 1.95m, Bergeron 4.75m, Wheeler 2.2m)
Marchand (2.00)-Seguin (1.44)-Ryder (1.64) (Marchand 822,000, Seguin 900,000 (3.5m aav), Ryder 4m)
Paille (1.69)-G Campbell (1.28)-Thornton (1.46) (Paille 1.05m, Campbell 1.1m, Thornton 812,500)
So, the top line is all well paid and delivering over 2.00 pts-60 at five-on-five.
The second line is relying on Bergeron to carry the trio and he did (with Marchand joining at times)
The third line is Ryder with two kids, Seguin if you recall didn’t play a lot
Fourth line is as you describe, depth players making $1 million or less.
One of the keys is the guys playing top nine who make under $4m. That’s Recchi (who was big on the PP), Wheeler, Marchand (especially) and Seguin.
Who could the Oilers run ranging in price for $822,000 to 2.2m next season? Four men playing top nine minutes?
Allowing for inflated cap, I’ll name McLeod, Kostin, Holloway for the inexpensive group. None of them are Marchand, though.
Oilers have no Wheeler, either. Yamamoto and Foegele aren’t the right match.
I think they could get a Recchi in free agency. That’s possible.
Holland was right to go after Karlsson, I believe. Maybe he needs to go after a forward who can be Wheeler instead of chasing Karlsson (now that Ekholm has been secured).
I think the thing we’re not talking about is the Oilers made a reasonable bet on Puljujarvi and Yamamoto developing into something and both have been less than hoped.
No sin, but it’s time to move on and upgrade. That’s the summer.
Tampa has mastered the art of finding cheap impact players and then moving on from them as soon as they get too expensive.
This year’s version is Brandon Hagel…cap hit $1.5 million.
27 goals and 59 points and they have him for one more season.
Unbelievable pro scouting.
That will be the task for Ken Holland and the pro scouts. I like the Kostin bet, and the Bjugstad bet too should they end up signing him.
Still waiting for the returns on the Jeannot trade
picking up a 20 goal man in his 22 year old season and paying a high end premium to do it is good business, but hardly unbelievable pro scouting imo
They traded Wheeler in season with Mark Stuart for Rich Peverley and an AHL prospect
I didn’t have today as a day where my timeline would be inundated with “Fire Holland” opinions.
I feel like people are incapable of putting themselves in the other team’s shoes, (or teams fans shoes). Yes, the Oil really desired two standings pts and should leave everything on the table to try and get them. But, you can say the exact same thing about Seattle. Sometimes when the other team is trying hard, it makes you look bad. That’s hockey. People expect every game to be a 4-1 clinical victory. Doesn’t work that way.
Its mostly. not about last night but just the general “conversation” that he’s a failure, they should be up with Boston, wasting generational players, should have 3 cups, etc., etc.
Sounds like a vehicle for narcissistic entitlement.
These folks have seen the roster he inherited and what’s on the ice now, right?
My mute and block list must be really doing its job then. Haven’t seen one of these in a while. One of the benefits of having a trigger finger for the mute button haha.
Based on how much stock you put into Twitter here, I’m surprised you don’t put more stock into the thumbs up/down. Or… do you?
In all seriousness, though.
Who cares what they’re saying on Twatter? So many of us come here as a refuge from the detritus floating around out there amidst the ether. Who cares what the unhinged masses are saying? They couldn’t be less interested in having an actual conversation, why muddy the waters here?
WC Bettman points% since the Christmas break:
LA .691
Edmonton .667
Colorado/Minnesota .639
Vegas .632
Dallas/Nashville .614
Seattle .581
Calgary .556
Winnipeg .528
All of the above top 10 are also in the current top 10.
Arizona .513
Anaheim .500
Vancouver .472
Chicago .459
St Louis .457
San Jose .343
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mt98mHPI4mo
Just had to plug Mirror Ball, Young’s album with Pearl Jam as the backing band.
“I’m the Ocean” is a top 10 NY track for me, just gives me chills every time.
I watched the game in bits and parts yesterday. Watched about 1/2 of the first and then the third, and then came back and watched the 2nd later.
Sometimes it’s nice to watch games where you know the outcome – however I didn’t watch highlights or check the box so it’s still interesting to watch later. One thing that stuck out to me was rebounds.
Both Campbell and Skinner give up rebounds quite a bit, it seems. I question if this is the reason for a PK decline. If the goalie can’t freeze the puck the PKers are stuck out there in chase mode. Skinner had some decent stops yesterday where he swallowed the puck but I just assume rebound every shot, and the Oilers defence looks like they think the same.
If Skinner can just find the stop/freeze in game a little more often, I feel like the PK would really come around.
I honestly think the PK’s biggest problem is they are looking for a pretty breakout pass way too often, instead of bombing it down the ice.
Yes, 13 SH goals. But 60 GA on the PK this year.
Petrov returns to the lineup and snipes his 27th of the season on the PP as North Bay goes up 3-1 in period 2.
It was not our best in Seattle, but two important pistons started firing in time with Kane looking sharp in doing what we have come enjoy most in his game.. and Hyman looked much more himself after a few games where he was not and then a couple missed .. the oil were a V8, the trade deadline got us to a V10, And now we are coming around to the V12 that Holland had blueprinted.. granted we had to change out a couple plugs and wires along the way.
Perhaps you all have already seen it but there was an interesting article on ON rhat discussed the ekholm bouchard pairing. These two look pretty darn good.
Was at the game yesterday, first time seeing a game in the ol USA. I thought the Oilers were lucky to win that game, the Kraken were great on the forecheck. The arena is nice building and I thought the Kraken fans were solid. Leaving the arena after the win and walking into the warm afternoon sun at Seattle Centre was the icing on the cake.
I’m a landscape architect in Seattle and worked on Climate Pledge. Long time Lowetidian, too. Seeing this comment kinda made my day! 🙂 Working on the arena plaza design was a dream project for me!
Great work! It also seems like the area and the building are appreciated by the fans and Seattle folk in general, I will be back for sure.
Nuggy and Evander:
Evander Kane
@evanderkane
·
1h
Very happy to announce we’re having another boy! Kensington will now have three bodyguards https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/1f602.svg
When I look at this Oilers squad and think Contender, it starts a bit of compare and contest with other rosters for which I’d had gut feelings.
I don’t see the first modern DRW SCC, in perfect sync all parts firing in harmony (haven’t seen anything quite like that since).
I don’t see the first modern CHI SCC, the shoo-in Juggernaut (Canadiens before my time so Dynasty Oilers only team I’ve seen at that level).
I don’t see the SCC NYR, equal parts talent and moxy (outcome always in doubt).
This team recalls the Gretzky-led SC Finalist Kings. You can see the greatness while at the same time being resigned to crapshoot outcomes. They could get hot, could go cold. Could score seven, might allow eight. Could sweep a series, could get mowed under. They don’t feel ‘solid,’ exactly, but at the same time its seems they could do any damn thing.
Still annoyed by that illegal stick call.
Nice post. Ekholm definitely makes them feel more solid as does Bjugstad to a lesser extent but I agree with you in general. Last summer, when optimism ruled the blog, I posted that I thought a top 8 finish would be a substantial climb from last season when they finished 11th overall. I said I thought next season would be peak Oilers and I still think that.
Somebody here – and I apologize for not remembering who it was – called me out on my post for being pessimistic and asked why I had such low expectations.
I listed all the ones that came to pass; 2RW, 2LD, incomplete bottom six and a lot of youth pencilled in on defence.
I didn’t expect Campbell to struggle like he has but I don’t think anybody did, and Skinner has been even better than I thought and I think I was the most bullish of anybody here on him so that has kind of evened out over the course of the season. Oh, and yeah, I thought Woodcroft could fix Puljujarvi into a strong 3RW option which proved to be untrue.
But it was the youth on defence that concerned me the most along with how unbalanced it was with Barrie & Bouchard basically duplicating each other’s strengths & weaknesses. Ekholm has been a huge improvement in that department but it is still early days for that to all settle in to ‘rocking chair’ mode back there. Still some chaos from the young and restless and maybe a bit of ‘not quite as strong as you might like’ on the right side.
The bottom six looks the best it has in forever but I wouldn’t rate it amongst the best in the league I don’t think. Maybe it never can be given the cap assigned to the top 6.
I think the team is as you say. When they are playing their best they can whup anybody in the league but they haven’t yet figured out how to play that game so consistently that you can relax watching them even with a two goal lead and 10 minutes left in the game. They are still a bit ‘edge of the seat’ viewing rather than ‘rocking chair’ certainty.
But I sure do like those two trades Holland made at the TD. They have a chance.
I was definitely guilty of overrating our D going into this season. I remember Dom and others here (you I guess) calling that out early. At same time, was pessimistic about most of the forwards and that area seems to have come together.
Ekholm sure helps. Without the deadline additions/subtractions I don’t know if I’d see EDM with any more of a chance than last year.
This is a great post.
thanks
According to Dom we’re a lock for playoffs at >99% chance
As OP and others point out, critical we let Skinner rest and get Campbell some games here
It might be the Eberle and Larsson link but I find it very hard to dislike the Kraken. We’ll see how that changes if we meet in a playoff series or 3 over the next few years.
I was baffled with some of their player choices in the expansion draft, but hey, guess I was blinded by what Vegas did. We’re only in year 2 but I think I have to say I’m liking what the Kraken have done team building wise more than Vegas – it has a lot more of the long term success look about it. More than one way to skin a cat and all that I guess.
Now, the only real complaint about them I have is the propensity for hooking which was going uncalled for large parts of the game (that’s more a ref issue than a Kraken issue).
Larsson makes it incredibly easy to unlike the Kraken, I enjoy they believe it wise to hard match him against McDavid.
I miss Ebs.
Agreed, I was almost hoping for some sort of trade with retention for him to come back as a 2RW for us this year. I never bought the couldn’t do it in the playoffs thing, he literally had one shot here. He did pretty well for the Islanders in the playoffs from what I remember.
Larsson I loved, played with a bit of a mean streak and is a lot better at making a decent pass that he was given credit for. There’s a universe where the Oilers are rolling out Ekholm-Larsson as a pairing on the PK or in tough minutes in the playoffs this year. I bet it’s beautiful to watch.
I know he’s not a major player for them but my oldest son played hockey with John Hayden, they also went to the Quebec Pee Wee tourney on the Bauer Swarm team. I saw him fight last night and remembered that was never part of his game. We also used to go watch him play at Yale. So I guess I cannot hate them either!
https://youtu.be/R8ZX4O-Efao
Made me think of this
as a diehard fan since ’92, I laughed real hard watching this.
Which in turn made me think of this–Adam Sandler on SNL as Opera Man as Eddie Vedder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU4n0JVaLqw
Jeff Sagarin has Oilers rated 5th in the NHL.
Bruins, Carolina, Rangers, Devils, Oilers?
Love the Pearl Jam and Day-Lewis reference today LT! It’s called drainage Eli… drainage!
Not sure what happened the other day but let’s all play nice in the Lowetide sandbox people. It’s a great place we have here!
If some players are 5-tool Evander Kane is in comparison, pretty much two-tool at this stage in his career. He isn’t beating anyone with his speed. He isn’t very creative…very much a Louie player type who gets pucks on net. Sometimes even Nurse-like with his shot selection when the cycle is the better option. He isn’t a sublime passer.
He’s physical and tough as tool # 1 and he’s a high end finisher as tool #2. There’s a world where A major wrist injury to this player craters his career as it could take away his ability to beat goalies from distance AND his ability to fight and/intimidate.
Seeing him beat two square goalies cleanly from distance might be the most important thing I’ve seen this season for the oilers.
Yep – he’s the only forward on the team who can wire a shot from distance and beat a goalie clean … the wrist injury does not appear to be have affected how heavy an accurate his wrist shot is. Whenever he’s got an open look, he should take it.
The nastiness he brings should not be overlooked. Kane is an apex predator and there are very few players like him that can finish the way he does.
It’s incredible how well he’s recovered after that degree of injury. I don’t believe his more recent injury was released, but there were reports of rib injuries as well.
Definitely a Masterton candidate (with all due respect to Shore), especially if he finishes strong
Tons of respect for the Kraken….but they just don’t have the horses. They work like dogs though and don’t give up though.
But, their goaltending is hard to watch. They work so hard then Grubauer and Jones give it up so easily.
Skinner keeps providing outstanding goaltending here….starting to really turn into a believer here.
Yeah Skinner is bonafide. I think if the defense infront works a tad harder (and full seasons of Ekholm will help this), he’ll be talked about like other top goalies in a couple years.
When Jamie Oleskiak scores one more goal, that will give the Kraken FOURTEEN players who have 10 or more goals. Second in the division and third in the conference in goals.
Hardwork & depth, those are 2 foundations will take any team a long way.
Count me in with the: “just a stupid expansion team” “why can’t they just go away”
They are not going anywhere, you are correct.
if they can land a goaltender this off season they will be formidable
That is such a surprise….this is why I love sports really.
Really don’t get why Francis didn’t address goalering. Gonna sink their season
The three Campbell experiment
This post made me think of Mike Morrison. Thanks, I hate it.
No disrespect to Morrison, seemed a good dude.
Have to agree….had to be better options for not that steep a price.
I’m actually more impressed with Francis not commiting assets. If they manage to actually fully regress to where they should be:
They land around Nashville. Granted goalie is a big part of that fact but not completely. Even with what goalie options might have been available without really bleeding quality assets they wouldn’t be likely to get very far. 2nd year team in playoffs I’m about as good as 2nd year team out of playoffs by likely latest 2nd round.
If I was a gm, I’d be far more interested in growing a team and culture more organically than running on the toxic hamster wheel Vegas’ path is heading.
1. Their defence isn’t good enough
2. While scoring by committee is impressive you need at least enough game breakers to run a PP (27th ranked)
3. 26th ranked pk
There’s not enough there to waste assests for short term run.
Agreed. I’d be very surprised if Francis didn’t go into this with a 5 year plan.
Yesterday’s game reminded me of the 80s Oilers in that there was never a moment when it looked like they wouldn’t outscore their mistakes. Looking doubtful that the team will grab the all time PP record from the Habs but the team is looking much more formidable 5v5. Always ideal if a team is playing their best hockey this time of year. Should be a fun spring.
I think that PP record falls in the next couple years to this squad. Same talent throughout, increasing experience for Bouchard, improving PP2 unit.
I think this team’s past 5 year record beats everyone else in NHL history.
“Check out comments about Yamamoto, Cody Ceci, Jack Campbell in recent weeks. No one seems to realize there’s an ebb and flow to a season. Remember when Warren Foegele was a bad, bad man? Yeah”
I think Yam and Foegele are the best for direct comparison, if we want to highlight fan fickleness.
However, lumping Campbell in here isn’t fair to Yamamoto. Even when he was winning, there was no ebb and flow to the quality of play. I would say many fans have been very patient with Campbell (far more than with Yamamoto, despite his documented injuries, if we’re being honest). I also don’t think that Oilers fans should be lambasted for giving up hope that he can regain form this season.
https://twitter.com/microstatsrule/status/1632469008032350208
This was a classic Saturday afternoon road trip trap game but the Oilers simply have too much talent for the Kraken.
We’ve lost a half dozen of these types of games this season. This game shows us how well the deadline acquisitions have helped us.
Its a no-brainer that Campbell starts on Monday, right?
Skinner can’t play every game but, of course, he’s going to play the up coming games with Vegas and LA and Jack will play against either SJS or ARI and, frankly, the Yotes are the much tougher matchup these days (although its really at home that they are rolling and the Wed game is in Edmonton).
I think you need Skinner fresh as possible for the contender games.
I think you have to play Campbell the Sharks game, and hopefully the offense outscores any miscues or Jack refinds his form.
Campbell has something to prove. Let’s see him. Skinner has proven himself to be #1. But Campbell needs to play some games to redeem himself and feel good.
I would be ok with this based on one condition. Woody has to have the Keenan like short hook….if Jack lets in two long distance, glove hand softies early again, they need to get him out and put Skinner in. We need every point available if we are going to move up the ladder. Oil can recover from 2 down, but not 5. Give Jack a chance to regain confidence, but to be honest, right now that is not the priority.
On the other hand, I would also be fine with riding Skinner the rest of the way. He is young and finding his groove…that’s a good thing going into the playoffs
I am not really on board with this premise.
Of course, points are paramount but its also integral that the Oilers head in to the playoffs with Skinner running well but also rested.
The premise of the Campbell start, for me, isn’t about Campbell or getting him ice or trying to get him going, its 95% about managing Skinner’s workload.
He’s young, and has only played in 40 games this season. What’s the difference between logging 48 games, and 50 games?
I was curious, so I looked up Binnington’s magical rookie seasoin. He was recalled in Dec 2018, came in relief twice in that month. He then started 30 games from Jan 7- April 6, 2019, followed by 26 straight games in the playoffs. So, at least it’s been done
I mean, the Oilers do need to decide whether Campbell can even be trusted as a backup before the playoffs, so that would be a key reason to play him – a wee bit
I am looking for Skinner to play 26 games or so in the playoffs.
That’s going to be a damn slog for him (and the team) and, for me, its going to be key that he’s starting from as tip top a place as possible as far as health, energy levels, etc.
Nope, he hasn’t played a ton of hockey, a solid amount but not a ton – that can be easily undone though and, having his workload managed from October to March can be rendered meaningless if he’s run ragged in the last 4 weeks of the season (and having to come in to games that were scheduled games off would be one way to make that happen), right?
Too bad they cannot bring up the AHL goalie as backup.
I am not on board with playing Campbell unless it’s a back to back, and even then it’s a big question mark. There’s a lot of jockeying for position right now, and no team on the schedule should be taken lightly. If we finish in WC position there’s every reason to think we could be playing Avs in round 1
I recall wondering why the hell Sutter was running Markstrom out there night after night after night late in the season. Given his play in round 2, I’m glad Sutter did.
I would go with Skinner Campbell gets the road Arizona game on the 27th.
LT, I posted this for you yesterday, don’t know if you caught it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpGkipN30dc
OH. MY. GOD.
A win is a win. Lucky we score lots. Nice to see mr Kane arrive at the party . Let’s hope we see a lot more of that in the next few weeks . Seems he is coming around.
Yeah. Oilers fans are fickle now, I get it, everything means Stanley won or lost. Execpt it doesn’t and you’re going to need everyone. Including Kailer Yamamoto.
Couldn’t agree more. Playoff games need heroes, and it ain’t always the guys you expect (oh, hi, Mr. Klima).
Vincent Desharnais and Jared McCann had a helluva battle in the third period, it had a ‘There Will Be Blood’ feel to it and I throught I saw Desharnais mouth “I drink your milkshake” to McCann when they were in the penalty box. Perhaps I’m wrong.
Vinnie the D has that evil pirate smirk, like he’d smile the whole time as he ran you through with his cutlass.
Kilma had a 40 Goal season with us once he ended up with 313 Career Goals. Kilma scored over 30 on 5 occasions and scored over 20 on 10 occasions. Kilma issues never had to do with scoring. I think your underestimating a bit on how good Kilma was.
wasn’t meant as a slight on Petr Klima, just referencing his specific heroic moment (OT3GW) after a bout of poor/ineffective play
Kilma was coming off seasons of 32 30 37 in Detroit ended up in the doghouse and was the main piece at the time in the famous Jimmy Carson trade. I’m sure some folks might of viewed Kilma as complementary player I myself viewed him as a borderline all-star that was hard to motivate. Kevin McClelland now there’s a complementary heart and soul player that scored arguably the biggest Goal in franchise history.
The only goal I remember Klima getting took place around 130 in the morning lol
Not much to add, beyond (Gretz aside) Petr Klima is my all time favourite player. He was a damn good player!
I thought the effort looked off yesterday….but afternoon game after a classic party holiday is recipe for disaster. And Seattle played pretty well, I guess.
The result is what matters, hopefully a more consistently high battle level though for the other pacific playoff contender games.
I was OK with the Bjugstad acquisition but wasn’t a huge fan (didn’t like the solid prospect plus the pick) as I didn’t think he was really “needed” or would add much over what the team currently had.
I realize I was likely wrong and simply didn’t know the player, and his game, well enough.
Nope, he’s far from a game-breaker but he is a very very solid bottom six player that is somewhat versatile.
He had maybe his weakest game as an Oiler last night but was still able to make a positive impact with some high end PK work and a couple of great plays to get a clear on that one PK – that was an important clear with the game’s balance in hand.
He’s more reliable defensively than I anticipated and actually more physical – nope, he’s not a huge banger but he has been finishing hits and, with that size, its adds up.
A very nice player and he adds a dimension in addition to Ryan (I didn’t think we needed both but its nice to have both).
I’m not sure they have the money to bring both Ryan and Bjugstad back next season. Ryan may be a bit cheaper but Bjugstad will be more expensive to re-sign. I think they might only be able to bring one back and then hope that Noah Philp is able to add to the bottom six right shot center depth during the season. He scored again last night.
Bjugstad is a player type the Oilers, rightly or wrongly, have been looking for— for exactly one forever.
A big bottom 6 right shot center that can PK.
Now that they have him I hope they can keep him a few years. Because if not more assets will be spent chasing this player type.
Like yourself the acquisition cost made me wince. But I am enjoying both his play and the balance he brings to the lineup.
Plus he can win a faceoff.
IMO. Bjugstad is the best option available to play in the top six on RW.
And I’m bullish on that opinion. Foegele & Yamamoto can be wingers on the third line with MacLeod.
This will come into play when the games are extremely tight and you need a 2nd face-off man if the 1st one is thrown out.
Bjug was a first round pick. He has skill
He has had back issues IIRC and it changed his deal, but he’s one of those that changed enough to keep a pretty good career
He might be able to play up at least for a spell. I would not be surprised to see it at least on some key faceoffs
I guarantee he is no worse than Yama (not a jab) and can take the FOs Connor or Leon shouldn’t on their weak side and is waaaaay bigger than Ryan if it matters at the time
Great post…I was the same.
Too much and was not impressed with Bjugstads career.
However, his size and strength are going to be key for the playoffs.
As you mention, a couple of great plays by him on the pk.
I totally agree that Bjugstad is a pleasant surprise.The third line center we have been wanting.
Bjugstad seemed overjoyed to come, after languishing in the desert one would expect he doesn’t take playing for a contender and one that values him for granted. I think he might be interested in signing here rather than maximizing dollars. We need to keep Ryan too. Hopeful we can sign both for less than 3M.
Foegele and Kulak have given us valuable contributions and I would like to keep them, but we have cheaper replacements. They can go if necessary for cap.
That’s the thing right there – I don’t think the Oilers can afford to bring back a Ryan/Bjugstad combo for $3MM.
Subject of course to cap structuring and how many material contracts Holland moves out, I don’t think they can afford to pay either over $1MM
Yea I don’t see us getting both for under $2M but under $2.5M maybe.
I also did not see Bjugstad as a proper trade target, but I have been very happy with his game. Primarily my concern was that he wasn’t going to help at FO’s. In a small sample size he is rocking a career best 58.6% and has taken by far the most faceoffs in career this season.
In Arizona, with heavy usage he was 47.2% on the dot out of 882, so I figured he would have similar results with the Oilers. And despite he size, he isn’t an overly physical player, but sure, he hits. Despite being listed the same height and 6 lbs heavier, NB looks skinny next to Vinny.
The bonus to NB doing so well on the dot is that Derek Ryan’s FO efficiency has dropped to 50%, the lowest it’s been in his career.
Seems like I was in the minority around these parts, but I loved the acquisition and wasn’t really that concerned about the loss of the prospect. Admittedly I don’t watch much of the farm games, but I’ve learned over time not to fall in love with prospects (see my entire posting history regarding one Yakupov, Nail. Loved him like a son only to be continuously disappointed but compelled to defend him anyway like a father).
This is a good year to go for it, to try and load up for a long run and maximize the career seasons so many Oilers in both the McDavid and Nuge clusters are having. As Oil2Oilers wrote in an earlier comment, Bjugstad is a player (and type) the Oilers have needed for exactly one forever and he can help the team win now. When the trade was announced, especially with the 50% retention, I was thrilled. It’s about time the team was in a position to leverage its magic beans for something substantial, someone who can make a material difference to the team today. I’m sure Kesselring is a great prospect, but the time to compete is now, full stop.
I’d love to see Bjugstad and Ryan both back next season. Hopefully the Hollands find a way to make it happen.
Foegele is the guy to be traded or waived/assigned and Yamamoto needs more rope to get up to speed.
Flip it, Yamo just isn’t going to have it this year and Foegle has separated from Yamo – end stop.
Nope, Woody makes an adjustment, Yamo scores and Foegele only plays 11 minutes – the tenacious guy is coming!!!!!
——————–
I have to admit, I keep flip flopping here and I think its becoming clear that its going to be a rotation for the 6th forward spot and Woody is going to deploy the player that is running the best and that may even change from game to game and within a game.
The 5 top 6 forwards are locked for years. There is a clear job opening for 6F, not just this season but going forward. They may look there externally in the off-season. They may continue to plug internally and hope a Lavoie (or other) take that job in due course. Its not reasonable to think there is an internal solution next season but perhaps in due course.
I thought the fancy stats were clearly better for Foegele and was perturbed to see Yamo moved up. Perhaps I am wrong or is Woody playing a hunch?
Foegele has been playing well but he’s no bonafide
I think Woody is working to get the whole roster going
Bro is green enough that I don’t see a push there. Campbell can directly lose games so they have to be careful there, but I’m sure they want to see him at least comfortable in the net even if not stellar
Yamamoto was super lazy off the bench on the Bjorkstrand goal. Yamamoto has much less battle and intensity on defense than on offense. Time to move on after the current contract expires or sooner.
He was the last player to get on the ice on the line change, by my eye. When he arrived, there were 3 Kraken in against 4 Oilers (Yamo was the 5th man in behind the blue line). Sure, he could have arrived a bit quicker, but blaming him on that particular goal seems quite the stretch of imagination, when there were 4 Oilers that should have easily covered 3 Kraken
Bjorkstrand was breaking in free right in front of him. The play was unfolding right in front of his eyes. Yamamoto could see everything. Yamamoto would have had him covered with any effort at all.
As mentioned, it was also unfolding in front of 4 other Oilers, who outnumbered the attacking opponents in their own zone. Blaming a lack of backchecking by the 5th man in, when it shouldn’t have been necessary in the first place, seems an odd critique,
Would also say that a) while it was a less critical time in the game, one could say that the 6-4 goal was the result of lazy or unintense defense by Draisaitl and co. and b) several top 6 forwards on this team have less battle/intensity on D than on O, and are still highly valuable players
LT, I believe Skinner’s NST xGA was 2.40
Just checked and LT has it correct at 3.64.
Got it. I was on 5v5. Thanks.
Given his body of work on the season, and the occasional low effort defensive effort from the team in front of him, he gets a pass on the occasional less than stellar outing I think.
I agree. And as bad as Campbell has been, I do feel bad for the Oilers goalies this season.
It was funny(not haha) how the last few minutes of the game all I was cheering for was that we not in a late goal because Skinner deserved at the very least a sv٪ in the high nines for the game and they couldn’t even help him with that.
I’m no body language expert, but it also did appear to me that Stuey looked extra pissed off after that goal too. “Like c’moon guys”…
Prospecticacity!
The two unsuspended CHL prospects are in action today, with the newly-signed Jake Chiasson and the already-signed Matvey Petrov.
Also today, we will learn whether or not Quinnipiac gets picked as one of the 16 teams to battle it out for NCAA ice hockey supremacy.
North Bay (Petrov) @ noon
Saskatoon (Chiasson) @ 4 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Telfordville time.
Ha…Telfordville always reminded me of green acres or petticoat junction…thanks for your work Tarkus!!
Biggest crowd in Blades history today. 15000 people coming to see Bedard lose to the Blades.
Oilers record is 3-1-0 in the final 16 games in the Hunter1909 Season in a Season
Suddenly they are getting back into the race for 1st or 2nd place in the division.
I originally had them winning 10 of their last 16 games which now means all they need to do is have a 7-5 record to round out the season.
If you think Oilers can do better than 7-5-0 to finish out the season: press Thumbs Up.
If you think they are due to end up with a 7-5-0 or worse record: press Thumbs Down.
Even flow…you surprised me here. Getting to the modern section of the classic rock station catalogue.
I like some of the grunge bands because imo they are arrived out of Crazy Horse ‘Rust’ and ‘Rust Live’ albums. So, they’re bona fide. 🙂
IMO, the fast/slow, loud/quiet dynamics of “Sedan Delivery” in particular heralded the age of grunge.
I’m going to assume you’re a fan of Mirror Ball – the Neil Young album that was a collaboration with Pear Jam. Great album.
Like Neil, Eddie is such a wonderful lyricist. Nothingman, Present Tense, Wishlist, Given to Fly, etc. The list goes on and on.
Grunge was derivative of The ‘Mats and Husker Du and a host of bands that lurked beneath the surface in the eighties. Paul Westerberg and Bob Mould were the OGs and didn’t kill themselves.
There’s a lot of truth to this statement. On the other hand, while Mould and Westerberg were doing their thing in Minneapolis, the Melvins, Green River (which became both Mudhoney & Pearl Jam by way of Mother Love Bone), Soundgarden and Nirvana were all doing theirs in Seattle. The difference was the ‘Mats and the Huskers got signed first. They really aren’t that much older than their Seattle peers and both scenes were really inspired by a lot of the same hardcore bands. There’s a reason why when Mike Watt (Minutemen/Firehose) went on his first tour as a solo artist, he tapped Vedder & Grohl to be part of his backing band.
I wouldn’t call grunge derivative of that incredible 80s wave of American indie and punk so much as a pretty direct line from the Minneapolis explosion to the Seattle sound. It’s the post-grunge bands (Candlebox, Collective Soul etc. etc.) that were derivative if you ask me…
Great choice! My favorite song on that album. LT, keep Hear My Train A Comin’ for future Kraken games…
I like black but my ex wife used to play it on piano and it sounds amazing on piano.
I’m just here for the ex-wife references, lol
Love the musical line connecting (Uncle) Neil to Pearl Jam… Mirror Ball is such an underrated gem I think in both Neil and PJ’s catalogues, along with the Merkin Ball EP that came out of the same sessions (featuring Long Road and I Got Shit – two of my all-time favourites). PJ started playing “Throw Your Hatred Down” on their most recent tour for the first time since they toured as Neil’s backing band in ’95.
RE: Ten – my favourite track is still Porch. The way they extend it live is just so good. Plus of course the iconic moment of their unplugged show during that song will always be burned in my memory; a really influential moment for young Sheps.
Agreed, those are great albums. I’ve always been partial to Release myself but this album is a solid playthrough from start to finish.
Sometimes I struggle trying to determine which concert was my all time favorite. Pearl Jam in Vancouver 2013 is top 3 without question.
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pearl-jam/2013/rogers-arena-vancouver-bc-canada-1bc419e4.html
I can get behind that for sure. The fact that you basically got a mini Green River reunion with Mark Arm and Steve Turner doing an MC5 cover makes it an all-timer in the Pearl Jam and extended family history. Unreal setlist.
I have similar struggles ranking my all-time favourite shows, but this PJ show from 2006 is inside the top 5 without a doubt: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pearl-jam/2006/pepsi-center-denver-co-53d6a7a1.html
ARI played 8 games in 14 days with an active roster being paid $42MM and they get 14/16 points.
8 games in 14 days is a ton and they finished it with a .875 pts %
That includes vs 3 playoff teams (NJD, COL, MIN) and two fighting to grab a wildcard spot from WPG.(NSH, CGY)
Awesome and hilarious.
7 of 8 were at home with the exception being a 3-2 OTL in COL
Maybe “home ice advantage” is becoming real in their new rink?
Who downvoted this? Good Christ, people.
Why do we even have voting?
So nice when Woodguy posts. Going back to your post yesterday (whose sentiments I agree with), there is a clear difference between the days when his posts attracted attention and now the trolls. I do hope Sheriff LT will give out PIM for those infractions as well 😉
The thumbs up/down is occasionally useful when some uses it like an actual vote. Otherwise yes, it mostly ends up being a troll counter.
I find it hilarious. There’s like a relik level villain angrily drinking his morning coffee at Molly’s reach
I really don’t care LT
I find it funny.
My bet is old grudges
Probably. I’d get rid of it but it is part of the rest of the comments package and overall it runs well.
AH HA!
mining your own data hey?
🙂
Seriously I ask that question every time I come here! There are meatheads among us! Simple solution is to get rid of the down vote and leave the up vote. Like the comment give it a thumbs up. Don’t like it, please move on!
The up and down votes are tied to the comments package we use on the blog. We tried others and it confused thousands. I wish I could delete it, but the rest of the package works well for us.
I still don’t understand why any poster would even look at the plus/minus on posts let alone give in any credence. As we know, it means absolutely nothing and I am boggled any time a poster seems to give it any power. Its a complete disregard in my opinion.
Sure. However, a new poster, trying to find their way in this community, might feel differently. We can’t apply our opinions on to others. The are age, comfort, anxiety, all kinds of things that impact people. That’s why I’m not a fan, but have made my peace with it because the blasted thing works so well.
Three and two did you!
It takes all kinds.
Apparently.
NJD, COL, and MIN?
Valimaki has been playing incredible, which gives me a little joy, I must admit. Keller & Crouse great run
I wanted Holland to take a run at Crouse a few years back. Power forwards take time Crouse is just hitting his stride as for Keller he’s a all-star player no doubt about it.
Yeah, I see that Valimaki’s fancies are pretty good
Maybe not the free space on the bingo card everyone thinks they are.
I’d wager they (and their rink) get taken lightly particularly since trading their best player. Surprise, they’re all playing for jobs, and aren’t rolling over.
Another absolutely huge game from Valimaki last night too. I’d imagine a certain team to the south is regretting that waiver loss.
Sutter probably couldn’t care less, because Valimaki’s sideburns were too long
This is insane…..
Appears every player that has headed out of Calgary in the last few years has done much better (in some cases, a whole lot better) with their new teams.
It’s quite funny!
Your comment reminded me to check up on some of the Flames new additions.
I see Kadri and Huberdeau combined for 0 goals, 0 assists and 1 shot on goal last night.
Weegar seems to be playing better as of late though.
Weeger in Ceci’s spot would be soooooo good for this team.
Maybe this season, but not likely at the $6.25 million starting next season till he’s 37.
Hey WG
Are there any RD you have top of mind that aren’t big cap hits and are good enough at defending zone entries etc, the things that would help Nurse play to his potential?
I think Mayfield has that but is probably going to stay put given he won’t be expensive for them, I think he’d do a team friendly based on his comments
WC standings March 18/23 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Pacific
VGK 21
LAK 20
EDM 16
Central
DAL 19
COL 18
MIN 17
Wildcard
SEA 14
WPG 11
Out of playoffs
NSH 9
CGY 7
STL -3
VAN -3
ARI -5
ANA -13
CHI -15
SJS -18
WC team +/- to fake Bettman over the past week.
COL 4
ARI 4
EDM 3
LAK 2
CGY 2
VGK 1
NSH 1
VAN 1
CHI 1
DAL 0
MIN 0
WPG 0
ANA 0
SEA -1
STL -1
SJS -1
2nd straight week of the WC being strong.
WPG has been poor since a hot start. Hope NSH tracks them down …
Edmonton vs Nashville in a playoff series – Draisaitl would feast.
The Jets are a team I’d like to avoid … Morrisey is on of the few d-men capable of keeping up with McDavid and Hellybuyck can steal a series when he’s hot.
Looking likely LAK track down VGK for 1st in the Pacific and perhaps the Conference championship.
Colorado may have something to say about though as 4 of their next 5 are against non-playoff teams and they have 2 games in hand on almost all teams.
Too many ups and downs this season from all of those teams – as well as the Oilers – to make that call even 12 games out. I doubt we know the seeding before game 78.
A 3 game losing streak by any team will potentially drop them down the ladder 2-3 rungs
I think you can draw some tentative conclusions based on how well teams are playing after the deadline and how well they’ve integrated any additions into their lineups.
In addition, strength of remaining schedule is an obvious tell.
If you look at the standings today, Nashville seems well positioned to make up ground bases on games in hand but their remaining schedule is brutal…worst in the league while Colorado is the easiest.
EC standings March 18/23 using points percentage shown as points over/under fake Bettman .500
Atlantic
BOS 41
TOR 24
TBY 20
Metropolitan
CAR 30
NJD 26
NYR 21
Wildcard
PIT 9
NYI 9
Out of playoffs
FLA 8
BUF 4
WSH 3
OTT 2
DET 1
PHI -7
MTL -10
CBJ -19
I had counted FLA out and was rooting for BUF or OTT to make it, but FLA keeps slowly climbing. PIT’s goaltending may cause them to slip out of the playoffs.
I’m just hop8ng the Lou York islanders don’t make it.
I was hoping for a new team to get in (BUFF, OTT, DET) … Hextall get canned if Pitt misses? A wierd deadline for them