At Pike Place Market in Seattle, the fish fly early and often. Trained professionals throw every fish but one (rockfish) many yards through the air in an effort to save time. No Mariners pitchers nor Seahawks quarterbacks, mind, but it’s still a cool touristy thing to do on the left coast.
The Athletic article today is about procuring talent for the Bakersfield Condors, talent that could be recalled and needs to be better than a pile of AHL-only deals. Article is here.
The Edmonton Oilers won another game in Seattle last night, The Oilers floored it early, showed Jimi Hendrix level sustain through 40, and then spent the third period down in a hole. Le sigh. This edition of the Edmontons, like the 1980’s club, lapses into black hole sun turnover fests that can turn a lush sound garden into a bunch of melvins.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN JANUARY
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA, BOS, PIT, CHI (Expected 2-1-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: LAK (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: MIN, COL, VAN (Expected 1-1-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: WAS, VAN, BUF, SEA, DET (Expected 3-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected results: 8-4-2, 18 points in 14 games
- January result: 2-0-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 24-12-3, 51 points in 39 games
The good ship Oilers is over 50 points before the halfway mark, and that’s a good sign. The team is 24-9-3 after the poor 0-3-0 start. A year ago, the record was 23-15-1 after 39 games, but that’s misleading. Edmonton had to win 10 in a row to get there. In the last 10, these Oilers are 7-2-1.
THE NUMBERS
There’s some concern about Connor McDavid not posting crooked numbers offensively in the last few games, but he had six shots and three HDSC’s last night. He’s in the lineup so that’s a tell in terms of health, but could be carrying a lingering issue or two midway through the season. That hit he took didn’t help.
The Henrique line was effective with Zach Hyman on it, all three men enjoyed HDSC chances and could have cashed. The Draisaitl line is hammering on all cylinders, Draisaitl has a 60-goal season on his stick every night these days. It was nice to see Podkolzin get one, and a nice goal, too.
Jeff Skinner made a lovely play to score, and a nice little pass from Kasperi Kapanen, too. It was a good evening for the forwards, and Derek Ryan playing in Seattle during his final season (I suspect) was a nice touch. He wasn’t just ornamental, either.
On defense, Darnell Nurse had a high-event but effective evening. Nurse is 27-21, 56 percent in on-ice goals five-on-five this season, the Oilers are 51 percent without him. Evan Bouchard is also 56 on, 51 off, Mattias Ekholm is 57-50 and Brett Kulak 52-53. These are all fan-freaking-tastic totals, if you mailed them back to Todd McLellan in 2015-16 he would weep.
Calvin Pickard had an effective evening, albeit with very little work and some bad luck on a slow shot from the point that appeared to give him the Jimmy Legs.
All in all, a solid road game. I wouldn’t worry about McDavid until he gets to five games without a point. He had chances last night. If I’m Kris Knoblauch, I move Hyman back to the top line. It’s time. Josh Brown was recalled for the road trip, next game in Boston. I want to watch a Bruins and Red Sox game in Boston before I die, probably April or October. The heart of my hockey fandom is somewhere in an Oilers-Bruins tilt. Can’t wait!!
Americans deserved that win – best team in the tourney by far (from what I saw) – crazy OT (I wish it was 5 on 5).
Finns under siege the whole OT. They looked out of gas??? US with terrific offensive players.
Pretty much Boston College/University against the world.
The American development model is becoming dominant and will likely do so even more now that CHL players can transfer to the NCAA.
Tonight’s American Goals:
1) James Hagens (BC) assists from Ryan Leonard (BC) and Gabe Perrault (BC)
2) Brandon Svoboda (BU) from Max Plante (Minn-Duluth) and Cole Hutson (BU)
3) Cole Hutson (BU) from Ryan Leonard (BC) and Zeev Buium (Denver)
4) Teddy Stiga (BC) from Zeev Buium (Denver) and Brodie Ziemer (Minnesota)
Almost all these players are team mates or would be very familiar with most who are not.
Might be a lesson to Hockey Canada to come up with a new development model for the Canadian team.
Conner Bedard, Macklin Celebrini and Zach Benson may have helped. World Jr’s isn’t any indication of strength of development.
Agreed,. Every few years the likes of HH clutch their pearls and scream that hockey in Canada is failing.
Condors coming in waves for 20 minutes of game play – shift after shift after shift – can’t cash and Henderson scores on a 3 on 2 against the play.
3-1 Knighs – shots 31-16 in favor of the Condors.
Rodrigue not making the save they need tonight.
Henderson scores ENG to seal the deal.
A couple things:
1 – Bakersfield has the 3rd lowest goals for in the AHL. Last season they were also one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league.
2 – Henderson is the worst team in the division, so this could be considered an upset. Henderson is now 4 – 12 at home, Bakersfield is 8 – 6 – 2 on the road.
3 – Raphael Lavoie’s offense has dried up in Nevada. Aside from a +1, he didn’t show up on the score sheet. He has 4 goals & 3 assists in his last 10 games and only 1 assist in his last 4 games. For the season he is:
25 – 6 – 5 – 11 – 28, 3 PPG
Of his 28 PIM’s he picked up twelve penalty minutes in 2 different games. Also, 2 of his 6 goals were scored in 1 game.
It is amazing how much a change of scenery can negatively impact a players’ trajectory.
After 30 minutes with very little happening, Chaulk switches the lines and it gives the team life.
Petrov wires one off the post from the right wing and the new line of Petrov/Hamblin/Griffith go to work with puck retrieval and wall battles – Petrov with a nifty back pass (as he was about to head behind the net) to Griffith, in front to Hamblin and they cut the lead to 2-1.
Great shift by Petrov (and the entire line).
Loving the main image on TSN’s home page right this second:
Someone wasn’t paying attention to the big picture.
Rodrigue beat clean from the high slot on a snap shot under the bar – Henderson worked it around on the 6 on 5 delayed call and got a clean shot.
Condors are the opposite of crisp half way through this game and full value for the 2-0 deficit.
Does this guy have a chance to make the NHL or is the AHL his peak?
Beats me – no idea with goalies.
None of us
I can’t find the splits, but according to Stats Muse:
PK last 25 games 88.9% (season 76.9%)
PP last 22 games 29.6% (season 23.5%)
Just to highlight how uncharacteristically poor the special teams were to start the year, they still rank mediocre for both, yet in the last 20-25 games they have been top tier for both.
Not surprisingly, record is 18-5-2 in last 25 games (P% 0.760)
Thanks. Loving the PK lately and was wondering…
Rodrigue with a very bad rebound and its 1-0 Henderson early.
No Cam Wright for the Condors tongiht (and, of course, Wanner and Jarventie remain out). Oly gets both games this weekend, will be tough with no Brown in addition to Wanner.
Who are the best possible available TDL D men?
Fabbro
Provarov
Jokiharju
Anyone else?
Potentially also:
Pettersson
Dumolin
Ceci
Savard
Petry
Maatta
Suter
Rutta
Cole
Grzelcyk
Pettersson would be at or very near the top of my list (including the players you mention).
+1 for Pettersson.
I like Mike Matheson as a target – Provorov has some appeal as well but I like the extra year on Matheson’s contract
I’d have time for Fabbro if they can sort out the waiver item- I believe CBJ has to offer him to other teams (if any) that originally put in a claim – I heard whispers the Oilers put in a claim but I can’t say how reliable that info was
Yes Pettersson looks like a solid option, nice list.
Fantastic goaltending
Summarizing!
Stonehouse scored his 5th of the season with a game-high 6 SOG.
Nathan was supposed to get a Day of rest, but was thrust into duty after his backup allowed 5 goals on 10 shots. Day played just over half the game, stopping 20 of 22.
Soup was forbidden to Clattenburg, so his point streak ended at eight.
Prospecting takes a break until Wodin’s Day.
For those interested, the 5’11, 193 lb Left Shot RW Stonehouse’s OHL stats since he was signed out of Training Camp last year (including playoffs) are:
91 – 26 – 33 – 59 – 81, 310 SOG
Jake Sloan, the 6’ 4” RS Center from Leduc was also considered, but Stonehouse got the contract. Here are Sloan’s stats over the same period:
98 – 41 – 60 – 101 – 62, 276 SOG
Both play PK, while Sloan also plays net front on the PP, 9 of his totals are PPG’s and one is a SHG. Stonehouse had 0 Special Teams goals in the same period.
My understanding the Oilers brass really liked Stonehouse’s speed and tenacity. However, he has not come close to the offense he put up in his Draft season, when his totals (in the season + playoffs prior to last years’ TC) were:
79 – 39 – 21 – 60 – 66, 283 SOG, 11 PPG, 3 SHG.
I don’t think he has much of chance as an AHL player, let alone making it to the NHL. I remain a Jake Sloan fan, however.
Sloan remains available to be signed by the Oilers or any other NHL team, correct?
Any idea whose NHL camp he attended (if any) this past fall?
Sloan was at Boston’s camp this season.
He still appears to be a FA, though it looks like he’s committed to Bowling Green next season.
Cool, thanks for the info.
College route makes a ton of sense for a player in his position (if an NHL deal isn’t forthcoming).
I though the Sloan info was quite interesting, so I started digging.
Here is a list of NCAA commits from the CHL, per league:
https://chl.ca/ohl/tag/ncaa-commitments/
https://chl.ca/whl/tag/ncaa-commitments/
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a similar list for the Q, but found a comprehensive list of all commits:
https://www.collegehockeyinc.com/college-commitments/
That’s some awesome info. Thanks!
I saw Sloan and Stonehouse at the 2023 Young Stars tournament in Penticton. I liked Stonehouse a bit better at the time, but it’s clear Sloan would have been the better bet. That said, I doubt either will ever move the needle at the NHL level.
Day-man with the OHL Save of the Night.
Speaking of Day, I think he would be best served to also take the NCAA route.
Saw John Prine at the Winspear in 2012. Great concert. Years after he’d had part of his throat and tongue removed because of cancer. Still knew how to work with he had. The man wrote just an unbelievable number of great songs. Fish and Whistle might be my favourite. Dear Abby is hilarious. The song Diamonds in the Rough makes me cry. Sam Stone, Hello in There, That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round. Love John Prine.
Amen.
He does a great duet with Kurt Vile, “How Lucky”.
Thanks, I’ll check that out! Kurt Vile is weird. But like, good weird. I like weird and I’ve liked the Kurt Vile stuff I’ve heard.
Arthur Kaliyev on waivers.
I hope we claim him … it’ll make LT happy.
It would! However, I don’t think the Oilers have an obvious winger to waive in favor of him.
He’s a RW that shoots left. They could fit him in easier than Savoie.
I would grab him he’ll be as hungry as Podkolzin give him a opportunity he might pop. Get Koskin from uncle Mikey bring back Slepyshev we are lacking hard forecheckers to do the dirty work that the Veterans aren’t inclined to do until the real season begins.
Montreal will have first dibs.
Vatrano extension for 3 years and $18MM but half of it is deferred and I think it takes the cap hit down to under $5MM.
He gets $900K per year, for 10 years, starting in 2035.
This is the first deferred salary deal with major cap implications.
Pierre LeBrun
@PierreVLeBrun
Creative = Circumvention. What a country!
There is no circumvention. Deferred salary is allowed and this appropriate treatment is discussed at length in the CBA. The only thing making the player better off is the tax rate differential of being able to draw the deferred salary in a lower tax rate jurisdiction. It is a way for highly paid people to have a tax deferred means to save for retirement.
No chance Anaheim would be paying Vatrano 3 years $6 million straight up. Likely the 4.57 million they will have on the cap is about what they would have been willing to spend.
The only potentially disadvantaged party is the state of California. Well unless Anaheim goes bankrupt anytime between 2035 and 2045 in which case Vatrano loses all unpaid payments.
Yes, I’m sure it’s all legal. But is it in the spirit of the cap? Kovalchuk’s a great example of cap creativity. First one was illegal, but given a mulligan. All this proves is that GMs absolutely can’t be trusted.
It is fully within the spirit of the cap. GM’s can’t really use this as a way to meaningfully lower their cap now unless the player, his agent and his financial advisors don’t understand the time value of money. I also don’t think reporters fully understand the tax and finance implications of this based on their covering of this.
At most, for the player it somewhat levels the playing field on taxes between playing in states with no taxes and states with high taxes and also saves a modest amount of tax if his deferred salary happens to be in a lower tax bracket.
Vatrano’s cap will be ~$4.57 million per year because economically that is roughly what he is being compensated.
I think you are missing the most important part of this from Vatrano’s perspective.
Vatrano is ensuring that long after the big money stops he has ten years of financial security starting at the age of forty and taking him to age 50, long after the high life demands of being a professional athlete are behind him. Not every 30 year old is a financial genius.
When you think about how many athletes end up broke because they get ripped off or make bad investments or listen to bad advice because they are young and don’t really understand what their financial advisors are telling them I think he has made a decision that what he loses should everything turn out for the best is made up for because he has ensured that he will never have to worry about money again for the rest of his life.
That may sound naive or silly to those whose life revolves around making more and more but it is not a bad plan for those who just want to live comfortably, not have to think about money, and want to do some interesting things with their lives after hockey.
I fully agree it’s a form of money management for players. Evander Kane for example would have been better off taking his compensation with a plan like this.
Deferred payment rules exist in the US as a means for high paid executives and athletes to even out their compensation for tax purposes and retirement planning. That is why it is in the CBA.
However, that has very little impact on whether this is a means for the team to beat the cap. There is nothing even remotely equivalent between saying I could get $ 6 million per year for 3 years or instead I could get $ 3 million for 3 years then get the other $ 9 million spread out in years 11-20. The latter method of payment is worth around $4.5 million less. That would be giving up 25% of the value.
Assuming that$6M per year for 3 years was ever on the table.
No way to know but I am doubtful.
This would be a situation in which a financial advisor would actually be useful & I have to assume Vatrano’s agent employed one in calculating the costs that came with the benefits.
Right, the $6 million in current payments was very unlikely ever on the table. It would have been at most $5 million per season with no deferral, or even closer to the 4.6 million cap hit that is calculated.
It is not like this is no risk. Deferred compensation is an unsecured liability and also only vests if he fulfills his whole contract. The vesting condition for hockey players is pretty low risk though.
To rely on the Ducks being viable from 2035 through 2045 is not a lock though. Half their revenue comes from league wide sharing. Their gate receipts are less than half the team salary. Likely ok though, but again not a lock.
Agreed.
An LT favorite, an former member of the famed deepest blue chip prospect group, perhaps in NHL history, Arthur Kaliyev, on waivers.
This oilers team bread could use more crust. But Im worried that they will get a D man that hits and can’t move puck.
but on forward they could use an Evander Kane or 3
I’m guessing They moving players around because they are looking at a certain player type or they plan on bringing Savoie up at some point and don’t know where to play him.
100%.
Will be an interesting deadline.
I doubt Kane will play this season/will be effective if he does play.
Perry is a marginal 4th liner.
Otherwise, this team does not have much bite. The team needs a villain that can play in the top 9.
I also don’t think Kane will be ready before next season
If we don’t see Kane by game 1 of the playoffs I believe he’s off to Kelfbom island with 1 year still remaining on his contract. Isn’t it a big swing and miss not using the IR money if they know Kane is done for the year. Nevermind the deadline you can obtain a fine defenceman right this minute for 5.5 million dollars
I think you will see him back but he won’t be ready if you know what I mean
No, don’t think it is a big swing and miss.
If Kane isn’t ready to play by the deadline then they will use his $5.125M in LTIR.
On top of that the team will also have the amount they’ve accrued by NOT being in LTIR for most of the season (which I think will be equivalent to roughly a $1M to $3M player).
If Kane does return they will still be able to add a $1M-$3M player (with $6M-$8M available if he doesn’t return).
This is 100% correct. Caveat though to that $6MM – $8MM, it would need to be separate transactions. Add the players with accrued cap space in the normal course and, then, use the LTIR reserves after.
Separate transactions hadn’t occurred to me, but yeah.
It’s unlikely they’d want to add only a single player, so that shouldn’t matter too much hopefully.
Thanks for that. I foresee some Action Jackson in our future.
They could potentially add an apx $3MM AAV and then a $5MM AAV at the deadline – if they know Kane isn’t returning during the regular season.
1) on the former, the closer to the deadline, the more AAV they can acquire.
2) on the latter, well, if they are going to do both, this has to come after the first move is made and, also, I don’t think they know they have the cap space yet.
Either way on Kane it’s all good. If Kane can’t go I do hope we add players that aren’t just rentals but are pieces to the puzzle for years. This will be Bowman’s first real test he’s been pretty savvy so far Podkolzin-Kapanen-Emberson-Savoie-Jarventie-Perrault-O’Reilly even Fisher I think the offer sheet was a perfect storm and Armstrong we receive payback by one of the brethren before he’s done.
They already have that D man in Josh Brown. Evander Kane is definitely the player type they miss in the forward group, Savoie not so much.
Josh Brown is not an NHLer. If he was, he would be playing ahead of stetcher. He does not have NHL level puck skills.
I think (don’t know) they may be a little disappointed in Brown’s mobility. Range is fine, he’s tough enough, but he’s a big rig out there and they may try to upgrade.
Sure. I don’t see them making that mistake again.
I too remain concerned about the lack of physical play by our team. I get it that as a skilled team we have the puck a lot therefore take more hits than we give out. What really bugs me is our lack of push back when our key players are getting hacked, wacked and abused. After a couple of penalties officials put the whistles away and it’s back alley hockey. Connor especially takes a ton of abuse. Brown is not an NHL player and was puzzled when they gave him the contract they did. Kane will certainly help but we don’t know at what level his play will be at after missing most of the season. Adding a bottom 6 forward with some nasty would be a good start.
I too would like to see Kane healthy and being an irritant to other teams. But I will play this song again & again: retribution feels good for the fans, and maybe the bench -if they’re not singing from the song sheet this coach is conducting. It does not win games. It will not stop McDavid from being hurt.
LT’s late-60s/70s Bruins were a bruising team. That did not protect Orr.
McDavid, like Messier, knows how to look after himself, & his team’s interests. He isn’t the nasty physical presence of Messier, yet. But I’m seeing his edge. And it’s getting sharper.
The “grit” of this team -as with any skill team- is to have the discipline to not be drawn into taking cheap penalties. They play physically -watch them forecheck and back check and separate pucks from men. Watch them in the corners and on the walls. Almost no measurable “hits,” but persistent pressure. We don’t -yet- have a metric for this more subtle physical play.
“Hits” and fights give us a rush, as fans. But to keep calling for this, when this is NOT the game these Oilers are playing, and will likely never play so long as they can punish with skill, is missing the point and the glorious performance we’re being offered. By the Oilers. By this coach.
I think Knoblauch made the Hyman Brown swap for a couple of reasons.
1) Worthwhile experiment to prepare for playoff matchup hockey. Can I move Hyman around tactically in the playoffs? Can Brown hang with McDavid and not impact the level of play of that line too much.
2) Fewer minutes for Hyman overall while he has a banged up face and nose and wearing a cage.
3) Reward for Brown.
Beautiful short pass from Brown to Nuge on the game winner, too.
Draisaitl does not pass the puck to Podz on the empty netter no matter what the circumstances are, he’s on a breakaway, Podz has a defender in his near vicinity, the coach tans his rear if he passes that puck.
Great on Nuge for potting another, 4g in his last 5 woot.
Agree with all this:
1) Swapping Brown and Hyman likely helps both lines – its time.
2) I think Drai is very aware that the Rocket and/or 60 are within reasonable reach. I have no doubt he passes that puck to Podz for the empty net if that wasn’t the case. I’m glad he didn’t. He still may have in Podz hadn’t scored earlier.
3) A very strong game from Podz in all zones – he just keeps bringing it. He’s signed for next season at $1MM – what a trade.
There was 1:35 left in the game. Draisaitl was going for the sure thing to put the game away, after an almost blown three goal lead. He wasn’t going to pass the puck when he had a direct line to the net.
Situational hockey.
Truth
Podz was wide open for a tap in with no defender in line to break up the play.
I’m not in Drai’s head, but we’ve seen him pass that puck to the “lesser player” many times in the past.
Draisaitl scored the goal because it was in the teams best interests with 1:35 left and an almost blown three goal lead, not his own.
Passing the puck there would have been a selfish indulgence, the exact opposite of the motivations you suggest in your first initial post in this thread.
If you want something done right, do it yourself. Right?
Mitch Marner made the same absolutely correct decision in Toronto last night, even with the teammate charging the net going for his fourth goal of the night, not his second. 2 minutes left, 1-goal lead, don’t F around, just put the puck in the net. It’s a team game, but the #1 objective for said team is to win the game.
In Marner’s case, his goal stood up as the game winner. Whereas an 80% pass to Knies might not have.
I don’t disagree with this or with Godot’s premise.
I just know I’ve seen Drai pass off in very similar situations in the past and believe the seasons he is having played in to his decision.
If that was McDavid, with Drai driving the net in Podz’s position, I think McDavid likely passes it off even though there is a tiny bit of risk there (not much though, it would have been a 98% play on the pass).
Draisaitl secured the two points, and he is NOT the culprit for EN goals among league leaders this year. I don’t think it matters at all.
I’m not criticizing the player, or anyone, in any way – not at all.
I found the play notable and provided my opinion on it which is being discussed.
Of course it doesn’t matter but it was part of the game last night that is being discussed and analyzed.
Ah. I thought there was a conspiracy theory building about Draisaitl hating Europeans, and wanted to get ahead of it.
If he does drop it back this might look like the Oilers are showboating and piss the Seattle team off enough to put it in their back pocket for the January 27 encounter.
I think he had something like 23 points in the 12 games before these last two. Its interesting that he is now “in a slump” and he’s two games removed from 2 PPG over 12 (apx).
He is slumping, he’s not been able to score on a few breakaways and he’s pressing a bit trying to beat the defenders on 1 on 2s in-zone.
I’m not concerned, this won’t last long and he’s likely to go on a production heater again very shortly.
Winning two games in a row with zero McDavid points is a good thing.
His skating been fine but when’s the last time he wired a shot from well out?
I left Alberta for the left coast years ago and spend a lot of time in Seattle. I have been lucky enough to catch a few games and concerts at the arena, and the venue is top shelf, always a great time. Thanks for the Melvins drop in the post, that made my morning.
It’s such a fun city to visit. Cool neighbourhoods, soooo much to do.
Been a few years for me, but last time there saw a great band at Neumos (the Kills), had a transcendent food experience (Thai food at a little spot in Pikes), and the Museum of Pop Culture is such a blast.
The most fun in Seattle is a Blue Jays game!
I was at Neumos 2 years ago to see a band called Archers of Loaf. It was a great show. I feel like the venues in that city take a lot of pride in the sound quality too. I am heading to Seattle next weekend, if you don’t mind sharing, what is the name of the Thai place?
Nice! Neumos is a great venue.
If memory serves it’s Jasmine Thai. Simple, but delicious.
Thanks for the info!
The one thing I don’t get is the Hyman/ Brown switch . Both players were relatively hot where they were playing. Why didn’t you just leave them be? I really don’t get that move.
Great 2 periods and then a couple bobbles. The Kappanen giveaway was a real bad let’s get fancy pass.
This will be a tough road trip and all hands must be on deck.
What were all of your thoughts on Ryan’s game last night ?
Wouldn’t it be a smart idea to bring up Philp ASAP and play him a lot to see if he can be that #4 C man so we won’t need to go out and get one if they think that is one of there weak spots?
Well, it looks to me that Edmonton is going with four lines that can score. Not only that but they’re playing sound defensively. Ryan had an assist, a blocked shot and was 1-5 on faceoffs in 7:57 minutes of ice time. He was OK. But it sure would be interesting to see how Philps could manage that ice time.
A great assist by Ryan, where he won a battle against 2 Kraken along the wall, then fed Kapanen cruising up the middle.
Interesting to see him get that game in Seattle after 2 games in the press box, as tipped by Bob Stauffer a week ago. I wonder what happens next & will be watching the waiver wire this next while. DR might have earned a bit of a reprieve with a big play last night, but the clock is ticking & Father Time remains undefeated.
That’s undeniably true, but knowing if and when the defeat has happened is often much less certain.
Tons of players have made key contributions after being left for dead (for the Oilers and around the league).
Once I stayed at a Seattle hotel called the Edgewater Inn situated right on the water.
It’s mentioned in Zappa’s 200 Motels record. They actually had fishing lines hanging out of the windows so you could fish from your room.
Seattle is a great town. I really enjoyed exploring Ballard.
Last time I was in Seattle was on a St. Patrick’s Day.
The city kicks off the day with a boisterous parade featuring numerous DeLoreans and a gaggle of Irish Wolfhounds.
Pubs all over the city open for business at 9am and are PACKED all day.
Not for the faint of heart.
A true highlight was FX McCrory’s Whiskey Bar which featured over 1400 brands mainly scotch and Irish Whiskey.
https://www.fxmcrorys.com/whiskey-bar-1/2015/12/31/seattles-iconic-watering-hole
Sadly, it closed during Covid but I have a Leroy Neiman print of the bar hanging on the wall of my mancave to remember it by.
https://www.firerockfineart.com/FX-McRorys-Whiskey-Bar-p/leroyneiman_fxm.htm
Was there years ago for the Seahawks pregame party. What a time to be alive.
Another feature of our trip was the opportunity to watch the Kingdome get blown up.
That’s fantastic.
LeRoy Neiman was a fascinating character.
If you’re interested in going down a rabbit hole…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeRoy_Neiman
He lived most of his life In NYC at the iconic Hotel des Artistes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_des_Artistes
NORM!!!
Cheers.
“…out, so far out, you do the mudshark, baby…”
So much to titillate my (then) teenage mind… wondering about the happenings at the Edgewater, with Frank Zappa and the Mothers.
Much later I learned that Frank was a fantasist and loved to troll our teenage minds as much as he trolled “serious rock” with serious musicality and performance. A unique talent.
Ps. I’m confident that in the wake of 200 Motels many a teenage lad made sure to book a visit to Seattle’s Edgewater…
I thought McDavid played great last night.
It’s obvious that now he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the regular season.
The opposition gives a rat’s ass, and they usually give him a rough ride, more so than Draisaitl. Yes, Mcdavid played great last night.
In the last few games he has taken a lot of shots and some cheap shots. That knee from Montour was really a big cheap shot. No one responded to that at all. I was a bit disappointed.
I’m more disappointed at the officiating.
About 2 steamboats after he passed the puck. Second time in a week McD has been cranked long after distributing the disc, & NHL refs would rather keep the score close than protect the league’s biggest asset. It enrages me.
Even though it’s different rules and times Sather would never allow this. I’ll give Bowman this year to evaluate and I know his hands are tied but I expect him to bring in functional sandpaper and step-up toughness next year.
Makes one dream of wingers E Kane and T Wilson flanking Connor
The league hasn’t really changed that much, just can’t be as straight obvious as back in the day. They still allow abuse to the best players. Connor needs some slightly mal-adjusted humans to play with, that are smart enough not to hit high or board. Everything else is still A Ok
On the topic of music, the HNIC person who chooses the music for the gaps should be fired, or if they are under 30, educated Malcolm McDowell style with the Seattle grunge scene.
Of all the bands they could have chosen (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, even Hendrix, etc), they went with Creed (Florida) and Red Hot Chili Peppers (LA). And more than once.
They take this very seriously in that part of the world. I went to Jack White in Portland and few years ago. Pearl Jam was playing Seattle. Jack quipped “I guess you guys couldn’t get tickets to Pearl Jam either, huh?”
On McDavid – he was mad at that hit last night and is threatening a supernova that may end a D man or goalie a career soon. Definite 3rd apple on the third goal, he could have dumped and changed, but realized the tactical situation.
Perhaps if the Oilers played decent music during their gaps this argument might hold more water.
How about after each Oilers goal when they play that horrible (swear word) music interlude that sounds like a circus parade listened through 3 wooly hats?
Wasn’t an argument. Not everything is. But playing Creed while on HNIC against Seattle seems like someone either failed the assignment or is a troll of epic proportions.
Someone is getting paid to play Creed. I don’t get why this very mediocre christian rock band from 20 years ago remains on anyone’s playlist let alone during nationally broadcast hockey games.
It wasn’t even a Tuesday!
Darmok! Captain America, when he gets the reference!
The lead singer has had quite the life…
Watched the game on ESPN. For those who wish Debrusk would give the Oilers a bit more of a leash from time to time, I present to you Ed Olczyk, whose colour was so biased it was as if he were on the bench. Constantly yelling to the Kraken D to get it out and deep, not merely analyzing the game but seemingly coaching at a distance. I don’t mind a local homer but I found his bias distracting.
Olczyk’s never been the same since he was traded away from the Leafs.
Eddy is a wizard at analyzing Horses.
Maybe he gave Nuge some pointers
I’m more excited for this Condors game than I should be. Helps that it finally is at a reasonable time and no conflict with the Oil.
Any game could be Philp’s last as a Condor.
Can Savoie keep this level of play going?
Can Petrov get back on the scoresheet
Rodrigue gets both starts this weekend (he was great late and in OT on Friday).
Beautiful photo to start the day! Thanks LT
This team is doing enough to win most nights, which some might not think is dominant enough for a team with cup aspirations, but is really all we can ask. And if they can make a splashy(ish) add on RHD before the deadline, and get a healthy Evander Kane up to speed by the playoffs this team is gonna be scary.
We should also acknowledge that Knoblauch and the rest of the staff are pretty sharp with the line juggling too. Good arrows up and down the depth chart lately.
I’ve learned long ago not to critique a win. At the end of the day it’s all that matters. It beats a good loss by miles.
The main thing for me was that Pickard only faced 17 shots; Grub had 31. The score with the empty netter was flattering for the Kraken.
That’s definitely a good thing.
I am starting to think, more and more, this team is intentionally doing “just enough to win” most nights. I think one of their most primary considerations is getting to the playoffs with the least amount of wear and tear possible while being in a good seeded position.
Connor McDavid has 5 hits over the last 20 games – five. He had 118 last year. McDavid is a physical player when he’s fully engaged. He finishes checks and aggressively enters puck possession battles with his body. He is not doing that. I’m 100% fine with it as I have little doubt he will flip it in the playoffs.
The issues is that I’m not as confident in the ability of some of the other players to be able to flip it as effectively.
It’s a veteran group, saving yourself for the playoffs is a veteran thing to do.
Prospectnirvana!
The Stonehouse Temple Pilots and the Birds of Fire comprise the sched. (Fischer would join too but for his participation* in today’s WJHC gold-medal game.)
Flint’s 3-in-3 concludes today, and Day has been in net for two already, the latest a 5-4 OT loss yesternight. The backup has to get the call today, no?
Meanwhile, Clattenburg’s point streak is now 8 with an apple last night, 6+5 in that stretch.
Stonehouse has four points (1+3) his last 3 GP.
Ottawa (Stonehouse) @ noon
Flint (Day, Clattenburg) @ noon
Both times are the same time and are also Stony Plain time.
*Term used loosely.
Love the grunge references LT.