I find myself conflicted this morning. I want to put the boots to running McDavid-Draisaitl on the same line on a night when Larry from accounting made the pre-game skate because he plays center in beer league. That’s a damn ridiculous decision. Come on.
On the other hand, the Oilers five-on-five GA-60 (2.16) and expected GA-60 (2.26) are both inside the top 10 in the NHL. Last year, the GA-60 (2.76) was No. 26 and the expected GA-60 (2.63) was No. 13. This is a small sample (seven games), but it’s better than a year ago. Work to do, but Babcock has some positive stories to tell.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OCTOBER
- At home to: Vancouver (Expected 1-0) Actual 0-0-1
- On the road: Vancouver (Expected 1-0) Actual 1-0-0
- At home to: Seattle (Expected 1-0) Actual 1-0-0
- On the road to: Anaheim, San Jose, Los Angeles (1-1-1) Actual 3-0-0
- At home to: Mammoth (1-0) Actual 0-1-0
- On the road to: Mammoth (0-0-1)
- At home to: Minnesota, Carolina, Toronto, Detroit, Calgary (3-2)
- On the road to: New York Islanders (1-0)
- Expected Record: 9-3-2, 20 points in 14 games
- Actual Record: 5-1-1, 11 points in seven games
THE NUMBERS
- Podkolzin-McDavid-Draisaitl 16:36, 12-4 shots, 1-0 goals, 69X
- Formenton-Michaels-Joseph 8:37, 4-2 shots, 0-1 goals, 54X
- Hallander-Frederic-Kapanen 4:40, 2-2 shots, 12X
- Jones-Frederic-Kapanen 3:52, 0-1 shots, 62X
- Howard-Samanski-Hallander 2:25, 1-1 shots, 23X
The top unit rolled again, The two coaches ran power v power (McDavid versus Schmaltz, with Sergachev-Weegar pairing) and the Oilers came out on top. Mammoth are tight checkers, not as much time and space, plus it was a rough game with too many minutes for the stars. Those heavy minutes impact this game and the next one. Always do.
The Michaels line sruprised me. The trio played 4:34 versus the Trochek line, and went 2-1 shots, 0-1 goals and 65X. That’s solid. The line scored an even strength goals as well, impressed with this young player.
The top line had six HDSC’s, the other lines three HDSC (Joseph, Frederic and Kapanen). There are good complementary players here, but Draisaitl needs to go into the middle. Playing Frederic at center was a choice, but why not run him with one of McDavid or Draisaitl for a couple games? Better yet, Ike Howard!!
If the regular season doesn’t matter, and playing 97-29 together last night indicates a belief this is an extended exhibition season, why not Frederic or Howard in the top six?
- Ekholm-Bouchard 17:27, 12-5 shots 1-0 goals 67X
- Shea-Murphy 12:45, 2-3 shots, 53X
- Mukhamadullin-Emberson 10:12, 3-7 shots, 0-1 goals 32X
- Shea-Bouchard 3:33, 1-0 shots 25X
- Devon Levi 20 of 23, .870
The top pairing was effective, the second pair did well considering the level of competition and the forwards in front of them (mostly Samanski line). I like Shea but he really has to be the creative one on the pairing and I think he defers to Murphy (a mistake).
Third pair is a problem, but early results suggest it isn’t Ty Emberson’s fault. Here are the GA-60 through seven games for blue:
- Evan Bouchard 0.92
- Mattias Ekholm 0.98
- Ty Emberson 1.05
- Ryan Shea 1.43
- Connor Murphy 2.33
- Jake Walman 5.25
- Shakir Mukhamadullin 7.31
Walman and Mukhamadullin have to be better. Way better. The Dickinson injury is just a continuation of veteran acquisitions not being able to answer the bell physically after being acquired at great expense.
On the Lowdown today, we will be joined by Steve Lansky from Inside the Truck podcast to talk about the Oilers-Mammoth. We’ll also help tee up the Elks game at Commonwealth. Noon to 2pm, Sports 1440 and You Tube.
As having had Grandparents escape the Russian Revolution all I can honestly say is end censorship, just because you disagree doesn’t make you king shit.
We all know why Babcock is loading it up so we can get an early lead and hang on. Four minute minors don help the cause splinting the lines up with chicken shit isn’t going to make chicken salad.
Summarizing!
An abundance of soup was had, starting with Lewandowski scoring his 4th and adding two assists. He was named 3rd star for his efforts.
Harvey had a trio of apples in a Windsor rout.
Lafreniere scored his 2nd and had a helper.
Wakely had two assists while going winning 12 of 20 draws (60.0%).
Berzkalns tied the game late for his 1st goal of the year, then scored in the shootout in a losing effort.
Robinson drew an assist and had a game-high 6 SOG.
Sharp, Fischer and Barnett were not resoupients.
Cameron watched from the bench.
Park did not dress.
I don’t think you ever get enough credit for how appreciated you are around these parts, thank you for your updates and everything that you contribute.
I second that motion.
What a dramatic and heartwarming win for the Ottawa RedBlacks.
You never forget your first!
Crazy finish. Those fans deserved it.
Time to tune in the leaches Monday.
Mike Kelly
@MikeKellyNHL
Mike Babcock said things would be different with this year’s Edmonton Oilers.
Six games in, there’s a noticeable stylistic difference from years past, leading to some excellent defensive and overall results… @NHLMedia
https://x.com/MikeKellyNHL/status/2110832801683521629?s=20
The early analytics crowd was wrong about controlled entries and dumping in the puck.
— thanks for sharing this. What an unbelievable summary and startling difference yoy
— I learned so much about the tactics of this team in that small clip.
I’m loving the standing up at the blue line and the McDavid line is playing brilliantly across 200 feet. Big Leon is choo-choo-choosing the hard work every time.
Shea is a revelation what an impressive quiet game.
The McDavid Oilers relationship with the Stanley Cup:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B5h-98tHx4s
Just dropping in with three observations
– McDavid and Driaisaitl have come out of the chute blazing hot but I guess that was to be expected. After lobbying ownership, management, other team members and the fans to get on side with the Babcock hiring they have a lot of skin in the game to make this all work out..We will see if they can sustain it for a season and whether the other 20 players stay on side with this coach ,his system and his coaching style.
– In August we heard a lot from the teams leadership group, coaches and management about how everyone was going to be ready to go from the first practice in preseason and they were .Players were going full out from the first day of training camp learning this new system of high paced, aggressive, heavy fore checking hockey . Actually kind of similar to KK’s system in the 2024-2025 playoff run ,but they did not ramp up to that aggressive stye until the playoff run. I read it was determined to be to hard on the bodies too sustain it to long but in the playoffs the players know that a summer of rest is just around the corner . But, this is October and we are 6 games in so we will see If the oilers can keep playing this heavy game for another 78 games and then some playoffs. Will we have enough healthy bodies by January to be competitive ? We will see ..
– I don’t watch as much Oiler hockey as I used to because of my opinions of the management decisions, Babcock etc. ,but when I do I am taken aback by what I see when the camera pans to the bench ..It seems that every time they do the head coach is walking up and down behind the bench screaming at the players his face all red and eyes bulging like some cartoon caricature . My Friend and I are debating as to whether he is going to make it to January with out either having a stroke or one of the players is going to stand up turn around and drop him . We will see
I for one have not seen the head coach walking up and down the bench screaming.
And I do watch every game.
Some people’s narratives narrative, regardless of reality. Lol
That being said, Babcock is definitely not a shrinking violet and for sure is far more animated and communicative than any of our recent coaches but, at least so far has been a positive and not a negative.
Per Gregor:
All good news.
For me, Nuge is the most important right now (can actually play center, massive on the PP, helps on the 6 on 5, helps on the PK, etc.) but Hyman and Walman back will be massive.
I’ve said they Oilers may win if they had Nuge last night (PP and 6 on 5 if nothing else) and the same applies to a lesser extent with Walman (does that third goal happen and, also Walman on the PP over Shak and/or Shea would be big).
If both forwards are in, I expect Jones and one of Samanski and Howard out – probably Howard so they have 4 natural centers (plus Drai).
Lets not forget, the one game Babcock had Hyman, McDavid and Drai were split.
Assessment period needs a break after that loss Babcock needs to limit losing streaks and at least get a point. I can see us with a split it’s hard to win back to back games against the same team. Big start for Jarry he wins this game I give him starts until he loses outright.
Did anyone see which player ‘grabbed a guys head’ on the bench minor? I didn’t see it on the broadcast but Babs mentioned it in the presser post game.
Why is half the team hurt are they overtraining in the long off-season? Is it bad luck? Is it Babcock pressure style? Is it because preseason was too short? Is it a case of it’s a long season so why play at 85%. I’ve never seen so many regular players up front hurt to begin a season.
It is because Bowman has a fetish for acquiring oft-injured players, e.g., Dickinson, Walman, Anderson, Dach, you get the idea.
Yes, if this team wins it all, the most impressive thing for me will be doing it in spite of Bowman’s terrible track record in many areas.
Frederic as well. Dach is 23 how can he possibly miss so much time for various injuries. If a replacement player like Michaels keeps improving while Dickinson is during Dickinson things then make Jason earn his playing time back when he finally returns. Same goes for Walman who looked like superman in the playoffs then his Agent-Bowman couldn’t get the extension signed fast enough. I do think Connor-Leon need a break from carrying the load every game. Babcock is an excellent buffer for the after a loss circus that Connor-Leon were on their own with K.K. Time for Hyman to come back and help Connor-Leon who are on an island leadership wise.
Age is catching up to them.
Not only are older players more susceptible to injury but they generally take longer to recover.
Likely a combination of reasons, but I’m hoping the team is getting more serious about resting players with a minor injury so it doesn’t turn into something big
I don’t think Babcock puts up with players coasting. I’ve never liked Babcock but K.K glazed doughnut look had run its course. It’s actually a revelation to see a coach that is teaching the players in the moment. A coach that is working just as hard as the players one that is barking at the Refs when it is warranted. Babcock has taken the after game heat off the players as he can out speak Spector and the rest of the paid for pot stirrers into the ground.
So if noone gets called up.
Samanski McDavid Howard
Podkolzin Draisaitl Kapanen
Formenton Michaels Joseph
Jones Frederic Hallander
Howard and Samanski had the lowest toi last game. Zero chance they get promoted to line one.
Apparently Hallander played with Crosby and was good. I’d try him there over Samanski.
I dunno, Samanski has been pretty atrocious to be honest. Even with this depleted roster I am not sure he should even be in the top 12, let alone line 1. He needs to straighten out his game.
Not much Samanski can do when they attach a boat anchor like Jones or Frederic too him.
Frederic has been light years better then Samanski this season.
Samanski is easily my biggest disappointment so far, now Jones has been worse but Ive never thought Jones was a player to begin with.
I believe he’s taken 4 minors in limited minutes in 6 games. His minors have not been a big check or because he’s tougher in engagement plays. His minors have been at the wrong time because he’s trying too hard with the pace of play. I would rather have Clattenburg who’s a middleweight which means every player including Keller-Guenther-Cooley-Yamamoto or in play to continually get hammered. Mike needed some spice half way through that game. Clattenburg gives that honest effort that inspires his linemates, stick him with Frederic and watch Frederic perk-up and have that Boston Pulse from 2 years ago.
Clattenburg is going to the wrong way in Bako right now – taking bad minor penalties from the 4thl one in the AHL.
Not as many bad minors as Samanski.
He’s created more for the opposition than Samanski has.
Whether you like it are not Clattenburg brings energy and he will see Oiler action this year. As for Samanski if he continues to take lazy penalties he’s getting fired right back into Eakins Sun.
Enough with the boring Utah game if the dregs don’t have the spunk then call up Clattenburg.
Why wouldn’t I like it? I’m an Oilers and Condors fan and am cheering for Clattenburg to succeed.
From watching the games and following the Condors, Clattenburg’s arrows are firmly down – called out by his coach again for bad penalties and poor positional play.
Atrocious may be a bit aggressive for a player that has a positive goal share and been on the ice for one goal against at 5 on 5. The penalties have become a thing mind you.
How is the PK so bad still? Obviously missing Nuge but otherwise…
Babs is trying to play a pressure pk. Right now it looks more like a chase pk. It’ll get better.
Much of the league has gone to a more static pk.
Thoughts:
I’d take lots over Max Jones, including Marjala an Raty and Hutson but note that Marjala has a very tough stretch on Sunday, the type that will keep him of a Babcock team – primarily responsible for two goal against on successive shifts (both with horribly weak net front battles and one of them also with a terrible o-zone turnover prior to the bad back-track and net front battle.
This is unfortunate to hear but I agree this makes it a highly unlikely recall.
It does seem like will over skill is going to be the key to call ups and cracking the roster. As much as I like our start, this approach is problematic for a team needing an infusion of young skill.
Your dislike for Jones is only matched by your dislike for Brad Malone.
I liked the way Max Jones played late last season, was happy with the re-sign and hopeful he could find some consistency at his top game.
He’s been by far the team’s worst forward this year making multiple mistakes each game in the defensive zone. I don’t hate Max Jones, I don’t like the way he’s playing hockey this season and he’s been a liability. It just is what it is (as I see it).
I have given Brad Malone huge kudos as an important member of the Condors during his time in the org – great captain.
We deal with this a lot when coaching high end players.
Coaches always demand ultra high compete but sometimes over compete leads to the brain shutting off.
Max maybe doesn’t have the highest hockey sense to begin with but his over compete leads to expected results in my opinion.
It was a real yeoman’s effort last night given the line up, and that’s a real positive. But, there were some disappointments though.
PP unit #1 was poor and this was not impacted by injuries.
The PK was not good either, and this mostly wasn’t impacted by injuries either.
Shak’s play on the 2nd GA was devastatingly poor.
Did Frederic play? He was invisible.
Can’t wait to see this team once injured players return.
Missing Nuge and Hyman certainly impacts PP1 in my opinion.
By injuries I meant sudden injuries impacting last night’s line up…so Dicky.
I do believe we are seeing extended pre-season, though it was forced upon them due to injury. There are some positives in these early evaluations if you look for them.
Babcock wants to prove his system so badly, hes gone stubborn. I think he made some good points, I particularly like involving the entire team, assigned roles…ect.
However, as the team has lost 6 NHL starters, they are down on talent. To stick to “my system works” is admirable but perhaps needs adapting if you don’t have all the tools.
The plan:
A super line
A reasonably experienced, fully capable team to support
A couple developing young players
They don’t have this. Adapting is necessary. Having a plan B or C is a good thing.
I’m surprised to see expected goal shares above 50% for 2 non-McDrai lines and the 2nd pairing.
Two things worry me. One we’re right back to the old did Connor & Leon get at least four combined points last night? If so we won, if not we lost conundrum. Two this superline decision was telegraphed months ago before the Oilers even hired Mike Babcock, at the time some people felt it was just another Bob Stauffer prediction but yet here we are in the middle of October. Who is actually calling the shots here? Babcock,Bowman,McDavid or god help us the owner himself.
Or God’s God help us, Stauffer calls the shots.
The Oilers are 20-12 goals at 5 on 5.
They are killing it overall at 5 on 5 and are 5-1-1.
The refusal to break up the super line is interesting. It would immediately give the team two lines that are a threat to score.
I would expect them to just shake that off and get ready for the next one. For a team minus some key players they’ve stepped up to a 5-1-1 record to start the season. They’re finding ways to win and as Babcock says they’re figuring out who can play. They just need to hold on until they get some bodies back, the season has 77 games left buckle up.
I agree with what you said, the problem happening in real time is WHO is stepping up and showing they can play? Lines 2 – 4 have not been good against bottom teams.
Seattle is 5-1-1 minus the Oilers loss
Anaheim is 4-1 minus the Oilers loss
San Jose is 4-2 minus the Oilers loss
All 3 teams have beaten other good to great clubs across the league.
I would say McDavid, Draisaitl, Podkolzin, Kapanen, Micheals, Formenton, Joseph, Frederic, Hallander, Bouchard, Ekholm, Shea, Murphy, Emberson & Levi have all shown they can play. As well I would say Hyman , Nuge, Savoie, Dickinson, Dach, Walman & Jarry have also proven themselves over the years. We haven’t seen the full squad perform together yet, so i’ll reserve judgement.
Oilers lose the special teams game and the game overall.
First regulation loss of the season, 7 games in.
Missing 3 top 6 forwards, missing their shut down center, missing their 2nd highest paid defender, missing patty dach supremacy.
Coaches badly need to get their special teams sorted out, otherwise them and their team are doing a spectacular job over coming this early season injury bug.
They’re 1 of 2 teams in the entire league with only 1 regulation loss, maybe the coaches aren’t elite, maybe evidence of the standings suggest the sky isnt falling.
Its been a splendid start to the season, let’s hope they get some bodies back and things really start to take off.
Yeah they’re missing Patty Dach Supremacy.
Correct.
Seeing this live from about row 17 Oilers attacking end twice, it was extremely clear there is the top unit and then what felt like the Bakersfield Condors.
Utah seems like Carolina West, good top to bottom and well organized.
Game went as I predicted sadly with the top unit unable to win the day by themselves.
Refs were useless and the bench minor was ridiculous, gee I can’t imagine why they were yelling.
Gotta say live it is extremely difficult to tell any of the bottom 9 forwards apart at all, other than maybe Kapanen.
I will give the team credit for the effort – this wasn’t one of those midseason games where the Oilers are sleepwalking and you feel like they should be paying you to watch.
They are trying, the talent simply isn’t there. This is on Bowman, but it’s also on Holland and Jeff Jackson as well.
No need to beat a dead horse, they say, but this is the internet so I’ll just say: Holloway and Broberg would solve a lot of problems. Alas.
I’m very curious about the ‘this is on Bowman’ sentiments. They are missing 4 of their top 9 and 5 of the top 12, plus an experienced 4/5 D and their presumed starting goalie. How much depth was Bowman supposed to acquire?
That is valid, my point with Bowman is they have a bunch of the same type of player. My Settlers of Catan comment the other day was the same thing. How many replacement level grinders do we need?
It’s a 10-hour drive from Bakersfield to Salt Lake. Hopefully, Clattenburg got an early start this morning and arrives in time to work on faceoffs.
Not many 4th line/no special teams AHL wingers get called up to play center.
excuse me? clattenburg will not be called up and will not be taking faceoffs. he is a winger not a center.
I do hope they spit them up. Hyman back means Mcdavid has his security blanket. So maybe they can put it together, assuming Michaels line stays together.
Howard-McDavid-Hyman
Podz-Draisatl-Kapanen
Formenton-Michaels-Joseph
Hallander-Samanski-Frederic
this can work
Seems like a no brainer to me if Hyman is back.
What has Howard done to be promoted to the first line? He has to earn that. Not so far. No gifts in the NHL.
I think this is “you gotta give in order to receive” type of gift.
What has Kapanen done this season to earn top 6 time? He’s 1-5 goals and full value for that.
What did Dach do to earn playing center and 2nd line before he was hurt? No points and 0-4 goals.
Its not about “earning”, its about icing a lineup that gives the team the best chance to win on the given night and there is a reasonable argument that putting the skilled wingers with a skilled center is prudent – its not like Howard’s effort or compete should be in question.
Again, last night’s result is a testament to the incompetence of Bowman.
The Oilers more genuine offensive quality. Stop the delusions that any exists on what was dressed last night on the bottom three lines.
It is not about playing Draisatl and McDavid apart. It is about finding actual quality on the second and thrid lines in terms of offence at the NHL level. Not the AHL level or the NCAA>
Another point – how can Walman and Dickinson be injured incessantly? Or even Hyman and RNH?
Is that all part of some perverse intention to play the “challenged” to see how “challeged” they really are?
Utterly ridiculous.
But expect inaction and decline.
Words to live by: “what would Vegas do”? Inaction and auditions not.
Considering that was their first regulation loss of the season it should be a testament of the competence of Bowman.
Missing 5 of the top 12 forwards. I can see an argument for acquiring another difference maker on offence, but a close loss to a strong team while missing 5 of the top 12 and 4 of the top 9 doesn’t seem like a ‘fire the GM’ offence.
It’s verite, EVERYTHING is a ‘fire the gm’ offence.
I am more interested in how and why verite/verdad started to write more complete sentences.
Before it was just drive by comments that were succint and poorly spelled like:
“FIRE HOLAND HE IS ABJECT INCOMPTENT”
And now he is all
“Again, last night’s result is a testament to the incompetence of Bowman.”
Maybe AI isn’t all bad…
One regulation loss, seven games into the season, and the team somehow is inadequate? What a take! Let’s see when the real 2nd line is back what happens. Pushing players down to their more reasonable place in the lineup will change a lot of things. If the teams stumbles then, well, grumble away. Until then, I like Bowman’s work in getting players that can at least get us through some pretty substantial missing pieces.
This team is going nowhere unless they get healthy.
Last night was a great game considering the injury issues.
This team is in survival mode until it get healthy. So far Babcock has done a great job scraping together points without a second line.
Spec asked coach last night if Dickinson’s ankle was becoming a concern and coach said not because its not his ankle that kept him out last night.
Not sure if it being a different/new injury is a good or bad thing – I think its “good”?
————-
Coach said he played the big guys too much last night but said “I’m trying to survive” which I interpreted as meaning getting through the injuries.
He keeps talking about getting people back soon and being deeper – here is hoping it actually happens at some point.
Wasn’t the Dickinson injury from blocking a slapper versus LA or did I imagine that? You’d think it’s bruising (and not a broken bone).
Babcock is alluding to it being a separate injury from the one last season that was still healing earlier this season.
Older players get injured more often. We shouldn’t count on Nuge, Hyman, Walman, Dickinson and others over 30 because the miles on them and inability to recover quickly is a thing. Oilers haven’t been adding youth, which makes it doubly difficult. Look at the team they lost last to last night. Young young young.
Not to mention, some of these guys, Walman and Dickinson, have lengthy histories of injuries.
I think it was Scott Reynolds that years ago looked into what predicts injuries, and he decided it was previous injury. I don’t see it happening soon, but it would be prudent to try to move on from Walman and possible Dickinson. I like both players, but they don’t help enough if always nicked up or not available
The Oilers have a lot of forwards in uniform playing in the NHL. Doesn’t make them NHL calibre players though. When everyone is healthy do they have 12 NHL forwards playing at the right level?
McD- Drai- Pod; Nuge– Hyman- Savoie; Dickinson – maybe Howard (that’s 8 top 9 players) Kapanen- Joseph- Michaels- Formenton (4th liners)
Frederick has been sub-replacement level his whole time with the Oilers. If he finishes the year at this same level, he’s a buy-out candidate. Dach and Samanski, borderline NHL’ers.
And you should expect at any time of the year to have a couple guys out injured, even more so during the grind of the play-offs.
— while many have argued that”wait until they all come back healthy” you have nailed it IMO
— these guys except Savoie are older and getting more injured and there is no assurances that they all come back 100% and play hard for rest of season at previous levels.
— we currently have set the lines with one line that has a legitimate C : that’s a joke
Do you think the organization is getting the message?
They traded Nurse who could be counted on, yet kept Walman who’s play was questionable before the Nurse trade and injury history was known. Walman showed a flash of talent, then went quiet.
This year as they stare at the injury board do they see the need for youth? Because if they did, you would think Howard would be on top line tomorrow.
Some credit though. Each deadline trade tried to include a younger non established player for cheap acquisition. Dach, Jones, Shakir, Formenton, Hallander (bit older)
Yet Bowman is really making up for his big mistake which was Holloway and Broberg. He maybe owns 25% of this decision making as Jackson was driving the bus at this time and Bowman would have been heavily influenced by those folks already inside the org. Still, given the cap this year, these guys really should be kicking themselves not only in overall poor management to create the problem, but in not biting the bullet and keeping their first two rounders on the team
Still – Howard and Savoie – potential top six.
Next first rounder going out – better be for a top six player under the age 24
Oilers have added some youth: Podz, Savoie, Dach, Emberson, Shakir, Levi, Samanski, Formenton, Hallander, Howard
The average age of Utah is 28.3, the average age of Edmonton is 28.28
“Trying to survive” is an interesting comment. If that is your only plan at present, what were your actions?
It looks like your actions are exactly same game plan with different players. Then praying.
His game plan has led to a VERY good start to the season, even without many available players.
In fairness to Babcock there really isn’t a great strategy to coach through 4 top 9 guys being hurt.
Team quality of comp has to be factored into the first 6 games. The quality is high bar from last night and the next 5 games. This sample size will probably give us more answers about this team than the first 6 games.
See what Babcock comes up with.
But all of us as fans for many years, know the ONE TRICK PONY (ONE LINE PONY) will not hold up against the Top Teams with depth throughout their lineups.
Ryan Nugent Hopkins may have been the difference between a win and a loss tonight.
His special teams play, in particular on the PP and the 6 on 5 is sorely missed.
Last night did seem like a nice opportunity to split McDavid and Drai but, at the end of the day, the Oilers outscored 2-1 at 5 on 5. They lost this game on special teams. clearly
We don’t talk enough about Walman being out. Yes, I know he struggled early but he was better in his time with Emberson (as opposed to Shakir on his right side) and is simply a better and more valuable player than Shakir right now – he also could have helped the PP2 time – I mean, with Ekholm in the box, they had Shea and Shakir out there.
They could have outscored by a wider margin, and unlocked some complementary offense. That was a poor decision by Babcock, and he could easily have reduced wear on both 97 and 29 by splitting them up. Theres no way to sugarcoat stubborn, believe e. I watched MacT do the same blasted things 20 years ago. WHY did MacT put Scott Ferguson on the other wing? Because he didn’t want Jani Rita on his team. Why does Babcock play Howard on the fourth line when the team needs skill forwards for the top six? This isn’t a difficult answer.
The coach could put Howard with McDavid, but who would provide help on the right side legitimately with last night’s iced roster that would make a strong scoring line? Hallander? No. Frederic? No. Jones? Lol. Breaking up the Michaels line? Formenton? Blah. Joseph? No.
They should send Jones to outerspace and call up Hutson. But there’s less then zero chance any coach is going to ice Howard/McDavid/Hutson.
One change I would make is sending out Ekholm over Shea in do or die situations, he’s superior in every facet.
Great question, who are McDavid wingers if Drai and Podz are back with Kap.
Maybe Howard is one, based on reputation of being a scorer, but my eyes don’t see him impacting the game much thus far. It’s a dog’s breakfast right now.
Let’s be honest 7:46-11:06 (2:46-3:40 a period) minutes a night is a hard amount of time to make a judgement for a fan. We aren’t watching practice, we aren’t seeing all the extra training, just those small glimpses we notice him on the ice.
The Oilers once called up the entire Bill McDougall line with Dan Currie and I forget the LW (Scott Thornton?) and played them as the 4th line.
It would make sense to run Howard, Samanski, and Hutson, but Bowman has a Max Jones fetish.
They could have outscored by a wider mating or perhaps they would have been outscored by more – you/we simply do not know.
I understand your reasonable opinion that it was a bad decision.
Its been commented on already that Shakir is an incomplete player. Frankly, as a throw in for dumping the 9.25M contract, he is better than could be expected, but he is still incomplete. The second goal against (I believe, I was listening as I was driving) was on him not playing NHL defence.
If he is a developing bottom pair D, then we have to live with the warts while he improves. The real question to consider is if he is continuing the make the same mistakes 30 games down the road, or if there is a measured improvement. Meanwhile, if the other 6 D (Bouch, Ek, Walman, Shea, Emberson, Murphy) play at their expected level, he is not a bad 7D to have on hand.
That goal was brutal and could be about miscommunication between Shaky and the forward running backtrack, but imo that’s on the D.
I can’t remember which player said this first – I’ve heard it a few times from NHL coaches and defensemen: “Never trust forwards.” (i.e. make certain yourself)
Paying first round picks for declining 3rd line centers has really hurt this team. First of all you should only trade first round pick for top 6 F or Top 4 D. We really could have used those assets to bring in a good forward.
hope Babcock can dump Walman on someone in the offseason. Can’t stay healthy enough to contribute and Shea seems like will steal his lunch
even though Levi is small he looks bigger than skinner in net
If Babcock starts making deals, maybe Bowman should spend some time on the bench.
Prospectimation!
Another busy day means little preamble.
Everyone is in action but Berry.
Games start at 5 p.m. Maleb time
For a 24 year old player if you look at his hockey DB Makhamudullin hasn’t played alot of hockey. He’s played almost 90 NHL games and 80 some odd AHL games and he had one full KHL season before that. I suspect he needs to play another 160 games to get it and may be a servicable defenseman after that. But the Oilers aren’t really in develop young defenseman mode.
Agreed, it’s the old “at bats” thing again. We’ll know a lot more by the end of this season me thinks, but as you say we’re not really a development team.
All teams that want to stay competitive need to develop players as they go. The change in the salary landscape is going to affect what teams do as well. A lot of the league doesn’t have the revenue to spend to the upper limit with it rising so quickly. We are lucky that as it stands the Oilers can, and the owner is on board
The counter to my point is that perhaps the Oilers can start getting better experienced players from teams that can’t afford to pay them, so the need to develop players lessens
Walman, Dickenson, Frederic, Murphy….your strategy has been an epic fail so far.
Shea is stilling passing to Murphy thinking Eric Karlsson is over there. He may be more than fine in a top 4 role in a complementary role, but he may not be a real driver of a pair.
Definitely a costly poor play on the goal against but as the game went on I thought he actually had a lot of good events.
Last year the oil had to survive those poor play goals against by vet defenders. So many lack of awareness/ poor stick tie ups / poor box outs/ lost battle net front goals against.
I wasn’t a fan of John Mayer until I saw him live at New Orleans Jazz Fest all the way back in 19 dickety-doo (2013). I kind of found his recordings to be a bit meh (I’m usually on the rockier/edgier/weirder side of the ledger with what I listen to). Then, under duress from my good friend he insisted that we check out John Mayer’s set, and man was I surprised. Live John Mayer is a completely different beast from the recordings. All I’ll say is the tone, that guitar tone. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room was an absolute standout from the show.
Now speaking of tone, I did see BB King earlier that day and despite being in his latter days man could he still perform. The voice, the aura, Lucille.
Fantastic festival in a fantastic city. One day I’ll return.
Why aren’t the goalie numbers presented as 5 on 5?
This feels like a situation of how long will Babcock be stubborn and run the Glimmer Twins with three 3rd lines until the losses pile up. If we start winning again with this formula, the coach will stick to his guns.
Watching the Mammoth limit Mc-Drai to one goal is the tactic all teams will attempt to replicate but so far they’re the only team to execute it successfully.
An elite coach will recognize that the current lines won’t work long term within a few games. Is Babcock still an elite coach?
I think you are overly kind to the three 4th lines.
— yeah I’m with you and LT on this.
— I could literally do a search and cut and paste from previous years my same comment :” while it’s great to see McDrai light it up together and have impressive stats and do incredible things in regular season they will be shut down by strong teams when it matters in long playoff rounds making the team easy to beat: limit McDrai and the Oil can’t beat you”
— it’s rinse and repeat no matter the coach
— is it because Conner and Drai aren’t really as elite as C if they don’t have each other and can’t coach up two wingers each?
— Is Nuge just not good enough to be a plus C on a third line and coach up two wingers?
— Mayne this year will be different and I get the push back : “yeah we are missing wingers” and “yeah Babs says on road we split them up”.
— Babs : he observes “I played McD too much”
— I don’t know they are just going to be easy to game strategy to beat again in playoffs unless it changes.
— Conner isn’t going to shoot 25% all year and way less in the playoffs.
— 10 games after the last of the injured players come back we should have an idea of what it looks like.
Draisaitl took two scrubs, Podkolzin and Kapanen, and made it an elite line.
He did it with Nugent-Hopkin and Yamamoto too, until Yamamoto became permanently too banged up to hang in the top six.
Draisaitl has usually been handed sloppy seconds for wingers, and performed admirably.
— Nuge: that was 5 years ago : maybe he’s not up to the task
— If Drai can do it maybe it’s McD: he’s not good enough to coach up linemates other than Drai and his production?
— It’s such weird blinders. We probably rate our guys more than they are.
— Seems so obvious for at least 20 games to go McD Drai Nuge Dickson as your Cs and figure out chem for wingers.
Well then he should be fine with Howard & Frederic. Or how about Formenton & Joseph
or Dach & Savoie?
Are we presuming that are lying to us about him being injured?
He blocked a shot with his hand and hasn’t played in further games.
He was terrible to start the season, playing with a Shakir on his wrong side – not great but better when he was with Emberson.
This dog house may come to fruition but I think he’d be playing if he was 10)%.
So what’s up with Walman?
When Babcock got hired, one of the narratives was that he gets stubborn on players. Once you’re in his dog house, you stay in his dog house.
7 games in and it appears to me that Walman will be there soon enough, unless he gets his shat together and quick.
I guess its a blessing that the Oilers biggest ? on defense is 3LHD. Which is definitely the easiest problem to solve.
Walman is injured, if that’s what you mean by “what’s up”. Took a shot off the ribs/chest a couple games ago. I don’t think he’s in the doghouse (even if he perhaps should be).
Maybe he wants a trade?
Shakir is a problem. He needs to play big minutes down in the AHL. He’s not an NHL defenseman. Although I still believe he has the potential to be.
I’m not sure he would make it through waivers. Tough spot for the managers because I agree he needs more AHL and lots of TOI
The Oilers may have won last night if Walman was playing.
I thought Shakir got better in the 2nd half of the game, just like most of the rest of the team did, but he’s not at Walman’s level.