The Edmonton Oilers played a solid game against Vegas Golden Knights, who kept tying the score and making things difficult. Both teams accepted a Bettman happily, but the game and the extra point were in the balance as overtime began. Just past the one-minute mark of OT, Zach Hyman took a holding penalty against Mark Stone. Overtime penalty calls have to be obvious, because the penalty is so severe. Fewer players means more ice, and the PK men tire with no way to get to the bench (possession for the power play unit is far easier). Please read this.
The Oilers penalty killers, including Connor Ingram, were splendid in their work, with Vegas dangerous for two minutes but no goals were scored. Eight seconds after the penalty expired, Connor McDavid won a faceoff, Evan Bouchard found the range for goal No. 20 on the season (McDavid’s 80th assist) and that’s all she wrote. One of the more memorable games of the season, and a penalty kill was the highlight. What a game.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MARCH
- At home to: OTT, CAR (Expected 1-1-0) 1-1-0
- On the road to: VEG, COL, DAL, STL (Expected 2-2-0) 2-1-1
- At home to: NAS, SJS, FLA, TBAY (Expected 2-1-1) 2-2-0
- On the road to: UTA, VEG (Expected 1-1-0) 2-0-0
- At home to: ANA, SEA (Expected 1-1-0)
- Expected Record: 7-6-1, 15 points in 14 games
- Actual Record: 7-4-1
- Season Record: 36-28-9, 81 points in 73 games
Edmonton is five points clear of the Los Angeles Kings with nine to play, and it does appear the club is playing a repeatable and effective game. Any hope of catching Anaheim would have to include a victory Saturday night at home versus the Ducks. A win there would see the Oilers get within three points with eight (Anaheim nine) to play.
- Podkolzin-McDavid-Savoie 12:19, 6-4 shots, 1-2 goals 41X, 2-1 HDSC
- Samanski-DIckinson-Kapanen 10:31, 3-6 shots, 22X, 0-2 HDSC
- Roslovic-Nuge-Hyman 10:00, 7-5 shots, 1-0 goals, 50X, 2-1 HDSC
- Jones-Henrique-Jarventie 5:01, 1-0 shots, 62X, 1-0 HDSC
Connor McDavid was fire on this night, he posted one goal and three points. The line was on the ice for two GA, a pinch from EKholm setting up a two-on-one and then a brilliant poke check by that rat fink Mark Stone (I wish he was on my team) that was a defensive work of art. I like the top line plenty, might want to keep it going even when Leon Draisaitl returns. Matt Savoie gets smarter by the minute, and Podkolzin has real fury to his game. Loving this line.
Kris Knoblauch used the Dickinson line quite a bit, the results weren’t fab but the trio did not break. Dickinson won 7 of 11 faceoffs and led centers with six FO’s in his own zone. The Nuge line played well, Zach Hyman absolute filth for goal No. 30 on the season. Fourth line didn’t play much but had the only really good chance and were effective despite long periods of rest.
- Nurse-Murphy 17:09, 6-6 shots, 39X, 1-2 HDSC
- Ekholm-Bouchard 13:49, 8-5 shots, 2-2 goals, 51X< 2-3 HDSC
- Walman-Emberson 10:27, 4-4 shots, 32X, 0-1 HDSC
- Connor Ingram 26 of 29, .897
The Eichel line saw the Ekholm-Bouchard pairing for 10 minutes, the Nurse-Murphy pairing four minutes. What does that tell us? Both coaches were content with running power versus power, and Knoblauch/Coffey love the Nurse-Murphy pairing. You can see in the numbers the duo can defend, but with no outlet passes the offense is going to be shy. until Leon returns. Walman-Emberson were solid and played significant minutes while keeping a clean slate, that’s a big deal. I liked Connor Ingram in net, especially during that late PK.
On the Lowdown today, Steve Lansky will join us to talk opening day Blue Jays and the Oilers big win last night. Plenty of March Madness, too! Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ty Emberson taking a step forward this season
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7148659/2026/03/27/edmonton-oilers-defenceman-ty-emberson-stats-2026/
That was a very astute trade.
I am hopeful that Paul Fischer will end up in a similar category.
One more year of college left.
And then hope he signs
As soon as he got hurt I mentioned that it was an under-rated loss and they sure did miss him and welcome him back.
GA/60 in the 1.8 range, one game this year, ONE, where he has been on the ice for more than a single goal against – improved puck moving, etc.
Great add and great value contract – a valuable 3RD.
He’s quietly a steady eddy you don’t really notice him which is a good thing. He does throw the odd huge hit.
Summarizing!
Nicholl assisted on London’s only goal in a Game 1 loss. He was a whiz on the dot though, going 16-for-22 (72.7%).
Lafreniere was also denied soup in a Game 1 loss. He went 8-of-14 (57.1%) on draws.
Lewandowski was similarly denied soup but the Blades won their opening match.
Michigan won easily 5-1 but Park and Barnett did not impact the scoresheet.
Poulin with some slick moves to get the puck to the net on a rush, Stonehouse bangs away but Poulin pots the rebound.
They announce Bloom with the first assist (Petrov on the 2nd with the transition to Poulin) but I thought it was Stonehouse.
Picks lets in his second shot from the point.
2-2.
Hutson wins the open ice battle in the offensive zone, takes the puck to the middle, passes back across the grain to Howard who one-times the 2-0.
Griffith with a beautiful pass to a stealing Hamblin, in all alone, shelfs it for 1-0.
God I hate Jeff Hoffman.
Haha- Hoffmans gonna Hoff
It was a 98 mph fastball at the edge of the zone.
Sometimes you’ve got to give credit to the hitter.
Picks gets the start coming off the shutout – of course, he’ll split with Tomkins this weekend.
Clatt at 4LW with D’Amato and Matt Brown- Josh Bloom, acquired for Grubbe, called up from the ECHL and plays LW.
Stilman and Josh Brown still out of lineup.
Looking back at the draft when the Oilers drafted Bouchard, I remember the discussion of who to pick between him, Smith or Dobson.
Similar to Drai’s draft year. A lot of talent on the board and the Oilers knocked it out of the park.
That was a toss up Dobson can really wheel with Bouchard being a point magnet. We all got a view of Bouchard playing for London. I’ve been pumping Bouchard tires from day 1 I knew he would get 20 goals. They should have used him against Chicago in the play-in when Caleb was injured.
I remember back in 13-14 a fellow with a Greek handle kept pumping Draisatl as the pick to make. He was suggesting Drai As the pick well before the season was concluded and the oil new their draft slot. Anyone remember this guy?
I remember a lot of people pumping Drsidsitl early . He was always highly touted. If he’d have picked the OHL instead of the WHL he would have been number 1.
Romulus’s Apotheosis!
Career Points:
53rd Connor McDavid 1203
52nd Damphousse 1205
51st Nicholls 1209
50th Clarke 1210
49th Roenick 1216
48th Larry Murphy 1217
47th Beliveau 1219
46th Ullman 1229
I think McDavid could realistically pass Murphy by the end of the season.
Thanks for that!
Would Noisy Ullman (pride of Provost) be considered the next Oiler #97 will surpass? (if so, then 5 more to go – the big 4 and Oates)
Should be an asterisk by Norm Ullman as he had an additional 130 points as an Oiler in the WHA. Great player.
I’m still hoping EDM can win the Pacific title but Anaheim’s remaining games look easier than the Oilers. If the first round match is against NAS or UTA, I’d feel that’d be a much easier path than against VEG in the opening round.
Remaining games:
ANA (10) EDM, TOR, SJ, STL, CAL, NAS, SJ, VAN, MIN NAS
EDM (9) ANA, SEA, CHI, VEG, UTA, SJ, LA, COL, VAN
ANA has one game against MIN and 4 games against bottom feeders TOR, STL, CAL, VAN
EDM has the 1 COL match and only 2 games against non wildcard contenders in CHI and VAN
Anaheim’s 2 games against SJ and 2 against Nashville will determine who gets in as a wildcard team. If SJ wins both against ANA, that’ll help the Oilers and themselves immensely.
Now that the pressure is off, St. Louis has been playing really well.
Certainly anything could happen, but if the Oilers want to give themselves a chance, tomorrow afternoon is a 4 point game. Oilers win and you can say there’s still a chance. Far different convo than what we were having after the Florida/Tampa games last week.
Tomorrow is big.
Win in regulation.
Yes
LAK: (10)
HOME: UTA, STL, NSH, TOR, NSH, VAN, EDM,
ROAD: SEA, VAN, CAL.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they finish 3rd in the Pacific and with the easiest remaining schedule they should be able to grab at least a wild card spot.
Moneypuck point projections as of today:
ANA – 98.1 (10)
EDM – 91.7 (9)
VGK – 90.2 (9)
UTA – 90.6 (9)
LAK – 88.0 (10)
NSH – 87.3 (10)
Te Sharks have 3 games in hand on almost everyone but would likely need to win all of them to be considered threat.
Athletic Projections:
ANA – 98.5
EDM – 91.9
VGK – 91.0
UTA – 91.2
LAK – 89.4
NSH – 86.0
Happy with the win. Just wished Ekholm had backed off the line on the 3rd tying goal to deny the extra point to Vegas.
When Drai returns, I hope Coach KK keeps the current Nuge line intact. As many of us have advocated, a 3rd line with Nuge, Hyman and Roslovic would outscore most every other 3rd line in the league, allowing the team to field a lineup like this:
McD – Podz – Savoie
Drai – Samanski – Kap
Nuge – Hyman – Roslovic
Dickinson – Henrique/Dach – Fredric/Clattenburg
If Samanski can find the same chemistry he was developing with Drai during the Olympics, we’d have the unicorns we’ve all be asking for since 2015; 3 outscoring lines and a checking line.
CLR! CLR! CLR!
I don’t mind this. Though I definitely prefer to have McDavid and Savoie, Draisaitl and Podkolzin, and Dickinson and Roslovic together.
Shuffle as needed outside of that.
But Savoie’s elevated McDavid’s 5v5 P/60 when Nuge and Hyman were static for a while. Podkolzin and Draisaitl have elevated each other consistently for a long time. And Dickinson needs a good puck carrier with speed to keep that line from being a possession black hole. He’s great at suppressing chances, but for that to work, you also have to have the puck some of the time.
If Samanski works on a line with Draisaitl and Podkolzin and they can afford to keep him as a W, then I’m all for that. Though I do think that Kapanen’s performance on Draisaitl’s line and his mediocre performance off of it warrants keeping him there more often than not.
The beauty of Samanski, Hyman, and Nuge is that they’re all quite versatile in how they fit throughout the lineup.
I like those lines plenty. Could also go
Savoie McDavid Hyman
Podz Drai Kapanen
Samanski RNH Roslovic
Henrique Dickinson Frederic
I didn’t like the look of the squad last night until the 3rd. There were fleeting moments in the first 2 periods where they were wonderful as well, but they bled possession and scoring chances until the 3rd. Part of it is how talented those Vegas skaters are. Part of it was undoubtedly how annoying and dirty they were, in trying to get the Oilers off their game. And part of it was home ice advantage in a very important matchup. But I don’t want the Oilers playing the way they did for the first 2 periods with any consistency, that’s for sure.
The eye test really is a wonder. Samanski looked engaged, physical, and like he always seemed to have the puck moving in the right direction or in the other team’s end. The fancies didn’t see it that way (at least not until the 3rd, if memory serves).
The consistency is a coaching issue, I think.
Last week, LT, you claimed that you couldn’t make sense of this club, similar to Pat Quinn’s from back in the early rebuild days (though I’ll submit that Dallas Eakins’ teams never knew head from tails either).
Right now, it’s a whack-a-mole situation. Fix one pairing, the other goes rogue. Fix one line, another falls apart. Switch things to address the shortfalls, and everything seems to fit on paper, only to see something else fall apart.
If it’s not coaching, the only other thing that would make sense is an inordinate number of players injured to the point that it affects their games, but not badly enough to keep them out.
I do not think it is lack of talent. Because very few players individually look like fish out of water. To wit, since the Olympic break, only 5 skaters have below 50x:
Murphy, Dickinson, Kapanen, Walman, and Nuge.
Safe to say that Walman and Nuge can be better, but they’re still barely below. Murphy and Dickinson were very good in the league for a long time in their roles– they’re just being put in a position that’s almost impossible to succeed (ie, ice time vs elites and defensive zone draws and mostly without puck movers to help them). So you have one player, Kapanen, whose competence is in question. But contrast that against how good he’s been at 5v5 with Draisaitl this year, and you can probably chalk it up to “lack of a role” at 5v5 currently.
This is only a working theory, but it’s based on my memory of Jay Woodcroft’s clubs and what I know other good coaches to absolutely hammer: 1) don’t mess around too much with lines and pairings that are working, and 2) play the same damn way, and the same damn system, every game.
Past 4 games:
Ek-Bouch: 51x, 45x, 30x, 86x
Nurse-Murphy: 39x, 61x, 63x, 54x,
Walman-Emberson: 32x, 61x, 87x, 7x
Obviously there are going to be fluctuations game to game, and certain teams are going to be a wagon (You expect to see a top pairing just tread water against an elite offensive unit like Vegas, and for the 2nd pairing to struggle a bit against those elites). But this strikes me as such a giant standard deviation that you can barely gather much in the way of insights from it.
Really the only one is that Nurse and Murphy can hold their own as a 2nd pairing vs playoff-quality NHL teams.
Walman-Emberson? Who knows!
If you’re deploying the same way and running the same system game in and game out, though, I don’t think there should be such a giant chasm in possession, chances, and expected goals every single night.
This coaching staff is inexperienced and it shows up in inconsistency. Gulutzan was able to help hold it together with KK. I don’t think they adequately replaced him. KK should want a tactician with significant head coaching experience. If I’m the org, I’m forcing it on him if he’s still around next year.
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but I noticed today that Samanski has registered just 2 shots on goal in 16 games, and one of those was from the neutral zone while the other wasn’t even a shot but a lost puck battle on the boards just prior to Tampa’s own goal.
Despite this he has managed 56% shots, 56% expected goals and 7-4 actual goals. Is the offense coming or is the outscoring a myth?
My opinion is that he is proving his defensive game right now. Going forward I hope the offense comes. Kinda like Savoie from the start of the year till now. Although Savoie was getting more looks early in the year without cashing.
As a rookie with less than 20 GP, he’s already helping to drive play as an effective middle six forward. He’s constantly in the play, forechecks hard, isn’t afraid to play physical, seems highly effective at forcing turnovers, and moves the play up ice with either a quick pass or by transporting it himself. I guess we can knock him for not being a point per game player already, but holy hell, he’s developing far faster and at a higher level than any of us could have hoped for.
That’s a little extreme, don’t you think? I like him as a player and have enjoyed watching him develop in real time, but zero real shots in 16 games is a bit of a red flag.
I guess my point is that picking any individual stat to evaluate his play at this point is missing the fact that he’s figuring out the game in real time. If he was a finished product and this is who he will always be as a player, then sure, that would be a red flag. But he’s hardly been in the NHL for a month. I don’t see any reason why he won’t continue to improve in all areas of the game, including offense. Let’s give the guy a year playing in the NHL before worrying about what his ceiling will be as a player.
He does a lot of little things well. If you watched the first goal last night, that was a very subtle pick he said (wasn’t called) to give Savoie just enough time to get a shot off.
He never was a sniper in the DEL, but he does a lot of little things well and that ladders up.
He’s doing the Podz thing where he’s useful and earning his icetime. Keep not being a liability and the offence (not elite but enough) will come.
For a guy who has rocketed up from the DEL to the AHL to the NHL in 1 season I think it can be forgiven if he needs some time to establish himself in the worlds best league.
This. Sam is a Podz.
He’s gaining experience. Knoblauch will not use him much when the chips are down, with a choice. I see him as probably 4th line or extra in playoffs, if he stays up
I saw Nurse quite good last night. He needs to bring that type of game every day.
Walman keeps looking better.
Ekholm had a bad game. Game wasn’t an OT game without his gaffs.
Solid win!
Nurses deficiency’s are well known. Among his positives is toughness. He seems well respected around the league when things get messy.
For him the more toughness he brings the better he gets. As compared to when he tries to provide offense which usually ends up badly. Or for that matter structured defense.
Nurse can be much better than he has been for most of the year and we’ve seen games like he gave us last night here and there – the key is for them to be the norm, not the exception and, with a partner like Murphy and the intensity ratcheting up, maybe we get it.
Walman looks like Walman now – its been 3 games and 3rd pairing but, if Walman and Nurse are both “back” – we get close to the projected top of the league defensive group we had at the beginning of the season.
It was encouraging to me that Savoie was on to take the draw with McDavid and Bouch in OT when the game mattered as much as it did.
We rag on KK a lot for fading younger players, but as we approach the end of the season it seems that Savoie and Samanski have both solidified themselves as important parts of the top 9.
Didn’t McDavid take the draw?
Poor wording on my part. He was on the ice when McDavid was taking the draw. The point being that, with the game on the line, KK trusted the rookie enough to deploy him over many other options on the team, many of whom were also playing well.
Ya. Kk does get and deserves to get criticism for handling of the roster especially the younguns. Savoie has been a huge success and kk deserves much credit for him.
Could Savoie have played first line all season and succeed? Maybe but maybe he would have flamed out?
Savoie had to “earn his way up the lineup” per coach early in the season – with hard battles on the wall, etc.
I’m not sure he (and Howard) couldn’t have started with some high skilled lineamates but Savoie has earned the trust of his coach and placement in the lineup.
Coach does trust Samanski- he’s earned that but essentially making zero bad plays to this point (bad plays of impact).
Lets see what happens when the lineup is healthy and after Drai and Lazar and Frederic are back – will Samanski play over Frederic or Lazar (or Henrique)?
As much as people might be “bored” with a Kings/Oilers series in the first round, I believe the injuries would be greater after a series versus Vegas.
LA are no gentlemen, but Vegas is recklessly dirty and have the refs on their side.
Oilers vs Vegas will be a war of attrition on the ice. I have never bought into the ‘easy-peasy path through the Pacific’ narrative.
War of attrition?
No Vegas will get its ass kicked in 4 or 5 games.
They are fully healthy. We’re missing one of the best scorers in the league and cobbled our lines together two weeks ago.
They never led last night and have been whipped soundly for the last three years in every set we’ve played them.
It will be a romp.
Edmonton beat Vegas 3/4 times in the regular season of 2023 and then the playoffs happened.
Nothing is guaranteed.
I am not optimistic about this season but I think the next two will be quite good. Despite all the frustration this year, Podz and Savoie arriving is big news. Samanski too. If Bowman can find a young dman to replace Nurse we may see a McDrai renaissance.
Be interesting to see what they do with Roslovic too.
I’d sign him. It would indicate the oilers have learned their lesson in letting Brown,Foegele, Perry etc go and chasing the next best thing. Roslovic is as consistent a middle six 5v5 scorer as you will find and hes proven he can score under Knobber and fits in. 4M x 3?
He makes things happen on the ice. 4Mx4 maybe even 5 with the cap climbing..
I’m not positive, with similar deployment, that Issac Howard couldn’t come close to Roslovic’s production next season.
I mean, we are talking apx 22G/37P by the end of the season.
ELC for Howard.
A “risk” to let Roslovic go and rely on a rookie to take that step but, at the same time, saving apx $4MM of cap is real..
Depends on how they try to use a third line next year. If it’s a line with Dickinson I don’t think roslovic fits in on that third line. I don’t think Howard Savoie Nuge Roslavic can all be in the top six. Probably only two.
Howard can’t play bottom six in my opinion. I want Savoie locked with Mcdavid. Nuge can play third line just fine. Where does Roslavic fit?
I definitely like the third line of Hyman nuge Roslavic.
Roslovic seems like he needs a particular mix of forwards to play well. Even then, I’m not sure he’s proven himself to be an effective outscorer. Feels like it’s high even both ways whenever he’s on the ice, and I don’t think that’s KK’s style. Personally, I’d rather we fill that spot internally (Howard/Hutson/Jarventie), or look for next year’s roslovic to keep that spot filled with a nice value contract.
Podkolzin stepped in the Foegele spot and improved the Oilers.
I’d do that as long as there was limited trade protection. The Oilers in their current position do not need to do that, per multiple people who have done the job on both sides. Not even to get a lower AAV. If they want money more than opportunity I don’t want them anyways. The Oilers are a premium gig with premium everything else
I don’t necessarily agree letting perimeter players like McLovin go was a bad idea.
I’m liking what Ros brings, but there’s a point where he gets too expensive. Much the same as Brown and Perry.
Especially with a stylistic replacement at 21 years of age with pedigree pressing for the job.
IMO, Bouchard is the Oilers MVP this year.
He had a tough start to the season but has seriously turned it around 5v5.
Look at his goal shares and WOWYs compared to Drai and McD. It impressive.
Happens every year. I don’t think we’ll ever know why it happens this way, but I’m ok with it as long as he is able to turn it on like this in time for playoffs
Spec pointed out he plays a ton of playoff games and big minutes (25+ per game) into June every year
The #Oilers have signed blueliner Tomas Cibulka to a two-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season.
A self described undersized offensive LD. I guess Atro hasn’t impressed enough
Given Leppanen signed an extension in February, I do no think that’s the case at all.
This kid is 21 and not nearly the prolific producer that Leppanen is – Leppanen’s time for the NHL is next year or never – this new signing is likely a couple of years in the AHL and then see.
Profiles like a guy taken with a 4th round pick. Why not. See if they can teach him modern defence. Would love to know his skating.
HF Boards has a tidbit on him: “Cibulka is an extremely mobile puck-rushing offensive defenseman who showed an excitement to beat the forecheck by foot and lead the restart of the attack. He put on a skating clinic on breakouts, displaying the ability to stop on a dime, execute brisk turns smoothly and accelerate quickly. He escaped pressure and found skating lanes up the ice effortlessly thanks to his splendid foot speed and agility…”
Until he gets pounded in the playoffs in the NHL. Unless we are talking extreme elite skill I’ve seen this fall flat too any times. As an asset to trade, for sure. Even Makar can have trouble in playoffs
The league goes in lemming cycles. Lighter skill wins, the trend goes that way. Big assertive, smaller assertive (panthers) everyone follows. But the actual norms don’t change
The same challenges present every year deeper in playoffs. There are different ways to deal with it, but the teams that win have similarities. Check out Matt Larkin’s series at Daily Face Off for evidence
The Leftorium lives!
Cibulka appears to be the Euro d-man that Stauffer suggested the Oilers would be adding. Doesn’t hurt that he’s played in the CHL.
Now for those “couple of” college forwards also alluded to by Stauffer…
I was hoping Stauffer was referring to 6’4″ Vasili Machulin : https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/2026-nhl-free-agency-top-european-free-agents-ufa-puistola-pinchuk-lassila
A meh move for me, specifically the size and handedness, but at least he is still a youngster.
One can only hope he turns into some kind of a Lefty version of Jared Spurgeon.
Of course this player is probably a minimum of 3 years away from NHL at bats.
It was a brilliant play by Stone but also a mistake by McDavid – he’s been more responsible lately (in the offensive zone for sure) but that one is on him.
Funnily enough, Bouchard has received blame in some circles (mostly Oilers Nation) for both those goals – sigh.
Oilers were slightly better and deserved that extra point. Like a mentioned earlier they seem to have Hill’s number. It wouldn’t surprise me if we chase or even having Vegas going with someone else in game 1 in Edmonton.
Carter Hart in a playoff game in Edmonton would be worth the price of admission to see the fans in the building get on him all game long.
I would love to see Carter Hart and his .871 in a playoff game vs. the Oilers.
I think I’m in the minority with this one but I consider the extra/bonus point the “Bettman”. These two teams earned a hard earned point for a tie through 60 minutes.
The Oilers got the bonus point in 3 on 3 OT (a game state not provided for in the playoffs or historically).
No, 3 on 3 OT isn’t as “Bettman Point” as the SO but its still something new in the Bettman era that is regular season only.
Seems logical
I wonder if they consider running
its a risk to put McDavid with 2 rookies but Savoie has matriculated and Samanski has the defensive presence of mind.
Pod and Kap are the best outscoring duo of the year and that third line is like a 2A/B scenario
Podkolzin is a tank he is so versatile he can transform any line both ways. He reminds me of a better version than Jaroslav Pouzar.
I don’t imagine coach will put Samanski on McDavid’s wing – not for a second.
Knoblauch using his shutdown line is awesome to see. And trusting Samanski on that line and playing them more than the Hyman line at evens too…no other line got less than 60% ozone starts. maybe Knoblauch just needed a 3C he trusted this whole time?
I think it was that Lazar isn’t really a 3C and Henri not any more either. Roslovic isn’t defensively reliable enough, Fred isn’t really a good option, and Nuge playing there messes up rotations as Gregor figured out in an ON piece. Nuge doesn’t always do that well at C at times
Yeah it’s funny the best option he ended up having was probably the rookie Samanski
I don’t say it enough or possibly even often, but I’m a huge Bouchard fan. I’ve always liked modern defensemen who can make a quality first pass. Bouchard can do that and a lot more that doesn’t get recognized.
Here’s his JFresh player card. Absolutely silly that he wasn’t on Team Canada.
https://x.com/jfreshhockey/status/2037361511711027400?s=46
Mike Kelly destroyed the Bouchard narrative last night https://x.com/SportsOnPrimeCA/status/2037333914046366074
The detractors will ignore that and say Bouchard is being zoomed by the Glimmers.
I would be stunned if he won the Norris, if only because it’s a reputation award that Makar will probably win again.
I believe this season Bouchard has had more of a positive impact on McDavid than the other way around – as far as outscoring the opposition.
Thanks, the stats on turnovers leading to chances and goals was insightful. Given Kelly’s piece pointed out they are similar in giveaways, I think Werenski is getting the Norris for a few reasons. 1 he has the highest P/GP. 2 he has more EV strength goals and points than Bouch and Makar. 3 he is doing it without elite forwards, Marchenko is their highest forward at 59 pts, Werenski has 77
How did your trip to Edmonton go? Did your guys enjoy themselves?
The trip went well, other than the Oilers losing to the Wild 7-3. The downtown was more dead than I thought it would be.
Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
The
@StLouisBlues
front office is changing with Kevin Maxwell and Peter Chiarelli leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Chiarelli is a candidate in Nashville’s interview process and Maxwell is expected to return to the New York Rangers in a management role.
Steen is going to bring in some of his own guys.
Hard to believe Chiarelli is still being considered for anything.
I’m sure if Chiarelli goes to Nashville and makes a string of decent trades, you will be saying the Oilers held him back and meddled with him, while sprinkling in some “shadow GM McDavid” comments.
I’m pretty certain Chia was dealing with a lot of calls from inside the house. MacT said he still cringes when the Reinhart trade is mentioned. I’m not saying he would have been good if left alone, but we will never know
Agreed.
It’s really too bad they went off script at the 2015 draft.
JEE and Carlo would have been exactly what the team needed.
For sure
Apparently Lucky Socks Bill Scott is being interviewed for thr job as well
that man dregs is “no clickbait artist.” – crib-o’-chachi
Checked in on the score and it was 2-1 for the good guys, immediately the graphic changed to 2-2, threw my phone outside for the night.
Not only is watching the games barred, no more scoreboard watching either.
My fanatical math says I’ll be sipping water by candlelight before this streak comes to an end.
There was a guy who fought in WW2 who didn’t know the war was over for 20 years after. He kept hiding out. Perhaps this could serve as a template…….
Hiroo Onoda, in a couple decades I’m going to need you to come to the woods of Vancouver island to tell me to stand down with pictures of 97 passing several cups to 29.
Haha that is gold, just listened to a podcast about Onoda
https://youtu.be/JgDUDDTfLN0?si=sWsfntf1H7P0is-c
Watched this one about a week ago strangely enough. He’s written a book about it and I believe he opened a survival school for children lol
This story forms the basis of a 1981 album by prog band Camel. (IMO their last really good album.)
I don’t think many of us saw Bouchard as a legit Norris trophy candidate a few years ago and it’s so cool to see him there. McDavid has transcendent ability but Drai, Bouch, and Hyman are some of my favourite players because they have maxed out their skillsets to the nth degree to blow their projections out of the water and be top players at their positions
Bouch is so skilled it is amazing. He loses a lot of fans by his notorious slow starts to the season where he can look like a turnstile.
Can you imagine if he ever starts a season on time.
It’s not just the turnovers and what not early, his offensive game is never there. He was like under 0.5 P/G 20 game in (I think).
He’s got like close to 20 more points than the next d-man since Nov 9.
Some thought it could be – the 2024 playoffs showed the level he can get to (at 24 years old).
McDavid is taking face offs again
How about Walmans passing?!
chefs kiss
Healthy Walman is a good thing.
His passing is back, as is his shot blocking and his mobility.
He’s been good-very good 3 games in a row now.
Now, the zone exit attempt through his own crease that has become a staple of his game…..
Oilers are definitely tightening up and coach is sticking with his 4 line game. What happens when the team is down a goal or two? What happens when Drai returns? Right now, everyone is involved and engaged. It will be interesting to see what the coaches decide when all the healthy bodies return.
It was such a great way to win against the dirty Knights. Kill a penalty (not exactly this team’s forte this year) and then faceoff win by Connor, Savoie with subtle interference, and Bouch picks his spot. A. Thing. Of. Beauty!
The 5v5 TOI splits aren’t much different tbh. They were never chasing the game and powerplays were at a bit of a premium.
“What happens when the team is down a goal or two? What happens when Drai returns?”
I guess we’ll see. I don’t think the engagement has changed. Eg. Dickinson didn’t play much against Eichel’s line (11 mins for 97, 3 for JD).
It worked fine and the team played well enough to win/tighter but I think this team still has a level to reach with deployment. Knobs doesn’t do much for line matching.
One interesting item of note last night was the number of times the 4th line started in the offensive zone. Now I don’t know the numbers on this so I am just going by ‘feel’ but I wonder the reasoning for this? Reward by the coach by decent forechecking by this line in the previous few games? or was it to avoid them being stuck in the defensive zone and getting scored on (more of a protective/preventative approach). Whatever the reason, it was a new wrinkle as Connor or Drai’s line is usually starting in the ozone, especially after icings.
You’re right – they are using that 4th line as more of a soft minutes offensive zone time line which is better with their skill set. Having Dickinson and trusting him lets them do that. Here are the ozone start % last night:
McDavid-75%
Nuge-63%
Dickinson-14%
Henrique-80%
There is every ability to stick to a “four line game” when Drai returns – even more so as the lineup will be deeper.
Playing four lines has not been a product of no Drai, its a product of not chasing games and the player through the lineup committing to structure and impact.
Matt Savoie is here.
Issac Howard will follow next season.
That’s Matt “dime a dozen, easily replaceable AHL winger” Savoie.
It took two first round draft picks to replace McLeod. Henrique’s contract contributed to losing Holloway and Broberg. Dickenson is a UFA centre in a weak free agent class with an exploding salary cap. Fortunately Samanski looks like he can be a 3C, so more assets will not have to be spent replacing Ryan McLeod.
Holloway is a big winger. Savoie is a small winger. Small wingers are always available. I do not thing any one would trade Holloway for Savoie.
Not right now, but if DH keeps getting hurt we’ll see. I had high hopes for him. Availability is a big deal, he missed last season’s playoffs
I do like DH’s size and skating, but there might be a ceiling difference here as well. 22 YO seasons both on the Oilers:
Holloway
38GP 6G 3A 9PT -1
Savoie
73 GP 13G 17A 30PT +2
Holloway was in the playoffs 25GP 5G 2A 7PT +4. Well see how MS fares
Not to mention Holloway will cost 5M or so more than Savoie next season
Usage was also much different. Savoie has played 220 minutes with McDavid and Holloway played 20 mins. I think Savoie is more skilled and will put up more points but Holloway is a big and fast and hits. We could have easily had both.
Usage is based on the coach’s perception that you can do it.
Savoie is knocking it out the park, enjoy it.
Holloway, Mcleod and Broberg were all guys that were going to get paid and were cap casualties. Their replacements for pennies on the dollar were: Pods, Savoie and Emberson. When you have 3 superstars that get paid: McDavid, Drai and Bouch, you cant have the balanced l9ok of some other teams that have none.
Exactly, and Bowman said as much at the time – the math doesn’t work for what their plans were
This is a narrative in your mind.
Of note, Henrique was acquired prior to McLeod being traded – they were on the same team in the 2024 playoffs.
If not for Savoie, assets would need to be used to find that top 6 winger, no?
—————-
Savoie was 21 to start this season.
When Holloway was 21 to start a season, he produced 3 goals and 9 points in 51 NHL games.
When Holloway was 22 to start a season, he produced 6 goals and 9 points in 38 games.
Holloway provided zero PK time during those seasons.
Savoie is so far ahead of Holloay at the same age – without a mountain injury history.
I do not think what Savoie brings is easily replaceable and is abundant, and I do not think he should be discredited due to how the Oilers handled Holloway.
McLeod and Holloway were due for pay increases, and Savoie is younger, cheaper, and is putting up better numbers at his age compared to McLeod and Holloway when they were 22.
Not sure why the Holloway v Savoie comparison is needed or relevant to what the Oilers did or should have done with respect to Holloway two summers ago.
Losing Holloway sucks, full stop.
But, Savoie has already had a significantly better draft+3 year than Holloway did. Per 82 games he has scored 34 points to Holloway’s 19 points. And, that might understate Savoie’s trajectory given how much more productive he has been since the Olympic break.
Yes, he is smaller, but there is a player here, including one that penalty kills and increasingly looks like a solid bet to play power play and 3 v 3 in OT.
Holloway has struggled to stay healthy which also matters and somewhat negates his size advantage.
Hopefully the coach understands the need to play him to his strengths and not bury him on the 4th line next year.
Matt Savoie worked a lot on areas the team needs from him, such as pk where he is getting better every day. Is Howard doing the same this year? This is not being cheeky, I am asking genuinely as you are watching the games.
Howard is definitely working on the things the organization has identified for him – mainly things such as battle on the defensive boards and ensuring the puck get out, puck management with his touches and knowing when to take a risk and when to make the safe player, etc., etc.
Of course, he’s out there in offensive situations and needs to produce but Chaulk is helping him develop the parts of his game that will allow Knobber to play him in the top 9 (hopefully top 6) and trust him.
I have no worry that he can’t get to the “Jack Roslovic level” of responsibility out there.
Popular take, and to my mind, accurate. Patience. Savoie has a very high IQ. Although convenient, I was never in the camp that this was a poor trade. While I liked McLeod – his speed and determination – and wish him well, he was such a perimeter player, and for my money, Savoie seems to think the game better. Who knows, I could be wrong. McLeod is thriving on a Sabres team that seems to have found a groove, and glad he has too
“They can’t just flip a switch at playoff time”.
Maybe that is true but they can certainly ramp up and dial in heading down the stretch.
McDavid playing more responsible in the offensive zone, Hyman becoming physical, commitment to fronting pucks, puck management priority, etc, etc.
Oh, and Jake Walman back as of the last three games and Darnell Nurse stepping up his game and getting comfortable with Murphy (I think their play as a pair is better than their numbers represent – they are getting tough comp minutes).
They still need to stop making mistakes that gift easy goals like blueline turnovers. They stop that and they would have won last night walking away
Team won’t go far without Jake and Darnell playing well (which they did last night). A bit concerned about Ek. Thought he had a tough night. He got beat at the blue line a few times and doesn’t have the speed to recover.
Ek did have a terrible night – primarily culpable on 2 goals against and numerous other mistakes/near misses.
He’s been good overall this season – I’ll chalk this one off to a bad game – it looks like those will creep in more and more as he ages but, as of now, he’s generally still a legit top pairing d-man in my opinion.
Agreed, but to my eye he’s had a nice recovery year. My gut tells me it was an off night, and he was exposed, particularly on that ill advised pinch leading to the third goal. No, he doesn’t have his youthful speed, but he is hockey wise, and extremely smart. He will be okay
Better efforts from Walman, Nurse and the goalies will be essential for a decent playoff run. Seems to be coming together just in time?
I’ve been saying for two months, this team being able to make a run are contingent on those two players providing an increased level of play (which we KNOW both can do).
We KNOW what the likes of McDavid and Drai and Hyman and Nuge and Bouchard will do come playoffs, they do it every year,
The season and playoff push will be wholly determined as to whether this team will play consistent, shut down, team defense.
However, if the third line of Roslovic-Nuge-Hyman can figure it out in real time, that could make the team really special.
At this rate, Leon is going to have to play himself back onto the roster.
In all seriousness, it’s a sign of a good team when they can play tighter absent a superstar.
Samanski Draisaitl Kapanen is fine.
One can put Dickenson onto the ice to take defensive zone draws for McDavid and Nugent-Hopkins, and then head to the bench. And post PP shifts with McDavid’s, Draisaitl’s, or Nugent-Hopkins’ wingers.
One can make the argument that Drai could just slide in to that line but, unless the Oilers are truly rolling, like winning 12 of 14 type of rolling, I can’t see them doing that.
Good point. Are we getting a sense – at least in the last two games – that 29’s absence, and KK rolling the lines more than he has proven int he past, that the other players are starting to feel like they can contribute and maybe, just maybe, finding a role? I think 29 is smiling at this possibility – as is 97
Definitely using the numbers to push a narrative buuuuut:
Hyman first 6 games back from injury 6GP- 0-2-2
Since then 48 GP – 30-16-46
0.625 G/GP – 51 Goal pace
Likely 1, maybe 2 players will hit that mark this year. (Nate, cheering for Goal Caufield, outside chance 97 because he’s 97)
2 out of 3 left off their Olympic teams. Dinosaurs are still running the show.
I still marvel at the people saying with a straight face that the greatest hockey minds were behind team Canada and that they know better than us plebs, as they wheel 7 minutes of Drew Doughty out in the gold medal game, instead of the best offensive PP dman in a game where there was a 5 on 3 PP.
I’ve been using that split all year because there was a clear difference in his production and he was injured
The Oilers never do things easily, in this version and even in the 80’s
Solid play last night. It’s a game of errors, and the opposition capitalized on three. It’s just me, but just get in, and talking about seeing makes my guts uncomfortable. But I see the lure of looking at seeding. Play who you play.
97 was possessed and focused, equalling super effective. Never doubt the man. I love Ingram’s story, Hyman is a beast and can work for me all day, any day and Walman is finding his way back. Man Walman is a beauty when he elevates his game….and I know the injury compromised that skill
Loved the angry Nurse face at the end of the second period. I never want to meet that face in a dark back alley, ever. I’ve been waiting for that raw and overpowering strength he has, tossing the cowering opponent aside like a lumberjack might a tree stump. Let’s hope the boys (more importantly the coach) can keep keeping it simple and Hyman rubs some of his never say die attitude on the rest of the crew! Attitude boys, attitude, it makes a huge difference. Enjoying my crow and humble pie this morning and to everyone, enjoy the day!
Zach Hyman Oilers = George Springer Jays.
Rat fink Stone is right. That pickpocket on the best player in the world was Datsyukian.
It was so effective even though he skates in sand he had all year to get in tight and lift it backhand over the pad. Then Zach ‘wrists are for nerds’ Hyman bullied and punched right back.
I can appreciate it because in the end we won, otherwise I’d be cursing his name.
I love when we play Vegas because I hate them and they’re actually much stronger than they seem (goalie).
Yah Stone is sneaky effective. He always looks like he just got out of a long card game, hasn’t shaved and is a bit on edge. Can’t skate worth shit but crafty crafty crafty, but he plays for the Knights so I can’t like him 🙂
Go Illini !! Nice win over Houston last nite. But it is only basketball. I don’t know one player on the team.
To all those Bouchard skeptics & haters … “Ferme ta Bouche !!” … Nuff said
Walman has a very good first step. It’s quite impressive.
I like Nurses game more when he is physically engaged
Brady, brother of shit head Matt, said after a recent game where he dropped his gloves on, I think, the opening face off, he needed a wake up call to play hard. I guess the salts weren’t working. Maybe Nurse needs to man handle people more often to wake up, or up the salts. I don’t much care for Brady, although for a time he seemed different than his brother. He isn’t. But a decent player (spits)
And yet, NHL.com does not have him as a star of the game. Oilers win, Knights have 2 stars of the game.
I think the nhl takes the home team’s list. In other words, meaningless.
Sure seems like someone is hitting his draft profile just in time for the Oilers
https://thehockeywriters.com/vasili-podkolzin-2019-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/
Vasili Podkolzin is without a doubt one of the most polarizing prospects of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The 17-year-old’s raw skill is clear as day — that’s not up for debate. He can stickhandle in a phone booth, complete difficult plays at high speed and he has a dangerous shot. His speed is good, but not great, however, due to an engine that doesn’t quit, his compete level and physicality are not up for debate either. These reasons — combined with his frame and how he excelled at international tournaments this season — are what make him an enticing top-five, or even a potential top-three selection this June.
Podkolzin is interesting because while most pundits have him as a surefire top-five pick, those who don’t have him closer to 10th (as opposed to seventh or eighth). There’s no question he is behind Jack Hughes and Kappo Kakko, but he realistically could be taken anywhere from third to 12th because he has played in so many different leagues this season and his point totals don’t jump off the page. His skillset and raw tools should be too much for that many general managers to pass up on, so in all likelihood he goes somewhere in the four to eight range.
“Podkolzin checks all the intangible blocks, as he can be counted on to address a variety of his coach’s concerns. What separates him from all the other “toolsy” forwards is that he can either create or finish plays while traveling at maximum speed, and his strong balance and stickhandling seems to convince defenders to back off more than they should. Podkolzin is effective both in open ice and during trench warfare, and he’s capable of completing on-the-tape passes that lead directly to quality chances near the net..” – Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
“An absolute pit bull. Podkolzin offers high-end offensive awareness, lightning quick hands and a confrontational style. Despite some muted point totals coming from his club team, he’s made a habit of showing up in a big way on the international stage. A potential high-end producer in the NHL. – Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects
“Podkolzin is very skilled and can make the flashy plays to deke defenders, but he rarely does that off a standstill or along the walls. Instead, Podkolzin is typically full speed ahead to the net. He’s also a very good playmaker and finisher who can take advantage of space if defenders give it to him by making a pass or sniping from a distance. He’s a fine/good skater but hustles so hard that he looks like he’s always going fast. – Corey Pronman, The Athletic (from ‘Pronman: 2019 NHL Draft midseason rankings’, The AthleticNHL – 1/29/19)
The “stickhandle in a phone booth” and “make flashy plays to deke defenders” hasn’t come to fruition but he does so much out there and is such a valuable player – and go to love his work ethic, personality, etc.
Prospectoffs!
‘Tis the postseason for all five remaining NAmateurs as the CHL contingent joins the playoff fray.
#1 Michigan’s Frozen Four begins today with a matchup vs. #20 Bentley — the Hugh Jackmen should win going away. Barnett’s season really took off after the WJHC and a move to RD (he is now back at LD). His boxcars: 37 GP, 5-13-18. Park’s: 36 GP, 8-8-16 playing basically 4th line minutes and PP2.
Lewandowski (57 GP, 17-48-65) and the Blades open on the road in Edmonchuk. He has but four career WHL playoff games under his belt with 1-1-2.
Lafreniere (67 GP, 41-36-77) finished the season strong with 8 + 3 his last eight GP. His Blazers begin Round 1 in Kelowna. This will be Lafreniere’s first WHL playoff match.
Nicholl (32 GP, 15-11-26) also wields a hot stick with goals in five of his last six GP. His Knights get to enjoy home ice vs. the Soo. He already has 35 career playoff appearances, going 2-14-16. The Knights probably won’t threepeat as OHL champs, but Nicholl should better the eight points he’s gotten in each prior postseason.
Michigan (Park, Barnett) @ 3:30 p.m.
London (Nicholl) @ 5 p.m.
Saskatoon (Lewandowski) @ 7 p.m.
Kamloops (Lafreniere) @ 8 p.m.
All times, at all times, are New Dayton time.
2 bad turnovers at bluelines, 2 goals against. Simple math.
Otherwise, team was relatively tight despite quite a few high dangers against. LV top line is impressive.
Sadly the Ducks game is afternoon, not an Oiler forte. And your finger is in the pic LT 🙂
Solid play, great to see. The Flames almost pulled off a favour. Chances for first are slim, but here’s hoping. I think I’d rather play the Mamms or Preds than the Knights, but it’s probably a toss up
I think of it as my signature. 🙂
I’ll keep an eye out for it
I think they’ve struggled this year but the Oilers being bad in afternoon games had become a myth over the prior 2-3 years.