This is a snapshot of the Oilers forwards and their offensive contributions in mid-January 2017. McDavid leads the league in points, Leon Draisaitl was in the top 20 and this was absolute top dead center for Milan Lucic. His numbers in Edmonton would never look better than they did on this day. Patrick Maroon was on his way to eating Lucic’s lunch and Tyler Pitlick finally found his NHL game but would soon be a free agent. Looking back is far easier than looking forward. Can you identify the Patrick Maroon or Tyler Pitlick on the current roster? What about the Jesse Puljujarvi?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN JANUARY
- At home to: Flyers, Preds (Expected 1-0-1) 1-1-0
- On the road to: Jets (Expected 1-0-0) 1-0-0
- At home to: Kings (Expected 1-0-0) 0-0-1
- On the road to: Blackhawks, Preds (Expected 1-1-0) 1-0-1
- At home to: NYI (Expected 0-0-1) 0-1-0
- On the road to: Canucks (Expected 1-0-0) 1-0-0
- At home to: Blues, Devils, Penguins, Caps (Expected 2-1-1) 1-2-0
- At home to: Ducks, Sharks, Wild (Expected 1-1-1)
- Expected Record: 8-3-4, 20 points in 15 games
- Actual Record: 5-4-2, 12 points in 11 games
- Season Record: 25-19-8, 58 points in 52 games
WHAT A MAROON
Can you identify the Maroon on the current roster? I would define the player as someone who immediately exceeded expectations and pushed his way into a feature role in a quick hurry. My choice is Kasperi Kapanen, who currently sports a 2.98 points-60 at five-on-five through 14 games (he’s been out for extended periods this year). Jack Roslovic is also a candidate, and his 1.57 points-60 isn’t far from Maroon in 2016-17 (1.81 points-60) so both answers apply. By the way, Iiro Pakarinen owned a 2.01 points-60 in 14 games during 2016-17.
THE PITLICK
In 2016-17, Tyler Pitlick finally delivered on promise. He couldn’t outskate injury but did ensure free agency by finishing shy of the required NHL GP total in his final year under control. Pitlick emerged as a solid two-way winger and is still playing in the NHL (448 games at last count). Pitlick’s points-60 at five-on-five (2.22) was both pristine and a surprise, and I think Vasily Podkolzin’s 1.89 points-60 is a good match. Both men were considered disappointments at some point in their young careers, with Pitlick finding a way to establish himself as a depth player over a long period. Podkolzin is reaching for higher ground, and his offensive contributions this season would seem to suggest he’ll make it, but there’s miles to go.
THE PULUJARVI
The Oilers were an immature management/coaching group at the time, with ownership probably meddling enough to impact decisions. Puljujarvi’s five-on-five points-60 (1.45) was pretty good for a teenager, but once sent down the team should have kept them there until he was 20.
Ike Howard’s 1.13 points-60 at five-on-five is shy of needed production to remain in the league. He does average 7.25 shots-60 and that’s a number you could work with, but the 6.25 shooting percentage needs to improve. I’m impressed that the organization is giving him chances, and (as it the case currently with Matt Savoie) the bet here is that he turns the corner soon. Still, there’s enough questions about Howard to make him a match for Puljujarvi a decade ago.
CONDORS
Looking through comments here and on a couple of other sites and the emotional back and forth is stunning. From the depths of despair to absolute elation, sometimes minutes apart.
Didn’t see anyone say they were bored, though.
After tonight, I believe Stuart Skinner now leads the Oilers goaltenders in save percentage.
No goaltender can achieve a 0.900 save percentage playing for the McDavid Oilers with the new stricter shot count rules.
PIT faces the same shot count rules as EDM, so what gives?
Pit and most teams play better team defense. Thought the point was pretty clear…
Playing defensive hockey remains optional for the Oilers
D with at least 3 goals and 6 pts in a game:
That’s the list.
Gagner and Bouchard have given the 2 best single game NHL performances in the past 35 years
Nick Smaltz had 7 a couple years ago I believe. 6 points happens often enough. Great accomplishment though I wouldn’t put it with Gagners.
No, it doesn’t for a D man.
23 times prior in the 100 + year history, and to achieve it with a hat trick limits it to those 5 players.
Gagner tied for 5th most points in a game.
My source is NHL.com. Yours appears to be your memory and it is incorrect,
Also I never said one is better. But both rank in the tops for their respective positions for several decades ..
It was my memory but I just checked and he did have 7 a couple seasons ago. Maker had 6 recently too. All I was saying is I hold Gagners higher than the rest.
Sorry to rain on your parade.
That Sprague Claghorn was quite the player. I remember his 6 point game like it was yesterday. 😀
A win like this is the best consolation for the goalies and makes it easier to bounce back from if they aren’t feeling the greatest about their individual games. It’s a hard team to be in net for, but when they can pull out a win, it’s easier to come to the rink the next day and get ready for the next game. Ingram and Jarry each have the benefit of being new and getting lots of runway. Coming into the game cold and getting the win is a boost to Jarry’s confidence after the loss vs the Pens. Coming out of the game and walking into a happy dressing room at the end of the night takes the sting out of that pull for Ingram.
Goalies should be revered and applauded in Oilerville.
Yeah, ok.
D with 6 pts in a game going back to 1922.
Bobby Orr – 5
Paul Coffey – 2
Bouchard now one of the 17 others with 1.
This century, it’s Makar, Letang, Souray, and Bouchard.
Oilers who have done this:
Wasn’t that absolute joke of a human being HH telling us to trade Bouchard for Elias Petterson and his boat anchor contract? What a f***in’ hack….
Haha! That was me but feel free to blame HH/DSF/Fibber. After having to watch that shite in person on Thursday I was on a flight tonight and just saw the highlights. Trade the bum now while he value is at its peak. 🤣🤣🤣
My favorite highlight was the huge Bouchard body check. I should threaten to trade him to the dys more often!
Well, you’re not a troll so I will give you a pass in the name of your passion 😜
I only recall the troll who wholeheartedly thought that the 2 and their contracts were equivalent in any way. These are the times when people who claim that HH knows hockey make me laugh
Equivocating his value at a human level aside, DSF/HH/Fibsalot famously asserted he wouldn’t trade Kelfbom or Bouchard for Brogan Rafferty.
/roast
Really? That’s far worse. I’m glad I never saw that post. That should have been worth a 2 year ban
Guess I see it differently.
To me, such an assertion is right up there with gems like the LAK have the deepest blue-chip prospect pool in history, Joe Snively is going to take the NHL by storm, Tyler Madden is poised to take over the league, Joe Colbourne is better than Leon Draisaitl, and many more timeless gems.
Suppose it’s easy to miss the treasure amidst the sheer volume, but for those who pay attention, there’s plenty of folly to enjoy.
Six POINTS for Bouch and I’m sure we’ll hear how good broberg is!
Hahahahaha
Plus five too!
Get bent haters!
Oh my god that was fun!
Sports are entertainment. Embrace this.
Its the funnest thing you’ll ever see.
Was a great game
Oilers net front continues to be a rent free zone. Such a hard team to goaltend for.
All caps goals scored because they had net front position.
Get some D that are willing to make it a hard place to play. Thats supposed to be 25 but he looks more interested in playing goal
No. This is coaching
Absolutely – a D-man who can protect the front of the net is a must.
I’d be willing to send Walman back – I like the player, but he’s not a great fit for this lineup.
Bouchard is God and Broberg sucks!
You all are WEAK!
you’re not worthy 🙂
You are a strange duck. Who are you railing against?
Strange?
No no. I’m just unabashedly bullish on this team and these players. I’m convinced day in and day out I’m watching at least three of the best hockey players in the last 40 years play every today.
I understand that looks weird to a fan base that always thinks it’s four steps ahead of everyone else. I’m just enjoying the ride.
No, it just sounds strange that you demand an echo chamber and anyone who criticizes the team is a hater. Kind of like a 15 year old.
That was an exciting game but of course so not sustainable. This team has less than two full lines and a bunch of passengers.
This is true. And that’s on the coach because of how he runs his lines.
I thought he had 6, but they must have taken 1 away earlier.
Now it is 6 again.
He had a great night. Also +5.
So far they’re saying the overtime goal is unassisted somehow. That’s gotta change surely.
Quite the night for 2. Hats off
Bouchard now has as many points as Makar lol
Thank Gord for Bouch and Mcdavid
6ouchard!
That was entertaining.
There were two posts in here, 3 posts apart – one saying this team is unwatchable and the next saying that was the best 30 seconds of hockey he’s ever seen….
I was one of those comments, and I lived through the Decade of Darkness.
This is NOT unwatchable hockey.
It’s watchable but not sustainable.
With the McDavid Oilers, both of those things can be true.
And often are. It is why they are the most frustrating team ever to wear that jersey.
Connor McDangles!
This game was drunk.
This comment wins the internet tonight. 🤣🤣🤣🤗🤗🤗
What a very silly game we all seem to enjoy for some reason
Bouchard – first star.
Bouch and the top 3 forwards may have saved the season.
Only 23 times has a D had 6 points in a game. Incredible performance by Bouch
May have saved Knobbers job
I still have my opinion about the entire coaching staff, which has been consistent, and this game shouldn’t change that.
This team.
Was that Bouchard’s sixth point……?
6 (NHL site has gone back and forth) points for Bouchard. That’s a night.
Unreal – this was a huge win!
6 point Bouchard extravaganza
Man this team is tough on the heart!
Just like we drew it up!
Bouchard 6
Washington 5
In. Ovvvvvertime
Might as well score your 4th Evan. Get it done.
5’s all around.
This is crazy! I’m almost all pulsated out, but I’ve got enough left for OT.
This game is ridiculous.
Connor McDavid Ridiculous!
No, this isn’t why most of us watch hockey Jack. This is not a well played game at all.
🤣
This game is the best description of the Oilers right now.
The average fan, watching at home, yes, they loved this game.
That might have been the best 30 seconds of hockey I’ve ever watched.
Hyman’s office is calling…
Hyman is an absolute warrior in front of the net.
Pulsating action.
Thanks Jack.
For a not great game, this is pretty fun to watch.
That was one of the best extended 6 on 5s I’ve ever seen.
That keep by Bouchard was reminiscent of him saving the series vs. LA (different saves).
In Fuking credable
This team is becoming unwatchable to me. Something needs to change, I have no idea what, but I truly believe it’s not a talent issue.
Goalies playing like ass hats the last three 😉
He made three saves on that exchange. Three! What more do you want?
And that’s why you have those guys on the ice!
Even more frustrating, is Bouch had a damn hat trick and 4 points and the team still lays an egg.
I stand corrected. Oilers hockey is random as hell.
Coach KK clearly not watching the game though. Every time Nurse and Walman together they get scored on and they were out again together
Oilers can’t win three in a row … but it looks like they’re about to lose three in a row, at home, against three teams on the back half of a back-to-back.
This is not their year
Phew – the reverse jinx worked!
Oh and coach fired
I would bag skate Janmark tomorrow then throw him on waivers. Walman would be eating popcorn next game. Young guys get moved up to 15 mins/game.