For me, this might be the most interesting game played by the Edmonton Oilers since Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. I wrote the sentence above in an article that became fairly famous in some circles due to the phrase ‘sex on a stick’ of all things. The article and line came as a result of some inspired decisions by Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch, moves that can be credited with helping to turn the series against Vancouver.
At that time, Knoblauch switched goalies, shuffled the pairings, sat Corey Perry and placed Dylan Holloway in a feature role. There was a Bowman-esque quality to the iron in those moves. It reminded me also of the day Glen Sather decided to put flat out rookie Andy Moog in goal against the Montreal Canadiens over 40 years ago.
Inspired.
I don’t know what decisions the coach will make, and don’t know what may come, but it’s going to be an epic game tonight either way. There’s all kinds of talk about what to do with the defensive pairings (I have an article up at The Athletic this morning, please read) and in many ways Knoblauch is an ideal coach for this moment in time.
He seems to be a consensus coach, who has a belief system that involves not worrying too much about what is said, but rather focuses on the best possible results. He has that in common with Glen Sather, John Muckler, Ron Low, Craig MacTavish and every other one of Edmonton’s previous coaches. What might make him different? He already has a solid track record in making sound decisions.
I’ll tell you that there’s nothing I can see that is an obvious path. I know you’re going to show me something that has happened in 73 minutes over the last four weeks, but I’m going to tell you that’s a hunch, maybe a trend. I don’t see the point in hammering these stats as the one true God when any other time we can agree that it’s interesting, deserves a ponder, and would justify the coach making a move at the position involved.
I don’t feel that way about Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, together or apart. Something has to be done, before tonight’s game, I just don’t know what it is. I have a suggestion in the article, but I’m not going to trumpet my idea as some kind of biblical scripture. I so miss the days when people were less sure of their puny numbers. I can’t make sense of calling a coach an idiot because you believe your bible. Everyone’s got a bible now. Tower of Babel.
A big show today on the Lowdown, we’ll have Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal and are lining up another former Oilers player as a guest. Love to hear from you! It’s a big damn day. You can reach me at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section or on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. Question: Would you like to see an updated 2024 Lowetide draft list later this week?
https://x.com/oilygifs/status/1796021395882647738
Big day for Swedish Oilers
Decision time on goaltending. We now have a big travel day – then game 5 – then another big travel day – then game 6. If we are going to play Pickard in this series it’s G6 – and if we are going to do that – then for Pete’s sake leave Stu at home and let Campbell be the backup. Stu would get 3 days rest and no travel while Otter has played 17 straight. Otter would play again on Friday and fly across the continent two times before playing again Sunday.
If they plan to use Pickard as the starter for G5 then there is no reason to fly Skinner across the continent twice to sit on the bench and watch. Try win G5 with Pickard and then go with a rested Skinner for G6 and G7 (if necessary). Oilers have depth advantage in goal but only if you use it.
Considering Skinner just won the most critical game since 2006, it would be 1971 Boston levels of insanity to consider replacing him. Boston in 1971 up 1-0 in the series inserted Johnson in goal to play the Montreal Canadiens led by Jean Beliveau with Henri Richard, Ken Dryden and Frank Mahovilich and company. Boston ended up blowing a 5-1 lead.
Before tonight’s game I wanted both Skinner and Nurse shot into the sun, for what little my opinion is worth lol
Resting is different than replacing. Especially for goalies who play 60 minutes. Otter has played 17 games in a row and at some point play will degrade. I think it’s close. Skinner also probably needs a blow based on history and he’s played 6 straight. He can get 3 days of rest with no travel before game 6 which is now absolutely going to happen with the series tied 2-2. In contrast Otter will have to travel EDM-DAL-EDM in the next 3 days and play game 18 in a row. This is a war of attrition and they have a chance to put a serious hurt on DAL goaltending while protecting their own in the next 3 days.
This is a unique situation and we have the depth…..use it.
Skinner .885 sv pct at 5×5 in the playoffs
This is a quality troll post. Although you might be onto something given that Dallas has access to a secret network of passenger fighter jet planes and it will only take Oettinger 1hr to travel from Edmonton to Dallas and he’ll be much more rested than Skinner in comparison.
Let’s play Beauregard! Fantastic idea.
The only thing worse than putting one of your top 2 goalers in the stands a la 2006 would be leaving him in another city. Maybe we could reach out to Ty Conklin to be the EBUG since we’ll never need to use him?
The NHL is a dinosaur league – check out how MLB has started sending pitchers to road games ahead of time so that they have maximum rest. If Skinner travels he plays – if he’s backing up why bother – leave him at home. Only people who have never travelled a lot for work (let alone athletics) would think this idea is silly.
That might have been a shitburger pass by Brown, but boy was the sauce on it ever delicious.
Sweet goal sauce
Dropping shitburgers while having a massive dip during his avail with the Edmonton meat = Legend.
Dallas fans are currently melting down like our team did after the last game.
Going to be an interesting best of 3.
Not piling on the guy, but Nurse, did he really have that great if a game?
#3 D in terms of TOI
39% CF%
2GF / 2 GA
XGF 61%
50/50 o-zone versus d-zone starts
Yes he had a great game. Add in 12 hits. And miles skated. And the on ice for 2GA – one he had nothing to do with and the other was off his ass.
Add in the three blocked shots including the one that led to Janmark’s shortie… as well as running interference on that goal.
It was funny to watch the replay on the McLeod goal. It looked like Nurse steered Suter into Oettinger. No way McLeod gets the puck to score that goal if Nurse hadn’t done that.
I’m as critical of Nurse as anyone who lives and dies with this team. He does not defend 2-on-1s well, but the 2nd goal was just a bad break. He rallied and had a terrific game from that point on though. He really showed up tonight despite all the press and everyone doubting him, and the worst possible start to the game.
I still think his contract is terrible. But I appreciate that he never stops trying to do his best. Tonight we saw a glimpse the player that Holland felt was worth that contract. He was a beast tonight.
Definitely pivotal on the goal (was it intentional and would that have been a penalty?)
With this team in cap jeopardy for years to come, as armchair GM I would comment:
1 Pay McDavid, Bouch, Draisaitl whatever you need, and shed who you need to to make that happen
2 Kulak is the kind of player you need at the contract he has (bad first goal aside). Bottom pair/middle pair Swiss Army knife. Keep him or find an alternate
3 Keeping Broberg amid the mid-season chatter was 3D chess by Holland, knowing that he could be a cost controlled D for upcoming years. Deserves credit for not deadline river boat gambling
4 McLeod should be perceived as a winger going forwards. Henrique return has made that plain to see (definitely worth seeing if he would re-sign, albeit likely too pricey). Getting a good 3rd line C remains a priority.
5 Some of these bottom 6 forwards have been great because they also have brought PK prowess. Can’t break the bank for any of them, but a good problem to have them experience this run and camaraderie with the group
And sorry, 6 Ekholm for mayor
Nothing resonates with me like important decisions being made on players after one game (Broberg). Or about important line-up decisions for next year mid-playoffs. Is there some bragging rights behind the need to be early with your statements?
Third line has been nowhere these playoffs. One could claim the 4th line has out-played them. And yet next series L3 could be the line that dominates and wins the Cup. That’s just how hockey goes.
I personally would rather deal with a full dataset. YMMV
Someone piss in your cornflakes?
No, I’ve watched every game and didn’t make conclusions based on one game (eg that was not Kulak’s finest, but did demonstrate versatility)
And yes, depth means having serviceable bottom 6 players who can contribute and kill penalties. And you are comparing them to the league’s best and they are treading water. And I specifically implied that we may not choose to keep all of them.
I think reading and trying to understand someone’s view before making snide remarks is the key here.
So, no, your mileage does vary, and your whole stream of consciousness here is quite uncalled for and way off base. Be better
Nobody pissed on my cornflakes but apparently you feel like I pissed in yours. How horrible someone disagreed with you–IMO–jumping the gun. Perfect opportunity to take things personally.
Be better.
Missed the game tonight due to a project so I get home and check the box score and Holy S#@!, Broberg is playing in Game 4 of the WCF. Connor Brown with a hat trick would have been less of a surprise. Knoblauch is a different dude, that’s for sure. Looking forward to seeing Lavoie playing in the SCF.
Well, the Oilers are winning the special teams battle this series on the strength of a PK goal. Kind of a funny way to do it but I’ll take it.
In years past I would be more angered by the lack of calls, frankly because we were more dependent on them. It’s a good feeling to know that this team is capable of winning in every game state.
And thank you Ek for taking a long range shot at EN with a 2 goal lead.
I hate to be that guy but the officiating was horrific tonight. It could have significantly impacted the game if the Oilers didn’t have a historically good PK right now.
You have only ever been that guy
Big defensive plays by Perry, good stick, good positioning
I wasn’t in favour of inserting him into the line-up. He played a good game.
Think some rest does a guy of that age real well
I’m the exact same age as Perry, and let me tell you…rest does a guy this age REAL WELL
Too bad a coach can’t win the Conn Smythe.
they can. Gretzky was a coach. he won the Conn Smythe
If the Penguins weren’t in the gutter while Lemieux was a player coach, I suppose it technically could have been done?
Really nervous start for our guys(and the fans!) but they found the switch and took off like gangbusters! Nurse said “screw this. If I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die my way” and switch up to the old Nurse! He was banging bodies, skating the puck outta danger and joining the rush! KK saw it and said “The man is cookin. Let him Cook!” and let loose the reins! I’m happy for him cuz the team needs This version of Nurse!
Brownie is making up for his lost season Big Time! That shortie turned the tide and we never looked back after that!
Also happy to see Bro out there in the final minutes. It was garbage time but, for Bro, definitely a rush knowing he worked his ass off this game and Deserved to be out there!
I don’t know how we found that switch but I how we can keep it pressed from here. When they play like this, I’ll put them up against any team!!!
Best of Three, Baby!!!
go take it from them!!!
Great adjustment by Janmark to finish that shortie off and roof it
Loved the intensity and legs moving from Darell
Playoffs are hard, semi-finals are really hard, the team that wants it more and forces a submission will win. Pretty simple and incredibly difficult at the same time.
Thank you
2 5v5 goals on Heiskanen
3 goals overall
The fact of that game being exceptional for Nurse, rather than a completely normal performance, is exactly the problem with him.
Thankfully they don’t need it every night because others have shown up.
Wait, ….what?
Now he’s still bad??
Someone at ON needs to put Shitburger on a shirt, stat.
Only if it has a pic of Janmark mid shot with the open net
The Oil have really set the tone. When they’re on and aggressive, Dallas can’t keep up. When they’re passive, Dallas takes over. I really expected Dallas to be better. No way implying the Oil win this thing, but they are the better team when they play their game. Protecting the lead has been their biggest issue and they were much better at it tonight.
Oilers are at their best when they are attacking. They can’t think about protecting a lead, they have to keep attacking with the mindset to add to the lead.
They are a force when they continue to push the pace.
Hopefully the coach gets that figured out. He did tonight. Great 3rd period where they didn’t sit back, but continued to push
They’re interviewing Yanmark and Draisaitl now. They asked Draisaitl to say nice things about the PK. They should have followed it up and asked Yanmark what’s wrong with the PP. Moment lost.
Well I think we found Nurse’s ‘on’ switch – it’s on his left buttock…
Great game.
Bieksa calling out the Nurse idiocy of the last few days. Good on him. The shade about some Etown media not understanding hockey. That’ll ruffle some feathers. I’d just say two of them personalities were all over Bouchard earlier in the season too. All over.
Maybe Bieksa has a point…
Nurse was a different player tonight – engaged, physical, closing gaps, and altogether effective. That doesn’t mean it was incorrect to point out that this is precisely what he hadn’t been bringing enough of earlier. Nurse responded to the criticism in the right way – good for him, for the team, and for the fans.
What a freaking game. Pure dominance from 10 mins on. Wowzer these guys can play when they’re feeling it
Darnell silenced the hens tonight.
Corey is to wily and doesn’t take the bait.
Perry asked about rallying around Nurse: “Haven’t heard anything about him.”
This is all good stuff. Much appreciated.
This team is defiant and oily. Frelling love it.
I’m going to say Period 1 was rock bottom for Nurse … physical and nasty is what he has to offer … Kulak struggled on his off side … it all worked … Good for us
So with Tanev potentially out here, how close is Dallas to getting Buffalo Saber’d here? I’m not sayin’ I’m just sayin’…
That was my key to this round
they take one out they have a good chance. They take two out they win the series
Likely next man up is an offensive D who is defensively suspect in Lundqvist.
Haakenpaa hasn’t been practising yet.
Broberg with a tidy quiet game which is about the highest praise you can give a guy that has been locked in the cellar
texting everyone the same thing. he was ready and kept it quiet
Just wait until he gains the confidence to start wheeling.
Excellent post and excellent game from Broberg, a nice quiet game.
We have company and I was trying to keep an eye on him, I didn’t notice him very often, in a good way. Amazing what being able to skate and pass does for a pair
He also was also pretty sound positionally from what I did notice
This TNT broadcast I’m watching I west virginia puts every broadcast yo shame.
Every TNT one. Just next level.
yup. compared to mlb, nhl broadcasts are so freaking negative that it makes the game worse. my hatred of the jays games is the same. they treat the sport like hockey and are disparaging but you watch any other market game and it’s a blast. i don’t understand our aggressively critical broadcasts. who is that enticing to the sport (especially baseball)?
Really appreciate how Bieksa is giving kudos to Nurse.
What a rough start, and what a quality game overall.
McDavid and Draisatl both under 20 minutes today. KK is either the PDO king of coaching decisions or he has a real finger in the pulse of this team.
I like Nurses games a lot better when he gets rough
Get oily, baby!
TnT team Gretzky, biz nasty, lunquist, Anson Carter spent solid segment talking about exactly this with higlight package.
You’re not the only who likes it rough
Im sure HH will have some insightful comments about Dallas getting nothing going in last period
Or the 2nd
Nah, he’s probably just looking at old photos of his wife who left him, or press clippings of his work before he washed out.
HAHAHA. Right!? Honestly, that guy is the worst. Imagine being that kinda human. 🙂
GO OILERS!!!
He’s moved on to San Jose boosterism, predicting the next Oileresque dynasty – playing the longest game of 4D chess, so long that we don’t give a sh!t
HUGE WIN!
Keep the momentum rolling in Texas!!
LETS GO OILERS!! CLAP CLAP!
Brown interview on Sportsnet comes out hard for Nurse. Helluva good teammate.
Brown seems to have found his hands at just the right time of the year.
yep said the same thing to my crowd
Lotta teammates had his back through much of the season.
Watching Brown in particular tonight, I felt like they really are a tight team.
Brown drops a “shitburger” in his interview. 🙂
Lol, Janmark burried a shitburger pass for his shorty. 🙂
i’ve loved brown all season. he worked hard all year and it’s nice to see him making a difference in the playoffs.
Brownie wasn’t lying there
“Flipped the script…” McDavid reads my posts!!
Lol
#commoncliches
Be a real tragedy if Tanev is out for the series
I would certainly be tempted to weep and rend my garments.
“It’s as if millions of Western Canadians voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced”
You mean that guy who didn’t want to be traded to Edmonton?????
Who will Canada cheer for if Tanev is out?
National day of mourning here in BC where we have been hanging on his every shift.
Oilers played a very physical game tonight. I hope they keep that up. Dallas doesn’t seem to be interested in engaging. Officiating is hard to comprehend. Is it incompetence or by design????
exactly
Incompetence… or… ya, a bit of both.
A nod back to the early season.
Everyone was reeling. But our ManBoyBouch came to play from the opening puck drop.
He had a wonderful 1st period and kept them in it when the water was pouring in.
What a player
Nice win Oilers. Its 2-2 and the Oilers don’t have a pp goal in the series.
After an admittedly team-wide start to the game, Skinner shut the door the rest of the way.
I choose to believe that Bieksa threw shade directly at Spec right there. No, you cannot convince me otherwise.
What did Bieska say?
“The Edmonton meat, you know the media, because they’re dead, cold, and dumb.” Roughly that anyway.
I think it was “raw, dead and dumb.” Same sentiment though.
Re: Nurse this morning, “…has to meet with the Edmonton meat, that’s what I call the media because they’re raw, dead and dumb…”
I’m saying it right now, because it should be said by someone like spector, instead of smoking poll (pun intended) or trolling own teams players
If we end this series with every game more clear penalties whistle swallowed than Dallas. Regardless of end results:
Screw you betman
Market share vs fair
.
YESSSSSS!
Huge win
“What if their power play adapts, as it always does?”
“What if McDavid goes on a heater?”
“What if Draisaitl goes on a heater?”
“What if the Oilers play a full 60 minutes instead of 40 or 50?”
Statement win that may have planted a seed of doubt back in Dallas.
Great game by nurse. Don’t believe I noticed him backing in on the goalie even once. Also way more physical. Hope he keeps it up. If so he could be a dominant defenseman.
Credit to the coaching staff there. Both Stuart and Coffey were giving him words of encouragement to lift him up after the first two goals.
I’m saying it right now because it should he said by someone like spector instead of smoking poll (pun intended) or trolling own teams players
If we end this series with every game more clear penalties whistle swallowed than Dallas. Regardless of end results:
Screw you betman
Market share vs fair
.