Stan Bowman has been working around the edges of the Oilers roster since his arrival as Edmonton’s general manager in late summer. Vasily Podkolzin and Ty Emberson are solid young contributors, Kasperi Kapanen and Travis Dermott have had/had their moments, and we’ll see about Alex Regula and John Klingberg. I don’t know if we’ll see about Ronnie Attard in Edmonton, will guess the answer is no. Good moves, Mr. GM, but when do we see the main course?
I think we will see a deadline deal, less convinced it’s RH defense today than in the past. The organization signed John Klingberg for a reason, and if management’s vision of what he can bring (speed, passing, puck transport) comes to pass, then the defensive move we assumed would be the big trade will fade down the list of needs.
That’s a huge reach from today, but the Oilers are a ‘start as you mean to go’ organization in this era, so there’s a plan and a window of opportunity.
Same holds true for Noah Philp. He has from now until the deadline to establish himself. It’ll be a difficult road for the rookie (not technically a rookie but he has played just a few NHL games) because this train is bound for (Oilers fans hope) glory. There’s an excellent chance the Oilers trade for a RH center between now and the deadline.
I have an article coming out on Connor McDavid’s hearing and suspension today at The Athletic, so won’t get too deeply into the situation here. I do think McDavid is a different player now than he was in the Winnipeg series coming out of the pandemic. He has matured, realized the game is called a certain way, and he too takes liberties with the rulebook.
He’s going to have more suspensions moving forward, and much will be made of his ‘opposite Stan Mikita’ transition. I say this is a direct result of the NHL’s style. Officials could call five fouls a game against McDavid’s opponents, but call only one. Why? Same reason the Philadelphia Flyers got away with pure filth in the 1970’s.
In the brains of men, you can’t call them all because then the officials impact the game. Of course, not calling these fouls also impacts the game, but the human condition is built to tolerate some things and consider others a bridge too far.
I think the career of Connor McDavid would be an interesting study in how NHL owners, managers, coaches and players influence situations. You can start with Ed Snider.
Derek Ryan is on waivers today, non-zero chance someone claims him. If he clears, then it’s decision time. Go to Bakersfield to mentor the yutes, or call it a career. Either way, he got more out his skill set than most who ever played in the NHL. I wish him well no matter what the day brings.
Is Alec Regula going to play?
Matthew Savoie has cooled off of late in Bakersfield, scoring no points in his most recent three-game run. He went 6-9-15 in the 10 games previous to that, and I expect he’ll have another strong run here soon. I do wonder if the young winger will be a trade piece at the deadline.
On the Lowdown today (noon to 2pm on Sports 1440) we’ll be joined by Rachel Doerrie from ESPN and Betalytics and Jason Gregor from the JG Show. I’ll ask Rachel about the McDavid suspension, the Klingberg signing and what kind of replacement for Evander Kane might be out there. Jason and I will talk about first place in the Pacific Division, the trade deadline to come and Klingberg’s spot on the depth chart. 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.
New for The Athletic: Connor McDavid’s cross-check and the questions about Oilers’ physical play
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6073302/2025/01/20/connor-mcdavid-oilers-conor-garland/
Thank you. A good read.
I’m with you: this team plays a physical game, but a disciplined physical game. Few of the “big hits,” and few penalties. They forecheck and back-check aggressively. They win many (most?) puck battles.
As I watched the Canucks game I was surprised that the Oilers only had two power plays v Canucks four. Fatigue at the end of this stretch, or another sign that one of the most demonstrably physical teams in the league was not getting called? Both?
In any case, this is not something that a power forward or enforcer can fix. That only leads to more penalties, more short-handed situations. McDavid’s loss of cool is regrettable. But his physical play and his “hardness” and his general discipline is what makes this team very, very dangerous. He sets the tone, even when he’s not on the ice. I look forward to a disciplined response by the Oilers on Thursday against the Canucks. Few penalties. Much punishment-in the form of goals scored, goals denied.
“Opponents and commentators talk about the Oilers’ lack of pushback; the team plays a hard style from top to bottom, but that edge doesn’t get in the way of the final score. Positioning and closing gaps are the calling cards of the Oilers, and that includes fewer unnecessary penalties.”
Love that the athletic is a subdomain of the New York Times now. That is serious journo street cred, LT. You should print some business cards up. Ya know, for the ladies…lol
Bah. 3 games.
That sends a terrible precedent. You can hold 97 in the dying seconds of the game not only with impunity, but get a bonus suspension for retaliation.
Of course, Myers unprovoked cross checking Bouchard in the actual face gets the same suspension.
The NHL is such a garage league.
Did the NHL explain how those two were equivalent suspensions? It’s almost unfathomable they are. Complete garbage joke of a league.
Meh – far from unfathomable for me.
Thinking that McDavid being aggrieved by a hold as a mitigating factor is quite far-fetched by Oilers fans – yes, calls were missed but over-reacting to being held is what it is.
Meh, I don’t agree with that inferred message.
A cross-check to the face needs to be suspendable no matter the provocation and I think we can all rest assured that penalties would be called in the vast majority of similar circumstances.
Are they supposed to go easy on McDavid becuase Garland committed holding?
I just don’t understand 3 games when Matthews got 2 previously for a similar but seemingly more aggressive cross-check.
As someone unnamed pointed out, it’s not McDavid’s first suspension,it was Matthew’s first for the 2 games. I suspect McDavid will continue his edgy play, as he should, but don’t be surprised at the more than 3 games he will get if it happens again
Time to get it straight. This (Bettman) NHL is less and less about skill with a stick and puck, or skating with speed and grace. No, rather it’s his version of a toned down WWF… because in Gary’s mind, pro-wrestling is a very popular “sport”, its assets make millions ignoring the “rule book”, its officials are punching bags, and the owner is a billionaire.
My opinion may be a bit over the top, but I’m feeling truly bewildered witnessing this ordeal play out. There’s always been missed calls… sometimes intentionally missed, or ignorant officials not doing their job, and even pure incompetence. But moments are important, the game state means everything when these officials are “managing” the game. This instance was pure and simple terrible terrible game management by an official that should have retired years ago.
If the officials would do their job there would be fewer injuries, a far better product on the ice, and inevitably more goals. Wake up NHL, you are on the wrong course. I would be somewhat happier if the official was suspended or better yet relieved of his whistle.
I’m just suprised no onr mentioned peterangelo hack getting just 1 game.
Like force, delay from play dead…like that got 1 game and was way more reckless.
https://youtu.be/5EoyAL10b-c?si=0jDXo24HNc_td8RV
Ignorance is strength!!
Penalty shot should be awarded if the defending team takes a penalty with under 2 mins in their own zone.
This will never happen but I would love for Mcdavid to say that he won’t be attending the All star game in order to recover from wrestling and slewfoot induced injuries that have accumulated over the last few months.
And perhaps next time he gets up he should slewfoot Garland instead. That only comes with a $5000 fine.
There is no ASG and, from accounts, McDavid very much wants to plan in the Four Nations Cup.
Mercy, this event seems to have created some ripples in the NHL’s calm waters. In the end, I’ll agree with vets like Pronger and Perry. If the league isn’t doing anything, McDavid should keep sticking up for himself.
Not need for cross checks to the head, but I take it as a sign of how much he’s putting up with.
Best comment from a few articles I read…
“No one likes it when the pinata hits back”
From Spectors article:
“Speaking to a few voices in the officiating community Monday, when asked why veteran officials Wes McCauley and Chris Lee didn’t even raise an arm while Garland was wrestling with McDavid, more than one person said this (and we paraphrase):
“Edmonton’s got the puck. The second you blow the play dead, they shoot it in the goal and now you can’t count the goal. You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”’
Goodness. So these people don’t understand what a delayed penalty entails? Surely that was not the reason they didn’t put their arms up. Very weird reasoning. The Oilers would have had a choice to give up possession and get the whistle or keep firing on a 6-on-5 knowing there would be no empty net goal. At least it’s something.
And that penalties drawn stat, and the rationale, is staggering. Good on Perry for telling it like it is.
Thinking about the whole situation, what if McDavid had simply dropped the gloves and pounded Garland? I don’t think there would be any suspension. (Yeah, I know, we don’t want McD fighting.) Garland’s terrible play deserved some kind of response, but I’m thinking the crosscheck was the wrong one. That’s why there is a suspension.
But … looseleaf linked to the Dangle comment earlier in the thread. I tend to agree with most of what he said. You can’t have players in the dying seconds of the game just taking liberties because they know 1) they won’t get called or 2) if the ref’s arm is up, it still won’t get blown dead until the defending team touches the puck (or do they have to control it, I forget). The way the rules are now and the way the game is called allows players to blatantly cheat in the last minute or so because they know they can. Garland basically admitted as much in his interview.
That needs to be changed. And the crosscheck had to draw a suspension, I think that’s reasonable.
Also, did Bouchard just get a two minute penalty for receiving a cross check to the teeth?
Yes
Bouchard and Myers had each slashed the other on the leg while over by the boards a couple of seconds before the cross check to the teeth. Because that is where the puck was, one of the refs was watching.
Gary Bettman has to be thanked and excused.
Not for the McDavid suspension. But for his continued blockade of advancing the league and the game.
His intimidation tactics, fines for free speech, game management in the name of parity, market favouritism.
All well intentioned I’m sure, but time is up.
And yet the league is making more money and the owners are happy because its a business.
I wonder if Garland crosschecked McDavid the same way, what would the comments be?
Mcdavid deserved his suspension. It’s not a bad thing. It shows he is not gonna take too much Sh*t without responding.
The days of Semenko or McSorley patrolling the skill guys is, for the most part, gone.
Google Dave Tayor punch on Wayne Gretzky and watch Taylor’s next shift. Or Kezcman on Yzerman. Times have changed.
One of the dirtiest things you can do to an opposing player is crosscheck them in the teeth (face). Knee on knee. Hit from behind. Crosscheck to the face.
McD got what he deserved. But it will be good for him and the team.
And a little rest for SuperMan will be a good thing. Gurantee he comes back like a house on fire.
Lets Go Oilers!!
dangle has it right
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzW5easLiWU&ab_channel=sdpn
I found very little daylight between his take and my own. He asked, “if Wes calls a penalty on Garland, do either cross-checks happen?”
I enjoyed every second of Dangles take there. Very fair and well done.
The NHL doesn’t understand that viewers don’t want to watch the Stars of the league continuously get mugged and will simply tune out the more WWW they become.
On another note the userbase seems to have altered around here lately.
I remind people that this is Mr Lowetides site and it’s disrespectful to dump on the host.
It would be pretty easy for him to just shut comments down, but maybe that’s their goal.
Honestly, this league is straight up boring. It’s run by dinosaurs. It could be so much better.
The Stars-Oilers SF was awesome and it had so little shenanigans. It was two skilled teams going at it and it was bloody exciting. And no one complained about it not being tough enough. Hockey is a tough game without breaking the rules anyway.
If the Oilers weren’t elite, it’d be easy to tune out and watch something else. And I’m sure that’s what plenty of would-be fans do. I don’t think anyone in their right mind could claim that what Garland did was exciting.
I hope Pods or Emberson break his face. For all those ‘it’s a tough game’ dinosaurs, you gotta answer the bell, right? We wouldn’t want another Steve Moore..
I don’t think this is an issue of dinosaurs versus progress. We are here in large part because of progress… no more enforcers, instigator rule, powerplay changes, instant replay, addition of a ref, the internet, health advances, insurance etc. I know you yourself are also going for feelz or tone, so no worries, but I want to add to the conversation because I do think there’s danger in thinking in those terms.
I think really the problem is a deeply systemic one that is close to universal and transcends hockey and sports, although they make for lovely microcosms. And by universal I mean all human systems suffer from it.
I don’t think this problem is intractable, in fact I’d say the solution is known, however interested human beings are highly incentivized to take things in the opposite direction. So that’s the example the world is given by higher order institutions (higher than sports). Due to their own desire to survive they ensure the narrative supports their strategy and demonizes the true solution.
I’d say more, but can’t because obviously we’d be getting into ground we can’t play footie on. If I were to put this as apolitically and abstractly as I can, I’d say first principles attend to things like “simplicity v complexity,” but other issues too. At any rate part of my viewing of the NHL is seeing its issues as a fractal of the larger world.
And reminding myself that fandom is in many ways a distraction.
I love Munny posts.
Also I hope you and your family are doing alright.
Thank you for the wishes from all of us. We’re doing okay. Maybe I will give a fuller update this summer after Stanley.
Just the whole notion of how do you make good rules, good rule systems and just, fair enforcement is so fascinating and transcends games and sports. Every human system, organization, whatever has them and all struggle with it to a greater or lesser degree.
Answer the bell for….. holding????
Garland should have received a minor penalty but what are we talking about here?
I agree that the infraction was minor, but had major implications. You said it yourself – the guy is a sneaky dirty player who you’d like on your team. But he isn’t, and he’s small agitator, so he can answer for provoking your top player into a suspension? I would finish every check on him on Tuesday and then some
That’s not quite the same as hoping they “break his face”.
The Broadstreet bullies were created in RESPONSE to being manhandled and intimidated by the St.Louis Blues (ie Plager Bros)
Full cages for the whole team and prison rules hockey for the next couple games would be interesting.
Past Oilers teams have had success causing rule changes.
I don’t think this word means what you think it means.
But I’ll bite. What rule change would’ve changed the outcome of Saturday’s game?
2 Mutts Hockey Podcast
@2MuttsHockeyPod
We are hearing that Connor McDavid & his camp are strongly considering scaling back their @NHL
tour events, such as media interviews to push things for the league.
This was communicated before to the #NHL because the lack of protection the Superstar players get in this league.
Hope this is true.
It’d be fun if he just made up his earnings loss by attending other things.
JFresh also tweeting the same. 2 mutts have both been wrong before and broken real news. This would be an interesting development to say the least.
I may have been completely wrong in my prediction his only response would be on the ice and through his play.
Flexing his revenue adding muscle would be a much better response than just speaking out on it. Speaking out would bring out the people calling him a whiner, and possibly draw the ire of the league and officials. Why do the league any favours if they’re going to allow behaviour like Garland’s?
I hope the Oilers plan to appeal Connors’s suspension. It doesn’t make sense when you compare it to myers suspension
Or Soucy’s..
Im willing to wager that Garland’s tactic will be used in the playoffs.
Not by him at least, unless he gets traded to a playoff team.
I’m willing to wager Garland’s tactic has been used hundreds of times before and will be used hundreds of times again. Some of the times it will be called and some of the times not.
Has it, bear hug and all??
Every type of clutching and grabbing under the sun.
Was thinking in my mind one holds and grabs the opposing player from exiting to tag up…preventing the opposing team to enter the blue line.
I mean, wasn’t it Kesler in Anaheim that pulled Talbot’s pad in the playoffs?
The reverse leg lock was kind of unique. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone pull that off in a hockey game (maybe in a square or octagon ring).
The Veggies scored with 30 secs to play to get a point off St. Loo, but the Blues prevailed in the shootout, so it’s only the one point.
I also note that Wes McCauley picked up a game cheque in Seattle today and Chris Lee will be earning one in LA later this evening.
I’m not expecting much of a reaction out of McDavid, other than maybe saying he wasn’t thrilled with the decision or something along those lines.
He’s been vocal about wanting a best on best tournament for years. He’s also mentioned multiple times that it would be a dream come true to team up with Sid. So I don’t expect him to pull out of the 4 nations.
If he complains about a call or really anything he gets called mcwhiner or mccrybaby and other nonsense like that by other fanbases, and even some “professional” pundits. I fully expect him to take his lumps and move on.
I also expect him to come back like a bat out of hell. I think he knows the best way to move forward is on the ice. The issue here is systemic and has to do with how the league calls the game.
Parros and the NHL are run by idiots. Star players are not protected. You need to protect the assets that bring fans to the game. It’s open season on star players. I hope the Oilers take note and start taking full advantage against opposition stars.
You only want to protect stars if they are your stars.
otherwise if they are out, it’s good for your team, tough luck for the other guy.
The only positive is the conversations happening today. The NHL has their dirty laundry all over the podcasts today. The voices matter and it’s something.
Trump is president and Connor gets 3.
I’m done.
For today I mean.
Tough to explain to a 6 year old, that he won’t get to finally see his favourite player live, because the NHL is run by rich, egotistical dinosaurs. Thanks Gary.
Get a giant sign of McDavid crosschecking Garland in the face for him to wave around?
Don’t you tell the 6-year old that McDavid cross-checked another player in the face which is against the rules and very dangerous and he is being punished for it?
Seems pretty easy, no?
Sometimes OP, just headshake………
I headshake at the justifications coming out of Oil Country. I don’t understand 3 games given precedent but McDavid deserves a 2-game suspension and the fact that he was held by Garland and doesn’t get the calls he deserves generally does not mitigate that.
Garland should of been suspended with intent to injure, arm bars are mma not ice hockey.
You can’t be serious?
This is hilarious if it wasn’t so tone deaf. Do you really think the 6-year-old deserves to not see McDavid and that your explanation will appease him? Why don’t you also tell him that Santa isn’t bringing presents next year because of inflation and tariffs?
This person is articulating the sadness of his son not getting to see Connor live, and your response lacks empathy. No one is arguing the existence of a suspension, but we can lament the circumstances that brought it on, and its length. My son has been in a commercial with McDavid and seen him play, so we will not be devastated, but he is still sad. My heart breaks for your son, Ales, hopefully he will get to see him live soon
I was also taking my son to the BUF game, which is now going to be McDavid-less. He will definitely be making a sign
the reason cited, “the NHL being run by rich egotistical dinosaurs” doesn’t reconcile with reality and the fact that McDavid cross-checked another player in the head.
Its unfortunate that people won’t to see McDavid play but McDavid is the reason.
That is tough. I’m not sure if you’ve already dealt with it but at that age sometimes the simplest of relatable explanations work. Even though schools have suspensions, kids his age don’t usually get suspended so I think I would say Connor is in detention.
This would’ve been the right call for suspension length if they applied the rules consistently to everybody based on intent, and not degree of injury, of which Connor Garland suffered none. Also, if there wasn’t already a precedent for one game suspension for Carson for doing the exact thing last year. How many games did Ryan Reeves get for injuring Nurse with a more checkered history?
The NHL had many opportunities to step up and do something and send a message. They could have sent a message when Pietrangelo did a 2 handed over hand chop on Draisaitl’s arm and made Pietrangelo miss significant playoff games. But alas…
I guarantee what will happen is, the NHL will hope this is taken as a message, and they will hope no one challenges them. Inevitably, players will push boundaries and cross the line until the NHL goes back to their old ways “cross check someone in the face? Ehh, 1 game”. Then everyone gets angry again and NHL continues on doing what they do best – ignoring player safety. It’s going to take someone REALLY getting hurt in order to make the NHL even think about changing anything. Until then, we should expect arbitrary calls and inconsistent messages.
I hope Connor cross checks someone in the face during the first minute of the 4 Nations Cup.
Teammate, opposing player, coach, ref, off-ice official, reporter, or just some g*ddamn rando looking for a high five on the walkway? 😉
lol maybe me.
Good one!
Pettersson or Miller? I would prefer a figure 4 leg lock
okay this made me laugh out loud.
St. Loo scores a late one to take a 4-2 lead over the Veggies going into the 2nd intermission. MLK Day so there’s been some day games.
Vegas tied it up in the last minute – lost in a shootout but got a late point for the tie.
McDavid should pull out of the 4 nations. Send a message to the NHL that he’s not going to be their marketing tool if there’s nothing in it for him.
Except McDavid really wants to play in the Four Nations….
Then no media. Play the games but I would consider sending a message. 3 games is outrageous given what this league permits.
Connor with 3 games 🙄
For those interested here’s the latest Power Win info. I have made a dashboard to aggregate stats so I’ll post Oilers, 13 team average, and the highest Western team
Leads Lost and Comebacks are the first 2 goals ahead by or behind by. Power Wins or Clear Losses are by 2 goals no EN, Win/Loss by 1 goal
Power Wins 14 AV 14 Jets 18
Power Wins % .304 AV .305 Jets .383
Wins 9 AV 10 Avs 15
OT Wins 6 AV 3 Oilers 6
SO Wins 0 AV 1 Stars 2
Leads Lost 5 AV 1 Oilers 5
Comebacks 5 AV 2 Oilers 5
Win/Loss against Playoff teams 13/10 AV 12/11 Knights 14/9
Clear Losses/Loss 9/7 AV 8/8 Kings 4/9
OT/SO Games 7 AV 6.8 Wild 10
OT Loss 1 AV 2 Kings 4
SO Loss 0 AV 1 Wild 2
5v5 GF/GA 53/45 AV 48/42 Kings 47/31
The Oilers are 6th in 5v5 Goal Diff. The Oilers aren’t leading in PW and W this season. Their 5v5 Goal Diff is average for these good teams. They are tied for 2nd in extra time games and have a combined 10 LL/CB where the average is 3
To me I see some instability in their game compared especially to the best of the 13. Of course they are winning games and were the hottest team. I’m thinking playoffs, and having so many games in LL/CB and a lot of extra times games doesn’t show the team strength which is the point of this exercise
It looks like as discussed when they signed JK that Bowman thinks scoring needs a boost after the Duo, I believe he will try to bolster D defensive play as well – they must have internal stats saying something similar to these ones
I haven’t put up goalie stats, but regardless of whether the fellas are good or whatever it’s hard to get around how many games start off with a sub .900 SV% they have to fight back from, and the difficulty holding leads. As one Power Ranking piece said if they Oilers had top level goalering everybody else would be playing for 2nd place
‘Gotta fight through it Connor’ DOPS
How expensive is McDavid’s mid-season vacay?
Man, that’s more than even OP spends on a good trip.
We are home so it’ll be a well deserved vacation for Connor for the next week. Good opportunity for the boys to rally around their captain. I’ll take 2 out of 3 with Connor coming back fresh. Unfortunately Leon will continue to be targeted until he snaps himself and gets a suspension. I do hope Bowman finds some relief for Connor and Leon.
Just listening to the latest “Got Yer Back” podcast.
Horrid take by Strudwick — the definition of what happens when commentators are all former gritensity fourth liners / 7th defenders.
“Brilliant play by Garland” — smash your head against the desk take.
It was a brilliant play by Garland. He’s a pest extraordinaire. Huge prick. I’d love him on the Oilers.
BTW Strudwick has more hockey talent than 99.99% of Canadians who played the game of hockey.
I don’t know how one disagrees with “Brilliant play by Garland.” You can say it was outside the rules, but that doesn’t speak to the intelligence of the play.
The only ones who look dumb here are the refs and the league.
This is correct.
How is he not right?
In the game itself, it took McDavid out of the play why the Oilers were buzzing and trying to tie the game.
Even if the ref would have put his hand up, maybe the Oilers give the puck to the Nucks to re-set but then they lose possession and need to rely on a faceoff win.
Higher level, for the game on Thursday, the Nucks will take the Myers for McDavid trade-off.
The Oilers were pressing no way they hand over the puck unless they have Bobby Clarke taking the face off. The arm going up is not relevant McDavid would of still cross checked as it was the heat of the moment unlike Myers who deserves a visit in his kitchen next time we play him.
For most teams the game was already over. But in Edmonton’s case with McDavid there’s a chance even with less than a minute on the clock.
That Chris Pronger msg is something
isn’t he part of DoPS?
3 games for McDavid (and Myers).
Don’t see how he got more than Matthews (I think Matthews had more force behind his) so I do NOT like this.
At least Leon will solidify his Hart in the next week.
It’s official … the league hates McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Two games would’ve made sense. Three games is sending a message.
Which is gonna make taking all their silverware that much sweeter.
Yep – McDavid and Leon are inevitable. This suspension is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. A little mini-break for Connor in the middle of another long regular season grind and just prior to the 4 Nations. I hope he’s already made vacation plans to go somewhere warm.
It’s not meaningless if it costs them the division or the conference. I would much rather play Calgary in round 1 than Colorado/Minnesota/Dallas or Vegas/LAK
can you expect anything less from bush league?
I hope McDavid gave the powers that be a piece of his mind. But Pronger is right … McDavid shouldn’t stop playing with a vicious streak. It’s the only way he’s going to keep the opposition honest.
I don’t think waiting till both hearings were completed was a good look for the league.
The cross checks were very similar in nature though Matthews and Dahlin were hitting each other back and forth when Matthews upped the ante. Dahlin at least could have some expectation that Matthews could come harder at him. Garland would have no expectation of a cross check to the head from holding a guy. So based purely on the incidents, I could see that they were similar enough that the suspensions would be the same.
McDavid’s video did list his history of a prior suspension and fine, so that may provide the support for 1 more game compared to Matthews. And while they listed off all the rationale for Myers suspension including his history, I personally think his cross check was more dangerous, so I am surprised his punishment is the same. His could have been 4.
should not could imo
What an egregious ruling for McDavid. Based on other rulings even this season alone, not including Matthews last season, like the Trouba stick swinging or Kempe slewfoot that were only fines, this wreaks of complete incompetence at best and clear bias on the part of Campbell, Parros et al at worst.
I hope the team on a public level speaks out harshly in defense of their captain, takes some fines and very much hope they appeal this decision, though I’d be surprised if that didn’t result in 10 games and a 3rd rounder to Calgary at this point.
I legitimately wonder if they will appeal or just don’t see the point because it just becomes Gary’s decision.
Reading the many fine responses here today, it makes me think even more it’s time for Gary to go and Bill only gets to take over (which will happen) if he has a plan to modernize the game, move forward with things like reffing and TV production, public stats etc
I don’t think it would be a hard sell to owners either, improving quality and fan experience. The people they need to get as fans to grow will be harder to interest in the game with so much bush league old boy stuff remaining in the game
Spector has been defending the captain’s actions and calling out the NHL’s refereeing for some time now.
He has a fresh hit piece up as we wait for sentencing…
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/why-connor-mcdavid-is-taking-justice-into-his-own-hands/
As much as I can;t stand the individual, I’m with Spec on this one. The NHL hates bad publicity and some media pressure here along with pressure from other vectors might lead to a performative dance routine by the League. Not real change or anything crazy like that, but perhaps some entertaining acknowledgement.
The Perry quotes are gold. Thanks for sharing.
Why is it a active player doing the lobbying for the shit Connor puts up with. This should be done by our Coach or G.M in my opinion.
I’d say it’s safe to assume Oilers management has brought it up through the appropriate league channels
This just puts a target on his back, if you don’t think these 2 Refs aren’t going to target Perry with a phantom call at a inappropriate time like say game 6 of the playoffs 2-2 tie 12 minutes remaining.
What’s Corey going to say? They are afraid of him
I wish we had John Tortorella as a Coach at this moment. John would of went off on the league setting a path going forward where we get some calls come playoff time.
Spec is the Oilers mouthpiece, so when the team wants to speak to fans or the league it does so through Spec.
Yes, with all those heated battles between Drai, Connor, Woody etc against Spec, he surely must be the Oiler’s mouthpiece…
Spec is the one who gets exclusive interviews in the off-sesaon with the likes of Drai……
I’m not a huge fan of Spector. I find him to be intellectually lazy and he spends a lot of his time complaining about having to travel for work — but to call him a paid-for Oilers mouthpiece is absurd.
If you want to critique his work overall or a particular take that’s fine. But base it what he’s actually done or said.
Bob is the mouth piece to the adults, Gene to the children, and Spec to the people that live under a bridge.
lol, well-played joke
so you are saying Spec speaks for Hairy Harper?
Always a tough day when the guy you hate makes a good point.
From the conversations on this topic the last few days, sounds like a whole bunch of “conspiracy theories” coming from Mark!
The refs are too busy being human and simply missed all of the times McDavid should have drawn a penalty which is why he’s 47th on the list. That’s all.
Someone think of the poor refs you monsters!
Corey Perry clearly does not understand how the game of hockey is reffed.
Perry “It has to be policed by the players, and that’s the way it’s always been. Why aren’t we protecting the superstars? Why aren’t we? Every other league does it? They protect their superstars.”
NHL refs, clutching their pearls and with tears in their eyes “Corey… how could you!”
Oilers have a decent chance of taking 4 out of 5 at home to end the month, and if they do they finish with an 11-3 January, which would be pretty spectacular. 10-3-1 or something similar finishes more realistic, but the Oilers are playing good hockey – hopefully they keep it up in February
This might be an unpopular opinion….
The NHL needs to start calling the game by the book & not managing the games.
The NFL does it, The NBA does it & the MLB does it, players & coaches will adapt.
I’m not talking about preferential treatment to the stars but the slew foots, the muggings and extra slashes these guys take every game is ridiculous.
it’s not just McDavid and Draisaitl, it’s every elite player in the game.
Make penalties a full 2 minutes.
My younger self would absolutely oppose this but as I got older & a season ticket holder now I’m paying to watch McDavid and Draisaitl go up against MacKinnon or Petterson or Crosby, not watch Garland or Danault dry hump them up and down the ice, or Anderson slew foot Draisaitl destroying his ankle.
just one guys opinion
It’s funny with an extra ref and far less obstruction allowed they don’t call any more of these than before, maybe less
Corey Perry agrees with you for what it’s worth.
Coach confirms Ryan will head to Bako and will report at some point. He doesn’t think it’s the last we see of him. Very hard decision by the org.
Loving all of this… the player, clearing through the wire, coach’s comments and lord knows, Bako needs some warm bodies right now.
Was hoping President Joseph Biden Jr. would issue a last minute pardon for McDavid today, but it was not to be. I blame the hockey lobbyists and their weak game.
/satire
Spec saying the McDavid hearing is complete, lasted 20 minutes.
No decision public yet (that I’ve seen).
Not sure it matters, at least not to the big squad. Per NHL.com, Regula’s played 22 NHL games spread over 3 seasons with the last being Nov 16, 2022.
Knob says at least a week until Klingberg plays (per Rishaug).
I think no conditioning stint is nuts.
I imagine he’ll be spoonfed minutes to start with, probably in an 11-7 setup. The coaching staff could care less what he does against AHL competition.
It’s not about what he accomplishes, it’s about getting to game speed when everyone else is already at mid-season game speed. And giving the player a better chance to remain injury free.
Small bit reporters saying the Pens are looking to firesale.
Karlsson half retained? 5M cap hit might still be too high for 3 more years.
we’re better off with M. Pettersson
That can’t possibly be true.
2nd pair duty as the puck mover is different from the #1 minute muncher for a mediocre Pens team.
I’d take him (at $5M) over Klingberg any day of the week. Pettersson too.
3 more years is certainly an issue.
3 more years at evem half retained is a major issue.
I literally said that.
Wonder what the cost would be for a third team to retain half… EK65 for three years at $2.5MM ish would be something else.
I dont believe a player’s salary can be triple retained unfortunately.
That is correct. The CBA specifically states that any player contract can only be subject to a maximum of 2 retained salary transactions. And you were taking into account that a portion of Karlsson’s salary was already retained by San Jose to get it to the $10,000,000 current cap for Pittsburgh, so it can only be retained to a maximum of an additional 50% reduction one more time. Others might not remember that detail.
Retaining for 3 years would be expensive, I’m sure.
I’m not sure what the real money hit would be (I presume the contract was frontloaded but am not checking) but tying up a retention spot and that much cap space for 3 years…..
In any event, I can’t imagine Karlsson is even a remote possibility and, in my opinion, nor should he be.
Edm doesn’t need more offense. They need defense.
Actually, Oilers are 7th in both GF/G and GA/G.
I realize this won’t happen but the right call here is McDavid 1-2 games ,Meyers 2-4 and The two refs suspended for two weeks; and the league should publish all three along with their reasoning .
I was thinking what if Regula yesterday
right in cue LT
Ryan cleared.
Yay!!!
Never in doubt.
Good news! Hopefully Ryan views it that way too. Like you say, it shouldn’t be the last we see of him this year.
Does he get his name on the Cup if he doesn’t play another minute?
Official minimum is 41 games or 1 playoff game.
The optimist in me thought the team was doing Ryan a solid to get in 41 games and a chance to automatically get his name on the Cup; all while letting Philp percolate and hand over the reigns.
I doubt this is the last we’ve seen of Ryan this year.
Klingberg skating with the team today, and wearing #36.
Other Oilers who have worn these digits include:
Selmar Odelein 1988-1989
Bruce Bell 1990
Norm Maciver 1990-1992
Brad Werenka 1993
Todd Marchant 1994
Ralph Intranuovo 1995
Dennis Bonvie 1996-1998
Shawn Horcoff 2001
Jarret Stoll 2003-2004
Marc Pouliot 2006
Mathieu Roy 2007-2008
Charles Linglet 2010
Philip Larsen 2014
Drake Caggiula 2017
Jussi Jokinen 2018
Joel Persson 2020
Jack Campbell 2023-2024
Missed opportunity to give him Rexy Ruotsalainens 29