This is Luna. She is sitting on my computer. I didn’t move her, because she is a sweet and gentle soul. When Luna, Clifford and Nimbus joined with Ziggy to form the Spiders from Mars, some of the traditions of the home were added to the newcomers routine. When Ziggy goes outside for the final time each day, she gets a treat. So, everyone got a treat under the new alignment.
Now, Clifford tuned in right away. He runs to his spot (often flattening other animals and sometimes humans) and can’t wait for a treat. Ziggy waits for her treat, which is given to her by hand. She sniffs it, takes it in her mouth and finds a quiet place to eat it. Nimbus, the black cat, adjusted right away. By day three, she knew that the back door opening around 8-9 pm meant treats. She would line up while the dogs were outside. I believe she counts her treats to make sure I don’t short change her, but that’s a guess. Either way, she’s razor sharp in every way, and if there was ever a war in this house, bet all your money on her.
Which brings us to Luna. She’s such a sweetheart. At the beginning of the ‘evening treats for everyone’ she would sometimes miss out. Cats are impossible to find if that’s their goal, you know. Even a rattlng container won’t get her attention. Anyway, one night we did the evening treat around 8:30, and then everyone went their way. At 10pm, my daughter walked into the kitchen (where treats are doled out) and there was Luna, waiting patiently for treats. The lights had been out for an hour! How long had she been waiting? She got her treats and is better at arriving early now. I love her.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DECEMBER
- At home to: Wild, Kraken, Jets (Expected 2-1-0) 0-1-0
- At home to: Sabres, Red Wings (Expected 1-0-1)
- On the road to: TML, Canadiens, Penguins (Expected 2-1-0)
- On the road to: Bruins, Wild (Expected 1-1-0)
- At home to: VEG, Flames (Expected 1-0-1)
- On the road to: Flames, Jets (Expected 1-0-1)
- At home to: Bruins (Expected 1-0-0)
- Expected Record: 9-3-3, 21 points in 15 games
- Actual Record: 0-1-0
- Season Record: 11-11-5, 27 points in 27 games
Interesting that some of the veteran commenters were recommending the Oilers flush the season and go ‘Gehenna for McKenna’ this winter. While I understand the frustration, and do believe getting an impact player is job 1 of a build, the Oilers have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The lottery win is for 2032.
The Oilers changed the lines again, Nuge is up with McDavid, Savoie lands with Draisaitl and Henrique is centering the grumpy old men on the third line. Fourth line is scrapped for parts early, and we’re back in the Todd McLellan-Dave Tippett era.
I mentioned a few things on the Lowdown yesterday and do think the biggest item warrants discussion. That’s a long conversation we’ll need to have come summer if the rest of the season rolls out that way. I can say that there was traction over the past two games, and I’m a little baffled why the coach abandoned it so quickly.
I also mentioned giving Trent Frederic some time off to work on his conditioning. NHL Edge has his foot speed lower than last year and he’s not getting to plays and he’s pulling his punches on hits (possibly because he gets there so late the puck has been gone for too long). I’m a fan of Frederic, and don’t believe the contract will be poor forever, but right now there are options.
A recall of Quinn Hutson (12-9-21 in 19 games, 71 percent goal share at evens) is in order, with Josh Samanski (3-9-12 in 19 games, 56 percent even-strength goal share) not far behind. I’m assuming Ike Howard is staying down for the long term (Colin Chaulk pulled him off the top line) to learn some things about playing away from the puck.
We’ll talk about recalls and demotions today on the Lowdown, noon to 2pm on Sports 1440 and You Tube. Bagged Milk from Oilers Nation will be our feature guest and we’ll talk a lot of Kraken.
Draisaitl 9 pts away from 1K.
WPG BUF DET TOR MTL BOS MIN VGK
Tall order to do it in the next 3 home games such that he doesn’t hit it on the road.
I predict he hits it in game 824 against Boston
Thanks, as always, DSF, for reverse cursing the Oilers with your always asinine, laughable BS.
Draisaitl just jumped 13 spots in P/G, McDavid just jumped to 3rd in that category, and RNH continues his pt per game pace. He’s had a 100 pt season, how many Canucks can say that, again?
To your other dumbass point about RNH, I guess it is inconvenient to point out that his xGF is 50.5% 5 on 5, and that he’s had to carry some struggling wingers.
You shouldn’t even be allowed to operate a vehicle you are so dense. Seriously, I question your ability to live independently, let alone analyze hockey statistics and comment on anything Oilers related with even a modicum of intelligence or objectivity…
He’s a master baiter who gets off on people’s indignation.
He’s not worthy of your insults.
Big 8 pt swing with Seattle. Having 25 pts to their 32 with 3 games in hand would have been a real kick in the pants.
Let’s go for the jugular against a struggling Winnipeg team, then make amends against Det and Buffalo
So happy for such a decisive win and all that Oiler scoring, especially Connor’s hatty and Savoie’s 2 goals! It would have been nice to watch but for some reason not available to me on the East Coast. I’ll never understand blackouts. I haven’t seen the highlights yet but it sounds like Picks made some good saves along the way. I hope Clattenburg will be ok.
That was a therapeutic evening. Hope they keep trending up.
Savoie leading the forwards in TOI: 19:41
Next highest is 97 at 17:20
Good stuff.
So we gonna fade Savoie for not scoring 5v5?
He’s a bum! Trade him!
They should have challenged that for goaltender interference
We want ten chant made me laugh out loud.
No doubt that last 10 minutes will be focussed on trying to get Savoie the hatty!
OP
Good call earlier on McDavid.
What are the chances of getting the numbers for the next lottery?
Savoie truffle!
Hell yeah
We want 10!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok so where are those fans that were on here suggesting we trade McDavid ???? And it will be interesting to see if D Staples still suggesting we tear it all down
Sorry it was late. I’d still trade him if there was a way. I know its not the Oiler way but trading high is better strategically.
Parade planner.
It’s one game.
Settle down.
I thought Mangiapane was snake bitten but good on him for getting off a chance while hooked
Can we play the Kraken every night?
🤠 🎩 🧢 🚨
Classic McDavid goal, created by him trying to set up his teammate 🙂
Boom: Should have put money on my 3G/1A for McDavid prediction.
He needed that. We all needed that
You might be low. But nice call!
McDavid doesn’t use these games to run up his point totals like some of the point hogs on other teams. He could have had at least another on the 5 on 3 alone
Somebody is eating for free for a year. McHattie!
Good call OP! 97 with 4 points!
You’re lucky you have looks, LT…
For the record, I wouldn’t have changed a lineup that outplayed the opposition 2 games in a row but this move definitely got the offensive mojo going. And the 3rd line potting one, too? Icing on top.
I’ve given KK a lot of shit this year, and deservedly so, so will give him his due for this one
Is 10 too many to ask for tonight?
Oh, shit, hope the kid is OK – can’t be TOO bad given not full urgency getting off the ice and down the tunnel.
That should be a 5.
Completely intentional stick to the face.
THERE is a non-Nuge 3rd line goal – love it.
Cause a turnover, get the puck towards the net, jam it.
Something is no longer rotten in the state of Janmark.
Hee hee good one!
McDavid and Drai each have 11 minutes of ice time through two periods.
This is the key to Stanley. Total team effort, top to bottom.
Have to wonder how many more games Clattenburg gets. 4 th line with just over 5 minutes through 2 periods.
Fourth line has been CAVED tonight, to 10% possession.
Clatt took a bad penalty and, late in the 2nd, had a terrible zone exit try (poor rim with time and space, gave away possession when a clear was really needed).
It’s been a good run but its time – there are more deserving players in Bako, more ready players. Only issue is if coach will deploy them in the top 9, which they would need.
To his credit he came up and made an impact on a team that needed some energy. Needs to go down and improve his skills. Was great to see Savoie score and team seems committed to see him succeed. Would really like to see Hutson or Jarventie get a chance. Would be pretty easy to see Freddy or even Mangi in the PB for some games.
I think that I read someone post earlier that McDavid would get three goals and one assist tonight. I hope that you’re watching this game and that comes to fruition. Cheers
I am watching this game and I am hoping!
This is an excellent evening. Hope these stretch of games has them playing as a team. Rolling four lines, quick pace; forecheck and back check. Cheers
If you don’t want to see a massacre, don’t take a look at the numbers for the 4th line – about 10%…..
Need some more goals.
Connor with the turnover, the no D from 14 and 2.
Hope everyone took the over!
Jack and Louie giving Hyman his props there! “Running Seattle right out of the building!!”… god damn did the team need a game like this
Now they just need to get back to playing sound defense and protect Pickard.
That exact thought ran through my mind. Like to see Frederic score, Mangiapane too (that actually goes in), and a few others.. Be good to see those guys feeling good about their game. Savoie scoring was a great lift. Let’s have everyone playing quick pressure hockey. Sather said the best defence is when the other team can’t score because you have the puck all the time.
In any invasive team sport the first principle in possess the object. Get to pucks first and keep them. The more you possess the puck the better.
Hyman got that puck up in a hurry.
Shine on you crazy Hyman!
That was 2023/24 Zack Hyman!
Frederic paints himself into a corner more than any player I can recall. Doesn’t have enough speed or stick handling to do much and ends up putting his line at a disadvantage.
Lost in space. Would rather give his ice time to Tommyshack or Hutson/Jarventie. He is contributing very little. Mangi not a whole lot better.
Kudos to Janny for drawing that PP.
Joey just as surprised as every Oilers fan that 97 shot the puck.
Getting there.
Connor #2! Joey not having much fun tonight….
McDavid shooting is a beautiful thing to see!!
Bouchard block saves a a goal on the 3 on 5.
Bouchard has more than come around. Back to beauty passes and passable defence
Yea he has certainly turned his game around since a brutal start to the season.
Just a lazy play by Henrique
Sa-voila! 🚨
Huge goal for Savoie!
Ha ha Savoie gets another chance and cash’s!!!!!
What a pass by Bouch and THERE is the finish!
Another weak ass call.
Thank you for the goal Mr. Savoie.