The Edmonton Oilers won with relative ease last night, scoring three first period goals and then riding a fine performance by Connor Ingram to victory. I think the Oilers are going to need more, like finding clean air for an ailing No. 1 line. However, there is promise in the step today, and more than a sliver of hope.
- Draisaitl-McDavid-Kapanen 11:40, 4-7 shots, 1-0 goals, 21X, 1-2 HDSC
The goal suggests the line is working, but all other indicators are poor. Kris Knoblauch doesn’t like to line match, so we see Jackson Lacombe out there against the captain most shifts. In 51 minutes, Anaheim is outshooting McDavid 30-15, outscoring 4-2 and owns an expected goal share of 65 percent. My only solace is that I know it’s driving Craig MacTavish crazy. MacT must tell the coach about this, I’m not sure Knoblauch knows it’s going on. You might say ‘it’s just run of play’ but 51 minutes head-to-head with McDavid playing only 33 minutes away (97 is 63 pct shots, 50 pct goals and 74X away from Lacombe) is a fairly hard match in my opinion. Kasperi Kapanen is earning a contract.
- Podkolzin-Nuge-Hyman 7:01, 4-7 shots, 2-0 goals, 56X, 1-1 HDSC
Vasily Podkolzin is earning a ten-year career in Edmonton, my goodness he arrived just in time. NHL amateur scouts get ripped on the double, but those Canucks scouts got it right and this guy is money. Love it! Credit to Nuge and Hyman for their hard work on the line, this trio earned another go but we’ll see.
- Savoie-Dickinson-Roslovic 6:48, 3-3 shots, 72X, 1-0 HDSC
Jack Roslovic had two individual HD chances but my goodness he needs to score. I’d rather the Oilers sign Kapanen, because he’s big and can post offense. Kapanen is inconsistent, but Roslovic is no shining beacon in that area, either. Matt Savoie got flattened a couple of times, but he hangs in there and makes good plays. I’d like to see him cash. I didn’t like Jason Dickinson’s results in the regular season, but he has scored twice in this series and owns good underlying numbers (52 percent expected goals) despite getting outshot at five-on-five.
- Dach-Samanski-Lazar 6:40, 0-4 shots, 18X, 0-3 HDSC
Not a terribly impressive stats set by this trio, Trent Frederic’s mistake in overtime earned him the pressbox, don’t know if we’ll see him again soon. This line isn’t it, however.
- Nurse-Murphy 15:03, 4-9 shots, 1-0 goals, 26X, 1-2 HDSC
- Ekholm-Bouchard 12:28, 7-8 shots, 2-0 goals, 47X, 3-2 HDSC
- Walman-Emberson 9:03, 3-6 shots, 20X, 0-1 HDSC
- Walman-Bouchard 2:34
- Connor Ingram 29 of 30, .967, 1GA 2.76X
Ingram had a dandy night, and the team did a nice job limiting outrageous chances. Mattias Ekholm is clearly hurt, I think the team will have to manage his games during the regular season in 2026-27. Play him 55 games in the regular year, elevate Jake Walman for the other 27, and give Damien Carfagna a chance (or Spencer Stastney, who is the forgotten man currently). People are in love with Evan Bouchard again, a reminder he’s been this player all down the line.
On the Lowdown today, it’s the roundtable again as the young and restless meet the old and frail. They give me a 5-minute head start but will it be enough? Kevin McCurdy is our feature guest at 1pm. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
What would Tochet behind the bench have done for this team?
Really impressed with what he did with Van and now Philly. Seems to get the most out of everyone despite not always having the top end talent. Teams play a physical, hard Defending game with emotion
Tochet said Podz wasn’t an NHL player…
Maybe Podz just needed a second opinion.
Drysdale and Zegras seem to have done better with Tochett in PHI than they did in ANA with Eakins/Cronin (or at least regained their early promise).
He got the most out of everyone in Vancouver?
His team was absolute chaos off the ice and Elias P. went from trending to be a top 5-7 center to a middle six player…
Couldn’t find a spot for Podz on his team – choose Raty and Bains over him.
He is a good coach, I do believe that. But he’s far from infallible when you look at the chaos in Vancouver, his indifference to Podkolzin, and how his team narrowly avoided a 3 game collapse vs Pittsburgh.
How’s Skinner making out these days?
I will never understand what the negative preoccupation is with a guy who is one of the most likeable athletes I can think of -all time? I can guarantee he did his absolute best to try to win a Stanley cup with the Oilers. Yet, the negative focus on him even continues once he has left. Maybe time to let it go??!!
ps. Everything I read from Pittsburg sports media is very appreciative of Skinner – as a goalie who’s won them lots of games, and as a guy who’s important to their dressing room. He sounds like he’s doing well.
That is the impression I got as well. We will see where he signs in the summer. I’m confident he will land on his feet somewhere, whether Pittsburgh or not I don’t know.
Haha, just wait for the comments when McDavid walks / his contract is over.
The best take this playoffs are people getting all wound up on “how can the oilers be tired because they didn’t even try in the regular season”
Walnuts for brains, I’ll tell ya.
😊
Has there been any updates on health of Rico? Out long term or day to day? The PK could certainly use some help.
Gregor said today he’s out until at least round two.
Habs take a 3-2 series lead!
To the old timers in the crowd, does anyone else feel that Michael Nylander is basically a Swedish Alexi Kovalev with less skill?
I am basically a Canadian Alexei Kovalev with less skill. A LOT less….
Less skill, and no Cup.
You mean, almost Oilers legend Michael Nylander?
Do people still remember that adventure?
Such a disgustingly inept time for the organization.
If only WEM had more premium outlets for Mrs. Nylander to go shopping…
that’s a weird question. quick answer. NO. I saw Kovalev live twice and unreal. Had buddies see him live on Pitt with Lemieux, Jagr, etc and they said Kovalev was hands down the best.
Nylander good. Kovalev freako level
Sorry, I got distracted and wrote Michael Nylander when I meant “William Nylander”
Other +s to note:
You probably heard on SN last night that Bouchard has the 2nd highest P/G in a playoff career by a D-man (only Orr is higher). He now has 88 pts in 80 games
Draisaitl and McDavid (3rd/4th fastest all time to reach 100 playoff pts), on hobbled ankles/knees, just passed the following players for career playoff points, in just their 101st games
Within the next 10 playoff games, McDavid will almost certainly be passing guys like Potvin, Bossy, Howe, MacInnis and just outside the top 20, either before (crossing fingers) or just after turning 30. Remarkable
I can see why the coach would want to start Dostal tomorrow. He was a bit better than Husso in the regular season and in a starter role, but he has not been good in this series. He is the 2nd worst of all goalies these playoffs by many sites in terms of GSAA, and has 0% quality starts (where team wins approx 75-80% of time) along with 40% really bad starts (team only has <10% chance of winning).
Ingram has had 50% RBS, but the only quality start of the entire series from
either side, for a rate of 25% compared to Dostal’s 0%.
1 quality start out of 10 collective opportunities this series between both teams, for a QS% of 10, is crazy low – an average goalie should have 53% quality starts (regular season Dostal 50.9%, Ingram 63.3%).
In Ingram we must trust, and in Dostal we must also trust, provided Anaheim doesn’t see what we’re all seeing.
I expect us to receive at least one penalty in the 1st 8 minutes for Ducks home ice. I wonder if Gudas will make an appearance as Woody likes his 11-7. Woody seemed to have talked Quenneville 11-7 on several occasions to end the year. The Ducks are the definition of streaky team. If we receive the same solid Goaltending as the last 2 games this puppy is going seven games.
I could be mistaken, but I believe the Ducks have run the defenseman Ian Moore on their 4L each game this series already. I doubt we see 10-8.
Absolute steal for a 4th round pick.
Respectfully, not sure I can get on board with your Van scouts praise LT. There was a lot still on the board at #10.
Is Podkolzin the dream power forward every G.M dreams about. It’s so nice watching Leon take him under his wing. I’m loving all these big skilled forwards SB is quietly accumulating. Jarventie-Poulin-Dach-Samanski-Kapanen-Podkolzin.
We’re so incredibly lucky HH is Vancouver’s head scout
Matt Boldy, picked 2 spots after Podkholzin would have been a much better pick.
Cole Caulfield too.
Boldy sure. Caufield is struggling like Savoie in playoffs
Who’s the lip reader in the crowd what did Leon say to Dach. I bet it’s on the lines of don’t fret over it that fuker deserved it. The scrip had us at 95% that we were getting the next penalty at least Dach-Team got their monies worth on his 2 minute call.
@Sportsnet
Ilya Sorokin, Jeremy Swayman and Andrei Vasilevskiy are the finalists for the 2025-26 Vezina Trophy
Whose leg does Wedgewood need to hump to stop getting chronically overlooked? He’s a BIG piece of why Colorado won the PT this year. His saves above expected was impressive. And his non-fancies are also stellar.
He was certainly a top 5 goaltender in the regular season.
I have always liked Jack and Louie, but they are getting to be unlistenable. They pumped the Ducks tires for two straight periods, in a game where the Oilers lead by 3 goals for close to 50 minutes. The Ducks were pushing hard, but Louie spoke about them like they were the 1970s Flyers. It has been the least physical series in the playoffs, yet the Ducks were apparently extremely physical with elite forechecking. No mention of Edmonton’s strong defensive play that rarely allowed extended high danger chances.
Yes I generally like them as well, other than moments where Jack’s rambling gets frustrating. I agree that last night was hard to take. I may be biased (I am) but I really don’t sense this with their announcers to nearly this degree. I think it’s important to not be a full on homer but to only speak glowingly about the other team, constantly, seems ludicrous. I wonder if they’ve been instructed to not express any Oiler bias?
Would you prefer he be as bored as I was watching waves of nothing from Anaheim? 50 minutes of airtime when the game is mostly decided sounds difficult. Anaheim was the only one trying to accomplish anything.
When I’ve listened to US broadcasts they call and talk about what is actually happening. If the opposition is playing well they give props, they know stats about the other team. If their guys are playing better then it’s that, if they aren’t they talk about that of course carefully
I just want Jack to call the play, which would also limit Louie’s time. I don’t find Louie insightful, to say the least, and I have no patience for Jack’s wandering stories.
My son is 14. Big hockey fan but up until this year mostly watched highlights etc. He’s watched a lot of playoff hockey this year, though, Oilers and others. He has commented several times on other broadcasts, and how much better they are because the actually call the play. He does think Jack’s goal calls are good.
Not every US one is good, but the ones I have caught were. Also the panels have way more to say, actually get into the games. Even Gretz has an opinion which he never did on Canadian TV. Messier to, no nonsense
Sure, but during the ESPN call of the last Knights game the pbp guy also said he didn’t know who was getting the penalty after the ref blew the whistle once Utah got the puck back. It was so basic I wondered if he was “playing dumb” for the casual ESPN hockey fan.
I like Jack most of the time, but to be fair it’s hard not to get tired of listening to 3 hours of the same guy calling your game every 2nd night
I never tired of previous game calls or colour guys in the past. Some I liked more than others, these two are apparently popular but it’s zero content for me
This is the main reason why I tune into the away feed most games.
The overt homers (cough*Boston*cough) and the ones where they don’t know any of the opposition players and don’t call names during plays are when I tend to get frustrated and tune out.
Very rare is it that another market’s broadcast duo is frequently found going off on tangents about Stampede Wrestling, hair styles and rebuked advances on women from the 80s, or pedestrian movie quotes, etc.
Last night the PBP guy for ANA just cut off the colour guy who was doing his thing because a play by EDM generated a chance toward the net. This happened at the faceoff circles, not after the chance had occurred. Jack misses those plays so often I’ve basically given up on the EDM broadcasts.
And don’t get me started on most of the intermission content.
There is only one thing I would like to see more of, and that is a bit of old style Howie Meeker play analysis. I think that both those guys are pretty knowledgeable and could give a good break down of what is happening on the ice to the viewers. And I think we as viewers are smart enough to appreciate some tactical explanations to make clear why some things are happening.
Jack is a schmoozer and story teller, so I get why he does his thing. It is (to me) pretty disingenuous way to call a game, as it relies on bonhomie and vibes to overcome other deficits (like saying the wrong player name, or nattering on about word definitions while the play is happening). I don’t mind it enough to complain, but I certainly don’t pay attention to what they are contributing. Except for when the game gets tense and Jack dials in to bring extra emotion to the calls, then that is where he shines.
amen…his missed calls, almost deliberate avoidance or crediting our goalie stops, instead claiming the shot was wide or deflected…
I find Jack and Louie quite tolerable, especially compared to blubbering Flames groupie Kelly Hrudey on their local broadcasts. He takes homerism to a new low, embarrassing himself with the fanboy fawning over the most mundane plays made by Calgary. Everything they do is wunnerful or byootiful.
“I know he shot the puck in his own net but he’s helping to keep his goalie sharp, while teaching his young teammates about overcoming adversity. What a great player!”
Other hockey distractions to enjoy or not
What a display in Buffalo last night, as they proudly sang the Canadian anthem. Okay I can see cheering for long suffering blue collar buffalo fans and even their team, assuming we have no Canadian dogs in the fight
The John Garrett montage on Sportsnet this morning was very good. Didn’t know his nickname was Cheech. You might like to see the clip where he jumps in on a Mario Lemieux’s fight, this tiny goalie with the tiny pads jumping on the two behemoth combatants. Fun stuff, what a character
About 1/3 of those Buffalo fans live on the Niagara peninsula. There’s a very strong contingent of Canadian Sabres fans and the organization is well aware of that fact.
Thanks Armchair. I didn’t know. It is a nice situation to see and finding myself silently cheering for local Edmonton area boy Ruff in, I presume, his last kick at coaching
I’ve got some family on the peninsula… lets just say anti-Toronto sentiment is not solely a Western thing, so the Sabres get some hockey fans by default. 😉
Don’t think it’s quite that high, is it? I think it is for the Bills with Ontario fans. But because St. Catharine’s was home of the Leafs farm club for decades, a lot of those on the peninsula are still Leafs fans. I remember hearing it was something like 15 or 20% of the Sabres season’s tix holders are Ontario residents.
It’s a lot cheaper and easier ticket to get than going to Taranta.
Some call-ups from Bako will be meeting the team in Anaheim.
4-5 forwards and 3-4 d-men.
My guesses:
4-5 forwards: Howard, Hutson, Hambln, Jarventie…… Poulin
3-4 D-men: Regula, Brown, Stillman, Dineen…… Carfagna
I was honestly pondering maybe jarventile on 4th line might be worth trying before putting frederic back in.
Yep, some hungry youth wouldn’t be a bad idea. Poulin sure has size but I’ll admit I haven’t seen much of his game.
I doubt KK would play any of these guys unless injuries. Maybe Howard could bring more than Roslovic? He did play his best game yesterday but he’s just not built for playoff hockey.
Not in an elimination game.
Regarding next year’s D construction, here are some interesting scenarios an innovative management team could pursue.
Possible foundations of trades for Nurse on teams/cities he may waive for:
Other D worth checking in on:
I recognize lots of NJ here and with Mehta as an analytically driven GM, these targets may be less likely as is a potential interest in Nurse
Yeah but Seth Jones was anything but an analytics darling and Florida still moved mountains to get him. I could see it. Especially for someone like Dougie Hamilton.
Seems to wear out his welcome everywhere after 3-4 years. Very useful dman though who’d be great on a 2nd pairing and PP2.
Nurse has been playing great. And Murphy is playing excellent.
Just a quick shout out the addition of the Troll Hunter to this blog. I know it has been mentioned but it is glorious.
Use it every frigging day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does it need to be clicked for every new article? Or can it be globally enabled?
It seems to run across the diffferent LT articles for me so far.
It persists in the local storage of your devices browser. So it will block your trolls continually on that device / browser. If you read the blog on a different device, you will need to add the person again.
Ideally it would work cross device but this helps keep a minimal footprint and would require more intrusive user/storage code.
I didn’t even know what “Troll Hunter” meant, but I thought that since you’re getting 9 upvotes, something was up. So I browsed around and now I know what you mean. I immediately used it.
Truly what a gift that I have been waiting literally years for. Bye DSF!!!!!!!!!!!!
Up 3-1 most of us knew the Ducks would try the rope-a-dope strategy and try to counter attack a desperate team. I would think the Ducks will come out guns blazing as well as getting an early PP Oilers need to withstand this early barrage.
Our PK rocking along at about 50%. How did it get that bad? Is the Ducks PP that good?? If we take more than a couple of penalties we are in trouble.
On TNT (in the US) last night, Bruce Cassidy drew up how the Ducks attacked the Oilers set up for their goal.
In general, they are attacking the set up and gaining the line with speed, getting past the first waive and forcing them back.
I would also add that the Oilers set up in the zone is very passive. It’s like they’re over-compensating for Anaheim’s speed, but still getting beat. When you’re 4 against 5, you have to decide what you’re going to give up, and in a passive zone, it’s as if they’re giving up everything.
There’s been a frightening amount of backhand hope chipping this entire series.
Last night, to me, was particularly odd in that they seemed like the were trying differeng lanes and shorter little options in first period anf it was working quite well then they just went baack to 2v2 defense versus forecheckers with a lot of flat footed forwards waiting in obvious places or skating away in the hail mary routes which logically usually end up:
Stationary waiting: 50/50 puck battle as ANH player had more than enough advanced warning where puck was hesding
Hail mary: often just directly cut off where pass was hopimg to go. Interceptions frequency would be brutal if your offense relied heavily on this plan in NFL for same reasons exactly.
Kapanen is most effective as a part-timer. When he sits for a game or two and then inserted he’s a real handful. He finishes every check while causing turnovers and creating chances.
This is exactly who he is. He can be barely an nhl player or can be a power forward scoring winger. He has longer stretches of good Kappy now but still disappears at times.
He’s a support player who can be super effective in simplified usage.
A really good North South player.
He also is a decent pk option. Ie not a complete defensive liability. Used properly he can be an extremely useful player in terms of cap efficiency.
A line that can “carry” him where he is right kind of complimentary is valuable. Especially if he turns up as consistently noticable over achieving salary in playoffs for a contender.
On a line more driving it roslovic likely has higher reg season value offensively.
But soft minute bad defense dreg scoring isn’t all that valuable.
I’d love to see a season of podz drai kap i’d probably give him a 2-3 year bet if i was gm’ing.
He and murphy would be the 2 UFA’s i definitely hope they keep if reasonable deals can be signed
It’s our system quit fuking around with this diamond chasing garbage go back to the box. The PK terrorizes me as we can’t play aggressive 5 on 5 because our PK sucks. Who thought it would be our special teams that would be our undoing. I’m cheering for zero penalties but then the hit on Leon was nasty.
You have to work when you are playing with Draisaitl or Podkolzin. They are not going to tolerate a slacker. Kapanen has always had above average NHL skills. Work rate and focus was always the problem. His “weaknesses” disappear when he is playing with those two, because he would not be able to look either of the other two in the eye.
2 years @ $2.5 mil AAV is my best offer.
One of Draisaitl’s biggest contributions is his interest in developing talent. I don’t believe we have Podkolzin at present level without Drai’s mentorship. My fingers are crossed that Kapanen is the current beneficiary. Then Dach?
Bowman seems to have an eye for inexpensive and undervalued talent. Draisaitl may be a key player in this team’s longer term success, far beyond his scoring in these, his prime years.
He’s also a new dad on a team with a seemingly ever expanding daycare – he’s older and differently motivated and has found a good fit with this team. All +ves toward resigning him.
He’s a much more motivated player when playing with a skilled center, he becomes invisible in an invisible role.
— in other news to the extent the information being provided is indeed leaks/accurate it seems bush that the Leafs would hire Sundin in a hockey capacity and then hire Chayka to be head of operations. What does sundin know about NHL management living in Sweden never been in management.
— Smells like a “bleeds oil” OBC move
— and clearly chayka more of a number cruncher puppet that inherits management hired prior
— it would be great though to see another cluster f&ck organization hierarchy done here in the centre of the hockey universe.
— can’t wait until Matthews high tails it out …
Back when the Avs were a genuinely poor organization, I remember feeling something along the lines of genuine pity when they had hired Burnaby Joe as their GM.
Turns out the hire worked out far better than I had imagined.
“We don’t know what we don’t know.” Damnably irritating!
— Joe, after his playing career took a few years off then worked in the organization learning the ropes, got promoted worked his way up over 3-4 years and was mentored before coming GM.
— Mats, the same age as Joe now, has been away from NHL hockey for decades (in Sweden)
— so mats is a qualified as the OBC was : getting his role because legacy player.
— Furthermore is being presented as ownership hiring Matt as a key piece prior to the GM hire
— but leaf fans are guillable and will eat up havjng Mats back: just as most of Oiler Nation took a long time to ask the right questions and move away more from OBC
— I just actively cheer for more decades of leaf inept. They need to bottom out and draft and develop and hope for another top draft pick to build around and that will take years.
If he does a better job than conroy of taking best offer available over any garbage sentiment regarding who he is trading with:
The burn it down part of the rebuild isn’t overly that hard a period to oversee with the right support team.
Trading expiring contracts at deadline, picking up journeymen/vet players on 1 year deals that can be also dealt with salary retained at deadline while nowhere near highwire balancing to cap spending….fine enough time to have a feel good story delivering the news who the fans can’t help but be cheering for in a way.
Just need a next level good draft and develop personnel/strategy. And soke small ball savy in proscouting to ice cheap but semi competive team around high drafted rookies as they rise to NHL.
If tbey don’t manage to avoid getting bumped out of the top 5 draft slot -> the real rebuild doesn’t really start until next year really.
I was allowed to pick the GM the whole time?! If only I was asking the right questions earlier.
— Steve Staois is another example of a former NHLer who worked his way up to GM
— Oil hired OBC pitched as “glory days are back”. Lowe and MacT learned in the job rather than earned their jobs.
— Mats seems like a good dude. His apparent hiring sequence not in his long term interest IMO
— Maybe you’re new here: it was frowned upon for a long time to not support OBC. Few were critical. Then it became obvious…
is 2013 new here? All i knew was hate for the OBC and that 3rd pairing dmen Corsi indicated quality. Weird gate to keep there.
Lol. Newbie.
(I kid, not only have you been here for a long time, you are a consistent poster – and I quite enjoy your posts!)
— I know : you’ve been here as long as I have posted (I don’t know when I started md had to change nic at some point when password stopped working) It was a bad “jest”…. Your awesome poster
The best example is 3 time GM of the Year winner Jim Nill
Nill was Assistant GM of the Red Wings when they won 4 cups before becoming GM in Dallas in 2013.
3 time GM of the Year winner – 0 cups in 13 seasons and an inferior playoff team to the Oilers the last two seasons.
Should just cup winners be considered for GM of the Year?
Perhaps there’s more to it.
13 years as GM and the end result is an NHL team with less success than one built by Chiarelli, Holland, Jackson/Bowman – just some facts.
Just to note, since the Avs hired Sakic as GM in 2014, the Avs have made I past the 2nd round of the playoffs…….. one time. They’ve only made it to round 2 5 times (6 including this season).
— they have been in the playoffs every year for what a decade won a cup and tore it down prior under Sakic tenure.
— Oilers fans would be over moon for this over McDs tenure.
— Av management >>> Oilers over same period with far less high end talent.
Aside from one year, where they won the cup, they’ve underperformed expectations in the playoffs essentially every year for a decade.
The cup is the T-card but, aside from that, the Oilers have been the more successful playoff team for a number of years.
How do the Avs have far less high end talent:
MacKinnon, Makar, Rantanen (I know he got moved)
vs.
McDavid, Drai, Bouchard
Sundin is pretty smart. He is a hockey guy who will be paired with an AI guy. Sundin will also set the culture, like he did when he was a player.
I expect he may have a similar role as Paul Coffey In Edmonton although being on the bench is questionable.
Go Oilers
Fun to be cheering for the Oilers as the underdog to come back….could it be there’s less pressure and some lightness?
Was it just my tired eyes on the Atlantic coast or did Dickinson not play the third period? I don’t recall seeing him taking any shifts or hearing anything about him being hurt or not on bench from our bumbling announcers.
Dickinson played 6 shifts in the 3rd period
I’m assuming he’ll be in and out for the rest of the series considering his heel is in about 4 pieces.
He must have to make sure he gets all those pieces into his skate.
I don’t recall hearing his name all night.
Re Ekholm: Play him 55 games in the regular year, elevate Jake Walman for the other 27,
The trouble is, Walman misses time every year as well.
This team will need to find a true 1DL, and they usually come via draft.
The Oilers had a true #1LD, and they effectively gave him away.
The Oilers will not likely have 1st round draft picks for the rest of McDavid’s tenure.
This is the funny thing no one mentions.
Like that is fair to say. Generally your repetitive grievance airing therapy lacks going much further then a small sample size in playoffs with themes:
“Way better than codi ceci” while ignoring “what’s luck got to do with it” theme music attached.
But like the absolute embarrasing travesty is his loss only being viewed through a lens of “maybe that off handed rookie could have made nurse’s minutes way better the past couple seasons”
Like nurse witb a decent defensive rugged dman in murphy is all they’ve needed….the assets and walman contract all not here.
Broberg with klingberg might have been just as good last playoffs and most importantly -> a 3rd pairing with ekholm at 4 million mentoring a guy like regula or emberson probably a thing of beauty next season.
Broberg bouch likely be crazy good idea stsrting in these playoffs if not before.
-> klingberg found money was as important as walman was last year…why? Because he was an actual above average nhl caliber offensive RHD who manage to recover finally from his surgery.
Broberg 8 mill bouch 10.5
Nurse 9.5 RHD like murphy 4-5 mill
Ekholm 4 emberson/regula
Like that is a damning concept it’s fair to have you mention this once here.
I don’t remember this. I do remember a guy who couldn’t crack the LD depth chart, and was out of his depth on the right side… Can’t remember his name…
It is not that he could not crack the LD depth chart. He was never afforded the opportunity.
He has been a rocket ship towards elite since being inserted in the lineup against Dallas.
Could not crack the LD – NHL depth chart?
What held him back?
Oh, his lack of awareness did, so he sunk himself? wow who’d a thunk it?
But just when he was starting to shine, Jackson mismanagement (That nugget that keeps on giving) great move to grab Arvidson & Skinner – How did that work out?
Cost the Oilers that player and as an added bonus a winger too!
Why that guy is still associated with the Oilers instead of having a 50lb anchor attached to his leg while going “deep sea fishing” is beyond me.
Sad narrative you keep pushing, please advise when reality will be showing up in your posts on this subject
For all the knocks on Nurse (hes not worth the money) but he is durable and always near the top of the team in TOI. As much as people want to move on from him, it could be a dire if hes gone and Wallman/Ekholm have issues staying healthy.
I will never understand trading Kulak. Over 20 min/gm for Colorado in round 1.
1) he played all 82 games
2) he had 41 points (12th in the league)
3) he played 36% TOI vs. elites
4) he had a 56% goal share and expected goal share
They need some money on backend not tied up in LHD.
I think that’s partly load management. He’s not going to play 20+ mins vs Minny or Dallas. At least I would be very surprised if he did.
Last season there were no sweeps at all, this year 2 already. Last season there were 7 x 4-1 series, none so far this year. As most people thought, outside of the Avs and Canes rolling, these playoffs are more wide open and contested
Wide open and contested, just like the CFL playoffs are going to be next year!
Seriously though, yeah it’s making for a lot of intrigue. Close series make for more intrigue
Podkolzin for President of Podstepki!
Nice game, and I’m glad KK pulled Frederic and went with Ingram, however:
Draisaitl – 23:22
McDavid – 24:09
The Oilers were leading by 3 goals for 48 minutes. 29 and 97 are both hurt, 97 especially. Looking across to the other bench, a team that trailed by 3 for virtually the entire game, not one single forward was over Leo Carlsson’s 17:14.
GM SB had best hire the next coach who understands that superstars in/about to be in their 30s, who have played ~200 games over the past 18 months, should not be driven into the dirt with this volume of TOI.
Samanski didn’t have a great game. I wouldn’t be surprised if Freddy is back with Lazar & Dach for game six. Also Savoie hasn’t had a good playoffs, maybe they insert Fred with Dickinson & Roslovic. Or they don’t mess with a winning hand. But IMO Freddy should get back in somewhere for game six in Anahiem.
That whole line was ineffective. The Dach-Sam-Fred line was a force for the 6 games they played together, and then KK inexplicably jumbled his lines, including this one. For reference, this line:
40 mins
54.05 CF%, 53.57% SF%, 75% GF, 62.47% xGF%
It’s not a lot of time, but it matches the eye test with its effectiveness, and not only the numbers, but it’s a perfect playoff heavy 4th line.
Need a fourth line that can play some important minutes. The oilers had that at the end of the season.
Maybe time to go back to that line. Hard to do when all the other centres are hurt.
Samanski, Dach and Frederic were great together. They got separated and mixed around. After Game 4 KK had to pull Frederic for a game, but I’d be perfectly fine with him replacing Lazar for Game 6 to put that line back together.
Just no defensive zone faceoffs in OT for #10 please.
Good Post
Now add to the fact McDavid is getting outshot and out chanced on the regular.
Our coach needs to find answers . Granted, in a tough situation with injuries.
However, playing the injured guy more is an interesting approach to the problem.
It’s akin to receiving a giftset of very expensive fine china, and then using it to microwave 3 meals a day and then dropping it in the dishwasher. Eventually, your beautiful dishware gets worn out and looks like shit.
He got 2 points what the hell are your expectations here. Do you understand how score effects work. If you, like me, was super bored the last 2 periods it’s because nothing happened.
Not all penalties are equal, not all minutes are equal.
If, in minute 24, McDavid takes an errant shot off the boot and breaks his ankle, all minutes will certainly not be equal.
He could take an errant shot in 1 minute. I don’t know what the point of this was please inform.
If your sister had a “Pair of marbles” she’d be called your brother instead.
Pretendergast is correct.
Pixie dust and unicorn farts do not a reliable fantasy make, do better
!00%. KK has earned a well deserved clown designation!
I agree with the general premise (including that I think KK is not necessarily a good coach). But to be fair, if your pount is about load management, then it doesn’t really matter how many minutes they played if we lose. Everything is riding on us winning each game, so I understand KK pulling out all the stops with the season on the line. Especially when the depth players are not having a great game.
I know it’s not likely to happen, because NHL, but department of player safety should be having a look at Kreiders cross check on Drai.
Filthy. Viel was trying to get the biggest meathead designation but Krieder knows a thing or two about ending a stars playoff and receiving no discipline.
That Krieder hit was predatory, disgusting really…how was it missed….oh right, forgot NHL referees. Did you hear Friedman last night explain how the referees are confused what a penalty is and what a dive is and thus, it’s effecting their judgment. Makes sense. But spells trouble for player safety
I get being confused about snapped heads and dives like Granlund and Husso did but I would hope the refs would know a player wouldn’t dive headfirst into the boards to draw a call. Risking paralysis for a 2 minute call is beyond the pale imo. ymmv.
Agreed entirely. May I use the expression pathetic dereliction of duty? A player’s life and career can be on the line, and I’d say this if it was an Oiler who did what Krieder did. Garbage
Was Krieder always like this?
Bettman is in their ears.
i agree. At least the mob is upfront about violence. It’s incredible that the Commissioner would encourage or ignore behaviour that could lead to a life or career altering event. Naive I guess
Solid game by Ingram so props to him from this doubter
Gutsy win. This team is being held together by duct tape.
The Ducks have a couple of very good young players, but overall they are not a very good team. The broken Oilers have put up 4 goals a game.
Big time.
Ducks are a mirage…
Nicely done Brogan. I’m nodding
Flowers to Knobs for going with Ingram, the correct move as he was excellent.
I’m sure this will come back to bite him in September when Jarry comes back ready to compete for the starting role…………..
Why would it bite him? Jarry is signed for the next several years to an immovable contract.
He better bet ready
Its a reference to a frequent poster yesterday worried the coach called Ingram ‘our guy’.
I never said I was worried about that. I said it was interesting phrasing and I noted that Jarry will be at camp in September, after an off-season re-set, looking to compete for the 1A job. I don’ know who will be in camp with him.
Sure.
I will change the word worried to exactly what you meant and the actual point still stands.
I’m teasing you for mentioning it at all.
Hopefully KK is history!
I like your dog.
Knoblauch’s job was on the line. So he went with his guy, Ingram. If the Oilers lost, Jarry was not going to be his problem. Knoblauch’s job is “cup or bust”, so from his perspective September does not exist.
Yup, said the exact same thing yesterday.
That’s the first I’ve heard of a Trent Frederic mistake in OT.
Its unfortunate that Frederic, Samanski and Dach lost their Mojo right before playoffs.
Frederic had the puck and had task of getting the puck out of the zone. Instead of hard off the boards and out he went for soft flip which was intercepted, turned around, and resulted in the goal.
A bit of bad luck especially when it goes in off an Oiler defenseman’s skate
Of course it would be #25!
Fredrick Samanski dach. I’d go back to that line. I don’t recall them together in the playoffs but if they could get their mojo back it could be an effective line.
Fredrick made a bad mistake but I thought through the first three games he was quite effective playing all over the roster.
Been quite a few…
Frederic
GF 0 / GA 3
Coach Q feeling the sting of Trent’s absence last night.
— yesterday while observing who knows I felt it could be an “easy” win
— The Ducks aren’t really that good (not that we are better) so that helps their chances
— game 6 is likely going to be kitchen sink variety
— Math still not good but gooder than yesterday
— I wouldn’t be relying on MacT for coaching advice though : great guy great quotes bled Oil amazing career by all accounts super to hang with :1 run to the cup missed what 5 other years of playoffs lost in first twice threw players under the bus. There’s a reason he never coached in NHL again …
The run to the Cup was made possible by the GM. MacT didn’t have the horses mostly. His coaching those playoffs was top notch, nobody expected them to take out the Wings, or anyone else, and it was his tactics and the players buy in that made that happen
He got a lot out of what he had. Agreed on his media treatment of players, I found him too mouthy. He did the same when he came in as GM, announcing ‘bold moves’ and I think the other GM’s thought no your not rookie
MacT would have gotten Mcdavid cleaner air vs 3rd pair and like Q’s hidden line (granlund senneke)
A couple of those cannonballs might have been goals instead of increasingly likely to not help heal injuries crash tests.
Like in these 5 games (3 home*)
Mcdavid has only seen just over 6 minutes on ice versus Ducks 3rd pairing.
Even the 2nd pairing mcdavid numbers actually dominare (HDCF/CA: 4/1, SF 58.2%) which makes sense as that’s him primarily barreling down on Mintyukov’s side.
Like if mcdavid is driving it in the LHD he is plsying against is most important player because the attack hasn’t overly adjusted despite results screaming it’s not really working.
Quenville matching vs knobby blendering.
So we now have dual nukes line that honestly didn’t look that great with last change. And mcdavid seemed like he was reigned in a bit as far as solo cannon ball/60….
But their forecheck still looks pretty dominant and our breakout still looks like hot garbage.
Hoping they get another game where after lead built anaheim isn’t going to get consecutive powerplays on chinzy calls isn’t likely wise. Like last night was an anomaly IMO as far as game management is concerned.
Felt like a “sorry for last game” type affair.
Yes, the ducks aren’t that good but they are dangerous because they’re fast and chaotic and don’t know what they don’t know….
Podz is 9-3 goals at 5 on 5 (9 goals for being the most any player has been on the ice for).
Kap is 7-0 goals.
Great stuff.
The starts are starting to star now – hope its not too late but the team might be coming around.
Did Q get out-coached last night?
I mean, the Ducks had five high danger attempts (not shots, but attempts) in the last 40 minutes – Q couldn’t adjust and have his team break through the Oilers structure.
5 games in a row the Oilers scored first….. does Q have his team ready for games as much as Knob does?
Q sticking with a goalie that has struggled all series (and his team is up due to outscoring that). Knob went to Jarry and listening to Ingram last night, he needed a re-set – he mentioned he was frustrated after game 3 and the communication and plan was clear and made sense. Going back to Ingram was key.
Credit when its due for sure. There was plenty of evidence of adjustment and game planning. It looked like Knoblauch cobbled together McDavid and Draisaitl who are both way under 100% physically. He short shifted them, by that i mean plenty of shifts but to my eye they were short in duration, hoping to get the lead. Plus they cashed on PP.
Each line contributed. Breakout stronger support (sometimes) puck flip was the breakout for most of game, but also more pressure on puck carrier. Yeah, coach should get some credit.
No no no I was told categorically 97 and 29 don’t work together they only have a 53% goal share.
Chuckle, somehow the stew tasted good
I was surprised. But with both players injured, throw them out together, spend their early energy trying to get a lead. Agree of not, at least it was a decision, an adaptation, based on recent events, and what you want to see from a coach.
They don’t always work. It was risky breaking up the Draisaitl line, but it worked. If it didn’t it would be getting a lot of discussion.
Interestingly, they did not get short shifted at all.
McDavid’s average shift length at 5v5 was 50 seconds, just two seconds shy of his Regular season average of 52 seconds.
Draisaitl’s average shift length was 40 seconds, down by 10 seconds over his regular season average (although he had 23 shifts, 5 more than McDavid, so I’m wondering if he was actually being double shifted, and may have been used for faceoffs in key situations).
Good stats. Perhaps Im seeing this by eye because McDavid was not full throttle but seemed to pick his burst of speed or effort then seemed to making a beeline for the bench.
Red faced, I agree
Last night was the first game I felt the Oilers outayed the Ducks with a system. It’s either KK out coached Q or that the message finally sunk in to the players. I’d lean towards KK pulled the right levers.
The Ducks played poorly and leaked defensively like they have all year. This time, they couldn’t come back. Q didn’t get outcoached as much as a great home crowd combined with the fact that KK made the right call in goal and the talent on the ice finally clicked in the first 10 minutes.
The Ducks played poorly (early), for sure – I would give more credit to the players and the coach than the crowd for forcing the Ducks to play poorly.
To me the game hinged on them getting to the puck on time or before the Ducks. I was surprised they were able to do that, I hope they didn’t empty the tank completely on that game
When they get enough puck pressure they stay in structure better and make it very hard on the other guys to do much that’s dangerous, like they did last playoffs. Skate hard and simplify, the fun skill plays will show up when they show up
I saw it the same way. I find myself agreeing with Bieksa who said last night’s game was a mentally easier game for the Oilers, so they conserved on the stress….and that’s a valid observation IMO
I agree. I interpreted Bieksa’s comment as: the team played right, and early, and didn’t put themselves in a position to feel stress. This has been a rare experience for this team, this season. Will they replicate?
Good question Rev….if so they win, if not, book tee times
🔥
Ducks pushed in the last 40 minutes and carried the play but I was just fine with how the Oilers were playing – they were still trying to press and play in the offensive zone and, when the puck was in the d-zone: (1) the Ducks were on the outside and they contested everything on the inside with being in lanes and good sticks and (2) they were safe with their exits and ensured the puck got out.
Coach said last night that he thought they were too safe, that wasn’t a strategy, but how the game played out – they wanted to make more plays but erred on the side of being safe.
Works for me.
May have been some rope a dope going on there.
It’s funny, Knoblauch thought they played a little too safe.
Bouchard’s fake drop pass at the blueline on Drai’s PP goal was something else. When he feeling it, he might be the best d-man in the league.
I can’t believe a coach doesn’t believe in line matching, why would you not use every single possible tool at your disposal to free up your supernova player?
I am glad we held out the 3rd without the Ducks scoring but I’d still like a bit more offensive cohesion from the team. Still look disjointed.
I would guess because line matching is demanding of the coach.
I mean sure some roll forth whatever as a philosophy but I think there’s always a little of people simply taking the easier path.
They scored 3 goals halfway through the first. I don’t think that’s disjointed.
Maybe the coach is fine with his injured star getting hard matched when his less injured players get clean air? There’s always a tradeoff.
I was thinking they shouldn’t sit back. But I guess they were confident a three goal lead was enough. I would prefer a six goal lead. It’s good to know Edmonton can protect a lead
heading into game six. I think that game has to have shaken the Ducks belief system.
I was going to mention that line tickle Bouchard did. It was a thing of beauty. I’ve always thought line matching was inherent in coaching, it even applies in football, soccer, basketball etc. I guess KK just plays it straight up. Maybe 97 and 29 can have a conversation with him “hey coach, we need some space”. Perhaps I’m to naive
Or Knoblauch can have a conversation with his team, hey don’t sit back you guys are trying to play too safe. Yeah.. ok sure coach. I think the players have selective hearing.
I think you’re onto something, communication not great snd select hearing is mighty evident. I’d say both ways, but surely the players have tuned the coach out a bit….or a lot
Mattias Ekholm is clearly hurt, I think the team will have to manage his games during the regular season in 2026-27. Play him 55 games in the regular year, elevate Jake Walman for the other 27, and give Damien Carfagna a chance (or Spencer Stastney, who is the forgotten man currently).
Not just Stastney and Carfagna, but I would bet that Regula comes back next season and is a better player. I think he needed more time to develop, and I think the Oilers have 3 guys who will perform for them in the future the way that Emberson has done this year.
*edit* I can’t get the block quote thing right to save my life
I agree on Regula. Big D who can move the puck get extra chances.
I believe it was Curlock who called Regula a break out machine. Might have been OP. If he can do that at the NHL level and has enough boots he’ll have a career at that size
He showed exactly that(breakout machine) in the nhl before he got hurt. When he came back his processor seemed off. I believe he can be a solid second pairing guy at the nhl level.
This was a post injury year with a team that struggled six ways to Sunday all season. Not the best year to showcase & grow yourself.
None of this guys are bruisers, but they are exactly the depth a team can lean on to be successful in the regular season & discover who makes sense long term.
His outlets seemed ridiculous but he was getting eaten by wolves seeming in puck recovery on defensive boards. In part due to nurse not being all that great as far as sending pucks clean with enough speed around to partner if caught by forecheckers.
Like thank gord this series is not a nurse regula pairing. We’d be out already just based on surely that cir us shows of minutes just getting cratered.
A couple times last night it was great watchimg nurse just skate puck out of defensive end. Like ah there he is. Thank god they finally got him an actual solid RH defensive defenseman to play with so he can play a bit more to his strengths sometimes.
I stand by my deadline wish of dealing walman being smart call before his trade clause kicked in.
Not dissing walman at all just wrong guy for 3rd highest paid dman unless either he or nurse is top pair solution next season.
I agree that Regula should get legit minutes next season but how is the question?
I mean, I love me some Ty Emberson but I don’t think he is 2RD yet (if ever) which means they need to re-sign Murphy (or replacement) and have Emberson as 3RD where he is high end (in that role). Where does Regula get the minutes prior to right side injuries?
Ekholm has had some ups and downs this season but lets not forget:
1) he played all 82 games
2) he had 41 points (12th in the league)
3) he played 36% TOI vs. elites
4) he had a 56% goal share and expected goal share
Sure, there is the Bouchard bump but he was a legit top pairing d-man this season (she, #1 d-man), no?