Today is Remembrance Day. It is a day set aside by the world to remember the extreme cost of war, and to inform the next generation to keep a watchful eye. My generation was blessed with peaceful times rolling out over decades, bought and paid for by the greatest generations of our families. My children’s generation will not be as blessed. Please remember those who fought and died for our freedom, and those (like my neighbours) who gave a part of their lives, risking all, in order for our lifestyle to remain at a high quality. These men and women are the best of us. Today, we thank them for their service and pray freedom and peace are with us in the days to come.
The Oilers didn’t play especially well last night, the goalie rebounds were made by Kevlar pads and the coverage defensively often a mere rumour. Connor McDavid turned the beat around with two inspired goals and the Blue Jackets lost a game they surely should have won. Sucks to be them today, and they (and the Oilers) can thank McDavid. By the way, his pts-60 at five-on-five has climbed from 1.07 to 1.37 to (after last night) 1.63 for the season.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN NOVEMBER
- At home to: Chicago (Expected 1-0) Actual 1-0
- Road: Blues, Stars (Expected 1-1-0) Actual 0-1-1
- At home to: Avalanche, Blue Jackets (1-0-1) Actual 1-1-0
- On the road to: Flyers, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes (1-2-0)
- On the road to: Sabres, Capitals, Lightning, Panthers (1-2-1)
- At home to: Stars (1-0-0)
- On the road to: Kraken (0-0-1)
- Expected Record: 6-5-3, 15 points in 14 games
- Actual Record 2-2-1, five points in five games
- Season Record: 7-6-4, 18 points in 17 games
This isn’t splendid but does represent a solid performance compared to the past two seasons for Edmonton. The team was 5-11-1 in 2023-24, and 9-7-1 last season (via three wins in a row). So, 7-6-4 is about where the team was one year ago in points percentage. Not close to perfect, but considering all that is addled or unproven, the record is better than it could have been.
- Mangiapane-McDavid-Savoie 8:52; 4-3 shots, 0-1 goals, 70 pct X; 3-3 HDSC
- Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Roslovic 8:42; 5-1 shots, 1-0 goals, 43 pct X 2-1 HDSC
- 29-97-Roslovic 7:15; 3-2 shots, 22 pct X 0-2 HDSC
- Howard-Henrique-Frederic 5:00, 1-1 shots, 39 pct X
- Janmark-Philp-Lazar 3:25, 100 pct X
Connor McDavid and Jack Roslovic were the scoring stars among the forwards, and I’d like to highlight a nice game by young Matt Savoie. Had a golden chance early, as did Trent Frederic (who last a fight more quickly than Keith Magnuson) and Vasily Podkolzin. Need those chances from the supporting cast. The third and fourth line wee scrapped for parts, I thought Ike Howard maybe showed his age a little in a couple spots. Columbius is a good team five-on-five.
- Nurse-Walman 15:13, 7-7 shots 2-2 goals, 29 pct X 1-2 HDSC
- Kulak-Emberson 12:55 2-5 shots 0-1 goals, 19 pct X 0-2 HDSC
- Ekholm-Bouchard: 11:52 3-2 shots, 22 pct X 0-2 HDSC
On a night when Darnell Nurse and Ty Emberson played poorly, the coach benched Evan Bouchard. The Oilers have a long history of trading productive players for single reasons (Jordan Eberle’s playoff miscue) so it’s not impossible to imagine Bouchard being dealt. It’s impossible to imagine the Oilers winning that trade, though.
I thought Walman had a strong game, and liked much of what Bouchard brought to the evening. I thought he was effective after the benching and believe it unwise to bench him again. Emberson is the fellow you’re looking for based on last night.
Stuart Skinner was .759 in the game, made some fine stops and allowed some poor rebounds into bad areas.
The victory isn’t a template for future games but the nature of the win (frantic comeback) can sometimes lift a team for a time. I will tell you this November schedule isn’t a friend to your Edmonton Oilers. We’ll see Hyman return on the trip, I’m hoping for improved play from Frederic, Emberson, Nurse and Skinner.
Landeskog with his first.
For a decade, I thought he was the better of the widely-debated top 3 (with Couturier) from the 2011 draft, but Nuge has long surpassed him – durability and versatility are valuable. So glad RNH is an Oiler.
(yes, Kucherov is the best of the class but a long shot at the time).
Landeskog missed 2 1/2 seasons with injury.
Injury can hit anyone.
lol, you are ridiculous. Guess who won ROTY with same number of points as Nuge even though Nuge missed, what, 12 games? ffs
Griffith with a late PPG to make it 6-3.
His shot from the circles is blocked, its knocked out of the scrum back to him and he buries it – I think Samanski may have helped whack it out but I doubt they give him an assist.
Nope, no assist – they go to Hutson and Pitlick has were part of the play prior to the scrum.
It’s 6-1 but the Condors have 34 shots and a ton of them were very good looks.
I give kudos to the condors for continuing to work until then end but more to the CV goalie who deserves 1st Star with a 6-1 lead…::
Rem Pitlick with some tenacious board work (as always), Stilman with a nice keep it, gets one wide of the net, it comes out the other side of the net and Rhett Pitlick whacks it in.
6-1
I believe Demo was recently getting some load management but it appears it didn’t work as he’s left tonight’s game with an injury.
Quinn Hughes also left the game but has come back.
He seems to be perpetually banged up – they play him a lot.
No surprise but, at 6-0 down, Clattenburg running around trying to get a fight but all he does is put the team SH (again).
To be clear, they’ve been shorthanded all game and its to been him and lots of the penalties have been undisciplined infraction after the game got out of hand so he’s far from alone – just thought it was notable as he’s a famous name.
Another PP goal and a ripper from the slot gets through Tompkins.
6-0 and Tompkins still in the game.
Condors back to the PK as Keppen with some slates in frustration after the goal.
6-0 and no goalie change. I’m speculating but, after Tompkins playing both ends of back to back and again this game, with no goalie change, I presume Ingram is not really available……
Puck dumped in, Leppanen loses the 1 on 1 battle easily, puck passed to the low circle and one-times in – Tompkins about as far to the inside post as possible leaving half the net.
5-0.
It’s notable that it’s 5 goals on 15 shots and Tomkins is not pulled. Perhaps Ingram is not really available…..
The San Jose Celebrinis beat the Wild 2-1 in OT.
Celebrini with two assists.
Moves to second in the scoring race tied with Leo Carlsson who scored for the Ducks in Colorado.
The kids are alright.
Brown ruled out for the remainder of the game.
And now an ugly/lucky goal against as a entering pass goes off the skate of the opposition battling with Stilman – it may have been kicked in but impossible to tell with the AHL TV footage.
Brown back down the tunnel.
4-0
Condors
Give up a PK goal as noted
Get hosed on a pick play (where the official had his hand up to call but allowed the goal scored off it – no-one knows the deal)
Give up a shortie – Stilman with a bad board play for a breakaway.
Summarizing!
Lewandowski scored his 7th of the season and added an assist. He was named 2nd star for his efforts.
Lafreniere struck on the PP for his 12th of the campaign.
Berry was forbidden the gift of comforting soup.
Prospecting takes a break until Freya’s Day.
Avs Ducks. The Oilers play nothing like this and they should. If they did, juggernaut
Caught a radio hit from Kevin Weekes earlier today in which he said .900 goaltending was the new standard.
He pointed out that the top offensive teams have adjusted strategy to complete off the pads passes and even more importantly, are stationing a finisher on the weak side of the net.
Colorado’s doing this over and over tonight.
I’m not sure that this is a new thing. The only thing that really changes is what the league calls for penalties and major rule changes. Since 3 lines and modern rules same beast as I see it
Dineen playing Oilers net front defence on the PK – the slap pass from the side-boards is tipped in for the 1-0 goal.
Brown was in the box – at least he’s not hurt.
First place in the league at stake at the Ducks take on the Avalanche in Colorado.
There should be goals and then some more goals.
Lehkonen from MacKinnon and Makar at the 28 second mark.
Low high play like the good guys need to learn to love
Ducks low to high…1-1
Josh Brown in to the boards and down to the dressing room favouring a shoulder.
He has been the team’s best d-man, and it hasn’t been close.
Samanski centers the first line between Hutson and Griffith.
Marjala centers the second line between Jarventie and…….. Connor Clattenburg.
Clattenburg higher in the lineup than Max Jones is a message and I’m all for it.
Jarventie confirmed on the lineup tonight.
Last time he played back to backs (and finished the 2nd game) it ended his season and more workers was needed.
i had no reason to think he didn’t come through last weekend just fine but now we know.
Tomkins starts, 3rd in a row – he all but stole last game.
Um, Darnel Nurse…is getting lots of attention today from outside the closeted Edmonton media scene.
The Monahan goal….backing up into the trapezoid. Amazon game, I guess…
This cannot continue..It just can’t.
https://x.com/spittinchiclets/status/1988078458136657946
.
Chiclets is always talking Oilers, they have Bob on seemingly every week.
All I could do on that play was start laughing. Between Nurse and Bouchard nothing surprises me anymore.
I remember all the flak for suggesting that he was a points vampire and actually a very poor defenseman and should be sold before his big contract
Oh boy that was worse than it looked initially. He’s always had a bad habit of backing way in, but that is a new level of awkwardness.
It’s like the first F driving the net tricked him into thinking the net was 15 ft further back!
He keeps lowering his floor
I think a new coach may provide a wake up for these guys.
but no coach is going to teach nurse how to defend. Seeing him defending the trapezoid on the 3rd goal is peak Nurse
It should have been Quennville. If you were willing to bring in Bowman then you should have doubled down and brought the straw that used to stir his drink.
Long history of second chances including MacT and Kane top of mind
Most organizations that just hired a new head coach, which head coach took the team from one of the worst record in the league to almost winning the division, including a 24-3 run, and then game 7 of the SCF do not fire that new head coach.
And by “most organizations” I mean all organizations.
Not normally, but they did not play that well in the finals, again, tactics and deployment questionable, and Q is a HOF coach with 3 Cups and had the last team he ran buzzing. More famous coaches than K have been let go for one seen as one of the best
Tyler Yaremchuck, who generally agree with, thinks moving Nurse to wing would be “dumb”, I believe was his word.
I continue to wait for a more convincing argument.
Ok I’ll put my money where my mouth is.
Nurse – Leon – Roslovic
Tell me that wouldn’t score some goals.
Meanwhile look what that does to your middle six. Bonus we don’t need to worry about his inability to clear the front of his own net.
He has a great shot, and this would provide opportunity for more attempts. He is fast and big and would go to the corner hard in the o-zone. He’s also better with the puck as a forward I suspect. For instance, when he transitions the puck well is when he skates it out of the zone, not when he tries to pass it out. So he should be a good option for zone entries as well.
Assuming you could convince him to get in front of the net the way he lets others get in front of Skinner, he would be THE total beast in the top 6 this team just doesn’t have.
It’s actually a pretty obvious move to me. Just requires the courage of doing something relatively original (though certainly not unheard of!)
It doesn’t have to be permanent. Burns, and Byf under Q were played as F. I think to reset them, and help a need. Nurse would be a monster moving up, clumsy and aggressive and firing rockets top cheddar. Imagine him going paint. Those other coaches did, and I remember Byf being a nightmare for the Dys
Just try it!
McDavid looked like a real Barbara Ann Scott on his pirouette goal. Pat Quinn wouldn’t know what to do.
I went to smoke a doobie at the intermission and came back a bit late, un-muted at exactly this moment.
Correlation suggests you should smoke more doobies. For the greater good.
xJoints% already way up there
I believe there is a good chance Dahlin asks out of Buffalo. This would be an opportunity to win a Bouchard trade. Dahlin might be a better fit in Edmonton.
Otherwise it probably ends up a classic sell low Oilers move.
Why do you think that?
They’ve been losing for a long time and he said things have to change. A couple other players echoed his sentiments.
If they start winning then it’s a moot point.
Yeah I recall that.
He has taken a leave from the team to return to Sweden where his partner just had a heart transplant..
The problem with acquiring Dahlin is that he’s a left shot D and the departure would leave the Oilers right side barren.
I expect Buffalo would want a first, and a blue chip prospect in return and the Oilers don’t have either.
I don’t think they’d want picks or prospects. Especially if it’s Adams making the deal. If he’s trying to save his job he could sell Bouchard to to Pegula much easier, I think.
Buffalo is actually loaded on D already.
Dahlin – Power
Samulesson – Timmins
Byram – Kesselring
If Dahlin forces his way off the team I would expect they would want a high end young forward + in return.
Bouchard wouldn’t move the needle much.
Dahlin isn’t even at the front of the line wanting out of that defensive corps. Byram and Power have one foot out the door and Bouch would definitely be someone the would like
Do you have a source for that speculation?
What would Dahlin cost, like Bouch +1st? 2nd? 1st rnd prospect?
Dahlin is a true #1 defender who does it all plus racks up points…
I don’t know but Adams is a bad GM.
You don’t trade Dahlin (or a #1 like him) unless you want to rebuild IMO.
Or, as Oiler fans know all too well, he wants out.
Dahlin has a full NMC and would be able to pick his destination.
Roslovic scoring the winner against his old long term squad is great mojo.
McDavid is the best in the world.
Walman keeps making good things happen with the puck.
Are the Oilers aware just because Nurse has a NMC that doesn’t mean they can’t sit his ass until he agrees to ply his trade elsewhere?
Mangiapane, big fan of the signing, would now be a big fan if he’s sat for a game before returning to a bottom 6 role.
Coach needs to see the light that the large majority of players being brought in are all losing their offense under him.
Watching the team repeatedly send the puck into the corner, is maddening. Especially when the opposition keeps walking into Oilers territory with puck control.
Figure it out coach.
Putting two out of Stecher, Ebmberson and Regula over Nurse does not help the team win games.
Healthy scratching Nurse for games on end is not going to help this team.
Nurse is not helping the team win games, all stats are on my side of this.
Scratching Nurse until he waives allows the Oilers to open up cap space which will help Edmonton win games in the long run.
Ekholm/Bouchard
Walman/Regula
Kulak/Emberson
That’s as good as any variation of the backend that includes Nurse as it stands now.
Eating 2 million of Nurses deal will give Edmonton 7.5 to improve the goaltending, which would free another 2.5 moving Skinner out.
10 million out to acquire new tender, possibly another LHD, and maybe another forward to the ranks.
That’s the move.
1) Agree that Nurse has been playing good.
2) As I mentioned, I do NOT agree that sitting Nurse and playing an extra one of Emberson or Stecher is more conducive to winning.
There are no numbers that take in account that the effect on the play of those players when asked to play materially more minutes – Nurse plays 6-9 minutes more than them and against tougher competition than all of them
I am not even going to get in to the off-ice implications that this would have, which are real, and that’s not talking about relationships among the players but legalities and the NHLPA.
Do I think $9.25MM could/should be spent better? Of course but this is not an idea am on board with at all.
What legalities did the rangers encounter with Trouba last year?
You can sit anyone you want in the pressbox including McDavid.
You can’t be so naive to think that the its as simple as this in a context like this.
Of course not the NHL is pretty Gentlemen like but if you wanted to pull a Harold Ballard there is no league rules to stop you.
The Rangers did nothing while Trouba has his NMC (which Nurse has) and they waited until it became a NTC and told him they would be putting him on waivers unless he agreed to a trade – a proposition where ever team in the league can take the player and provide him work – not the same as not allowing the player to work.
There is a reason the Rangers waiting until the NMC went away.
Actually it probably will. Nurse is costing goals by the bunches and his replacement would play less minutes.
Now you have a bunch of d-man playing more minutes, more minutes against tough competition, more leverage minus – reducing effectiveness.
Rishaug had an interesting tidbit on the postgame GYB—that Draisaitl and McDavid requested Frederic as the fifth man on the PP with RNH out. Rishaug seemed quite confident in his reporting, and it’s a weird place we’re in, where basic deployment is heavily influenced by the star players.
Likewise, big bare-chested Bobby Stauffy has been quite insistent that McDavid and Draisaitl are on the PK at their own request.
Larry Bird’s three-year rule seems to be a thing with this Edmonton Oilers team, but it’s impossible to know from the outside which strange decisions and ideas are coming from a coach’s negotiations with his stars, which options are thrown out to erase the memories of Gulutzan and Coffey, which are poor choices from newcomer assistants, which are the weird and wonderful attempts to integrate analytics, and which are from a coach being at the end of his rope.
Seems there’s a 50/50 chance that Knoblauch works things out—and maybe that’s generous. Ultimately the coach is always fired, and it’s just a matter of when. Maybe McDavid and Draisaitl are too good to let that firing happen in-season. I don’t see deBoer as an option for this team. Are there any other takers?
If it’s true that two players have that much influence, it’s another reason to fire the coach in my opinion. Yes players can have input and collaboration is fine, but at the end of the day it’s the coach’s job to coach and the players play.
It should be noted that McDavid and Drai are no longer on the PK – its 4 games now where they aren’t part of a regular kill rotation – maybe the last few seconds if the timing lines up but they’ve been faded off.
Of course, they were on for the kill last night in the dying minutes down a goal but, obviously, that’s a unique situation.
It’s premature to say they are no longer on the PK, the verbal from the coach and the numbers on the ice don’t quite say that.
November 7th, 2025 100 % Hockey
Last four teams games
Perhaps – that data doesn’t line up with my recollection of the last handful of games but facts are facts.
Team | Line | Players | Combined Cap Hit ($M) | TOI/GP | CF% | xGF% | GF% | Pts/60 | PDO | Value Tag |
| PIT | 3rd | Koppanen – Hayes – Koivunen | 5.3 | 10.8 | 55.6 | 58.0 | 55.0 | 0.8 | 0.95 | play-driving, unlucky |
| PIT | 4th | Heinen – Lizotte – Dewar | 3.3 | 10.8 | 54.0 | 56.0 | 48.0 | 1.3 | 0.97 | elite value trio |
| EDM | 3rd | Henrique – Philp – Frederic | 8.2 | 12.0 | 49.3 | 48.7 | 45.5 | 1.2 | 0.91 | middling efficiency |
| EDM | 4th | Howard – Tomasek – Savoie | 3.0 | 10.0 | 45.0 | 42.0 | 30.0 | 0.6 | 0.88 | rookie-heavy, bleeding |
Man, it’s really not hard to find where the problem lies.
The Penguins are getting 55–58% expected goals from a bottom six that costs under $9 million.
Edmonton’s depth group burns over $11 million to get caved in at 44%.
Oilers management get paid millions to be Pakleds.
They see other teams that “make it go,” and they still can’t figure out how.
| Player | Team | AAV | GP | TOI/GP | P/60 | CF% | xGF% | GF% | Role |
|———|——|—–|—–|——–|——|——|——|——|——|
| **Trent Frederic** | EDM | **$3.85M** | 17 | 12.4 | 0.28 | 42.9 | 44.1 | 30.8 | Bottom-six grinder |
| **Danton Heinen** | PIT | $0.775M | 3 | 10.6 | 0.00 | 59.4 | 63.7 | 0.0 | Depth winger |
| **Connor Dewar** | PIT | $0.800M | 17 | 10.7 | 1.32 | 50.6 | 49.4 | 41.7 | 4C / PK |
| **Blake Lizotte** | PIT | $0.800M | 17 | 11.1 | 0.64 | 52.5 | 53.8 | 41.7 | Checking C |
| **Ville Koivunen** | PIT | $0.870M | 10 | 11.7 | 0.51 | 57.0 | 59.9 | 33.3 | Rookie W |
The Penguins have three more points in the same number of games while running the now-geriatric Crosby and Malkin — both old enough to be collecting CPP.
Dubas still manages to ice a competent, cheap bottom six that tilts the ice.
Meanwhile, the Oilers burn over $11 million on depth that can’t crack 45% expected goals.
Thanks for the Ryan. You are killing it with your posts. The numbers beg the question is it the players or the coach and his system?
Like the players in Pittsburg have said, they’re being empowered to do things that they’re good at instead of what they’re not.
Systems need to be molded around the players. Asking small offensive forwards to dump pucks into the corner and fight for them back is asshattery system play.
I strongly dislike that they play to the corners and perimeter without clear tactics to set up plays out front. Waste of time and energy
Edm doesn’t protect the house and the defenders are not activating well – they are driving low percentage plays. This will show disproportionately for the bottom six players that don’t get any McDavid or Draisaitl time, as these players still heavily influence the flow of play.
Many people are pointing at the defence, which is reasonable. And it’s a good question as to what degree the breakouts (influenced by defenders) are a product of the same tactic/execution.
The “best defence in the NHL” according to Dom and Bob, has been bloody terrible without Paul Coffey. And probably Mark Stuart needs to go.
https://hockeyviz.com/team/EDM/2526
I asked, on last nights thread, what does McDavid’s ideal wingers look like. He had a great game last night, but really it was a solo effort, he didn’t use Mangy or Savoie at all. I’ve noticed this more and more with McDavids line mates that aren’t Leon. We’ll see when Hyman comes back if that changes things. He and McDavid had some chemistry previously, especially on the power play. Would like to see him using guys like Savoie more, getting the young guy more touches to increase his confidence. I’ve noticed that Leon is more likely to look for his linemates no matter who they are. For that reason, I’d like to se Howard on his line for a number of games to see if there’s a spark there. One of the problems with linemates of either of our stars is they constantly defer to them. Philp trying a ridiculous pass back to Draisaitl last night on that mini 2 on 1 is a perfect example. Howard, I don’t think would do that he seems to love to shoot any chance he gets and maybe he can bury some of those passes from Draisaitl
MvDavid has found Mangiapane a few times in open ice for beautiful plays. But Mangiapane’s been struggling a bit lately. McDavid is one of the reasons he signed with Edmonton, and I would bet that McDavid has asked to play with him.
I’d take that bet.
I’d be stunned if 97 thought marzipan was the solution for anything
Given that Hyman hasn’t returned yet it, and that he personally called Mangiapane to ask him to sign, seems reasonable that he may have asked to play with him.
I don’t think its reasonable to think that Mangiapane has been playing with McDavid in recent weeks given his level of play and impact (or lack thereof).
What one might have planned in July and September changes once results start to come in.
Accidentally posted in the old thread.
Matt Savoie has 3 points in 22 GP.
I was a fan of the trade at the time. As with most things, it’s looking like I was wrong.
How many successful scoring wingers in the NHL scored at 0.14 p/g rate in their first 22 games. My guess is not many. Obviously lots of excuses about deployment but early returns are alarming.
It would be different story if he was a power Forward or Centre. The worrisome part is he works hard yet creates little. It’s time for some more Marination Time as the locals like to call it.
I hope I’m wrong but Matt Savoie smells of Anton Lander. Great career AHL’er – Just couldn’t progess into the NHL
I’d say more Benson then Lander
Savoie has great wheels, shame they play a crap system where they don’t use players strengths. Savoie, Howard, and Philip all made the list of fastest players in nhl. Bursts over 22 mph but as Lowetide says the team plays a slow game.
It’s easy for me to beat the drum of put players in a position to succeed. K.K came in and immediately locked things down. Gone was the loosey goosey game that got Woody fired along with him went a lot of offensive creativity plus over 60 GF. This team is so low event Hockey now and can you really blame K.K until we recieve better Goaltending you cant open it up without getting burned.
Ryan McLeod has 16 in 71 for his first season with the Oil. His xGF% his last 2 seasons with the Oil were above 55%. It’s 50% with Buffalo, 45% last year.
Wussa-cudda-shudder? Still early for Savoie.
At Savoie’s stage, Ryan McLeod was still in the AHL and, in fact, even started the following season in the AHL (his 22 year old season).
Ryan McLeod was also half a year older at the that time, he was 22 for the start of the season where he played 71 games (but started in the AHL)
Not a good game however a game in the right column. Hopefully a spring board to the right direction. Bouchard gets the benching I think from the coach for the “enough is enough” on the season, Not the indivdual act. About time hopefully also a spring board for him individually – he did make a great pass to the gifted one shortly after. Hats off to Fredric for seeking out the fight and taking one for the team. The media continues to talk about senceless fights and yet gets credit for producing this one. Ironic
Kevin Woodley made an interesting comment on Daily Faceoff about goalies and xGA.
Last season Cal Pickard had the leagues easiest xGA and delivered a lot of wins. This season it’s the opposite – the Oilers have given their goalies one of the leagues worst xGA and their sv%’s are brutal.
Woodley cited J Binnington as historically having one of the leagues highest xGA, but would routinely outperform the expectation. Maybe that’s a guy who can fit with our dysfunction.
Mike Smith was this goaler.
Let in softies via error(s), recovered with great saves and passion.
Unsure of what the cost of a goalie would be however, at this point. I always look to the Predators who should be re-tooling to tank, but the cost – sheesh.
Binner has just a season left after this one, and St Loo could be cooked by Christmas.
He’s a mighty realistic target.
Very curious when it comes to acquiring goalies these days and the cost; it always seems like a moving target the past couple years.
JB sv% this year .859 – are we sure its a viable option?
Between winning a Cup and the 4 Nations Jordan seems to thrive on big game Hockey. Armstrong thought he was so smart screwing us over time for Bowman to call up his fishing buddy and do a 3 way deal unbeknownst to Armstrong.
Options are limited and I’m not sure if it will be worth the price to pay. JB will come at a high cost I’d assume.
Could this not be said on a lesser scale to Skinner in playoffs when we needed games (particularly the vs the Stars).
Let’s be honest Pete DeBoer said the inside part outside as Dallas Goaltending against us both years running was dreadful. Maybe keep Skinner around the organization just to face Dallas kinda like MacTavish had the 3 Goalies and would pull the starter when it went to OT. I can’t remember if it was Morrisson coming in strictly for OT all I remember was it was bizarre but it actually worked.
Haha, that’s not really a solution either.
IMO, it’s up in the air what happens with Skinner, but I think a change of scenery would benefit both him and the Oilers. I don’t see him sticking around after this season.
The real challenge is figuring out how to find a replacement with a similar cap hit who’s actually proven to be better — that’s not easy.
If the Oilers move an asset to make that happen, they’re just creating another hole somewhere else.
I wasn’t a fan of the Fredrick signing either, but honestly, everyone’s stats are down right now because of the team’s overall poor play. Best-case scenario is things stabilize and Skinner/Picard settle back into form.
I’m really struggling to see how the Oilers can win any trade right now, with literally 0 players performing at expected levels, aside from arguably Walman.
This is not a scenario where 1 or 2 players could benefit from a change of scenery, it seems like the entire squad can benefit from a change in scenery, which means the coaching is the problem.
In response to whomever said Pronger would make a great D coach (who knows?!), Pronger said after the game that they needed to clean up their D zone work in short order, which was on point. I agree with you, LT, that defending/coming up ice as a 5 man unit will help the D, but it also doesn’t explain why opponents are constantly coming in all alone uncontested, and why high grade opportunities have appeared to come more easily for the opposition.
One thing I really don’t understand is how poor McDavid and Draisaitl have been together 5 on 5. NST says in 126 mins, their GF-GA is 4-4. Yes their xGF is 59% and on-ice S% is 5.89, so regression should be in order, but when you are not playing well and the coach keeps trying to bring out a hammer that is not hammering, that is a problem.
Far more concerning, is McDavid is 4-10 without Draisaitl, and without either, it is 8-24.
McDavid w/o Draisaitl actually has a higher xGF% than Draisaitl w/o McDavid, but both are hovering at 50% on their own, which is also not a recipe for success when the other 2 lines have been train wrecks.
Is it because Roslovic is burying chances, and RNH/Mangiapane/Howard/Savoie are not? Or is it that until last night, McDavid was not?
I do have more belief in
RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Podkolzin-Drai-Roslovic
but that still leaves the bottom 6 with challenges, and Savoie/Howard outside of a scoring line.
That leaves Kapanen, Janmark, Lazar, Mangiapane, Howard, Savoie, Henrique, Philp, Tomasek for 6 remaining positions, and no great solutions at first glance
Does a bottom 6 solution involve Janmark-Henrique-Savoie, Mangiapane-Philp-Kapanen?
It is not sexy, asks the bottom 6 to saw off competition, and does not give Savoie scoring minutes. It also means Howard AHL bound, Lazar/Tomasek fighting for 4th line duty.
But at this point, sawing off the comp is better than 8-24 in <20 games.
Unintentionally forgot about Frederic. Which shows my opinion of him.
In limited minutes 5on5 to evaluate, he has been OK with Kapanen or Janmark as a co-winger.
Terrible with Philp. xGF 47% but 2-5 GF-GA with Henrique.
He doesn’t really have a role on a healthy club
| Player | P/60 | G/60 | TOI/GP | CF% | FF% | SF% | xGF% |
|———————-|——|——|——–|——|——|——|——|
| Podkolzin | 1.76 | 0.50 | 14.1 | 51.1 | 50.8 | 54.2 | 43.9 |
| R. Nugent-Hopkins | 1.69 | 0.56 | 13.3 | 51.7 | 47.7 | 49.7 | 51.2 |
| Kapanen | 1.69 | 0.00 | 11.9 | 45.2 | 51.3 | 55.6 | 42.9 |
| Philp | 1.65 | 1.10 | 9.9 | 40.3 | 40.3 | 43.4 | 32.6 |
| McDavid | 1.63 | 0.82 | 17.3 | 55.2 | 54.3 | 54.1 | 55.4 |
| Roslovic | 1.55 | 0.26 | 15.5 | 53.6 | 53.5 | 58.0 | 48.0 |
| Draisaitl | 1.30 | 0.65 | 16.2 | 54.1 | 55.3 | 59.7 | 53.1 |
| Lazar | 1.28 | 1.28 | 9.4 | 53.6 | 55.3 | 51.7 | 59.1 |
| Henrique | 1.25 | 0.31 | 11.3 | 49.3 | 51.5 | 53.3 | 51.2 |
| Howard | 1.23 | 0.82 | 9.1 | 43.7 | 44.2 | 49.0 | 39.9 |
| Mangiapane | 1.03 | 0.77 | 13.7 | 49.5 | 46.5 | 45.9 | 49.3 |
| Tomasek | 0.53 | 0.53 | 8.8 | 47.5 | 49.6 | 56.3 | 42.5 |
| Frederic | 0.28 | 0.28 | 12.4 | 42.9 | 46.6 | 46.8 | 44.1 |
| Savoie | 0.00 | 0.00 | 11.0 | 47.2 | 47.6 | 51.4 | 48.1 |
| Janmark | 0.00 | 0.00 | 10.0 | 36.4 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 34.2 |
| Stat | Value |
|————–|——–|
| Points/60 | 0.00 |
| Goals/60 | 0.00 |
| GF% | 26.7% |
| xGF% | 48.1% |
| PDO | 0.897 |
| TOI/GP | 10.96 |
Team is being outscored 3.5 to 1 with Savoie on the ice.
Remarkable patience of management and coaching staff. The actual goals for data is looking like an unpaid credit card balance.
Philp and Tomasek with similar numbers. But terrible GF% from many players – including the unexpected Ekholm and Bouchard.
thank you for putting this together.
Send Savoie down. Frederic stays if he continues to fight! Note: Darnel may want to drop the gloves again as well.
The Oilers are ostensibly getting smarter then they do things like trying to play Savoie and Howard’s with AHL depth Tomasek. 2 Rookies on a line with AHL depth, man.
I always wished they would have figured how to build out the bottom of the roster with guys like Dubas used to like Kampf and Kase.
PDO → NHL Safety Meter (higher = safer)
McDavid ██████████████ 0.960 😎
Draisaitl ████████████████ 1.014 🚀
Roslovic ███████████████ 1.008 ✅
Podkolzin █████████████ 0.998 🙂
Howard ████████████ 0.947 😬
RNH ██████████ 0.936 😕
Henrique █████████ 0.907 😓
Mangiapane ████████ 0.910 😓
Savoie ████ 0.897 ☠️ (AHL Regression Alert)
Tomasek ███ 0.883 💀
Just listened to Craig Button go off on the Oilers. Yea I know nothing new. He said Oilers were a very mediocre team with poor goaltending but had two super stars keeping them in games. Actually hard to disagree with him.
He is a Calgary homer so whatever he says about us is just because he doesn’t want to yak about the Flamers.
Elliotte Friedman was saying pretty much the same thing on the radio this morning.
Button loves to rail on the Oilers and especially Skinner. I obviously can’t disagree as I have eyeballs when it comes to our Goalies. Skinner is what he is the scary part is this is him playing well. Bowman needs to pull the chute on this road trip. We can’t expect fluke wins like Montreal and Columbus to keep us afloat. We are in no position to continue to donate 1-2 Goals a game while we’re basically playing the trap and hoping for a 2-4 PP night. Look at Sakic this can be done not for just one but both of our tandem.
Button is a clown. Couldn’t keep a job in the NHL so went to being the ‘GM’ of TSN. Oilers look terrible at times this year, but saying they have no chance to win the cup is completely foolhardy. Go Oilers Go!
A Vancouver Canucks fan was complaining about Lankinen’s rebounds against CBJ. Turns out it’s a tactic two of their guys -Monahan & ?- practice. Listening to Goalie Woodley yesterday talking about how almost-impossible it is for goalies to NOT give rebound-passes on those well-placed shots.
The numbers usually used by us mortals to judge and sentence goalies looked bad for Skinner. To my eye, he played a good game. Lots of great stops. Kept the team in the game. By the most important number, Wins, he got it done.
Finally, the captain did a captain thing and carried the team on his back. No numbers for that, as far as I know. But it’s been missing, whatever that number may be.
ps. As I say elsewhere, Oilers PDO (97) is third lowest in the league. “Regression will occur.” When? No one knows. Walman’s goals are a sign.
A big problem with the Oilers lack of offense is that they aren’t employing with emphasis things like that. It’s essential to be good at creating shots off puck movement, rebounds, tips, screens. That’s how you score when teams take away the middle, and the odds of scoring go way up
The Monahan goal was terrible, rebound pass or not. Skinner is supposed to eat the puck or kick it clear of the slot.
Skinner and Pickard require above average defending to produce average save percentage. They are not getting that.
If you listened to Woodley you would have heard the description that Pickard received the most favourable defence of any goaltender last year, as measured by Clear Sight expected goals. This season he’s received the worst.
But the poor defence does not absolve these goalies of their poor goaltending.
Both the defence and goaltending have been poor, the numbers and the tape show it.
The Monhan goal was a combination of:
1) Walman getting his shot blocked
2) Walman and Nurse backing in to easily
3) Walman losing position in front of the net and not covering
4) Nurse sliding back to the end boards taking himself out of the play
5) Mangiapane getting beat by two attackers on the back track and giving up arriving late
6) Uncontrolled rebound by Skinner
I agree what Skinner could/should have done but he was also dealing with chaos in front of him in the real time – not an “excuse” but a mitigating factor.
1) stuff happens 2) needs to be repercussions 3) he was some what near position, can be fixed 4) I have no rational reason here, should not see the ice for period of time if he can’t own net front 5) same as #4, don’t see ice for a period of time 6) stuff happens
As stated above. Poor defence does not absolve poor goaltending. Edm’s league worst 5v5 team save percentage is a product of both.
And in case you missed it, Ty Emberson averaged one high danger scoring chance against PER shift. That might be a new record.
Mr Regula opportunity is knocking
Best defenceman on the ice last night was Zack Werenski and it wasn’t even close. He was head and shoulders above anyone that we put out there.
I thought the Bouchard benching was so obviously performative and pre-meditated. Much like the Frederic fight. Both have been hearing it in the media to do “something”.
To be clear there have been about a dozen times that a benching of Bouchard would have been A-ok but this wasn’t one of those.
Take this from a AAA hockey coach or don’t.
You use discipline to correct behaviour. What behaviours are you trying to correct with Evan Bouchard? I’d suggest careless turnovers and lackadaisical defense. On the play he got benched for he was overly aggressive trying to dislodge the puck from the puck carrier and took a penalty.
Are we trying to teach Evan Bouchard to be less aggressive? If not what’s the lesson there?
Knoblauch doesn’t appear to understand both the psychology of his players or the importance of that aspect of coaching.
Get the most from the team by getting the most from each guy available. It is remarkably simple, just requiring understanding and work.
The fact he’s coached Connor twice for extended time and clearly doesn’t know how to pull any levers with him is astounding.
Roslovic taking a high sticking at 17:42 down a goal was far worse, even if Wally scored
Still don’t see a high stick there.
Glove, yes. Stick, no.
You have to be sure to make a call like that.
He is probably not used to refs vs Oilers. You have to make sure at that point in a game you aren’t giving anything to call I think
LT, it’s always interesting to see you quoted as a trade rumor source, even when you’re really just spit balling ideas.
https://nhltradetalk.com/oilers-wild-card-shake-up-trade/
Man, this article though lol.
MAF as an option? really? haha.
Just asking the question…
Does trading Bouchard get you the goalie you want and some cap space to add a stay at home defender?
Maybe but then you are looking for a RD. Emberson should be in the press box as soon as Regula is back. Without Bouchard, the right side is very vulnerable.
Regula is back and Emberson has been in the press box for a few games before last night.
Who is this goalie that is going to be such a locked in upgrade that the team can afford to lose a d-man that was 6th and 11th in Norris voting the last two seasons (11th in a bad season) and the Conn Smyth conversation both seasons – that is locked in for four year and hasn’t even hit his prime yet?
Sarros had a .553 save percentage yesterday and some would trade Bouchard for him.
My grandfather died at 103 this past year. He was a Canadian vet from World War II. He witnessed horrors and suffered from PTSD. He refused to go to Remembrance Day celebrations and receive glory and honour for his service and instead sat in his home crying.
We remember them all.
🙏
All I remember is drinking with my dad’s uncle back on the farm and he would not talk about specifics at all, just that he like the quiet at the homestead.
A heartfelt thanks to all here and everywhere that have served. Thinking of my grandparents today
Here’s a quote from Erik Karlsson who has found his game again:
“but according to the blueliner, the individual players are finally coming together this season to form a formidable team. ” The roles are starting to slot in. You know what’s expected of you. You do the things you’re good at, and not the things that someone tells you to do, that you can’t do.”
Who knows but I think this is at the heart of the Oilers ongoing issues with production at evens and consistency, through multiple coaches. There just hasn’t been enough insight into the players, and it always ends up with the coach seemingly trying to force square pegs into round holes. The next step that’s needed never found
MacT says there has been a long time problem of too little bottom 6 production, and a lack of elite goalering. He knows more about hockey than I ever will, so I heed what he says. But a lack of production doesn’t have to mean that playing below par. The bulk of the team don’t have roles and identities, I think they are being asked to play a certain way whether they can or not, thus the quote I posted. We see players leave and play better elsewhere a lot
MacT also says there isn’t enough depth to play The Duo together. That the blender reduces accountability, and to paraphrase he thinks it’s better when things aren’t going well to make lines and charge the guys with winning their shifts, build chemistry and know they have to figure out how to get the job done. Be accountable because you have to be when you play with the same players. He would still use the Duo together at times, but mostly not
That is how he got a talent thin team past two much stronger teams and to a final. To me Bowman has to find a better goalie if he can, and I think that they need a better 3C. Unless a winger pops, I don’t think that can be Nuge. They need him top 6 unless something changes, MacT changed my mind on that as I have felt Nuge wasn’t what Connor or Leon needed because his production has been lacking. There isn’t a better option as it stands
When Hyman’s back settle on your top 6, and build up the bottom 6. I had high hopes for Emberson, but I think he’s in that no man’s land of not being a skilled player and also undersized for a D (light). It so often means mediocre play because usually a player that is mediocre with the puck can find a role by using size and being hard to play against. He instead takes a royal pounding in a lot of games
The Habs are a young team, and are playing really well. St Louis lines up his players using common sense
Caulfield Suzuki Slafkovsky
Bolduc Dach Gallagher
Newhook Kapanen Demodov
Anderson Evans Veleno
Line 1 – top finisher, strong heavy two way C, monster with hands
Line 2 – high skill, big RS C former #3, buzz saw
Line 3 – skilled heavy winger, talented big C, high skill with size
Line 4 – huge winger some hands, high energy C some hands, decent winger with size
The forward lines are balanced with good centres, size, speed and skill. The 4th line houses capable players who are the least productive and consistent
Matheson Dobson
Struble Hutson
Xhekaj Carrier
First pair his two best who have height and skill. Second size with small skill (Guhle is hurt and is better than Struble), third size and a two way smaller player
The Oilers D deployment is usually sensible, although I don’t like most of them playing wrong side. Many games when I see the forward line ups I know they aren’t going to be good because they aren’t balanced, even when they had everyone but Hyman
It will be something like too small, not enough speed, no one who finishes well enough. And then when it doesn’t work, the blender. The Habs are winning with young players, and St Louis puts them where he wants them and spreads them out
Slaf is 21 but in his 4th season and of course is a monster. Bolduc is 22 and in his 2nd full season. Demidov is 19 in his 1st season so he gets 3rd line and doing well. The 4th line are all vets, so St Louis uses his skilled youth with more skilled players. The 3rd line with capable players is a great place for Demidov, easier comp as he breaks in. It’s where Howard should be on the Oilers
The Ducks have Strome Granlund and Gudas out, and are playing some mediocre replacements, and doing fine. They are using lots of young players in key roles
The point of all of this is that the Oilers coaches make things seem harder than they are. St Louis has the depth to balance like he does (which Bowman is capable of I think if it needs improving), what Marty does I see as a very basic and obvious old school style
With enough puck capable players a well coached team can play well and weather injuries or whatever, and can score goals. Teams that get there are motivated and play with more energy. The Oilers may be short a few players still, but they aren’t far off having enough to be able to play better as a group. So what’s the problem?
So you’re saying in Edmonton they put players in roles they aren’t necessarily suited for but told to play that way even when they aren’t particularly good at it .Every player has their role, what they need are players that play to their strengths, not players that are just trying to play a role. Makes sense.
I am saying I don’t think the coaches find defined roles for players and have guys grow an identity, or build a line and team identity as well as some coaches do. Players always talk about that about certain coaches and being on strong teams or were before
To me a big reason the bottom 6 often struggles. Coaches should have players playing to their strengths, not asking them to do what they aren’t good at which is what Karlsson was saying. The player types might also not be a good mix
— I’m very much in the minority here I know what with not being a MacT supporter: at least as it pertains to his coaching record/acumen as well as GM track record. But he’s a good dude and highly entertaining.
— From a win loss % + consecutive years missed playoffs there likely isn’t a coach with as much futility for that many years (his tenure as GM resulted in us getting McD, for that I’m grateful for his stewardship)
— the 3rd 4th line : that’s just a state of hockey thing, not specific to the Oil IMO
— a dime to a dollar that PDO sh% small sample size and a few extra goals by a few dudes explains the differences in teams bottom 6
– like the hockey guys who I got to talk with on Friday : “hockey has changed. There are no bottom-6 difference makers”. Everyone plays the same. Bottom 6 guys are interchangeable
What can you possibly not like about his coaching record? He did so much more with much less than the current group of coaches we have seen trotted out these days. days. The players of his day noted his game plan worked to their strengths, and they knew it. Today, no one can even articulate what strengths they are planning around, except 29 and 97 being magical.
Sorry, this is not meant to be a negative comment, but he had so few difference makers and was working in a system where budget was the biggest issue. I suggest doing a performance KPI for the dollar spent.
— in 8 years his teams missed playoffs 5 times lost in first round twice . After getting to the Cup he missed playoffs his next 3 years. Longevity is to be appreciated I suppose.
— after coaching a poor AHL team for Chicago he then became our GM.
— I’m just not a buyer of his acumen. Results matter most.
— The one Cup appearance vs the rest of his legacy and record guides my opinion.
— again I know this it tantamount to heresy
He went to game seven with a Shawn horcoff as first line center and won several playoffs series against Stanley cup winners. He was competitive in two other series when he had table scraps to work with in terms of skill. With 97 and 29 maybe 3 or 4 cups would be reasonable. You are aware that his budget for players was a shadow of his competition’s?
— the only year in 8 he coached that they beat any team was when they went to the Cup
— he never got hired as a head coach again. I’m not the only one who doesn’t rate him.
It can be successfully argued that the Panthers third line won them a cup.
This season, the Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson 3rd line has produced 29 points for Colorado.
While it’s difficult to even identify the Oilers third line a putative combination of
Howard – Henrique – Frederic has produced a total of 10.
As MacT used to say…you have to be at least a threat to score.
I wasn’t a fan of MacT as a GM at the time either. As a coach at times not either, but he did a lot with a little
I think this is spot on. It brought to mind Stan Mikita’s book, I Play to Win. It seems every season he played on a set line, they knew each other and could anticipate where they should be or where to pass the puck to.
Adjusting and blending lines can stir things up if used sparingly but I think it disrupts the flow if it is the norm
Agreed
It’s a good thing Skinner isn’t a inflatable raft or doll for some of you because he sure leaks everywhere. Bowman needs to do the difficult part of the Job and find a Goalie that’s more competent. You can’t spot the opposition a couple of softies 9 out of 10 games. When the worst team in the league Starter has a noticeable sv% lead it’s time too pull the chute.
Skinner glaring at everyone after he gives up the juiciest rebounds seen this side of the Mississippi because they weren’t in the right position is comical to watch at this point.
He’s a backup goaltender that’s extremely fortunate that he’s the best of the backups on a team of backups.
Lame Duck contract years are tough on Goalies as there’s only 64 spots with 32 of those being borderline spots. Where does Skinner rank on the list if there was a draft today excluding Cap of course? Does he even get picked in the top 32? 32-64? or not at all If your allowed to choose other team’s prospects. Skinner agent regardless of this season will be tooting 2 SCF even though Pickard kinda throws a wrench into that.
Imo he lands on a lottery team.
Skinner was never really supposed to be a sure fire starter,the Campbell mistake pushed him in over his head.Cant imagine trying to be a young stanley cup goalie in your home town,massive pressure.Time to free Skinner,just like a lot of things Oilers they are behind on the obvious decision.
He’s not the 1st Goalie to be gifted a spot. Remember Jim Craig? The league has figured out his many weeknesses
Yes yesterday was won on the back of McDavid doing McDavid things, but by god was it necessary. This is his job and he hasn’t been doing it. Not just numbers, but inspiration. He hasn’t looked like he gave a shit until last night and it’s hard to imagine that not trickling down.
Also I always take a moment to think of the Max Paps today.
You watch when other teams score they are jacked up then watch the Oilers it’s like ho-hum another day at the office. It’s unbelievable we tied it on a shortie and you just knew after Walman excitement that no way we were losing in OT. It was also nice seeing the blazing speed of Roslovic who needs to be pumped hard now that he’s officially cooking with gasoline. Roslovic could be the sweetner we need to trade Skinner for a upgrade.
Two good thoughts. Thank you.
Hyman not playing tomorrow – season debut will be either Thursday or, if not, “for sure” on Sat. Or so they say.
Prospectanium!
Today being a statutory holiday (lest we forget) means matinee hockey in the Dub, with both Lewandowski and Lafreniere in action.
They each have 20 points in 18 GP, the composition differing dramatically by player with Lewandowski’s 6 + 14 and Lafreniere’s 11 + 9. Lew also leads the Blades in points while Laf is 5th on the Blazers. Lafreniere has points in 11 of his last 12 GP.
Also on the docket is Bauer Berry who already has his annual goal this season. Between his USHL and NCAA time, he has played four seasons with exactly one goal each season. What he lacks in offense, he makes up with consistency. He has 1 + 1 in 8 GP.
Saskatoon (Lewandowski) @ 1 p.m.
Kamloops (Lafreniere) @ 3 p.m.
St. Thomas (Berry) @ 6 p.m.
All times, at all times, are Peace River time.
That game goes on the credit card to the Hockey Gords. We’ll pay for it later.
Oilers have a PDO of 97, third lowest in the league. Walman’s goals were the Hockey Gords putting their fingers on the scales.
ps. My other team, the Habs, are flying high with Lady Luck these days, with the league’s highest PDO of 105.2.
There is no ‘other team’ in Oil Country!
Fairweather fans.
Walman is our best defenseman right now. He should be rewarded. Put him out on the top pp until Bouch figures things out.
And put Nurse in the press box until he learns how to play defense
I had Walman as one of my good things on the Cult post-game last night he had been struggling hard the last number of games and, even last night, he had his gaffs (two of them on the Monohan goal).
I agree, on the season, he has been the team’s best d-man but Bouchard is coming out of his slumber a bit and he’s coming.
Will be nice to get Hyman in the next little while and could definitely use having everyone slide down one spot in the depth chart
Freshest info is he’s not playing tomorrow but for sure on Thursday or Sat – of course, this comes from Knoblauch so thing is for sure.
Savoie finally started in the top 6 and he was so very good in the first period. He was causing chaos and turnovers all over the offensive zone, he was carrying the puck though the neutral zone, etc.
He faded a bit (everyone sucked in the 2nd) but this player can play in the top six and the production, and line production, will come.
That looked like the 29 games of Yamamoto when he got called up and he formed part of the best line in the world with Drai and Nuge for a few months.
Yamamoto pointed Savoie doesn’t. He needs to hit the scoresheet asap if he wants to play with with big dogs. That’s just a fact of life for undersized top 6 forwards.
Did Podkholzin produce last year? Still stayed on that line.
Sometimes the star players take a liking to someone, and that’s all she wrote. I like Savoie and don’t believe that points will be his calling card in the NHL, but with 97/29 on our team he just needs to be that complimentary player that gets the puck back for the superstars.
Podkolzin is big and it hurts when he hits you he opens up ice and lanes for Leon. Savoie needs to be like a mosquito but as we all know mosquito needs blood (points)
Yamamoto didn’t score very much he sure did take a pounding though, at least he did in Edmonton, maybe they’ve eased up on him in Utah.
Some people have short memories. Yamamoto had 11G 16A in 27 games to end the year when first called up in 2020. Him, Leon and Nuge were arguably the best line in Hockey at the time.