During the conference finals last spring, three young Oilers played in the series. Dylan Holloway got one game in, his NHL debut, due to the suspension of Evander Kane. Ryan McLeod surprised with two goals, playing 16:35 in all game states. That was No. 6 among Oilers forwards during the series. Evan Bouchard played 17:36 and picked up an assist. Can the Oilers expect those three men, and others, to help this spring? The answer is yes. Beginning in goal.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New DNB: Top seed in West and ‘momentum’ for playoffs
- Lowetide: How a balanced Oilers roster is finally uniting the fan base
- Lowetide: Who’s the Oilers’ best player outside the NHL? It’s a tough call
- Lowetide: Which Oilers’ minor leaguers could help in the playoffs?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Kailer Yamamoto’s future may hinge on 2023 NHL playoffs
- Lowetide: 5 ways Oilers’ Mattias Ekholm has delivered since trade
- Lowetide: Oilers’ second half spike owes much to Jay Woodcroft’s innovation
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers post an incredible March with playoffs in sight
- DNB: The Oilers ‘found a way’ against the Kings
- Lowetide: How many more college players will the Oilers sign this spring?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers at 2018 NHL Draft, making the final call
- DNB: Connor McDavid joins the 60-goal club
- Lowetide: Is the Oilers’ defence deep enough to win the Stanley Cup?
- Lowetide: Stock up or down for every Oilers prospect in the system
- DNB: Oilers’ recent play gives 3 reasons to be optimistic about a long playoff run
- DNB: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl shows he’s more than Connor McDavid’s sidekick
- Lowetide: What to expect from the Oilers’ 2023 NHL Draft after trading first-round pick
- DNB: Connor McDavid’s importance to the Oilers keeps showing no bounds
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
WHAT TO EXPECT IN APRIL
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: LAK, ANA, SJS, COL (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 3-0-0)
- At home to: SJS (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- April prediction: 4-2-0, eight points in six games
- April results: 4-0-0, eight points in four games
- March results: 12-2-1, 25 points in 15 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: 48-23-9, 105 points in 80 games
The big news last night? The Calgary Flames are out. There’s little time to celebrate for Oilers fans, as two games this evening will have everyone’s attention. If the Oilers defeat Colorado, and Seattle wins over Vegas in regulation, Edmonton’s extreme 2023 (28-7-7) will have delivered the team first place (tie!) in the Pacific Division with one game to play. This is an amazing season, one of the most exciting in team history. Tonight is a big one, not going to lie.
GREATEST ROOKIE CROP IN OILERS PLAYOFF HISTORY (1980-81)
- Jari Kurri. 9, 5-7-12
- Glenn Anderson. 9, 5-7-12
- Paul Coffey. 9, 4-3-7
- Andy Moog. 9, 5-4-0 won-loss, 3.65 .881
The 2022-23 rookie crop includes starting goaltender Stuart Skinner (48, 2.80 .912), winger Dylan Holloway (51, 3-6-9), defensemen Philip Broberg (45, 1-7-8) and Markus Niemelainen (23. 0-0-0) and center James Hamblin (10, 0-0-0). The current group won’t reach the dizzying heights of the four horsemen from 1981 spring, but there’s a story here.
Perhaps it will just be Stuart Skinner, but I don’t think so. If Edmonton finds itself in a marathon spring, suspect all three skaters will have an opportunity to help the cause. For the record, Edmonton has deployed just three rookie goalies in a playoff game in team history: Moog, Grant Fuhr and Laurent Brossoit.
FEELINGS
Oilers fans fit into three categories currently: The ‘I was always on board’ bunch, the ‘they’ve done enough for me to pay attention’ group, and the ‘I can’t feel anything anymore’ folks. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to fan, but it’s worth pondering what each of us would like the fan experience to look like as it pertains to the Oilers.
For me, my main points of interest are the draft and watching teams being constructed, tailored and then finished. If things work out, a Stanley will follow. I’ve had my fill of the draft over the last 15 years, and am fascinated to see how this incarnation of the Oilers will fare this spring.
There are stories to write and follow. If the team is ousted early, what will the organization do to tighten things? If the team wins, music! But what’s next? That’s the next chapter and I’m here for all of it. Let me ask you: What do you want from your Oilers fan experience?
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
10-2 on TSN1260, we’ll preview the Oilers-Avalanche game and head to Calgary to discuss the Flames baffling season that ended last night in misery. NBA, MLB and maybe some NFL draft. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter.
Skinner…
Since 05-06, his rookie season is tied for 9th in SV% terms of rookie goalers with at least 41 games. Just a hair behind Miller, Rinne, and Bob, and two steps above Price.
It’s probably even more impressive if era adjusted given how many goals are being scored this year versus the last 15 or so.
I read somewhere that the average save percentage this year is .898 or so. If that’s true, that makes Skinner’s achievement look very good indeed.
I think .898 may be the team number (including EN goals).
According to Hockey Reference the average SV% is .904, which is actually the lowest since 05-06 (there was an impressive 10 point dip after the lockout).
Average SV% is a full 11 points lower this season than in Talbot’s first year as an Oiler. Definitely important to adjust our expectations.
https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/stats.html
I’ve watched that pass to McDavid that incurred the OT hook like 5 times. I still can’t really understand how he gets it to where he does from where is:
Despite that, Draisaitl takes it from his off-side on the back hand and curls it around the defenseman for it to slide with no bobble exactly in the middle of the slot exactly when the streaking McDavid arrives.
I…its honestly perfect. Seriously. I’ve watched it so many times and its still like my brain thinks somebody is playing a trick. And he probably does it 10 times a game. He defies belief.
That should definitely have been a penalty shot. But I will take the game-winning overtime powerplay goal instead. Nice fake by Boosh too.
Pretty damn fine game from Skinner and the checkers skating in front of him. That’s, what, six games in a row of shutdown hockey? Sweet, sweet molasses. More please.
Lots of players to compliment… Foegele’s feet were flying. Ekholm is still the Hammer of Thor. Nurse the Rock of Gibraltar. Hyman, the ultimate Spiderman Lunchpail worker.
And then… Connor is the first in history, I believe, with three 15 game scoring streaks in one season (likely because Gretz’s were too long). Only four points now from joining the Holy Trinity, such as befits any worthy McDeity. That might be one point too far though. It’s a leap and half to get to the other side of Yxerman. I wouldn’t bet against McDavid, but that’s a big ask. The legend will only grow and his followers multiply, if he pulls it off.
Speaking as a much lower level official, part of the penalty shot process is “possession and control” of the puck (man, writing that brings up memories of Makar last season). I know Louie felt that there was P&C on that play, and you could absolutely make that argument, but it takes a ref with real stones to call a penalty shot in overtime. I would bet real money that the reasoning behind not calling the penalty shot was a “lack” of P&C.
4 GA in the last 6 games. Who are these guys and what have they done with the Edmonton Oilers?
One was from a turnover by a nervous Demers and another was a fluke goal tonight. Could’ve easily been 2ga in the last 6. How bananas is that?
I like me some Klim Kostin plenty, but hot damn was he a turnover machine tonight. I don’t think I saw him get a shift in the third.
Stuart Skinner is 14-1-1 since March 1st…..
Matt Beniers has played in 20 games, scored 5 goals and 10 assists and is +11 since March 2nd.
Beniers has been very good, but Skinner has been great.
Wow, Vinny made me wonder what the future holds for him. He played well tonight mostly with Nurse vs 2nd line opposition. Could he replace Ceci next year if we are looking for cap savings? Yes small sample size but if Vinny has the willpower there is a spot he could take.
For me right shot players are the last you move, only 10% of the league
Kulak plays lower comp and blocks Bro, close in cap to Ceci
This is good as it would give Ceci the veteran duty of shepparding Broberg. I do agree Kulak is choice one to move for cap savings and adding a bit of draft capital.
If you’re not trading Kulak, you’re trading Broberg. Kulak is too expensive for 7th D duty and Broberg needs a regular shift in October, or a team that will give him one. If Ceci goes, it’s because you’re bringing in an upgrade, ala a Right handed Ekholm or such
First … Skinner is for real! Great performance tonight.
Second … Connor is a warrior. Connor needs a rest, all the slashes and holding eventually take their toll. He may be a beast, but he is still human (although super). Want fresh Connor going into the playoffs.
Third … Ekholm and Bouchard are very good at defense, and it turns out… offence too!
LET’S GO OILERS, LET’S GO!
Our new best friends are the Krak and the Rangers. If we beat the Sharks and VK and Leafs lose, Oilers finish 4th in the league. Completely possible. Who’s feelin’ lucky?
Button is just HH in a nice suit. He makes statements for effect / reaction. It does not appear that he has significant hockey knowledge to share that does not have an anti-Oiler bias.
I remember when Button’s was pimping Dobson while shitting on Bouchard. Bouchard is closing the gap the opposition sure gives Bouchard the open lane on the PP I see a 20 Goal season next year.
Gap closed. Puck IQ has Bouch with a very close QoC and much better results. Points are close, and given Bouch was not given prime minutes until the deadline, or a proper partner, next season he’ll be lookin exactly like the right pick
Hyman was the best Oiler tonight
Energy wise yes. Had the Hands of Caggiula going on though. Must of caught it from Foggy
The Avs might be down a few starters, but the Oilers beat them with McD being an average player, Drai playing poorly as I see it, and a whole bunch of meh. They were forced outside until later
Skinner was the Oilers star for sure, followed by Elkholm. Some players were ok, but not pushing anything much. That the Oilers slowly took control probably had a lot to do with the schedule. Bednar had them go hard off the bat probably realizing they’d get tired before the Oilers
The Jets won, so Calgary’s mathematically eliminated.
They were already eliminated yesterday. The Jets held the tie breaker.
Tonights win for the Jets secured the wild card because it eliminated Nashville, who still had 2 games remaining and could have still caught the Jets had they won out and had the Jets lost their last 2.
My bad, I forgot about the SO loss. On the bright side, well, Calgary’s still been eliminated! 🙂
Huge win for home ice in the conference finals which I think is a big deal. Pacific not so much. We will beat Vegas anywhere we play after we beat LA
Oilers cannot be caught for 2nd place in the division anymore. Home ice in round 1 secured (against the Kings, as it stands today).
Oilers now 2 points up on the Colorado, in the conference standings (potential conference final playoff home ice implications – not settled yet).
Assuming Vegas holds on to win (currently leading 4-1, with 3 mins left to play in the game); Oilers can only catch Vegas for first if both a) the Oilers win their next game against the Sharks; and b) Vegas loses in regulation to Seattle in their final game of the season.
Failing that, the Oilers open round one on home ice versus Kings/Kraken.
Home ice round 1 was secured before this game. But 1st in Pacific still has a chance!
If Skinner doesn’t win the Calder, his moustache should at least win the Masterton going away.
Noticed some people have railed against Bouchard’s shot this year and they’re absolutely correct that the power is overrated by some broadcasters.
But that right there is the true magic to his shot, an above average weight to the shot with uncanny seeing eye accuracy. Confidence seems to be a large factor in the seeing eye aspect too. Bouch is cockier than Skinner’s moustache right now.
Yeah, he doesn’t have to wind up much to really wire it, so it catches goalies by surprise – Georgiev couldn’t quite get out in time.
He’s already a league top shooter and he shoots all three types like missiles. And they are accurate
Skinner is a beauty.
Anyone else think so? The see McD as conserving some energy down the stretch this year. I think he has another gear. We saw a bit of it as he outran and outmuscled Byram there late in a shift.
Those poor kids from Colorado — they just can’t get a fair shot from the officials…
The Avs didn’t put any pucks in to the net tonight..
Another mature, disciplined win.
Skinner coulda had a shutout if not for a fluke goal against. Where would we be with out him? He’s a beaut
Oilers out score the Avs 3-0.
If we beat San Jose do we have home ice if we meet the Av’s?
I believe if the Oilers win the Av’s can only tie the Oilers and the Oilers have the tie breaker.
Yes but does being a division winner trump points once in the 2nd round?
Yes. Best Avs can do now is tie on points but Oilers hold the tiebreaks.
Looking like Oilers won’t catch Vegas tho
With that win, I believe so
No Makar and Landskog
Great Bomb from Bouch – the most emotion I have ever seen from him I think. Great game!
Deserved win.
Avs are one of the few worthy opponents left.
Bouchard GWG against the Avs to keep Oilers fighting for Conference and Division win?
HH crow eating
He’s yelling at Ty Smith’s hockeydb page right now.
Good game by the Oilers. They should have won that in regulation with all of the chances they had. We want the Cup!
Well yeah, the Oilers were the only team to score on an actual shot or shot attempt tonight (aside from out shooting and chancing them).
Thank you Old Man Bouchard!!
So nice to get that win!
Point for McDavid too, ties Esposito.
4 points on Thursday against the Sharks – does anyone think he won’t do it?
This team man. Wow!!!!!!!
God did we deserve that, eat it, Byram
Evan Bouchard is one point away from a $212,500 bonus and 2 points away from another $212,500 bonus on top of that (and has already vested $425,000.
Rest him next game, we need the cap space next year !
I’m sure this isn’t serious but for an org that has played an EBUG and brought a guy up specifically for a personal milestone, there isn’t a chicken dicks chance in hell Woody won’t play the heck out of him next game.
Get your money young Bouch.
BOOM!!! Bouch with a great fake and better shot!!!
That was world class.
Absolutely! New wrinkle to add to an already historic PP?
Bouchard!!!!! Rip job.
Bouch baby!!!
Boom
good on the avs – one penalty for the price of two infractions
Imagine arguing that call.
Fuck the avs
Again. Ferraro is a gem.
I assume he outlined how absurd arguing that call was?
That should be a penalty shot.
Agreed. Coulda called a hook, slash on the hands and a penalty shit…
A 4 on 3 PP might be better then a one and done penalty shot
Timeout?
Overtime. what a surprise 🤔
I don’t think McDavid is going to catch Yzerman’s record this season…
Not likely. Bit not impossible.
We play the Sharks and he needs 4 points. 156 is still within reach
If he wants to he will. They’re playing SJ.
That was an excellent PP plus some wonderful goalering by Skinner.
Draisaitl is an incredible passer but someone tell him he’s a 50 goal scorer. Gotta shoot there imo.
Yep. Should’ve ripped it.
I felt the Duo both played an obvious game and were stifled for it
Instead of that flubbed super dangerous pass, how bout a nice fake and smokin top short side?
Wow. Kane and Drai trying to make this easy for them
Man the Avs dive a tonne
Whew. Skinner looked gassed, there. Up and down a lot that shift.
They need to start realizing they are better than these other teams.
Playing like you need to be desperate in order to win just creates mistakes.
A regular old B+ to A game will get it done just like playing against anyone else.