The Edmonton Oilers are such a frustrating team, take 10,000. Former Oilers coach and general manager Craig MacTavish used to say a player must move the needle at least a little offensively, but also talked about ‘what you leave’ as being paramount to success. Darnell Nurse had a helluva game last night, Evan Bouchard did not have a helluva game last night. Until these Oilers can bring a consistent and reliable game involving taking care of ‘what you leave’ they are destined for disappointment. From top to bottom, the care needs to be better than it was last night. Please read this.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN APRIL
- At home to: CHI, VEG (Expected 1-0-1) 1-1-0
- On the road to: UTA, SJS, LAK (Expected 2-1-0) 0-0-1
- At home to: COL, VAN (Expected 1-1-0)
- Expected Record: 4-2-1
- Actual Record: 1-1-1
- Season Record: 39-29-10, 88 points in 78 games
The Oilers won five in a row recently, and now we wait for the next time the group is ready to play organized hockey. Such a talented group, and there were some solid performances in Salt Lake City last night. One of the reasons for the loss comes from carrying youth, but the team needs to stick with the rookies (Matt Savoie, Josh Samanski, even Colton Dach) because they will learn from mistakes.
- Podkolzin-McDavid-Savoie 12:34, 2-5 shots, 64X, 0-1 HDSC
- Roslovic-Nuge-Kapanen 11:10, 3-6 shots, 0-2 goals, 4X, 0-4 HDSC
- Frederic-Dickinson-Dach 11:01, 7-5 shots, 1-0 goals, 57X, 4-2 HDSC
- Jones-Henrique-Lazar 6:46, 2-3 shots, 1-1 goals, 12X, 1-4 HDSC
The top two lines didn’t play well, led by the Nuge line and the four percent expected goals. Sheesh! I also thought the top line was trying to do too much, from Connor McDavid’s solo rushes (although good LORD what a goal!) through Matt Savoie’s overtime penalty, there was plenty or try borne of frustration. The Nuge line was even less effective, chasing the entire game.
I liked the Jason Dickinson line very much, and continue to wonder if Colton Dach has more offense than we can see from here. A nice pass from Frederic to get him loose, but Dach looked like a goal scorer on that play. He’s played 82 games in the NHL, and that was goal No. 6, but I think he might have another gear offensively. We’ll see. Adam Henrique’s pass to Curtis Lazar was fabulous, and Lazar’s move outstanding. I don’t think the line did a ton afterward, though.
- Nurse-Murphy 19:34, 9-5 shots, 2-0 goals, 51X, 2-5 HDSC
- Ekholm-Bouchard 16:10, 4-8 shots, 1-1 goals, 47X, 2-2 HDSC
- Walman-Emerson 10:55, 6-7 shots, 0-2 goals, 17X, 1-4 HDSC
- Tristan Jarry 25 of 31, .806 six GA versus 4.05 expected goals
I thought Nurse-Murphy had their best game together, shame it came in a loss. Ekholm-Bouchard featured a stunning defensive takeaway by Ekholm on a breakaway. Stuff of legends. Evan Bouchard is a tremendous talent, and should be in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, but it’s fair to point out the fact he could go to the ‘what you leave’ school of defense and learn a few things.
It’s tough to be critical of Bouchard because there are legion defenders who will carve you for pointing out real issues. I love the guy. He needs to iron out the careless portions of his game. Tristan Jarry wasn’t good enough, even considering the large number of boners in front of him. I thought dealing Stuart Skinner was a mistake then, more convinced now. The only goalie who can save this team when they are playing indifferent defense is peak Dom Hasek and you need a time machine to get him. Connor Ingram is going to carry the load this spring. I don’t see an alternative.
On the Lowdown today. Kevin McCurdy will be my feature guest and we’ll talk about a pivotal game versus San Jose Sharks. We’ll also look at ceiling versus floor re: the final standings, so gird your loins. Noon to 2pm today, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
Will the postseason offer Oilers forward Trent Frederic a chance for redemption?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7179278/2026/04/08/oilers-trent-frederic-stats-playoffs/
In an often disappointing season, some good signs. Not only Fred’s recovery to the form you (among others; you were one of many high on his qualities) promised, but the competition GM SB has recruited. Ever since Kane’s injury in 2024 SCF the word on the Oilers has been “old,” and “soft.” That’s starting to change. It’s exciting to me to see young (or at least younger), competitive guys pushing towards the net and scoring. And they’re not rent-a-goons. They’ve got some skill. I’m curious to see how many make the team in the Fall.
I really hope he can heat up and finally start contributing consistently. He’ll never cover the bet on that contract but if he can give the team some solid secondary scoring/truculence in the playoffs that would be huge.
Not betting on it. The bar has been adjusted so low now for 10 that a small improvement still won’t help win games
Jason Dickinson line.
i saw what you did there.
Looked at last 12 gm: 7W, 1 OTW, 3L,1OTL
Looks impressive.
Based on Qual of comp (Tm points) &Tough team matchup history.
exclude OT G.
#5 TMP 5-2 L, #26 Fld 4-0 L 4.50 gaa
#17 Utah 5-2 W, 6-5 OTL 3.50 gaa
#18 VGK 4-3 OTW, 5-1 L 4.00 gaa
GAA crushed by Top/tough &/Slightly below avg teams.
1.50 gaa 6W vs #19 -31 Teams.
Which is a 33% chance to win in final 4s but usually top 10 teams which we are crushed by. (3D xAvg 07/08 here at Lowetide)
Edm still the same crushed by top 14 & Crushes bottom 14.like half way thru the year.
AHHHH!
Looking at Vegas, they play Seattle and then COL on the road this week and then finish at home against WPG and SEA.
The Kraken aren’t mathematically eliminated but they’re really close. I hope they can show a little desperation and steal a win off the Knights or two.
“We miss him but he’ll be back and ready” – McDavid on Leon.
Beat the Kings Saturday and take the last week off.
We can take the week off and still beat the Nucks
I missed the 3rd period. What happened with Ingram?
Consensus is shock from watching his team defend.
Yup, he did have to face 6 shots at 5 on 5 through 2 periods, and 10 overall.
Looks like he tweeted something – kept coming out at TV timeouts and flexing.
He was tweeting during the game? Love Ingram but if you’re healthy enough to tweet Youre healthy enough to play
Tweaked something and told the trainer. They decided to sit him and not make it worse, but he was on the bench for the 3rd and took a few twirls during breaks in the 3rd.
Hopefully it’s nothing but they need to be careful as there’s little room for error.
Now, regarding those tweets…
Ate some bad concourse sushi between the first and second.
I was joking pre-game when I said McDavid needed to score 4pts per game to lock up top spot in the Pacific, but I’m happy he’s going for it!
McDavid heard the TNT panel throwing shade on his name tonight, in regards to the Hart conversation.
https://i.ibb.co/1GS1WbC3/Connor-Took-It-Personally.webp
A very complete effort to win that game.
Great game especially on the second of a back to back.
Magic number (points games by the Oilers and/or points lost by the opposition):
1 vis-a-vis SJS
3 vis-a-vis LAK
Jarventie and Hutson with LONG empty goals and the Condors win 5-2
San Jose aren’t playing especially well but mercy, the Oilers are just suffocating them.
I expect the Sharks will pull their Goalie soon. Connor 4th goal coming up.
That whiff by Samanski is why I don’t worry about his boxcars next year. His chances will come, he’ll cash, and we won’t be thinking about him as the next Patrick Russell for long.
Just look at Savoie’s lack of boxcars the first half of this year.
Samanski is already better than all the other bottom sixers at making an effective play in all three zones. The points will come.
Exactly. The game will slow down for him and he’ll establish himself in an offensive capacity.
Whoa Dach with a crushing hit on a Sharks Dman. I like.
He’s a beaut
Word on the street is Ingram is suffering from shock due to the oilers defense tonight
Have no fear Pickard is here.
Yup, I mean they have give up 6 shots at 5 on 5 already…….
…. shocked that the oilers are actually playing good defense. I was trying to be funny.
He doesn’t do well with sarcasm and tongue in cheek comments.
Don’t kid yourself, it was funny. Some of us have a sense of humour.
When it rains, it pours. FFS. Hockey Gords, what have we done to you?
D’Amaoto bangs home the rebound of a Petrov shot for a 3-2 lead.
This is concerning. One goalie out & not on the bench and the other consulting with the AT on the ice before the period starts?
Ingram now sitting on the bench??
Yeah, it’s one of those rinks where the goalie doesn’t get to sit on the bench, but good to see him during the TV timeout. So it’s not illness but looks like he tweaked something.
Ruh-Roh!
What, Jarry? And he seems injured too!!! What the hell is happening?
Ingram hurt???
Hey Fib, we still giving the Hart to Celebrini?
I smell an empty netter for Connor.
The Oilers team defense is something to behold. They won’t allow a single shot for 5 minutes. And then all of a sudden, one of their best players is standing 10 feet from the net, puck on his stick, without an Oiler within stick reach. 😆
I wonder if McDavid read Chris Chelio’s comment’s the other day where he said Connor needed to play a better 200 foot game because this is one of the best all round games Ive seen him play in a long time. His speed and stick is just as much an asset on the back check as it is on offence . It sure is fun to watch.
Not sure why it would take Chelios for 97 to realize this. With his tools there’s no reason he couldn’t be at least average on D side 5v5
Organization obviously hasn’t prioritized it
Hart trophy h2h statement game from Connor after the Kucherov debacle?
He’s due for his first 5 goal night.
When your hat trick is just another Wednesday, you’re probably Connor McDavid.
As bad as the Oilers can be as far as giving up high danger chances, nothing compared to what we’ve seen from the Sharks this period (and this game).
The Oilers look like the ’77 Canadiens when compared to the Sharks defensive play
Roslovic and McDavid should be a thing.
McCinqo!
A bit lucky Jones didn’t get a penalty for a very late hit right before that goal.
Deflecting mentality!
McDavid Hatrick on a lucky one!
This game is crazy. Let’s not have any more Oiler too many men penalties though.
Ingram helping his Vezina candidacy.
Definately should be some sort of an award for surviving being a goaler behind this team
The Purple Hart.
Dickinson’s offensive game is a dead-ringer for that of Mattias Janmark.
Samanski as well
Big difference in pro games played, give the German some time.
Sure, regardless he’s not pissing a drop offensively.
I’ve been trying to figure out how 97 practices making moves at full speed in small spaces/thru multiple bodies.
Does he rollerblade thru rush hour traffic in the off season?
some say he is actually the rollerblade guy from whyte ave with the guitar.
That last goal chased my Sharks-for-life son up to bed (tbf, he’s gotta be at work by 6).
But I think he realized that 97 wants this win.
We are not worthy..
Connor’s set his jaw tonight.
And then “he who fixes everything “ at work!
He’s the best ever.
Oilers stand around defenceman at work.
Holy moly!!! Connor is rolling!!
McFilth.
He is sure helping his Art Ross candidacy.
Maybe, just maybe, even his Rocket Richard candidacy.
He’s currently four goals back.
Wow, McDavid, have a night!
Wow!!