The extra day between games one and two can serve as a good reset if the time is used wisely. Oilers fans were anxious before the game, irritated during it and then something close to enraged in the 18 hours that followed game’s end. Once the adrenalin faded, and sleep arrived, some sense of perspective has hopefully entered the chat. We are here, and there is plenty to discuss.
New for @TheAthleticNHL Oilers’ young players taking on bigger role in 2023 playoffs. Some of these emerging talents could be long-term solutions. https://t.co/QTNQi5y7DN
Based on reading the comments section, many would like to see Klim Kostin move up to a skill line and Kailer Yamamoto on a depth line. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs to do more. You’d also like Jack Campbell to start, and Philip Broberg to replace Vincent Desharnais. No matter what anyone wants, it’s likely Derek Ryan draws in for Mattias Janmark, but that isn’t a shocking change because Ryan has played as a regular throughout the piece. Let’s talk about each of these things.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is playing poorly. I’ve watched him for a dozen years, he barely touches the puck right now. He’s 2-4 goals, 45 percent expected goals at five-on-five. His CorsiRel is a runaway train.
Why can’t you just say playing poorly and not speculate about injury? I’m going to speculate about Nuge’s health. It fits with his current production and it’s noteworthy.
You’re speculating. It is legal. That’s what we do here. You don’t have to chime in, but I’ve speculated about damn near everything over the years. It starts conversations. Please understand I’m not doing it to irritate you personally, but it’s an arrow in my quiver that opens up conversation.
Let me try it this way. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs to do more, or sit. He hasn’t been himself, and the playing time (he played seven fewer minutes five-on-five in Game 6 of the LAK series than he did in game one of that series) reflects, well, injury or illness or erosion, but it’s something. I don’t have the answer about Nuge, but do know that he wouldn’t be playing 11 minutes a game five-on-five in any playoff contest if he was right. I do agree he needs to do more, or sit. Especially on the power play, Edmonton can’t afford to bleed out with the man advantage.
Klim Kostin to a skill line. I think the advantage of running Draisiatl or McDavid with the fourth line is worth another try, despite the kickass fourth line and solid third pairing of the Golden Knights. McDavid with (say) Kostin and Bjugstad could do some damage against the Roy line and Hague-Whitecloud pairing.
Kailer Yamamoto to the fourth line. He has been coming on a little of late, but there are concerns about his ability to win battles against a strong, heavy VGK group. Could Jay Woodcroft switch out Yamamoto and insert Kostin on the No. 2 line? Yes, and we may see it. Worries might include more penalties (Kostin would play more and that could lead to more penalties) and I suspect the coaching staff trusts KY’s defensive acumen more than that of Kostin. Coaches are risk averse, ever since the world began.
Jack Campbell start? I don’t see it unless Skinner is tired and there’s been plenty of time to rest.
Skinner has been poor. Before the series began, I suggested Edmonton needed Skinner to post a .915SP or better at five-on-five in order to be successful. He’s at .913, I think that’s enough to keep him in the net.
Philip Broberg to replace Vincent Desharnais? He already has, playing 9:19 in Game 1 against Vegas compared to 6:16 for Desharnais. I think both will dress, but Broberg’s outscoring results have been far better.
What about all that crap you spew about single events? That’s still true, but Jay Woodcroft has to decide if Desharnais’ presence in the top-six blue is the hill he’s going to die on. Both men are similar in five-on-five expected goals during the postseason, but Desharnais is 2-7 goals and Broberg is 3-1 goals. I see Deadspin has a hit piece out on Desharnais, so that’s going to be a part of the conversation moving forward. Desharnais has been making big mistakes and those mistakes are ending up in the back of the net. It would be difficult for any coach to run him out there again as a third-pairing starter. I suspect we’ll see seven blue Saturday night, with Broberg as the sixth man.
Would you send Desharnais to the pressbox? No. You’re going to need him, he’s an investment. There are no guarantees on Broberg or any of the other defenders who are available. Desharnais is the choice of this coach, has been for much of the season. The die is cast, in my opinion. The only difference, a slight one, is that Broberg is likely to play more of the available minutes.
Can the Oilers win this series? Yes, I’d give them the edge even now. The VGK played a brilliant game, the Oilers did not, and the difference was a goal. Edmonton needs to be better on the outlet passes from D to F and cut down on fixable mistakes.
Benching Desharnais does that. Well no, there were other players who made plays that can be fixed. Darnell Nurse turned the wrong way and took himself completely out of the play on the second goal in Game 1. He did it in overtime against LAK too, Mattias Ekholm loses Gabe Vilardi, who spots a man in the slot. Nurse turns right, not left, out of the play, bang, goal. That’s two goals on a play that Nurse knows like the alphabet. Fixable.
Anyone else worry you? By eye he’s not quite right and by number it’s more severe, but Cody Ceci is clearly dealing with something. I know that’s speculating, but as is the case with Nuge, the plummet is significant enough to make one wonder. He isn’t 50, we know his established level of ability and this isn’t it.
Maybe he’s like Nuge and not trying. They’re all trying, but at some point the coaching staff is going to have to move away from veterans who aren’t performing and insert someone else.
Oilers have no available replacement for Ceci. Not true. Woodcroft could move up Brett Kulak to the Nurse pairing, and if Broberg flourishes in a regular third-pairing role perhaps he can make the trip up the batting order before summer. That would be a nice stepping stone to next season.
So, you’ve given up on the series against Vegas? Clearly not, I just expressed confidence in the Oilers winning it.
What lineup would you run Saturday night? Skinner starts, Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Ceci, Kulak-Broberg, Desharnais. Up front, I go Nuge-McDavid-Hyman, Kane-Draisaitl-Yamamoto, Foegele-McLeod-Ryan plus Bjugstad and Kostin. I would not hesitate to swith Ceci and Kulak, and would do the same for Bugstad-Kostin over Nuge and Bjugstad-Kostin for Yamamoto. I don’t know if Woodcroft would do any of those things, so the point is moot.
What has to happen in this series that you haven’t seen yet? I don’t know if it’s this series, but if Edmonton is to win Stanley, Stuart Skinner will have to steal a game for them.
Are you seriously convinced all of these players are injured? Oh yeah, and Vegas probably has a longer list than Edmonton. Woodcroft must make some tough calls now. If a veteran can’t “gut it out” then he needs to move down the depth chart or into the pressbox. Production is important. I have Nuge on the top line, and Yamamoto on the No. 2 line, but the reinforcements are dressed and ready. Woodcroft has real depth. He may need to use it. Starting Saturday.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
A busy show, with Steve Lansky, Tyler Yaremchuk and more hitting the airwaves 10-2, TSN1260. Lots of speculation, with the Oilers news from practice front and center. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. See you on the radio!
Woodcroft giving Rishaug the gears a little in his availability today.
Rishaug asks whether Leon is OK after leaving practice early (apparently he took a high stick or something). Woodcroft replies “did he leave the ice? oh ok, I didn’t notice”. Then “I’m just teasing you Ryan, I’m sure you broke the news”.
So Draisaitl is fine, sounds like he got a stitch/scutcher, but no real concerns. Rishaug then thanks Woodcroft for the update, and Woodcroft replies “well thanks for breaking the news”.
Good on Woodcroft for taking Rishaug to task a bit though.
Last edited 11 months ago by jp
Reja
May 5, 2023 9:48 pm
The leafs started the rough stuff in game 1 and carried over to game 2 There was like 4 open ice hits that hammered Panther players. They woke up Bennett Tkachuk these 2 can be the dirtiest effers without getting caught. Knies was skating around like the next cock on the block what did he think would happen against crafty veterans.
Tarkus
May 5, 2023 8:56 pm
Summarizing!
Lachance tallied once as Youngstown purloined home ice from Chicago with a 4-1 victory.
Petrov, as noted below by ace reporter Munny 2.0, procured an assist with 6 SOG in NB’s 6-2 win to take a 3-2 series lead.
OmJo
May 5, 2023 8:50 pm
What the hell was Bennett doing out there on the Knies “play”?
Kane and Yamamoto won’t work while Kane is injured. Kane is compromised from his usual defensive shelf. And Yamamoto is outmatched and outmuscled and timid defensively in the top six in the playoffs.
I think I’d go with Bjugstad on RW in the top six. I like Kostin and Yamamoto seeing targeted spot action with Draisaitl or McDavid.
Refs nowadays are being churned out with no name on their back 0 accountability no feel for the game. With only 1 Ref the players knew in the first 5 minutes what the boundaries and parameters were.
Scungilli Slushy
May 5, 2023 7:17 pm
Watching the Canes for a minute. I think the story of JP will be hips and that basically he’s clutzy
However despite scoring diddly he helped keep a big push and many chances on his shift. Then skated to the bench like a 60 year old. I think his hip issue is a deal for him surgery or not
I think against the Kniggets D mobility is needed. And if they are asking the D to step up I’d do this for a game
Nurse Kulak
Ek Bouch
Bro Ceci
Those pairs aren’t ideal, but they have complimentary skill sets. Kulak is good against entries, is fast and can pass. Nurse gets help on retrievals and more help than Ceci can give now
Why mess with pair 2? Potentially destabilize Bouch
Bro is fast and skilled and can get retrievals. Ceci is good in zone and should have an easier time against lesser players while he’s hurt.
I’d probably stick with the incumbents for another game myself, though I can definitely understand the desire to tinker.
I mostly wanted to note that Kulak was the D-man who got faded the most in game 1.
I tend to think of Broberg+Desharnais as 1 player (the 3RD). Between them (at 5v5) they played 15:35, behind all of Nurse, Ceci, Ekholm and Bouchard (all 17:30 or more).
Kulak played only 11:22. Thought that was strange given how well he’d been playing to end the LAK series. Doesn’t seem like a guy destined for 1RD though, based on that game 1 TOI (he played 13:07 in all situations, if anyone is wondering).
Munny 2.0
May 5, 2023 6:34 pm
Petes score a shortie and NB goaler DiVincentis went straight after the goal scorer in a rare goalie brouhaha.
Last edited 11 months ago by Munny 2.0
Munny 2.0
May 5, 2023 6:32 pm
Halfway through the game and the Battalion have just scored for the second time on a five minute powerplay to make it 6-1. and Petrov finally gets an apple in the scorefest.
Powerplay was for a brutal hit from behind that planted the Battalionite headfirst into the boards.
Petes are getting outshot three to one. Their starter has been chased. North Bay defenseman Ty Nelson, a Kraken 3rd rounder, now leads the OHL in playoff scoring, I believe.
North Bay defenseman Ty Nelson, a Kraken 3rd rounder, now leads the OHL in playoff scoring
But.. but.. what will we tell Brandt Clarke?
hunter1909
May 5, 2023 6:25 pm
Must Win game tomorrow?
Bwahahahahahahaha
Munny 2.0
May 5, 2023 5:43 pm
3-1 North Bay with 4 to play in the 1st.
Petrov just made a nice play in tight, taking the puck to the right of the net and fishing the goalie out to cover and then passing back for a wide open shot that was desperation blocked.
Unless the ‘Yotes win #1 or #2 in Monday’s draft lottery, Michkov won’t last past their pick which is currently #6. And since ARI can only fall two spots at most, his floor will be #8.
ARI is in zero hurry to be competitive anytime soon and can wait for Michkov to play out his KHL pact.
Craig Button compares Michkov too Valeri Kharlamov that’s a disservice to Khalsamov you don’t compare anyone to Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and soon to be if his body holds up Connor McDavid, everyone else is fair game. Bure, Jagr, Messier, Francis, Richard.Lafleur, Yzerman, Coffey, Lindstrom, Jean Beliveau, Overchin Martin St.Louis and many more. There will never be another player who was only 5’8” 160 pounds built like a Russian Brick Shit House that could skate through defenders with the likes of Orr, Lemieux and Mcdavid. Kharlamov is off limits!!
jt17
May 5, 2023 3:45 pm
Seen a lot of comments about Nurse on the second goal against, however on the panel Bieksa was saying the goal scorer was Leon’s man and he didn’t come back hard enough. Seems to me Nurse was probably a bit too aggressive but its not all on him.
i think they need to go 12-6. There’s nothing stopping McDavid from taking a few of the 4C shifts to do some out scoring. But they need to at least have th ability to roll 4 lines which they currently don’t. Especially if Nuge is really injured.
if Broberg is the guy in this series, make him the guy. Can always switch to Vinny next game if you don’t love the result, win or lose.
I was also thinking the Oil need to unlock their forward depth. might help to have more bodies to hand for options around in-game deployment.
Reja
May 5, 2023 2:52 pm
Skinner may have to pull a Bobrovsky for us to beat the knights I’m hoping but I just don’t see it but I do see Campbell making a couple of 5 alarm saves and us counter attacking and scoring on the “Average Joe” Brossoit.
If Nuge is injured I don’t understand why the coach would have him 2C while stacking McDrai.
regardless, time to split up McDrai and get back to the lines that were successful for the last 1/4 of the season
I keep having to tell myself that 12-6 doesn’t mean you have to just roll lines or line match. This team is versatile. Keep McDrai for the late heroics and getting some jump after a kill. I agree that whatever his hampering Nuge, that line needs some help. Top 6 spread out a bit:
Nuge McDavid Kane
Yamamoto Draisaitl Hyman
Leaving too many bottom 6 guys who I like but don’t want to move from the bottom 6.
doritogrande
May 5, 2023 12:43 pm
Jay Woodcroft has to decide if Desharnais’ presence in the top-six blue is the hill he’s going to die on
We could really use a Dick Tarnstrom right about now to give the kids a game upstairs and re-set. Alas.
Just J
May 5, 2023 12:33 pm
“What about all of that crap you spew about single events?” Really Lowetide, a person doesn’t have to be a hockey fan at all to enjoy this site.
Reja
May 5, 2023 12:23 pm
I remember Nuge getting crushed behind the net. I believe it was game 1 or 2 and it was by that asshat Mikey Anderson delievering a thunderous check. Nuge came out of it looking funny and in not a ha-ha way. McDavid did go knee on knee with Doughty we all seen it numerous times by the panel saying what a clean hit it was. We seen McDavid kept flexing his knee on the bench for the rest of the game. we’ve all done this where we tweak our knee and it lingers for weeks. Kane is hurting I have no idea where or when that happened same goes for Ceci
So in other words we Oilers fans are screwed, that the season is as good as over?
Scungilli Slushy
May 5, 2023 12:17 pm
I agree with it all LT. Loyalty is good, but there isn’t a lot of time to waste. If winning is the goal, and it is clearly in sight
The doesn’t care/isn’t into it narrative should be dead now. I think we can know from comments from former opposing coaches like Flattie that there was a time when Oiler players would give up. It was a pat of opponent’s game plan. Those days are long gone
When Connor is the leader, and the other guy too, are as manically driven as these two are, there are no more passengers, even if some don’t play well – that’s a different issue
It was sad to see Hall-Nuge-Eberle-Schultz get rag dolled for years. Eberle looks like a man on a mission I haven’t seen him carry the puck with this much conviction and speed since his break-out year of 2011-12
I always remember Vancouver being one defensemen away from a Stanley cup in 2011. Still, I don’t have a memory at all like Bruce. Was Aaron Rome the weak link or was he injured and someone else slotted in for him for game 7?
Toronto acquired Luke Schenn for a third. He’s playing 16 minutes per game at 5v5.
My other hopefully accurate recollection was Vegas looking much better on home ice than on the road in the Colorado series. I’m not sure why because they mostly roll lines and pairings.
I wonder what decision Woodcroft will make as a coach. The predicament he’s facing is a defining moment for him as a coach. He needs to go with Broberg, but somehow protect Desharnais (from the negative online attention). Lt is probably right. That means dressing both, but mostly playing Broberg.
I do agree with Woodguy. Broberg is the next man up and we have to go with him. Vinny doesn’t have the speed or edges for Vegas. You can’t even just shelter him on home ice because Vegas has speed in their bottom six.
I think playing against the 1-3-1 created bad habits and made poor preparation for Vegas. Thanks Todd.
I think we’ll win game 2, but game 2 will be tough. On home ice, we’ll look a lot better.
I wiki’d it as the details were foggy, but he was suspended for a vicious hit on Horton. That I remembered. I thought the worm turned after that as it descended into what suited the Bruins better – less hockey more goonery
It also sent the BoB on a Lucic hunt for a long time
I still think that hit was toeing the line of the rulebook. It was 0.94 seconds after Horton released the puck, no charge, shoulder tucked….5 games was an absurd length for that suspension. It was late enough that 1 or 2 games was reasonable.
…Cody Ceci is clearly dealing with something. I know that’s speculating…
No, that is completely different from Nuge. Ceci’s core issue has been confirmed many times, whereas injury for Nuge has not been stated once. Even Stauffer says he doesn’t know what’s going on with Nuge and there’s no visible issue that he has seen off-ice.
Lol, I appreciate the humour, but my post isn’t about whether Nuge is hurt or not. It’s about the term “speculation.”
Because we don’t know what is up with Nuge, wondering if his play has been affected by injury is, of course, speculation. But wondering if a player is hurt, when we know they have been playing hurt for some time–like Ceci–is not speculation.
Last edited 11 months ago by Munny 2.0
ArmchairGM
May 5, 2023 11:42 am
Last year Draisaitl set an NHL record for the most assists in a single playoff series, with 15 helpers in Edmonton’s 5-game win over Calgary. The previous record of 14 was shared by Gretzky (1985) and Rick Middleton (1983), although those guys played 6 and 7 games, respectively.
This year he has a shot at most GOALS in a playoff series. In round 1 he scored 7 goals in 6 games, good for 45th (tied) all time. He already has 4 goals in round 2, if he again scores 7 goals in the next 6 games (assuming the series goes the distance) he will have 11 goals which will give him 2nd on the all time list, tied with Newsy Lalonde’s fabulous 1919 spree.
Number one on that list is none other than Edmonton’s own Jari Kurri, who scored 12 goals in 6 games against the Blackhawks in the 1985 Conference Finals – the same series where Gretzky had 14 assists.
In the unlikely event that Draisaitl scores 12 against the Knights, it will also give him the #1 spot on the “most goals in a playoff year” list too, with 19. Only two other players have scored 19 in a playoff year but both required more games: Reggie Leach needed 16 games in 1976 and Kurri needed 18 games in 1985. Draisaitl can get this one even if he falls short of 12 v Vegas, as long as they win this series and advance.
Maybe next year he assaults the “most points in a playoff series” (19) and most points in a playoff year” (47). Those may seem ridiculous (it’s not the Eighties anymore!) but are totally achievable given his current and past performances.
– Most PP goals in a playoff year. The record of 9 is shared by Mike Bossy (18 games in 1981) and Cam Neely (19 games in 1991). Draisaitl has 5 in 7 games so far.
– Most PP goals in a playoff series. The record of 6 is held by Chris Kontos, who did it in 7 games for the 1989 LA Kings. Leon has 2 in the Vegas series already.
IIRC Leon also set a record for most points in a 5 game series last year. I believe he also set or tied a record for most assists in a period (4) in one of the games as well.
Leon’s 17 points vs Calgary was the most in a 5 game series for sure. The only people with more in a series are Middleton (19 in 7 games) and Gretzky (18 points in 6 games). Mario also had a 17 point series once, in 6 games.
A 20 point, 7 game series is well within Draisaitl’s range.
I think that’s exactly it. If Edmonton wins Game 1, that play is framed in a completely different way.
Sierra
May 5, 2023 10:56 am
Regardless of whether RNH is actually hurt, if he is hurt to the point that it is impacting his performance to this level then perhaps he shouldn’t be playing or he should be moved far down the depth chart.
Brantford Boy
May 5, 2023 10:20 am
LT: “Skinner starts, Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Ceci, Kulak-Broberg, Desharnais. Up front, I go Nuge-McDavid-Hyman, Kane-Draisaitl-Yamamoto, Foegele-McLeod-Ryan plus Bjugstad and Kostin.”
This is the way… we beat them 3 times this season using this formula. McDavid and Draisaitl can still get their minutes double shifting, icing and the PK.
Some harsh words for Desharnais in that article. I suspect he’s a regular on the other teams video review already.
Last edited 11 months ago by Brantford Boy
jtblack
May 5, 2023 10:16 am
not sure how things will shake out in this series. The one thing I told a handful of people predicting Edm in 5 games, is that Vegas is a much better hockey team than L.A. ….
I have watched Vegas all year (in laws live there), and I think game 1 gave people who haven’t seen them, an idea of what they are. Big, Fast, Structured, Disciplined. Edmonton will definitely have to raise their game to beat Vegas. L.A. was just hanging on and got a couple lucky OT wins. Vegas is a different animal.
Expecting a much better effort from Edmonton in Game 2.
Oilers in 7 🙂
Tarkus
May 5, 2023 10:08 am
Prospectilization!
As a wise man once said, it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a twain to cry. And only a twain of NA prospects in action remain. Both play this night.
Petrov and the Battalion are squared up with the Petes at 2 in their series, while Lachance’s Phantoms battle Chicago to open theirs.
North Bay (Petrov) @ 5 p.m.
Youngstown (Lachance) @ 6 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Whitelaw time.
Darth Tu
May 5, 2023 9:57 am
I too, am a speculator that Nuge and Ceci are playing hurt. I don’t think there’s anything outlandish about that at all, they’re not playing close to their best.
Ceci getting going or finding the right defender to replace his minutes (Kulak as you suggest) is one of the main things that will lead to Stanley.
Ryan coming back in would be very welcome, to my eye we missed him last game.
No one is speculating when they say Ceci is dealing with something. This has been confirmed multiple times and it’s an issue that has been with him over a time frame of months now.
True, this has been happening for awhile. I’d actually have more time for the theory that Hyman may be banged up. He hasn’t been quite the same since his injury in February. In his case there is a confirmed injury, followed by decreased effectiveness.
Dustylegnd
May 5, 2023 9:52 am
Vegas was exceptionally disciplined with their defensive coverage in game 1,
In the Vegas D zone they constantly kept 4 men in the house, and those Big D men with the long sticks kept McDavid to the outside over and over.
Queue Slim Shady Two Edmonton Oilers go Round the outside, Round the outside, 2 Edmonton Oilers go round the outside.
Yes McDavid had assists, but I also saw a guy trying to do too much and turning the puck over on multiple occasions, I have every confidence he will figure it out.
Desharnais is suffering form a lack of confidence, you just can’t make those turnovers and after a lost battle on the PK the last thing he needed to do was go on a walk about. It’s do or die time for him, he shakes it off and comes back better or he folds up, time will tell.
Nurse has got to be better full stop. Last game he once again stepped up way too aggressively in the neutral zone trading himself out of the play, I have no idea what he was thinking, sometimes less is more.
I doubt Vegas can be that good defesively 2 nights in a row. I doubt the Oil serve up 3 easy goals on bad decisions turn over and lost battles a 2nd night in a row.
Skinner needs to steal a game somewhere along the way in these playoffs, time will tell.
Teams that lose the 1st 2 games in a 7 game series have a 13% probability of winning the series …. this game is effectively a must win.
I say McDavid figures it out and crushes Vegas Saturday night …. I can’t wait
SK Oiler Fan
May 5, 2023 9:50 am
These single events define games. They should not be down played. Most everything else is a saw off.
I like Desharnais — he has a solid chance to establish a career as an NHL defender, and that’s no small feat.
But as you say you can’t ignore single events — especially when you’re a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
That doesn’t mean you staple someone to the bench the first time their outlet pass is intercepted — but how many times during the LA series did the Oilers come out of a period tied or behind while outplaying the Kings because of a Desharnais mistake?
Developing players means you tolerate some mistakes — even in the playoffs — but it also means putting players in a position to succeed. And right now, Desharnais is unlikely to succeed playing third pairing minutes.
His mistakes seem bigger, and he doesn’t have Broberg’s speed so is less likely to recover.
This is it. It is possible to have a player that makes single event mistakes of the egregious variety that consistently end up in the back of the net. Do we gloss over this just because the same player has good advanced stats and generally plays well? Some players are simply prone to 5 bell mistakes regardless how well they play the rest of the game due to mental mistakes, hockey IQ, etc. If that player creates more goals than they give up, you can live with it. Unfortunately Vinny’s GF% illustrates he’s not currently doing that. I wouldn’t pull him from the lineup because i think he has value on the PK, but I’d be pushing most of the 5×5 mins from him to Broberg until such time as he can (hopefully) iron this out.
I wasn’t trying to insinuate that Vinny has been that player all along, but see how it could read that way. I was speaking more in general terms to the notion that single events shouldn’t be important if a player is otherwise consistently doing the right things.
I’m not just referring to Vinny. There are a few on this roster that are prone to what has been referred to on this site as single events. These single events have a high % chance of resulting in GA.
TruthHurts98
May 5, 2023 9:34 am
Vegas is a good team even with injuries. If the Oilers step it up like they did against L.A. they will see better results. Skinner needs to be better plain and simple. BUT so does the defense. I think they will. It’s bizarre seeing teams like Toronto, Boston and the Rangers show so little emotion and drive. I love seeing them lose, I just hope the Oilers keep their fire and drive to win it all. That’s all they need to win Stanley and some luck staying healthy IMO. And yes, I agree with you. Nuge and Ceci appear to be hurt. I think Holloway will be in this series sooner than later.
Pretendergast
May 5, 2023 9:24 am
“despite the kickass fourth line and solid third pairing of the Kraken”
LT leaked the script, Oilers in 5, Kraken in 7.
Mayan Oil
May 5, 2023 8:59 am
Love the dialogue articles. You are insightful, as always… but the other guy you talk to? I christen him as GG (one step below our least favoourite poster)….
Ya know I’m actually quite happy with McD’s game the other night. That was the first game he looked like flashy dashy McD these playoffs. Sorties didn’t pan out but he was pushing and creating. Once he starts shooting all hell will break loose for that line. So much chaos.
Yep – I don’t think there’s anything really major going on with Connor. His skating looked as effortless as ever against the Knights in game 1. He tried to stickhandle into the Vegas D-box without success in terms of generating a quality look or drawing a penalty.
He was coming in from the left-side a lot … not sure if that was the plan or if Vegas was doing something to force him over to that side, where they could swarm him. He’s able to the drive the net better from the right side where he can use his edges to cut hard to the net, while using his body positioning to protect the puck before going forehand. We haven’t seen that much for the past couple of games. Perhaps that’s a byproduct of Draisaitl on his line, who also likes to shoot from the right side.
He crushed it last game. He just wasn’t able to find the seam. Highly effective from the couch view, GK just didn’t make any options when he was streaking.
VanIsleOil
May 5, 2023 8:45 am
Early eighties Canadian New Wave, The Spoons took off with Arias and Symphonies. Lots of big hair and gorgeous Sandy Horne killing it on her bass. Listening to it right now for the first time in many years.
Nice read LT. At this point, I am still confident the Oilers will win this series. Last game we saw Vegas at their best, while the Oilers played a poor game, yet the game was still up for grabs.
I think the results demonstrate that Broberg should get prioritized over Desharnais, although I agree Vinny will not be benched.
To your point about a veteran possibly being hurt, I wonder if a healthy and speedy Holloway may yet enter this series.
Finally, my view of Skinner is that he has been average to decent and has given the Oilers a chance to win. However, its the playoffs and I’d like to see him elevate and give this team some truly good goaltending. Based on some of his postgame interviews, I think Stuart knows he can give more still. Hope we see it!
I have the same feeling. Game 1 vs. the Flames was a similarish game with a lot of chaos, Flames brought it all and barely squeaked out a win.
I’m still feeling confident about the adjustments they’ll likely make. They got better and better against the Kings as they learned how to play against the Kings trap and I think they’ll do the same vs. the 1-2-2 forecheck.
I wonder if it’s a Woody thing – he needs to “see” how the opponent will play before devising his counterattack? I guess we’ll find out, but I don’t feel like “Avs in 4” in this series.
“I wonder if it’s a Woody thing- he needs to “see” how the opponent will play before devising his counter attack?”
I thought the exact same thing. He is very good at making in game/intermission adjustments but it seems like once the game is over, he and the coaching staff are able to better analyze and construct a counter to whatever system is being deployed against them. The Oilers also seem to be much more collected and focused after a loss, accepting that it is part of the process and learning from their mistakes.
JJS
May 5, 2023 8:44 am
Anyone able to compare Vinny and Niemelainen? I appreciate they play opposite sides but don’t have a good scouting report on either.
The love for Niem was very similar to Vinny for a brief period. Funny how we endear ourselves to that player type.
Anyhow, just curious if Niem is an option for 7th d
Offside
May 5, 2023 8:41 am
Speculating that RNH/Ceci are hurt seems way more probable than speculating that they do not care
Perhaps I’m not watching closely enough, but I”ve not seen anyone on this board suggesting that the professional athletes in question “do not care.” #Strawman
I think this may be what Offside was referring to?
15-Maybe he’s like Nuge and not trying. They’re all trying, but at some point the coaching staff is going to have to move away from veterans who aren’t performing and insert someone else.
I doubt anyone reasonable is actually suggesting they do not care. I also don’t believe “don’t care” and “injured” are the only possible/probable reasons a player may be struggling. When it comes to injuries, I agree with the suggestion that it’s likely most players are dealing with some bumps and bruises at this time of the year. However, if it is an injury serious enough to massively impact their effectiveness, a player is not likely practicing or if it’s serious enough, playing.
Fortunately, new treatments for “Fresh out of Fucks Forever” syndrome look promising with large groups of apathetics reporting cursory interest emergence.
Chelios is a Dinosaur
May 5, 2023 8:35 am
My pattern recognition ability as a human tells me that the Oilers lose game ones: 6 times in a row now in fact.
I love 11-7 but if it means Ryan is out maybe you go 12-6 with Broberg in over Vinny for a game. I really don’t know. I like both Broberg and Vinny D in limited role but don’t want to squeeze even Yamamoto out of the lineup up front. He’s been on the ice – and directly involved – in the plays that cemented the Kings two years in a row. Don’t mind him down the lineup, he’s clutch. And undoubtedly the core like him in.
No idea what to do – but I think the Oilers can beat VGK in either configuration with a better effort (or just less overthinking/forcing) in Game 2.
This is Woody’s biggest conundrum. Vinny and Bro are still unstable. A lack of a steady third pair is becoming an issue. 4 lines is a good thing as the playoffs go along. Drai and Connor will start to get tired, unless the league keeps scheduling like it is
And when Connor and Drai get tired the high risk goes up and back check intensity goes down
Woodcroft giving Rishaug the gears a little in his availability today.
Rishaug asks whether Leon is OK after leaving practice early (apparently he took a high stick or something). Woodcroft replies “did he leave the ice? oh ok, I didn’t notice”. Then “I’m just teasing you Ryan, I’m sure you broke the news”.
So Draisaitl is fine, sounds like he got a stitch/scutcher, but no real concerns. Rishaug then thanks Woodcroft for the update, and Woodcroft replies “well thanks for breaking the news”.
Good on Woodcroft for taking Rishaug to task a bit though.
The leafs started the rough stuff in game 1 and carried over to game 2 There was like 4 open ice hits that hammered Panther players. They woke up Bennett Tkachuk these 2 can be the dirtiest effers without getting caught. Knies was skating around like the next cock on the block what did he think would happen against crafty veterans.
Summarizing!
Lachance tallied once as Youngstown purloined home ice from Chicago with a 4-1 victory.
Petrov, as noted below by ace reporter Munny 2.0, procured an assist with 6 SOG in NB’s 6-2 win to take a 3-2 series lead.
What the hell was Bennett doing out there on the Knies “play”?
Another possible defensive alignment would be.
Nurse Ekholm
Kulak Ceci
Broberg Bouchard.
Nurse Broberg
Ekholm Bouchard
Kulak Ceci
The Devils are getting excorcised tonight.
Kane and Yamamoto won’t work while Kane is injured. Kane is compromised from his usual defensive shelf. And Yamamoto is outmatched and outmuscled and timid defensively in the top six in the playoffs.
I think I’d go with Bjugstad on RW in the top six. I like Kostin and Yamamoto seeing targeted spot action with Draisaitl or McDavid.
I’d go Nurse Broberg.
Vegas is attacking the right side of the defense.
That’s because Nurse and Ekholm (and Kulak) are on the left side.
I wondered if the young fast smallish Devils would be able to do it against teams that can skate and defend hard. And are bigger
So far no
4 officials and no one noticed it went out of play. How did 3 guys do it before? Better?
Refs nowadays are being churned out with no name on their back 0 accountability no feel for the game. With only 1 Ref the players knew in the first 5 minutes what the boundaries and parameters were.
Watching the Canes for a minute. I think the story of JP will be hips and that basically he’s clutzy
However despite scoring diddly he helped keep a big push and many chances on his shift. Then skated to the bench like a 60 year old. I think his hip issue is a deal for him surgery or not
Are you saying it’s his hip, tragically?
Is that you Gene?
Tarkus might be better than Gene.
Anyone.
Tarkus and Gene at the Improv, two funny.
Boom!
I think against the Kniggets D mobility is needed. And if they are asking the D to step up I’d do this for a game
Nurse Kulak
Ek Bouch
Bro Ceci
Those pairs aren’t ideal, but they have complimentary skill sets. Kulak is good against entries, is fast and can pass. Nurse gets help on retrievals and more help than Ceci can give now
Why mess with pair 2? Potentially destabilize Bouch
Bro is fast and skilled and can get retrievals. Ceci is good in zone and should have an easier time against lesser players while he’s hurt.
I’d probably stick with the incumbents for another game myself, though I can definitely understand the desire to tinker.
I mostly wanted to note that Kulak was the D-man who got faded the most in game 1.
I tend to think of Broberg+Desharnais as 1 player (the 3RD). Between them (at 5v5) they played 15:35, behind all of Nurse, Ceci, Ekholm and Bouchard (all 17:30 or more).
Kulak played only 11:22. Thought that was strange given how well he’d been playing to end the LAK series. Doesn’t seem like a guy destined for 1RD though, based on that game 1 TOI (he played 13:07 in all situations, if anyone is wondering).
Petes score a shortie and NB goaler DiVincentis went straight after the goal scorer in a rare goalie brouhaha.
Halfway through the game and the Battalion have just scored for the second time on a five minute powerplay to make it 6-1. and Petrov finally gets an apple in the scorefest.
Powerplay was for a brutal hit from behind that planted the Battalionite headfirst into the boards.
Petes are getting outshot three to one. Their starter has been chased. North Bay defenseman Ty Nelson, a Kraken 3rd rounder, now leads the OHL in playoff scoring, I believe.
NB already back on the powerplay again…
But.. but.. what will we tell Brandt Clarke?
Must Win game tomorrow?
Bwahahahahahahaha
3-1 North Bay with 4 to play in the 1st.
Petrov just made a nice play in tight, taking the puck to the right of the net and fishing the goalie out to cover and then passing back for a wide open shot that was desperation blocked.
And then on the ensuing 4v4 gets set up from the exact spot he set up the prior player, good stop by the goalie on a quick release shot.
Bob MacKenzie’s Top 12 Lottery Draft rankings.
https://www.tsn.ca/plenty-of-intrigue-after-connor-bedard-in-bob-mckenzie-s-nhl-draft-lottery-edition-ranking-1.1956585
The big question is…how far will Michkov fall?
Unless the ‘Yotes win #1 or #2 in Monday’s draft lottery, Michkov won’t last past their pick which is currently #6. And since ARI can only fall two spots at most, his floor will be #8.
ARI is in zero hurry to be competitive anytime soon and can wait for Michkov to play out his KHL pact.
Makes sense as long as the taxpayers in Tempe approve their new stadium proposal next week.
Otherwise, they’re out of there and Houston may have different priorities.
Craig Button compares Michkov too Valeri Kharlamov that’s a disservice to Khalsamov you don’t compare anyone to Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and soon to be if his body holds up Connor McDavid, everyone else is fair game. Bure, Jagr, Messier, Francis, Richard.Lafleur, Yzerman, Coffey, Lindstrom, Jean Beliveau, Overchin Martin St.Louis and many more. There will never be another player who was only 5’8” 160 pounds built like a Russian Brick Shit House that could skate through defenders with the likes of Orr, Lemieux and Mcdavid. Kharlamov is off limits!!
Seen a lot of comments about Nurse on the second goal against, however on the panel Bieksa was saying the goal scorer was Leon’s man and he didn’t come back hard enough. Seems to me Nurse was probably a bit too aggressive but its not all on him.
I thought that too.
I really think Woodcroft wants Nurse (and the other D) to step up on the puck carrier there.
Draisaitl was there for support, just not quite there.
Nurse is not the reason the Oilers are 1-0 down.
i think they need to go 12-6. There’s nothing stopping McDavid from taking a few of the 4C shifts to do some out scoring. But they need to at least have th ability to roll 4 lines which they currently don’t. Especially if Nuge is really injured.
if Broberg is the guy in this series, make him the guy. Can always switch to Vinny next game if you don’t love the result, win or lose.
I was also thinking the Oil need to unlock their forward depth. might help to have more bodies to hand for options around in-game deployment.
Skinner may have to pull a Bobrovsky for us to beat the knights I’m hoping but I just don’t see it but I do see Campbell making a couple of 5 alarm saves and us counter attacking and scoring on the “Average Joe” Brossoit.
Campbell to save the day? The same guy who was among the worst goalies in the league during the regular season?
If regular season performance was a perfect predictor of playoff performance then Reja wouldn’t be talking about Campbell at all.
Ask the Boston Bruins what the regular season means at their year end-party if you can find anyone that showed up.
Stumbled on this, bell tolls 30 times. https://news.yahoo.com/mariners-church-detroit-honor-gordon-175252252.html
RESPECT
If Nuge is injured I don’t understand why the coach would have him 2C while stacking McDrai.
regardless, time to split up McDrai and get back to the lines that were successful for the last 1/4 of the season
I keep having to tell myself that 12-6 doesn’t mean you have to just roll lines or line match. This team is versatile. Keep McDrai for the late heroics and getting some jump after a kill. I agree that whatever his hampering Nuge, that line needs some help. Top 6 spread out a bit:
Nuge McDavid Kane
Yamamoto Draisaitl Hyman
Leaving too many bottom 6 guys who I like but don’t want to move from the bottom 6.
Jay Woodcroft has to decide if Desharnais’ presence in the top-six blue is the hill he’s going to die on
We could really use a Dick Tarnstrom right about now to give the kids a game upstairs and re-set. Alas.
“What about all of that crap you spew about single events?” Really Lowetide, a person doesn’t have to be a hockey fan at all to enjoy this site.
I remember Nuge getting crushed behind the net. I believe it was game 1 or 2 and it was by that asshat Mikey Anderson delievering a thunderous check. Nuge came out of it looking funny and in not a ha-ha way. McDavid did go knee on knee with Doughty we all seen it numerous times by the panel saying what a clean hit it was. We seen McDavid kept flexing his knee on the bench for the rest of the game. we’ve all done this where we tweak our knee and it lingers for weeks. Kane is hurting I have no idea where or when that happened same goes for Ceci
So in other words we Oilers fans are screwed, that the season is as good as over?
I agree with it all LT. Loyalty is good, but there isn’t a lot of time to waste. If winning is the goal, and it is clearly in sight
The doesn’t care/isn’t into it narrative should be dead now. I think we can know from comments from former opposing coaches like Flattie that there was a time when Oiler players would give up. It was a pat of opponent’s game plan. Those days are long gone
When Connor is the leader, and the other guy too, are as manically driven as these two are, there are no more passengers, even if some don’t play well – that’s a different issue
It was sad to see Hall-Nuge-Eberle-Schultz get rag dolled for years. Eberle looks like a man on a mission I haven’t seen him carry the puck with this much conviction and speed since his break-out year of 2011-12
I always remember Vancouver being one defensemen away from a Stanley cup in 2011. Still, I don’t have a memory at all like Bruce. Was Aaron Rome the weak link or was he injured and someone else slotted in for him for game 7?
Toronto acquired Luke Schenn for a third. He’s playing 16 minutes per game at 5v5.
My other hopefully accurate recollection was Vegas looking much better on home ice than on the road in the Colorado series. I’m not sure why because they mostly roll lines and pairings.
I wonder what decision Woodcroft will make as a coach. The predicament he’s facing is a defining moment for him as a coach. He needs to go with Broberg, but somehow protect Desharnais (from the negative online attention). Lt is probably right. That means dressing both, but mostly playing Broberg.
I do agree with Woodguy. Broberg is the next man up and we have to go with him. Vinny doesn’t have the speed or edges for Vegas. You can’t even just shelter him on home ice because Vegas has speed in their bottom six.
I think playing against the 1-3-1 created bad habits and made poor preparation for Vegas. Thanks Todd.
I think we’ll win game 2, but game 2 will be tough. On home ice, we’ll look a lot better.
Let’s go Broberg.
I wiki’d it as the details were foggy, but he was suspended for a vicious hit on Horton. That I remembered. I thought the worm turned after that as it descended into what suited the Bruins better – less hockey more goonery
It also sent the BoB on a Lucic hunt for a long time
That massive hit turned the script 180 in a heartbeat.
I still think that hit was toeing the line of the rulebook. It was 0.94 seconds after Horton released the puck, no charge, shoulder tucked….5 games was an absurd length for that suspension. It was late enough that 1 or 2 games was reasonable.
The Canucks were diving losers.
Enough said.
No, that is completely different from Nuge. Ceci’s core issue has been confirmed many times, whereas injury for Nuge has not been stated once. Even Stauffer says he doesn’t know what’s going on with Nuge and there’s no visible issue that he has seen off-ice.
Perhaps Nuge used up too much internal energy pushing out playoff facial hair. Might have to back off on that a bit, if possible.
Lol, I appreciate the humour, but my post isn’t about whether Nuge is hurt or not. It’s about the term “speculation.”
Because we don’t know what is up with Nuge, wondering if his play has been affected by injury is, of course, speculation. But wondering if a player is hurt, when we know they have been playing hurt for some time–like Ceci–is not speculation.
Last year Draisaitl set an NHL record for the most assists in a single playoff series, with 15 helpers in Edmonton’s 5-game win over Calgary. The previous record of 14 was shared by Gretzky (1985) and Rick Middleton (1983), although those guys played 6 and 7 games, respectively.
This year he has a shot at most GOALS in a playoff series. In round 1 he scored 7 goals in 6 games, good for 45th (tied) all time. He already has 4 goals in round 2, if he again scores 7 goals in the next 6 games (assuming the series goes the distance) he will have 11 goals which will give him 2nd on the all time list, tied with Newsy Lalonde’s fabulous 1919 spree.
Number one on that list is none other than Edmonton’s own Jari Kurri, who scored 12 goals in 6 games against the Blackhawks in the 1985 Conference Finals – the same series where Gretzky had 14 assists.
In the unlikely event that Draisaitl scores 12 against the Knights, it will also give him the #1 spot on the “most goals in a playoff year” list too, with 19. Only two other players have scored 19 in a playoff year but both required more games: Reggie Leach needed 16 games in 1976 and Kurri needed 18 games in 1985. Draisaitl can get this one even if he falls short of 12 v Vegas, as long as they win this series and advance.
Maybe next year he assaults the “most points in a playoff series” (19) and most points in a playoff year” (47). Those may seem ridiculous (it’s not the Eighties anymore!) but are totally achievable given his current and past performances.
Also up for grabs this year:
– Most PP goals in a playoff year. The record of 9 is shared by Mike Bossy (18 games in 1981) and Cam Neely (19 games in 1991). Draisaitl has 5 in 7 games so far.
– Most PP goals in a playoff series. The record of 6 is held by Chris Kontos, who did it in 7 games for the 1989 LA Kings. Leon has 2 in the Vegas series already.
IIRC Leon also set a record for most points in a 5 game series last year. I believe he also set or tied a record for most assists in a period (4) in one of the games as well.
Leon’s 17 points vs Calgary was the most in a 5 game series for sure. The only people with more in a series are Middleton (19 in 7 games) and Gretzky (18 points in 6 games). Mario also had a 17 point series once, in 6 games.
A 20 point, 7 game series is well within Draisaitl’s range.
https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-edm/2022/05/22/2021030243#game=2021030243,game_state=final,game_tab=boxscore
Draisaitl is quietly cementing his status as a seriously top flight NHLer.
I personally ranked him as a potential Jean Beliveau and so far my prediction has been picture perfect.
Well that’s unfortunate.
Hopefully Desharnais has a thick skin, and/or a strong will to silence his critics.
Desharnais did respond well after having a horrible game against LA. Are we going by the assumption that Vegas is just too fast and aggressive?
Some seem to think the game is suddenly too fast for him, though that goes back to LA too.
Others seem to think the nerves have gotten to him.
I’m not sure, I suspect it might just be a couple of mistakes have made the story take on a life of its own.
I think that’s exactly it. If Edmonton wins Game 1, that play is framed in a completely different way.
Regardless of whether RNH is actually hurt, if he is hurt to the point that it is impacting his performance to this level then perhaps he shouldn’t be playing or he should be moved far down the depth chart.
LT: “Skinner starts, Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Ceci, Kulak-Broberg, Desharnais. Up front, I go Nuge-McDavid-Hyman, Kane-Draisaitl-Yamamoto, Foegele-McLeod-Ryan plus Bjugstad and Kostin.”
This is the way… we beat them 3 times this season using this formula. McDavid and Draisaitl can still get their minutes double shifting, icing and the PK.
Some harsh words for Desharnais in that article. I suspect he’s a regular on the other teams video review already.
not sure how things will shake out in this series. The one thing I told a handful of people predicting Edm in 5 games, is that Vegas is a much better hockey team than L.A. ….
I have watched Vegas all year (in laws live there), and I think game 1 gave people who haven’t seen them, an idea of what they are. Big, Fast, Structured, Disciplined. Edmonton will definitely have to raise their game to beat Vegas. L.A. was just hanging on and got a couple lucky OT wins. Vegas is a different animal.
Expecting a much better effort from Edmonton in Game 2.
Oilers in 7 🙂
Prospectilization!
As a wise man once said, it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a twain to cry. And only a twain of NA prospects in action remain. Both play this night.
Petrov and the Battalion are squared up with the Petes at 2 in their series, while Lachance’s Phantoms battle Chicago to open theirs.
North Bay (Petrov) @ 5 p.m.
Youngstown (Lachance) @ 6 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Whitelaw time.
I too, am a speculator that Nuge and Ceci are playing hurt. I don’t think there’s anything outlandish about that at all, they’re not playing close to their best.
Ceci getting going or finding the right defender to replace his minutes (Kulak as you suggest) is one of the main things that will lead to Stanley.
Ryan coming back in would be very welcome, to my eye we missed him last game.
No one is speculating when they say Ceci is dealing with something. This has been confirmed multiple times and it’s an issue that has been with him over a time frame of months now.
True, this has been happening for awhile. I’d actually have more time for the theory that Hyman may be banged up. He hasn’t been quite the same since his injury in February. In his case there is a confirmed injury, followed by decreased effectiveness.
Vegas was exceptionally disciplined with their defensive coverage in game 1,
In the Vegas D zone they constantly kept 4 men in the house, and those Big D men with the long sticks kept McDavid to the outside over and over.
Queue Slim Shady Two Edmonton Oilers go Round the outside, Round the outside, 2 Edmonton Oilers go round the outside.
Yes McDavid had assists, but I also saw a guy trying to do too much and turning the puck over on multiple occasions, I have every confidence he will figure it out.
Desharnais is suffering form a lack of confidence, you just can’t make those turnovers and after a lost battle on the PK the last thing he needed to do was go on a walk about. It’s do or die time for him, he shakes it off and comes back better or he folds up, time will tell.
Nurse has got to be better full stop. Last game he once again stepped up way too aggressively in the neutral zone trading himself out of the play, I have no idea what he was thinking, sometimes less is more.
I doubt Vegas can be that good defesively 2 nights in a row. I doubt the Oil serve up 3 easy goals on bad decisions turn over and lost battles a 2nd night in a row.
Skinner needs to steal a game somewhere along the way in these playoffs, time will tell.
Teams that lose the 1st 2 games in a 7 game series have a 13% probability of winning the series …. this game is effectively a must win.
I say McDavid figures it out and crushes Vegas Saturday night …. I can’t wait
These single events define games. They should not be down played. Most everything else is a saw off.
I like Desharnais — he has a solid chance to establish a career as an NHL defender, and that’s no small feat.
But as you say you can’t ignore single events — especially when you’re a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
That doesn’t mean you staple someone to the bench the first time their outlet pass is intercepted — but how many times during the LA series did the Oilers come out of a period tied or behind while outplaying the Kings because of a Desharnais mistake?
Developing players means you tolerate some mistakes — even in the playoffs — but it also means putting players in a position to succeed. And right now, Desharnais is unlikely to succeed playing third pairing minutes.
His mistakes seem bigger, and he doesn’t have Broberg’s speed so is less likely to recover.
This is it. It is possible to have a player that makes single event mistakes of the egregious variety that consistently end up in the back of the net. Do we gloss over this just because the same player has good advanced stats and generally plays well? Some players are simply prone to 5 bell mistakes regardless how well they play the rest of the game due to mental mistakes, hockey IQ, etc. If that player creates more goals than they give up, you can live with it. Unfortunately Vinny’s GF% illustrates he’s not currently doing that. I wouldn’t pull him from the lineup because i think he has value on the PK, but I’d be pushing most of the 5×5 mins from him to Broberg until such time as he can (hopefully) iron this out.
Thing is, that did not describe Desharnais at all prior to the last 4 games. Not in the least.
I wasn’t trying to insinuate that Vinny has been that player all along, but see how it could read that way. I was speaking more in general terms to the notion that single events shouldn’t be important if a player is otherwise consistently doing the right things.
I’m not just referring to Vinny. There are a few on this roster that are prone to what has been referred to on this site as single events. These single events have a high % chance of resulting in GA.
Vegas is a good team even with injuries. If the Oilers step it up like they did against L.A. they will see better results. Skinner needs to be better plain and simple. BUT so does the defense. I think they will. It’s bizarre seeing teams like Toronto, Boston and the Rangers show so little emotion and drive. I love seeing them lose, I just hope the Oilers keep their fire and drive to win it all. That’s all they need to win Stanley and some luck staying healthy IMO. And yes, I agree with you. Nuge and Ceci appear to be hurt. I think Holloway will be in this series sooner than later.
“despite the kickass fourth line and solid third pairing of the Kraken”
LT leaked the script, Oilers in 5, Kraken in 7.
Love the dialogue articles. You are insightful, as always… but the other guy you talk to? I christen him as GG (one step below our least favoourite poster)….
Very nice. Just like HAL (one step ahead of IBM)
Exactly
Ya know I’m actually quite happy with McD’s game the other night. That was the first game he looked like flashy dashy McD these playoffs. Sorties didn’t pan out but he was pushing and creating. Once he starts shooting all hell will break loose for that line. So much chaos.
Yep – I don’t think there’s anything really major going on with Connor. His skating looked as effortless as ever against the Knights in game 1. He tried to stickhandle into the Vegas D-box without success in terms of generating a quality look or drawing a penalty.
He was coming in from the left-side a lot … not sure if that was the plan or if Vegas was doing something to force him over to that side, where they could swarm him. He’s able to the drive the net better from the right side where he can use his edges to cut hard to the net, while using his body positioning to protect the puck before going forehand. We haven’t seen that much for the past couple of games. Perhaps that’s a byproduct of Draisaitl on his line, who also likes to shoot from the right side.
He crushed it last game. He just wasn’t able to find the seam. Highly effective from the couch view, GK just didn’t make any options when he was streaking.
Early eighties Canadian New Wave, The Spoons took off with Arias and Symphonies. Lots of big hair and gorgeous Sandy Horne killing it on her bass. Listening to it right now for the first time in many years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVx2SRVRIZA
Nice read LT. At this point, I am still confident the Oilers will win this series. Last game we saw Vegas at their best, while the Oilers played a poor game, yet the game was still up for grabs.
I think the results demonstrate that Broberg should get prioritized over Desharnais, although I agree Vinny will not be benched.
To your point about a veteran possibly being hurt, I wonder if a healthy and speedy Holloway may yet enter this series.
Finally, my view of Skinner is that he has been average to decent and has given the Oilers a chance to win. However, its the playoffs and I’d like to see him elevate and give this team some truly good goaltending. Based on some of his postgame interviews, I think Stuart knows he can give more still. Hope we see it!
I have the same feeling. Game 1 vs. the Flames was a similarish game with a lot of chaos, Flames brought it all and barely squeaked out a win.
I’m still feeling confident about the adjustments they’ll likely make. They got better and better against the Kings as they learned how to play against the Kings trap and I think they’ll do the same vs. the 1-2-2 forecheck.
I wonder if it’s a Woody thing – he needs to “see” how the opponent will play before devising his counterattack? I guess we’ll find out, but I don’t feel like “Avs in 4” in this series.
“I wonder if it’s a Woody thing- he needs to “see” how the opponent will play before devising his counter attack?”
I thought the exact same thing. He is very good at making in game/intermission adjustments but it seems like once the game is over, he and the coaching staff are able to better analyze and construct a counter to whatever system is being deployed against them. The Oilers also seem to be much more collected and focused after a loss, accepting that it is part of the process and learning from their mistakes.
Anyone able to compare Vinny and Niemelainen? I appreciate they play opposite sides but don’t have a good scouting report on either.
The love for Niem was very similar to Vinny for a brief period. Funny how we endear ourselves to that player type.
Anyhow, just curious if Niem is an option for 7th d
Speculating that RNH/Ceci are hurt seems way more probable than speculating that they do not care
Perhaps I’m not watching closely enough, but I”ve not seen anyone on this board suggesting that the professional athletes in question “do not care.” #Strawman
Agreed, no one has stated that they believe RNH doesn’t care.
I think this may be what Offside was referring to?
15-Maybe he’s like Nuge and not trying. They’re all trying, but at some point the coaching staff is going to have to move away from veterans who aren’t performing and insert someone else.
Bingo
Whenever the Oilers aren’t winning there are constant references to them getting out worked, making ‘lazy’ plays, not wanting it enough, and the like.
I assume that’s what LT is referring to, though you are technically correct that “do not care” has not been explicitly spelled out.
I doubt anyone reasonable is actually suggesting they do not care. I also don’t believe “don’t care” and “injured” are the only possible/probable reasons a player may be struggling. When it comes to injuries, I agree with the suggestion that it’s likely most players are dealing with some bumps and bruises at this time of the year. However, if it is an injury serious enough to massively impact their effectiveness, a player is not likely practicing or if it’s serious enough, playing.
I hacked the Oilers medical reports, turns out both are true: Nuge has a broken give-a-shit meter.
Fortunately, new treatments for “Fresh out of Fucks Forever” syndrome look promising with large groups of apathetics reporting cursory interest emergence.
My pattern recognition ability as a human tells me that the Oilers lose game ones: 6 times in a row now in fact.
I love 11-7 but if it means Ryan is out maybe you go 12-6 with Broberg in over Vinny for a game. I really don’t know. I like both Broberg and Vinny D in limited role but don’t want to squeeze even Yamamoto out of the lineup up front. He’s been on the ice – and directly involved – in the plays that cemented the Kings two years in a row. Don’t mind him down the lineup, he’s clutch. And undoubtedly the core like him in.
No idea what to do – but I think the Oilers can beat VGK in either configuration with a better effort (or just less overthinking/forcing) in Game 2.
This is Woody’s biggest conundrum. Vinny and Bro are still unstable. A lack of a steady third pair is becoming an issue. 4 lines is a good thing as the playoffs go along. Drai and Connor will start to get tired, unless the league keeps scheduling like it is
And when Connor and Drai get tired the high risk goes up and back check intensity goes down