One of my all-time favourite songs is called Hickory Wind. Written by Gram Parsons and Bob Buchanan, it was included in the Sweehearts of the Rodeo album by The Byrds n 1968. The song is about coming of age, and realizing things you want most in life don’t come easy. “It’s a hard way to find out that trouble is real. In a far away city, with a far away feel,” Parsons writes, and that’s the best description of Ike Howard’s situation my mind could find.
Howard played on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman last night, had one exceptional pass to Zach Hyman that could easily have led to a goal and another terrific and creative pass as well. He played 14:46 at five-on-five, no shots, two blocked shots and a takeaway. He was 1-0 goals, 4-5 shots and 36 percent expected goals.
Howard needs to be on a more offensive line. That means one of Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl need to be his center. Mike Babcock is saying nice things about Howard, but he isn’t putting him in the best position to succeed. If Howard plays with Nuge and Hyman, and delivers at a 12-18-30 level this season, they’re going to trade his ass at the deadline. Sure as hell. They’ll bring in a veteran (might make the move sooner, who knows?) and Howard will find his way in Vancouver or similar.
Howard is an important player for Edmonton, because the team needs inexpensive players who are deployed in the heart of the order. I know there’s lots of talk about the strength of Nuge-Hyman on the second line, but those two men can’t drive offense like 97 and 29, and that’s where Howard needs to be if he’s going to score 20 this year. I don’t think he’s going to get the push. It’s a hard way to find out, the trouble is real. In Winnipeg. On a Tuesday night.
LINES AND PAIRINGS
- Howard-Nuge-Hyman 11:28, 3-5 shots, 1-0 goals, 37X
- Frederic-Samanski-Kapanen 9:13, 2-1 shots, 55X
- Tassy-Michaels-Raty 8:21, 3-1 shots, 0-1 goals, 7X
- Tralmaks-Marjala-Hutson 7:19, 1-4 shots, 41X
Some nice performances among this group. The top line was fine, but not dynamic. I suspect that will be them until we see a shuffle on the top two lines. The Samanski line was responsible and I thought they had a couple of interesting offensive moments. No one cashed, and no one gave up a goal and that’s probably the third line when Jason Dickinson joins it.
The Michaels line surrendered the goal, but it came via an errant pass from a defenseman. Michaels had one shot, two blocks, won only two of nine on the dot. I’ll be watching him closely in Bakersfield. I thought the fourth line had some nice moments, including Tralmaks with one especially effective forechecking shift, a couple of good looks from Hutson and Marjala’s goal in OT was by definition the biggest play of the game.
- Walman-Murphy 14:46, 3-4 shots, 59X
- Mukhamadullin-Brown 14:12, 4-5 shots, 0-1 goals, 28X
- Leppanen-Carfagna 13:01, 8-3 shots, 1-0 goals, 62X
- Devon Levi 12 of 13 stops, .923
- Connor Ungar stopped all five shots.
Babcock mentioned Walman specifically and told the media he had heard good things. That’s kind of where we are with Babcock. Walman has 320 games in the NHL, and Babcock is just looking at him in a coaching way right now. That’s not a criticism, that’s a reality. We should allow Babcock reasonable time to figure things out. I thought Murphy looked slow, but as with all of these players it’s still early.
The Carfagna-Leppanen pairing was terrific to my eye, they have no chance to make the team. If I were an opposition general manager, I’d be calling the Oilers about those two men and Josh Samanski. Get these players before Babcock figures them out!
It was an effective road game, Edmonton got 18 five-on-five shots from the four lines. In Game 1 against Winnipeg, the McDavid line got 14 shots. I know there was a quality of competition issue, but there’s a reality here. The Oilers are going to be a one-line offense. Pretty sure.
On the Lowdown today, our feature guest will be Kevin McCurdy. We’ll talk about last night’s game and the cuts to come. Also, Jays are done and Elks have a chance to win the west. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and YouTube.
Just for shoots and giggles anyone have any interest on any of the players placed on waivers today….any surprises to anyone I understand we have enough players just a conversation question cheerz everyone
There are some recognizable names on the list but no-one I’d personally think about claiming.
I felt the same way but this is the first set of waivers… within the next few days is when it starts to get interesting
Stauff says Levi likely to get the entire game in Vancouver.
That’s a good sign. I think Babcock is appreciating his work ethic in practice. It wouldn’t surprise me if Levi is game one starter with Jarry getting game two on the road.
I know it’s been a minute since we were a prospect team but guys Howard is going to be suboptimal for a solid 25 games like every other rookie not named Connor McDavid. Connor of course spring fully formed from the head of Zeus onto the NHL ice surface
I expect a similar trajectory as Savoie last year, bouncing around lines a bit and things coming together for him in the new year.
Howard was drafted one spot before Tyler Benson, though years apart….
Connor was 18 Howard is 22.
As Reja noted,Howard will be *23* years old for this season’s playoffs.
Mark Messier on the Oilers player leadership group:
I think there has to be a separation of powers on the structural level of any team. I think from the management to the coaching to the players, there has to be a divide. The leadership of your team have to protect the players inside the dressing room. How can you do that when you’re directly involved with the decisions they’re making at the management level and hiring of the management and coaches? I don’t understand it.
Maybe the game has changed to the point where that’s the way things are going now, where players have that much say. I just don’t know, if it does go bad and players are having difficulties, who do they turn to?
Because if they turn to the leadership, the leadership is management. There’s no separation there. I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you. I could go on and on and on, but I think you get my point.
Messier was a great player but should probably mind his own business.
Wonder why he’s unloading?
Yeah, mind his own business!
It’s not like he’s known for his leadership or anything.
🙄
He is the lead ESPN intermission hockey analyst. It is his business.
Bang on. I hope that is not going on in the Oilers dressing room. That would be a disaster if it was
The late 90s Canucks would like to have a word with Mark.
If there’s a silver lining to the Jays being officially eliminated today, it frees up time for watching hockey.
— McD would be elite 1c
— Drai elite 2c
— Nuge average + 3C (and weak 2C)
— Dickson average + 4C (and weak 3C)
— Hyman Podz Howard (you hope) Savoie (you hope) and or cap space acquisition that’s your 4 wingers which is maybe average + depends. Or you throw Nuge in as top 4 winger and get another 3C
— McDrai on separate lines need to coach them up to succeed.
— we are one fairly important piece away from being truly competitive: an elite winger or deadly 3C and who knows how the D shapes up.
— too many holes so late in era
— fill in the rest. IMO
— see it, say it, sorted !
You mean like a Dylan Holloway type?
I cringe when I think of how perfect he would be for our team. Was 2.3M to match. Bob said yesterday the relationship with Holloway was still good at that time, he wanted to stay here.
New management there’s always players that get lost in the shuffle doesn’t matter what team it’s going to happen.
He could have gone to the Oilers and say, “hey, STL is offering me 2 X $2.3MM” – its a lot of money for me, can you come close?
It sounds like they actually did. He said in an interview they were upfront with the Oilers about it:
“We knew about the offer sheet before we even had any negotiations with Edmonton, which was kind of weird,” he said. “We were trying to get a deal done and I didn’t think we were asking for anything crazy at all. If anything, we were very upfront with Edmonton the whole time, even about the whole offer sheet. We explained to them, ‘Hey, this is an option for us. Can we get a deal?’
The Oilers offered him a take it or leave it 3 x $1.1 million dollar deal. After a take it or leave it offer, awful on both money and duration, there is no point negotiating except presenting your own take it or leave it offer, which is what Holloway did.
Anything less would be disrespecting oneself. Holloway gave the Oilers a fair counter offer, something the Oilers did NOT do.
Drai is elite 1c.
Drai would be elite number 1 center on any team.
Hopefully Cibulka can get in the game on Thursday – he hasn’t played yet (but also wasn’t cut).
Came across this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0o3zgB5SH0
Nice hearing from Babcock in more detail and away from the media attempting to apply pressure. Just a coaching conversation.
I’m using it for my own learning, but also context for the Oilers.
As a for instance of something that can be learned for fellow coaches – Babcock speaks about changing through the F3 while on the attack so that pressure remains and you wear the opposition down. A good, solid fundamental that leads to so many other things.
My son’s team last year unfortunately had coaches that believed you must change 3 forwards or 2 D (or all) at one time, and on the rush…it was one of the main reasons a team that was talented and committed enough to win provincials lost in the city finals, and many kids left with friendships, but frustration. You could watch it cost them between 1 and 3 goals each game.
I don’t see playing Howard on the 2nd line as fading him. Bab’s plan is to play McDrai together, so he checks down his list of forwards who reasonably belong in the top 6 and puts howard there – that feels like he’s giving the player his due. We can disagree on who he’s playing with, but that’s a different issue imo (aka, itnis a result of committing to McDrai). But if they can find a way to gel and hold their own as a legit second line, then that gives the team an interesting look and definitely puts Howard in a situation where he can impact positively as a rookie.
For me, it will be interesting to see how much patience Babcock has. KK could be both too patient with some players, while giving so little rope to others that they get yanked off a line half way through a game and then basically buried forever after. I’m hoping he gives Howard 10-20 games in the top 6 to see what he can do. As you say, the team could have cashed at least one more time thanks to Howard’s efforts, so there is a pulse there.
Leon Draisaitl — Connor McDavid — Vasily Podkolzin
Isaac Howard — Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Zach Hyman
Trent Frederic — Jason Dickinson — Kasperi Kapanen
Alex Formenton — Colton Dach — Mathieu Joseph
Currently looks like the the ongoing two forth lines issue.
Where are the goals coming from outside of top line?
— yeah Nuge wasn’t ever really a driver as a C: he was fine with Hall and Ebs
— that’s almost a decade ago and Hyman Howard << Ebs Hall. That’s 2nd line sucks IMO
— he should be 3rd line 200 foot Guy Carbo type guy that scores some.
Have you considered that the Oilers have Babcock now? This time will be different!
Babs says they just need more ice time and then they will score
For me it’s more about tactics. Knoblauch regressed the offence from Woody, who got production but couldn’t reign in enough structured play. Under Knob the attack outside of the trio was perimeter and regressed to far too much rim it around, back to the point for an unscreened shot with usually no one in for rebounds
I think they played to the corners which is why they weren’t getting to the net enough. Too much focus on keeping possession, not enough focus on how to attack. It was often painfully slow play. And the line changes, woof. Babcock seems different so far, there is still hope things improve for the regular fellas
This can be fixed if and when:
a) The lineup is healthy and Savoie bumps Howard down to the 3rd line to play with Kap.
a) they acquire a Center better than Dickenson, thereby moving JD where he belongs on the 4th line.
Ideally the Oilers target a 2C, and Nuge anchors a 3rd line that poses a threat to score.
Ryan, Formenton has NHL goals.
In 2021-22, he went 18-14-32 in 79 games for Ottawa. That’s not too shabby for a young player in the NHL. It’s as many goals as Frederic in his best season.
Exactly.
This post wins the day
With keeping McDrai together and assuming Howard or Nuge can score, then one of them should be able to join the 3rd line to add some scoring. So Formenton to line 2, Howard to line 3 and Freddy to 4. Or Dicky to 2 and Nuge to 3 with 3rd and 4th line wingers interchangeable. I think what we’ll find is that neither Howard nor Nuge can score on a third line with those wingers which to me indicates they are not a fit. Is Dicky out of his element on line 2 with Howard and Hyman?
Alternatively. Maybe just switch Formenton with Freddy for an extra couple goals per year.
It seems like a puzzle with some missing pieces unless we play the two top centres as centres.
Oilers trim the roster by five players, including Akey and Stonehouse.
Tassy, Bookman and Sjolund also assigned to the A.
I imagine Babcock has to be thinking he can rely on Podz McDrai to essentially destroy all comers. His thinking if he can make the rest of the lineup net positive, let the powerplay cook and fix the penalty kill he’s in business. It’s not a terrible plan, it just operates on a Walmart like margin.
I think missing Savoie to start the season influenced their plans a little bit.
With Savoie out, you have to spot Howard into the top 6 … while Howard has the talent to produce in a top 6 role, until he proves it, you just don’t know.
So instead, they load up the first line with McDavid-Draisaitl … but not completely. They’ve given Howard two very good pros (who are both still legit top 6 forwards). Hyman in particular is a guy that Babcock knows from Toronto, who made any line that he was on better, and still does.
I don’t mind this approach until Savoie gets back into the lineup and is up to game speed. After that, I’d like to see:
Formenton-McDavid-Hyman
Podz-Draisaitl-Savoie
Howard-RNH-Kapanen
Dach-Dickenson-Joseph
If they can fix the PK, they will win a lot of games in the early season just off the back of that. Yes, they need 1 more top 6 forward to make another Stanley Cup run, but there is lots of time to go get that player before or at the TDL.
I generally think if we can tighten up the defense enough that we are average defensively, average at pk and average at goaltending we win the division in a walk. Knoblauch got a goal away just by getting the PK going for one year. There are high highs, we just need more moderate lows.
Until Matt Savoie is ready to return:
Podz – McDavid – Drai
Howard – Nuge – Hyman
Let’s see what we got with the 1st and 2nd lines after 10 games. My guess is that the 1st line will absolutely cook, and the 2nd line will hold up okay with Howard getting a chance on a scoring line.
After Savoie returns and is up to speed:
Drai – McDavid – Savoie
Pods – Nuge – Hyman
That should give us two lines both above 50% CF and GF.
is anyone else getting these annoying white pop up things on this site? It says “Discover more
NHL Prospects
Sports news
Hockey
etc”
it’s been doing this for months but it seems to have become more aggressive today
how do we make it stop
There are ways to browse the web where you get no trackers, popups, etc. but all of those things are meant to increase revenue for the site owner so feels wrong advising you how to block these things on LT’s site.
They’re not even ads though. I think I used to get ads and that was fine. These are just links to Gemini explanations of stuff?? If I click on “Oilers fan gear” it literally just explains what oilers fan gear is.
amyways, there are ~10 of these huge white blocks when I visit the site and they don’t lead anywhere
If you use an ad blocker, you could always use the little donate button down there.
I switched to Brave a while ago but if that costs the site, maybe not a great option. I did it not for pop ups but for connection issues.
Howard needs an extended push with McDavid OR Drai (not both at the same time). Savoie preferably should not be on the same line as Howard (IMO it’s best not to load up smaller forwards on the same line)
Howard-McD/Drai-Hyman
Podz-Drai/McD-Savoie
RNH-Dickinson-Kap
Dach/Joseph-Samanski-Fred
Switch McD and Drai once in a while to see which line sticks better. One thing that’s apparent, is that the Oilers have a significant shortage of Right-shot forwards. (With no Right-shot Center at all). If only they could get a Right-Shot Dickinson or Samanski with same skill-sets.
— I agree but the thing is if McDrai together doesn’t work for Babs has the ability to suss it out in time bs doubts because he doesn’t know how the league works now
— if McDrai can’t carry two lines on their own they aren’t as good as their stats suggest : simply playing on an all star line for years.
— Suspect there is truth to that : if they were better they would figure out how to “coach up” wingers and adapt to make them great
I mean, McDrai have coached up Podz, RNH, and Hyman.
You think Hyman becomes a 50 goal guy without McD?
Does RNH become a 90 point winger without Connor?
Where is Podz without Drai?
Drai made Yamo an NHL player for a few years.
Kap looks like a bonafide top six guy with Drai.
The reason why the load up does not make sense is precisely because McDavid and Drai are so good and making wingers look like superstars. With the load up only one line is touched by the gods.
— we will find out soon enough but one of the concerns with Babs is that he’s not fundamentally any different than most of the previous coaches in one critical aspect, which is learning on the job
— All of MacT Kruger Dallas Jay Knob: never coached in the NHL learning on job.
— Tippet Hitch Quinn: out of hockey for a bunch of years so basically learning on the job.
— For Babs as he has been out of hockey for many years he’s learning on the job.
— the risk is if he can’t get team humming in first 20 games he doesn’t have anything to fall back on
— Hope for the best but Babs is next in line for coaches your hoping will learn on the job.
* thanks for the song : Hickory Wind. I never heard it but listened and it reminded of my grandfather who used to ask me to “rate” trees in terms of best to worst.ie: willows are better than cedars etc. he considered Hickory the best. I told him I thought oak was: thanks for the song and the subsequent memory flash for me
McClellan had coached for a long time before getting here and he was Babcock’s assistant in Detroit before going to San Jose. We’ve really been coaching off the Babcock tree as Babcock gave us McClellan who gave us Woodcroft.
If they are going to f ck around with Howard, they need to trade him ASAP before they crater his value.
How are they effing around with Howard?
Howard has been 2LW all camp long, he played both exhibition games including top line LW in the 2nd game.
In season, when McDavid and Drai are apart (which will happen a lot, likely opening face-off game 2 not the road at the latest), he may be with one of McDavid or Drai/
Howard is cratering his value all on his own.
Are you serious LT? Howard needs to be on a more offensive line? Nuge & Hyman aren’t enough? Or are you pulling my leg.
Three pairs of forwards had a shift in OT why no Howard? It’s all in the tea leaves when is your younger generation going to figure out that tea leaves or clues?
Hyman to Marjalla, he shoots he scores and the Oilers win it in OOOver Time.
It’s easy Rega, Marjala & others are out playing Howard .
I don’t think it’s being outplayed it’s the fit. The Oilers dropped the ball on Howard last year now we see Babcock slyly fading him even with Savoie injured. Howard should have recieved PP minutes when Hyman was hurt K.K went with the the all-star Tomasek instead. When Leon was hurt Howard should have been in his spot instead of 75% Walman. Howard will get his chance on another team that’s a better fit. Did we really expect 2 passive munchkins to fit on lines with the already passive Zach-Nuge-Connor-Leon.
Babcock said what he thinks of Howard, and realizes he’s figuring things out. Howard said he was more comfortable last game. It will take time as it does for most players
Yes. Howard’s offense isn’t so special he can drive a second line, and Nuge never brought enough to do it. I love Hyman but he got hurt last season and is at his best net-front. I don’t see it. Honestly.
If Formenton still has his game Nuge-Hyman would be better off with the speed-pressure play of Formenton. It’s worked in the past for Nuge-Hyman.
I think Babcock thinks of Nuge as Datsyuk-lite. I can’t decide if that is fair or not. I’m with you, I’m in total agreement that the twins should be mostly used to drive their own lines 5v5, in the other hand though, I think it’s fair to say that with Nuge being an elite passer, smart and defensively conscious , Hyman still has quick boots, elite forecheker and puck retrieving machine I can’t see why Howard’s high end shot and speed that line shouldn’t be able to do some damage, especially if Dickinson’s line can saw off and create some cleaner air for the first two lines. It’s going to be interesting to see it play out.
Under Nelson, with Hall hurt, Nugent-Hopkins brought it with Eberle and Pouliot.
That was a good mixture.
Okay, so now I guess they have to put Howard up with Connor & Leon on the top line to see if he can find a way to contribute in a positive manner. That sounds reasonable, because Nuge & Hyman can’t help him, and he can’t play anywhere else in the lineup for whatever reason. Makes sense to me.
That’s a lot of conclusions being made off of an exhibition game where Howard actually created more scoring chances than each of the vet top 6 players he played with.
Well considering that Nuge hasn’t been a line driver ever in his career, Hyman is a winger who is more of a goal scorer than passer, I’d suggest it pretty much explains itself.
Howard as a rookie should have a player who drives the line and then can set him up for success. Make it as easy as possible, the expectation is goal scoring,, playing him with centres that can get him the puck in good positions should be a priority.
Imo Mcdavid and Drai will be on their own lines within the first 10 games, it just doesn’t make sense. The line with those 2 together doesn’t improve that massively over Hyman being on that line instead of Drai.
Hyman was able to set up Marjala for an OT winner. And quite frankly I’m getting tired of hearing all the negativity about Nuge.
Absolutely fascinating to see Josh Brown play hockey….
The circumstances that have allowed him to pull on an Oilers jersey in the year 2026 ….
Pre season. Vets can only play 2 games. No need to panic.
Nobody is panicking but Josh’s friends and family….
Thanks to our host for pointing me to Hickory Wind. Great tune. It moreover kicked off a high-quality autoplay sequence on my music streamer – lots of great songs in the same vein I’d never heard. A very welcome tweak to the algorithms 👍🏻
Another great Gram Parsons song with the Byrds was “One hundred years from this day”.
Outstanding,way ahead of its time.He basically created Country Rock in many peoples opinions.
If you want to get into some old great country rock may I suggest, Ozark Mountain Daredevils,Marshall Tucker band,New Riders of the Purple Sage ,Poco,Commander Cody and his lost planet Airmen…to name a few
Was at the game last night….
Isaac Howard…..I mean, that was a Manitoba Moose team last night.
Those 5 on 5 numbers…..oof
I thought Babcock’s comments were spot on….I dunno about Howard.
I mean ,hope for the best…..Sam O’ Reilly is a C.
Babcock will soon figure out there are much better options than Ike Howard in the top six.
With Babcock is it surprising he’s fading Howard-Samanski?
How has he faded either?
Howard has been 2LW all camp long, he played both exhibition games including top line LW in the 2nd game.
Samanski, I agree, putting Dach ahead of him (seemingly) at 4C doesn’t line up but Samanski has played both games, last night as center on one of two exhibition lines.
I’m not saying I like it. No Howard in OT after 3 line changes is all I need to see. I knew Babcock was going to do this to Howard. He was never going to see the OT which if I’m the coach I’m pimping him 1st or 2nd line change in a nothing game which is a real opportunity to let Howard roam free. To see what the kid has instead he’s at the end of the bench opening and closing the gate with Ferderic.
Babcock likely unaware he unloading truth bombs about Howard…
Sather would have had Howard on the 1st line last year. Either this kid can score or he’s a dud he’s a 22 year-old skilled winger what you see is what you get. He’s no longer growing into his body he’s either got it or he doesn’t. They fuked around with him last year now the kid is in no man’s land. I really don’t think he’s a fit for Babcock in the top 6 even with Savoie out. I think him playing with Nuge-Hyman was doing this to appease Bowman sadly not for Howard’s benefit. I could be completely in the wrong ballpark or I’m at Wrigley field mid July for the only day game on the docket.
Question: Would it be worthwhile to sign Logan Stanley as a 7th defender?
Im watching a few other teams out there and I see some definitely building teams to intimidate, harass, and bully. Is it worth it to have a 6’7″ 240lb defender with snarl available when needed?
Had a similar thought ….Logan is only 28.
We need more bite – on occasions.
I am happy with the way this roster is shaping up. I’d spend assets on a top six winger.
Then to work around the edges, and analyzing our competition, if I needed a hammer available, I’d get the biggest one possible.
Logan Stanely is a left shot and the Oilers have Ekholm, Walman, Shea, Shakir and Stastey.
I would have him as a HARD pass.
Agreed. He also has the maneuverability of a cruise ship.
If I wanted all tools in my toolbox, I might trade one that is duplicated for one that fills a need.
i think the argument is valid. While also acknowledging it’s small potatoes. I don’t think the giant wins is games, but dam I hate watching the team get beat up. And it did happen several times.
I lamented this exact thought in yesterday’s GDT…I wasn’t suggesting we SHOULD, but that the Oilers being the Oilers might see a behemoth that scored 9 goals last year and is known for having a bit of a mean streak, might just get some of our management team aroused.
As OP pointed out very pointedly and in his typical condescending fashion and others making great points as well, I quickly realized that the thought experiment made zero sense.
Now watch Bowman sign him for 1.5m x 4. Lol
/edit
I also wanted to point out that the only reason I even brought it up is because Stauf actually brought him up as a talking point during the broadcast pumping Stanley’s tires a bit and saying that he was surprised he still hasn’t been signed by an NHL team. Got me thinking because of the track record of Stauf sometimes dropping hints and telegraphing what happens with the Oilers.
Bob is often on air doing agents favors like claiming Josh Brown has a real chance in camp this year.
Babcock does not measure with goal share, I think he sees the overall game and how each position contributes to winning.
Im not trying to pump his tires too much as I questioned the hiring. I do however, like all the verbal coming out around the team, the style, the intensity, having a systematic plan ect.
Babcock looks at pressure, softening up, winning shifts, engaging, possession, breakout and all the details. He is not measuring by goal share and particularly not judging supporting lines by goal share.
He sees the old Nuge and believes in him. He needs a big tough center so wants to grow Dach. He has not seen how other teams can defend Connor-Leon the past few seasons. I agree he is still learning and according to his statements, fully admits this.
Agreed. Although Babcock assuredly does care about goalshare. You can only win with a positive goal share. Maybe he views the stat as a team stat/ holistically, but he definitely cares about scoring more than the other team.
To be fair, goal share is useless on a game to game basis as it can vary hugely in the short term due to good or bad luck. It’s also about as useful as +/- given it is a highly team/goalie dependent stat that can be heavily skewed by the situations in which a player is used. I’m glad if Babcock is ignoring those things adter 2 preseason games.
I think his most questionable decision thus far has been the determination that they need to load up the top line, most of the other questionable decisions are kind of fallout from that one. Passing over Samanski to try Dach at C is up there as well, but given it’s the fourth line in preseason, it’s hard to get too upset.
He says he spent the off-season watching tape of the league and what has and hasn’t worked.
I presume he has indeed seem how other teams can defend Connor-Leon the past few seasons.
Then I might question his conclusions. First, one of the teams weaknesses was being a one line team when big guns played together.
The second is that Nuge was just watching and can easily drive a second line.
I think you give him too much credit.
He is also stating the team will tell him the plan, he’s just watching. The players will decide how much ice they get.
We shall see.
1) I don’t think he plans on having a one-line team. I’ve expressed many times how I think the load up will look much different than what Knob did last season which was, essentially, load them up when trailing after the 35 minute mark or a game, play them every 2nd or 3rd shift, work in a make-shift 3rd line here and there and fade 2-3 forwards completely. I believe he will be trying to keep all forwards engaged through the game while playing them together. Maybe it doesn’t work but it will be different than the last year.
2) Perhaps he has seen Nuge centre an outscoring 2nd line 3 playoffs in a row?
Josh Brown is a player in the NHL (preseason).
Why?
12-18-30 on a non-McDavid/Drai line and no PP1 team? Thats not a bad result on the 2nd year of an ELC.
If Hyman could finish we’d be talking about 2 great primary assists from Howard and him solidifying his top 6 role.
There will be plenty of McDavid and Drai split this season, in particular on the road, Howard likely with a superstar center for those shifts.
Are you saying Zach Hyman can’t finish?
I’m saying Hyman didn’t finish last night.
He was set up for two net front Grade A chances by Howard.
If he buries one (let alone both), which he would do some/most nights, the narrative on Howard’s performance changes.
That seems to the problem with Howard there’s too many ifs and buts. It’s not as if he’s not getting the opportunity, others are doing much more, with much less. When does the patience run out?
It’s been two exhibition games in his 2nd pro season. My goodness are expectations wild around here.
Also, of course, Howard was fine last night and, on many similar nights, he’d have two primary assists and we are talking about a great performance with him doing nothing different.
But the truth is we aren’t talking about a great performance , are we.
Great? Nope, definitely not.
I sure hope a fine vs. great performance in the 2nd exhibition game of his second pro season isn’t the bust threshold.
Just like every year, calls for the likes of Marjala, Tralmaks, Michaels, Leppanen to make the team based in exhibition games.
We see year after year after year how little these games mean as far as NHL readiness of these types of prospects. Essentially nothing.
These guys had good to very good games – against a team with a handful of NHL players that were going through the motions.
Good on all of them. The coach will remember is injuries pile up. These guys will play Thursday in Vancouver and then head to California.
TBF, if Leppanen looks good in preseason, then looks good in the AHL then he’ll potentially have value as part of a trade. I like him and I’m happy for him doing well, but if he plays NHL hockey for the Oilers this season something has went horribly wrong injury wise.
Carfagna I like a lot though, I could see him being a player for the Oilers in a few years.
I am very happy for the performances of all those young AHL players. Its a good start to the season, they’ve left an impression on their NHL coach which likely plays a factor when/if injuries pile up and they get 2-3-4 call-ups deep.
At the same time, every single year these exhibition game performances get over-rated and bring up conversation of making the NHL roster. Tralmaks is not making the roster because he had two good shifts on then boards. Michaels is not making the roster because he filled the lane and made a good back-track.
I think Cardigan could see games this season – said in the off-season that he was going to jump over Stilman and Brown on the depth chart and he took the next step last night.
im not sure what people really are seeing in michaels, he is a positional need yes, but he isnt that fast, his offense seems lacking, and he doesnt really have a standout skill.
They see that he’s a right shot and played center in college – that’s abut it for me.
To be fair, Marjala has shown the ability to put up solid numbers in 2 pro leagues at the age of 20-22. There might be something there apart from just a solid exhibition game. He’s only 23 too, he’s not an old prospect. I don’t think he should be lumped in with 27- and 29-year-old career minor leagers.
I don’t disagree. I’ve been talking about Marjala and his skill since early last season.
He had 60 points in the AHL, and that’s real – he was highly reliant on the PP mind you.
I’ve been saying that Carfagna and Marjala are two that could see game this season – both left and great impression on the NHL coach last night, I would think.
I don’t really recall anyone saying any of those players would or should make the team out of camp, barring several injuries. If anyone did suggest they should I missed it but there definitely hasn’t been a general consensus toyo my eye. There were several people saying some of those players were positioning themselves well for callup considerations as needed later in the season.
Not necessarily in this community this morning – but, yes, on the various post-game shows/pods last night (not just the callers but some hosts), talk about, for example, Majala now passing Howard for the NHL roster – its out there and its prominent.
Further to this, in reading through the comments now, there is one call for Marjala at 2LW.
Sure, I don’t think one person constitutes as a consensus, but yeah, either way, I think most of us agree that those players are, at best, call up options, not opening night options.
1) I never said anything about “consensus” so I’m not sure why you are using that word.
2) As mentioned in the earlier post, I’m not talking about this community specifically – As I expressed its 100% out there on various platforms and opinions expressed on call-in shows and being discussed by those with platforms that most of us consume.
Marjala and Tralmaks are going to be fun to follow in Bako. And hopefully here at some point.
by The way highly recommend got yer back last night – Dennis King was on and was excellent.
Presuming Samanski is in the NHL, Marjala will be the 1C in Bako.
I look for him to be less reliant on the PP for production this year and to be dynamite 2-ways – maybe some PK time.
For the first time in forever, at least one great puck mover on each pairing. Murphy is not too shabby (not great) and Shak has considerable offensive upside.
Ekholm/Shea – Bouchard
Walman – Murphy
Ekholm/Shea – Mukhamadullin
Emberson
I don’t think we can judge the forward lines until we see them with this D-corps.
I like Emberson and he will play a lot of games, but I think they are on the money to put Shak ahead of him. Upside galore, he must play.
I’m struggling w/playing Shak ahead of Emberson. You have a young skater still learning to process the speed of the NHL game – on his off-side. And you have Emberson who’s establishing himself (much further ahead). Unless you think Shak’s ceiling is higher.
I’m with you, my read on what Babcock is laying out is that it’s looking more like this for a pecking order:
Ek-Bouch
Walman-Murphy
Shea-Emberson
Mukh-Brown (I’d be bumping Brown down to AHL only if it was me)
Statsney
And swap Ek/Shea as required. If Walman goes down injured (heaven forbid) I like the idea of moving Shea up with Bouch and Ek playing with Murphy.
Brown is a vet and can only play 2 exhibition games. He’s played both and will be in the Condors’ lineup for their first exhibition game on Friday (or at least assigned to that team).
Emberson is a fantastic 3RD and improved his puck moving speed last year.
Shakir needs to play and play most nights.
Its a tough question right now – injuries will solve is shortly unfortunately.
Agreed on Shak. Emberson is a fine third pair guy but there is so little upside there. Shak has tons of upside. And he is huge.
i think you make the investment into playing shak early in the year, let him iron out kinks, he is likely viewed as the natural successor to ekholm longterm.
I will say I like the potential of the D this season. Health will be a factor but getting Muk back was a huge plus in that trade. I like the D setup much better than the bottom 9 forwards after line 1.
One benefit to Howard playing away from McDavid and Draisaitl is that he can play more assertively against slightly lesser competition. We have to measure production but I don’t think Howard necessarily has to play with one of the big two from day one in order to be a productive player. Matt Savoie had an extremely effective rookie campaign and only played the last quarter or third or so of the season with McDavid. Podkolzin has been wildly effective for two seasons now but really only transitioned to a permanent top six fixture last season.
Perspective is important — top 6 with Huge and Hyman is a relatively plum position for a rookie. We have had many top sixers come through who started in worse positions. Ideally, Howard establishes his game in the same way Podz did — and then you get the big two begging to play with him.
I really like what Babcock said about Nuge — essentially giving him the mandate to drive a line. Nuge is aging, sure, but I do think he is a very fine offensive player who at times defers too much. He is a much more effective player when he establishes that wicked shot of his. Too often the last two years it has been off the mark. When he had that 100 point season a few years ago, it was money.
I’m going to reserve judgement on the lines until the 5 game mark of the regular season. I see no harm in seeing if the current triokas can develop some chemistry.
If getting a top 6 wing spot with a guy who scored 50 and another guy whom has put up 100 points in a season isn’t a fair shot for a rookie I don’t know what is.
LT, 100% agree, this is yet again a 1 line offense. They will HAVE to split the two stars up, at least initially. Compare Howard to Savoie’s progression/experience. They are different players, yes, but look for Howard to take at least half if not 3/4 year to figure it out just as Savoie did. Now lets hope and pray he does figure it out but he will need to play.
Formenton, love it or hate it was an important signing for this team, if he can post some offense, damn important.
Maybe they should have a look at Marjala on the second line with Nuge & Hyman.
Or yeah… lets hope & pray Howard figures it out
I don’t dislike chances. Marjala is only 23 and is on the radar now with a nice game last night. He will need to go down and rip it up.
Howard deserves a chance after his effort and play in the AHL last year.
We get it. You don’t like
Howard and don’t believe in him.
Not sure how many times you need to say it over and over.
Just so you know that wasn’t me that gave you that down vote.
Yeah I’m the Anti-Howard, until he actually shows up and does something.
He got credit for a blocked shot last night, that was pretty special.
If Hyman was able to finish late night he’d be getting credit for two great set-ups for primary assists.
IF only Bouchard-Pisani shots deflect off the post and IN we would have 7 Cups and be considered the greatest organization since the first expansion.
OK – doesn’t change the fact that Howard actually created two near goals, more than his vet center did – and he’s the one supposed to finishing off what his linemates create, not driving.
Hickory Wind is a great song, especially considering the biography of the man who wrote it.
A monumental waste and self-destruction. Esepecially with Emmy Lou Harris as his gf.
Parsons is tragic. A man who essentially invented country rock pissed it all away.
Even Keith Richards hated him for it.
But Hickory Wind is no metaphor for Howard. The Oilers do not exist to ensure he is a line mate of McDavid or Draisatl. Howard is not great talent.
LIke Savoie, Howard is genuine trade bait.
The Oilers do need real quality in the top 6, and need it quickly.
Vancouver and Winnipeg are obvious trading partners, Sooner the better.
Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris were duet partners, musical partners, and touring partners but he was married to Gretchen Parsons, who kept a close eye on him. I think lore has it that Emmylou’s babysitter connected them musically, the rest is gossip. Richards was friends with Parsons and is quoted as saying he misses him. Mick Jagger was the one who was jealous of the bromance.
Parsons had a messed up family life in Florida,his family owned a plantation was rich but all abused alcohol, lost it all.He escaped, but could never escape, it appears.He did invent country rock,Roger Mcguin of the Byrds was jealous of his talent and scrubbed out some of his vocals and replaced them with his.After Sweet Heart was recorded,they left some of Grams but most of his lead vocals were lost.He brought in the pedal steel sound that many groups imitated including Poco,New Riders of the Purple sage and others
.
I think it was Chris Hillman who told Parsons about Emmylou. I recall Gram saying in an interview Hillman told him she was ‘just a folk singer’ but he could teach her country. Parsons called her up, met her at the train station, she took him back to her house and they sang for hours. He couldn’t believe how well she sang and how much she knew about country music. He picked the most difficult duet he could think if (That’s All It Took). My favourite duet from Parsons/Harris is Love Hurts.
The defence defended well – but failed in their other job of transitioning the puck to the forwards in a way that allowed them to attack. No Visnovskys back there for sure. The wingers especially had to struggle all night because of the lack of quality passes.
Walman specifically alarmed me in this regard – but hopefully he’s just getting the rust off.
They must have missed Bouchard.
Murphy
lookedis slow (fixed it for you! Ha).I hope the few games is enough to demonstrate the need to separate the twins. They raise four other boats on the team (wingers) when apart – only one when together. There are enough wingers to make it work.
I think it’s going to take Babcock a lot longer to figure out the roster than people expect. Short camp and the guy has been away for 5 years. I expect at least a month of experimenting.
I agree. Fans are going to need to be patient early in the year. Might be November before this engine is humming.
That’s fair, but it’s easy to say this in late September when the games don’t count.
It was VERY interesting listening to Dennis King on the Got Yer Back Podcast last night postgame and his impressions. LT – you NEED to get him on your show.