We are entering a series that may represent the final chapter of this Oilers season. I have the Oilers in 7, but in truth the margins are so small in today’s NHL it is best to acknowledge possible defeat in the opening moments of each series.
On the other hand, the same holds true for VGK. There’s nothing the Oilers haven’t seen, and the 2023 loss turned (in my opinion) on a questionable penalty (to Philip Broberg) and then a careless stick (Mattias Janmark) that led to some goals by the Vegas side.
Many believe the coach (Jay Woodcroft) missed the mark in line matching. Ryan McLeod’s trio was solid, Connor McDavid’s group probably the best option, but Eichel>Draisaitl to the tune of 4-0 goals and 61 percent expected goals during 28:22 of five-on-five play.
If Woodcroft had run the McLeod trio (1-0 goals for Vegas, but only 22 percent expected goals in 18 minutes) or the McDavid line (1-1 goals, 39 percent expected goals for Eichel’s unit in 19 minutes), the legend goes that the Oilers could/would have won the series.
I have an issue with this narrative. First, these are small samples, and math experts tell me that 200 minutes is required before fully trusting the data. If true, then 28 or 19 or 18 minutes is an interesting glimpse, but it isn’t close to being trustworthy. Luck, luck and luck are massive in that kind of sample, and using such a small amount of playing time is like taking 10 at-bats from a baseball player’s season and calling it true north. We can all say we understand the point I’m making, but we will also (all of us) say things like “stupid Knoblauch had the wrong line out there” despite the presence of luck and small samples.
So, what is the solution? I think it’s fair to trust the process until shown it doesn’t work. It means that sometimes you’ll be wrong. I genuinely believed in Craig MacTavish as an NHL coach. I defended him on this blog day and night, night and day. I still believe he is the best coach this team has had post-John Muckler.
I genuinely believed Peter Chiarelli would make things go. I was wrong. I stopped trusting the process the night of the Griffin Reinhart trade and was in full ‘this is bananas’ mode on the day of the Taylor Hall deal. But I trusted the process in the beginning.
I didn’t trust Ken Holland to get things done and much of his early work was poor. I mostly blame Archie Henderson, but maybe that’s unfair. Beginning with the Zach Hyman addition, I think Holland did some fine work and it is on display now on the Oilers roster.
I’m not at all sure of Stan Bowman, but have to say he has added some nice pieces to this roster. I’m especially pleased with Vasily Podkolzin, Ty Emberson, Jake Walman, Trent Frederic and John Klingberg. Klingberg most especially has been a revelation in the Oilers current ‘secure puck in defensive zone and make astute short passes’ system.
Enjoy the series. Please be kind to each other. Please remember that luck plays a part in all of these games and hockey, unique among many sports, is mostly made up of broken plays, ad libs and weird bounces. This is going to be a blast.
The Lowdown will be live at noon today, Sports 1440. Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic will join us to talk about tonight’s lid-lifter in Vegas and about any lineup changes (none indicated so far). We’ll also talk about that 2023 series and the difference in approach from the current coaching staff. Declan Krueger will have ‘hi my name is…’ and Donovan Paulson will flatten the Blue Jays with his verbal. It’s fun! 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.
Coach confirms Pickard starts.
1) I’m going to a Canadian-owned bar that’s showing all the playoff games (I live in NYC) tonight with some fellow expats from Alberta – closest I can get to watching the game on Whyte Ave out here. Should be fun!
2) I’m interested to see how VGK deploys the Eichel line tonight. I don’t think KK will line-match, but part of the benefit of running 97-29 together might be that they present a strong counter to the Eichel line. Wonder if VGK hard-matches 97-29 with the Eichel line or tries to get them some clean air and uses one of the other lines as a checking line.
3) One interesting thing to note: VGK was actually outscored at even strength by MIN in round 1 (11-15). LV’s PP was pretty good and they had two short handed goals.
4) I give VGK the edge on D and in net, slight edge to the Oilers’ forward group. I think Ekholm’s absence hurts the Oilers more than Dorofeyev’s hurts VGK, although I don’t think it’s a huge gap.
5) I wonder how long last game’s lines last tonight. If KK splits up 97 and 29, I hope he keeps the 91-93-18 line together, as finding a line without 97 or 29 that can consistently out-score the opposition has been hard to find this season.
6) I picked LA last round and the Oilers proved me wrong. Despite that, I have a hard time picking against Vegas this series, but I feel like 97 and 29 are in for a big series. I have no idea what to expect out of the Oilers’ goaltending this series. If I was forced to make a prediction I’d honestly just flip a coin.
I’m always interested in comments about coaching. It seems like some coaches are always mentioned in a positive light: Brindamour, Cassidy, etc. Some coaches always seem to get re-hired: Deboer, Tortorella, etc. I like to think I understand the game and systems, but I have no idea who’s good and who isn’t. It seems to me that you don’t get close to being on the coaching staff of an NHL team without being elite.
OK guys & gals, I’m sure you’re all waiting for my prediction of the second-round matchup between Edmonton & VGK’s. Drum roll, it’s Edmonton in SIX. It all starts with a split in Vegas. Pickard wins game one but gets light up in the second game and is pulled for Skinner, who is awarded the loss because, that’s the way it is. But that’s ok, he then goes on to win two straight at home earning the start, unfortunately the series returns to Vegas for a loss.
Naturally it becomes Pickard’s net for game six, where it’s never in doubt and of course Pickard gets all the glory LOL. Edmonton will prove to be unbeatable at home in front of their amaZing fans. It’s as simple as that.
Pickard has been the better goalie all year. Pickard saved our season after trailing a brash confident L.A group 2-0. Pickard has been steady when it most mattered he’s won 4 in a row yet you like many expect him to get lit up and pulled. Internally this must fuel Pickard to have his teammates believe in him yet a 1/3 of our fan base doesn’t.
There was a discussion yesterday started by our Mexican bureau chief Mayan Oil re: the Oilers’ 3rd-round pick this upcoming draft, slotted #83.
I just wonder whether it should be spent on a LD–I look at the depth chart at that position and see a lot of question marks. (Not that other positions don’t have ?’s, but seemingly more so at LD.) Carfagna alleviates some of that uncertainty and has lots of runway, but still:
Münzenberger: Will he actually sign before he becomes a FA in August?
Fischer: Is he a flight risk (e.g., Marino, Lachance)?
Yevseyev: Can he be enticed to cross the pond?
Berry: Will he make it to the bigs as a defensive D-man? (Suppose he has four years of college to develop offense though.)
Leppänen: Will his success follow him to NA?
I can also see an argument for a RD since the prospect depth chart is basically Akey and Sundin.
I would think that Jonsson and Day’s signings preclude any of the three picks this year being spent on a G. Maybe next year when there are more picks (rounds 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 for now).
Drafting for need when they players you’re choosing between are 3-4 years away from an NHL roster isn’t the best strategy in my opinion.
Pick the best player available, preferably one with a high ceiling, and work to develop them well.
Any prospect in the Oilers system probably has a 50/50 shot of being traded for an NHL regular to help with a future cup run, so it makes the most sense to pick the most valuable asset you can.
I don’t think there is a “wrong call” for this one as the depth is pretty thin but I suspect you’re right that it’ll be a defenseman. With 3 years in a row of goalie picks including Jonsson, Day and especially Vinni in the second round last year, a goalie does seem unlikely. Don’t be surprised if they pick a Right-Handed Centre though as they’ve been looking for that player forever.
I have been spamming squats, hip thrusts and Bulgarian split squats to prepare my cheeks for the clenching of a lifetime this series.
I will be honest, I am scared of Vegas. Good D, good G and they actually have some offensive talent.
Goilers!
Goalies are about equal this playoff season (LT Alert – small sample size)
Captain Pickard: 0.893 SV% with a 2.93 GAA / 24.2 shots per game
Hill: 0.880 SV% with a 2.83 GAA / 23.7 shot per game
VGK D is good but is The Wood Chopper hurt? If so, the D corps are pretty even.
Oiler forwards are better when you have 97 / 29 et al.
Oilers in 6
I think Vegas actually traded away their best goalie (Thompson) last year and there is a good chance that Schmid would outplay Hill. We would have won in 2023 had Vegas stuck with Broissoit instead of Hill who pulled a .934 series save percentage out of nowhere.
— I never got the MaCT good coach. In 8 seasons they missed playoffs 5 times lost in 1st round and had a glorious run to the Cup (then missed next 3 seasons)
— Anyway water under the bridge.
The only year they had a quality team was 06
— I just look at actual results : Didn’t make playoffs for the three years after that Cup run.
— Never became head coach again.
— Got promoted to GM had no business
— Fired coaches gave them way less rope
— grateful that after the Steve Austin’s as foundation touted as return to glory crashed as GM then drafted Drai and won McD.
— Then Chia and Holland basically negative value.
— Now McDrai at back nine of being 2 of top5 in league.
LFGOILERS!!!
I’d argue that Holland was a massive plus. He built the team that has become an annual contender.
Relative to Chia and the preceding GMs, sure, but if we’re grading on an objective scale he had plenty of missteps along the way. I’d give him a B, but if we’re grading on a curve that includes Tambellini, Chia, and MacT then sure he’s an A because someone has to get an A …
— he was a plus from MacT to be sure IMO
— I just think that the GM who inherited the team after MaCT ought to have had more than one Cup appearance under their tenure.
MacTs coaching resume post Oilers; 1 year Vancouver minor league head coach, after which he was let go, 1yr. St. Louis assistant coach, after which he was let go and about 5 min. as a KHL head coach. I think that is a tell.
— The only GM who got “promoted” from AHL coach in a different organization ever.
— Without MaCT’s “stewardship” there is no McDrai I will always thank him for that.
It is amazing how having one Chris Pronger on the team convinces a decent amount of people you’re suddenly a good coach.
He wasn’t particularly good, played favorites, botched several young guys, didn’t know which goalie to play…lots of issues that shouldn’t have been there.
From Woodley yesterday (on with Gregor), one of Hill’s weaknesses is low to high plays (puck from behind of the net to the slot) which is a strength of the Oilers.
Pickard’s weaknesses include high danger shots (although he was very good on those in round 1, above his norm) and screen shots – a quarter of his goals against are screens.
Vegas will try many shots from the point hoping for tips with the likes of Stone etc. Oilers need to tie up sticks and being on the right side of things. Pickard needs to fight through the screens with his eyeballs he is a athletic type goaltender with good reflexes. If we can limit the goals from the point that seem to be quite effective so far for many teams this playoff will win the series.
I would love for this to be a tight series, and there’s evidence from the season series to suggest it’s possible. However it’s hard for teams to resist trading chances with the Oilers when their D coverage is porous against the rush.
Vegas’ depth in the bottom 6 during the regular season was excellent, but this is a new season and I believe our bottom 6 can match up and maybe win the day.
Vegas D formidable and well coached but I also believe in the Oilers’ ability to evolve and adapt over a series, find weaknesses on Hill and the D pairings and exploit them.
Goaltending may be the difference and I can’t predict which way anymore.
No passengers allowed.
Eichel got the best of Leon but 29 had a high ankle sprain from Mikey Anderson *spits*
Looking forward to a healthy Leon getting crooked, and posting crooked numbers.
It was not Leon that was bested. It was who was put on the ice with Eichel vs who was put on the ice with Draisaitl.
Barbashev ate Yamamoto for lunch. And Marchessault skated circles around Ceci.
Believe Leon had high-ankle sprain in 2022. That’s why he played on 97’s wing against CGY & set playoff series points/game record.
Yes, and do not ever forget that wicked two-hand slash that slashy mcslasherson laid on Leo. I think there may be some residual anger from Oiler players on that one. Also, officiating. At some point, one would hope that a GM for the Oilers would point out how lopsided and poor the officials have been in making sure the officials recognize that there are two teams playing the game. Goaltending, defence, and star players be damned if the officiating is poor. I am most concerned the Oilers will not get a fair shake and that is what scares me the most.
That is one loaded up first line for Vegas and to be honest, there’s not much behind them. Hertl is the only guy that grades well in Dom Luchyzyn’s work that isn’t on the first line. Dorofeyev is a huge loss.
There’s a world where 97/29 survive that matchup and the rest of the lineup wins theirs but if 97/29/25/2 have a weakness it’s what I’d call hubris. Will they respect Jack and company enough to make the right plays because he and Stone WILL respect them.
You don’t need to prove to anyone that you’re better than Eichel you just need to win.
If they can’t or won’t do that then I’d rather Henrique and Brown deal with Jack and let the Oilers monsters play offense.
I would have to look at this work, but in terms of productivity in the regular season, beyond Eichel and Stone, they had 7 other forwards with >0.5 pts/game in Vegas (Dorofeyev, Hertl, Olofsson, Karlsson, Barbashev, Howden, Smith). We had 2 outside of our top 2 (Nuge, Hyman)
Our depth seemed to come alive this postseason, so I don’t think it’s a fair comparison. But, I don’t think it’s accurate to say they have not much. There are a lot of guys there that can score and produce all throughout their lineup
Brett Howden is their 4th line C….very dangerous.
23G 20P and a beast on the PK.
Good thing their PK isn’t very good.
Say what?
PK 2025 playoffs:
VGK – 76.9% – Tied for 6th
EDM – 60.0% – 16th
NYI with top pick. Lou’s leaving gift?
Payment for stolen allstar game?
Pieterangelo is banged up (apparently) and regressing – they are feeding him tough defensive minutes and he’s been, well, “uneven”. Combine that with Dorofeyev being out for the first portion of the series, and maybe all (if recent intel is accurate) and, while the Oilers also have some banged up players (Walman, mabye Drai), the Oilers should look to take advantage early in the series.
Coaches should institute a rule* that every time Pieterangelo is on the ice and you get possession, dump the puck into the corner and lay a hit on him.
* standard exemption applies to those wearing #s 29 and 97
If by “hit” you mean club him with an early foam-filled Easton model stick in every exposed spot – sure.
Pietrangelo and Hanifin the top pairing with 22:31 and 23:07 respectively but the second pairing of Theodore 22:11 and McNabb and 20:33 are almost equal.
The “regressing” Pietrangelo has managed 1G and 3P +2 through 6 games.
Doesn’t appear to be uneven at all.
If you want to use plus/minus then Jake Walman was the best d-man in the first round.
I’ll trust the likes of Gary Lawless’ insight.
Vegas scored the 1st goal in 4 of 6 against the Wild. Oilers meanwhile scored only 1 in 6 against L.A. I believe the NHL average is around 66% winning percentage for that all important 1st goal. It’s actually quite remarkable Oilers were able to do this against a stingy D and Goalie.
Would we right now take -4 penalties for the series. We can run this series 20 times and we would never come out ahead on the PP chances.
Oilers are not going to get a favorable whistle, nothing new.
Roll lines and forecheck.
Oilers in 6
The special teams will be a saw-off. It should be won five on five. Both teams running four lines. Hopefully the officials swallow their whistles. I have a feeling Oilers defense will stand tall.
Luck and I’ll add officiating as the 2 biggest unknowns . . . officiating being my prime concern.
LET’S GO OILERS, LET’S GO!!!
Officiating is not an unknown. Everybody on here knows that Vegas will get more power plays every single game! It doesn’t matter if the Oil are outplaying them or have the majority of time in their end, the Knights will get more 5 on 4. That fact that I can say this and be right before the series starts is why it’s incredible that this isn’t seriously invested due to allowed gambling. Not a single Canadian team winning in 32 years (Gary Bettmans) entire tenure is also pretty much a mathematical impossibility without manipulation. Canadian teams won 7 of the previous 10 years prior to Bettman. This is not a coincidence!
I still don’t get why people think Bettman/the NHL doesn’t want a team that has the league’s biggest star, and arguably their biggest non-North American star, to go far in the playoffs. Last year’s series had some of the highest TV ratings per game, even with though one of the teams hails from a weak TV market.
The NHL cares about one thing – making $. They may more $ when they get more eyeballs/interest in the game, and they get more eyeballs/interest in the game when it’s biggest stars are on full display. I think there’s a decent argument that out of the remaining teams in the playoffs, the finals matchup that the league probably wants more than most is EDM/TOR
This is like arguing that the NBA manipulated the playoffs in the 1980s to disadvantage MJ’s bulls, or the NFL’s manipulating the playoffs to disadvantage Mahomes’ chiefs.
Fully agreed on the thin margins. 2 pims in the Vegas series and the exact same can be said by Edmonton (challenge or failed clear, pick your fav) Vegas (offside), Dallas (3rd period Mikko), and Winnipeg (1.6 seconds).
I would’ve ran 97 against Eichel but i get trying to get him clean air. Drai line got cooked that series but he’s not the same player as 2 years ago. More well rounded, equally as dirty.
Expect a massive discrepancy in penalties and at least 1 asshattery play by someone that invokes Paul Bunyan. Thankfully they already dealt with that the last 4 of 5 series (Dallas really wasn’t that dirty).
That’s why they play the games! GOilers! Clap Clap!!
There’s obviously a lot of other factors, but I really feel like McDavid has to own Eichel for the Oilers to win. If that happens, I like the chances.
Hope we see lots of active sticks on D like we did LA game 5
Any news on the injury to Dorofeyev this is a big break for the Oilers if he’s gone for the series.
Mission Possible: Win One In Vegas
I’m hoping it’s tonight to get the seed planted early. I have a feeling our boys come out flying tonight, led by the captain and his break neck speed.
Also, looking forward to Podkolzin making his presence known when he’s on the ice. If Kane scores again, we might be looking at the revenge tour of vintage Kane.
Sticks Up (with discipline)! Go Oilers!
The Griffin Reinhart fiasco was definitely Chiarelli’s worst
He did win a cup with Boston but since then….
The Oilers still are kinda tainted by the Kevin Lowe “we want guys who know how to win” logic. Why the picked Holland over Zito, etc
There are too many to count. But the diminishing returns on the Eberle trade tree?
Yes. It was very “how to turn a house into a red paper clip.” Sad days, but just reinforces how much fun this and the last couple runs have been.
I despise the Leafs as much as the next Canadian outside Leafs nation BUT how can we not discuss the disgusting play, another in a long line, of sneaky dirty plays by Bennett. Think if that were Nurse or Kane or equal on the Leafs they would be getting by without even so much as a penalty? How can we not think the fix is in for American teams to keep winning when so many plays by Bennett and Tkachuk continue to run around with impunity, and Maurice sits by smug as ever making jokes knowing full well he controls things and his dirty team will never be held accountable.
LOL it will be OK next year when Bennett signs in Edmonton.
Vegas, the hockey team does not scare me. The NHL and their officials do scare me. This series is not going to be about the better team winning, it’s going to be about how much the officiating will cripple the Oilers.
In light of no suspension for Bennett, will it not be open season on Bob? On other goalies in other series? As long as it’s a bit sneaky, what’s the deterrent from targeting the goalie?
Bennett says how do you like me now Mr.Treliving. Bennett won’t be prancing around with Kane and Frederic matching up against him.
It should be – but most modern coaches are cowards about this stuff.
Dress the extras. Go at em.
Only way to deal with teams/players that disrespect other players. League won’t.
Thing is, only a few players are so good at the sneaky dirty play. Florida has 3 of them and there aren’t 3 more spread around the league, so if other players did it to Bob they wouldn’t get away with it
Why bother being sneaky?
It is a race to 4. You can sacrifice a game (though you’ll probably still win) and extra players getting it done.
I don’t condone violence, but the league does. By inaction it sanctions it. By picking favourites. I agree. Always have a hard case or two in the system. Guarantee them an income after George stops them from playing. Maybe they can be sneaky, if not and the bad guys run our talent or goalie, run theirs right through the boards. The more obviously probably the better as deterrence. The crazy factor leaves an impression, worked for Mark M
Not a chance.
https://x.com/Hockey_Is_All/status/1919587852981031395
Can this be called the Matthew Tkachuk hat trick – attempting a knee, a spear and a cross check inside 3 seconds?
Here’s hoping the Leafs feel like dressing Reaves to do a borderline criminal assault to Bennet and/or Tkachuk.
Playoff results often times are predicated on puck luck, injuries and goalering. Puck luck and goalering are what they are, and injuries happen all the time as hockey is a fast and physical sport.
However, the NHL is terrible at not disciplining players who go out of their way to injure other players. The Sam Bennet forearm shiver to the head / neck of Stolarz last night is a perfect example – no penalty on the play or suspension.
VGK well below league average in both penalties taken and drawn, whereas the Oilers were still under, but nearer, the league averages.
2024-25 Regular Season
It is going to be a close series, but the Oilers win both the special teams battles and the series.
Oiler 4-2
I don’t understand the no penalty business. Like if it was penalized, it would make the no suspension easier to take. But their was zero consequences! A forearm to the head, taking a starting goalie out, possibly for the series. And there was nothing. Look. I do not like TO, but they got screwed here.
All NHL fans, with the exception of the Panther’s fanbase, got screwed. No consequences will embolden the non-holy trinity (Chucky, The Rat and Bennet) to take it to a higher (lower?) level of dirty hockey.
IF, and that is a big if, the TML make it out of this series they are going to be a mighty sore and injured bunch.
The Leafs still managed a win. they have a solid backup in the Woll.
So you are especially pleased with all of the Bowman action that has happened after the you know what, which you have to admit was a tough way to start a job.
If 200 min is when we can begin to trust the data, What’s the sample size with regards to transactions by a GM before we can begin to trust that GM?
IF Chia had never made another dumb move after Reinhart, we could have chalked it up to foolish trust in others (did he not do his own homework? No one thought that was a good trade. No one!) But he kept going. Eventually the data well supported the fact he was an idiot.
With Holland, things perhaps started a bit rough (less rough), with NOT trusting the staff, and taking Broberg. (See we can hate Holland for picking Bro, AND for not signing him earlier!) and with being unable to competently predict the impact of COVID on AA. (True many called it an overpay. I thought that speed would compliment McD). But then things became kinda predictable, following that AA pattern. Some moves worked real well, some not really – but the point is we knew what Holland was at that point.
How long before we know what Bowman is, before we can trust what we see? That’s 5/6 transactions we see working quite well.
I think the Reinhart trade was enough to make the call. Reinhart didn’t have a good season in the AHL and skating was an issue. Chiarelli sent two valuable picks in what was the deepest draft since 1979. Oh the wayward wind.
Surely Chia bears the brunt of the criticism, but the Bob Green/love for former Oil Kings influence within the organization bears some responsibility for the Reinhart trade as well.
It was a horrible trade the day it happened – a struggling prospect with pretty clear (and substantial) weaknesses who’s stock has declined since draft day …. like investing in a horse and buggy in 1915…
To me it’s about not getting players that have obvious problems. Next is not constantly paying too much. Not all bets work out, but with AA for example he was well known as a fast one way forward, who had a big season a couple of years previous
It had almost no chance of working, the Oilers needed better two way players, and it didn’t work out. Bowman is much better at reading talent (Ekholm was a completely obvious choice) and at making deals than Pete or Ken managed for the Oilers so far
Stauff on Spittin’ Chicklets yesterday did note that Jake Walman is indeed still battling through something.
I think he looked better as the series went on – struggled big time in the first two games, was VERY good in games 3-4-5 but them took a step back in game 6.
Hopefully the four days helps him out.
Why is the Oilers radio guy talking about what players are injured on hockey podcasts …
Shhhhhhhhh
Walman, Klingberg and Fredric, the three in-seasons pick-ups made impacts in the 1st round that helped the Oilers win – I give the GM kudos for that.
The offer sheet fiasco was not Bowman’s fault but, of course, one can analyze how he dealt with it in a very very difficult situation that was handed to him.
Zero doubt that Holloway out-performed his cap hit this season.
At the same time, Bowman did a decent job pivoting to acquire a value contract (through next season) in Podz that also have a big impact in the 1st round. A wrecking ball, very solid defensively and he had four assists from the fourth line – that was a solid pick up.
Emberson, Kapanen, Jones also provide this roster depth (the latter two in behind Jeff Skinner and there is also Stech).
One could also say Podz has been more durable than Hollywood.
Knock on wood.
Being useful to a team is about how one plays when being available. Holloway is going through a bit early in his career but hopefully gets some injury luck in the future.
He also scored about 20 fewer goals lol
We have definitely not seen the best of Walman who at 29 is just peaking out. I loved the trade we have him for next year on a good cap number and would love to resign him for 3-4 more years.
Single tickets on Stub Hub for $90 tonight. I could drive 5 hours up there but win or lose I don’t think being in that disgusting VGK environment is worth it. LFG Oilers !!!
In playoff Edmonton, USD $90 will get you parking, a Bobby Nicks burger and a couple beers.
Was considering the same thing, and had the same misgivings. Have you found a place in LA where you can watch an Oilers game among fellow fans?
No I live in Glendale, AZ. I’m all by myself here – don’t know any other Oilers fans. I saw a little kid with a McDavid jersey on once. I shook my fist and said “you have no idea what I’ve been through these last 30 years. You haven’t paid the price to wear that jersey”. My wife acted like she didn’t know me 🙂 🙂
You should head over to Foegele’s house. He’ll have the game on.
Thanks LT. Enjoy the series.
Today on my drive to work I was wondering what the Vegas lines would look like. And I think this also is part of the conversation when discussion Eichel line matching
So to remind me and add this context to the conversation, i’m posting it below, source Daily Faceoff.
Karlsson – Eichel – Stone
Saad – Hertl – Kolesar
Barbashev – Roy – Smith
Oloffsson – Howden – Pearson
McNaab – Theodore
Hagg – slash master Pietrangelo
Hanifin – Whitecloud
Hill
Schmid
We could see Karlsson – Barbashev flip
Man McCrimmon is a good GM
He is. But that said, was anyone saying that last year?
Maybe some weren’t, but that would be short sighted I think. Lots of roster changes, changed the coach when a better one came available, since he has been GM Round 3, Round 3, out, Cup, Round 1, now in Round 2
Looking at that line up I don’t see any holes, except maybe in net. Might have made a boo boo with Thompson though. I hope Stan get us to that balance quick
Agreed luck has a major part in hockey, being the only (?) team sport where the athletes are accelerated beyond their non-enhanced speed capability. They have a stick that extends their reach, and serves as a weapon for some. Combined with that the active object travels at such high speed as well
So the best teams work to eliminate the effects of luck and broken plays. Strong defensive play and smart puck management. I think many see playing a cleaner game as key for the Oilers. The Knits may not be the team that the Oilers lost to last time, but they are a smart group and know how to jump on opportunities, and have the filth in them
Show up ready to bring it fellas, and play the way you can when you want to, and it’s in the bag. If it gets chippy, do the smart thing and make them pay the price for it one way or another, the refs aren’t going to be your friends
Along with luck, interesting to note the “League” has seen fit to award the eastern Conference teams an extra day off in the middle of round 2. Seems about right.
Stadium availability and TV demands re scheduling are as likely factors in that though.