The Sunday night game in Los Angeles between the Oilers and Kings was epic. It may not have been the best game between these two teams over 40+ years, but it shook the nerves and rattled the brain. What a game! The series is tied, but for Edmonton the victory in Game 4 may have some sustain.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers should stay the course no matter what happens against Kings
- New DNB: How Zach Hyman capped Oilers’ season-saving comeback
- Lowetide: Oilers’ forward-heavy pipeline suggests defence-driven 2023 NHL Draft
- DNB: Oilers need secondary scoring to get back into series
- DNB: Oilers question OT review decision. Their penalty issues are a bigger concern
- Lowetide: Key early Oilers vs. Kings matchups that are impacting the series
- DNB: Stuart Skinner can still step up as a difference-maker in his first NHL playoff series
- Lowetide: Oilers’ quality of ‘next man up’ could be key to deep playoff run
- DNB: Klim Kostin relishes playoff atmosphere in role that could swing a series
- DNB: Oilers’ playoff excitement, expectations have already given way to Game 1 pain again
- Lowetide: How winning the Stanley Cup would change the Oilers organization
- DNB: Connor McDavid, the NHL’s best player, has ‘freed his mind’: Will an Oilers Stanley Cup follow?
- Lowetide: Why Stuart Skinner should be the Oilers first Calder winner
- New DNB: Stuart Skinner Q and A
- Lowetide: Oilers transcend reasonable expectations in 2022-23, led by Connor McDavid
- Lowetide: Who could be the Oilers’ playoff Fernando Pisani this year?
- DNB: Oilers ready for a playoff rematch with Avalanche
- DNB: Top seed in West and ‘momentum’ for playoffs
- Lowetide: Oilers’ second half spike owes much to Jay Woodcroft’s innovation
- Lowetide: Stock up or down for every Oilers prospect in the system
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2022
GOALIES AND DEFENSE
Mattias Ekholm played a steady, mature game, kind of like the old Habs of the 1970’s where everything seemed to be dashed, early or late, but the job got done. His play on Anze Kopitar net front late in the game was subtle but effective. Moved the puck well, and used his speed to stay with the fleet wingers. He was 2-0 goals in just over 20 minutes with Evan Bouchard, who is having himself a series. He has 2-5-7 through four games offensively and is 3-2 goals at five-on-five. Calm feet, great passing and the hammer from the point becoming a large factor in the series.
Darnell Nurse is not playing well. I’d suggest injury is an issue but he’s skating fine and doesn’t seem hesitant. He looks like he’s trying to do too much but he’s also slow to react in extremely important moments. He didn’t clear the puck from the paint on the Vilardi goal, was also in photo on the Arvidsson goal (that one was on Vincent Desharnais) and made two poor attempts on the third goal (couldn’t clear, didn’t win a 50-50 battle). He is 5-3 at five-on-five goals, but 4-0 at home and 1-3 in LA. Cody Ceci played well with Nurse (no goals, 7-6 shots) and had a great look offensively. He is 2-1 goals so far in this series, delightfully low event.
Brett Kulak is having a damn fine series, low event (0-1 at five-on-five) but he owns a 65 percent expected goal share in the discipline. One of the defenders who can keep up with the fast train Kings wingers, he has earned more playing time (18:22 last night, up from 10:09 in Game Three). Vincent Desharnais had a tough game and is enduring a difficult series (0-3 goals five-on-five, 0-2 last night) but I think the Oilers stick with him. His PK work is strong, with last night’s GA the first we was present for over the series (Nurse is 0-5, as an example). Philip Broberg played well, despite going 0-1 at five-on-five. His expected goal share (71 percent) tells us he was helping and his foot speed is needed in this series. I suspect we’ll see seven blue again for Game Five.
Jack Campbell was fantastic in net, although his style is shocking compared to Stuart Skinner. I suggested on Lowetide and Jamieson before the playoffs began that the two late starts for Campbell might be important, and he didn’t look rusty at all. He saves pucks in a ‘heart attack on a plate’ fashion, but he stopped a ton and that Arvidsson save was outstanding. Skinner will get the net soon enough and I believe he is playing well overall.
FORWARDS
Connor McDavid had a big night, and is now 2-4-6 through four games and 3-3 in five-on-five goals. It’s important to remember that if a player isn’t 50, and isn’t hurt, then regression will occur. I think many Oilers fans go ahead of themselves on 97 early in this series. He was just incredible in this game, smoking the Kopitar line and Doughty pairing 3-0 at five-on-five (61 percent expected goals vs. Kopitar). When the captain gets double shifted like he did last night, it’s vital to look at how he is doing against specific opponents (as above) and who he was most effective with in a game. Last night, the Draisaitl-McDavid-Hyman line lit it up five-on-five, playing 3:16, 2-0 goals and 58 percent expected goals. I expect we’ll see that trio at home quite a bit.
Leon Draisaitl is in the middle of everything, in a good way. His passing is brilliant as always, but it’s the goal-scoring ability (5 goals and 9 points in four games) and the outscoring ability (7-3 goals at five-on-five) that are crushing Los Angeles. I think McDavid-Draisaitl has joined the chat and suspect Hyman (over Yamamoto) will be the Ginger Baker of the group.
Zach Hyman went 1-1-2 with five shots and two HDSC, he has eight HDSC (two per game) so far this series. The Kings have been effective, or were effective until the OT goal and that might spring him. He has played okay, but a strong finish to the series will help pump up the jam (1-2-3 in four games, 2-3 five-on-five goal share). Evander Kane scored a huge goal (2-1-3 now in four games) and was battling through pain. He also delivered some pain, specifically to defenseman Matt Roy.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is struggling five-on-five (no points and 0-3 goals) but is 50 percent expected goals. I think he’s played well (39-36 shots, 17-16 HDSC when he’s on the ice at five-on-five) but more will be asked if 97-29 stay together. The coaching staff tried several incarnations, the most successful Bjugstad-Nuge-Yamamoto but it was just 1:27 playing time (87 percent expected goals).
Kailer Yamamoto lost his man on the Vilardi goal and looked out of sync overall. No goals, no points at five-on-five, hasn’t turned over pucks, hasn’t drawn a penalty, 1-3 goals and HDSC (he has three) expose his season long scoring slump. He needs to impact the game in a good way. I think there has to be some concern. Warren Foegele is the opposite, five shots, three HDSC and a whirling dervish all night long. Foegele has drawn a penalty and has four takeaways. I’d switch them.
Ryan McLeod had two shots, he’s in another quiet time and I don’t recall a brilliant chance in this series for him. His expected goals five-on-five (62 percent) show good work, especially considering his D-zone faceoffs (19) are greater than O-Zone (13). You’d like him to get more chances. Nick Bjugstad had one good look and battled hard, I like his instincts in the game (he doesn’t turn over pucks much. He has 33 defensive and 16 offensive zone faceoffs in this series. Derek Ryan is so solid, it’s like the coach threw on skates and went out to help. I’d consider running him over Yamamoto on the second line. Honestly. So smart. I bet Billy Moores loves him. Klim Kostin didn’t play much. Injury?
THOUGHTS
The Oilers had a disastrous start, but played a strong second period and then outlasted the LAK push. I do believe that was the pivotal game, and now the coaching staff has some decisions to make. My suspicion is we’ll see 97-29-18 as the top line, and then Nuge with Kane and someone. McLeod becomes even more important now, Bjugstad remains a big part of the team. Defensively, expect 7D and Broberg replacing Desharnais at five-on-five but the big man playing a ton on the PK. Goalie? I would go back to Skinner.
Got last minute tickets to see the Kraken game, bought an Ebs jersey right before it started to go with the one I got in his rookie season. Was a pretty special night! Ebs coming up clutch just like old times! Also got to see thousands of people hanging out in the Climate Pledge Arena plaza that I helped design. Cheers and goodnight, y’all! Getting pumped up for game 5 tomorrow!! GOILERS!
Sounds awesome. Ebs still with a flair for the dramatic
big goal by Ebs (what other kind?) keeps Col /Sea at evens
Such a consistently likeable guy! Gotta love the whole ex oiler Seattle crew.
until they’re the opponent, then Jultz, Ebs, Larsson are pure evil
Summarizing!
Petrov’s assist was revoked and, worse, NB fell 4-2 and will go to a Game 7.
Wanner also went soupless and, worse, MJ was crushed 8-2, bowing out in six to end their season and likely Wanner’s junior career. He finished his postseason with 2+5 in 10 GP.
Can’t find the post I was looking for – but unless something has changed since ‘06, officials fly commercial.
We ran into and then were on a flight with McGeough into Raleigh.
NHL Officials Suck #8756:
Makar hits the Seattle player 3 seconds after a breakaway, with the puck out of play, from behind, knocking one of their top players out of the game and gets a 2 minute minor.
The Kraken organization has every right to be furious.
I just saw this clip. That’s borderline Hunter-Turgeon territory.
And besides the lack of a major – where were the Kraken players?!? Makar should have had a stick broken across his neck for that.
Five seconds between the puck going out of play and the hit being delivered. NHL officiating makes me question my further involvement in the sport as an official.
I think the reason it wasn’t more of a penalty is that the whistle hadn’t blown at the time of the hit (at least I didn’t hear it until after the hit).
If that is the case technically the play was still on even though McCann saw the puck go out of play, knew the play would be whistled dead and so relaxed instead of protecting himself.
From the position of his head Makar may not have seen the puck go out of play and was just playing to the whistle.
Just possibilities I am not a fan of either team so don’t have an axe to grind.
Makar’s a punk he knew exactly where the puck was and it sure wasn’t on McCann stick. The league has to suspend him are it’s open season on Makar.
Yeah he’s got a hearing. Agree he needs to be suspended, there’s no way in hell he didn’t know that puck had gone out of play.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanches-makar-to-have-hearing-for-interference-on-krakens-mccann/
Brutal outcome. You hate to see it. I was at the game. Had fun booing Makar the whole game at least… hope McCann is ok. Oof.
Oleksiak and Larsson need to add a little mustard to their interactions will Makar
As an aficionado of the worst case scenario….
Me at the beginning of the Oilers playoffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qFfFVSerQo
Me at the end of the Oilers playoffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-2isJqqAKY
leafs pulled an oilers.
looks like they may make it !!
If the Leafs win who do they play next?
I think this one is pretty straight forward!
Just imagine how sweet it will be for Tampa to comeback and win the series.
I mean, that would be some playoff hockey haha.
That series is going to wear on either team unfortunately, similar to kings / oilers.
What a different feeling today than I expected after the first.
After the first, 3-0….I was in a dark rattled place. My phone was blowing up from the real life trolls (I like to think HH is just LTs alternate account because there is no way a non oiler fan would spend that much time on an Oilers site). The series felt over essentially. The oil has nothing, looked frustrated, and crypto was running hotter than 2019. I replied to them don’t worry, they will come back. And I mostly believed. Absolutely believed after the bouch bomb 3-1. They were playing like absolute beasts in the second. 4-3 had me in shock because they seemed to run out of gas again. Kane. What a shot! Hyman, F me I love hockey. What a rollercoaster. Plus Campbell doing the unthinkable. Bailed out by ex leafs, feels weird! Predicted by a likable Bieksa in an Oilers suit inside out rally jacket, feels extremely weird!
It kind of felt like the Oilers were stuck in their end of season roll which was great, but not hardened for the playoffs yet. I am hopeful last night woke them up and showed them what kind of effort it will take. Just enjoy the ride LTidians!
Geez Leafs tie the game with less than 4 minutes left.
TB fans with the “ref you suck” chant on a supposedly blown icing. THATs what privilege looks like omg.
can’t both these teams lose?
At least have the decency to chant “linesman you suck!”
credit where deserved
An aPPle for the Petrovian One as NB evens the score at 2 in period 3.
It didn’t take long for the girls Cassie and Jennifer to bolt to ESPN.
2-0 Bolts. TO has 4 shots in net with a minute and a half to play in the 1st.
I was assuming Kostin got benched because they were rolling in the 2nd and found a groove. Is this correct or did get banged up?
Nobody knows
Where’s OP is he on strike with the Government Employees.
Why do you care?
You definitely beat to a different drum.
Given Vinny also sitting, I think it reflects a trust factor, Woodcroft trying to avoid penalties and/or defensive miscues. Both as rookie, tough players, are picked on by the officials for weak “non-veteran” calls
1st intermission was an old style Fram conmercial moment. The pay me now way was 3 goals. The pay me later way was 3 games straight. Nice to see the team go hard for the easy way
Pretty nice goal by Hughes.
Good souls of LT community: I’m in Toronto for a few nights and would love to watch tomorrow’s game in friendly territory. Does anyone know of a good spot in TO to watch the Oil?
Buddy, I have not lived in Toronto for 20 years but if Gretzky’s still exists, that is the place.
Gretzky’s restaurant closed a few years ago as the building was torn down to be replaced by I believe a Condo.
Yes. Beautiful area.
…Many moons ago I used to drink at the Duke of Kent – 2315 Yonge Street(Eglinton TTC Station)
They used to show NHL hockey games and I recall seeing the Oilers. Relaxed atmosphere.
You’d think some fellas like Sheps or Kinger would have a couple ideas.
I inquired about this a few days ago and got nada
Those RNH and Yamamoto numbers confirm how awful they were.
They cannot play together
FWIW, I think LT mis-typed Yamamoto’s numbers from last night. They’re bad, but not that bad (36% shots and 36% xGoals per NST).
It’s true that Nuge-Yamamoto have not been good together so far though:
26 min 46% shots, 0-1 goals, 50% scoring chances, 36% HD scoring chances
Each of them has been much better apart by underlying numbers, though not by result:
Nuge:
37 min 58% shots, 0-2 goals, 58% scoring chances, 69% HD scoring chances
Yamamoto:
37 min 56% shots, 1-2 goals, 60% scoring chances, 55% HD scoring chances
They were pretty decent together during the regular season though:
221 min 49% shots, 57% goals, 49% scoring chances, 54% HD scoring chances
Not sure what the best course is.
While it’s true that the Oilers defense knows how to disappear completely and leave their goalie high and dry, Jay Woodcroft has a 15 step plan to make each player fitter, happier, and more productive. So I’m optimistic that after the national anthem everything will be in its right place.
I’m not here. This isn’t happening.
In Rainbows is Radioheads greatest album (yes, better than OK, Computer). That’s all I can say – think the game spoke for itself.
Look, I’m sorry but I had never really listened to Radiohead except for Creep. I listened to this album. If this is their greatest album then I don’t know. It’s like prozac. Mind numbing. I’m not sure what kind of meds you would need to be on but it’s scary. Sorry everyone, maybe I am just bad at music!
I misspelled your name but gave you some recognition earlier today…
https://lowetide.ca/2023/04/24/in-rainbows/#comment-1213262
Cheers!
I’m definitely in the minority here but I think just about every song on The Bends is a masterpiece, it’s my favorite.
Curious about NHL officials. Do they get paid, presumably, per playoff game? If so, they have a built-in incentive for longer series.
Any extra pay if a game goes to overtime?
https://scoutingtherefs.com/2022/05/34145/how-much-do-nhl-refs-get-paid-in-the-playoffs/#:~:text=National%20Hockey%20League%20officials%20don,linesmen%20earning%20%2417%2C250%20per%20round.
It would appear the NHL got that incentive structure correct. Certainly at least a lot better than per game with OT bonuses.
More important is how they are chosen to ref the play offs. If there was a real evaluation based on performance, I would like to know. It is likely based on tenure.
They also have a built-in incentive to ref well enough to be granted another series, ie more paycheques…
I agree that Yamamoto hasn’t been good enough and he should be moved down the lineup. As for Desharnais the benching was warranted. The frustration for me is there seems to be a get an out of jail card for Nurse with the coaching staff. I understand there is a difference between your third pair and your first pair defenseman and they will be treated differently. But when does Nurse get punished. After the first ,sscond or third mistake he has been making his whole career. Even Wayne Gretzky got benched
There just isn’t someone to replace the tough minutes. I am as frustrated as anyone with Nurse’s play at times. He lacks top end recognition and execution. But he remains extremely valuable and wins more battles than we could ever know.
I am certain Manson spends hours with Nurse looking over tape and trying to coach him on the finer details and game awareness. And Nurse has itchy feet. Always wants to be moving and jumping up, which leaves ice behind him. Instinct is hard to overcome.
The last month of the season was Nurse at his best. He needs to recognize that a simple game is when he shines.
I don’t disagree,but there should still be accountability. You don’t have to bench him forever,but a couple of shifts might send a message to him and the whole team…you have to be better.
— do the refs travel coach I wonder? Certainly not with the team.
— Thanks for this : I’m going to ask: one of my clients his Dad was a very prominent NHL ref for many many years. I’m curious now. Thanks for this.
Do you think benching is the only accountability tool? It’s funny. When a goalie is pulled it’s seen as a mercy action, Desharnais gets sat and it’s a benching. Allowing a player some time to watch the game when he is definitely struggling is a good thing. Especially when they have an extra D.
Can benching be used for punishment, sure. If a player (in the eyes of the coach, not the fans) truly demonstrates a lack of effort or continuously refuses to make the plays expected by the coach, then benching can be used to send a message. That’s not what was done with Desharnais.
Woodrcroft and Manson are trying to win an incredibly important game in which they found themselves trailing. While Desharnais’ mistakes contributed to their decision not to keep playing him, their reasoning was at that moment, they could not rely on his performance for the remainder of the game, and switching to more of Broberg gave them a better chance to win. Their judgement is based on his play that night, and everything they know about him leading up to the game. Same with Darnell. He may have made a few mistakes, but in their judgement, Nurse continuing to play still gives them a better chance to succeed for the remainder of the game.
Also the original post assumes that coaches see players and plays the same way fans do, which I highly doubt.
So you’re telling me that they don’t think Nurse was at fault on a couple of goals. They must really see game differently than almost everyone watching the playoffs,not just us fans and ex nhl players commenting on Nurse’s play. Almost laughable.
You tell me what other accountability tools the coach can use doing the game. Ice time is currency,it is used as both a reward and punishment.
IMO Kailer aint an NHL player
But he supposedly tries hard.
Absolutely Ryan or Foegele up for Yamamoto
hard to imagine either of them being less effective than he has been in the series in the top six
After game 4 I’d take a hard look at Shore over Yammo for game 5. He’s not involved at all and is turning himself into a defensive liability to boot. Hoping Janmark gets heathy soon
What’s with the weird schedule for game 6? Normally each team gets one weekend game in a series, assuming it goes at least 6, but now LA gets them all? Is it a conflict at crypto.com?
It’s unfortunate for those of us who don’t live in Edmonton and need a weekend to make it to a game.
Agree completely with the frustration.
I read at the beginning of the series that it was indeed due to conflict(s) at crypto.com (Lakers/Clippers). However when I went and looked for that article I couldn’t find it and then I looked at the cryptoarena.com website it didn’t show any conflicts – so maybe it was due to the progress of the Lakers/Clippers series.
The 8pm start times in Edmonton and the lack of the weekend games sure makes me feel like they didn’t get “home ice” advantage to a certain extent.
Yeah, the schedule is due to potential conflicts with the Lakers / Clippers. Logistics don’t always allow for a smooth schedule — it happens, especially when the NHL team isn’t the primary tenant in a building — but Oiler fans not getting any weekend home games whatsoever is definitely a bummer.
Conflict at crypto arena
lakees, clippers and kings are all in the playoffs, all are lower seeded, so no home court/ice advantage and so all need the arena at approximately the same time. The kings get shuffled to the back this time
Drew Doughty is 37 years old.
He is signed for 4 more years.
At $11,000,000 per year.
Thats all.
Doughty is 33 and his contract expires when he is 37.
He looks old HH. It’s kind of sad. Probably end up with the Canucks soon.
Wait until Nurse is 33.
It won’t be pretty.
And before the mob picks up the pitchforks.
Doughty:
2 Stanley Cup rings
2 Olympic gold medals
World Championship silver medal
World Junior gold medal
Norris Trophy
Darnell who?
You’re confused and think you are on the wrong blog again.
Save this comment for the Canucks blog when they trade for Doughty and you can end your comment with
“OEL who?”
If we’re being fair (are we being fair?)
Nurse:
Hlinka gold medal
World Junior gold medal
World Championship silver medal
Has 5 years to work on the Cup rings before he’s Doughty’s age
Was in junior hockey the last time NHL players played in the olympics
Nurse’s speed will sustain him for longer than most defensemen, but that isn’t the point. You should give the guy who moves the chains in your game a rest, poor bugger is exhausted.
On Nurse’s 33rd Birthday, he will have only a little over 2 season left on his contract. When Doughty turned 33, he still had over 4.5 seasons left on his contract.
Since signing that deal in July 2018, worth almost 14% of the cap, Doughty has been a total of -48 in plus minus, played 4 of LA’s total 11 playoff games and received 1 token vote for a Norris. He may get a couple this season.
LA has been so far away from getting their money’s worth from before the contract even kicked in in 2019 as he was about to turn 30.
Methinks there are a lot of hard miles on the Cup teams Kings players. Some of it to do with hockey
Gotta give HH that one
He’s also playing better than Nurse
Based on what? Last night was far from Nurse’s best but Doughty was on for 4 goals against last night and he had a feature role to play in all 4. For the series, per Naturalstattrick, Nurse has an on-ice 62.5 goal share 5 on 5, and an expected goal share of 57%. Doughty has a goal share of 43% and an expected goal share of 47.5%. As bad as Nurse and the Oilers have been on the PK, at 70.6%, the LA Kings PK is rocking a 45% kill rate and Doughty is their lead defender in ice time. The only reason the PP goals for and against are close is because LA has had 17 power plays so far to Edmonton’s 11. Nurse is ahead on hits and blocked shots per 60 and only one more giveaway than Doughty.
My favourite Doughty moment was when he had the puck behind his net, tried to spin away from McDavid, fell down, Hyman collected the puck and passed it to Draisaitl, all alone, with 4 Kings floating around him nearby, and scored.
I wonder if Kings fans are talking about poor defensive team coverage or Doughty’s poor effort today.
I’m pretty sure that was a flop that backfired
Easy mistake to make. The guy has looked like he’s 37 out there.
Oilers lit him up last night. The stats and eyes said it was coming.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see it continue the rest of the series.
I mean, what?
He’s definitely not a bad d-man at all; this series has had great games… lots of teams would love to have 08 on their team.
LOL
I’d like to withdraw my comment 🤒
I was thinking about Kopitar last night, 35 yrs old, one more year at $10M expiring at age 36
When Kopitar signed that contract I thought he would be brutal for the last couple years…but he’s often been the best or 2nd best player on the ice in this series.
This is very similar to Drai’s next contract which might take him from 29 to 37 around $12M…similar age and cost relative to cap.
Keep this in mind if Drai blesses us with an extension.
And Kopitar has only missed a few games because of injury over a very long career.
I remember his pick at the draft, I was convinced Kopitar would go early to Montreal but they took Price. That was the Crosby draft I think? we took Cogliano around 24th maybe
Just watching the replay of the game. Why would Roy mess with Kane I bet he doesn’t do that again. Why was Roy not put in concussion protocol?
All NHL players are instructed to politely tell their brain that it can’t get injured during playoff overtime. The concussion spotters know this and are allowed to go home after the 3rd.
And Roy was complaining like Kane did something illegal. Just a reverse shoulder shrug. Kane is a beast.
I’d really like to see McDavid and Draisatl hard split again, for 1A and 1B lines. It was nice to gut out a win yesterday, but it was also the worst game played by the team. This is a very hard to team to play against when you have two of the best centers in the game on the ice for 2/3rds of a game, and a defensive gem like Bjugstad playing cleanup.
I’m okay with leaning on the loaded line if it can do what it did last year. Sometimes you just gotta throw your best punch.
Not all the time. Now and then.
Fair enough.
Nuge got caved against Danault and doesn’t seem to have his full mojo he had during the reg season.
Agreed. Particularly with Nuge’s inability to drive a line. I wonder if McLeod and Nuge would work well together? Nuge needs a puck transporter.
I believe part of the reason Woody loaded up was because Kane, Yamo and Hymen have not looked good. Any improvement in winger play changes the recipe once again.
I just hope woody clues in on what might need to be adjusted on zone coverage structure to better limit open kings forwards in red zone.
They seem to keep criss crossing from behind net and popping a guy far too frequently out just clean net front.
It’s pretty clear that a lot of posters were underestimating the Kings going into the playoffs.
My understanding is that their main issue during the season was goaltending, and they seem to have solved that with Korpisalo for now. Their defense is solid and they have a very deep group of forwards. I think they have more threats to score in their bottom 6 than the Oilers do.
Draisaitl and McDavid are going to have to outscore Danault and Kopitar because Fiala and Vilardi are better offensive players than anyone in the Oilers bottom 6.
I would start Skinner, because I think he is the better goalie. And I would continue with the 11 and 7.
Desharnais had a tough game, but I think he’s proven he can play at this level. And overall, I like his work on the PK and his own zone defending.
It was interesting to see the pairings after they sat Desharnais. I saw a lot of Ceci/Kulak and Broberg/Nurse.
Nurse, Hyman and Nuge really need to pick it up if the Oilers are going to win this series.
Earlier I said I would not swap out many of the Kings player for Oilers given position by position. I changed my tune a little. (insert frownie face here)
This was our worst game in the series this was also the 1st game our Goalie was better than L.A’s Also the Refs surprisely were friendly to Oiler Nation.
Overall, the Oilers forwards outscored the Kings forwards 286 to 234. Take away the top 5 goal scoring forwards on each team, and the rest of the Kings outscored the Oilers 93 to 81. However, the Kings spread their PP time out among a lot more forwards. In even strength scoring this season (take away PP and short handed), the Oilers non top 5 scorers actually scored 72 to the Kings 70. And the Oilers added Bjugstad to the roster, who scored a total of 17 this season, but only 4 since the deadline with the Oilers. Yes Janmark is out (10 goals in 66 games) but so is Kaliyev right now for LA (13 goals in 56 games), but 8 were on the PP.
That the Oilers top 5 should out score the Kings top 5 is a reasonable expectation (205 vs 141 on the season), but I think the bottom of the OIlers line up has shown to be capable of holding their own (and especially if the data were adjusted for TOI).
I thought Edmonton would win in 4. Maybe 5.
Seriously misguided.
To be fair, I only really saw Korpisalo well when he stonewalled the Leafs but that was eons ago.
I don’t think you were that misguided.
I can’t be the only one who feels the Oilers and refs gifted the Kings 2 wins.
In a normal script, the Oilers should have gone into last night’s game with a 3-0 series lead with last night being their obligatory loss. It’s hard enough to sweep a team (see Boston and Florida), so hopefully the Oilers can continue on with some regained confidence and lessons learned to put away the series after last night’s huge win.
I don’t see the Kings bringing another gear to win this series. We know Edmonton has a higher gear and they were trucking along until they wanted to take a detour through the parade of penalties.
People are finally seeing why I have had an issue with Nurse. Its not that hes not a good player, because he is. But if you are on the ice with a rookie you think you would play just a little more conservative and for some reason he keeps chasing pucks, players, hits. Wish he would play a bit more like Ekholm
Yeah it’s never been an all or nothing assessment, tho people love to take it there. It’s always been about Nurse’s positioning and situational awareness, which seemed to peak during the Covid season and regress or remain sporadic thereafter.
Contract year.
Contract year affected his positioning and awareness?
I love Darnell Nurse. Huge heart and talents galore. Very gifted athlete, but as an NHL defenseman I feel despite his physical gifts lacks high end hockey IQ.
That doesn’t make him bad at hockey. Just not good enough at hockey to fully justify making 9 million a season in a cap world.
Nurse at 6‐7 million would be full value… he’s just currently overpaid, but that’s not his fault. I don’t hold that against HIM personally, I can and do however feel frustrated often when watching him at his current price point.
— What does the Fox say?
Kinger, me thinks you are already in bed by the time the Foxes come out!
What do we know about injuries to the Oil?
McDavid some signs of sore knee in game 3. Kane obvious signs of sore knee/leg in game 4. Janmark out. Anybody else?
If Kane is too sore or might be too sore they may consider 12/6 to have an extra forward available.
If Kane can’t go who draws in? Yanmark ready? doubtful. Holloway or Shore? I like Holloway. Against the Kings I was mistake free, I might take Shore.
Shore deserves a game he actually might surprise some people offensively.
Fun fact: While Radiohead is the most famous band ever to crib their name from a Talking Heads song, they are not the only one to do so.
Whoever is running the defense for L.A. should get some credit. To my eye they deliver the best man on man coverage in the league. (while at the same time their D roster is far from the best) Often every single stick is tied up, every threat is eliminated. They also collapse their wingers so that if an Oiler comes out of the corner high, they run right into a winger.
Contrast this with Edmonton who deploy a zone coverage, covering space and use their sticks. They are very poor at picking up man or stick, often allowing shot and second shots. Wingers play high allowing way to much space from corner to top of circle, and way to much space to penetrate slot. Basically, its far too easy to exist and find open space on Edmonton.
Lets not change the Oilers game, but in this particular aspect there is room for improvement.
Trent Yawney…and don’t forget Rob Blake was a pretty good defenseman.
Agreed. Friedman on Marek’s show has mentioned GM’s say LA is the best team in the league in their end, including breaking out the puck. Sure it’s opinion and conjecture but there is a high respect for this team around the league.
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think them, us, and Colorado until proven otherwise are the class of the West. This is a tough opponent. They are well coached and have a gameplan (and team imo) specifically tailored to us. This is a great series if not influenced by galling reffing at times. I’m fine with run and gun as long as our guns are better. Mixed bag so far.
Very unlikely to be a factor this season but LA has a beyond blue chip defensive prospect eviscerating the OHL.
Brandt Clarke who was sent back to junior after making the team in camp leads all OHL playoff scorers with 22 points in only 10 games.
Once he replaces Durzi on the back end, the Kings will have another elite puck mover on the right side.
And I’m not sure overlooking Vegas as a force in the WC is a wise idea.
I dont think Vegas is as good as the two teams we are watching right now
With Stone in the lineup, they certainly are if their goaltending gets sorted out.
Their D is likely the best in the NHL and their forward group is very deep.
As opposed to the Oilers who have scrubs in their forward core
Eichel had a terrific game Saturday and their backend is underrated. Their goaltending gives me pause.
Brandt Clarke is not playing in this series, so I could give a hoot about him. Hope he has a wonderful end to junior then sucks hind banana when he plays us.
That point total is eerily similar to Evan Bouchard’s 2019 OHL playoff total of 21 points in 11 games which was pretty much leading the OHL in points through the first 2 rounds. And Bouchard was in his draft +1 season vs Clarke’s draft + 2. Bouchard has an October birthday, so was 6 months older than Clarke in his draft +1, but still 6 months younger than the age at which Clarke is doing that now. Oh and Bouchard made the Oilers out of his first camp, (It was Clarke’s second camp) before going back down to the OHL.
And would you look at that, Bouchard is leading all defenseman in the NHL in points in the playoffs with 7 in 4 games and only slightly behind Fox in ppg.
Bouchard was drafted in 2018, played 7 games in the NHL but played 4 seasons in the OHL and a season in the AHL.
Clarke lost a junior season when the OHL shut down due to Covid although he did play a few games in Slovakia.
This is his third OHL season and he managed to score 2 PPG in the regular season. Bouchard scored 1.2 PPG in his fourth OHL regular season.
Quite similar in some ways but some key differences too.
Its a pretty good bet Clarke is in the NHL next season.
At the start of Clarke’s “3rd” OHL season, he was 8 months older than Bouchard in his “4th” OHL season. And in their 18 going on 19 seasons, in the OHL, Bouchard scored 87 points in 67 games (his draft season, while Clarke scored 59 in 55 (his draft +1 season).
And Bouchard’s development and arrival to the NHL were significantly impacted by COVID as well (perhaps even more than Clarke’s will have been).
Bouchard also won the Max Kaminsky award for top OHL defenseman in his draft +1. There’s a decent chance Clarke wins that this season (his draft + 2), but we’ll have to wait and see if he matches Bouchard in that regard.
The major statistical differences are in your head because your comparing a non-Oiler to and Oiler.
Tell us again how close Makar is to Coffey in playoff scoring by defenseman under the age of 25 in the playoffs.
Bouchard has had at least 10 excellent looks he’s whistled 4-5 over the bar. I get going top shelf where Grandma keeps the cookies but like Mike Bossy simply said his secret to scoring was hitting the net. Bouchard will score 20 Goals next year.
Clarke misses the point.
The point here is that the Kings play a very good defensive game, and some elements of that coverage could be learned and adapted to fit the Oilers. This is the Oilers we are supporting here.
They have proven to be the best offensive team, the next goal should be improving their defensive game.
Huge win! Wow. This team has a flair for the dramatic.
I wonder when RNH is going to be back in the line up… oh wait…
Series is 2-2 with half the top six on holidays.
Someone needs to give Drai some help.
To me this is the hopeful part. The Kings are at their max competing with a team that has a lot of core players not up to norms or completely AWOL
Two games with full participation, hopefully the next two, and it should be fine
Truth
Normally a game like last night would put me on the edge of a heart attack, but I was relatively (and surprisingly) calm watching the game last night. Probably because my spidey sense told me that after we got our first goal we would have some momentum to carry us through. Also, I had a little chat with the hockey gods. They knew that they owed us one, so I didn’t need to promise to stop drinking for a month or sacrifice a small animal in order for us to win. 🙂
Yamamoto isn’t coming out but I would consider moving him down the lineup. The guy just can’t finish. He has no range with his shot and if you are playing with Leon you have to able to shoot from outside of the crease. When is the last time Yamamoto scored a goal that wasn’t a rebound inside the crease or a tip from the point. We might be looking back to last year.
Yep, replace Yamamoto with Kostin.
Gents, the coffee tastes particularly good this morning.
It’s time for the Oil to grab the Kings by the throat and win this series in six. You’re absolutely correct put the Leon-McDavid-Hyman line together and I would elevate Bjugstad with Kane & Nuge. Get Yamamoto out. Play Coach Ryan with Foegele & MacLeod and Kostin & Holloway can be the 10th & 11th forwards. If they think Shore is a better option than Holloway, then so be it. Put Skinner back in net, it sure is nice to know that Campbell can come in off the bench and perform brilliantly. The defense is fine, just save Vinny for the PK, Broberg’s speed with Kulak on the third pair will pay dividends. It’s time to end this series in the next two games. Just do it.
I have no idea what’s bothering Yamamoto but I do believe its more mental than physical. Hes not expected to be muscle, he has proven what he can be good at, yet hes not doing it. He has lost a lot of puck battles and a lot of coverage. These games are still physical, but nuances in positioning and forechecking you would think these could be exploited by Yamo. Lateral movement, positioning, quick movements, darting, should be in his wheelhouse.
Like Hyman, Hes due.
I’m delighted with the win, but that was not a great game by the OIlers last night. Easily the worst performance of the four.
LA is exposing some weaknesses in this team. Every year, the playoffs seem to consist of a top tier of 3-4 teams (sometimes only two), and then everyone else. Anyone can win it, of course because of game strategy, coaching, injury, and some luck, but it’s one of those top tier teams that is likely to win it all.
I thought Edmonton might be one those this year along with BOS, CAR, and COL, but I no longer think they are in that tier. I hope they can push as far as possible, but there are things happening out there that you just don’t see from a championship team.
net by all alone was bizarre. Why would you ever let a player drive to the net without
going with him, especially if you are a defender? What was he thinking he was going
to do up there?
is no way the refs ref a game like they did in game 3 if our coach was Scotty
Bowman, Jack Adams, or Jacques Lemaire. The NHL is a small club of actors. The
fraternity respects those who have been there a long time, and especially those who
have had success. We seem determined to break in all the new coaches burning
daylight on this great roster. I think Woodcroft probably needed more seasoning, but
at this point I’m just hoping that he can settle down and try to not over think things
so much. Less is more, Jay.
I would say you don’t know what is said in the room and doesn’t give much credit to the Kings. As you said they just gave up a 3 goal lead and the Oil dominated that 2nd. Why wouldn’t the home team come out flying in the 3rd after getting embarrassed like that? You would expect it of the Oil, why not expect it of the Kings. They’re a good hockey team, don’t tell them i said that.
Game 3 was a travesty but game 4 was well reffed, we even got a soft call our way. Woody has mentioned the reffing a few times but it looked to me like respect was given that game.
As for the personnel decisions, he benched Desharnais who was culpable on several goals. Is this a performance based league or let’s make everyone feel good league? If im Vinny this fires me up for the next game. It’s not always your night and last night certainly wasn’t his. I think the switch to Campbell was inspired and playing Bro more was smart. The lines were not working, it was 3-0 and LA were running us out of the rink. I can’t agree with you on those points.
Bouch is gonna Bouch. He gave more than he gave up and that’s good enough. I can live with the braindead plays if he scores a goal and feeds the winner. Don’t like it but live with it. Nurse on the other hand needs to step up. Fully agreed.
And Bouchard was on the ice (with McDavid and Draisaitl) for all 5 of the Oilers goals and none for LA. Meanwhile, probable HoF defenseman Doughty was on for 2 GF/ 4 GA and he was very much in picture on all 4 against. Was Bouch perfect, nope, but at the end of the day, its the overall results that matter.
Some good points. When referring to lineup changes, I was talking about the changes to start the game after three solid games. I don’t understand the logic and I don’t think it worked at all. It sends a non-confidence message to the players and forces them to adjust to a significant change.
I think the danger in a game like last night is looking at the outcome and thinking “We did pretty good. We should keep doing some of the same things”. If they continue to play like last night, they are likely to lose the next two.
— Thanks for this. I got a lot of down votes when I asked a few games ago if we were being out coached. This is a good assessment
— now it’s tied up. After the next game they have like 4 days off which I don’t think I’ve seen in first round (game 6 tmrw then not untill Saturday).
— I was worried that “winning easy” on that hot streak at end of season wasn’t ideal prep. Sure winnings great but it’s how a team responds to losing that matters in playoffs.
“We seem determined to break in all the new coaches burning daylight on this great roster” Who are all these new coaches?
The Oilers have had 3 head coaches since drafting McDavid in 2015. Only Nuge was a regular on the roster before that so no coaches before 2015 are relevant to this roster.
Todd McLellan coached 540 games in the NHL before taking over the Oilers plus 62 playoff games. How much respect did the NHL officials give him when they allowed that tying goal against Anaheim?
Dave Tippett coached over 1,000 games in the NHL before coaching these Oilers. I don’t recall the refs giving Tippett any favors during his 8 playoff games.
— Ashley : rather than try to come up with some explanations for why this team, that is “better on paper” with one of the all time greats: if upvotes matter you need to be like:
”Oil are awesome. Jay is awesome. Players are awesome. Refs suck. LA lucky. It’s just bad luck we aren’t dominating, can’t be anything else”
Haha, thanks but I’m too old for votes to motivate me. There are many things I miss from my youth, but caring what people think of me is not one of them!
Some interesting observations. My take,
Bouchard makes me nervous, but has been playing great. I don’t see much changing. His partner needs to understand Boucher’s game and unfortunately …or fortunately change thier style to match and support Bouchard. Thus the success of Ekholm on several fronts.
Woody is a tactician, I don’t see him as a huge motivator. You know he sees the game, and the embellishment, the trap, the LA game. They play safe exits, safe entries, over and over. They work the corners, drive the net, wait for opportunity. Woody sees, coaches, he advises.
The Oilers could not play “their” game consistently. They could not penalize with their power play as not getting calls. They could not play with physicality due to reffing. They were scared to slow down opponents etc, it was the Kings power play that has been feared. Desharnais, Kane, Kostins best games neutralized. The benching in playoffs is far different from regular season. Its not taken the same way. Your toolkit is not needed right now. I think Woody being a players coach handles these respectfully.
Some interesting rebuttals.
Yes, Bouchard is playing very well, by his standard. His offensive contributions have been timely and critical. I do think he’s on an offensive heater and he won’t get bailed out of mistakes forever. Pairing him with someone who is aware of his limitations is a great idea. I thought Eckholm-Bouchard worked well.
I didn’t think about the possibility that the Oilers were playing scared because of the refs/penalties. Undoubtedly Woody said “no more undisciplined penalties” and perhaps they were taking that to heart and it took an edge out of their game. I’ve never seen Kane so disciplined before, so that was a positive. More of that Evander, please.
I hope the benching was handled with lots of communication. That kid needs to know that he’s still valued and that they are just giving him a break for a bit to regain his footing, not punishing him for unspeakable errors. It’s the best way to get the most out of a player, in my opinion.
I still think it has a negative effect on the player and team. The best thing to do when you make an error is to get back on the horse and do better, and the sooner the better. I have been sitting on just such a bench when a coach has benched one of my teammates and it’s painful to see them sitting there with that pathetic soul-searching look on their face – helpless to try to right a wrong and forced to watch her teammates try to clean up the mess and make a game of it. No one is talking to the benched player because they don’t know what to say and the player doesn’t want to hear it anyway. It’s a painful reminder every time the other players return to the bench. Running the ship with fear, terror, and a culture of blame. I don’t think it’s the best way to do it.
But he’s an NHL coach and I’m not, so I will continue to watch and wonder.
I have seen this as well, its awkward. Imagine a Sutter benching, im sure that would handled with tact (haha doubtful)
In this particular case we don’t know about injuries. But we do know strengths and weaknesses, at least as perceived from our seats.
Empathy is good. Empathy can motivate. But at the highest levels with thinnest of margins, the rules are established. Coach and team needs to win.
I only have comment on Desharnais. I don’t think he could make up his mistakes, it is more likely he doubles down. That is because his tool kit does not fit this circumstance. He wasn’t the best d man since he came up. But he was best 6’7″ monster of elbows, crosschecks, and physicality. He gets frustrated, this is a penalty coming. One mini mauling and the Kings forward would ask to be taken off by stretcher. Only to return next shift of course.
Some good points here, and some points that I don’t know I agree with, but that’s what makes this a great forum for discussion.
Part of me agrees – Nurse has not been disciplined. But also, on a couple of the goals against he’s been on the ice for, he’s been in “no-mans” land. Has to make a decision who to cover, or he thought that the forward had someone and he went for the other guy. Still, your point is well taken and it’s why I commented the last couple of days, “play within yourself”. Mark your man. Nurse can be better and has to be for the Oilers to win.
Re: benching a player shatters confidence, well yes and no. Young d-men at times need to be given a break when they’re struggling and to my eye (bias, I’ve coached d-men), Desharnais needed some time to settle down because he was being picked on. Allowing that to continue can sometimes make matters worse.
Give someone on the other team credit (video coach, TMc?), they were getting speed out against him, and he was being turned inside out. This is the beauty of 11-7 with young d-men and I thought Broberg did well last night (he has better speed).
Contrast that with how Tippett handled Samorukov, where he was benched and never saw the ice again for the Oilers after 2 goals on 3 shifts. Desharnais will be back, you talk to him after the game and chalk it up to learning. These coaches are better communicators.
Overall, appreciate you sharing your thinking.
I remain bullish on Bouch developing and delivering a complete game.
I am extremely happy with the win, that was some game.
I had Hyman picked for the winner as well, and as some others noted, he has not been playing particularly well.
Yamamomo is buying a ticket on the Eberle train.
Big Vince cannot play the game that got him to the NHL. His style is too rambunctious for the Kings and their embellishment. Take away this rambunctious seaweed full of elbows and Vince cannot do what he needs to do.
Two embellishments last night. The first was the holding penalty. Second was the Hyman slash. You can slash Hyman all day long and he will stay on his feet. But a slash to Mickey results in both feet going out from under him and his knees buckling.
the Hyman slash was particularly galling.
One thing about Nurse five-on-five that I didn’t include (I was getting wordy):
Nurse with Ceci in this series: 2-1 goals and 40-35 shots, 57 minutes
Nurse w/o Ceci in this series: 3-2 goals and 17-10 shots, 23 minutes
Low event with Ceci is the preference imo.
Broberg should play more. Holloway is now fresh and should be inserted. You can’t overload the big guns and expect to have enough left in the tank for the later rounds. Nuge needs to start showing up. Is Lavoie up with Holloway? Yamo and Nurse extremely disappointing. Lastly, compliments to Evan Bouchard!
The pregame scoreboard showed Janmark Lavoie Holloway Shore and Rodrigue as the scratches so yes they are up
Defensively, Ekholm and Kulak seem to be calming influences on their respective pairings. Nurse has had issues as noted, that’s why Kulaks minutes have increased.
I noticed late in reg season Vinny has issues on the rush against fast and or shifty opponents. under pressure in the D zone with the puck, he has trouble even making a safe play. LA knows this. I wonder if he plays just PK and just run Broberg 5 on 5 because of his skating.
Yamamoto is doing zilch in too 6.
Foegele who is playing hard and creating chances with McDavid and Drai would leave RNH with Kane and Hyman. That’s a good second line.
Happy for Campbell and he battled hard but Skinner starts.
best 3 now.
Oilers have been the better team in first 4 games. Series at 2-2 is the result of Oilers being undisciplined (and/or refs) and Korpisalo standing on his head at times.
oilers stay disciplined and continue to push the pace as they can and I like the Oilers chances
This series should have been over in four. Oilers need to put their killer instinct on full display.
I believe it was LMHF#1 who kept mentioning shooting high on Korpse of Salo.
That is the key. I think they have him figured out now. Not saying it will be a career destroyer like Markstrom, but he historically isn’t a Vezina-calibre goalie and our stalwart forwards will have watched video.
Don’t think it’s a coincidence Kostin, Kane and Hyman were all scoring upstairs.
Yep. And McDavid. And Draisaitl. And Bouchard.
He’s got the bottom of the net taken away – his glove and blocker haven’t done much.
If they have to move up they don’t do much. Shooting low he’s got them on everything
With all due respect to Tommy, I hope ‘Korpse of Salo’ sticks as Joonas’ nickname after this series! Nice work.
The Oilers know how to beat big Finnish butterfly G from practice the last few years with Koskinen – keep it coming
Yes, they have at long last figured out Korpisalo. Maybe they start Copley next game. we’ll see.
The 4th and 5th goals were pretty weak. Maybe Korpisalo has reverted back to his usual self.
Hyman is not the pure shooter that Kane is. Kane’s shot was a well placed rocket, through a screen where he slightly adjusted his shooting position before taking the shot. Few goalies would stop that shot. Korpisalo would probably say he should have had Hyman’s which might have squeezed through between his arm and body.
Both Kane and Hyman had opportunity due to the McDavid Vortex effect, especially Kane. When McDavid crossed the line with the puck, 3 Kings converged on McDavid who then slipped it through to Kane, while the 4th King, Doughty was standing almost still 10-15 feet in front of the Kings net (in anticipation of McDavid’s arrival backing up the other 3) so Kane had room to take a stride and fire the quick shot almost off the post.
And in fairness to Korpisalo, with McDavid and Draisaitl coming in on the rush with Kane and then Hyman, Korpisalo also has to worry about them as well as the shooter more so than with any other forwards without the puck.
It’s funny, but to me, it look like McDavid actually lost the puck over to Kane. I don’t think he was actually passing it over to him.
Hard to say, as it appears that Kopitar never made contact with McDavid’s stick or the puck, and McDavid immediate reaction when he shifted left was to lift his stick rather than reaching for the puck as it moved towards Kane. If he did lose control of it while trying to avoid Kopitar, he made no real sign he was trying to recover it so his reaction time to change his plan to let Kane receive it would be incredibly fast. I’d be more inclined to believe he did that on purpose than that Makar intentionally lifted his stick off the puck mm’s from being offside while he teammate vacated the zone.
Even if it was partially accidental, Kane was open because McDavid was fully occupying 3 players and that McDavid still might get through with the puck, also froze Doughty in his tracks long enough for Kane to get an uncontested shot. Not like McDavid doesn’t have a reputation for being able to skate through 4 players late in a game to tie up a game.
Prospectity!
A twain of MA prospects tonight. The question is: will the twain keep a-rollin’ all night long? One (Petrov) has a chance to advance to the next round by night’s end, while t’other (Wanner) will try to force a Game 7.
North Bay (Petrov) @ 5:30 p.m. (NB leads 3-2)
Moose Jaw (Wanner) @ 7 p.m. (MJ trails 3-2)
Both times, as usual, are Cherhill time.
If Skinner saved the regular season than Campbell saved our playoff season no way Skinner wins that game yesterday. Woody’s a faithful guy he’ll come back with Skinner who needs to be obviously better. Yamo needs to be demoted he’s not on a regular basis a top 6 winger especially against a team like L.A.
Why isn’t the MSM asking “Why is Yamamoto still in the Top 6?”
LT was floating that question after Game 1!
I don’t get why this guy gets a pass for the season and now the playoffs. What exactly does he do well in the top six? Foegele has been busting his ass and creating opportunities. In 4 games I can only think of 1 shot where Yamo just barely missed top corner as well as being involved 2-3 scrambles in front of the net. Leon looked so much better playing with Ryan and Kostin was Woody worried that Klim would get a penalty or is he hurt.
LA just swats Yamamoto away like he’s a mosquito.
I have said it before, Yams looks like a boy against men in high pressure, physical games. When losing his man on the first goal he was, as you say, just swatted aside.
So…. is Jack Campbell the Pisani?
Kostin is my Pisani, but everyone should have soup for dinner tonight.
If you’re doing it on merit, you have to go back to Skinner. That said, there’s a compelling sports psychology reason to go with Campbell imo. Starting him could fill him with the confidence he was needing to go on a run now. I believe Skinner has the demeanor to start or come off the bench with aplomb regardless. With that in mind, I don’t hate the idea of starting Campbell in the next game because if he does well, then you’ve potentially rehabiltated the struggling tender and given yourself two viable starters for a longterm run.