The Edmonton Oilers won the final game of the ‘highway to hell’ road trip and for some reason it feels like victory. The team played better, while not being at all great, and none of it matters really. Through the storm, there’s home cooking and a couple of games that offer easier opponents than the completed road trip. Heaven and hell in the NHL is sometimes about pushing through and getting a win when nothing rhymes. Edmonton won last night. That’s a big damned deal.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- On the road to: CAR (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: ANA, MTL, DAL (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: BUF, NJD, NYI, NYR (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: UTA, WPG, SEA, DAL (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: SEA (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: CGY (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected results: 7-5-2, 16 points in 14 games
- March result: 1-0-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 35-21-4, 74 points in 60 games
The Oilers return to a 100-point trajectory and Kris Knoblauch’s most vocal calling out of his team goes to 1-0-0 for his career. The coach is doing curious things (fading Matt Savoie, who should be sent down if they’re not going to play him) and doing those things during losing streaks will bring frustration from the fan base. Knoblauch needed last night’s win, just as much as the team.
THE NUMBERS
Leon Draisaitl’s pass to Corey Perry for the winning goal was an all-time assist, and one of many such moments the big man has delivered over the years. Draisaitl is at his peak powers now, I believe, and if this season ends in Stanley all should remember the nights when Leon carried this team.
Calvin Pickard stopped about one dozen HDSC and several came late with the result on the line. I don’t know what Stan Bowman will do at the deadline, but if Pickard is dealt part of me will feel the man deserved a better fate. He’s been a quality Oiler.
The Adam Henrique trio got fed in possession but a goal scored by the veteran is welcome news. Hopefully it lights a fire.
Corey Perry is making the younger wingers (which is all of them) look like passengers right now. He is so smart. I’m so happy we get to see him play for these Oilers, at this age. Splendid hockey player.
John Klingberg is still in pre-season mode, and is moving pretty well for a man who has been through a lot physically. He’s inconsitent, but shows flashes of what he could be for this team. I don’t know that he makes it, honestly.
However, in his nine games with the team Klingberg is the proud owner of a 57 percent goal share (8-6) at five-on-five over 150 minutes. In this perod the Oilers have a 30 percent goal share with Klingberg off the ice.
I’d like to see him get a 20-game run but there’s no time. My guess is we see an upgrade at the deadline. The post- March 7 depth chart might be Ekholm-Bouchard, Nurse-Kulak and then new guy-Emberson. We’ll see.
Trades are happening now, I’d like to see the Oilers add a fast train with hands and two-way acumen for the McDavid line. Maybe 1975 Steve Shutt. I’d like Jake Evans from the Habs for the fourth line, and 1982 Charlie Huddy for the defense. Please and thanks.
I wrote about spring signing season of free agents from junior, Euro and college today at The Athletic. It is here. I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks.
Summarizing!
O’Reilly o’ssisted twice, including on the O’T winner as he capped off a seven-point (4 + 3) weekend. Also had a game-high 8 SOG.
The House of Stone garnered an aPPle.
Nicholl did not incur soup.
Prospecting takes a break until Wodin’s Day.
Hi
Pickard makes a breakaway stop and saves our Captains behind with one of the dumbest plays I’ve seen in awhile and your going to award him by starting your de facto starter who’s been flopping around like beach whale his last 4 games. If Coach K.K doesn’t start Pickard next game what message are you sending to your team?
Whatever the message, it appears to be consistent with the message he sends by icing the guy who made one of the dumbest plays you’ve seen in a while, no?
Right now there is no way Pickard shouldn’t be auditioned for the starting position. Skinner himself was only meant to be the backup before the Campbell debacle.
Jeff Skinner on the other hand with his sparkling 2 goals per month production rate needs to get shot into the sun.
@LT
So we’re not allowed to discuss various AI tools that are publicly available for free online now?
I must have missed that in the list of banned words/phrases.
It became political. If you want to talk politics, start a blog, or comment on a blog suited for the subject. This is a hockey blog.
I understand the blog has a political line in the sand, and it’s a fair one that I’ll keep in mind going forward.
With the routinely overlooked political commentary that persisted throughout the Four Nations tournament, I suppose the demarcation of said line got blurry and I lost sight of the big picture.
Reading through the posts (here and all other), about all these needs, Jackson having been a fail, etc., etc., etc – its almost like the Oilers aren’t currently a top 7 team in the NHL.
Yeah we’re too small too on the backend. Bring back Cody ‘thought to be traded to sign Bro and Dyl but actually just cause he wasn’t good enough’ Ceci and Vinny ‘removed from the lineup for being a liability by round 2’ Desharnais.
They can’t use the height example so on to website listed pounds which is as reliable as this bridge I have to sell ya.
This team is mean (people still dont give 97 and 29 credit for being absolute filth at times), and plays a suppression style that seems to reduce injuries (total speculation but is literally less crash and bash).
They need more scoring, but that flies in the face of the coaches preferences of responsible play (See Skinner, J) so I’m not sure what the fix is other than the rest of the team not named Connor and Leon’s role being just don’t lose the game.
We wait with a candle lit for an impactful Evander.
If you don’t think size matters in a full contact sport that gets far harder to play in the post season, ok. Certainly not what every former player I hear talk ever says. Or what I see, like Hughes getting hit out of effectiveness, or small D having trouble with big players net front or on the forecheck. Or Panarin playing on the boards only in the playoffs
Or Kulak Stecher and Emberson having trouble boxing out the net front despite effort. Bouch doesn’t either, but… In the last few seasons only the Avs won a Cup with a smaller (height or weight) D group, and they added Manson at the deadline to help with that. Tampa brought back McDonough for that reason
I didn’t say that at all. Like at all.
I’m a big fan of functional toughness, which this team has. Starting at its stars. On D too. Nurse, Ekholm, Bouch is filthy. Not to mention our manned games lost to injury in d are almost non-existent (and will continue god willing). They can handle the toughness just like all your NHL buddies say.
In any case. How about Desharnais being removed from the Dallas series for not being effective? Is Ty Emberson struggling more than large person Josh Brown this year? I’ll agree on Stecher, need an upgrade there.
Panarin who had 15 points in 16 playoff games wasn’t doing his part? Kulak is 6’2 ~200. He’s as big as everyone’s favourite player to glaze Tkachuk. Bigger than Gus Forsling who *checks notes* won the cup as a top pair dman.
I’d appreciate you not putting words in my mouth. Thanks.
Ceci and Desharnais were important parts of a PK that went 98.6% net in the playoffs, and posted a 95.35% Sv% on the PK (vs 89.58% 5v5). What those players lacked 5v5, they made up for on the kill.
Desharnais, who suffered a nasty hit from Moore in the first round, was not jettisoned because of his playoff play, but because of his cap hit.
EDM took the gamble that Emberson could replace Ceci on the PK, which they won. But they lost the bet that Josh Brown was a replacement for Desharnais.
EDM was not actually that great 5v5 in the playoffs and special teams remain a key for success for this team. Bowman will be flagging the PK and a bigger D who can block seam passes, break up the cycle, and kill penalties.
I never claimed Desharnais was jettisoned because of his play. I stated the fact he was removed from the playoffs due to ineffective play. They preferred a guy who hadnt played on the NHL team over him.
If you have an option who fits the bill in your last point I’d agree that could help the team. Who do you suggest?
It’s not static. The other teams aren’t standing still. That they are top 7 isn’t a coup, it’s a warning light, they should be in running for the post position, given they have two of the best players in the league, it’s below almost everyone’s expected results, isn’t it?
The goal is the Finals, at least. That isn’t being set by some fans only, it’s also by the players. This late in the season things aren’t where they should be, it’s concerning for those who like the team care how far they get in playoffs. Some fans and certainly the players go deeper than just being happy with watching or playing
The guys they couldn’t quite beat just landed a big RS D in prime. It’s open for debate how good he is, but he’s an upgrade and might fare well on an organized team. They also have over 8M in cap. It’s a concern, what response might Bowman have?
They aren’t where they should be or, realistically, they are right where they should be – among the top contending teams in the league – as good a shot to win as any other team.
Fine, maybe they “should” be up with WIN and WSH, the only teams in a tier ahead.
Maybe if one of those best two players in the world wasn’t having, by his own account, and by any subjective and objective account, an under-performing season, they would be up there.
They will make some moves but, more than anything, what should take this team to the next level is McDavid and Bouchard finding their expected level (and Nuge and Hyman and Ekholm would help too).
I actually don’t believe McDavid and Bouchard can win the whole thing even with their best efforts.
They need more from their supporting cast. They need chaos makers in front of the net, and they need some beef to make some space, and take the bull’s-eyes off their backs.
I don’t think the others can win on skill along. They need the supporting cast. Exceptional penalty killers count as well.
all that I’ve mentioned doesn’t matter a darn without what you said, because all the muckers in the world still can’t get it done without the other side, which is McDavid and Bouchard
Where is our daily update on our 2 stars that we gave away to Holland’s buddy? I don’t know if I can make it through the day without getting my nose rubbed in it.
Holloway looks like a real steal. Hate to admit it though.
I understand you’re trying to make an optimistic point.
For my perspective and many on low tide as opposed to other social media, we are just looking ahead.
The Oilers are a top 7 because of their star players. The whole objective of this season was to build enough of a team around the Star players so they weren’t as critical and the team could win with her without the stars.
I think we’re a little more educated as fans and we can see the holes or weaknesses even when the team is winning.
I agree a little more celebration should be in order given the fact the team is good.
The discussion is always truly – is it good enough, is it good enough to go all the way?
It also does take a little time to gauge performance and the more we look at it the summer acquisition, the more we seemore we see there must’ve been some kind of gap in communication between Holland Jackson and coach.
Some of the signings or miss signings look bizarre with hindsight
The other thing of course is the Oilers are so close. It takes so much to win and they’re so close and the next few moves will be critical.
Are we?
I could say we aren’t top of the league because our star players haven’t performed to established level.
We have two elite future hall of fame players and a few second tier stars:
Drai – the one and only star performing to expectations – actually outperforming
McDavid – below expectations
Bouchard – below expectation
Ekholm – below expectations
Hyman – below expectation
As I’ve been opining for a while now, some tweaks will be made but if anything, a run to the cup is based on internal recovery.
Sure but some of us feel because of incompetence the team has been robbed of at least one Stanley cup already and because of Jeff Jackson probably another
In 5 years Holland has 0 draft picks on this team Wright must of been doing something for Holland on the side for him to get a job in Edmonton. I wonder if Wright was working out of Mexico.
You’re right send back Ekholm i want Reid Schaeffer and Tanner Molendyck back.
They were top 3 only 2 weeks ago.
If they sink to say, 9th will you be calling them “top ten” team?
Matt Tkachuk on LTIR.
Here we go again….
lol, Why not
Probably need that for The trade they just did
I saw a report that the rumoured asking price by BOS for Brandon Carlo is:
Age: 28
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 217 lbs
Shoots: right
Cap hit: $4.1MM + two more seasons (UFA in 2027)
Clause: M-NTC
He’s having a down year via PuckIQ, which could be exactly why the price is as (allegedly) low as it is. Buying low on a bonafide top-4 RHD with size is exactly what Sather would do.
Does:
Arvidsson and Kemp, plus STL’s 2025 2nd round pick get it done?
I’ve had my eye on Carlo for a few years. Purely a defensive dman, but with great size and mobility.
He might be the ideal partner for Nurse, Carlo has been less effective the last 2 seasons, but he would be a substantial add and a change of scenery might be good for him. From Colorado, so going to Edmonton might be something he’d welcome.
Kemp has no trade value. However I bet if was the same but with Akey instead of Kemp, Boston takes that deal.
I’m aware of Kemp’s value, it’s mostly a way to find him a second opinion. BOS could be a good spot for him to land too; gives the player and the organization a test drive before he becomes a UFA.
I’d be remiss to trade Akey, especially so early.
And with the reported ask, it would be Akey -or- the STL 2nd round pick.
With the centre depth in BOS, I wonder if the ask would be Henrique + 2nd.
Do we do that trade?
Per my comment below, you trade the small Akey for some years of big and good Carlo all day
But if you trade Henrique there’s a problem at C, there already is with him here. Nuge isn’t a great C anymore, would get owned in the heavier playoffs
Arvidsson they might like. Feel bad for him, but it’s not getting done and that’s all that matters
That’s a good point.
If BOS bites at Arvidsson+Akey for Carlo, I think Bowman sprints to the fax machine to get the trade registered with the NHL before they say no. I’d prefer the 2nd round pick, probably, but Akey would work. Still don’t think that’s enough pain on our end to make it worth their while in BOS, just not sure what else we’d have to offer without decimating what we have for depth.
FWIW, I wasn’t advocating trading Rico, was just thinking out loud. Arvy seems more like a typical BOS type. Perhaps they see him as a DeBrusk replacement with Akey filling eventually filling in on RHD.
At any rate, that EDM is in the handful of teams reported to be in on this potential deal is a good sign. Shopping in the right aisles.
Oilers offence is DOA at the moment
Re your lines: Not there, but I liked the 52 seconds of Podz-Drai-Perry
worker-young brains-old brains w hands
I’m wondering what damage 3 shifts of that line would do?
Edgar Winter.
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If Evander Kane does not want to be traded, wouldn’t he put down the 16 teams (on his new trade list) that would have the most difficulty fitting him in to their cap space?
I find it hard to believe that he isn’t willing to sit until the playoffs start. If it benefits the team he plays on – and his chance to win a Cup – then it’s a no brainer.
If Evander Kane doesn’t want to be traded, he will return for the playoffs period.
I believe NTC lists have to be set at the start of the year?
Maybe Speeds can confirm, as it could be March 1st when the condition changes.
It was reported that Kane had to update his NTC list on March 1st with 16 teams.
4th on the team in 5 on 5 goals, one behind McDavid (two behind Hyman).
2nd in G/60 behind Leon.
One of the few players I have watched where you could almost see tangible display of leadership.
I really am enjoying this player as an Oiler this season.
I was worried for a second that the canes would challenge the empty-netter for offside and get the clock back.
Wouldn’t that be a wild scenario. Up by a goal, enter the zone and have like 30 seconds of zone time and score with less than a second left, only to have it called back. Clock goes back to 30 seconds instead of the game being over. Canes score in that 30 seconds and win it in OT. Scoring a goal literally loses you the game.
It would have been so Oilers and so NHL.
Ha, love the wierd crazy stupid scenario!
One of the most baffling mistakes of his career aside (late turnover), McDavid had a better game to my eye last night and was looking dangerous in-zone and on the rush in the 3rd.
Today will be his first day back in Edmonton since February 7 and I bet you that will help as well.
He’s coming!
What does that mean? As you’ve stated at no point last season regular season and playoffs did McDavid resemble a generational player.
And now you’re trumpeting the horn that he’s coming. Odd.
Is this one of those “internet wins” you were talking about the other day.
I absolutely did NOT say what you state I did – you’ve done this numerous times now.
Kindly cease “telling me” and other what I’ve said as you have not shown the ability to do so with accuracy.
Now, what I meant by my post was that McDavid played more on the level that I am used to seeing last night and was fire in the 3rd period. He did make a very very bad mistake, which is part of the night’s performance.
A win is a win and that one was so needed.
Pickard was unreal as was Kulak. I hope Pickard gets the next game. He deserves it and that would be a good way to hopefully light a fire under Skinner.
Enough of Arvidsson thank you. Yes LT. Send Savoie down if not playing him. But they should play him. He was really good and looked to be having some chemistry with Drai.
The whole Kane thing is getting old fast. Jackson making a statement the other day then apparently adjusting that is weird. Then Friedman basically saying Kane will do whatever he wants in his report last night didn’t help as well as the statement that the Oilers are contacting the 16 teams for any interest in a trade. It’s all really weird. Hope they actually come out in the next day or 2 and tell us WTF is going on. Just weird !
A guy like Kane if 100% is exactly what this team needs in the playoffs. The only reason I could see trading him ( besides cash out) would be they have had it with him and there is a lot more to this whole story than has been actually let out to the public.
Trade week, so hopefully they grab a few pieces that help out. Guess we see what they really do with Kane and pickups.
I think they wouldn’t get much value in a Kane trade except of course the cap space which is more valuable. On the other hand, Kane still could be exactly what this team needs in a playoff run. Keeping the trade option available could also keep Kane in line because he’s stated he truly likes beeing an Oiler. If he does decide to leave it obviously will be in his best interest. But Edmonton has been very good for Evander Kane and that deserves some loyalty.
Kane is going to be needed in the playoffs. Trade Arvidsson ffs. Guy has been terrible. 1 mill diff in contract. Even if Kane sits out and frees up 5, trade Arvidsson as well and free up that $. Then you have 9-10 mill. That gets you a #4 D man and either a legite #3 C man. Or a couple bangers to replace guys that suck in that. Bottom 6. Which is 2-3 right now
While they’re at it get Skinner to waive that anchor and they’ve got $12M to work with.
Sounds like Kane is beating to his old drum. If this is the case a team can basically get him for cap space or possibly another player on the fence with a year left on his contract.
How do we know that. We don’t. It’s all speculation
Read between the lines there is disconnect and when that happens people feelings get hurt.
It would be awesome if the headlines read “Oilers are looking to see if there’s a market for Arvidsson while asking Skinner to rescind his no trade clause with Kane returning to the line up”
I think folks are simply reading too much into this LTIR situation.
My read on it is they’re going to use as much of the LTIR cushion as possible, and Kane will return for the playoffs. Pulling a Kucherov/Stone.
If that’s the case, why would the organization tip their hand by coming out and saying what the plan is publically? There goes a 3rd to CGY and a fine for some new rule that just came out.
All of this “news” is simply a smoke screen for plausible deniability should Gary come calling later on with some questions.
As is the norm, much gets sensationalized and fans get all sorts of twisted about the lack of information. The 16 team list would be provided as a matter of procedure whether he is being traded or not.
Chances are he will be activated in time for the playoffs, unless a compelling offer is on the table. From Kane’s standpoint, why would he want to FAFO this?
They will start Skinner next game even though Pickard deserves it. The organization clearly view Pickard as a back-up and the funny thing is the more Skinner poops the bed and Pickard plays well could mean like LT mentioned above it’ll be Pickard sent in a deal for a goalie that can possibly be a 1-A.
Do you see Pickard as the starter?
No, but he deserves the next start while Skinner does not.
No. The funny thing is that Pickard strong play play and contract make him tradeable at the deadline. Skinner is going to get Pickard traded if he continues to Amber Heard the bed in the next 4-5 starts as Bowman has no other option but to pull the trigger if they want to win a Cup.
Deployment of netminders has been super consistent.
Through 60 games Skinner has had 40 starts & Pickard 20. To that end Knoblauch has broken up the schedule into 3 game groups with Skinner starting 2, Pickard 1 *every single time*. Skinner gets the tougher opponents , though when a set of games looks like TBL-FLA-CAR Pickard still gets his turn.
Skinner has never started more than 3 in a row while Pickard has never once started more than 1 in a row. I wonder if Games 60-61 will see a break in that latter pattern.
I understand the deployment they see Pickard as a cheap back-up that more than covers the bet but let’s face it Skinner needs a reset. Skinner has completely lost his net positionly for 3-4 goals on the road trip. Losing where you are in the net positionly is not good and you know this as a former Goalie.
While the 2/3 rotation was working for a while, we may be seeing a few drawbacks for Skinner now. Pickard is experienced and knows his role as a backup, which is to make the most out of every start, then work hard in practice until he gets the nod again. He has done a fantastic job of this. Skinner is still learning his role as a starter, which usually provides more than 3 consecutive starts to build off momentum to find consistency.
Skinner has 20 wins on the season. He’s been given the net the next game after 9 of those wins. Of the remaining 11, 4 were the first of B2B games so the schedule has posed challenges with this also. He has 21 games on the season where his sv% is .900 or higher. Of those games, he had the net the next game 10 times. I’m not saying his game does not need to improve, but I think the objective of managing his workload hasn’t always helped him build off his good games.
An under-the-radar name that I’d like the Oilers to look at is Lukas Reichel. He was a guy I really liked in his draft year that hasn’t quite panned out as expected in CHI, but would benefit from a second chance.
Reichel’s game is detail-oriented and is centered around using his smarts, motor, and anticipation to win puck battles. In his draft year, he was a highly effective player along the boards and around the net despite playing against men in the DEL. While it hasn’t manifested quite as clearly at the NHL level so far, I think it’s due to a mix of bad situation (losing team, lack of quality players to learn from, etc) and having not yet fully filled out strength-wise.
His game isn’t one that will carry a line on its own but I firmly believe it’s the perfect blueprint of a complementary player for one of The Duo. He’s not the same as Podkolzin (more skill, less physical), but he’d do much of what Pod brought to Drai’s line. However, even if he ultimately doesn’t mesh with either, he’s already rounded his game out well enough to be a quality bottom-6 option.
Also, he’s German 🙂
It would appear that management decision to go with a heavily veteran line up this season has been a fail. How many on this roster would you say is having a decent year? Leon, Nurse, Emberson, Kulak, Ekholm (not past month), Podz (no offence but brings other things), Perry (surprisingly), Connor (even though an off season for him),Picard.
Guys that were heavily counted on, S.Skinner, Bouch, Hyman and Nuge have disappointed and last two may be hitting the age cliff. Can you justify paying Bouch $9- 10 Million? Defence optional.
Can anyone argue why you would bring back Brown, Arrvidson, J Skinner, Henrique, Kappenen, Janmark?
Too soon to make the call on Klingberg but your bottom pair needs to be physical. Quite confused that Savoie is not playing?
Can you see this group winning the Stanley Cup???? Would take a massive turn around by over half of the roster.
You know I hear what you’re saying, but this team remains in spitting distance from 1st in the division, which is better than last year.
Hyman and Stu have disappointed based on our projections, but Hyman is still a 20 goal scorer with 20 games to play and is playing to his contract value (last year he was well in excess of that). With Stu, you pay for what you get, including the wild swings from brilliance to subpar.
I would also say that 6 games ago, no one would have discounted this team, and perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration?
The biggest concern is over the last 6 games, getting outshot/outplayed, which is a big anomaly compared to prior. They didn’t forget how to play, and it can be corrected. The second biggest concern is improving the top line without moving up Draisaitl
Up until the 5 game skid they were leading the division and one the best 3 teams in the league with below average goaltending.
Bouchard is a top tier defenceman.
Massive turn around being the team that was leading the division before the 5 game skid?
Yes.
Couple things about your post.
1)Corey Perry’s scoring stats are not a surprise. They are almost identical to his last 3-4 seasons. His advanced stats are right in the same area as well.
2) Hyman is right on track with his horror of goal scoring. Last year was not the expectation, it was the outlier. He is low in assists but the other players on his line are not scoring goals. His advanced stats are still sparkling like a diamond. So any statement that he’s falling off a cliff because he’s not scoring 50 goals is absolutely ridiculous.
3)Bouchard scoring stats are the second best of his career behind last year. He is on pace of 62 and had 80 last year, that’s still an amazing year. His advanced possession metrics are basically the same as last year. His giveaways are higher this year, players do not develop in a straight line, he’s still learning against amazing players every game.
4)Stuart Skinner has not played his best hockey but by has a better save % than Swayman and tied with Saros. He is within 6 goals of Shesterkin (Just signed to $11.5 4.42x Skinner)
6 goals of Sorokin ($8.25 cap hit, 3.17x)
6 goals of Bobrovsky ($10 cap hit, 3.85x)
6 goals of Lankinen (just signed at $4.5 cap hit, 1.73x)
5 goals of Adin Hill ($4.9 cap hit, 1.88x)
3 goals of Binnington ($6 cap hit, 2.3x)
If you’re expecting Hellebucyk, sorry there’s only 1.
5)Connor Brown is just under career average for scoring per 60. At $1 cap hit, that’s really good. Penelty kill. Not sure what you’d expect out of him that he isn’t doing.
6)Janmark, low event, average scoring for career. Penalty Kill. Not sure what you’d expect out of him that he isn’t doing.
7)Jeff Skinner, is he what the oilers need? No. Are his numbers terrible? Also no. He isn’t in a position to be super impactful.
The rest there is questions about. Panicking when they’ve been one of the best teams in the league the majority of the season would be a terrible decision.
Great post. To your fourth point, that’s excellent context.
I oftentimes think Oil Country would panic with any of those guys in net, saying things like they fell off the cliff, wife doesn’t like it in Edmonton, bad in the room, prone to bad stretches, not in the game mentally, came to camp out of shape, etc.
It’s a tough act to follow the likes of Moog, Fuhr, and Cujo in their primes. Thing to remember, is, even those goalies (like the ones listed above) let in soft goals. The important thing is having the ability to bounce back and shut the door.
Oooo.. I like that. Thanks.
Buckled in for this ride.
No panic here.
Jake Evans has 2 goals in his last 24 games, is a – player during that time, well under 200lbs, gives the puck away alot, Montreal will want more then he’s worth due to his December heater, won’t be here next year.
I’d like to see the Oilers to into battle against Vegas with the meats of Frederick and McCarron.
Not McCarron, he offers no offence period. Frederic would be a good get if his injury is not bad. Evans really dropped off from his torrid pace before Xmas. Probably why Montreal is not offering what he wants.
once the Oil figure out Kane in the next few days, I guess we will know what we can go after?
If Brandon Carlo is really on the block ( rumour he is). They should be all over that.
if they have the cash. He and Frederic would be a good trade deadline.
I’m not adding McCarron for offense, you add him for winning 4C right handed faceoffs, bringing a physical element with his giant stature.
The Oilers have nothing in the way of McCarron on their team, they need variance in their line up. Rolling out a small 4C against Vegas or anyone else in the playoffs because they may add 1 goal more then McCarron while getting smushed and pushed around isn’t going to help.
Bring in the beef, they already have enough scoring.
I think the Oilers have to stop bringing in smaller players. So few end up helping enough. There are a handful of them in the entire league I would want on the team, and they are mostly out of the Oilers cap range. For non elite smaller guys Arvidsson is the type I don’t mind, but as happens it seems he’s broken from years of wear and tear on his under NHL sized frame
If we put the slump aside, where the team is weakest is largely to do with being smaller and often less aggressive than the opponent. Then when you get to playoffs and everyone is giving everything, bigger players are going to dominate smaller players. Even many of the elite smaller guys struggle in playoffs, happens every year. They get targeted with hits because teams can game plan and it’s the easiest way to reduce their effectiveness. Many times they start playing on the perimeter
If you look at the shot map from yesterday the Oilers didn’t get to the middle as much as the Canes. Fortunately they popped 3 of their shots from there. Faster, bigger, younger to me is needed throughout a lot of the line up. For me that they are good at hockey is a given, more Kapanen’s isn’t what I mean
It would take pressure off Connor and Leon if other players were creating more problems for the opponent to deal with. Perry is pulling his weight it must be said. Even if not scoring, hitting on the forecheck and driving the net makes it hard on the other D, it’s also tiring for them. The Oilers don’t tire anyone out at this point, non physical and they aren’t fast as a group, there’s not enough pressure being applied if Connor or Leon aren’t going at them
Playing against assertive players is also tiring, more stressful when you don’t know if a guy like Kane or Perry is going to run you, run your goalie, get a stick on your goalie, stick you, hit you, ask to fight you or score on you. Can’t have enough of that as I see it, and it’s not the same when it’s 180-190 lb guy doing it. They care when it’s a 200-220 lb fella, NHL average or bigger. It’s what has driven Ovi’s career, he’s one of the biggest players in the league, is a loose cannon when he wants to be, and of course can shoot the puck
Especially on D, the D group overall is too light. Only two over 200lbs, that’s small when the overall NHL average is 200 and D are usually a little taller and heavier. Only four forwards over 200 (Skinner right at it but I doubt that), and only Leon and Perry are very physical. I don’t see Hyman as physical
I hope Kane stays and can help when back, they miss his truculent heavy game
Great post. This is why I think a guy like Carlo, if available, is absolutely the player type who’s crucial to prolonged success. He’s an eraser, and he can be a deterrent. There are enough other players who can score, need a few guys who can skate AND defend (but still don’t chop the puck square).
To follow up on your average size/weight comment, I did an AI search and it returned the following (with six citations):
Thanks. Those numbers line up with what I found on a site where he did it manually. Being averages many teams are bigger than that on D
Nurse at 6.5 million for Knight and a protected 1st is a pretty sweet deal.
Im surprised chicago did it this year
Jones was becoming extremely vocal and likely a net negative in the locker room. And it guarantees a top three pick with their only minute muncher
For sure. That organization is a bad shit show just like Vancouver. Beddard looked like he was going to cry in the penalty box the other day.
Alex Vlasic played 19:02 in the season opener & has since reeled off 59 straight games of 20+ minutes, 14 of those north of 25. His season average is 23:40.
23 years old, 6’6, 217 lbs., & one of the more intriguing young D in the league to these old eyes.
I don’t see the Hawks trading this young Dman. They can build around him as part of the core group. I’m not sure he would be ready for prime time with us unless he plays lower down the picking order. JMHO
You never know with Davidson lol. He traded Hagel, He traded Dach ( albeit Dach has turned into a bandaid).
lets trade for Ekblad haha
I feel Nurse has been our best D-Man this year. He played hurt during last season’s PO. If we trade him, who do we have who would bring the truculence and be part of the leadership group? We would be looking for someone with his skill set, which would be difficult to replace.
You are right.
I almost cried seeing Bouchard stuck out on the ice with seconds left in the game. Like what are they trying to prove? he’s anything but a shutdown player.
Except he gets scored at lower rates than any of Emberson, Ekholm, Kulak, Klingberg – exactly the same rate of GA as Nurse and he plays tougher minutes.
As far as actual results, Bouchard has been the team’s best d-man and that doesn’t even take in to account he plays against the opposition’s best players.
Yes, he gets helped by playing with the Oilers top lines but, truth be told, this season, McDavid has needed Bouchard to not be caved (without Drai).
Prospectiferous!
A trio of OHL’ers are on the docket today.
The Knights in White Satin reached the end of their winning streak yesternight, only their 9th regulation loss in 57 games. O’Reilly had a goal and an assist though, giving him 4 + 1 so far this weekend.
The House of Stone also tallied last night to give him lucky 13. One suspects he is destined for Bakersfield or Fort Wayne when his OHL career ends in three weeks.
Peterborough (Stonehouse) @ 2 p.m.
London (O’Reilly, Nicholl) @ 4 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Edson time.
Glad extra they beat Carolina.
Since Pickard wins games while Skinner is shaky, why exactly don’t they give Pickard the team and see what he can do?
Oilers have a propensity for stifling backup/ prospect goalies.
pickard should get a home start but we shall see
Should be Pickards net against Anaheim.
Ya why wouldn’t you
Skinner was in goal last time they played the Ducks. And they won 3-2.
I hope we’re on the phone with Utah about maccelli
Ya he is a little speedball , think he could help. Would add some speed. Be nice to trade Arvidsson to Utah for him lol
Utah has a number of players the Oil should be interested in.
The Swedes are getting to comfortable on this team we need a yakky Finn to get them going.