The Edmonton Oilers ended the long road trip with a victory over the Florida Panthers last night. The stars of the show were Jack Roslovic, Evan Bouchard, Matt Savoie and Stuart Skinner to my eye, your mileage may vary. The important discussion point today? Can these Oilers do that again?
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) Actual 2-1-0
- On the road to: Sabres, Capitals, Lightning, Panthers (1-2-1) Actual 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 5-5-2, 12 points in 12 games
- Season Record: 10-9-5, 25 points in 24 games
Edmonton went 3-3-1 on the road trip (I predicted 3-3-1) and now have a chance to make some hay while other teams endure a rock and roll road show.
LINES
Mangiapane-Draisaitl-Podkolzin played 8:52. 4-2 shots, 1-0 goals, 75 expected and no HDSC. Podkolzin scored a goal from a bad angle, but the lesson is shoot the puck. Leon Draisaitl with the assist. I like the line, while also admitting that Mangiapane, a player I value, has been mostly vanilla this season.
Hyman-Henrique-Frederic played 8:21, 3-8 shots, 31 pct expected goals and 0-4 HDSC. One of the worries for this team is getting anything worthwhile from the third and fourth lines. This is a talented trio, but gave up too many chances against the Sam Bennett line.
Savoie-McDavid-Roslovic played 8:01, 5-8 shots, 1-1 goals, 37 pct expected goals and 4-8 HDSC. High event trio, all of whom impacted the boxcars in a good way, but as a trio there were some struggles. McDavid scored an EN, so did Savoie, and Roslovic scored twice but could have had four. There is real talent on this line, would like to see them again before Nuge returns. If you’re looking for value contracts from wingers this season, there are two here. Savoie is a smart and effective player. Roslovic is small ‘s’ Steve Shutt, the puck just finds him in lovely places.
Connor Clattenburg made his NHL debut, looked good to me. He didn’t try to do too much with the puck, and even then he posted two HDSC’s, and he is a good agitator. The puck was headed in a good direction, 6-4 shots and 79 pct expected goals. Whatever happens from here, he was not overwhelmed by the moment and played a repeatable and effective game.
DEFENSE
Ekholm-Bouchard played 13:46, 11-7 shots, 2-0 goals, 52 pct expected and 6-7 high danger. As is the case with the McDavid line, high event but not sure you’re going to avoid that with the Panthers. Bouchard was once again the straw that stirred the drink at five-on-five, with three assists. His 1.71 points-60 ranks No. 4 on the team (behind Draisaitl, Roslovic and McDavid) and his 53 percent goal share leads all Oilers blue. Ekhom-Bouchard is 10-5 goals this month after a tough October.
I find the Bouchard arguments online tiresome, because it’s absolutely clear what he is. Bouchard haters talk about his ‘controller unplugged’ moments that often lead to goals, and the fact he has to play with elite talent. These things are true, but in order to fade Bouchard one must ignore the mountain of positive math and visual evidence available. It’s like driving to the ocean and then turning your back on it. You might think you’re the smartest person talking about it, but you’re making a point about yourself, not Bouchard. He can be frustrating, but he’s brilliant.
On the other hand, the pro-Bouchard folks treat the other side like they’re dumb as a bag of hammers. These folks usually post things like “Bouchard has a 56 percent goal share over the last full three seasons, that’s elite and you’re a toolbag” and then have all their friends come over and tsk tsk the addled brain who objected to a giveaway that resulted in a goal.
In the olden days, we used to have something called perspective. It allowed us to weigh evidence, test it, and then arrive at a nuanced view of the situation. I miss those days so badly I could cry.
Kulak-Emberson played 16:16, 11-10 shots, 0-1 goals with 51 expected. 4-3 HDSC’s. They were the second pair on merit, while also having some wobble. I think the Oilers are asking an enormous amount from their defenders this year, and it’s taking time to adjust. The team’s forwards are spending less time in the defensive zone this season and that’s creating increased volatility.
Nurse-Regula went 2-11 shots, 0-1 goals and 31 pct expected goals and 2-5 HDSC’s in 14:49. The duo had a tough time with the Bennett line and also the fourth line (Noah Gregor trio). I’m cheering for both, but Darnell isn’t playing like he did last regular season. Perhaps the new ‘jail break forwards on 50-50 pucks in-zone’ style described above is the culprit.
Stuart Skinner had an excellent game to my eye, back in the era of nuance we could agree on it but we won’t today. In the interest of publishing a balanced view, Skinner’s five-on-five save percentage is .887 and ranks No. 40 of 49 goalers who have played 300+ minutes in the game state.
CONDORS
In truth, both goalies are kind of meh so far this season. However, Ingram’s coming from way back and is showing signs of progress. I see folks hammering on Stan Bowman to find the next starting goalie, but there’s a non-zero chance he’s already done it.
Riley Stillman is emerging as the even-strength scorer for the group, and his goal share is slowly rising. With Cam Dineen out, the Condors need him. I’m liking Damien Carfagna’s progress, and Beau Akey didn’t step into the elevator shaft going pro and that’s encouraging. The best defenseman on the team? I’ll say Luke Prokop.
Ike Howard belongs in a higher league. The Oilers may not want him on the team until the deadline, or even next fall, but he’s going to deliver in the AHL at impact levels. Miro Satan scored 24-16-40 in 25 AHL games when he was making his debut, that’s 1.6 pts-game. Howard is at 1.75 pts-game.
Quinn Hutson and Josh Samanski are Howard’s linemates, and because of it have joined the Edgar Winter Group (‘come on and take a free ride’) but they are also quality. Roby Jarventie has stalled a little since he began playing every game.
Why Edmonton Oilers’ 5-on-5 game has struggled so much this season
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6829111/2025/11/23/edmonton-oilers-stats-2025-goal-share/
Thanks. I’m very curious as to how this compares to the first quarters of recent years. Luckily you have a Time Machine here, and I will probably be able to find your math just by doing some “research.” If I find anything interesting I’ll report back when I return…
You can also go to Natural Stat Trick and find all the numbers from last season.
I do like the LT Time Machine, but point taken.
Wallstedt with another SO
such a missed opportunity. Another generation has its Shane Doan moment
What a screw up could of had a cost controlled possible franchise Goalie special delivered to us for 10 years. Maggie the monkey would of ran up to podium like they did for Jesse. I’m glad Holland and his Detroit merry men are gone Holland has zero vision.
I am just glad Holland did us the favour of staying within the division.
What a kick in the groin.
I remember watching this draft and being disappointed that he didn’t take the goalie. I think he wanted Cossa but decided not to take a goalie when Detroit took him. Pretty sure he was just considering his own shelf life with the Oilers and not thinking what was best for the team in the long run i.e. pick a forward who might help in the next 2 or 3 years vs a goalie who is 4 years away.
You mean missing out on Jarome Iginla?
Pretty sure the crowd wanted Shane Doan.
The crowd was chanting Doan’s name but you would have to be old enough to remember that. I’ve actually spent time in the village of Halkirk Doan’s hometown solid folks and as tough as nails people you’ll ever meet. I still can’t believe Sather fuked up on that pick.
That’s my point — Iggy was by far the better player. The crowd isn’t always right.
Iggy was the pick but Doan wasn’t far off. If Sather would of went with either Alberta boy things of been different in the years following.
By biggest WTF moment in an Oilers draft was when they announced the Griffin Reinhardt trade, going from the absolute highest of highs of having just drafted McDavid and the excitement of knowing there were so many good pieces on the board to help build around him and then just being absolutely deflated upon the realization that whoever was driving the bus had no clue what they were doing and that they were already effing up before McD even left the draft building.
Goergiev on waivers for the purpose of contract termination
Discuss
oh…never mind
sounds like he’s going to play in Russia
Wouldn’t take him for zero cap hit – bad goalie and, apparently, bad teammate.
Pass.The man is a stick with 4 limbs
Before Mr. Clattenburg played his 2nd AHL game I predicted they would be chatting his name in Bakersfield by Christmas. I might have grossly underestimated the young lad as they might be doing it in Edmonton. Clattenburg even with his limited minutes is going to score his first NHL Goal by the end of next weekend.
Knock knock, Mr Clattenburg.
If he posts any kind of offence (and doesn’t get killed on defence) he won’t ever get sent down.
That’s the spirit cheering for a Oiler underdog prospect instead of hoping for failure by a 20 year-old kid. I respect the fact that everyone has a opinion and would appreciate a unbiased opinion by someone attending the game on how the young lad plays without the puck? Does he play smart with the necessary speed to keep up? Does he open up ice for his linemates? Is he a exciting player to watch? We’ve all heard the negative on this kid many times on this blog I would be interested to hear from several different attendees of the Dallas game on their view of Mr. Clattenburg.
Not a single effing person has hoped for his failure.
Having an informed opinion on and projecting performance based on information has absolutely nothing effing to do with hoping the player succeeds.
You must be trolling – you can’t be this ignorant- its impossible
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You’ve had the opportunity to see how the player does all those things at the AHL level – I’ve encouraged you to watch – you refuse.
I’ve provided you an in depth run down of what he does at the AHL level – you refuse to listed and think that I cheer against the player which is just BS.
I also refuse to be listed! That is low hanging fruit I’ll admit, but I think we should maybe take it a little more easy on the hockey blog.
Your so vain, you probably think Reja’s post was about you.
Curious – does anyone know if the team flew home last night? Game over at 7, if they rushed wheels up around 9:30, land 1:30 Edm time and in your own bed by 2:30 vs. getting home mid-afternoon today. Me I’d vote for the night flight
Going by Tony Brar’s Instagram, they got home shortly after 4AM this morning.
Yes, they flew home after the game – from accounts, arrived at their homes apx 4:45am.
Rantanen gets a one-game suspension.
He will miss the Oilers game on Tuesday.
I can’t believe it.
He’s constantly injuring players with “accidents”.
I don’t think he is intentionally trying to injure players (i.e. Hartman) but he’s dangerously reckless and this is well deserved.
I agree, but the 1 game suspension was automatic due to the 2 game misconducts for physical infractions assessed in the games. I was really hoping they would add at least another game to the supplemental discipline given the number of “accidents” that are increasing with his recklessness. As an aside, Romanov with the Isles is out 5-6 months because he needs shoulder surgery from Rantanen’s hit earlier this week.
This is a very frustrating yet expected lack of a suspension for Rantanen. The 1 game is automatic so they gave him nothing more. Remember the 2 game suspension McDavid received for a hit from behind?
This is a small example of what’s wrong with the league. They keep trying to prove they are not biased when it comes to McDavid, but then play by different rules for everyone else. Rantanen should definitely have received a hearing for the latest hit. But nothing.
Meanwhile, Islanders Romanov out for 5-6 months after Rantanen hit. Ugh.
— I don’t know how that road trip compares to the schedules of team that have more points but this was a brutal stretch.
— this next sequence of games with extra days off and 6 of 7 at home will test my thesis that its the schedule that we can assign the most attribution for their results from all the data.. I believe a lot of attribution has been given to things that matter way less to results. (Well that and McDrai being emerging amazing but not a class above as they have in some stretches)
— I’m hoping to be assured that the things that many were focused on were akin to thinking that when your wife yells about not doing the dishes and is angry, just doing the dishes will make things better.
While a compressed schedule is arduous and the Oilers has recently been a bit worse,,,most teams have played close to the same number of games with a couple of notable exceptions.
WHO you play also makes a difference.
As of today…the Oilers have played 10 of 24 games against teams who are currently in a playoff spot.
You asked about teams with more points so worth noting that Pacific Division leading Anaheim has played 11 games against better opponents in November alone with another 6 in October.
That, of course, all leads to the Oilers having fewer games remaining so there will be more breaks in their schedule but against tougher opponents.
As of this morning, Anaheim had the easiest remaining schedule with their opponents holding a .550 win percentage while the Oilers face opponents with a .575 win percentage which is the 13th easiest schedule.
For example, Anaheim has only 1 remaining game against Vegas (the Ducks won the first 2) while the Oilers have 4 left.
That’s great you compiled all that info to try to refute the post. Fact is Oilers have played more games than anyone else. And their home versus away is THE biggest spread 8 home, 16 away.
In October, the Ducks had 3 games at home and 8 on the road.
As of November 15th, they had played 6 at home and 12 on the road but are now enjoying a 6 game homestand.
The Oilers get a 5 game homestand to begin December.
Yes the Oilers have played 2 additional games over the first 7 weeks of season but the Ducks have won 4 more games with 9 in regulation compared to 5.
And I wasn’t refuting anything just answering a question by providing context.
Quack!
Also the reality is that EVERY team gives the Oil the best version of themselves where likely every team thinks Anaheim will be an easier opponent, so doesn’t necessarily prepare to the same degree. This will change in time but it’s not so black and white to say the Oilers have played an easier group of opponents so far. The travel schedule is much more of a clear and obvious disadvantage that even their opponents agree upon (Maurice said as much when not putting much stock into where the Oilers are at in the standings currently)
There is absolutely nothing to support your supposition that EVERY team gives the best version of themselves when playing the Oilers.
And the reality is the Oilers will travel the 9th most miles this season with Dallas coming in at #1.
However there is also a scheduling quirk that might benefit them in the second half of the season.
“The Oilers’ road trip schedule out East is different than any other in franchise history. The Oilers play 16 games in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), but all 16 will be completed by December 18th, and all will happen in only three separate road trips.
They’ve never not had a game in the Eastern time zone in the final four months of the regular season until this season.”
https://oilersnation.com/news/nhl-schedule-2025-26-travel-reduced-goal-scoring-fewer-penalties
That “scheduling quirk” is the exact consequence of how crazy the travel has been so far – that is the god damn point.
Jet lag is real even for young people. I think playing Florida and that long ass flight caught up to them in the last 2 Finsls.
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There’s been lots of ugly to start the year (Col., Buff, poor D, bad goalering, weak 5v5), buuuuut with perspective also massive turnover of forwards including a handful with little to no NHL experience, SCF hangover 2.0, and as mentioned by John Cooper a very tough schedule to start the year. The 7 game roadie they just finished plus what was essentially a 12 day 7 game road trip with 1 home date added in that went east coast to west coast. All that = a hard road to the quarter pole.
Lots of season left for improvement and despite all the headwinds above they are Bettman .500
Its the fault of mighty internet LT. Its why i left twitter. It might be why i even shy away from reading the comments here.
Some of the comments today made me curious about 5v5 Goal Share in different time frames
For the season, there are 6 players at 50% or better, Drai Ros Pod Bouch Emberson Stecher
For November there are 3, Bouch Ek and Drai. Connor Pod and Ros are -1 each
Since November 17 which is the last 4 games, there are 10 players at 50% or better. Bouch Ek Pod Frederic Henri Nurse Ros Drai Mangi Tomasek. Connor and Hyman are -2, Savoie -1 which is disappointing
Hopefully things are turning. Connor needs to focus on his GA now that the offense is back. His line has to do well in goal share, I think that it will also cause KK to blend less
Thanks
,,
That comment gave me pause 😏
I read that Bouchard is simply floated by McDavid – look at the first two goals last night.
Elite blue line play and then an elite pass to Jack – I mean, Roslovic wasn’t even looking for a pass, Bouchard just hit him on his tape in a scoring position.
Roslo is a beauty.
That second goal was just crazy.
That was a very high skill play to take Bouchard’s pass, which looked to be in the air, on his backhand, and get a shot off so quick. A lot of skilled players wouldn’t have even seen that pass or would have bobbled it.
You can see why he had a reputation of being a good even strength producer. He’s a high skill player with a great shot.
Agreed, he’s been a revelation. Maybe a long shot for the US Olympic team if he keeps this up.
The guy is valuable it’s hard to argue that sensibly. I think you are always going to have to make sure you find the right sort of partner for him to really get the value out of him. Luckily he is a RHD so that is much easier solve once ekholm inevitably starts fading by degree.
The problem the oilers have is they are missing the 2nd pair RHD amd nurse is a poor fit and not worth money if used as the shutdown last man standing.
I mean loom whst happened when he played with bouchard in tampa. 2 goals scored. Like it’s hilarious that’s the role contract year was playing with larsen in the ekholm role.
Then they gave him ceci and a mixed bag of other things and tried to make him be larsen. If i was nurse i wouldn’t be opposed to a trade to a team that seemed to have a more offensively geared opportunity.
If i was edmonton i would be praying you do whatever it takes to sell that idea in offseason as well. The athleticism inherently declining with the devensive savy not overly improving does not bode well in long run if used continuing to play wrong role.
With bouchard in mix nurse is nowhere near right player for what’s left of minutes available “nurse sucks in that role” and “it sucks playing this role i wasn’t meant to” surely there is a way it might be seen as ammicable for both parties if framed correctly.
I think this is well stated. Both Bouch and Nurse are offensively minded. Obviously Bouchard has elite offensive instincts and passing, while Nurse’ skating is elite. His passing continues to be a disaster and defensive awareness, especially net front is also a disaster.
IMO Nurse lost us the Vegas series and a cup that year(they went on to win the cup) where we were likely the best team in the league, with an absolutely boneheaded fight choice. He seems to make emotional vs logical decisions.
The team’s issue with Bouchard is that they need him and Ek to be out there for 40 minutes of the game because the minutes they are not out there is next to nothing being created offensively. With the addition of Klingberg and Walman in playoffs last year, that changed for a time. Walman has not been the same player this year (due to injury or other, I’m not sure).
So it’s more a case of imbalance with our defense. I also think we are not balanced in our forward ranks. There is not enough skill with grit, Hyman aside.
As posted above, in the 3 time frames I looked at Bouch and Drai are the only two that kept GF 50% or better 5v5. So the two best Oilers so far. Sadly Connor has been underwater the whole way
Willis and Oilers Sid:
November:
Bouchard on ice 15 to 7 in goals (+8)
Bouchard not on ice 7 to 28 goal (-21!!
Looking at just 5v5 goals against in November:
EDM with Bouchard: 1.99 goals allowed per 60
EDM without Bouchard: 4.23 goals allowed per 60
Some corners still say he’s terrible defensively and will cite the Leonard play (he was poor on that play)
**Edmonton Oilers – Defensive Metrics (League Ranks)**
(1 = best, 32 = worst)
SV%: 87.85 → **31st**
xGA/60: 2.67 → **22nd**
SCA/60: 28.20 → **24th**
HDCA/60: 11.04 → **18th**
A few games ago, the Oilers were middle of the road in these defensive metrics and last in goaltending. Now both are starting to converge and the Oilers are letting their goalies face better looks.
From Grok:
So you’re saying we need a goalie?
I would love to know if there was a count specifically of shots from slot dead center of crease because my gord i swear this is the biggest thing behind disparity in HDGF and HDGA being so far out of whack to the terrible side.
Like the defense is generally there they just aren’t either tracking or positioning or reacting in the kill zone like any other team does to such a horribly obvious degree.
The Oilers have long been a poor group at tying up sticks and boxing out players. Outside of Ekholm, I don’t think anyone does an adequate job.
During one of the recent games, they commented on the group, and Nurse in particular, caught puck watching leaving opposing forwards alone in the kill zone.
This. It’s as if they’re not even helping out their goalies.
Long flight home and immediately rewarded with the 13-5 Dallas Stars for your first game back. Sheesh.
The rat Rantanen is probably finally suspended, so that’s 1 good added in.
Remember Connor getting suspended for 2 games for 2 lesser hits this week. I hope he plays against us and Mr.Clattenburg catches him with a nice clean open ice hit.
He’s automatically suspended for the game, the NHL Parros office is a farce all in all.
LT, love the Edgar Winter Group reference for Hutson-Samanski-Howard.
Now, if KK would stop playing “Frankenstein” (another great song from that album) with the foward lines and stripping things for parts, they might begin to build some badly needed chemistry.
Still not happy with how quickly they try to fly the zone and leave the defense vulnerable though. It’s not just one forward – it’s all of them. Maybe some practice will help that. And maybe some practice will help Nurse realize he’s not a goalie so he gets out of the crease and picks men up instead of puck staring.
Very fortunate that they came out of that trip 3-3-1.
Does Mr.Clattenburg deserve another game? This from the man that’s apparently more than a knuckle dragger. Clattenburg has speed and some skill when you throw in toughness and heart he absolutely deserves to be given this opportunity. Clattenburg is a inspiration story for many I wish we had him for the last 2 playoffs. In the right circumstances this Kid will score enough to keep him around as he has a nose for the net if you managed to watch him play Junior.
I’d send him down and call up Samanski for a 4C audition.
Samansski still needs another year in my opinion but yes give him a cup of coffee for the taste. Apparently big bodied skilled centres-wingers open up ice for linemstes. Bowman loved calling up big bodied skilled forwards the Hawks were a factory for these types. Holland-Bowman couldn’t be further apart on development. How many players did Holland over-cook right out of his organization whereas Bowman knows he can squeeze a few years in the NHL out of certain players in certain rolls.
Give him a cup of Joe and see what he does with it, Henrique will eventually be the 4C albeit expensive.
Savoie/McDavid/Hyman
Podkolzin/Draisaitl/Roslovic
Howard/Nuge/Frederic
Janmark/Henrique/Kapanen
Mangiapane is on the outside looking in, I like Kapanen’s speed and forecheck, his bigger body is more useful and he can rip the puck just as good as Mangiapane imo.
Such a weird thing to post given Samanski is MILES ahead of Clattenburg as far as NHL ready – and has played pro hockey for a few years now.
It’s all about needs you can’t have a full team of no contact players (Clattenburg) it has to be balanced or else teams key on your weaknesses. Since we traded O’Reilly Mr.Samanski will hopefully develop into the big bodied 3C that every GM would give their left nut for but that takes time.
Samanski is much closer to playing 3C in the NHL than Sam O’Reily
Need a 1st and 3rd line before i’d be calling up anyone potentially developing for full time type duty in near future.
6 mimutes or less a night is not worth a lot to a centreman that’s developing.
Calling up Samanski for a game is a reward for the strong play in the AHL, I’m not suggesting any sort of long term call up.
If the Oilers properly align the centers when Nuge is back, there’s no room, while there is room give the kid alil treat.
Samanski is a legit real prospect, maybe even the 3C of the future but Hutson and Jarventie should get a look before him even if “role fit” isn’t the same.
I’m not saying those players don’t deserve a reward, I’m saying there’s an opportunity to play Samanski at center for a game as Tomasek isn’t killing it and Nuge is injured.
All 3 players should get a game as the Oilers heal up the injured.
Does he deserve another game? I am not sure he deserved the first game.
I really like the player. He brings a lot of what the Oilers are missing. That said, he needs more time in the AHL to learn how to play a regular shift.
Imagine if he was a threat to score?
I do think he better pack light because he’s going to bounce back and forth. For now why would you tamper with a winning line-up this team is ready to streak. Leon-Conner have been taking a lot of crap lately If Clattenburg presence can tone it down a bit then he’s doing his job in a essence. This team is sorely missing a physical alignment the beauty of Clattenburg is that he’s not a knuckle dragger the man can keep-up even registering a couple of shots. What makes Clattenburg so valuable is that no one is safe on the opponent roster kinda like a poor-man’s Bennett.
Yes he does. He acquitted himself quite well last night.
THEY will never admit that.
Oops THEM as well
If Nuge is ready, he’s down. If Nuge isn’t ready, he’ll play another game.
You actually believe Nuge is ready for the next game?
Yes, I’d send Tomesek down when Nuge is ready. Give this kid a few games
The PP has been cheeks without Nuge.
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I’m not sure what you’re going on about but the Canucks suck pal.
You’ve made your point.
Let that be enough for today.
Today, tomorrow, day after that…….
Good win, but context on the opposition is important.
That was a super depleted FLA lineup. And the score was only 4-3 plus 2 ENs.
They still need to be a lot better. The 3-1 first period was at the standard, but only really that. In the right direction, but far from home.
And Tampa was beat up too – missing Hedman and 3 of their other top 6 d-men. Will take the points on the last 2 games of the trip, but let’s not kid ourselves, the team still has issues with disconnected play (forwards cheating for offense – not playing structured in the d-zone).
The Coach needs to roll 4 lines give the players a chance to gel. With Hyman-Janmark and now Clattenburg we have some sandpaper to deal with assholes on certain teams. We also finally received some solid goaltending the last few games. Hopefully Rantanan is suspended for our game with Dallas. Who was the Oiler that obliterated Rantanen a few years ago? Now I know why he’s a dirty SOB.
Clattenburg won’t be up for long – even you can realize and understand this, right?
Of course but let’s see how this plays out. I would say he played a smart game and deserves another. I believe the team has a litter pep in their step as it’s rare to see a 20 year-old with his leadership skill coming from deep left field. I know I would want him watching my back and vice-versa. This may be a unfair comparison but Kelly Buchberger was our Captain for 4 years this is how much this organization values hardworking-sweat-tears Blue-Collar players like Kevin McClelland that absolutely deserved to be in the league and ended up scoring the biggest goal in our franchise.
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That’s great if this was a Vegas fan forum. You should go find one and post there.
..
Wow tough crowd. Oilers are depleted because of schedule, pull off the win.
There might be some additional context such as:
6th and 7th game of a 7 game trip (in 11 days)
4th game in 6 days, 9th in 15 days
In the middle of 11 straight games with travel in between
16th road game (8 home games)
12th game in the eastern time zone (8 games at home)
I think it’s very notable that the Oilers were the better team early in both games (dominated Tampa for about half before it turned) and then faded as the games go on. Seems highly reasonable to suggest the above context was a main reason.
So folks thought coming off a Hobey Baker winning season you first give him shit minutes while placing him in a place to fail trying to strip his confidence. Then you send to the minors and marinate him for exactly what I don’t know maybe trade bait. What exactly the fuk is the plan with Howard? He’s almost 22 they are waisting a prime year from him. Roslovic is the man now and Hyman is back where are the minutes for Howard going to come. Could Clattenburg and Howard form a bash brother 4th line that is a threat to score. They should of just kept O’Reilly who will probably arrive by after next Christmas.
Starting to think the Oilers management simply made the trade for Howard with the plans right off the bat to stuff him in Bakersfield just for the sole purpose of pissing you off.
I don’t take it personally but the last time I talk to Bowman he was assuring me that they were going to acquire a Goalie. Why hasn’t this happened yet? This Goalie is supposed to be not expensive nor a project as cool kids have been calling the last Goalie we acquired for assets.
The plan would be to develop his game at the AHL level in furtherance of his potential to reach his ceiling at the NHL level – like most rookie pros.
This is FAR from a prime year for this player – my goodness.
We are 5th-6th worst team in the league. I would say questioning the coming and goings of this team is in order don’t you think?
What?
You asked a question, I provided my opinion of an answer.
You continuously “ask questions” and then absolutely ignore the substance of the responses and then ask the questions again – its wild.
The org is looking for Howard to develop in various areas of the game, similar to how Savoie did last season in his rookie pro season.
This is year 1 of a 3 year ELC for Howard – he’s learning on the job.
I ask the question and I already know the answer but that doesn’t mean I agree with it. If you think every organizational move the Oilers make is correct or justified your in for a rude awakening one morning. I say Howard is being waisted in the AHL you say he isn’t. I believe I am right you believe you are right not everyone buys into a fast talking spokesman spiel. Results matter I believe Howard could have 7-8-9 goals already if he was given the Roslovic push.
So you admit to knowing the answer so you asking the question, again, is just a passive aggressive way to re-stated your point but wrapped up as something else?
Just because I state the answer (or what I think is the answer) does NOT equate to me agreeing with it. I have been on record since before the season started about how Savoie and Howard should be deployed.
Ok, I’ll give this a go.
Yes, he was a HB award-winning player, in his THIRD college season. So, he clearly needed time to adapt at that level. He won that award in his 20 year old year, playing against many players younger than him, at a level where most of his opponents will never earn a dime playing hockey. They are future beer leaguers. This is not to diminish the achievement, it is a tremendous accomplishment on its own, one he should rightfully be proud of. He is obviously ready for pro hockey, but maybe not the NHL to start. It is a huge leap he’s taken and there is much to learn. It’s about more than just shooting the puck in the net. He continues to learn the game in an environment suitable to his current level of play, and he’s doing quite well so far (7 points in 4 games). Playing in the AHL as a rookie is NOT evidence that he has failed or the team has failed him. Some patience is required until he is ready to be a reliable player all over the ice. Judging by his start he may not be there long, or he could be if he’s slow to grasp concepts other than offense. Let’s take Jesse P as a sample of how NOT to handle a rookie. By your approach, the team did the right thing by immediately putting him in the NHL. He was, after all, a fourth overall pick, and there are countless examples of high picks stepping right in as rookie pros and thriving. It would seem he should have been “marinating” at a level that would allow him to mature as a player and a person. Point is, each young player is different and needs to be brought along at the right pace. If Ike Howard was ready for the NHL out of the box, he’d be on the Oilers now. He will be some day, probably soon, but patience and understanding is required of him, the team, and the fans. Remember, he is in his 21 year old season, not “almost” 22.
As for Sam O, he’s at a point per game pace in his D+2 year, so not exactly setting the league on fire offensively. He’s a pretty well-rounded prospect but insisting he’ll be ready in 13 months is probably not realistic.
First off Howard is a Winger the easiest position in Hockey if he was a Centre-D-Man-Goalie I would be all for marinating. With your reasoning they should of buried Connor in the AHL learning and honing his craft. Just think how much more rounded Conner or Leon would have been with them playing a year or 2 in the AHL Howard is too good for the AHL your waisting a cheap point producer. . When it comes too forwards the league has slot of cheap young value contracts playing as we speak.
I’d rather have Howard marinating in the AHL gaining confidence against men rather then Knoblauch refusing to play him in any meaningful way.
Each situation is different, Howard is going against a coach that has alot of veteran wingers, a fellow youth in Savoie, and a team struggling as a whole.
I imagine when the tide turns, roles are established, and centers are properly aligned up, Howard will have an opportunity to come in fully juiced and contribute.
Or maybe he lights up the AHL and is sent to another town for a young established river pushing 2C.
Lots of beneficial ways for it to play out.
His nickname is the Iceman some people need to be coddled and fondled he strikes me as a player that will be just fine without the Holland treatment. He needs to be played with skill say on the 3rd line. With the Nuge out it was the perfect time to try the Iceman on the PP. I grew up watching the greatest G.M turn players like the Iceman into stars. Checkout the age that Kurri 32 Goals Anderson same season 30 Goals scored as rookies. Jason Arnott had one hell of a rookie season 33 Goals as a 19 year-old Centre. If your not going to use Howard package him up with Skinner for a better than below Average Joe we have now.
This can’t be serious – it just can’t
If you’ve looked at our roster who else are we going to trade Nurse-Hyman-Nuge everyone’s on a no trade contract the only players of value are Howard-Savoie. Results matter trades happen coaches get fired when teams underperform. This is Edmonton we strive for Cups not like Calgary that’s happy being in the mushy middle.
They need to put hyman with savoie and mcdavid. If that can work “when nuge is back” becomes a lot easier puzzle to make 3 lines IMO.
So will the hopeless Dept of Player Safety do anything resulting from the double leg lift by Grier on Fredric? I don’t recall ever seeing that before and I don’t know if there is a rule prohibiting that tactic… but that was an f’g dangerous move, no? Certainly was a chicken-shit, dick-move for sure.
I was saying to my buddies that should be a auspension if they have any sense of actual player safety.
“hopeless Dept of Player Safety”
So why is the department hopeless?
Probably, inconsistency and making decisions based on something other than player safety.
Would making the DOPS completely in the hands of the NHLPA solve some of the problems?
One sign of a profession is that they are self governing. This often leads to stricter rules and enforcement than a third party imposes.
It would remove some of the non player safety influence, such as game/series competitiveness like when there are two incidents in one game. Say, one a deliberate unprovoked two handed slash to a scorers arms (somewhat akin to Clarke vs.Kharlamov) and the other a somewhat iffy call for instigating in the last minute (you can be assured that there is no personal bias in these descriptions 🤞), being given the same 1 game suspension because of the optics in a playoff series.
The NHL has many more other considerations than the NHLPA does.
It would alleviate some NHL liability for player safety concerns such as concussions.
It seems to me, but may not be true, that the current system is inherently adversarial with the NHLPA setting it’s role as protecting their members from NHL punishment.
Shouldn’t the role of protecting players from players be internal to the NHLPA.
Hear hear!
It would be hard to imagine any other situation where the bosses are trusted with worker safety.
I don’t think you can lump all bosses in the same category
But I agree the NHLPA should be at least involved, it’s only there for the players, right? It seems the players may have fared better when they took care of on ice ruffians and everyone had to live up to a code. Now because the NHL can’t seem to embrace consistency and fairness and they are in control, it’s a mess. You can be an asshat and don’t have to stand up for you actions. And if anyone tries to do anything they get the punishment
Management is responsible for workers safety, even legally, in all other situations.
And the gloved head punch of Kulak before that & and the gloved sucker punch to Clatty in the scrum at the end.
How are those not nothing?
Those days are gone and they will never come back.
We’ve become a society that, in the never-ending search for content, content and more content, prizes the hot take over reasoned thought, aided and abetted by social media which has shortened our attention spans to mere seconds.
It has become much easier (and lucrative!) to appeal to emotion than to reason. Sad but true.
Agreed. And if you think it’s bad in Canada, come on down to the excited states. I really hate the world we live in.
Trust me the more aches and pains that surface every morning will cheer you up even more.
I call it “winning the internet”. I always ask keyboard heroes who are quick to attack over constructively debate things if they have won the internet yet.
Divisionary tactic and it’s working amazingly well.
We now have bots starting arguements about buzzword issue of the dayz in the comments of a cooking recipe
My advice to my 3 sons has constantly been ‘do not let someone else dictate to you what your emotional state will be’. This is the new self control. I’m too old to be reacting to others & I’d rather save what energy I have for the the things that I want to experience. I hope I model it for those around me I care about, and it makes a small difference in the world.
That’s very commendable, Bar_Qu.
It used to be said that, “you are what you eat”. It’s now become, “you are what you pay attention to”.
Make no mistake about it, we are in an attention economy now.
I like your advice Bar_Qu. My version of that to my daughters is “Don’t give a ‘Zero’ the power to make you angry”.
While I am skeptical about the “golden age,” we —in less than 20 years— have experienced a “dopamine rush.” It is, as you say, a “never-ending search for content.” I would add, it’s a never-ending search for content that stirs aggression (and consumption), two of the easiest dopamine triggers.
Interestingly, the uptake in drugs like Ozempic is now being correlated with a decrease in, not only impulsive food shopping, but other forms of dopamine “hunger.” The advertising genius of the 20th century was to learn how to tickle our dopamine hunger. An early 21st century consequence is the “abandonment of reason” (the “golden age” you, me, LT lament). The tickling of dopamine hunger has reduced all things (hockey, politics, sex, etc) to the pursuit of aggression, not just in those realms but in the “content” surrounding them.
One writer on the topic wonders whether the early research on these semi-glutide type substances will undo the genius of advertising? Will the mass uptake of drugs to inhibit the dopamine rush cycle begin to have an effect on our appetite for gambling, drugs and alcohol, and aggression?
“We wait.”
In 1951, McLuhan (one of the most influential Canadian thinkers) published The Mechanical Bride: Folklore Of Industrial Man. Among other things, his purpose was to serve as a counterpoint to the efforts of various parties who were intent on manipulating and controlling members of the general public. In the very first paragraph he says
Ours is the first age in which many thousands of the
best-trained individual minds have made it a full-time
business to get inside the collective public mind. To get
inside in order to manipulate, exploit, control is the
object now. And to generate heat not light is the inten-‘
tion. To keep everybody in the helpless state engen¬
dered by prolonged mental rutting is the effect of many
ads and much entertainment alike.
Arguably, the trends he explores in the book are rooted in the innovation of mass culture that emerges in the latter 1800s.
Thanks. I haven’t read a McLuhan quote in a long, long time. Never mind Mechanical Bride! As a former Communications student, you’ve made my day. Bravo!
It was either McLuhan or what Hrudey said about the Rantanen hit last night. 🙂
I don’t like the current environment either. I think about it a lot in various contexts, and have come to the conclusion that really the problem is everything is so short term, probably because of the avalanche of information available, and the size of the companies trying to make money off of absolutely everything. And folks with a lot of money and an unmatching amount of ethics and morals
Many young people are not aware of the past, as in 10 years ago, which of course means we are doomed to repeat it. My point being there have been a lot of really crappy eras, and very crazy things going on. People just don’t care to remember or think about it. In history things seem to come back around to more sane over time, as people get sick of too much crap, corruption and instability. That’s partly where I put my hope
Some people and companies are becoming ridiculously wealthy exploiting people’s emotions, and they are well aware of the damage it’s causing.
There’s always been con jobs well before you were born. Every once and awhile you get sucked in especially for those weekend SJW.
Or Dave Portnoy
Lots of ex NHLers I think a half-dozen lost a combined brinks truck worth of cash investing in Comrie Golf Course idea in B.C
And it’s not just companies causing damage, but foreign governments and foreign actors as well.
The Mueller report, the recent discovery that there are a bunch of right wing American influencers who are paid to push Russian talking points, and even more recently, the discovery that Twitter has a lot of right wing accounts posing as Americans but were created by people in Russia, India, Nigeria, etc. All to sow division in North America and other countries.
Now they can go home after going. 500 on the road trip. Hopefully they get the mighty Nuge back and it’s up & up from here.
I like that. Should be in caps, The Mighty Nuge.
Sorry, THE MIGHTY NUGE.
Just trying to keep things in perspective.
I believe the Oilers get 3 full practise days cities days this week. Be very good for them.
I think this skater group has a lot to it. Some new guys aren’t at their best right now, and some regulars, but it should be remembered the team as a whole hasn’t been good, it affects individuals
For me Bowman has given the coaches a lot to work with. It’s on them to put the pieces together and get the group playing well, that’s the job. Firing guys into the sun at this point isn’t realistic, or helpful. Anyone coming in will be in the same shoes unless it’s MacKinnon or an elite player. They aren’t getting one of those
If Regula and Emberson can’t take a step and sort things out better he may have to look there at some point, there is no one on the farm unless Brown has changed his spots and I doubt it. Nurse can’t be dealt with we can only hope he pulls it together enough
He may also have to look for a C for the third line. It has to be good if they are going anywhere and I don’t see that 3C or that there is a viable one as it stands. Maybe they will put and keep Nuge there and that works, but they don’t seem to stick with it
I will always take a goalie upgrade if it’s possible
Definitely need to find another good winger at the trade deadline to go with Nuge on the 3rd line
Savoie Mcdavid Hyman
Podkolzin Drai Roslovic
Rico Nuge ****
Frederick Janmark Mangiapane
but I would be more than happy to dump any of the bottom 6 players outside of Nuge for cap space.
and I would let the condors percolate the rest of the year
Frederic has played well his last 2 games and hopefully will just get better and better. He can easily be that guy.
Sure if this continues id go
Frederick Nuge *** new guy
getting this line improved and above 50% will likely get the 4th line above 50%
I think they are hoping Magpie will be that 3rd line guy
Howard….
It Sherwood be good to have a fast, physical, goal-scoring RHS on that line!
What do we make of Hyman on the 3rd line? Is this simply getting him up to game shape or does Coach KK like him there? If not on McDavid’s line, I would have Hyman on Drai’s line. Mangi is not the answer
Kris is looking to get some players going and finding three effective lines I think. I’m not always on board with his decisions, but that’s what he should be doing
The other players needed 20 games to warm up. Hyman coming back from injury is going to need some at bats
Yes I think he will move up and possibly be stapled with McD again. Roslovic was playing great with Drai as well so My hope is Roslovic goes back with Drai and Pods and Hyman with McD and Savoie ( who is starting to gel with McD)
They are trying to find someone who can fix Frederic.
Big win last night. The play has been turning the past few games. Good signs.
still concern abound, including Nurse and his partners.
I think these last two games are going to be a big help for them. All things considered these are two teams that know how to play and are recent champs
They didn’t beat Tampa but had the lead most of the game and won a point, beating Florida must have felt good. I see it as changing the mental dynamic for them and restoring some confidence. As OP has said earning half the points is a win for that trip
Florida had EIGHT regulars out of the lineup last night.
Not sure how much can be taken away from the win.
Cry me a river. Not like we played a full line up either. You are just parroting the excuses Jack came up with all night. You and jack can both go away.
Oilers had Nuge and Walman out.
Kapanen and Philp are not regulars.
Or you could look at it this way. In the past 2 weeks (14 days), FLA has played 6 games, 5 of them at home. Oilers have played 8 games in 14 days, 7 of them away with travel every other day.
Yep.
Florida certainly had the schedule and home ice advantage.
Good grief.
It deserves to be mentioned. Tampa also was missing hedman, holmberg, and mcdonaugh…now kucherov and point so possibly playing injured top guys as well.
That said it is pretty batshit what the oilers have had for a schedule relative to anyone else almost.
Remaining away games
1. EDM 25
2 NYR/LAK 27
-> only highlight divisional from here
3. 5 teams @ 28 (CGY)
4. 2 teams @29 (VCR)
5. 7 teams @ 30 (SEA & ANH)
6. 6 teams @ 31 (VGK)
7. 4 teams @ 32 (SJS)
8. 3 teams @ 33
9. 2 teams @ 34
Conference final Contenders
-> DAL (30), COL (30), WPG (31)
Like that is a pretty stark difference 2 months into the season.
Drilling down further just out of curiousity…here’s a list of total favourable games at home (they are the 2nd team of back or 3rd team of 3 games in 4):
1. SJS @ 22
2 3 teams @ 20 (SEA)
4. 3 teams @ 19 (EDM)
5. 3 teams @ 18
6. 6 teams @ 17 (LAK, VCR)
7. 2 teams @ 16 (ANH -> COL)
8. 7 teams @ 15 (CGY, VGK -> WPG)
9. 4 teams @ 14
10. 2 teams @ 13
11. 1 team @ 12 (->DAL)
So yeah they’ve played more games and teams in division “could” in short term be even pulling further ahead but it is fair to balance that with some of that ground likely isn’t very stable to hold. Likely around a 4 point cushion will almost undeniably be caught back up by this factor by seasons end be my logical guesstimate.
Why I said all things considered. It’s that they won. If they had lost to that version of the panthers in that arena I would say that it made things worse
You are absolutely correct!
It is not fair for one team to have more key injuries than another, so the NHL should give the win to Florida.
The most important thing is to make sure it is an even playing field at all times! Reality should never have to be a factor.
The Condors can’t win on the road and last night they got dominated at home. Despite the score, it wasn’t close. Tompkins distorted reality by standing on his head.
I wonder when the Ingram experience ends, meanwhile all 3 of the ECHL tenders are looking like Hasek. And keep in mind they just played their first 2 home game of the season this weekend.
Although Jonsson appears to be injured, since he hasn’t dressed in 2 games. No news on him, though.
Josh Brown and Cam Dineen both out hurt – big factor.
I think Pronger’s comments on Bouchard were pretty accurate, if hard. He talked about taking pride in the defensive side of his game and he felt Bouchard did not do enough of that.
While no 2 & I may disagree with the nuance of that, there is a lot to consider from a hall of famer who is no dummy.
I’m on team Bouchard all day and twice on Sundays (he should be on the Olympics Imo), but I have to be honest that he has some significant warts in his game.
Coaching has to be a part of this for Bouch. He is not the only player that does little trying to disrupt his check. It doesn’t seem like a priority to tie up the stick of inhibit the player somehow, which the Oilers face constantly
It’s certainly a part of who he is as a player, the soft plays, but that part is learnable, his immense skill isn’t. I also wasn’t a fan of the benching even if it was retaliation. He doesn’t have a history of constant dumb plays like that, and skill players at times have to reset the tone with the opponent, to keep the flies off. It’s best done personally as opposed to someone else doing it
Something about Pronger on these panels rubs me the wrong way. Am I the only one? I thought there was a lot to talk about in that game, but I didn’t hear it. Maybe it’s just the Team Canada selections sucking the air out of the room?
Mangiapane ended up on his ass almost every single foray into the o-zone, especially as the game wore on. He is a massive worry IMO.
I wonder if he survives the season in Edmonton, after having a stronger first few games than most.
Yes I think Magpie has been chatted with and possibly told he has to start playing with a lot more grit. It is what they brought him in for. Thinking he and Nuge and Frederic ( who looked good the last 2 games ) will be a very effective 3 rd line moving forward.
Not sure waht’s going on with Regula, but he’s been taking many steps backwards since his impressive first shifts as an Oiler.
Concussions are tough, took a puck as well. I hope he can recover fully, still a promising player
Regula hasn’t looked right by my eyes since the game where Kane clobbered him twice.
Keeps getting derailed by injury.
Every game we see a few things that show us why the coaching staff has to keep playing him and work through the mistake. A couple brilliant transition passes under pressure every game, a nice step up open ice hit at the blue line last night. Of course, lost battle for a goal against but let him play through some of those.
Bouchard was the difference maker in this game, his passes were brilliant.
He made the first two goals.
He’s been PPG for about 15 and back to his brilliant two-way play for 5-6 games now.
The Bouchard on/off numbers in November are wild.
Clattenburg delivered, very happy for him. Hopefully the organization does right by him and puts him in a position to actually help develop his skills.