The Edmonton Oilers have always welcomed strays, old codgers looking for lodging, the former famous and the never famous to training camps. The first name I recall in the NHL era was veteran forward Jim Harrison. He had retired the previous season, but visited an acupuncturist and felt well enough to land in Edmonton to give it a go in the fall of 1979. He waited for some time to play, and saw just three games in 1979-80, putting a lid on a career that showed great promise but was slowed by injuries. Harrison and Allan Hamilton were the first big stars for the Alberta Oilers of the WHA in 1972-73.
Fast forward to today, and another 5.11 forward (Harrison is listed at the same height) is having more success after arriving to a hotel room and per diem in the fall. Sam Gagner has three goals and five points in 13 NHL games this season. He went 1-4-5 in three AHL games and got the call. His five-on-five goal share (5-6) and expected goal share (56 percent) are earning him playing time. Sam Gagner is 34. He has played in 1,028 NHL games. He’s not big nor fast, but he has great hands and a smart hockey mind. All those games have taught him how to play as Sam Gagner in the world’s best hockey league. Sometimes invites are done as a courtesy. Sometimes they’re a waste of time. Sometimes they work out for everyone. It’s a grand tradition in Edmonton.
THE ATHLETIC!
- Lowetide: 3 young Edmonton Oilers prospects looking for full-time duty
- DNB: Calvin Pickard’s play and improved defending give Oilers time to make a goalie trade
- Lowetide: The Oilers’ 4 most famous midseason demotions in franchise history
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Evan Bouchard has the points. But is his recent defensive uptick legit?
- Lowetide: Oilers organizational depth chart reveal elite centres, real needs
- DNB: Oilers’ Philip Broberg seeking trade, per source: Why he could be on the move
- DNB: The Oilers penalty kill has finally found its groove. What’s changed?
- Lowetide: What do the Edmonton Oilers still need to be a Stanley Cup contender?
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers top 20 prospects ranking, winter 2023
- Lowetide: Oilers begin rise from the depths during a stunning November
- DNB: Is it time the Edmonton Oilers expected more from Ryan McLeod?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Darnell Nurse impressive in all areas after coaching change
- Lowetide: Oilers’ Philip Broberg reaches crossroads as NHL defenceman
- DNB: Four reasons why the Oilers are very much in the Western Conference playoff race
- DNB: Oilers must address goaltending situation before it’s too late
- Lowetide: Why the Oilers making a productive goalie trade is an expensive proposition
- DNB: Who is new Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch? These 3 traits define his approach
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DECEMBER
- At home to: CAR, MIN, NJD, CHI, TBAY, FLA (Expected 3-3-0) (Actual 3-0-0)
- On the road to: NYI, NJD, NYR, SJS, LAK, ANA (Expected 3-3-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 6-6-0, 12 points in 12 games
- Actual December results: 3-0-0, 6 points in 3 games
- Oilers in 2023-24: 12-12-1, 25 points in 25 games
Edmonton is three points back of the final playoff spot with two games in hand. The gap so many teams couldn’t close after Halloween during the decade of darkness was obliterated by this team in one single heartbeat. I’ll remember this for a long time. Connor McDavid, and hockey in general, aren’t associated with crediting a single player for a turnaround. His return to McDavidness is the single biggest factor in what is absolutely a hockey miracle.
EARLY OILERS, 1979-80
When Harrison was waiting to play, the forwards getting into action at the time were a varied crew. The NHL rules on rookies were farce, so it’s impossible to list the rookies as rookies because many WHA kids were discounted. Safe to say, several unproven men were on the roster.
Brett Callighen had five assists in the first three games, and was gifted time with Blair MacDonald and young Wayne Gretzky (both had four points). Stan Weir had three points in the early going, Dave Lumley two assists and defenseman Risto Siltanen a pair of goals.
Kevin Lowe had one goal, the first in team history, while Mark Messier and Dave Hunter also had a single tally through three games. Dave Semenko had an assist. Allan Hamilton played in one game (assist) in the first three, while Lee Fogolin, Pat Price, Ron Chipperfield, Colin Campbell, Bill Flett and Peter Driscoll went scoreless. Dave Dryden was the goalie of record in two games, Eddie Mio one.
There were a bunch of players who either played or were close to playing that season. I recall a mess of names like Harrison, Mike Forbes, Bryon Baltimore, Ron Areshenkoff, Tom Roulston, Cam Connor, Doug Patey, Wayne Bianchin, Bob Kelly, Kari Makkonen and Dan Newman all hanging about. As it turned out, goalies populated the roster as often as any position. Six in all.
I’m writing this today because of Sam Gagner. I’m also warning you that I’m going to write a book about the 1979-80 Oilers and Houston Apollos.
It’s a busy show on Sports 1440, noon to 2pm today. We’ll have Daniel Nugent-Bowman from The Athletic join us to discuss Connor McDavid’s 2023 calendar year and to look ahead to the rest of this home stand for the Oilers. We’ll talk Raptors v Knicks, Ohtani contract, and the Flames collapse last night. You can reach me in the comments section, @Lowetide on twitter, or text us 1.833.401.1440 directly.
Oilers record for win streak is nine, as most people might remember, since the team has done it twice and one of those was last year.
Nine games is the target and next up are the rubber match against the Hed-less Lightning (he didn’t play tonight against Van) and the Flo-ridas, who were strangled by the Kraken tonight.
Desert Puppies lose so we’re now only ONE point out of a playoff spot with two games in hand. Sadly, they play SJS, OTT and BUF next thee games, all at home. Sharks have been on a tear though (6-2-2) so there’s a chance.
If I recall correctly, the ninth win in the first 9 game win streak also came against Tampa Bay.
Well, if you’re going to play your B game, Chicago is a real good choice and they did it without blowing up their goalie’s save percentage. And they played better as the game went on, kept the glitches in The Matrix to a minimum.
Bouchard is making strides defensively too. Who knew confidence could be so important?? </sarc>
Now just need to get that same confidence back in Brown’s hands. His bad injury doesn’t look like it’s any kind of problem which is great news for him, his family, the team, us, everyone. He’s working at it and eventually good things will happen and the puck will find a way to go to its home.
The PK looks someone waved a magic wand over it and all of a sudden Cinda-freakin-rella. Monarch butterflies don’t transform this fast or successfully.
The fourth line is a beaut. Not the fastest trio of skaters, but they sure know what they’re doing when their blades hit the ice.
Brock Boeser with a hat trick to tie Matthews at 21 goals for the league lead.
Connor McDavid 10 game point streak:
6G 19A 25P
Evan Bouchard 12 game point streak:
5G 13A 18P
Quinn Hughes with 3 assists to move into a tie for third in league scoring while also leading the league with a ridiculous +23
You are such a zhícháng…..hope you enjoy your pathetic life trolling hockey blogs.
How funny it is that now you have to try to one up people by bringing up Quinn Hughes when someone mentions Bouchard.
Especially since last year you had Bouchard pegged as “not an NHL player”.
I don’t know why anyone responds seriously to his nonsense. Not sure why he isn’t banned.
Lowetide must feel sorry for him.
Quinn Hughes’, a wonderful player, is also almost double the cap hit of Bouchard currently.
In the last 10 games:
5 X 5 points – Bouch 6, Hughes 5
Points: Bouch 14, Hughes 9
Blues fire Berube.
AHL coach Drew Bannister appointed interim head coach.
Oops.
Already posted.
All of a sudden you worried about being repetitive. lol
Crap start but good win. Skinner looked really good. Connor flying. Drai finally got his boots moving. Old guys getting the job done.
Brownie just needs one to get some confidence but I don’t know if it’s ever gonna happen…
I just hope they don’t carry any bad habits with them next game. This was a cakewalk. Don’t expect it. Put it in the rear view and get back to work.
1 point out of WC spot with 2 games in hand?
What a resurrection!
Oilers now in a playoff spot by points percentage (still 1 back by real points).
Sloppy start, but they took control and there really wasn’t any drama in the end.
Skinner had a quality game as well. He could have had a big impact if he wasn’t as sharp as he was.
Utter dominance.
I haven’t seen Oilers whip anyone like that since game 6 in 1990 when Oilers booted Chicago out of the playoffs scoring 10 or so goals.
Already forgotten game 6 of the finals in ’06?
Now that you remind me that 2006 game was more of a do or die beat down.
Tonight was pounding out of little brother.
PS: After trying to worm out of your observation I know what it’s like to be like Harper’s Hair.
Flames lose in OT
That’s the beauty of a winning streak. Who cares what the other teams do?
Also, Flames aren’t likely to be ahead of this team anymore this year. Incredible how Matthew Tcazhuck bailed just to get away from having to play Oilers.
I care – there is alot of games left which also means the Oilers are going to have some bad luck times and some players regressing back down times, etc.
This is a bad offensive team. I don’t think 98 gets more than 25 G playing with these scrubs. Who’s going to get him.the puck?
They haven’t touched the puck this period.
I like that Connor Murphy though
Murphy led all Connors in shots and shotblocks.
Hallsy and Jones out really wastes a good learning experience for the kid.
Dang Flames and Knights going to OT. 3 pt game.
Bro it’s December relax
Dude, after that start, those extra points within the division are a big deal.
Nah, 50+ games left relax
I agree with A Squared – I would rather have not seen that game go to OT and the flames get a point.
I just cannot believe that this team sometimes. Nothing like getting curb stomped for the first 20 games of the season before going on an eight game heater to put them right back in the mix. Who writes this stuff?
I don’t mind a ‘taking care of business’ style win tonight.
The Hawks are one of the weakest on the puck NHL teams I’ve ever seen.
They are so bad offensively. They spend all game defending so aren’t too bad at that
attaboy Boosh. Exactly the right play on Bedard
Flames down 4-3 to Vegas, couple minutes left in game.
Berube is out in STL.
And Drew Bannister in for now.
Haven’t seen that name in a good while.
Ryan Reaves: GP:20 G:1 A:0 P:1 -4
Connor Brown: GP:19 G:0 A:1 P:1 -8
I don’t care what your analytics show, at some point you have to contribute offensively.
Missed a year with knee surgery, be patient it will come. Looked good tonight with everything but the finish.
Brown looked really good on that PK. Keep plugging and sooner or later one will go in.
It’s already later. Sooner was 10 games ago. There is such thing as waiting too long. There are other players that could take those minutes in a prime position on Leon’s wing. Way too many plays die on Brown’s stick and he isn’t even a puck distributor.
Craig Berube joins Woodcroft on the sidelines – Blues replace Berube with Drew Bannister
Whoa. Can you just imagine, a giant mecha Berube ransacking a city, but when you look inside, it’s being controlled by a tiny mastermind Woodcroft! ???? ????????
Game management?
That was a textbook kill till than late chance
Ferrero is on it.
Connor Brown will never score again.
Tough spell this late. Impossible. Never happen.
Never.
some nice smart play from Drai
You guys know Brown and Kane have been playing with McLeod since mid way through the 2nd right?
Watching game on pvr,a little behind
#freeLeon
Watching Gagner the last few games ,I was wondering if maybe switching him and Brown for a couple of games might not be a bad idea. My only concern is the fourth line is playing so well….thoughts
The top 6 is so much faster a game. I doubt his ability to keep up, no matter how strong his positioning is.
I don’t think he can be a permanent solution,might be able to fill in a game or two. I’m concerned about his speed as well but he is shooting the puck at every opportunity.
I mean, I’ve been wondering things like what is Brown’s (negative) trade value, does his bonus go with him in a trade, and when does Holloway replace him.
so I don’t exactly object to Gagner getting some shifts.
I’d like to see it. 89 has been very good with limited min but an additional 7 min vs better opp may be a stretch
Looks like there was a switch in the 3rd period, however, this issue:
1) with Sam up would be the amount of minutes that line plays. Sam played 10 last night but I think has been in the 7-8 range mainly.
2) with Brown down for most players is that line is playing the toughest comp forwards among the Oilers forward lines and, even if Brown is a black hole offensively, he is very positionally sound and helps in the defending aspect of the game.
Zach, Hyman in the slot with the tap in.
Bad D there. Good execution to take advantage of it. Hyman with the rhymin finish.
Following the criticism I’ve read here, I’ve really focused on Brown. I’m pretty sure he’s no longer an NHL calibre hockey player. Leon deserves a better linemate. Holloway can’t come back quick enough.
NHL calibre is definitely debatable, but 2nd line duties is pushing it and his price tag is looking ugly. All the talk of being Hyman lite, he’s Janmark lite in my eyes.
Well, this game has been an adventure, but it hasn’t ever really felt it doubt. (so far) Still, I’d be happier if they’d play a little smarter here in the third and bring it home without another goal against.
You would hope. I get it – Tue night game vs what will end up as the worst team in the league.
Besides 98 who is going to score more than 15 goals on that team?
2, maybe 3 more and I can really relax!
better in the 2nd. only allowed 5 shots.
It can be a tough adjustment from high octane run n gun like the Oilers have played vs NJD and Wpg to an irregular, more random opponent like these Hawks,
That dreaded 2 goal lead…
97 and 2 can get that combo timed better with practice
Love the flyby stare down on the ref by 97.
“Draisaitl moving effortlessly around the ice tonight”
~™no effort? must be lazy.~
okay no more back passes please and thanks
It’s getting out of hand. Have gotten away with some poor puck management against a poor team
Why does Jack insist on saying names wrong?
He’s got Louie in his ear pronouncing Mrazek properly…Jack won’t follow.
For years before he came to Edmonton it was Koolaaawwwk for some reason instead of koo-lack.
Hronek is always wrong. These are just a small sampling.
I thought there was a sheet to help you out with these things…
American exceptionalism.
Can we acquire Zaitsev for the powerplay?
Great hands.
BOOM!!! Drai gets a gift!!! Deserves it!!!
Drai!!!
With shots at 8-3 in the 2nd for Oilers looks like someone found the lost structure during intermission
Lol for Draisaitl scoring a 1000% fluke goal away from Kane/Brown.
I’ll take it, and I’m pretty sure he will too.
Nice deflection by the Russian.
The Germanator scores off some collateral damage.
Sheer luck but we’ll take it. Leon King with some serious mojo there
Love watching the fourth line. So smart. Slow as hell and still get the job done by being smart. Love it.
Rope a dope. Big hockey brains.
Chicago coaches must have looked at the tactics employed vs the Oilers in the first 12 games. Collapsing to middle of ice. Leaving Oilers on the wall with the puck, wait for the inevitable high risk play turnover and head the other way on a fast break.
I’ve seen this before and it didn’t end well.
We are a tough crowd here at LT’s place. We do have a long history of playing loosely against teams we are heavily favoured to beat. Good thing is we have the talent to play river hockey and still win. Here we go again!
any updates on Holloway health?
the latest was a few days ago – I’m paraphrasing but he’s expected back before the end of the month – how much before the end of the month is tbd
Will be interesting to see how they get him in the line up. Brown likely should come out but won’t. Maybe you platoon Gagner and Ryan to rest them a bit??
I think Erne goes to Bako, and then yes, a little juggling will be required
Gagner keeps putting points up and Ryan has been playing great
It’s a nice problem to have
Nice to get ahead of these hungry youngsters
I apologize to all of you, but with how bad Drai’s boots are now, not that they’ve ever been good, there is no way a long term contract works out. He skates in sand. And if it’s injury even more worry. He’s not been the same since the high ankle against LA
He will be just as much a one trick pony as Ovi. And you can’t pay much more than he makes now for that. Ovi is 10 years older and skates as well. A lot of the problem with Drai’s line is he can’t move without a full head of steam. Lucic was blazing fast once you let him get going
Ya i know. Obviously come playoff time this issue will just be magnified, since hes already not all that good.
Maybe package him and McDavid for a pick or two, while they still have value? I mean that cliffs badically here. HH has been preachin that….
It’s as if you’ve never seen a Draisaitl December before.
At least this one isn’t shaping up to be -23 at 5v5.
Apology accepted. Draisaitl is, in actual fact, not a slow skater. He never was. Basically same speed as Taylor Hall at a team skills competition back in the day.
For reference, Connor’s top speed this year is 23.58 mph.
That Bedard goal was smart. He didn’t get it away “just in time”
He was waiting for Ekholm to place his stick between puck and net. He looked at corner. Then he pulled it back to get the angle then shot. Very nice.
No Connor jealousy though, we’re good.
Bettman wants Chicago to win.
The refs have been instructed to call more toward Chicago.
The bookies will win when Chicago wins.
Oilers are doing their part by playing into the strengths of the young crazy Black Hawks. Who have their own junior version of Connor to watch.
Signed: a delusional and bitter fan.
PS: Oilers are not yet mature enough to sit back, absorb then throttle the Hawks.
‘Intervention in aisle 3.”
Snore.
it’s only game why you have to be mad?
I’m not mad at all. I was simply writing from the perspective of a fanatic.
I for one am happy Samwise is an Oiler again. I hope they don’t trade him this time and let him retire as an Oiler.
I way underestimated his on ice performance.
I’m assuming off ice was always going to be a positive effect