The Edmonton Oilers got (way) behind early and couldn’t quite get all the way back on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stuart Skinner made some grand saves, but not enough, and Toronto won the day. It was an interesting game for the home team, with Stan Bowman perhaps finalizing his deadline list.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- At home to: TOR (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
- On the road to: STL, CHI (Expected 2-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: COL (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: PHI, WAS, TBY, FLA (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected results: 5-3-0, 10 points in 8 games
- January result: 0-1-0
- Oilers in 2024-25: 32-15-4, 68 points in 51 games
It’s a short month but the competition is easy street for the next week. Edmonton played well enough to win the game (Skinner owning a .900SP at five-on-five), outscoring the TML 3-2 at five-on-five.
THE NUMBERS
Stuart Skinner wasn’t at the level required last night, but I’m still on Team Skinner. Many are not, and I have mentioned more than once that Stan Bowman might feel a need. It’s more than that, though. Consider Bowman’s situation. Charged with leading this team to a Stanley Cup, he has worked around the edges and frankly done a pretty solid job.
He must put his team in the best position to win the Stanley Cup. Is that a stronger partner for Skinner? Or is replacing Skinner a better plan? I don’t know, and we’re just a month from the deadline, but I think it’s reasonable to suggest it’s a consideration. Again, I have not changed my view, but this blog is about ‘thinking along at home’ about what the coach and general manager are/might be doing.
Corey Perry is the fifth forward and third winger to hit 10 goals on the season, and part-time player Jeff Skinner is next at nine. One of the things Bowman might want to look at for the deadline is a first-shot scorer for the McDavid line.
I think the team played well enough to win, but would point at the PK as one area that could use help. Now, in saying that the goalie needs to stop giving out kevlar rebounds, and find a better way to identify the shot through a screen.
That said, there was some running around last night, and that can always be improved. I feel the Oilers get into a freewheeling exchange with the other team and then kind of lose the plot defensively. That’s the sign of a young team, and this isn’t a young team.
There is no Chris Pronger nor Nick Lidstrom about, so the plan appears to be mobility. That’s good, because already we can see John Klingberg’s wheels can make a difference. Bad because he is, at times, a chaos blue. I thought Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse had fine games, Brett Kulak, too.
New for The Athletic: How have the Edmonton Oilers improved their draft and development strategy?
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6104851/2025/02/02/edmonton-oilers-nhl-draft-tweeners/
I just finished your book. This was the sequel I was waiting for. Thanks.
I loved writing that book. Didn’t know it at the moment it happened, but it was a wonderful time for me. Jo-Anne and I had our routine (this was in the pandemic), I’d write in the morning, do the radio show from my house, we’d go shopping for that night’s dinner and then walk. After we got back, I’d write until maybe 9pm. She would sit with me and edit/offer encouragement and generally be close. I think about those days often now. I have nothing but fond memories of that book. I reconnected with several folks too, in doing background for the book.
There are wannabe writers who have told me that writing is hard work. l always ask them, “of course it is, but do you like doing it or don’t you?”
You can always tells which ones have a chance of success that way.
Keep doing what you love.
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/teamSingleSaving/2425/EDM/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/teamSingleSaving/2425/TOR/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/teamSingleSaving/2425/ANA/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/savingTeamSingle/2425/ANA/gibsojo93/wrap
https://hockeyviz.com/fixedImg/savingTeamSingle/2425/UTA/vejmeka96/wrap
Anyone else?
Savoie with a sick goal in the breakaway relay.
Summarizing!
For a second straight night, Berry and the Ontarians were denied soup, thus embodying the stereotype of the starving artist.
Matt Savoie wins fastest skater
Matt Savoie wins the fastest skater comp.
https://x.com/ginohard_/status/1886226439055274321?s=46&t=VKZ79-9hN-xwMNTBjohq7w
i enjoyed this hit on pietrangelo very much
Favourite hit of the year. Hook that into my veins.
the only way that hit could be better would be if Leon Draisaitl delivered it.
JT Miller scores with 8:30 left to go in the third to put the Rangers up 3-2 on Vegas.
Miller yes, JT no. Go Rangers!!
The 3rd period is being played at what seems to be a very slow pace – like both teams are skating in quicksand – may just be me.
Vegas gives up a break with under 3 minutes to go, Pieterangelo takes a penalty and Rangers extend the lead with under 2 minutes to go.
Vegas blows a 3rd period lead loses to a non-playoff team that started their back-up goalie (J. Quick with his 400th career win)
Check that, K. Miller scored that goal on the pass from JT.
Savoie in the faster skater and accuracy shooting events tonight.
I’m not worried at all. Let the Jets fly through the regular season.
The team was flying until the suspension, and with that silly tournament they’re back to being under silly duress until the stretch drive begins in March.
McDavid not at the skills competition today – I presume he’s sick.
Yeah, Ek still out too but his buddy Arvidsson won the hardest shot with a 101.5 rocket!
Saw it live with the fam. Man that was unexpected! Kids loved the Ruff Ruff Relay
We know Stanley Cups are often won with a high degree of unpredictability. The margins between Florida and Edmonton last year was so close it comes down to a few moments and bounces. You have to be an excellent team PLUS you need some serious luck. That luck includes injury, shooting and save percentage, pathway to the finals etc. Florida too banged up in 2023 and Vegas wins easily. The Oilers run into the healthy version of Florida and now it becomes a coin toss; which we lost.
What’s worth discussing is creating a team that’s so good the luck factor is reduced; at least the non-injury aspects. Colorado a few years ago comes to mind as a team that won the Cup pretty easily. This was quite common in the 80’s when the difference between the good and bad was massive.
The Oilers superpower is puck possession. If you aren’t aware, 5 of the top 6 players in the NHL in xG% are Edmonton Oilers. Only Corey Perry is in the Top 150 (!) in PDO. This is a team that’s Top-5 in the NHL without a single player on a heater and with below average goaltending. So there’s two ways you can look at this. You can add players like “one shot scorers” or “stay-at-home-defensemen” or “hitting in the bottom 6” to provide balance, but as we’ve seen with Jeff Skinner and Vinny Desharnais, it takes ONE of these players to be on the ice with 4 possession players and it breaks down.
The goalie is the x-factor because you could add a better goalie without running the puck possession that makes this team special BUT in a salary cap world this comes with consequences.
The addition of John Klingberg is interesting to me because it proves Bowman is at least considering the idea of leaning into his strengths rather than fixing his (presumed) weaknesses. Klingberg is Evan Bouchard-lite if there ever is one. Some will say he’s the worst possible fit on this team but there’s a method to the madness.
I really, really like the idea. If Klingberg can join Nurse and Draisaitl to create a second “Russian-5” that can produce >60% xG you’re getting closer to the type of team that won’t be felled by a few bounces.
If you believe in this concept then the add is another Top-6 forward who can drive possession. Hyman is a possession monster and is joined by Connor and Leon plus Vasily Podkolzin, among the truly elite. Nuge is fine if not quite a monster. Arvidsson would fall into that category too. Connor Brown is exactly the right player type but his finishing is never coming back so he can stay with Henrique and Brown and Perry as bottom-6 specialists. Henrique and Janmark are very poor possession players so it appears they’d kneecap either “Russian-5” group.
A few names that jump out at me from the list of monster possession players from teams that might be willing to sell are Matt Barzal, Anders Lee and JB pageau from the Island (do they play together?) plus Barrett Hayton in Utah and Sean Monahan in Columbus.
That’s how I saw Bowman signing Klingberg. I was pulling for the Hawks in their Cup years, and wasn’t always enamoured with some of his D then. But their management did put together 3 Cup teams, and had to adapt
I think what they are seeing is that despite having such players how they can get stiffled and have trouble scoring. Moving the puck better, and forwards having more help at the offensive blueline than Stecher or Kulak can provide floats all boats. He may add another forward as well, but I think with Bowman it would have to be what he/they want as opposed to just adding a guy because based on what we have seen
Precise explanation of why we need an upgrade on Arvidsson in our top-6.
I’ll add Alex Tuch and Marchessault to your list of targets.
I really like those options especially Tuch.
Tuch would be a dream acquisition with his contract and a year of term left – I don’t suspect he’s traded unless its for a significant package.
The Oilers have one material NHL ready prospect but Buffalo probably isn’t looking to acquire him back….
I agree with building around the identity of the team as constructed to maximize the strengths. Trying to balance with grinders is basically a rebuild. I’m also not against guys who have grit in their game, but they have to be able to skate and can’t be puck averse players like Reaves.
Not sure I see Lou selling Barzal or Lee for any kind of price worth paying, and those are expensive contracts with term.
I’d have a ton of time for Brock Nelson from NYI. JG Pageau is also on my list, but not sure if he’d be a top-6 solution so much as someone to bump Henrique to 4C (unless Rico was going the other way, of course).
I mentioned the second Russian 5 with my post-game review of Klingberg after TO. Nice to hear I’m not the only one seeing that.
Also, shout out to Jacob Perrault on a gorgeous shootout winner last night (battling bad ice as well).
Not sure he’ll ever play in the NHL but he does have 1st round skill for sure and seems to work hard in all areas of the ice. He’s a good AHL 2nd liner but his impact is inconsistent to my eye.
As a non-Edmontonion I wonder if there is any local noise about upgrading the ice facilities? It’s no coincidence that these last few games have been ugly or sloppy or whatever adjective you want to use. Connor fumbling pucks to point people are suggesting a wrist injury. Leon fanning on shots.
You can’t convince me this ice surface is in the top half of the league anymore. Watch when the road trip starts and suddenly the guys hands will return.
Horses for courses and all that. If you have the most skilled two players in the league you MUST ensure your home field advantage exists.
It looked bad to me as well last night. A little surprising given it’s a new building and Connor
It was also game 6 of a January homestand with no concerts in between, so there really isn’t an excuse for anything short of fantastic ice. As Knightown’s post above highlights, the Oilers are a possession/skill driven team and having great ice supports their style of play. Enhance the advantage where you can and this costs (only) $ and not trade capital.
Well, the NHLPA poll last year had players across the league voting EDM as best ice in the league second only to MTL, so there’s that.
I’ve said several times, I don’t think they need to trade Skinner. I do think he should be discussed as being a problem when he has a bad game just like any other player on the team.
These Oilers are notorious for their slow starts. They have been slow to start the past 3 seasons, have been behind after game 1 of most of their playoff series, and get behind in many games. You can look at their goal differential by period and see this. Now the Oilers are a good enough team that they often come back to win, if not make games competitive like last night. They also come back and won most playoff series, and had good seasons the past three despite the poor starts. They play best when their backs are against the wall.
The problem with this habit is it takes a toll on the best players. Mcdavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, Ekholm, Nurse, Hyman all play too much when they are behind and the rest of the team sits and watches. Over the course of the season this adds up and these guys may run out of gas when it counts in the playoffs.
All this being said, I thought the team started out well enough last night. They had jump, were getting in on the forecheck, and were creating chances. The Leafs goalie was making saves. That’s the job. The Oilers inevitably gave up a few chances of their own albeit short handed, and the Leafs put them in the back of the net. Poor goals in on Skinner imo. The second goal in particular was a shot right into his belly. He needs to control that rebound, it is a routine save. Skinner was not ready to play last night and cost the team. No other way to spin it. Now he’s been good lately and especially after losses, so I expect to see him have a good game next time out
The Hartman play on Stutzle was no surprise.
If the NHL were a real league, he’d be constantly suspended or already out of the league due to repeated concussions from enforcers.
The NHL is more likely to suspend the McDavids and Matthewses of the world than the Hartmans or Clutterbucks back when. They make/made dirty, suspendable plays every single game, and there’s both no official discipline and no frontier justice.
So ridiculous.
He’s been offered an in-person hearing so this suspension is likely fairly lengthy.
As a 4 time repeat offender it will be interesting to see how many games he gets after McDavid just served his 3.
Do we set the over/under line at 2.5?
There has been consistent complaining here & elsewhere about Bouchard’s inconsistent play since Hartman ran his head into the goal post. As Bieksa said last night on HNIC, he knows what he’s doing. When he’s doing it. What he may not know (but his coach, GM, owners know) is that even a minor head injury (what Stűtzle, and Bouchard, experienced) WILL have at least subtle effects on a player’s abilities. Hartman, and players like him, are warriors in the war of attrition. Until the NHL gets these guys out of the league (after three suspension?), the best players will continue to be targeted.
I’m glad to see that Bouchard’s last 40 minutes looked more like the B at his best. But I’m not going to be surprised if subtle and not so subtle lapses of judgement persist.
On the subject of head injuries, I speak from years of personal and professional experience.
Thank you for this. The ‘just had bell wrung’ narrative needs to stop. Looking at you NHL/SN Louis DB.
I wonder if Quick would be a good back up goalie candidate for the playoffs.
He brings leadership and experience. Counting stats aren’t great this year but he’s not coming in to challenge Stu for 1A; rather to add depth at a crucial position.
Acquisition cost wouldn’t be outrageous.
I’d prefer Reimer or Nedeljkovic, but Quick might be a decent back up option if they need to check down.
Offside review rule suggestion. The challenge call needs to be made in real time with zero video support. The 20 guys on the bench see it, challenge it and then no problem if it’s down to the millimetre, right or wrong. That takes away all the other stuff about 30 second before or whatever.
By the way, last night wasn’t close and likely the linesman let it go because it’s better to let close calls go and review than shut a play down. And I support that.
I think all reviews should have a 1 minute review clock
Agree that the offside was just that…..But based on the Nuge call early in the game Tavares should have been whistled for slashing/hooking McD on the hands (left side)as he came through the neutral zone just prior to the crossing the blue line. In fact that act caused McD to slow and swerve, delaying his entry – thus the offside. I can’t stand the NHL inconsistency/game management stuff. Worst case would have been goal called back for offside and a power play for the Oilers.
I mentioned before the game that Ekholm out could be an issue for the PK……. hate being right sometimes.
With that said, Troy Stecher is not the d-man I would have chosen to play the extra PK minutes. I believe that Bouchard actually has good numbers in his limited PK time over the years and he’s physically set up to do better on the PK than Stecher. Ya, Bouch plays alot already but, if they weren’t giving up goals on the PK (and Stecher was very culpable on the one) perhaps Bouch wouldn’t have needed to play so much.
One thing Coach might want to look at before the deadline is Jeff Skinner it a top 6 winger role.
It is good that they have battled through these games while the group is far from their best. I hope they can bank a few wins coming up to keep pace, get healthier, take the break, and come out on the other side ready to dial in the system play, give up fewer easy goals, and work at getting their finishing up
They lead the league in shots for but are 7th in goals for, that with the talent they have, which is more than most teams. They score more per game than league average, not as well as some other top teams, and with Connor and Leon it’s fair to say they should be near the top at that stat. It’s fair to say there is room to improve there. They are 6th in shots against and 7th in goals against, that also could be better
They have improved in every way as the core players have matured, and with the coaching they now have. To me the thing that remains is they still give up easier goals – can play a solid game and have a few breakdowns that cost them, and often have them behind or giving up leads, they lead by far the teams I track in giving up 2 goals leads they gain to start a game
They also have good goaltending but not great, they don’t have Helly or Thompson bailing them out as the Jets or Caps do. There is often a goal or two a game that aren’t terrible but where a save would been good, and it makes things harder if you don’t get them, more pressure, more energy that could have been saved
I do think they will come out better after the break than this last run, hopefully have most games more in hand. Because at this point there is no other goal for them than winning a Cup, from the start of the season it’s been about playoffs. I think that they will need to be as tight as they can manage, and take more luck out of how they win games. That gives them a better chance of getting back where they want to be, take another step up from where they got their game to last season
Some see the team as like the other top teams, and view how they do in that lense. I don’t, because they have a generational player, Leon and other significant players. They have a built in advantage like the Pens did. Or the Oilers long ago taking out a lot of very good teams that didn’t have that next level they could get to
What they have can take them there, the question is whether they can fully capitalize on it, as the Pens and Glory teams did
The problem I have with these types of comparisons is that the league has much more parity now, and it’s much harder to get to the playoffs (more teams and better players/goalies) than it used to be.
I do generally agree with you that they should score more than they do (some depth scoring wouldn’t go amiss), and they need to cut out the softies/gifts to the opposition. Can’t keep shooting themselves in the foot and expecting to climb Everest.
There are many ways to look at it. I think some folks think about previous eras and see them as inferior. They weren’t. They were the best players at that time available to play with the best available technology
That players are more trained now is a wash. If the 80’s players played now they would also be. The league is also more diluted with so many more teams. Wayne didn’t play the scrubs. He said when they played teams they always faced the same guys, against the Islanders he played Trottier and Potvin. It was also more violent, they played through more crap than the guys do now, with pretty modest equipment and protection
The Oilers didn’t cake walk their way to 5 Cups, they were very hard fought series mostly against very good teams, the advantage and my point being they had Gretzky. And Sather found the way to amp that up to a level that the game had to change. It had to when Orr arrived, that’s what generational players do with the right support. Mario didn’t change it because he was right behind Wayne, or he may have as well
I should have mentioned what Ekholm said a few days ago (I think it was him). He talked about how skills developed kids are now, but that many don’t seem to know how to ‘put all of those tools in the tool box’
The way players developed back then, the better ones I think put in more hours practising and playing because it was less organized and a lot outside, and had to play through much harder conditions. I think they were probably more roundly developed hockey players if less skill trained and coached in an organized way
I get all that, and I’m not discounting the top tier from any era. Gordie, Sawchuk, and Red Kelly can play on my team any time. I think it was Wayne himself who that said the elite players from his era would have adapted and thrived in the modern era, simply because they had the innate talent beyond their peers.
I’m just saying that the floor has risen, and there are more teams now. Goaltending, overall, is much better than it used to be — whippy sticks or not, SV% is up from the glory years.
Also, only 16/32 teams make the playoffs, compared to 16/21 back in the day.
I completely get the notion of wanting to build a team with particular skillsets (puck possession/skill/goal scoring, gamesmanship, etc) and foster a killer instinct. The biggest thing the Oilers lack, IMO, is a lack of a killer instinct.
I tend to think winning the Cup is an order of magnitude more difficult than it used to be, and trying to levy comparisons to the olden days is fraught with folly. The closest analogue for the current team we should look to is likely the delta between the Cup journeys of Sid and Ovi.
I am also on Team Skinner:
1) I don’t think its reasonable to upgrade on this player prior to this year’s deadline in any sort of deal that makes sense. I’m sure they could work the cap for a Gibson acquisition or Vejmelka but there is absolutely nothing to provides certainty of upgrade with either – nothing. Maybe Bowman does something here but I would be surprised so, for me, I get behind the goalie that I am confident will be starting game 1 of the playoffs unless hurt.
2) Skinner is a perfectly middle of the pack starting goaltender in the NHL. Those that moan about him being “inconsistent” – yes, he is – as are the majority of NHL goalies are inconsistent. Blackwood just had 5 straight games under .900. Hill has been a part of the Vegas slump, etc., etc. To state that Skinner is not a starting goaltender is not based in reality not matter what goals saved above expected stats get thrown out.
3) Stuart Skinner is not an elite goalie. Stuart Skinner makes $2.6MM on the cap for this year and next and that is a huge value contract.
4) Stuart Skinner won 14 games in the playoff last season – to state that a team cannot win a cup with Skinner is not based in reality.
“Music!” As LT likes to say (I’ve added the ! for emphasis). Others have said things like, Goaltending is voodoo. Coaches today are happy they have goalie coaches, because they know they know nothing about the job. But pundits & fans are full of wisdom…
I’ve watched a few goalies. They were all “inconsistent,” and not always in tune with the team in front of them. Some of the best have weathered true shellings, and lived to play shutouts a few days later. It seems to me that the greatest thing a goalie needs is the confidence of the team in front of them. When a fan has this confidence, bonus.
I’m with you on team Skinner.
Thanks.
Oilers went 7 games against the Canucks due to Skinner’s terrible play that series. You may recall Skinner played so poorly, Pickard played two games, winning one. Just because a team might potentially win a cup in spite of having below average tending does not change the fact that Skinner is the weakest link of this team by a mile. As LT notes, the GM has to put his team in the best position to win the cup. Having inconsistent and often below-average goaltending in the playoffs is not maximizing this team.
Skinner struggled early in that series, then he won games 6 and games 7, both facing elimination, was lights out in round 3 and won 3 straight elimination games in the SCF, probably equal to Bobrovsky in the series.
Bobrovsky had 10 games in the playoffs last year below .900.
I never said that Skinner was going to carry the team to the cup win but only that he’s all but proven he can be the starting goalie on a team that plays 7 games in the SCF.
~The NHL front office has announced they will comply with the 25% tax. The silver lining is that the Oilers still are top 3 in the Pacific, the Jets are on track for WC1 and the Leafs face elimination~
WESTERN COMFERENCE
PACIFIC PTS
Vegas Golden Knights 68
Los Angeles Kings 60
Edmonton Oilers 51
Seattle Kraken 49
Anaheim Ducks 48
Calgary Flames 42
Vancouver Canucks 42
San Jose Sharks 36
CENTRAL PTS
Dallas Stars 67
Minnesota Wild 66
Colorado Avalanche 62
Winnipeg Jets 57
Utah Hockey Club 51
St. Louis Blues 50
Nashville Predators 43
Chicago Blackhawks 37
EASTERN COMFERENCE
ATLANTIC PTS
Florida Panthers 65
Tampa Bay Lightning 58
Boston Bruins 58
Detroit Red Wings 57
Toronto Maple Leafs 48
Ottawa Senators 45
Buffalo Sabres 45
Montreal Canadiens 39
METROPOLITAN PTS
Washington Capitals 75
Carolina Hurricanes 68
New Jersey Devils 64
Columbus Blue Jackets 59
New York Islanders 55
New York Rangers 52
Philadelphia Flyers 52
Pittsburgh Penguins 52
I’ve learned a little bit over the last couple weeks about tariffs, but could someone explain how it’s going to affect the NHL? Genuinely curious.
Nothing direct. Fuel for the zamboni and other inflation? But it might be a good time to drop anthem playing at Canadian rinks
Hell no! More cowbell! 🇨🇦
The biggest impact will likely be the Canadian dollar plummeting since so much NHL revenue is earned in Canada.
The loonie is down to 68 cents today and a free fall is in the cards.
FYI you’ve mis-typed the Oilers point total (looks like you used the games total). They are tied with Vegas at 68
I think that’s what happens when you apply the tariff. Though I would see it differently: Canadian teams’ point are now worth 25% more. So Vegans at 68, Oilers at 85.
I’m not sure how the tariffs/counter-tariffs will work out for NHL points, but I suggest that for American teams (and as the NHL is based in the States), this means Canadian points are now worth 25% more. Thus Vegans at 68, Oilers at 85.
If we are going to add points do it like auto parts. 25% point increase every time a team crosses the border. Every Canadian team would make the playoffs
I am not one that generally complains about the off-side review process and rule. I get it – it can be frustrating and annoying and it only serves to take goals off the board.
I actually do not agree with the mantra “it didn’t have anything to do with the play” – I mean, it it was offside, it should have been blown down so, yes, it did have something to do with the play – there should have not been a play.
With all that said, I very much think that a team should NOT be able to call a timeout and then challenge. Calling a timeout to get more time to look at video and then challenge – that’s bordering on egregious in my opinion.
One of the best suggestions I heard had to with the eye test in real time: did the linesmen miss an offside that their eyes could see in real time? Rather than reviewing endless slow-mo replays, a single real-speed review. If it’s even in doubt, it’s not offside.
Make the call.
Make challenge.
Review.
Move on.
This is not the time or place for lawyers.
Whoa, lets not get crazy here – every time and every place is proper for lawyers….
Forgive me. You are right. There is likely no place a lawyer would not tread, if there were gold coins to be found…
The gallows is a place! -). Any time will do.
I think there should be a limit on the time the puck remains in the zone. Say 30 seconds. If you enter offside and the puck cycles a couple of times and 45 seconds later the offensive team scores, perhaps it should be allowed. The defending team had opportunities to defend.
That’s a loophole that could, and should, be closed.
Being the NHL it will probably take a number of years to accomplish, if it happens at all.
Rewatching some of the game this morning and some positives to takeaway from the game:
1) Jeff Skinner arguably playing his best games as an Oilers this past week. If he is able to carve out a role and make it impossible for Knoblauch to keep him out of the lineup, that would definitely elevate the depth scoring + maybe discovery some chem with one of McDrai. Even if you don’t like him, a good few months to elevate his value can’t hurt if there’s any possibility he’s willing to move his NMC.
2) Bouchard’s best 2 periods in awhile I thought – he really excels at “3rd man high” chances on the rush and when they can find him cutting in from the point on a cycle play, his shot is so good. I hope they find a way to get him more looks offensively.
3) Klingberg had his moments (good and bad) but given he’s in the first few weeks of his first NHL action in years, I thought he had a strong game. I would be interested to see what types of partner he had when he was most successful in Dallas. Not sure if he was. I’d think he would thrive with a classic all-defense, stay-at-home type that just lets him freewheel on offense. Separately, I really think he could help get some more offensive out of the oilers bottom 6 if they’re paired together a bit more (using his shot from the blueline more, giving him more time with the puck, etc.)
One final thought on Stu:
I also like him, and think that he is good enough to win a cup as a #1 goalie. That being said, I don’t see him as a difference-maker on a cup winning team and can arguably envision the Oilers having to win a game or two “in spite” of their goaltending in a close series. The margin between “Good enough to win a cup” from “the worst possible goaltending you could win a cup with” might be quite thin. “He made the stops in key moments of the game” implies there were earlier stops that, frankly, you’d like an NHL starter to make. If there’s any move at the deadline that has a good chance of giving you goaltending that can steal a game or two in a close series, I think the team should explore that.
If there’s any option to acquire a goaltender that you think can give you a true 1A/1B and give you two goalies who you think could seize the net and backstop you to a cup, then I think you have to explore that option. I don’t see replacing Skinner as the move, but bringing someone else in to fight for starts and establish themselves as the team’s unquestioned starter would help elevate the team’s goaltending situation. Calvin Pickard is a great guy and a fantastic back-up, but (a) Skinner’s ceiling (even within this season) is much higher, and (b) I don’t see him really challenging Skinner for playoff starts. He’s playing the best hockey of his career, his value is the highest its been in years, and he’s 32 years old. He’s not going to fetch much value but if a trading partner needs a roster goalie, he’s someone who can start down the stretch and serve as a 1B on a rebuilding team next year, and that has value.
If the coaching staff likes to have one clear goalie who is “the guy”, I don’t know if Skinner has shown he’s good enough (and consistent enough) to be the unquestioned starter. I would hope that his confidence could survive another player being brought in to compete, and I hope that he wouldn’t take it as the start of him being run out of town. Honestly, it might help him elevate his game.
I’m with on most everything here.
One question I have is that JSkinner isn’t listed on LT’s line chart, nor on NaturalStatTrick for the game. What’s up? He has almost 12 minutes but doesn’t appear on any line. And I think his line was very impressive. Always pressing. If there were defensive lapses I missed them.
I do not have the answer to Stu or not to Stu as I have no idea if it’s possible to upgrade him at the deadline. We have tried again and again to find that goalie and no luck. Why would this time be different?
Skinner outplayed Oettinger last season, and was the reason the Oilers won that series. Nobody is saying Dallas should upgrade Oettinger. The Oilers made him look human.
Has there been any past wrist injury for 97? Just wondering as I’ve been seeing an uncharacteristic amount of passes being turned over, and maybe less effective shooting from him this season. Maybe he has a nagging injury?
I believe there was a wrist injury speculated the year after he won the Rocket Richard.
Or is he already on the roster – Jeff Skinner?
Are any other options available for a reasonable price that are first-shit scorers AND better defensively than JSkinner?
100%.
No sense chasing that player if the coach can’t figure out a way to deploy him.
His play in these past two games has certainly elevated my opinion of the man. But I’m just a guy lying on his couch on Vancouver Island …
Evander Kane.
He’s a first-shit disturber too, which has great value in the playoffs 😉
Yes, I think a few things the Oilers could use will be available if & when a healthy Kane arrives. But in what shape?
The harsh reality is that Skinner is a brand new father. Expect some sleep deprived activities for a while. We saw this before with Talbot and his twins.
Pickard has proven to be one of the best back ups in the league again this year. Maybe not a bad idea to give him a few extra reps over the next few weeks until Skinner can get sorted out a bit more.
The travails of being father to a newborn are many and most of them unknown to the man. I didn’t feel well-rested until my youngest was five years old.
Skinner was awful in the first, then left a big gaping hole for Marner to win it.
Skinner to Nashville for Saros retained at whatever makes the cap work.
Oilers come out of the 1st out shooting Toronto 14-12 yet down 3-0.
Edmonton outshoots Toronto 48-28 total, do you know who was making several high end marvelous saves? Woll.
The let’s upgrade the backup crowd is “Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face”
Pickard isn’t the issue.
I like Skinner and would not trade him but his inconsistency is concerning. Also, while Pickard has been an effective backup he is not a 1B. I would certainly look to see if a 1B is available but I doubt it is doable for a reasonable cost.
IMO Skinner isn’t the guy to lead the team to 16 playoff victories; Arvidsson aint doing much and is a 3rd liner, and Stecher is at best a #7 guy. I consider 23/24 to be a pretty good season but I’m not sure 24/25 will be as good
You don’t think Skinner is capable of one more win?
15 wins last year & the only win he was short, his team only scored once.
I recognize he’s a flawed goalie, but he isn’t the reason they didn’t win.
no he wasn’t however, he was playing at a much higher level last playoff
Skinner had a short offseason Pickard has been playing his best as a Oiler the last little while. Why not throw a bone to Pickard and give the start over Skinner last night especially with Skinner dealing with a new arrival. For better or worse we are going to need Pickard if we are to get by 4 teams this spring.
Ryan Holt:
I don’t recall hearing Philp’s name even once, was he in yesterday’s lineup?
Philp was a healthy scratch.
I don’t think Bowman will trade Skinner, but rather find an upgrade to play with him. No offense to Pickard who has played as well as you can ask for a backup. BUT, the Oilers have been outgoalied the last 2 games and it’s an ongoing theme. They need to win the division somehow and be able to outgoalie teams once in a while in the playoffs, or it’ll be a long summer.
Why isn’t Hyman on the top line? Connor must be sick or injured, he’s not his normal brilliant self. I think the Oilers need and upgrade on RW. So yes, 1st shot scorer like a Rakell maybe?
Not a great first period but Bouchard was the best Oiler over the last 40. He seemed to find his confidence and was absolutely dynamic.
He does have a history of materially upping his play down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Also: he played that game away from Mattias Ekholm.
I will harp on this: Bouchard experienced a minor brain injury courtesy of Ryan Hartman (who was offering Stűtzle similar services last night; suspension on its way) several weeks ago; Bouchard plays an intelligent game, so a bonk to the head WILL have an impact, and especially with regard to lapses in judgement and consistency; we may see more inconsistencies from the man; the best thing I can say about Four Nations is that some high level Oilers, like Bouchard, and like new-dad Stu, will get a rest.
I know Knoblauch will never do this, but Skinner has a few games every year where he starts poorly and it’s doubtful he’ll dial it back in.
When he isn’t sharp and it’s already 2-0 in the first why not pull him?
Might also wake the team up.
Skinner also has lots of starts where he starts poorly and then does dial it in – in fact, quite a few of those recently.
If only coach knew which way it is going to go, right?
McDavid got the flu or something?
Pretty sure if I had to venture a guess. Based on his recent play this past week, his history and evidence of others being sick like Ek, and last week Pickard.
He’s not at the skills event today.
I don’t think Stan has enough cap flexibility to make a deal for a goalie in season. I think Skinner gets one more crack at it.
Agreed, I don’t see Skinner being replaced this season. If the playoffs don’t go well I can see Bowman making a move in the summer.
First time at Rogers. Impressive building. Probably a couple of goals Stu would like back, but his D wasn’t helping much. Ekholm is so key to that D. Arvidsson kept falling down, didn’t look good to me. If Philp isn’t the 4th line center, they need to fix that. For me, Janmark is a 4th line winger and PK guy, not a center. They need to roll 4 lines more often. Brown is handling puck like a live grenade and Stechers time has past. Effort is there but size matters. My hope is Provorov. If much of the team is ill, it was an impressive effort to come back.
Provorov won’t likely be available, Arvidsson, Brown, and Stecher, aren’t at the top of their games any more
Disappointing result but after that first period the team played a much better game, save for the sleepy start to the 3rd period on the Marner goal.
I like Stu but at this point would welcome some more competition for the crease – wonder what the acquisition cost for Vemelka would be.
Ekholm’s absence was particularly glaring. The oilers have had pretty good injury luck the past few years, and a prolonged absence from one of Bouchard-Ekholm-Nurse-Kulak would really expose the D corps.
The way this deadline is shaping up, I’d be willing to wager it starts with a first round pick and a goalie for the roster.
Think you’re correct, and it’s probably too rich for my blood. You never know, though, goalies are voodoo and if there are multiple ones on the move at the deadline, that might be helpful for buyers at the deadline.
I think this team needs a couple of players that can put the puck in the net. We got the Belanger triangle thing figured out but just too many guys who are not a threat to score.
I do think they give this goaler tandem the rest of the season. I’m usually hard on Skinner but given the new dad thing I give him a pass on this game. But given how good this team is defensively I don’t think asking for a 910 save percentage is asking too much.
Darcy Kuemper is a 921 goaler for a similarly good defensive team
They have that player: JSkinner.
The coach does not trust him.
I’m with you. The need seems to be scoring winger or wingers. We are over 50 games in and the 5th highest scoring forward on the team is Connor Brown and his 20 points. Let the sink in for a minute.
Oilers have 1 line (elite but 1 line) + one guy for their top 6.
Both Skinner and Arvidsson are not the “Drai needs wingers” wingers we were hoping for.
Look at the Cup era Penguins. The Pens never had much depth scoring. It’s partially a function of two superstars soaking up so many prime minutes.
1) Oilers are 9th in the league in goals scored – could always score more though and I do agree that they underscore their offensive performance often.
2) In the last 30 team games, Skinner has 20 starts and a .918. In the last 40 team games, Skinner has 29 starts and a .909.
Prospecticanery!
Making an encore are Berry and the Ontarians…just with different members.
Even though Nicholl no longer lights the lamp–a drought that’s now 15 GP–he has a three-game point streak going.
O’Reilly has only one goal his past 8 GP but does have a quintet of apples in that span.
Muskegon (Berry) @ 2 p.m.
London (O’Reilly, Nicholl) @ 5 p.m.
Both times, as usual, are Suffield time.
“Anything for the Leafs”…
I think we win that game if Ekholm is in the lineup… by the numbers above it appears we know the defensive weakness…
They sure missed Ekholm last night, especially on the PK. Pretty admirable effort considering most of the team seems down a quart with the flu or whatever respiratory malady kept the big Swede out. Just glad Connor is afflicted by his annual sickness now to get it out of the way before spring.