The Edmonton Oilers won a massive game last night against the Los Angeles Kings. The key goal was scored by Evander Kane. Later on in the third period, with the Oilers pressing, Kane scored a goal-mouth marker without breaking any rules. The goal tied the score, and set up a sprint to the finish.
It would have been an important moment just because of the goal itself, but the Kings inexplicably challenged the goal and lost. That left LA a man short for two minutes, a random act of dumbass the Oilers needed badly. A brilliant pass from Leon Draisaitl to Evan Bouchard for the cash, just 10 seconds of playing time after the Kane goal, sealed the deal.
As we settle in to a Saturday without Oilers hockey, it’s worth contemplating the idea that the Kane goal (and the LAK challenge) last night is the sliver of daylight this team needs to win the series. What a moment.
THE NUMBERS
The Oilers needed better goaltending, better reads and reaction, better special teams and some kind of secondary scoring. Most important, Edmonton needed to win the five-on-five.
The team delivered it all last night.
Calvin Pickard had a five-on-five save percentage of .952, stopping five of six high dangers. Even the goals he did allow had some Luba (Innocent, with an explanantion) to them. One goal was tipped by Mattias Janmark, one goal involved Warren Foegele’s perfect screen, one goal came via Jake Walman being unable to wrestle that rat fink (it’s a compliment) Trevor Moore. Pickard was key to the win with some grand work late in the game.
Up and down this roster, there were good things. Connor Brown scored twice, Kane was outstanding and gives this team an element sadly lacking when he isn’t in the lineup. Both Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, who struggled mightily in Los Angeles, played strong games. The Bouchard goal after the Kane goal was massive, and what a fantastic play by Draisaitl to make that pass. The coaching staff got McDavid some clean air versus Anze Kopitar and the captain helped his line mash. Zach Hyman was doing Hyman things, physically, smart, a strong wheel on the wagon. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored. John Klingberg is turning out to be an inspired signing by Stan Bowman. Vasily Podkolzin is such an effective player. We are beginning to see what Trent Frederic can do, I sincerely hope the Oilers play deep into the postseason so he can show Oilers fans what he’s all about when healthy. Maybe play long enough to get Mattias Ekholm back, and then we’re talking something special. Last night’s game is enough for today. I wrote all of this without my morning coffee. Spelling mistakes may exist. Enjoy the day. The pivotal game in this series? The next one, of course.
Very entertaining game last night.
Who will be in goal tom? Some chatter that Skinner may draw back in . That would be interesting call by this coach.
let’s hope they come out flying tom and tie it up
Heavy heavy fuel… Dire Straits?
Obviously Schwartz is behind the cheerleading narrative on misunderstood Skinner. Pickard won’t do the on the knees play that Schwartz wants all his goalies to do. How many coaches and GM’s has this man outlasted 8-10? How many Goalies has he gone through? Ask yourself this as soon as you bring up his name you are not entitled to a conversation without heavy pushback from his posse.
Schwartz is the season handler, most goalies including Skinner have their own coach. They don’t change anything in season, just talking and helping with keeping them on track mentally and technique, this according to Woodley when Gregor asked him
The thing he shouldn’t have survived was choosing Campbell over Kuemper to Holland. That one hurt, a lot, and nobody seemed to have recognized Campbell’s mental struggles. I would wager little due diligence was done, other than watching a bit of video. The guy was 30, a known commodity, at least to others
Pickard was on his knees on all the goals againt.
A whole lot of Oilers flags on cars, Oilers hats and jerseys down here in Calgary today. Lots of smiles and nods between fans. Thankful for how this team can bring people together.
There were more than a few moments where I teared-up during last night’s game. The Draisaitl to Bouchard PP goal was perhaps the most impactful as it will have LA questioning their game plan. That was a perfectly timed “intellectual attack”.
The Kings were all teared- up after that Draisaitl to Bouchard PP goal.
What was that thing with Tom Wilson?
Mimicking a baby it’s trash talking at its finest.
I have been watching the replays of Hyman knock Doughty on his ass on Instagram on continuous loop for the last 10 minutes. The goal was secondary
Have to show some love to Hyman. Looked like he was in ill humour most of the evening.
I absolutely loved the coach’s challenge last night. That’s the type of bone-headed decision that has the potential to cost a series … one of those things everyone will remember ten years from now.
They owe Pickard tomorrow with his steady play and if he wins you have to build on his momentum until he loses. If they start a half-broken Skinner tomorrow and they lose coach K.K needs to be let go immediately. He should be escorted out of the arena with only a recent photo of Stuart on the beach for his enjoyment.
but, but, but he didn’t provide “steady play” last night.
Take away the first two goals (which we can debate “how stoppable” they were):
1) the third goal was a floater from the point (and Pickard has been beat a few times this year on that type of shot as his size makes it harder for him to fight through screens – part of this job); and
2) the fourth goal would have been historically bad if his team didn’t bail him out – as weak as can be and with the worst possible timing – it was the opposite of “big save at a big time”.
If Skinner had the game Pickard did last night, the masses would be shredding him and demanding a change – no doubt.
Was incredibly happy to see Kane’s impact last night. I love this player and I cringe when Rishaug says he should be bought out next year – how ‘bout no. Great player, great Oiler, let’s hope he just gets better as the games go on.
Team played much better in front of Pickard, as they have all year. For the first time all series, the Oilers goalie came out ahead in save percentage, didn’t give up a goal in the first 10 minutes, and got the win.
I’m going to try to avoid being negative, but will just say, if they do go back to Skinner in game 3, they better damn well hope Skinner delivers. If he doesn’t, the city might riot – rightfully so.
Regardless, let’s just hope they keep this momentum going and tie this series up no matter what!
Agree with you on Kane. I know many here talk about him as a cap dump this off season but I think he’s a perfect fit for the teams needs.
He’s healthy for the first time in years that wicked gash a few years back was career threatening. He’s a warrior and he’s our warrior.
The team was very soft this year. Kane when healthy is a beast. Like LT says I hope Oil fans get to see Frederic at 100% this playoffs on a long run. He is a very good player and tough. Be nice if they could resign him as well
I would have paid cash money for McDavid to slap shot the empty netter.
I looked at the TOI of kings bottom guys since you all were talking about how they were playing with 3 lines and 2 pairings and was shocked with last night’s times.
Line 4: 4:39, 3:01, 2:31
3D: 11:34, 2:55.
On the top end
35 year old Doughty playing 28 min
Top end for forwards was not too bad, but soon to be 38 year old Kopitar with 22:11. La derriere was fourth lowest ice time with 16:10.
.
On Oilers, Emberson was the only one in single digits with 9 min.
Nurse had 26:38
McD had 21:43 to top EDM.then Drai with 21:38, then Hyman, third highest with 16:29.
All others ranged from 10 to 15:10.
This game had the largest discrepancy for the kings, but the others are not far off.
Win tomorrow and we win this series. Kings will not sustain, and Oilers are only going to get better.
I think it was game two but I posted the two teams forward TOI 5v5 and the King only had 3 lines listed
Not sure if the hits tabulator(s) in E-Town were seeing double or if they counted all physical contact as a hit, but here are hit counts (my counts from the boxscores).
Interesting to see and something that might be a factor we notice by Game 5.
Game 3: 117 to 81
Game 2: 36 to 24
Game 1: 42 to 30
Edm 195 to 135
Oilers had a sliver of luck with Kings coach challenging on the Kane goal. Otherwise they worked for it, and what was most encouraging is they didn’t just squeak out a win.
They proved they were adapting, they can solve the power play, they can play better, more structured, break the trap, and they can put up 5 goals which is enough to win every game. I did love the play where McDavid(?) had the puck heading back to the point, when the LA man-on-man coverage followed him right up until two kings players collided.
Cracks were forming. And Kings have nobody who can prevent Kane from owning the net front.
They have not figured out the PK yet, and still are not strong enough to keep goal against under 2.5
But that did not feel like just a “hot” game, it felt like adapting and solving. Great job. Very happy.
Kempe and the rest of there guys arnt breaking playoff records in scoring so eventually the Oilers will shut them down. The PK is going to be pivitol the rest of the series and 4 lines wearing down the Kings
Last night’s win took me back to my early days of Oilers fandom. I was just a youngen, teen years. Spring in the air, playoffs on, and the good guys with a satisfying win.
This was the routine in the eighties.
It was 1983 and every round of winning just seemed to build culminating in a finals appearance. Well, it didn’t quite work out that year but, as it turned out, the boys on the bus were just getting started.
Anyway, later in the evening, after the game, I would turn on my little battery powered radio as I went off to bed.
Dave “Music” Morgan and Jeff “Purple” Hayes were the evening DJ’s at 65 CKOM and they had Cuts Like A Knife on hot rotation. Still like that song to this day. Good times.
We are of similar vintage, but had to Google the unfamiliar Radio reference.
I just read the EJ article about the relatively newly minted Oilers fans from San Diego. Everyone has a unique, but shared story regarding their fandom and we come from all walks of life and geographical regions.
This is one of the best things about being a fan of a specific team.
I’m going to ask more from you folks living in Edmonton. Writers, pundits and journalists do what they think will get them more followers. I listen to lots of Got Yer Back and their anti-Bouchard sentiment makes them very popular among many of their moronic listeners.
With McDavid, the media critiques have almost always been guarded or offset with overwhelming positive praise. A journalist going at McDavid will soon have the fan base at their throats.
With Leon it took a little longer and I think the tide turned when Matheson asked “why are you so pissy”. If I recall, the fans came to Leon’s defense and eviscerated the old man and since then he’s been beyond serious questioning.
The fans can do this for Bouchard if they wish.
Are people aware just how legendary his playoff offense is? People talk about his rank among defensemen which is remarkable but He’s in the top 20 all time of ALL skaters in points per game squeezed between Sid Crosby and Joe Sakic.
It’s time he’s given the same almost the same leeway that McDavid and Drai have earned. Individual plays can be criticized. McDavid let the Kings back in that game with blown coverage. Leon cost then game one by failing to backcheck. But NEVER should it get to the point that it’s in anyway unclear these players are desperately needed as long term components of any potential cup winner.
Oilers fans always scape goat the Goalie and Defenseman.
Bouchard has more lovers than haters. But haters are more vocal, just look at one small sample in lowtide posts after an infuriating loss versus a satisfying win.
Thing is both McDavid and Draisaitl have learned they must play defence to win championships. No championship team has ever really been bad at defence. And they even poke fun at themselves for turnovers but describe “their job is to score”
Bouchard’s primary job is defence, not putting up points. Fans here play hockey, have kids in hockey, friends but generally very familiar with hockey.
They may not know all the intricacies of the game, but they know what glaring mistakes look like. And Bouchard makes the big ones. They are memorable to say the least.
Highs and Lows with Evan. Highs and lows with the fans.
Beautiful goal last night.
His job is actually to be in the ice for more goals than the other team. Which he has done to a remarkable level for the past number of years.
Connor has had a tougher time defensively this season. Leo his best ever. Bouch isn’t alone in it
Eventually it will turn, where just like Connor Leo – and Wayne – the numbers are just too tremendous to argue against, and when it repeats you can’t argue a hot streak or lucky
Bouch is 25, Connor and Leon older. This one guy Pronger wasn’t exactly a finished product at that age either. Hopefully we are seeing EB taking another step
When 97 entered the league opponents didn’t know how to deal with his speed when he got wide, they still don’t really, but defenders have taken to using repeated “slap” slashes to disrupt passes. Keep an eye out for it. Could it be a penalty, it’s along the lines of slashes to the hands that were called coming out of the lockout.
My lord, remember McDavid’s speed in 2015 and 2016 was unbelievable.
2 Mutts:
Word out of Edmonton this morning/afternoon is that there is a strong possibility that Stuart Skinner could be back in the net for the @EdmontonOilers tomorrow night vs the @LAKings in another huge game.
The #Oilers know Skinner gives them the best chance of winning the @StanleyCup & he has proven to bounce back once he has a reset. Although the organization was not blaming Stuart Skinner for any of the losses in LA. It was just a reset to clear his mind & have Skinner ready once again for a long playoff run.
It sounds like this was a conversation in LA after game 2 & they would be calling on Skinner again in this series, Calvin Pickard would get game 3 & after a day to go over game 3 the Oilers would have a conversation about a game 4 starter & the plan would have Skinner start again in this series after with some work with the Goalie Coach & video session to go over a few things he can fix in his game.
The organization needs him going forward, they believe in him to take them to where they want to go as a team & that’s another Cup Final run.
At no point did the organization lose faith in Stuart Skinner & Skinner hasn’t lost faith in the organization. The relationship sits in great hands going forward from the news we received today.
Let’s see how the morning skate shapes out at 10:30am tomorrow at @RogersPlace in Edmonton.
#LetsGoOilers #NHL #GoKingsGo
They lost me when they mentioned work with the goalie coach. I think Skinner needs to follow Mike Smith’s lead and hire his own personal coach.
He does have, same as Hellebuyck and a few other really good goalies
Putting Skinner back in tor game 4 is criminal
And exactly the sort of thing that Knoblauch would do.
This whole “Skinner gives them the best chance at winning the Cup” crap needs to end.
Their revisionist vision of what happened in the playoffs last year is clouding actual judgement. That and them hoping and wishing Stuart will suddenly become something he’s not.
I would go with Pickard for game 4 but he was no better in game 3 than Skinner was in the first two. Arguably worse – his numbers are worse (including advanced numbers) and it doesn’t get much worse than the fourth goal for how weak it was and the timing of it.
It’s tough to mess with a winning lineup. For game four. I will maintain they go with Picks, then go back to Skinner for games 5 & 6. If the seventh game is required, they might need both but start Skinner.
How do you have a 7-2 shot share with a 30% xGF? That line seemed pretty OK
It’s time as a group Kempe got some Byfield love. If you target Kempe he’ll fold like cheap suit.
Just shut him down on the PP, that’s the best way to to beat him. He will be frustrated by McDavid even strength
What malarky.
Kempe is 6’2″ 200 and has scored 28 points in 25 playoff games.
Hardly a shrinking violet.
Thank you the hex now I know Kempe is going to get layed out preferably in the first 10 minutes
Where is the vocal that coach K.K is unsure of who’s starting? Then Spector will be given his orders to make a plea for Skinner.
Right on cue the seed is planted even if Pickard wins the next game they’ll go back to Skinner because they don’t want to hurt his feelings.
Coach says Stecher has been cleared.
Also mentions they have to take in to account the the hasn’t played or fully practiced in a while.
At this point wouldn’t play him until Klingberg either has a bad game, or Emberson has a really bad game, or someone else is too hurt to be effective.
The longer this team stays in the playoffs, with folks coming back from injuries and getting more up to speed, the more dangerous they’ll be.
Kings are essentially running 3 lines and 4-5 D.
Spence barely played last night.
Clarke is taking a BEATING and may not last much longer.
Add that to Kane being healthy and Fredric coming around, I like the direction
That’s a huge shortening of the bench for a healthy “deep” team.
Just ask HH how deep the Kings are. So deep that they can afford to give away Sean Durzi for cheap!
Per Stauff, the following are up with the team and practicign seperately
Savoie
Philp
Hamblin
Dineen
Kemp
Rodrigue
——————–
Interesting no Caggiula – I think he finished the season healthy if I remember correctly.
Interesting no Dermott either.
Would ease my anxiety if they swapped Brown and Dineen with the main group. Better for handedness with the pairings too.
Dermott had better things to do then hanging out in Edmonton.
Dermott got hurt in the last game (or the last weekend, can’t remember exactly) and I don’t think it was a short term thing.
Penalties needing to be evened up has always been a ridiculous mentality. Count me among those that has zero issue seeing the penalties 12-7 in favour of one team after 3 games played. IF that’s what the penalties actually are (or at least the right ratio).
But it is hard not to feel targeted when you see one team getting tripped, tackled, blatantly hit with high sticks (hello Hyman’s face) and the refs aren’t calling it. They could have called 7 penalties against LA last night. Nevermind across 3 games.
By game it’s been:
Game one 5-2 LA
Game two 5-3 LA
Game three 2-2
And it would have been 2-1 LA in game three if Hiller didn’t have a brutal misfire. Hard not to see the pattern here.
Since EDM entered the league, the most penalized teams by times shorthanded per game are: Calgary, Buffalo, Jets/Arizona, Edmonton, Detroit, Vancouver. Of the top 5 most penalized teams, 4 are the Western Canadian teams.
If you look at the distribution of provinces of origin of the zebras, they are overwhelmingly from Ontario and Quebec: they are disproportionately Leafs and Habs fans.
When you present this to statisticians, they will tell you there’s a possibility that these western teams just take more penalties, but I don’t believe it.
That, Sir, is a bummer.
Fascinating!
It’s a time-honoured Canadian tradition that Central Canadians have a ‘good’ reason for why the Westerners deserve it.
The thing is you just never know how the league views the play. It would have been incomprehensible for the league to make the goalie interference call. But they’ve done it before, and they will do it again. After all it’s only game #3.
This team… (pulling at what little hair I’ve left)
True brinksmen – this game has me thinking of last year’s series’ vs Van and Dal, where things looked over and they turned on a dime and scored almost at will. (won’t mention the final)
Anyone’s guess for Sunday, Oilers would be wise to check Kempe a little closer – he’s been a stone cold Oiler playoff killer for years
I feel your pain. I also would be pulling out my hair… but that ship has sailed. At least I can still gnash my implants, if not actual teeth…😜
The Oilers play with swagger when Kane is in the lineup, he’s a gamer and he’s making a huge impact on this series!!
Would the Oilers consider going 11 and 7 when the game heads back to L.A.? If Stecher is ready that is.
Louie needs to go I’m tired of him agreeing with every penalty we get and L.A are his perfect little angles who are just playing old time playoff hockey. The Kane penalty was a fraud why is this call not talked about as L.A does this everytime Connor touches the puck. We need a coach that works over the Refs K.K needs to lobby for future calls by doing some leg work on the Zebras.
Bowman should be the one at the pressers raising hell, then Jackson, then the Owner. Shield the coaches and players from the media games as much as possible and let management raise the stink.
Wouldn’t you have to be in town to have a presser? Not one of them reside here.
That doesn’t seem ideal.
Curious to know, is this common around the league? Or are we the weird ones here?
If you have to ask the question . . . .
Bowman resides here, at least in-season.
The owner, of course, has many residences – I can state, for a fact, that he was “in town” for at least 3 playoff games last season – I saw him at the arena (my firm’s box in Edmonton is besides the owner’s box).
So L.A gets the home ice advantage when it comes to penalties. When it come to Edmonton at home we are lucky to break even. I was nervous with the season on the line first what took so long on the Kane goal it was obvious Kane hit it with his stick over the line then the goaltender challenge was bizarre like the fix was in but the boxer crossed up the bookies.
I’ve seen more contact putting my clubs in the trunk than the offsetting slashes to Drai and Edmunson – reffing was a mystery last night
Klingberg, you rascal.
Kane, providing much needed missing ingredients.
Top line looking fantastic.
Podkolzin, taking cue from Kane and bringing it.
Arvidsson, being a thorn.
Bouchard, with a hell of a statement.
Nurse, resisting the urge to make like a dolphin.
Pickard, making much needed saves against Oilers history.
What the hell were they thinking not coming him after the San Jose game, awful decision made.
Klingberg was a revelation last night, I love players who step up in the playoffs.
Kane was exactly what we needed.
Arvidsson was a dog on a bone all game.
Brown looks good.
Bouchard had a great bounce back game.
Knoblauch showed great patience in keeping McDrai separate even later in the third while chasing
I don’t care how Pickard does it just win 3 more games in a row. Give Skinner some time to reset he’s looked tired since that game 7 loss.
Theres some stories that Skinner put on some weight in offseason. Wonder if anyone has insight.
The world was his Oyster he had a golden opportunity to start for team Canada. By the time they picked Binnington Skinner was 10 deep in the conversation. He’s lucky Rodrique can’t stop a beachball or Delia is a career AHLer at best. Our hopes are dependent on a career back-up that’s on Bowman. Sometimes as a boss you have to do what’s best for the group and cut bait.
The fact that, not a year ago, he was in the conversation for Team Canada suggests that he could be again.
Don Cherry always said don’t reach your stick in there as a defender.
McDavid and Janmark both tipped a shot, that Cal likely had, to the top shelf.
Pickard played pretty solid
Drives me nuts. If you do it you have to stop the shot. Meaning the blade isn’t on a angle, to deflect. They don’t get in lanes and have good enough position almost always, let the goalie do his job and worry about the man and rebound if there is one
I think coaching plays into this
Pickard was flustered he had a bead on those 2 goals I have no doubt he makes both saves on the deflection goals by Connor and Janmark.
Hmm…people weren’t nearly so kind to Pickard during the second intermission of last night’s game.
Fanbases are bipolar, exhibit # 5482731
How is it possible to know that he had a bead or would make the saves? They were tipped right as they came off the shooter’s stick – impossible to know.
The stick was at point of contact, or point of release. The puck did not travel then change direction.
In other words, those tips were irrelevant. The puck went from point of contact to the net, whether shot or tipped, it came from same 6 inches of ice.
Woodley has talked about it. The goalie reads ahead of the shot to anticipate, not just watching the puck after release
What foot, blade angle, shoulders, hips. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be NHL goalies the shooters are too good especially with bendy sticks
For a great defensive team with elite goalering the kings sure give up a lot. Their D depth is getting exposed. If any of their top 4 d go down they are toast. They are very lucky that Ekholm is out
Easy narratives people make. A series is much different than season games, you can plan. More higher skill (if it’s working hard enough) impacts more over a bunch of games against the same team
I expected Tampa to handle the Panthers because of how strong they were playing and Florida not
Kane looked better than his first game.
Frederic is starting to look better (both coach and Drai mentioned that post-game).
Hyman was impactful physically.
Drai said he’s in the group that’s starting to feel better.
Klingberg has been really good in both games, better in his second game.
The “walking wounded” are clearly not 100% as a group but they seem to be getting there.
The one that isn’t, yet, is Walman – I think his mobility is really limited (and skating is one of his big strengths) – he’s been walked wide a number of times and is struggling.
Walman notwithstanding, as this series goes on, the Oilers might be getting “healthier” and knocking off rust and gaining some chemistry.
The longer this series goes the more it favors the Oil
Hockey is a game of mistakes – writing about it your aloud to have some, you didn’t
I must say this – Bouch was way more good than bad
Evander Factor – Big time
They scored first – Imoprtant against this LA Team
Klingberg – coming around nicely
Keep it rolling boys
I think the drive Kane brings really impacts the group. Take no prisoners, never back down. If Frederic can get going he’ll add more of that
So the book on Kuemper is out.
The Kings built their structure around keeping things outside where Kuemper is well above average on angles and side to side movement.
Not a novel concept (don’t let them in front duh), but rigid. If you slip a stick or let the puck do the work on the entry against the forward blue with dman board pinch like 97 to tie 5-5, Kuemper is exposed.
In tight he flops and prays. A lifted puck like Nuge or a crash like Kane and he’s not stopping it. This is the time for Kane, Freddy, Podz, Perry, Brown to make hay.
Kane figured it out in 1 game. Team noted Freddy was coming along. Please god figure out the 5 man PP and they got a chance.
LA has been preparing for the Oiler PP all year, with very aggressive action on McD, Drai and Bouch. Last night it looked to me, based on 11 seconds of actual pp, like the Oiler PP was revamped to give Bouchard or the point a little more time to shoot. LA has been double teaming MCD and to some degree Drail. If my memory is correct, on the first Oiler pp goal all 4 Oiler forwards were moving right down and in towards the LA net, pulling the LA forwards with them and giving Bouchard a bit more time to shoot from dead centre. Another set play and a nice adaptation to the perimeter stuff.
I can’t be the first to notice the following:
-JSkinner played well with McDavid-Hyman, and RNH didn’t.
-Henrique is struggling at 3C, but last year, at 4C between Janmark and Brown, centred a great line.
-RNH isn’t a great 1LW at this point, but he’s an excellent 3C.
So, why not:
JSkinner-McDavid-Hyman
Podz-Drai-Arvi
Kane-RNH-Perry
Janmark-Henrique-Brown
If you don’t want to trust JSkinner with that much ice time, and/or want to give Drai better linemates, then run a fifth line of Drai-McD-Hyman/Perry. (God knows there’s plenty of post-PK opportunity for this…)
This combo has the advantage that if one of LA’s lines (traditionally the Danault line) gives McDavid fits, then Drai is on a different line where he won’t be shut down. (And we know, from his MVP-calibre season, that Podz/Arvi won’t slow him down…yet one more piece in his Hart Trophy argument.)
This is what I’d do too. Janmark and Brown step up in the playoffs, it’s a hell of a fourth line for defensive assignments and PKers, but I don’t like Janmark at centre where theyve been playing him. Frederic (and others) can get their chance if guys struggle or get hurt.
Kane looked fine with Henrique & Brown. Nuge played well with McDavid & Hyman, plus when they load up Connor & Leon, they can slide Nuge down to the second line with Podz & Arvidsson. Skinner can’t be deployed like that. Janmark gets the 4c assignment. In the meantime, Fredric’s skating is improving game by game.
That was a big boy game last night and I’m not sure Jeff S can handle that and we cant make a mistake by letting him try
Wouldn’t touch the Kane/Henrique/Brown line after they scored two 5 on 5 goals last night…..
Love the set play for Drai to Bouch goal! Finally!
Rest up and on to winning Game 4!
Interesting how well Klingberg is playing. He wasn’t very good during the regular season. Hopefully this is the real Klingberg!
Also interesting is the fading of Emberson. He played 9 minutes last night, roughly half of what Klingberg played.
Coaches always fade young players unless they are impact types. Especially defensemen. I can see Stecher drawing in when healthy, replacing Emberson.
As somebody noted here a few days ago, Klingberg has some impressive playoff career stats.
Klingberg, like Erik Karlsson, have always played with high risk and varying commitment defensively during the regular season(Karlsson a worse sinner but ofc more dynamic and skilled). But both players also have the ability to sharpen up when the stakes are up and cut down on mistakes with the puck to a bare minimum while also having a much better focus defensively.
Now Klingberg’s mobility isn’t what it was so he’s bound to be caught flat footed at times but so far he’s been getting by on smarts defensively and with the puck on his stick he’s been great.
Very insightful! Thanks.
Sounds like Bouch. Perhaps he didn’t realize the playoffs started when they did
I believe LA play the defensive perimeter they do because Kuemper is bad in close.
I think you are on to something there. And the Oilers pk is relatively passive and designed to minimize the cross seam passes which are very hdsc. and side to side is not a Skinner strength.
16-14 Total Goals LAK
8-8 5v5 Goals TIE
1-0 4v4 Goals LAK
2-0 6v5 Goals EDM
2-0 EN Goals EDM
7-2 PP Goals LAK
12-7 PP Opportunities LAK
Special teams is the difference in this series at the moment. The PP woke up last night and the PK showed some signs of killing off penalties last night.
That set play from Drai to Bouch really was brilliant.
I wish Bouchard hadn’t given away their pre-scout observation. Draisaitll didn’t give it up post game lol
Not a big deal that they said it was a set play. If the Kings start keying in on Drai-Bouch combo on the rush that opens things up for McDavid.
Great point. They can’t stop them all, the Oilers just have to make the adjustment
As an expert at making typos, I am pleased to report that you made exactly 0.
Also. ewwww, that coffee looks dangerous.
For all my concerns about the Kings defensive play. the Oilers have 14 goals in 3 games. The boys need to remember how they’re supposed to play in the dzone and once they figure this out, they’ll be fire.
The Oilers in the third period of these games are incredible. Another good sign.
How much of this win was based upon having last change?
LA being the top team in the league at home and worse than mediocre on the road is real. I would think last chance is a factor – how large a factor, I don’t know.
What was it a total of, 12 seconds for their two PP goals? Truth be told, neither game off normal o-zone PP plays (faceoff kind of) but that is efficiency and they’ll have confidence next time they set up.
The PK was 0 for 2 but I truly thought it was very good. Neither Kings PP really got set up and created much – late breakdowns.
I think if they can:
a) staunch the bleeding on the pk; and
b) cut out the “come on down Main Street and shoot” chances
they can beat LA
That was quite the game.
One of the most entertaining games imaginable.
May I suggest putting Bouch on the PK at least until Matthias Ekholm comes back.
I thought he was much more effective than Wallman.
They gotta win those puck battles on the PK.
When used on the PK in the past, albeit sporadically, Bouch has had good results.
Much better! Still not firing on all cylinders, but a big step. Love Evander Kanes comment about too long away from home (Staying in California rather than coming home for the 8 days). It was a very poor choice by the team to not come home imo. Completely different team after sleeping in their own beds. Just gotta fix that PK.
I questioned the decision before it was even made but will stop short of stating that it was a mistake, as a black and white statement.
It might have been but we don’t know – we can’t conclude causation.
I do presume that it was a “team decision” where the coaching staff discussed with, at least, the “leadership group”, if not the entire team.