Sleep Walk

by Lowetide

Not every loss is damnation and last night’s Bettman was another rung on the ladder checked off. We’re in the final days of ‘pushing for a playoff spot’ and edging nearer to the ‘points for playoff position’ portion of the season. I had this week going 2-2-0, after the first two games Edmonton sits at 1-0-1. This is a fun season.

THE ATHLETIC!

The Athletic Edmonton features a fabulous cluster of stories (some linked below, some on the site). Great perspective from a ridiculous group of writers and analysts. Proud to be part of The Athletic, less than two coffees a month offer here. 

  • New Jonathan Willis: Evan Bouchard, Tyler Benson and more: 20 observations on the Bakersfield Condors
  • New Lowetide: Caleb Jones represents Oilers template for development success
  • New Jonathan Willis: Rookie pros Dmitri Samorukov, Kirill Maksimov learning in Oilers’ system
  • Lowetide: Oscar Klefbom’s return and usage a key element for Oilers stretch run
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: How ‘little firecracker’ Josh Archibald went from unknown to vital with Oilers
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Determining Connor McDavid’s linemates remains a pressing and perplexing problem
  • Lowetide: Reasonable expectations for Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Ennis over the next 15 games.
  • Jonathan Willis: Ryan McLeod offers the Oilers size and speed. But will he score in the NHL?
  • Jonathan Willis: Which players pose the biggest threat to Leon Draisaitl winning the Hart Trophy?
  • Lowetide: How the Oilers deadline deals might alter summer plans
  • Jonathan Willis: Splitting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl saved the Oilers’ season
  • Lowetide: Is the OHL still the Oilers’ primary resource at the draft?
  • Lowetide: The Oilers’ 2017 draft and the value of waiting five years
  • Jonathan Willis: Oilers’ AHL factory has produced three NHL defencemen, with more on the way
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Are Oilers poised for a long playoff run after Ken Holland’s deadline moves?
  • Lowetide: Making sense of the Oilers forward depth chart for the summer
  • Daniel Nugent-Bowman: Stepping out and up, Leon Draisaitl puts himself in the Hart Trophy mix in Connor McDavid’s absence
  • Lowetide: Making sense of the Oilers defensive depth chart for the stretch run and the summer

OILERS AFTER 70 GAMES

  • Oilers in 2015-16: 27-36-7, 61 points; goal differential -32
  • Oilers in 2016-17: 37-24-9, 83 points; goal differential +19
  • Oilers in 2017-18: 30-35-5, 65 points; goal differential -37
  • Oilers in 2018-19: 31-32-7, 69 points; goal differential -23
  • Oilers in 2019-20: 37-24-9, 83 points; goal differential +7

This year’s team is 70 games into the season and is still hanging with the McLellan Oilers of 2016-17. That team finished 10-2-0 to finish 47-26-9, 103 points. I don’t expect that kind of run, but five wins probably gets the team into this year’s playoffs.

ON THE TENS

  • First 10 games: 7-2-1
  • Second 10 games: 5-4-1
  • Third 10 games: 5-4-1
  • Fourth 10 games: 3-6-1
  • Fifth 10 games: 6-2-2
  • Sixth 10 games: 6-3-1
  • Current 10 games: 5-3-2

Another satisfactory 10-game stanza, Edmonton has had exactly one 10-game span with fewer than 10 points. In order: 15 points, 11, 11, 7, 14, 13, 12. Another 12 would be enough with the final two games possibly coming in handy for seeding.

OILERS IN MARCH

  • Oilers in March 2016: 3-2-0, six points; goal differential 0
  • Oilers in March 2017: 2-2-1, five points; goal differential +4
  • Oilers in March 2018: 3-2-0, four points; goal differential 0
  • Oilersin March 2019: 4-1-0, eight points; goal differential +6
  • Oilers in March 2020: 3-1-1, seven points; goal differential +6

It hasn’t been pretty, the shot differential is not beautiful this month, but the points are coming consistently and Tippett’s Oilers are very good at avoiding long losing streaks. It’s been a major blessing.

OILERS 2019-20

Edmonton was shorthanded (minus McDavid) and will need to bring far more on Wednesday against the Jets. Hopefully McDavid returns in time for that game and I would suggest Caleb Jones should be back in the lineup. All numbers five on five and via NST.

LINE 1 Nuge-Leon Draisaitl-Kailer Yamamoto played 17:24, going 18-24 Corsi, 6-16 shots, 1-0 goals and 4-4 HDSC.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal (his offensive instincts are back, baby!), had four shots, one HDSC and a giveaway. His back check in overtime was patented Nuge. He was Edmonton’s best forward. Leon Draisaitl had zero points but was central to the Nuge goal (cleared out the area), plus three giveaways, three takeaways and won 13 of 25 in the faceoff circle. He was on the ice way too long in OT and changed at the exact wrong moment. Kailer Yamamoto had an assist, a lovely desperation dish to the net front, plus a HDSC, GV, TK and six hits. The line is very good.

LINE 2 Tyler Ennis-Gaetan Haas-Zack Kassian played 11:15, going 9-5 Corsi, 3-2 shots, no goals and no HDSC.

Tyler Ennis had one HDSC but had a tough time on a line where he is the top skill player. Gaetan Haas fell down a lot, hit several people and won three of seven on the dot. Zack Kassian had the wheels turning, he had two shots (both HDSC) along with 3 giveaways and two takeaways.

LINE 3 James Neal-Jujhar Khaira-Alex Chiasson played 10:01, going 7-14 Corsi, 4-9 shots, 1-0 goals and 2-5 HDSC.

James Neal had an assist (made a fine play on the Chiasson goal) and one shot, one HDSC and one giveaway. Jujhar Khaira had one shot, a takeaway and a giveaway, passed well. Alex Chiasson scored the opening goal, he’s been in good spots offensively.

LINE 4 Andreas Athanasiou-Riley Sheahan-Josh Archibald played 9:22, going 7-9 Corsi, 6-5 shots, 0-1 goals and 1-4 HDSC.

Andreas Athanasiou had three shots on goal, was also in photo on the second Vegas goal. He sent the puck to the corner, but it never made it (Klefbom unable to secure). I’m uncertain how much blame to give Athanasiou, he made the correct play. Riley Sheahan had two takeaways and won six of 12 in the faceoff circle. Needs to bring more offense. Josh Archibald hit and was hit all night long. He had one shot (HDSC).

PAIRING ONE Darnell Nurse and Ethan Bear played 19:48, going 16-32 Corsi, 7-19 shots, no goals and 5-6 HDSC.

Darnell Nurse had one shot, a HDSC, a giveaway and blocked five shots. He was very physical in a game that had (at times) a playoff atmosphere. Ethan Bear had one shot, one giveaway and made several promising passes. He had an enormous chance in overtime.

PAIRING TWO Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson played 17:51, going 14-16 Corsi, 7-11 shots, 1-1 goals and 1-6 HDSC.

Oscar Klefbom had an assist, three shots (one HDSC) and a giveaway. He’s welcome back but I don’t think he’s 100 percent. Lost a quick battle off the faceoff on the second goal, unable to delay a net front pass. Adam Larsson had one shot and was the physical presence on the pairing.

PAIRING THREE Kris Russell and Matt Benning played 14:18, going 12-12 Corsi, 7-7 shots, 1-0 goals and 3-4 HDSC.

Kris Russell had two shots, two giveaways and two takeaways. He defended but the passes were not on target. Shot block on the PK in the first looked like it hurt like hell. Matt Benning had two shots, three shot blocks and got hit eight times, many coming with a thud. He’s a game rooster.

GOALIE Mikko Koskinen was a big part of the story again, stopping 45 of 48, .938. His .918 SP ranks No. 11 among goalies with 30 or more games.

COACH TIPPETT

I love Tippett’s post game comments, he has his finger on the pulse of his team and he gives honest assessments. Last night he said “we’re playing a disconnected game” and that rings true. Practice today is a big damned deal.

LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE

At 10 this morning, we’ll be spending a lot of time on last night’s game, TSN1260. Jonathan Willis from The Athletic will break it down and look ahead to the rest of the week at 10:20. Andrew Peard from TSN1260’s Oil Kings broadcasts will talk about the strong season by the young and talented team. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter.

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godot10

Woodguy v2.0: December 5v5 goal share:

97 and 29 together (2-14) 13%
29 apart (1-9) 10%
97 apart (7-1) 89%

I don’t think your narrative carriers water, let alone chops any wood.

1) 97 and 29 together (2-14) 13%
2) 29 apart (1-9) 10%

(1) happened in the early part of December before (2)

Draisaitl’s game got effed up early in the month, and it took him till the Christmas break to fix it.

Woodguy v2.0

You can’t lay the blame at McDavid’s feet for it Godot.

You just can’t.

flyfish1168

OriginalPouzar: Yes, Dobber is solid – don’t read a ton of them, only so much content one can consume.

Its almost like age matters.

I agree with you. Age should matter. It will be difficult for Rafferty get a chance with the nucks with Hughes there

ArmchairGM

leadfarmer: Athanasiou has shown nothing other than we go taken for at least one 2nd rounder

So far. But with his speed and skill I think he’d do well on the open ice of OT. Ennis, too. From what I see Tippett has at least 8 good options for OT, and possibly 10:

McDavid
Draisaitl
Nuge
Yamamoto
Athanasiou
Klefbom
Nurse
Bear

Ennis
Green

leadfarmer

ArmchairGM: “most of the season”

Last night there were at least 4 (Draisaitl, Nuge, Yamamoto and Athanasiou), usually there are 5. This can’t continue.

Athanasiou has shown nothing other than we go taken for at least one 2nd rounder

ArmchairGM

leadfarmer: When you only have 3 forwards you can put out there 3 on 3 for most of the season it really limits what you can do

“most of the season”

Last night there were at least 4 (Draisaitl, Nuge, Yamamoto and Athanasiou), usually there are 5. This can’t continue.

OriginalPouzar

ArmchairGM: Split them. End of story.

The last time the Oilers went to OT with both Drai and Connor in the lineup, they were split – if i remember correctly.

OriginalPouzar

Woodguy v2.0: December 5v5 goal share:

97 and 29 together (2-14) 13%
29 apart (1-9) 10%
97 apart (7-1) 89%

I don’t think your narrative carriers water, let alone chops any wood.

Geezuz – who was Connor playing with in December?

How did he manage one goal against with Mike Smith playing games in December at AHL back-up level?

OriginalPouzar

Munny:
A LOT of talk on Sports Radio today about Covid-19.

Ivy League has cancelled their basketball tournament this weekend, anointing Yale as champions despite Harvard being only one win back.The League is refusing to play even in an empty arena… Harvard players are not happy at all.

Ohio’s governor has recommended shutting down sporting events. The Blue Jackets have decided to ignore this request for the time being.Cavaliers haven’t commented but apparently there’s an NBA press conference tomorrow on Covid.Cleveland is also hosting two rounds of March Madness I believe.

I would put the odds of playing playoff games in empty stadiums at about 80 percent right now.Neutral sites are unworkable.

I’ve come to the realization that the chances that its just “business as usual” for the NHL through early June is all but zero.

Sigh

OriginalPouzar

flyfish1168: Hi OP, Not sure if you value Dobber prospect scouting report. But one of the scouts commented Rafferty may not have the same upside due to his age.

https://dobberprospects.com/prospects-ramblings-brogan-rafferty-scouting-notes-zayde-wisdom-and-midseason-guide/

Yes, Dobber is solid – don’t read a ton of them, only so much content one can consume.

Its almost like age matters.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: Apparently your contribution on the PP is directly correlated with how old you are.

Or maybe that’s just freaking stupid.

PP:

Quinn Hughes – 25

Evan Bouchard – 0

They’re the same age.

The thing is nobody is trying to equate Evan Bouchard to Quinn Hughes and you are trying to equate Brogdan Rafferty with Evan Bouchard.

Vasili Podkolzin – 30 games, 8 points

Anton Slepyshev – 54 games, 45 points

Wanna trade?

ArmchairGM

duct tape and foil: Drai and McDavid have been out for 6 OT losses when their first shift exceeds 1:15. Itʻs bullcrap and needs to be called out and stopped. This selfish play has cost the team points as the whole league knows what to do. Win opening face-off, play carefully, wait for Drai and McDavid to rundown and refuse to change, put on full pressure, score, win game.

How many times do you want to see this movie?

Split them. End of story.

ArmchairGM

duct tape and foil:
Rickety Cricket,

Nobody has asked Drai to stay out in OT until heʻs too tired to compete and lose the game. Itʻs happened 6 times this season and last night was the worst example. Selfish and totally lacking in leadership. He doesn’t play the next OT if it were up to me. You either have accountability up and down the roster or you donʻt.

wolf8888:
Or have him on the second shift?

This is the solution, IMO. If McDavid-Nuge followed Drai-Yamamoto, I think Leo would be quicker to get off at the appropriate time. Do we need a third “pairing”? We have three defensemen I’m comfortable in OT (Klefbom, Nurse, Bear – possibly Green too), so maybe Tip can create a third duo of Athanasiou-Ennis, say.

Woodguy v2.0

godot10: Leon’s December was him trying to do too much.i.e. He was trying to do all the checking for McDavid and Kassian (since they only make perfunctory efforsts at it) while continuing to attempt to be creative on offense.

December 5v5 goal share:

97 and 29 together (2-14) 13%
29 apart (1-9) 10%
97 apart (7-1) 89%

I don’t think your narrative carriers water, let alone chops any wood.

Munny

hunter1909: I’ll soon be dead

Joking, right? More like, “soon enough be dead”?

hunter1909

SkatinginSand:
Bank Shot,

Don’t waste your time. Hunter is such a fanboy that he sees any criticism of his superheroes as treason. He is completely incapable of viewing them as human, with failings as well as strengths and no one is allowed to deviate from hero worship.

Great comment. Incredible comment, but fanboy? Superheroes? On the contrary, it’s this week’s anti-Draisaitl hysterics who are holding this player to (failing)superhero status, while I’m pointing out his human qualities like being sick with the Flu.

Still I like the cut of your jib. One of the prerequisites of being an Oilers fan seems to be the suspension of reality. On the other hand, if I was seriously giving an opinion it would be that I trust management to steer the team both toward but also through the playoffs.

And probably beyond. If not, I’ll soon be dead so it really won’t matter lol

Munny

Munny:
We’re goin to shootout

Canucks manage to eke out a second point in the shootout.

Munny

A LOT of talk on Sports Radio today about Covid-19.

Ivy League has cancelled their basketball tournament this weekend, anointing Yale as champions despite Harvard being only one win back. The League is refusing to play even in an empty arena… Harvard players are not happy at all.

Ohio’s governor has recommended shutting down sporting events. The Blue Jackets have decided to ignore this request for the time being. Cavaliers haven’t commented but apparently there’s an NBA press conference tomorrow on Covid. Cleveland is also hosting two rounds of March Madness I believe.

I would put the odds of playing playoff games in empty stadiums at about 80 percent right now. Neutral sites are unworkable.

Munny

OriginalPouzar: Actually, I believe the only thing missing was posters telling other posters what not to talk about

Pretty sure this happened in this thread. Pretty sure.

Munny

Canucks blew another lead? Well, at least they’re guaranteed a point.

Munny

We’re goin to shootout

flyfish1168

OriginalPouzar: Of course not but I stand by my statement that he has the potential to be an NHL all-star.

His last two seasons were CHL d-man of the year and AHL all-star, as a 20-year old rookie and he comes with the best offensive pedigree out of the OHL since Ryan Ellis.

On that other hand, you have already anointed Rafferty as a found top 4 NHL D – of course, when he was 20, he was putting up less than 0.5 P/G in the USHL (whereas Bouchard was an AHL all-star).

Equal ceilings – you don’t even believe that yourself.

Hi OP, Not sure if you value Dobber prospect scouting report. But one of the scouts commented Rafferty may not have the same upside due to his age.

https://dobberprospects.com/prospects-ramblings-brogan-rafferty-scouting-notes-zayde-wisdom-and-midseason-guide/

Harpers Hair

Scungilli Slushy: Why aren’t youacknowledging age?

Apparently your contribution on the PP is directly correlated with how old you are.

Or maybe that’s just freaking stupid.

PP:

Quinn Hughes – 25

Evan Bouchard – 0

They’re the same age.

Bank Shot

Scungilli Slushy: Why aren’t youacknowledging age?

The same reason he thought Trymakin was going to be great or Shirokov was the next big thing. He’s a complete Canucks homer, or at least plays one on this blog.

Not sure why anyone bothers to engage.

Scungilli Slushy

Harpers Hair: PPG:

Bouchard – 3
Rafferty-3

Mmmmmmmagnet.

Why aren’t you acknowledging age?

Scungilli Slushy

Some skaters are fluid and some are heavy.

McDavid at half speed is a good NHL skater. Drai tired is a lumbering skater.

Lucic straight ahead is very fast. Drai straight ahead is very fast.

Neither are fluid skaters. Skating impacted Drais draft position to our advantage. His IQ overcomes it. Few can like he does.

Stated for truth.

OriginalPouzar

]

Reja: Bouchard will get a major push on PP 1 and he’s a point magnet he’s going to ram it down Buttons throat and quietly surprise a bunch of others.

I am far from convinced he’ll get a major push on PP1 in his rookie season – in particular not to start the year.

His PP treatment will likely be similar to Bear’s this year.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: Oh, I forgot.

You’ve already anointed Bouchard as an NHL All Star.

Mibad.

Of course not but I stand by my statement that he has the potential to be an NHL all-star.

His last two seasons were CHL d-man of the year and AHL all-star, as a 20-year old rookie and he comes with the best offensive pedigree out of the OHL since Ryan Ellis.

On that other hand, you have already anointed Rafferty as a found top 4 NHL D – of course, when he was 20, he was putting up less than 0.5 P/G in the USHL (whereas Bouchard was an AHL all-star).

Equal ceilings – you don’t even believe that yourself.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: Every team in the Pacific is in this race.

If the Oilers lose to Philadelphia and Washington (back to back), they could easily be on the outside looking in.

This is far from over.

Yes, technically, they are still battling to secure a playoff spot.

For all intents and purposes they are in the playoffs unless they lose all but 1 or 2.

Seems unlikely but, yes, they are in that race.

OriginalPouzar

godot10:
McDavid does the extended 3×3 shifts too.Not a peep from the Drai Haters about that.

McDavid took criticism in here earlier this year for extended OT shifts.

I don’t think anyone “blames Drai for the loss”.

That was a full team loss (well, except the goalie).

At the same time, Leon made a few poor decisions in OT and they did lead to the Theodore goal that stopped the Oilers from getting a point.

I don’t blame Leon for the loss, of course not, but I don’t see why he can’t be criticized on the play for poor decisions.

SkatinginSand

Bank Shot,

Don’t waste your time. Hunter is such a fanboy that he sees any criticism of his superheroes as treason. He is completely incapable of viewing them as human, with failings as well as strengths and no one is allowed to deviate from hero worship.

Munny

Do we really need to attack the person rather than the comment?

OriginalPouzar

jm363561:
And here we go again. My Dad is bigger than your Dad. The only thing missing from today’s joyless thread.

Actually, I believe the only thing missing was posters telling other posters what not to talk about and who not to interact with.

OriginalPouzar

Whoa – Ken Holland as a guest on the OilCan? That’ll need a listen first thing tomorrow morning at the gym – can’t wait!

Harpers Hair

Reja: Bouchard will get a major push on PP 1 and he’s a point magnet he’s going to ram it down Buttons throat and quietly surprise a bunch of others.

PPG:

Bouchard – 3
Rafferty -3

Mmmmmmmagnet.

Reja

Harpers Hair: I would expect Rafferty would outscore Bouchard…but it would likely be close.

Also worth noting that Rafferty is better defensively but that may be a function of how bad the Condors are.

Bouchard will get a major push on PP 1 and he’s a point magnet he’s going to ram it down Buttons throat and quietly surprise a bunch of others.

Harpers Hair

OriginalPouzar: – Rafferty – “a top 4D”

– Bouchard – “pretty sure will have a productive NHL career”

Oh, I forgot.

You’ve already anointed Bouchard as an NHL All Star.

Mibad.

Harpers Hair

OriginalPouzar: That should be fun for the fans of teams like Vancouver who are in such race.

Every team in the Pacific is in this race.

If the Oilers lose to Philadelphia and Washington (back to back), they could easily be on the outside looking in.

This is far from over.

Harpers Hair

Reja: What’s your over-under on Rafferty and Bouchard if there’s a a full season next year?

I would expect Rafferty would outscore Bouchard…but it would likely be close.

Also worth noting that Rafferty is better defensively but that may be a function of how bad the Condors are.

Reja

Harpers Hair: You seem to be obsessed with the draft and develop model when there are literally hundreds of examples of alternate routes to NHL success.

Perhaps an instructive example of this is Chris Tanev who was also an undrafted free agent signed by the Canucks coming out of college.

While he turned pro earlier than Rafferty, he didn’t stick in the NHL until he was 24 and then went on to be one of the best defensive D in the league for 7 years.

While his star is fading now and he never had the offensive chops of Rafferty, finding a top 4 D for nothing more than a contract is a major win for any organization.

I haven’t seen any indication that Bouchard will be a top pairing D although I’m pretty sure he will have a productive NHL career.

Not sure why you can’t see this.

What’s your over-under on Rafferty and Bouchard if there’s a a full season next year?

godot10

SVR: And it starts…

The Drai Haters started it.

duct tape and foil

Never had anything but positive things to say about Drai.

But fact are facts. His 3×3 play has been irresponsible (very long shifts) and this has produced very sub-par results (GA) as compared with previous seasons. If you canʻt go full out 3×3 then get off the ice, because the other team will change, get fresh legs and destroy you. The fact that the Oilers got a couple of grade A chances is meaningless when the other team gets double or triple that.

godot10

McDavid does the extended 3×3 shifts too. Not a peep from the Drai Haters about that.

SVR

McDavid is better

duct tape and foil

I’ve mentioned both today and certainly don’t consider myself a hater. They both have work to do in terms of responsibility at 3×3 and leadership (not doing stuff that harms team goals in pursuit of individual goals).

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: You seem to be obsessed with the draft and develop model when there are literally hundreds of examples of alternate routes to NHL success.

Perhaps an instructive example of this is Chris Tanev who was also an undrafted free agent signed by the Canucks coming out of college.

While he turned pro earlier than Rafferty, he didn’t stick in the NHL until he was 24 and then went on to be one of the best defensive D in the league for 7 years.

While his star is fading now and he never had the offensive chops of Rafferty, finding a top 4 D for nothing more than a contract is a major win for any organization.

I haven’t seen any indication that Bouchard will be a top pairing D although I’m pretty sure he will have a productive NHL career.

Not sure why you can’t see this.

– Rafferty – “a top 4D”

– Bouchard – “pretty sure will have a productive NHL career”

jm363561

And here we go again. My Dad is bigger than your Dad. The only thing missing from today’s joyless thread.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair:
The Predators crushing Montreal 3-0 in the second period.

The wildcard race is going to be insane.

That should be fun for the fans of teams like Vancouver who are in such race.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair: What’s not to like…he’s the best defensemen in the AHL in his first year of pro hockey.

That he’s not 12 years old as OP like to repeat ad nauseam doesn’t change that although it likely limits his ceiling at his age.

BTW, give the family a heads up….Vancouver Island is full.

I mention it because you disregard completely the difference between a 20 year old and 24 year old season in the AHL and have equated the potential of Bouchard and Rafferty which even you know if complete nonesense.

Don’t make me start with comparisons of their performance at certain ages.

When Rafferty comes to camp next year as a 25 year old, he will have his next opportunity to carve out a career as a tweener asopposedd to a career AHLer.

Bank Shot

pts2pndr: The Oilers play an attack game as it suits their talent better than a cycle team. This shows in the fact that while their possession and shot volumes are lower goal shareis still relatively good. I think we will see with the addition of one more NHL D with better passing skills this will improve. It is already better than last year. It will be interesting to see how things progress when Bouchard joins the D.

The Oilers are 25th in the NHL for ES goal share. They are being buoyed by special teams. Historically you can’t count on special teams to remain constant from season to season.

So the Oilers need to find a way to fix their 5 on 5 in the offseason.

Lets hope for some more internal improvements and a shrewd move or two by Holland.

SVR

godot10: McDavid is far less diligent than Draisaitl defensively.McDavid loses tracking of his man far more often.He still doesn’t seem to care much about faceoffs five years into his career.Crosby was bad to start, and has made it a strength.

McDavid appears content being a winger dressed up as a centre.

And it starts…

JimmyV1965

OilClog:
How do you know its not health? The literally played a game last night without their captain due to the flu. How is health not a major factor in the team’s loss for energy?!? Make it make sense

All I know is that every team in the league is banged up right now. Many dealing with far worse injuries than the Oilers. Every team has a compressed schedule, including Vegas, who killed the Oilers during their third game in four nights. I’m not saying the Oilers suck. I’m just not buying the tired and sick narrative. Many teams have also had stretches of awful hockey this year, including Vegas, Tampa, St. Louis and many others. These teams turned it around. I hope the Oil pull out of it.

DevilsLettuce

The turn around will most likely take place around the same time the team gets healthy from the flu and their own serious injuries.

The #1 is just coming back from shoulder surgery, the captains knees have been all sort of fears. Nurse and Bear are the only defenders that haven’t been banged up. This is some pretty serious injury stuff to overcome.

I imagine health and turn around will go hand in hand ?‍♂️

Harpers Hair

OriginalPouzar: Ready? But he’s only 25 (in a couple months).

I know he’s a blue-chipper but, damn, that kid develops fast…..

You seem to be obsessed with the draft and develop model when there are literally hundreds of examples of alternate routes to NHL success.

Perhaps an instructive example of this is Chris Tanev who was also an undrafted free agent signed by the Canucks coming out of college.

While he turned pro earlier than Rafferty, he didn’t stick in the NHL until he was 24 and then went on to be one of the best defensive D in the league for 7 years.

While his star is fading now and he never had the offensive chops of Rafferty, finding a top 4 D for nothing more than a contract is a major win for any organization.

I haven’t seen any indication that Bouchard will be a top pairing D although I’m pretty sure he will have a productive NHL career.

Not sure why you can’t see this.

DevilsLettuce

Bison Ribsauce has no expiration date.

Mmm Ribsauce

pts2pndr

Bank Shot:
I don’t think it’s a matter of other teams figuring it out. The Oilers have been a poor even strength team all season in terms of shots for/against and also goals against. Goals for have been ok.

I think its just a combo of the Oilers general tendency to get outplayed at even strength combined with a bad stretch of play and this is the outcome.

The Oilers play an attack game as it suits their talent better than a cycle team. This shows in the fact that while their possession and shot volumes are lower goal share is still relatively good. I think we will see with the addition of one more NHL D with better passing skills this will improve. It is already better than last year. It will be interesting to see how things progress when Bouchard joins the D.

OriginalPouzar

Lowetide: I’m about to be an outlaw on my own blog, but did talk to someone with knowledge of this situation and Stecher’s name WAS out there at the deadline apparently because the organization is convinced of Rafftery.

I will now ready my family for an immediate move.

Ready? But he’s only 25 (in a couple months).

I know he’s a blue-chipper but, damn, that kid develops fast…..

N64

~ Depend on which side of the Rockies their NHL teams is located ~

OriginalPouzar

Woodguy v2.0: No it’s not harsh, it’s the truth.

I love all of 97,29 and Tippett, but the poster is right.

3v3 goal share:
16/17
McDavid 66.3%
Drai 100%

17/18
McDavid 57.9%
Drai 63.1%

18/19
McDavid 58.3%
Drai 69.9%

19/20
McDavid 34.7%
Drai 43.4%

Its a real issue and I have no doubt that it’s directly related to the extremely long shift length that both of those 2 players are taking in OT.

Since its continued all year I assume Tippett is ok with it, but he shouldn’t be, they’re getting killed.

Drai had the opportunity to change when 93 and 74 had their break, skated right by the bench.

He was at near 2 minutes on his shift when the play went into the ozone.

He hung around instead of changing and then when the play came back in the dzone he was as useless as tits on men since he was totally gassed.

Not positive but I think he was so bagged he left the dzone to change. Probably becuase he couldn’t even stand at that point.

I was thinking that coach T was OK with it until his comment after the game last night – he wasn’t asked about Leon or his shift but offered up that he had a chance to change and he didn’t.

I’m thinking maybe Drai has the option of taking some longer shifts and the coach trusts his judgement but, at this point, that trust and privilege, I’m sure, are gone.

OriginalPouzar

Yikes, 4-0 Preds after 2 – so that one is all but over.