This is Ziggy ignoring me because I won’t let her out of the car so she can bark at the man who said hello to her at the Petro Can a few years ago. Ziggy is an interesting dog, she is the sweetest thing on earth most of the time but does pick some poor schlub out of the crowd to abuse barkily at times. This was such a day.
Last night, my two favourite hockey teams got together and it was a tale of two futures on display. The Oilers looked in control, all pistons firing, very little worry in the outcome of the game. The Bruins? They were reduced to barking like Ziggy at the Petro Can man years ago. Boston did exact some physical revenge (Stuart Skinner took a nasty hit, Mattias Ekholm took a hit from behind early that took a bite out of him and Mattias Janmark also missed time) but my goodness this is a shell of the Bergeron-era Bruins. It isn’t exactly a changing of the guard, the Oilers made the final last spring. It is a recognition that these Oilers can pulverize a team on the road, leaving the fans riled and in a bad way. It is the Oilers time now, whatever may come.
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 2-0-0)
- 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: 3-0-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 25-12-3, 53 points in 40 games
Could this team run it up to 110 points? Would that be enough? What if Vegas was in the Central division? Did Gary gift them a great expansion draft, or what? I like this team plenty, am thrilled for Stuart Skinner (he has delivered big time over the last six weeks) and am shocked by how well the coaching staff is handling this group. I wrote about the Oilers today at The Athletic, along with two others Canadian teams with a chance to win Stanley. I hope you read it.
THE NUMBERS
Sometimes these summaries don’t offer much, but this one is full of interesting things. Stuart Skinner stopped all 26 shots he faced, and now owns a save percentage (five-on-five) of .920 since October 15. That’s No. 15 across the NHL. I think that kind of goaltending can backstop the Oilers to Stanley No. 6. We’ll see.
The sequence before Connor McDavid’s goal belongs in the Louvre. Stuart Skinner’s big stop, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with a sublime pass to the captain, and he was rocket man from the blue line in. Majestic hockey, some of the greatest entertainment in the game’s history. Music!
Quick notes: Adam Henrique and his line played a strong game, that’s a key development on this team. I don’t know how he can outscore with those two wingers, and I still believe Zach Hyman will land with McDavid eventually, but the results were fab last night. Vasily Podkolzin didn’t score but he did several impressive things. Joshua Brown had a good night, although he hesitated a couple of times with the puck in front of him and danger all around. He’ll iron that out. Corey Perry would fight a mountain if he had a mind to, he’s the ultimate throwback. I thought both Brett Kulak and Darnell Nurse had strong games.
In summary, that was a most enjoyable game to watch. These Oilers are a strong team and it appears all the pieces are starting to fit. When you do a jigsaw puzzle, the hardest part is the sky. It just is. These men, and the coaches who help them, have the sky figured out now. It should be a pleasant final 40. The Bruins are in a long, sad coda after a fantastic 20-year run. It’s sad to see.
At noon today, the Lowdown hits like a hammer. Sports 1440 AM, we’ll have Bruce McCurdy from the Cult of Hockey at the Edmonton Journal and Declan Krueger will talk NBA. I’ll hammer away on the Oilers, Bruins, MLB and of course the NFL will have some sway, too. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. We can be heard at sports1440.ca; iHeartRadio, Radioplayer Canada, it’s available post-show on apple and spotify, and we tweet it out on X.
I keep reading that the oilers should add some grit into the forward lines but I can’t say I agree.
If we look at playoff lines we would have Hyman, Kane, Podkolzin and Brown on separate lines to provide whatever toughness is needed.
There is also Perry when we need more Jerk.
I would rather have 4 balanced lines and no plugs that can’t play hockey very well.
Can’t disagree too much with this but brown doesn’t really bring much for toughness, or am I crazy. Hyman not really scaring anyone either.
Brown and Hyman both are pretty tough guys who play in the corners alot. They don’t have to be face punchers to be physical.
We don’t win games by intimidating the opponent physically. We can however play physical hockey when needed.
Strength of schedule strikes against as the Avs lose to the Hawks in regulation. Yes, goalied but, whatever, regulation loss to a bottom-feeder.
If only Landeskog was playing….
I fear he may be returning when Klefbom is ready… Was a great player. I tracked him vs. RNH closely. Would give RNH the slight edge for longevity but I can see why captaining a SC championship team might give him the edge to others. Still attest RNH was the rightful Calder winner…
MacKinnon and Rantanen played nearly 30 mins each against Chicago, but there were no empty net points to be had ;). Depth gutted with injuries to Drouin and Nichushkin.
What depth?
I would argue that if your depth is “gutted” by losing two players, you do not in fact have depth.
Summarizing!
Akey and Wakely each had an aPPle, the latter with a team-high 6 SOG.
Day permitted five goals on 32 SOG in a loss.
Clattenburg and Stonehouse were not proffered soup.
Tarkus, I haven’t looked at their roster, but is it possible for us to see a Barrie Colts goal that looks like this:
Akey (Wakely, Hart)
????
I just don’t think he’d understand
Haha.
Closest you’ll get to a Hart is Martin.
Trade deadline is Friday so you could yet get your wish!
Interesting choices ahead for Vancouver.
I really hope they make some brash decisions.
You aren’t likely going to win a trade with Pettersson or Miller heading out. Lankinen is shouldering the workload and is unlikely to re-sign at backup rate, so you’re paying him as a 1B and hoping Demko works his way through a new injury and a slow start.
They lost in 1-2 OT against Caps tonight. Finally topped 30 shots in a game. Hughes (hurt hand, hacked and targetted by PLDubois) had 3:40 minutes puck possession. They lean on him HEAVILY and have no other real puck-moving D. They are one of the highest “hits” (given & received, these numbers are related). I fear they will crumble before the end of season, or fold early in the playoffs.
Why are you “fearing” this? Are the Nucks your team?
Ziggy for PM!
Hey. No politics. 😉
Savoie has been named to the AHL all-star team.
Askarov is one of the two goalies for the Pacific (Cooley the other) and I don’t think he’ll be available – got to think Rodrigue gets the replacement spot.
Sprong on waivers. You taking a swing at that pitch? Add another right shot winger or leave the chemistry alone and let them cook?
Last few seasons:
Season Team GP G A P
2022-23 Seattle 66 21 25 46
2023-24 Detroit 76 18 25 43
2024-25 Sea/Van Footage not found
If Oilers fans don’t like Jeff Skinner’s game……
Maybe this is too soon but I’d support a petition to have the Flames name changed due to the wild fires in California.
I’m thinking Cornholers. Kind of has a ring to it.
On my mom’s side most my cousins play hockey, and we’re all descended from a patriarch who farmed corn and cyukes on the Peace River near Fairview.
When we get together for public hockey tourneys we’re The Corn Stars.
That sounds awesome. We have a big enough family to ice a team but most of them wouldn’t agree on a restaurant to go to never mind naming or coordinating team.
As it’s been long enough now that I can trust that it’s not just a blip, I want to take a moment to refer back to a statement that I made here a couple months ago amidst Stu’s struggles at the time. That statement was on a developing trend in Skinner’s game whereby he struggles early (both in a season and a series) before dialing it in. As this was a trend consistent with past performances (see his career splits and his game 4-7 playoff stats), I suggested that this may simply be his ‘rhythm’ and that he’d be dialed in by December.
As we’re now into January, it seems an appropriate time to come back and review:
Stats since late November – 10W 2L 1OT with a .928
How much is him and how much is the team is obviously up for discussion, but we may be seeing something close to a natural rhythm for Skinner. It’ll be something to follow!
Leo and Bouch had that as well. Looks like Connor is a bit into that as well. I think they’re trying to peak at the right time through the rigors of another long season.
The Oilers always seem to open the year loose, and i think that’s due to Knobby’s long Training Camp.
The quality of Stu’s play has improved drastically since mid-to-late-November.
A team’s improved play will of course be reflected in a goaltender’s performance, but I would argue that Skinner’s play has contributed to the team’s play as well.
If you had placed October Stu into last night’s game — a game the Oiler’s controlled from start to finish — the score would have been 3 – 1 or 3 – 2 late in the third and that would have been a very different game indeed.
Stu Skinner is a solid NHL goaltender and he’s certainly capable of backing a team deep into the playoffs again.
The Kings and Flames game is postponed due to the wildfires in the LA area.
Hope the best and safety for everyone out there.
May the support and help be as palpable as the irony of the game cancelled being against the Flames.
I thought Henrique had a better goal share this season but note its only 17-14.
Hyman isn’t a great defensive player but he can help drive positive GF results and Skinner, for all the negative verbal regarding his overall play, he’s been between 50% and 58% goal share in each of the last 3 seasons on a non-playoff team in Buffalo. Jeff Skinner can be part of an out-scoring line.
I do agree that Hyman will be back with McDavid in fairly short order and likely to start the playoffs.
The issue with Skinner as we have found is the classic Oiler big mistake that costs goals and sometimes games
It can’t be a regular thing for a guy in his position, that’s what has always sunk us in the past, I think that’s what KK is finding out, if he can get past it. The skill is there for sure
Agghh, the “big mistake” that leaves lasting memories – Bouchard syndrome.
When the goal share is above 50%, perhaps one should take in to account the big plays that create goals and win games sometimes, right?
My cousins and I have termed these Bouch blunders ‘Douch bombs.’ We’re classy like that.
Thought he’d make it through yesterday’s game with a zero count, then all of a sudden he notches a pair of DBs. Ahhhhh….well. Bouch giveth.
Prospectalous!
It’s a quintet of OHL’ers what populate the docket ce soir.
Whilst London remains at #1 in the CHL Top 10, they are joined by Barrie who checks in at #8. The law firm of Akey & Wakely return to action after their Saturday appointment was cancelled. The latter will now be joined by a couple of his old Battalion teammates as Barrie once again swung a deal for North Bay vets.
The Flintians are also in action, as Day will likely get the net and Clattenburg gets the chance to streak anew.
The House of Stone completes the sched.
Barrie (Akey, Wakely) @ 5 p.m.
Flint (Day, Clattenburg) @ 5 p.m.
Ottawa (Stonehouse) @ 5 p.m.
All times are the same time and are also Entwistle time.
Tarkus I love the finishing tag line. My Dad spent his early years growing up on a farm in Entwistle. I remember my Gramma and other family members saying “Ent” and following it up with a whistle. Always found that humorous as a kid. Thanks!
Penticton tourney is no more (for this year at least).
Rutherford cited non-commitment from other teams so perhaps something else is in the works for the Albertan teams and/or Winnipeg?
Thomas Drance on the radio just now saying it was the Oilers who pulled out and then the Flames decided to follow.
The Canucks will play a couple of prospect games against the Kraken in Abbotsford.
If I’m not mistaken, Ken Holland was a huge part in its most recent revivement.
Yes.
Drance mentioned that.
Shame.
I’m in love with Massachusetts
I’m in love with the radio on
It helps me from being alone late at night
Helps me from being lonely late at night
One of my favourite songs. Maybe 6 versions, love all of them.
I would leave Hyman right where he is. After McDavid and Draisaitl, he is this teams best bet to drive a 3rd line.
And I don’t think it matters to McDavid whether it’s Brown or Hyman on his right side. In fact, I think Brown does a better job sharing the puck than Hyman. And he’s probably better in his own end, which may be one of the reasons for the move.
I prefer having three lines that are all a threat to score. It evens TOI out, gets more guys in the game, is more likely to drive the playoff results we want
I like this experiment but this is more a playoff strategy
(Janmark-Philp-Perry/Kapanen) might be able to score too.
Never know. They could be building something here.
Not sure Brown has the potential to score 50+. But, I guess Hyman wasn’t going to either this year. It’s just good to have different options.
Hyman has 15 pts in last 15 games (including the ones on the 3rd line) and 10 goals in December.
Arguably, RNH might have been the better fit with Henrique and Skinner, but Hyman is certainly complimenting the pair well
Brown does do a better job sharing the puck but he does a worse job at getting the puck and retrieving the puck as well.
Pod has been a great pickup but if he doesn’t start scoring playing with one of the best passers in the game he has to move down in the pecking order. No?
Maybe Savoie takes his spot eventually.
Never! Mostly because this runs counter to the narrative I’ve been spoonfed. Podkolzin is a true miracle.
At some point Savoie may make sense, but we’re talking down the road. Let him break into the NHL in a role that fits his skills and not throw him in the deep end.
Anyone remember one of Holloway’s very first NHL shifts when he played with Drai (may have been McDavid) threw a muffin into the middle of the zone that the Calgary player grabbed and next thing you know the pucks in the back of the net. Let’s not make the same mistake.
Podz may not be the finisher, but he is excellent at puck retrieval and getting it to his linemates where they can be in position to score. Oh, and he’s very good defensively as well. Last night his back check prevented a HDSC in the 3rd period when Boston was pressing to get back in the game. He’s doing that regularly.
Yes, that’s why I said eventually. Agree completely on Podz but if he keeps on his 8 goal pace I’d think he’d be better off on a checking third line with Henrique.
it would have been great to have Podz and Holloway on this team.
Savoie is a right winger and Podz is playing left wing.
If anyone is taking Podz spot this season, its likely Kane or Skinner but, we’ll see, there is 3-zone chemistry developing between Drai and Podz and if they keep running 1.75 GA/60, its uniklely we’ll see poorer 2-way players like Kane, Skinner or, presumably, a 21 year old smaller rookie take that spot this season.
Some on the site didn’t have the opportunity to watch the “real” Original Pouzar play with “99” and “17.” It looked similar to “92” today playing with “29”. A simple get the tough stuff done work ethic.
Savoie plays RW so it wouldn’t be Podkolzin’s spot he eventually takes.
Thanks, didn’t take the time to check. One hot goal scoring streak for Podz and the point is likely moot.
Hard to get away from the success of the line with him on it. I’d say he’s no small part of Drai’s improved expected and actual goal share.
That was elite $9.5MM d-man, Charlie McAvoy with the egregious turnover to Nuge in the sequence that solidified the game for the Oilers.
Neither here nor there, I guess, but I think its noteworthy – this is a game of mistakes and even the elite make egregious mistakes.
Yep. It happens to the best.
When Oilers fans shit on Bouchard’s turnovers I just assume they don’t watch other teams/ star dmen.
The new phone books here. The new phone books here. Oilers have reached Average goaltending status and Skinner is batting 2 ticks above 900. If he continues his good run he may even hit 910 and shut-up the naysayers like myself by the 4 nation’s exhibition tournament.
As of today, January 8, after two months of play (since Nov 7):
Skinner ranks 15 of 47 goalies with 10+ games. His SV% is .910.
He is 13-3-2 in this stretch.
His numbers in this stretch are better than Sarros, Oettinger, Bobrovsky, Shesterkin (among the NHL’s elite goaltenders), and some like Montembault and Lankinen who are being netminding heroes for their clubs.
Please, find another dead horse to beat. Skinner is doing a fine job for his team. Last night he shone. Again.
Skinner has been pulled multiple times during our playoff runs the last 2 years he’s also played well and he’s only 26. We have been the top 3 favourites the last 3 years with average goaltending. If Skinner can give us top 10 consistent netminding we will plow through the regular season and playoffs. If Skinner doesn’t get it done this year I believe Bowman will go in another direction in the off season.
There aren’t many elite goalies. The question is how does your goalie play in playoffs? The best ones raise their game then high enough to win
Stu took a net full time a little older than Vas and about the same as Shesterkin. 26 isn’t old, but the other guys were at a higher level at this age. He’s pretty close to what he is going to be if not there, which is fine, he’s in prime has experience and hopefully stays there for years
I think he’s more at the point where he will have his ups and downs season to season as most do, but the development years are done. They all have to work on their craft constantly. Vas I heard had to change his game after back surgery
Seravelli has mentioned that KHL contract dates have been extended to May 31.
Presuming this is true, it delays the Oilers ability to sign Berezkin (and Yeseyev).
Have you seen Betezkin play? I’m gathering he’s a possession type winger that has a good shot for a big man that’s skilled. Is this a half-ass simple evaluation of him?
Nope, I personally have not seen him play – I believe Bruce Curlock has seen video of him and is the most “in the know” on the style of player – Bruce is a fan.
Good article regarding the top 3 Canadian teams LT.
Jets were riding a PDO pony early (their 104.9 was very similar to Van last season) and got clear of the whole league. They have come back to the field rocking a +9 GD and 22 points in the last 20 games. If this continues, they may not even win the Central.
Leafs are getting it done with 28 pts in their last 20 games but with only a +9 GD. Some would say that learning how to play, and win, close games will bode well for the playoffs. Playoff hockey is about goalering, puck luck and injuries so being able to blow teams out is just, if not more important.
Oilers stunk early and took a while to get going. They have 31 pts in their last 20 games with a +30 GD and a 103.9 PDO. A PDO of under 103 is the norm for the league-leader at the end of the season (outlier is the Bruins 104.2 during their epic 2022 – 2023 run). Oilers current season PDO is only 100.4 so keeping this heater going should be sustainable.
Oilers end the Canadian cup drought this year. What will make it even sweeter (and financially beneficial to me) will be to beat the Leafs in the SCF.
An Oilers-Leafs final would be pure chaos and enjoyable fun. Fingers crossed the Leafs make it past the Panthers.
Please no, living in southern Ontario, beating the leafs would be seventh heaven, losing would be possibly the worst moment of my life. I’d probably have to move back to Alberta and that would be a big mistake career wise.
Screw the Leafs, first round loss to Boston would be sweet.
If I’m to cheer for the Leafs beating anyone, might as well be them.
Personally I’d love an Oilers redemption run to feature multiple slain dragons (and Knights).
Day drinking is something I used to do but am willing to take up again for a good cause.
https://youtu.be/VqHA5CIL0fg
Heck of a game last night. Pure domination throughout except the last 10 or so where Bouch led the score effects charge.
Hey LT, care to explain this statement? Those are 2 very good goal scorers Henrique is currently playing with.
They are not two-way wingers. They are the opposite of two-way wingers.
Does the 3rd line have to consist of 2 way wingers? I think KK would like his 1st line to match up against other teams’ 1st line, and so on.
In that case, do we simply want Henrique’s line not to get scored on? His line got owned by Byfield, Jeannot, and Foegele, and I think Oilers coaches took note.
I agree with you that a 50+ goal scorer fresh off his hottest month of the season doesn’t belong long term on a 3rd line, but Hyman is still getting reps on PP and can still be loaded with McDrai as needed. Rekindling RNH-McDavid-Hyman is more important to me than getting the 3rd line scoring, but at the moment doing so may push the team further from the balance photo
If the Henrique line can dominate the soft parade while McDavid outscores five-on-five without Draisaitl? Music! That is not the case at this time.
Agreed. No line seems to be finishing at the rates we would expect, no?
Um, ok, but which combination is outscoring the most with Henrique?
Last year we rode Connor-Leon a hot PP and a killer PK to game seven. Is this plan sustainable probably not. Jackson regonized we need 5 on 5 mercenaries and hired Skinner-Arvidsson resigned Henrique. These players may not be flashy during the long regular season but they will settle in and give us a threat to score 5 on 5 when the refs decide to put away their whistles come certain playoff games.
I tend to agree. I think just about everybody in an Oil jersey is holding things in reserve.
1) Arguably the best 3rd period with a lead the Oilers have played in several weeks (IMO). Didn’t over-emphasize “playing defense”/giving the puck up and kept their foot on the gas (albeit not flooring it).
2) Ideally the roster would have more grit/physicality but it’s enjoyable to see the Oilers play their game and not give in to the Bruins shenanigans. Can’t wait for Kane to get back in the lineup.
3) Every time I start wishing Corey Perry would be moved in the PB because of his lack of speed/defensive issues, he has an great game like last night. The pass to Henrique on the first goal was phenomenal, and he had a great stick in the O-zone keeping plays alive the whole game.
4) Hoping Skinner/Pickard’s good run lasts and dissuades Bowman from trading for John Gibson.
5) Another good game from J. Skinner, hopefully the good run continues and he can play himself into the Top 6.
5) Running Perry/Kapanen-Philip-Janmark as the 4th line sooner rather than later would be great, that line lacks a finisher but should be a decent outscoring/outchancing unit. I’m not sure what the rationale for keeping Philip in the AHL is other than trying to preserve him as an “internal” deadline/postseason addition like they did with Broberg last year.
On 4, I haven’t seen any solid accounts that the Oilers are actually looking to add a goaltender, John Gibson or another.
Great game to watch – especially with the desired outcome. I was fan of the Bruins (mostly Orr), but that was lost when Orr tried his comeback with Chicago. And then along came the Oilers – so the Bruins are now just another ‘hated’ team.
Takeaways from last night:
Oilers get 8 pts in their last 10 games and make up zero ground on the VGK – top of the west is crazy good this year. One game left against Vegas (April 1 of course), so booking that one as a win the Oilers jest need to make up 5 points to be ahead which is certainly within reach.
Henrique is a really good player. He’s not in the same position as Perry, but they are similar in that the boots aren’t swinging fast but the brain is, faster than those around them
Henrique with faster wingers that can think with him and finish could easily centre the outscoring 3rd line in playoffs. Skinner is almost like that, not sure how fast he is even if he has great edges, perhaps with the right RW when Hyman goes upstairs again
I really liked how they played the puck to open players in front. I wonder why players that are newer to the Oilers seem better at that than drafted and incumbents. They all do at times, but Henrique scored twice that way in one game. Perry is always making plays out front
They key for forwards and playoffs may be just getting a good enough 4th line that can play enough minutes to keep the top 9 fresher
That’s the way to play Henrique. Two speedsters
You mean like Janmark and C.Brown? How was that working?
You mean it wasn’t working?
The Question Mark signified a question and not a statement.
I could see it in playoffs more than reg season. Janmark like Kulak so far has been more effective in playoffs. Janmark doesn’t score enough reg season. Brown is non physical
Brown is smart enough to play with Connor and doesn’t have to drive play, just not kill play. Hyman who is bigger and more forceful I think helps Henri more
With respect to Henrique/Hyman/Skinner I assumed you meant to say “I don’t know how they CAN’T outscore” rather than “I don’t know how they CAN outscore right”?
That line is the whole reason for the oddball winger options for 97 and 29. If 97 and 29 can get by with marginal wingers that allows KK to put together a truly dominant 3rd line that harkens back to the Kassel, Hagelin, Bonino line that was so instrumental for Pittsburgh.
In fact, I’d say that’s exactly KKs model. 87 and 71 were so dominant not only did they not need each other but they could post 55%+ with a revolving cast of unknowns like Rust, Kunitz, Guentzel and others that eventually became big names.
Assuming you DID intend to write that I think you’re vastly overrating any concerns with Skinner and Hymans defense as they’ll be deployed against the 3rd pairings and dregs. And like last night, I expect they’ll dominate.
No, I meant what I said. Henrique is being relied on heavily to take care of the defensive business on that line.
The gift Gary gave Tom only cost $500 million. I recall the Oilers were trying to hire Brad Mcrimmon. He did brilliant work on the expansion draft and since.
I think you mean Kelly Mcrimmon. Brad passed away in 2011.
Yes my mistake
An interesting tidbit in your summary was the pairings of Kulak & Bouchard as well as
Ekholm & Nurse. Might this become a thing?
I think they faded Ekholm because of that early hit.
It looks like those four guys are legit as a top four however they want to deploy them. All that need be is a serious LHD for Emberson.
He did play more shifts than Bouch. And bouch played a little more but that’s pp time.
LT, you truly have a way with words and illustrating your point. Pulling up a few year old picture for an analogy is not something many can do. Your blog is both a science and an art 🙂
Looking forward to the tough segment looming of LAK-MIN-COL-VAN-WAS-VAN. I know Vancouver is battling injuries but they are still a threat and the others are very strong. A Stanley Cup favorite would be expected to go 4-2.
Vancouver may one day be a threat again. But this is NOT last year’s Canucks. I’m watching them regularly and will be in the stands rooting for them against the Kings next week, but my God, they are hard to get behind. Hughes is a treat. Miller (finally) had a good game. Lankinen is too often the only thing keeping them in the game.
Against the Habs they could not get out of their end, could not stop the Habs’ cycling.
Why the difference? Clubhouse drama may be part of it. Maybe because they traded the good luck charm, the Energizer bunny that is Podkolzin?
It’s the “Vegans,” as LT calls them. They’re the only thing standing in the Oilers way.
While I would like the team to get a little tougher for the playoffs I do like that they just let the Bruins bark at them and just played their game. Not much benefit to taking a physical beating against that team
Agreed… although I wouldn’t have been upset if Josh Brown was on the ice after the Skinner incident, which ‘somehow’ (see NHL Oilers clause subsection 17b) cost him the shutout. I also noticed Podkolzin eyeing up Zadorov net front later in the game… couldn’t help but notice how much more he towered over Vasily and he was probably thinking the same thing.
Edmonton was very much in control; it just didn’t matter what Boston did or tried to do. The bear was tamed in all aspects that mattered.
Skinner was dialed in by far his best game of the year. They could of played another 60 minutes they weren’t getting one by Stuart.
Somebody told me one day it’s a team sport, as if I didn’t know.
I am the organ-grinder playing my one-note song here, and elsewhere:
-there is only one beating worth giving, the one that counts on the won-lost sheet. Everything else is drama and distraction. You will not beat the bullies of Beantown or elsewhere with fists; you will only hurt yourself (physically and with penalties and with loss-of-focus). It gladdens the heart to see a Sr Citizen like Perry drop the gloves against an impetuous kid, but only after it’s clear that the kid gets extra penalties. My research for an upcoming little article on “hits & misses” is showing that “hits” are -mostly- for losers (we saw that underlined last night), and that retribution satisfies fans’ bloodlust (& that of an undisciplined bench), but it does not win the season, or the Cup.
ps. This is the “grit” of champions: to not get distracted by the gamesmanship of the bullies or the visceral lust for retribution. I admire this Oilers bench for this grit. It will get them through many shenanigans.
Hope everyone is in their favorite recliner enjoying these Oilers rocking chair hockey.