Unicorns

by Lowetide

The Edmonton Oilers won 7-2 over the Canadiens in Montreal last night, climbing back into a playoff spot in impressive fashion. The home team looked flat and beaten but credit the visitors, there was solid effort across the roster.

One feature of the team we haven’t seen in, well, ever, is three scoring lines. The club finally has six wingers who can wheel with centers Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. It’s one night, and the opponent doesn’t represent top top end of the league, but small victories are big steps.

THE ATHLETIC!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN JANUARY

  • On the road to: NYI, NYR, TOR (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 0-2-1)
  • At home to: OTT, FLA, CGY (Expected 1-2-0) (Actual 1-2-0)
  • On the road to: VAN (Expected 0-0-1) (Actual 1-0-0)
  • At home to: NAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
  • On the road to: MTL, OTT (Expected 2-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
  • Overall expected result: 4-5-1, 9 points in 10 games
  • Actual January results: 4-4-1, 9 points in 9 games
  • Oilers in 2021-22: 22-16-2, 46 points in 40 games

January has one more game to go, and the four-game winning streak has Edmonton back in the playoffs. Things are looking up, but this team is so streaky fans should be aware of making any bold predictions. Still, 46 points in 40 games is a playoff pace, and there’s reason to believe the team will be stronger in the second half.

Stuart Skinner stopped 21 of 23, .913, I thought he might have handled the rebound better on the Josh Anderson goal, but Tyler Toffoli has a good enough release to score from the faceoff dot so no quarrel there. The Oilers’ goaltending wasn’t the issue on the night and Skinner earned another start.

The McDavid line scored first and won the shot share, expected goals and actual goals. The unit didn’t have much chemistry, for me it makes sense to run Jesse Puljujarvi on that line tomorrow night. JP is the most familiar winger to 97, and other candidates (Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman) had success on other lines. Yamamoto had a nice assist, Kane scored the opening goal. McDavid had a spurt in the third period but things didn’t rhyme. Chemistry takes time, I wouldn’t sweat it.

Leon Draisaitl scored twice, and the line (Warren Foegele and Jesse Puljujarvi were his wingers) impressed across the board. Warren Foegele had two assists and could have had one or two more, he looked like a fine match for 29. Jesse Puljujarvi didn’t pick up any points, he seems between the play a lot lately. He’ll find his way. I’d put him on the 97 line. I’d switch JP and KY.

The Nuge line was splendid, scoring three goals and allowing none at five-on-five. Hyman was flying, I think that was his best game as an Oiler. Great deflection, great shot after getting into position, great pass to Nuge for his goal. Kassian was running all over, Habs didn’t have a response. Chris Nilan must have been steaming.

Fourth line scored! I think it’s important to get McLeod familiar with his new linemates but it was interesting to see the fourth unit with Kane just for a quick look. The fourth line numbers with McLeod on the unit were very good.

Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard put together a solid performance, some of the possession numbers are score effects and this duo was not strong with the McDavid line (2-5 Corsi, no shots in 6:33!) but it was first game for Kane. This pair was on the ice when Nuge line was doing much of its damage. Both Nurse and Bouchard had assists, Nurse’s coverage on the Josh Anderson goal was tight but a timely rebound Anderson spotted first was the difference. I like this pair, they are 14-17 five-on-five goals but 57.6 percent expected goals.

Duncan Keith and Cody Ceci had a good night, Keith with two assists (now 1.31 points-per-60 at five-on-five) and 2-0 goals (27-24 five-on-five goal differential). Keith’s passing is a positive and increasingly a weapon for the (now) three skill lines. Ceci made some fine defensive plays, he’s big and physical and that helps this pairing too.

Kris Russell and William Lagesson both picked up assists, Russell didn’t block a shot and that’s unusual. Lagesson with Russell has only been together for 27 minutes, but are 2-0 goals and have played well.

OILERS BLUE FIVE-ON-FIVE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL

  1. Kris Russell 16-10 (61.54)
  2. Duncan Keith 27-24 (52.94)
  3. Slater Koekkoek 12-11 (52.17)
  4. William Lagesson 7-7 (50)
  5. Evan Bouchard 32-33 (49.23)
  6. Tyson Barrie 22-24 (47.83)
  7. Darnell Nurse 24-28 (46.15)
  8. Cody Ceci 24-32 (42.86)

The third-pairing players (Russell, Koekkoek, Lagesson) often sail ahead of the top-four defenders and that’s due to qual comp. Still, you’d like your depth players running good numbers and it is so this year (so far) among the blue.

Duncan Keith looks fabulous here, his partner not so much. Ceci is 8-6 goals in his last 10, so may be working back to 50 percent and that’s vital. Nurse has had his struggles too, he is 6-8 goals in his last 10.

FORWARDS FIVE-ON-FIVE PER 60

  1. Leon Draisaitl 2.58
  2. Connor McDavid 2.25
  3. Zach Hyman 2.05
  4. RNH 1.83
  5. Brendan Perlini 1.68
  6. Jesse Puljujarvi 1.62
  7. Devin Shore 1.55
  8. Zack Kassian 1.54
  9. Ryan McLeod 1.43
  10. Warren Foegele 1.42
  11. Kyle Turris 1.33
  12. Kailer Yamamoto 1.26
  13. Colton Sceviour 0.97
  14. Derek Ryan 0.94
  15. Tyler Benson 0.37

Evander Kane (3.53) and Cooper Marody (10.2) haven’t played enough to qualify for this list.

Music! The three line unicorn idea could mean Edmonton lands more than three names above 2.00 points-per-60, and having that kind of firepower is a big deal. This Oilers team could make some noise in the playoffs if the GM can figure out the goaltending, add a defenseman.

You may also like

5 10 votes
Article Rating
315 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Ranford.85

Makar’s injured??

Munny 2.0

Oh well. We hoped for the best but it turned out like always.

And Stafford is a great story.

Munny 2.0

How do you drop that? There’s a reason you play defense.

Munny 2.0

huge second effort for a key 3rd down conversion.

Munny 2.0

TOUCHDOOOOWWWWNN NINERS!

Munny 2.0

Rams short by about an inch. Massive stop.

Harpers Hair

VGK re-sign Brayden McNabb…3X$2.85 million.

Last edited 2 years ago by Harpers Hair
YYCOil

IF the Oilers wanted to trade to get Bear and Jones back at this stage of the season, what assets would it cost?

leadfarmer

Late pick and waivers respectively

OriginalPouzar

That’s a bit silly on Bear – he’s having an uneven season, to put it lightly, his second in a row, which is likely providing evidence of a lower ceiling, and his value is likely down a bit, but he’d still get a solid/decent asset back in a trade.

I’d be happy to have him back as an Oilers – move Barrie in a goalie trade and acquire Bear – that would be nice.

Don’t know what I’d give up though.

Harpers Hair

Poor Montreal.

Down 4-1 at the end of the 1st….to Columbus.

Must be very difficult to come to the rink every day.

OriginalPouzar

Except when playing Colorado (OTL) or Anaheim (1-goal regulation loss).

Harpers Hair

Straw firmly grasped.

dynamicdylancoach

Heard at Halftime.

“All right, Cincinnati shape up cause it’s time for your halftime check up. The Doctor is on duty. I have just returned from personally supervising an extensive research project involving West Coast vegetable worship cults, Superbowl rings and the cure’s here babies.

That’s right. Doctor Johnny Fever is back and I’m on call every halftime on WKRP in Cincinnati!

Randle McMurphy

So last 3 QB’s standing

Jimmy Garoppolo
Mathew Stafford
Joe Burrow

Who says you need an elite QB to win a super bowl?

Randle McMurphy

Anyone who laid a bet for a San Francisco vs Cincinnati super bowl is online looking at new cars right now.

Randle McMurphy

There really has been a changing of the guard at the QB position over the last 2 seasons.

jp

Did the entire blog just get downvoted 2x? Lol.

Munny 2.0

Yup, I was looking at it too.

Randle McMurphy

Yes. There are at least 4 posters who just come in and hit – minus on all or most posts.

I’ve looked at it a few times. Hard to tell who they are.

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
jp

Hard to tell who they are.

Really?

Strange that they arrive together.

Last edited 2 years ago by jp
Munny 2.0

Ver-y strange.

€√¥£€^$

Hmmmm, afternoons really peak early regarding surly human activity in responses.

Dubious serious fanatics

Randle McMurphy

Yeah. I may have noticed that. I’ll have to watch a little closer.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

I use a down down up up pattern when voting.

Genjutsu

Left right left right b a b a select start?

Kert

Oh, that’s how you get 30 extra upvotes.

Tarkus

Tullio has an assist so far as Oshawa opens up a 3-1 lead.

Petrov is still on the shelf, having missed today’s game.

Victoria Oil

Another crazy NFL game. Bengals win after being down 21-3. I would not have bet that the Baby G.O.A.T. would have lost that game.

DevilsLettuce

Burrow didn’t lose the game though, the real baby G.O.A.T.

fishman

How big was that play at the end of the first half when KC bumbled and let the clock run out!!!!

Genjutsu

Bengals fans have paid their dues.

Happy for them.

Munny 2.0

You guys are going to hate this but one goalie I’d consider trading for is Craig Anderson.

Minimal cap hit, low trade cost, dependable and consistent despite being older than Smith. Made a deep run in 2017. No future obligations. He’s .927 in 7 games with BUF this year, was .926 in two playoff games for the Caps last season.

Kind of depends on Smith’s health, but Anderson would be very serviceable if platooned with Koski (whose contract is going nowhere).

Harpers Hair

Would absolutely be a decent bet.

Craig Anderson made 27 saves in his return from the injured list and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Arizona Coyotes 3-1 on Saturday night.
Kyle OkposoPeyton Krebs and Alex Tuch scored to support Anderson in his first game since Nov. 2, when he sustained an upper-body injury in a 5-3 loss to San Jose. He missed 33 games.
“I felt like a kid again,” the 40-year-old Anderson said. “I reminded myself of why I put in the work the last couple of months. I had fun. You are playing a kids’ game. If it’s not fun, it’s not time to play any more.”

https://www.tsn.ca/craig-anderson-buffalo-sabres-top-arizona-coyotes-1.1752474

LMHF#1

I’d look at him as well. Not first choice but very possibly an improvement.

OriginalPouzar

I’ve always like Craig Anderson – I had no idea he had such nice traditional numbers this season.

Munny 2.0

Barrie plus a choice of 3rd/Kesselring/Desharnais

FOR

Pysyk and Anderson.

All depends on what OTT thinks of Barrie and their own defensive needs. They only gave the vet Pysysk a one-year 900k deal but they use him a shit-ton, including against elites. They get little offense from the right side though and maybe this would help them re-balance. Barrie’s not expensive in that role, and their larder is filled with jars and jars of cap space regardless.

I think we’d still need a depth D, although Laggy is looking like that guy right now. I’d keep spelling him and KK, whose game has also looked better as of late. Competition does keeps the mind focused, they say.

The only bad rub I see with putting Barrie’s name out there is Klingberg is allegedly on the market and a team might need to be eliminated from that auction before moving on to Barrie.

OriginalPouzar

I don’t know enough about Pysyk’s recent play to evaluate the trade but I do value moving the 2nd and 3rd years of Barrie’s deal for nominal return.

Oilers can’t trade Deharnais unless he’s signed to an NHL deal – he’s Condors’ property, not Oilers.

I value Kesslering much higher than a 3rd round pick at this point – I really like his skill set and love his development this season in the AHL – he’s coming and I think he’ll be a player.

Team’s like Ottawa and Seattle won’t be interested in a rental like Klingberg but could be interested in a player with term, like Barrie.

Harpers Hair

Teams like Ottawa and Seattle would be very interested in Klingberg because they could re-sign him.

OriginalPouzar

As evidenced by all the bottom feeding teams that acquire top end rentals at the deadline every season????

Good Grief!

Munny 2.0

Desharnais issue is an easy one to solve.

Well “much higher” than a 3rd would mean that you valued him as a 1st rounder, which seems excessive. But I understand you value him. The point with listing alternatives is not that they are exactly the same value but come with different features. The question is what feature does BUF value? They might not like Kesselring at all. But since we are taking a defensive Dman, it seems good form that the offered prospects be in the same vein.

The Sabres have leaned on Pysyk heavily. He has the most minutes of any RHD. I think he would be a good bet to cover the bottom pairing and have the ability to play up the line-up if required.

Being an Edmonton product and having just played a season at 900k, he might also be a good target for another contract.

jp

I value Kesslering much higher than a 3rd round pick at this point – I really like his skill set and love his development this season in the AHL – he’s coming and I think he’ll be a player.

Holy shit! Decent NHL players are traded for 3rd round picks.

While I remain a little skeptical, I also rarely watch the Condors and I do value your opinion.

I’m mostly surprised that you rate Kesselring *that* high (I’d have answered YYCOil that Bear is probably worth a 2nd, for instance), I’ll consider it a very good arrow for the kid. I had no idea.

Munny 2.0

C’MON PEOPLE, HE’S IN THE EFFIN GUIDE & RECORD BOOK!*

Munny 2.0

Seven games of .927 goalering is pretty much 14 guaranteed points for this roster of skaters.

€√¥£€^$

I am just concerned that we’d have 2 unavailable vets, rather than 2.

Munny 2.0

While he has been hurt this season, he’s actually been pretty durable over the last five years, especially considering his age. Missed more this year than all four years prior added together.

Let me ask you this, would you rather bet on a 37 yo MA Fleury and probably both have to tear apart your roster for the necessary cap gyrations AND your prospect bank for the payment, and maybe get the better, healthier goalie… or trade and fit Anderson in with ease?

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
€√¥£€^$

No, besides Fleury is not coming.

I like your thinking, but Holland is already sweating bullets because his current injured soon-to-be 40 year old #1 tender can’t stay healthy.

Anderson turns 41 in few months. Hard to believe he won’t tweak something in a warm-up soon….

Jethro Tull

Amazing result. That’s how you build and coach a team.

€√¥£€^$

⚽️🇨🇦 #1

Absolutely brilliant results!

OmJo

I would like to take a moment to over-analyze Kane’s post-game interview in relation to Leon’s pre-game interview as evidence of this teams leadership and locker room tightness being solid.

When asked if Kane was going to be a distraction, Leon – I think – put the final foot down on the whole narrative and shut it down with his answer. I say I think because I haven’t seen the off-ice stuff brought up by EDM media since. Of course Kane’s play likely helped, but seeing Leon just straight up say “he won’t be a distraction” and emphasize the locker room in a positive way was really nice to hear.

As for Evander. I heard a lot of “we’s” and “the boys” in his post-game interview, even when answering questions about the team regarding things prior to him joining. I don’t know if it’s normal for new players to say “we” so much rather than “them”. But I like to think that this shows how good the locker room is at welcoming and integrating new players regardless of whatever “baggage” that might come with them, and the quickness of it.

It demonstrates good leadership.

Jethro Tull

It’s day one, week one. Let’s see how the universe shakes out 30 games from now.

Reja

2-0 Canada the crowd is going bananas.

fishman

Big win!

Durag

What a game. What a team.

Randle McMurphy

Love watching Alphonso Davies watching the games / goals

NBStone

A great game. Love the fact that they have edge to their game and foul other players appropriately…it’s like the hockey influence was evidenced in soccer. Huge win. Go Canada!

Randle McMurphy

and capable of playing a neutral zone trap and then scoring on the counter attack

Bling

Interesting tidbit from Leavins, saying that the Oil would be most interested in adding a shutdown RHD.

https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/a-lot-can-change-when-a-player-changes-sweaters-and-the-edmonton-oilers-hope-thats-the-case-with-evander-kane-9-things

I think this suggests a few things for LHD:

1 – Management is comfortable with Nurse/Keith as the 1-2 LHD.
2 – Russell/Lagesson/Koekkoek are competent as 3LHD.
3 – Klefbom is a real option at some point.

Klef’s status, IMO, is one reason Holland has exited the Chychrun talks.

Keith has been playing very well for a long stretch now (>10 games). I have concerns about his d-zone play (particularly against deep teams) and he probably shouldn’t be PKing so much, but for sure the mitts are there and he can move the puck effectively.

The real interesting part of all this is, if you add a RHD, you need to subtract one of Barrie or Ceci. Does one of those guys plus a pick get you a goalie?

31saves

Maybe I’m not reading between the lines properly, but what about Leavins article suggests that klefbom will be an option?

Munny 2.0

That Leavins is suggesting the need is for oars on the starboard side

Tarkus

We could definitely use a Bobby Oar.

jp

He did say ‘shut-down depth on defense (ideally RHD)’. Even if you’re cool with Barrie, there definitely is a need for more depth on the right side. Though I agree it didn’t entirely sound like 4RD type depth.

Most (myself included) see the LH side is weaker, but it’s also true that Keith/Russell/Koekkoek/Lagesson are 4 of 4 Oilers D who are actually above water in goal differential on the year. All 4 of them also have excellent underlying numbers since mid-December, so they aren’t simply running impossible percentages.

Maybe it has nothing to do with Klefbom, but rather a different (maybe even reasonable) assessment of the LD the Oilers already have.

Munny 2.0

Yes, I forgot that and did read it, actually.

I would agree that the RD is stronger but has less depth. I think that’s what you’re saying. It’s how I do think of the D anyhow.

Barrie looks like the best trade piece on this team right now too.

If I could do something like Barrie and a 3rd for Pysyk and Anderson, I’m all over it. Would solve a lot of ills.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
pts2pndr

The teams right side as I see it is the weak side both talent and size wise. Barrie’s offensive pluses are more than off set by his defensive deficiencies. He is good on the power play as it plays to his strengths talent wise. He is not a good match to play right side on the second pairing with Keith because of the pairings size deficiency and Barrie’s defensive shortcomings. The third pairing traditionally is a generally a defensive pairing which also does not play to his strengths. He would be a great fit for any team looking for a power play D. That spot on the Oilers is covered by Bouchard.

jp

Agree Barrie is the best trade piece. I’m not sure Holland would be looking to trade him before the off season though. That’s part of why I’ve been thinking more along the lines of finding him a stronger/better fit partner. I wouldn’t be against moving him though either.

I’m pretty skeptical of Anderson. He’s got solid numbers the last 2 seasons but it’s only in 13 total games (including his 2 in the playoffs last year). He had 3 full season at around .900 before that. The last time he had a decent season of more than 7 games was 16-17 (though he is indeed in the guide and record book). Anyway, I don’t see him as an upgrade on any of the goalies currently on the roster considering the tiny sample sizes and injuries he’s had. Also, what do you do with Koskinen?

I’d still see if Smith can get healthy and play something like last season, then see what goalies are available closer to the deadline if needed (there should be more as the season progresses).

Pysyk is possible I guess. He has had solid numbers relative to his teams, but what’s up with him playing forward the previous 2 seasons? Josh Manson seems like better bet from here, though he just got hurt (expected out for 6 weeks), and Anaheim won’t be selling in the short term, if at all. I wouldn’t do that trade, personally.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Agreed, Manson >> Pysyk.

And I’m skeptical of Anderson even as I’ve liked him for ages. Fool me once (with Smith), can’t fool me again.

Munny 2.0

More like renting than collecting. He won’t be staying.

Munny 2.0

Oh, for sure Manson is. But he’s out for 6 weeks and his team is in the hunt. Likely an impossible get, but target #1, if he can be had.

Munny 2.0

Yeah, as I said, this is dependent on Smith’s health. A move becomes easier if he is LTIR’ed for the remainder of the year. Then you platoon Koski and Anderson. But if Smith isn’t IRed, then Anderson’s salary is covered by Koski’s demotion, one of the few legit tenders where this is true, and Anderson is your backup with Koski in the wings if Smith goes down.

Injury-wise I believe he has missed a total of 25 games due to injury since 2017. Smith misses that in one season, lol.

Just need him to be on top of his game for a short run, not carrying the mail for the marathon of an entire season.

I don’t see any other $1M or less goalies that are as trustworthy and have the upside to post good enough numbers for a run to be honest. And you know he’s not going to crater in the pressure cooker.

It’s a gamble–as all trades are–but the surer options on this roulette table are limited and expensive. This is just one chip on 41. For me the cost is worth the potential payout… understand if you feel otherwise.

jp

I missed the condition on Smith’s health. Anderson would be a fine small bet in that case, though I wouldn’t pay much/he shouldn’t cost much. Less than the 3rd in your Barrie/3rd for Pysyk/Anderson trade, I’d think.

The TSN blurb HH posted above says he missed 33 games this season alone. Smith has missed similar this year, but only 13 games over the previous 2.

Fair enough Anderson is probably the best of the $1M or less goalies, and in a vaccum likely worth the small cost with very little risk. I don’t know if you want to flood the system (Anderson, Stalock, Skinner, Kovanolov) with goalies though. And I’d still like to see Skinner get some more games this season.

I’d still wait to see where Smith is at, then pay larger assets for a more sure thing (or even Anderson if he keeps it up another 15-20 games). I’m expecting any goalie add to involve Koskinen going the other way and/or salary retained (pretty much the norm for deadline deals), so that would widen the list of options a lot. As I said, the list of available goalies should grow as more teams fall out of the playoff race too.

Munny 2.0

Oh I wouldn’t be making any moves till we know more on Smith either. On that we are united. This is more, IF a move HAS to be made, how I think they should go about doing it… cheap, reliable play, vet who’s been to the wars, no long term commitment. As far as injury goes, there’s no guarantee on anyone, so I’d rather bet small till the summer..

jp

Yes that makes a lot of sense then. And if Anderson is still looking good and healthy in a month or two then he would definitely be a good option.

dessert1111

I have my own pet lines and preferred end of roster options but the major story here is that, especially if Holloway joins the team, there are lots of exciting forward line combinations, plus reasonably options like Sceviour for injuries or slumps.

I’d like to see a RD and a LD added, one for a low acquisition cost (low pick/C prospect) and the other ideally in a swap with Barrie.

Then it may be worth spending the first rounder for a 1A. The problem is I’d rather Koskinen as backup than Smith because of injury risk, but you probably need to move Koskinen’s contract to make a deal work. Maybe you can get rid of Kassian’s contract instead, I’d have him as 4th line or press box once Holloway is called up (or maybe even now).

fishman

Yea I can’t see Koski resigning here but who knows???? We need a 1A and ideally Smith retires but he won’t walk away from next years $$. Was a bad gamble by Holland giving him 2 yrs.

Harpers Hair

On the out of town scoreboard…

The Kings beat the Penguins in Pittsburgh 4-3.

The Kings now at .576…the Oilers at .575.

Fun fact…the Penguins have lost only twice in regulation in their lat 10 games…both times to the Kings.

meanashell11

Inquiring minds want to know. We don’t care. Go away.

Harpers Hair

Also noticed that Anaheim plays in Detroit tomorrow and then gets 10 straight days off while the Sharks play Tampa on Tuesday and then get 11 days off before meeting the Oilers on the 14th.

It will be interesting to see if the long breaks help or hurt the California teams…if they have injuries it should help but they could also get rusty.

leadfarmer

The other 3 divisions playoff teams are set.
at least the Kings and ducks get to duke it out for the last playoff spot in our division

Harpers Hair

Not sure about the Central.

Colorado, Minnesota, St. Louis and Nashville all appear to be locks barring some calamity.

There is still lots or runway for Dallas or Winnipeg to make a run and grab the final wild card spot.

Vegas .611
Calgary .600
LA .576
Edmonton .575
Anaheim .574
Dallas .561
Winnipeg .524

Winnipeg may appear to be the ugly duckling there but I’ve felt all season they are underperforming their talent level and have the potential to go on a run.

We’ll see.

Ice Sage

Problem for Dallas and the Jets is they gotta play those Central juggernaut teams while the Pacific teams will fluff around 3 pointers amongst themselves – quality of competition right?

Harpers Hair

You just have to be killers against the other divisions especially the Pacific.

Harpers Hair

Right on cue…Dallas leads Boston 4-0 halfway through the 2nd.

jojonoshow

Anyone got a stream site for soccer games?

fishman

Go Canada (up 1-0) and go Cheifs!!!

Reja

What a save by the Canadian goalkeeper Holland should sign him.

fishman

Yea he’s a “keeper”!

ArmchairGM

Does the Kane signing make Kassian expendable?

What is the market for Kassian?

leadfarmer

I think they keep him for the playoffs.
the game plan is clearly big guys that can skate on the wings to eliminate these modern d that are out there

OriginalPouzar

Kassian was expendable prior to the Kane acquisition. We are well past point of fantasizing about what he “could bring” given the value of $3.2MM.

With $3.2MM X 2 left on his contract, I believe there is zero market (and he would slide through waivers unclaimed).

If the Oilers retained $1M, so there is $2.2MM X 2 left on his deal for an acquiring team, I think he could be moved for a middling/nominal return with the real return being the cap space over the next 2.5 seasons.

fishman

Agreed Kass has little value. He coasts through too many games and is weak defensively. Certainly not worth $3.2. Very poor signing.

pts2pndr

At the time he was signed this was not really the case but with the flat cap it has gone from a slight overpay to not good value for cap hit.

OriginalPouzar

Many posited that is was a bad signing at the time.

My position was that the very very best case scenario is that he’d live up to the deal but there was pretty much zero chance he’d outperform it and almost certainty outperform it – even prior to Covid.

McNuge93

I think it’s almost a must that either of Barrie or Kass are unloaded this summer to cover Nurse’s additional $3.5+ mil and resigning Jesse and Yam. I know Koski will be gone but can we really rely on Smith next year? So there shouldn’t be any talk of extending Kane, that just doesnt seem possible.

GordieHoweHatTrick

It is a must. They really can’t do it without getting rid of both contracts.

OriginalPouzar

I agree about moving on from both of those players.

My thoughts’ on Kass are in this thread (Oilers could probably move him with retaining apx $1M) and I think Barrie can be moved straight up for some value – not a ton but some. No matter the value back, the key is moving him without requiring a poison pill of some sort.

Tarkus
Redbird62

RIP. Loved WKRP and Fever was my favorite character. When Andy tells him in the pilot he can switch the format and he lets fly with “Layla” it was music!

Sierra

Classic!

Hockey Project

My favourite comedy ever. I hate to be that guy, but I watched that show in its original run, then every day in syndication after, and now have every episode downloaded with the original songs and without the unlicensed music and voice-overs.

The song for the format change to rock and roll was “Queen of the Forest” by Ted Nugent. Fever played “Layla” when he returned to his old morning time slot in “Johnny Comes Back”.

Gerta Rauss

The phone cops was my favorite – that and the on air drinking display with Venus, Johnny kept getting faster on the response time and the cop got angrier each time

Sail on, Doctor

Redbird62

I loved that drinking one as well. Could probably down several beers reminiscing about many of the great moments on that show. The subtle humour was brilliant.

pts2pndr

My favourite line from the show was “ as God is my witness I thought turkeys could fly” I believe it was Les Nesman

Redbird62

It was actually Mr. Carlson who said that line. Earlier, Les was the one reporting live on air at the shopping mall screaming “Oh my god, they’re turkeys ” just as he saw them start hitting the pavement and parked cars. Carlson hadn’t told anyone what he was planning just to have Les at the mall for a big event. The looks on Fever and Andy’s faces listening to the live feed at that moment is priceless.

pts2pndr

Thank you! I loved the show! This brought back great memories and laughter!

Munny 2.0

No way.

“I said show me some badges, and the guys says, Badges! uh, we don’t need no stinking badges”.

Ain’t no phone cops in rock n roll heaven.

RIP Johnny Fever. Laughter in the best medicine and you truly were a doctor.

leadfarmer

With Smith returning. Archie sometime in future. Holloway probably called up in 11 games. Klef maybe possibly returning I don’t think this team does much approaching trade deadline. G could use help but I don’t see us in the Fleury sweepstakes

31saves

I agree.. honestly if it all breaks right every upgrade we need/want comes from in house.

Fleury is about the only goalie I can see as a clear upgrade on what we have but he doesn’t want to come to Canada (so I’ve heard) and besides, the salary and cost is HIGH..

Someone

I haven’t been following along, what’s this about Klef? I’d thought he was basically just not going to play again.

€√¥£€^$

It has been implied by some, without information, that Klefbom could potentially return. The “hint” is that he has not retired.

That is all.

Brewha Ha

Even if Klefbom was ready tomorrow. I don’t believe they can fit him in the cap? Some of the resident capologists may be able to answer this? I believe the only way to fit him in would be in the playoffs, unless 4.5M is moved out? Similar to what Tampa did last year. Anyway….

theDjdj

I think you can do “free” seasoning stints in the AHL for LTIR returnees (though I could be just misrembering and its that you can send down without waivers). Assuming that, you’d imagine they play Klefbom in the AHL and the use the Tampa trick come playoffs.

OriginalPouzar

Its not that simple and is dealt with in Section 13.8 and Section 13.9 of the CBA. In Section 13.8, there are cap implications but Klef would qualify for Section 13.9 which allows an AHL stint (without roster and cap implications) to determine if the play is fit to play – maximum 3 games/6 days (although a 2-game extension can be applied for).

€√¥£€^$

?

€√¥£€^$

I’ve landed on Turris + a 3rd for Braun

+

Barrie for Driedger + a 3rd

+

Koskinen + a 5th for Psyk + a 7th or to Arizona for Lyubushkin

€√¥£€^$

FWIW, this is not what I want to happen, this what I guess will happen.

OriginalPouzar

I’m not positive Archie will be returning – I think it was Matheson that wrote he remains unvaccinated.

Randle McMurphy

~ So you’re saying he’s probably vaccinated then ~

OriginalPouzar

One many not like Mattheson’s questions, approach or writing but, as far as factual information goes, I would trust him as much as anyone else as it relates to OIlers’ info.

OriginalPouzar

Interesting tidbit from Kurt Leavins – damn Drai is impressive:

5. Leon Draisaitl’s 2 goals on Saturday gave him 31 on the season. Only a half-dozen players in the past two decades have made it to 30 goals in fewer games than Draisaitl has in his 40 games this season: Alexander Ovechkin , Sidney Crosby , Auston Matthews , Steven Stamkos , Simon Gagne and Ilya Kovalchuk 

Link won’t copy for me – it’s his weekly 9 things piece.

Reja

My feel is he hasn’t even gone on a real ripper yet. The pendulum will swing and the Oilers will go on a stretch where they receive 4-5 PP a game. Also scoring first early is huge because it opens up the opposing teams strategy which will give Leon more room to breath. 60 plus goals for Leon is quite doable.

Bruce McCurdy

Last night was Leon’s 11th 2-goal game of the season. No hat tricks, just braces.

OriginalPouzar

True, but how many 4+ point games????

Munny 2.0

That was a pretty fast sprint to 30. Creme de la creme fast.

OriginalPouzar

I would say the 20 goals in 20 games (give or take) was quite a ripper.

Reja

Your underestimating what a point magnet Leon is.

tsunami

Not too bad for “Joe” ;)…

OriginalPouzar

Daniel Nugent-Bowman
@DNBsports
·
4m
Dave Tippett said he wanted Mike Smith to get a full practice in. He won’t play tomorrow. Tyson Barrie won’t play tomorrow either. Wednesday in WSH, the last game before the ASG, sounds unlikely, too.

Randle McMurphy

Yeah I was going to say earlier that there is a habit of not sending players down for conditioning stints. The least they could do is start the returning player in an easier game.

OriginalPouzar

Conditioning stints in the AHL aren’t all that common as there are roster and cap implications. I haven’t looked at this for a few years (since Sekera was coming off LTIR mid-season) but there are specific parameters and the player would be activated and hit the cap while on the conditioning stint.

Randle McMurphy

Thank you.

We’ll save it for Klefbom then 😉

GordieHoweHatTrick

While the idea of Kane at 1LW for next year and beyond is nice, I think it is a bit of a fantasy game. Not impossible, but improbable – he will show his value and some team will throw big $ for a 3-4 yr contract. I don’t think the Oil could match the $ without some serious trades of core pieces. Who knows what tomorrow, or the summer brings…

Regardless, my hope is Holloway can become Kane-lite. Not a fighter, not a bit crazy, not as a good a shooter at the moment – but very similar in most other aspects of his game. Speed, likes to, and knows how to, forecheck and backcheck and pass and go hard to the net. Not saying he would make it to 1LW but he may still be able to contribute in a similar manner to the top-6 (AT LEAST the top-9), at a fraction the costs from 2022-23 on…..

Last edited 2 years ago by GordieHoweHatTrick
Bryan

Kane should be a big help this season but I’d be very leery about investing a long term contract on him.

MushedPeas

Unicorns!

I hoped they would figure in post title. 🙂

OriginalPouzar

Devin Shore up to 1.55 P/60 and his goal differential is outstanding over the last 10 games (6-1).

He has been on the ice for 6 4th line goals in the last 10 games.

PK struggles aside, he has earned his current spot in the lineup.

flyfish1168

I think its time to try Jesse there

ziggy1397

Lol. Jesse plays defensive as if he’s playing basketball when in his own end.

OriginalPouzar
Bryan

Tippet is obsessed with penalty killers but I’d be all for trying Benson with Shore and McLeod.

OriginalPouzar

Tough to take Ryan out of the lineup as the only right shot faceoff guy (give or take Hyman).

OriginalPouzar

Whoa, Nuge up to 1.83 P/60?

For a special teams specialist, that’s pretty good. I know, I know, goals, goals, goals.

These three games since he returned show just how valuable Nuge is to the team – not elite but such a good player that simply impacts the game positively most nights.

OriginalPouzar

Duncan Keith tied with Dougie Hamilton, Werenski, Colton Paraykho (who has played 42 games), Thomas Chabot for 5 on 5 points.

Genjutsu

It appears the old man still has it.

Another example of danger of making sweeping statements about small sample sizes.

flyfish1168

Doesn’t this put Duncan ahead of a guy name hughes

Harpers Hair

Keith has 12 EVP…Hughes has 15.

Redbird62

In a dozen more games. Your the one always “Harpering” on p/g being the true measure.

Harpers Hair

The original post did not deal with P/G…I responded in kind.

Keith has .39 EVP/G

OP claimed Keith’s tied with Dougie Hamilton who has scored .43 EVP/G

Hughes is at .35 EVP/G but plays a very different role than Keith in that he also contributes on the PP…17 points.

Redbird62

Sure – when it suits your argument you respond in kind, but if it doesn’t you’re the first to make the switch which you have done numerous times just in the past month.

maudite

Translation I selective continue to frame everything as slanted as I possibly can in my everything anti oiler narrative.

OriginalPouzar

Harpers Hair

 Reply to Redbird62

 January 30, 2022 12:57 pm

The original post did not deal with P/G…I responded in kind

The original post deal with 5 on 5 points. You responded with ES points – they are not the same and you did not respond “in kind”.

pts2pndr

When he grows up he may be a real defence ma,😂

Harpers Hair

If you want to compare old man D…Drew Doughty is at .52

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Well, fuck me! I did not know we were only permitted to compare alike players. . .

How does this principle apply when comparing player contracts, like, say, Cale Makar’s contract to Darnell Nurse’s contract?

Harpers Hair

Feel free to compare anyone you like.

I don’t think you want to compare those two contracts.

DevilsLettuce

Feel free to not comment on posts that involve comparisons and information you don’t like and save everyone the hassle.

OriginalPouzar

Keith has 12 5on5 points……. Hughes has 11.

flyfish1168

Thanks, OP. I was right all along. See HH.

tsunami

that’s really odd… HH being wrong once again lol 😉

flyfish1168

You would think a Norris Candidate would be doing better

flyfish1168

Keith > hughes 5×5

OriginalPouzar

He has a game here or there where he struggles and gets beat for goals against but, in aggregate, I think William Lagesson is generally playing some very solid hockey.

I prefer him over Koekkoek each and every night (and, to pump my own horn a bit, I wasn’t in favour of the Koekkoek re-sign as I thought Lagesson was a fine 7D and there were reinforcements in behind on the farm).

Kris Russell continues to suppress goals against. He may not be an every day guy any more but he has value including shifting to the right side the last bit and giving some solid minutes.

Last edited 2 years ago by OriginalPouzar
DevilsLettuce

Not sure there was any fans of the Koek resigning.

Brewha Ha

I would love to see Mr Russell hit the 1000 game mark as an Oiler.

Last edited 2 years ago by Brewha Ha
Bank Shot

“The McDavid line scored first and won the shot share, expected goals and actual goals. The unit didn’t have much chemistry, for me it makes sense to run Jesse Puljujarvi on that line tomorrow night.”

I’m not convinced it was a chemistry problem yet. I think it was probably mostly a Kane was hot garbage problem. Guy was late everywhere and couldn’t handle the puck at all.

Really shows how important those daily reps are when a top player from last season looks so out of sorts from missing some time.

Which kind of leads me to thinking a return of Klefbom may not be a blessing.

As far as goaltending goes, Varlamov seems like the best bet by a long shot. Having another year under contract is great as well. I wonder if Lou will move him at the deadline? Islanders are pretty much done, Sorokin is playing great, and the Isles need cap room to sign a whole D-core. On the other hand, Lou is a prick.

Ryan

While I agree that Varlamov would be aI good target, I think it was Friedman who opined that Varlamov was unlikely to want to come here. He has a 16 team no trade list.

Bryan

Klefbom would certainly need a few weeks with the Condors after so much time away.

Bank Shot

He might not play at a level above 3rd pairing in the next year and a half… Then the Oilers are even worse off. I feel its unlikely that Klef would be at the same level he was at his best, and probably would still be NHL calibre, but he could be anywhere in between.

Klef coming back is a much bigger risk than the Kane contract IMO.

Last edited 2 years ago by Bank Shot
OriginalPouzar

The McDavid line scored first and won the shot share, expected goals and actual goals. The unit didn’t have much chemistry, for me it makes sense to run Jesse Puljujarvi on that line tomorrow night

Truth be told McDavid/Jesse and Drai/Yamamoto seem like the more natural pairs based on history – we know each of those pairs “work”. Perhaps Tip is doing a bit of experimenting, etc. which could prove helpful if injuries pile up again?

Also, thinking out loud – does the current winning trend coincide with the Yamamoto/Puljujarvi switch? Seems like that happened around 4 games ago……

Melman

Yammo has been getting all kinds of chances with 97 (surprise, surprise) and not cashed as much as one would like. But…he’s been around the puck a lot and made a number of good defensive plays. Perhaps Kane starts cashing the set ups KY has been getting and the chem evolves. Perhaps the thinking is to give KY and 97 another 20ish games together so if Tipp does want juggle KY and JP come playoff time there’s familiarity for those wingers with both 97 & 29.

jp

A lot was before he was moved to McDavid’s line, but Yamamoto has scored 3-6-9 in his last 12 games (3rd on the team).

Agree the shuffle has been partly about familiarity, though if Yamamoto can cash some more of those chances the line could also just be really good.

I’d like to see the current lines for a bit longer myself, and more generally don’t mind Puljujarvi or Yamamoto on either of the top 2 centers.

OriginalPouzar

Sens will be without a couple important forwards in Norris and Batherson but they will get Brannstrom back for the game tomorrow with the Oilers.

Bruce McCurdy

I saw what happened to Batherson (spits) but missed what has befallen Norris. Good Newfoundland boy, son of Dwayne Norris who scored the gold medal winning goal in the 1990 World Juniors & later won Olympic silver for Canada at Lillehammer in ‘94.

Norris the Younger killed the Oilers in their first meeting & is emerging as a significant scorer with 35 goals in his first 95 big league games.

jp

Totally missed that he was Dwayne Norris’s son. Thanks.

OriginalPouzar

I’m not sure what happened but do know its a shoulder injury (and he’s had shoulder surgery in the past).

OriginalPouzar

Interesting situation as Skinner is not on the ice at practice and Smith is a full participant. A real situation!

OriginalPouzar

Apparently Rodrigue and Skinner are now on the bench watching practice.

Spector reporting those two will take “light work” after practice.

Last edited 2 years ago by OriginalPouzar
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Just watch Smith get healthy and catch fire to make me look like an ass for disparaging his ageing body made of glass.

GordieHoweHatTrick

well, you and just about everyone else.

Bruce McCurdy

Smith is on (retroactive) LTIR, which is a minimum of 10 games AND 24 days. His last game was Jan 05 in TOR so the 24 days ended yesterday. Postponed games are included in the calculation, so add 5 to the 6 Oilers have actually played.

He’s eligible to come back right away, & the cap room is there if the Oilers simply reassign Skinner.

As soon as Smith was seen travelling on the road trip it seemed likely he would play 1 of its last 2 games. Might it be Ottawa, where he made his (strong) season debut last season?

HugThePost

I watched the intro presser where Evander was introduced to the Edmonton media; what a bunch of vultures we’ve got here. Just constantly trying to bait Kane into talking about his personal life. It’s called ‘personal’ life for a reason, but somehow the MSM relationship with the team seems to have evolved into them assuming a right to players’ personal information.

I would assume the players and team have given Kane some advice on how to handle these clowns. Evander certainly carried himself gracefully through the nosy questions.

i think his contract will turn out to be the best bargain contract in NHL history.

Harpers Hair

There’s a song for that…dedicated to Rupert Murdoch.

”Kick ‘em when they’re up…kick ‘em when they’re down…kick ‘em when they’re all around.

https://youtu.be/f2wg_h4928M

maudite

I shut off all coverage the day of the trade. It was beyond ridiculous to point of annoying how critical and pointless talk was spiraling into how people feel about what he said and how damning it seemed many were over him not capitulating and pandering in shame they felt he needed to be.

He’s went through bankruptcy, tons of different messes legal and league legal hearings….whether or not he goes full remorseful confessional in press conferences has zero bearing on a damn thing.

His actions off ice will determine if he has his vices in check and maybe actually has grown up enough to change his fate -> time will tell.

For the remainder of this year it’s pretty obvious he’s going to be in mind his p’s abd q’s play his guts out and show up.on zero off-ice circus narratives in hopes of securing maybe one of his last real paydays on next contract.

Nothing needs to be said. Just play. Hope the entitled ass pain of a kid has finally become a man but that is a story that’s likely irrelevant for 1/2 of a season on a show me deal.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
leadfarmer

Well his personal life did make some problems for his professional life

John Chambers

I don’t disagree that it looked like a bit of a pile-on, however independent media don’t earn their reputations by asking softball questions.

If anything they gave Evander Kane an opportunity to respond with humility, which he didn’t, and subsequent members of the media prodded Kane to take ownership of his failures, which was not to be forthcoming.

Ken Holland was very clear – they sought the man’s talents as a hockey player.

Reja

What did you want from him to start bawling and begging for forgiveness.

pts2pndr

I may be old school but in my world a persons personal life is just that personal and anything that is not pubic knowledge is off limits. Some of the questions addressed to Evander by the Edmonton media at the medial avail were in my opinion,at best, insensitive and rude and not anybody’s business!

Harpers Hair

A couple of games of note on today’s schedule.

LAK on the second of back to back in Pittsburgh. Penguins are heavily favoured but the Kings seem to be able to hang around and grab a point.

Speaking of back to backs, Buffalo goes into Colorado with their backup goaltender…last time I checked the odds were close to 5-1.

Also of note…Colorado has won 17 straight at home with Buffalo and Arizona as their next two home dates….NHL record is 23 straight.

With MacKinnon out, Kadri will get a lot of ice and PP time and a big game from him (there should be goals!) could see him take over the lead in the scoring race. Who saw that coming?

maudite

Are we ever going to get any mention of Colorado playing in the weakest division and that likely inflating things?

Because if that was the division the oil were In – we’d never stop hearing about it.

Harpers Hair

Not sure how you arrived at that (very flawed) conclusion.

COL .774
MIN .705
STL .648
NSH .644
VGK .611

So, the top Pacific team would be in 4th place in the Central.

The bottom 4 teams in the Conference are Vancouver, Chicago, Seattle and Arizona…2 each.,

Based on actual results, the Central is MUCH better and Colorado is running away with the division.

Harpers Hair

*5th*

maudite

Check goal differentials
Oh sorry, it’s your other favourite wagons to band in Atlantic division followed by all your champions in Central beating the tar out of preseason assembled draft lottery chasing teams…my bad.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
maudite

https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-success-pacific-division-save-2021-22-season/

My opposite George of HH 3rd party article for the day!

maudite

P.s. please highlight that according to HH the Canucks are on a comparable level as the coyotes, Seattle and Chicago….its fun when you twist yourself into illogical pretzels based on past narratives you’ve weaved.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
DevilsLettuce

Colorado needed overtime to beat Montreal, what a bunch of lames.

Last edited 2 years ago by DevilsLettuce
maudite

Puj not on first line was only blip from my ideal lines…that being said – I do think McDavid so frequently generates scoring chances individually that it makes some sense not to waste to much firepower on his line.

Spreading the wealth have to put one of the lowest 3 if our bottom 9 on each line.

McDavid (JOKER – 15 POINTS)
Drai (ACE -14 POINTS)

Kane (KING- 13 POINTS)

Puj (QUEEN), RNH (QUEEN), HymaN (QUEEN) – 12 POINTS

Yam (JACK) – 11 POINTS

Foegle (10)

Kassian (9)

KANE MCDAVID YAM – 39 POINTS
FORGLE DRAI PUJ – 36 POINTS
HYMAN DRAI KASSIAN – 33 POINTS

fairly balanced for 3 lines. Hyman and rnh are sound enough defensively that is best spot for kassian and drai needs another real scoring threat shot so it makes sense puj over yam.

I was pumped at hyman/nuge even kassian there two wingers that likely do help win coin toss face-off scrums.

Excited to see how this holds up versus more solid team.

4 games without barrie – 4 game winning streak. Not implying that correlates perfectly just simply hoping somehow he ends up being part of deal to better balance defense (we don’t need a 4.5 million elite PP middling even strength not overly physical RD as much as we need 4.5 million in off-season to tweak roster)

Barrie, lavoie, nemelianen for Justin Braun

Then you have 2.5 million cap freed up could trade koski without salary retained. I can see Philly going semi rebuild at this deadline.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
Yukon Jerk

McDavid (TRUMP(card) – 15 POINTS)

GordieHoweHatTrick

I agree the move to balance the D is to move Barrie for a tough to play against “shut down-type” RHS D with limited term and CAP hit. This team does not need MOAR LHS D in the system. Not sure it would require all of those additional assets to make something like this happen though, Barrie is on a decent contract for what he brings to most teams that need a RHS PP specialist.

Melman

For sure – the magic question is who’s the target?

Harpers Hair

When looking at trading Barrie it’s important to remember that John Klingberg is also on the market and doesn’t have the 2 extra years on his contract.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Also important to remember that’s the difference between a hockey trade and a rental.

jp

Further important to remember that Barrie has been a better scorer than Klingberg, at 5v5 and overall.

Randle McMurphy

Interesting. Barrie and Klingberg in direct competition from suitors. 🙂

€√¥£€^$

I think you have identified an excellent target in Braun, but the acquisition cost is unrealistic. If you trade the soon-to-be 35 year old for Barrie, who has 2 more years left after this season, Philly would have to add at minimum a 3rd.

As it stands Philly has Ristolainen and Ellis, plus NCAA standout 6’ 4” Ronnie Attard coming next year (probably) as well as 6’ 3” John St Ivy competing for that 3rd RHD slot within the next 2 years. They are both more NHL-ready (and more complete players) than any of the RHD prospects in Bakersfield.

Braun for Lavoie and a 3rd might work, but for Edmonton to fit him, it would be more like Turris and a 3rd.

I think if Braun were added, Barrie would be used to acquire a goalie, but that goalie would have term left.

FWIW, I keep going back to Driedger for Barrie as that deal.

OriginalPouzar

It would be nice if ANA fell out of the race and sold us Josh Manson for the remainder of the season (in conjunction with the Barrie for Drieger based deal I (and others) have suggested) – cap structuring and 12-team NTC notwithstanding

Munny 2.0

He is the ideal target. Him or Pysyk, and I don’t see BUF selling us their #1 RD either, despite presently being out of the race. I can see Holly making a run at Dekeyser though.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
maudite

Nice analysis thanks. Yeah I was just fishing through obvious sellers looking for a big decently defensive RD on expiring contracts with reasonable cap hit who is playing 2nd pairing like minutes and relatively owning them compared to tire fire of team results.

Braun appeared my best candidate.

Jones is also a decent candidate for swap deck chair type move and hope for best goalie swap. Just seems like there may be a few fits between oil and Philly to make reasonable short term bets that could work.

For Seattle based deals – barrie and Yamamoto would be my pieces in play with balance heavily leaning on 2nd tier of prospects for something like jarnkrok (RHS) and driedger…they definitely are in need of futures and nhl capable signed past this year or next players and are in bottom tier of PP ranks.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
Kraz

Loved the lines last night. Best part was the ice time for Drai and McDavid!

If 3 scoring lines are unicorns what is 4 scoring lines?

Also if the Oilers ever get down late in a game I would like to see a 91-97-29 line… just for shits and giggles

Last edited 2 years ago by Kraz
Randle McMurphy

4 scoring lines?

A herd of albino Bison.

#GreatWhiteBuffalos

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Randle McMurphy

Is Warren Foegele a bigger stronger more tenacious version of Tobias Reider?

I heard he was down by the ocean the other day, threw a stone into the water……

AND MISSED!

Randle McMurphy

To be clear, I am kidding. I like Foegele. But both he a Reider were/are snakebit.

BY A 14 FOOT KING COBRA!

I cannot recall seeing two guys get SO MANY shots on goal with no results.

Shooting percentage 0.0006%

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
jp

Ah come on, Foegele is on pace for a 10-20-30 season. Very much in line with what he’s done before (a few less goals, a few more assists).

Randle McMurphy

Ryan McLeod

Age 22 6’3″ 201 lbs. FAST skater. Good at faceoffs for his age.

This kid is pure gold as far as his future and the Oilers needs moving forward.

Best rookie story of the year for the Oilers (tied with Bouchard)

Randle McMurphy

Oh! and I forgot, a “hockey smile”

(2nd most notable smile on the team)

Randle McMurphy

Devon Shore continues to impress.

These 5v5 numbers do not flatter JP nor Yamamoto. Not sure how to change this.

If it continues, one or both of these players is putting themselves in harms way (come the summer) . imo

Or perhaps they both end up agreeing to team friendly contracts as middle six wingers?

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Elgin R

Would be great if he scored more but need to look at his contributions like the other night where his net front was instrumental in 3 goals.

pts2pndr

Well said!

Randle McMurphy

While this is true, instrumental seldom gets you paid.

Munny 2.0

My grandmother is a far better offensive player with 97.

I’m not sure “score poorly and you get to play on the top line” is the right message. And it’s not like Drai is a slouch.

13 needs to figure out how to score against easier qual comp, not play against even tougher opponents,

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
GordieHoweHatTrick

Yes, I think your nice work here LT this shows the real value of JP with 97. Of course it would be great if JP could be putting up better numbers, but if he can help 97 work his magic, then there is much value in that contribution alone…also weaker points numbers for 13 could help with negotiating his next contract.

I think KY and Kass are more likely to move on than 13.

Last edited 2 years ago by GordieHoweHatTrick
Randle McMurphy

If we’re talking middle six wingers, and I believe we are. JP’s market value far exceeds Kass and Yamo combined imo.

It’s part of what creates the risk equation for JP I believe.

But I do agree Kass and Yamo should be the 2 go if push comes to shove.

Munny 2.0

Except Leon’s numbers drop as much as Connor’s do when away from Pujo. So that’s not really a convincing argument, sir. He’s a help to either or.

And considering most of the the “With” time is all three together, the without numbers imply the missing person (97 in the first case, 29 in the second) is having an effect.

And eliminating that factor shrinks the sample size below any sort of trust or accuracy..

jp

Was going to comment on this earlier but was a bit busy and forgot. I agree with LT on this one, and didn’t really believe it until his article.

Going back to when Puljujarvi entered the league, he and McDavid have had really excellent results together. That’s regardless of whether Draisaitl was part of the equation or not (this is looking with the line tool at NST).

If you look at McDavid with and without Puljujarvi (removing the Draisaitl minutes), McDavid’s on ice numbers improve roughly from 50% to 55% (goals, shots, scoring chances, HD chances). Those are pretty big samples too, approaching 1000 minutes.

Do the same with Draisaitl and the numbers don’t change much with or without Puljujarvi (though the sample size there is much smaller, only about 350 minutes for 29-13 together without 97, going back to 2016).

McDavid-Puljujarvi do have something going, and it’s pretty consistently been a thing, right from when Puljujarvi entered the league.

That said, I don’t at all mind trying Puljujarvi in other spots in the lineup, for a bunch of reasons. Come playoff time though, I think they should probably be together.

Randle McMurphy

Duncan Keith rounding into form. This looks real / sustainable.

The veteran pro’s save something in reserve for the stretch drive / playoffs

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

When is he eligible for a contract extension???

Randle McMurphy

I honestly thought all along that Keith would land elsewhere once Broberg and others arrived.

I’m now wondering if he plays the Russell role once his contract expires. Vet 3RD (7th D) at $1m x 1

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Did you borrow Woodguy’s phone this morning?

Randle McMurphy

Nurse / Bouchard

When I say I like this pair, it’s not because Bouchard is our top RHD. He is not.

BUT, I like this pair because Nurse shelters Bouchard and Bouchard is on a reasonable trajectory that merits sheltering and plenty of ice time.

Will be fascinating to see just how Tippet utilizes Bouchard come playoff time.

cowboy bill

What I’d really like to see is a big , solid , shutdown LHD to play with either of Bouchard or Barrie , Nurse can play with the other . Keith & Ceci are fine in a 2nd or possibly 3rd pair role .

Randle McMurphy

While I agree with a part of your premise, Keith would beg to differ. Just look at his numbers.

I think Kenny is looking at Broberg, Niemelainen and/or Samorukov to play the role that you’re describing (next year)

But if the Oilers are at or near the top of the division come the trade deadline and Holland doesn’t upgrade in goal, then you may very well get exactly what you’d like to see.

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
cowboy bill

Next year. But what about this year ?

jp

Deadline rental at LD. IMO it will be a Kulikov/Green quality add for similar cost (3rd pick or later).

Should be able to upgrade on Koekkoek/Russell for pretty cheap. Plus add depth. And hopefully a shutdown element that the team could use.

CopperandBlue

Would be nice to bring in a guy like tinordi or chiarot, the defence is lacking a guy to clear the front of the net ala Adam Larson

jp

Exactly, that’s what I’m hoping/expecting.

Randle McMurphy

Did you not see Russell in last years playoffs?!?

Kidding 🙂 Sort of.

jp

Call the add depth then, if you prefer 🙂

OriginalPouzar

Ultimately I’d like Foegele on the 3rd line (although he was very good last night) but there is something to be said for the Nuge/Hyman chemistry and Hyman helping out Nuge with off wing face offs.

Just imagine if Holloway keeps progressing and is able to play 2LW allowing Foegele to play 4LW.

Pairs:

Kane/McDavid
Holloway/Drai
Hyman/Nuge
Foegele/McLeod

WOW!

cowboy bill

Foegele wouldn’t get the ice time playing on a fourth line and that might effect his play . But it sure looks good on paper.
I get the feeling Holland is going to leave Holloway in the Bake to over ripen . Because that’s what he does.

€√¥£€^$

Games # 72 to 82 line-up:

Kane-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Holloway-Drai-Yamo
Hyman-Nuge-Kassian
Foegele-McLeod-Ryan/Archibald

What in the hell?

Last edited 2 years ago by €√¥£€^$
GordieHoweHatTrick

Yes. This is the way…although if Kass can’t contribute more consistently, I am happy to see another at 3RW.

Munny 2.0

Holloway, if he plays any NHL this year, will be on the 4th line. Kane signing solidified that future.

Lordy Lordy Lorde

Kane-McDavid-PJ
Holloway/Foegle-Drai-Yams
Holloway/Foegle-Nuge-Hyman
Shore/Benson-McLeod-Kassian

I think Kassian is the only guy I want to push down to the fourth line.

David

Agreed. Switch Hyman to the right and keep Foegele in the top 9.

Randle McMurphy

While I agree that JP is our best right winger, if he “creates” by turning pucks over / digging out pucks for McDavid, why not have him do so for Draisaitl?

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
cowboy bill

That’s what Yamamoto does for Leon too . I would suggest they are interchange.

Randle McMurphy

Your right. He does.

But his 5v5 per 60 numbers make him a 3rd liner. Hopefully he can catch fire when it really matters and “earn” top six minutes.

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
cowboy bill

Couldn’t agree more .

Sierra

Neither of the two are like 1st or 2nd line players, and this shouldn’t be a problem given who their centres are.

MushedPeas

PJ chaos doesn’t quite seem to do for Leon what it does for McD.

Randle McMurphy

Both JP and Yamo are going to fall victim to the “any plug could score 20 on McDavid’s wing” Anything less will eventually be viewed as insufficient.

OriginalPouzar

This does seem evident to this point. I think it may be because McDavid is just so much quicker (than anyone else in the world) to react to the chaos creation and take advantage of it.

Randle McMurphy

“Sinner earned another start” ?

I thought Skinner played poorly. He regressed for sure. But its only one game and it was his first game back.

I don’t think he “earned” another start, but if Mike Smith is still out, Skinner will get the 2nd game of the back to back against the Hawks.

Reja

Skinner played well enough not to allow the other team to score the first goal. Who gives a shit if the other team scores when it’s a 5-1 lead. Its all about game management make the saves when you need them and you’ll be a cult hero in Edmonton for eternity.

Randle McMurphy

Skinner played like an AHL’er. Thankfully he was playing against an AHL roster.. Rebound control was atrocious.

That’s two bad gms in a row for the Principal.

Sierra

Agreed. Skinner played to the caliber of his opposition last night. It wasn’t his best outing, notwithstanding the .913.

Sierra

You seemed to shit a lot of shit when Mikko was giving up goals after it was 0-3 in a stinker loss.

You can’t have it both ways.

Reja

If you haven’t been given the memo yet Mikko’s done his contract is up he’s not getting resigned. I myself don’t know what to think of Skinner but he does seem to be improving and as of now is still in the Oilers future plans.

YYCOil

Last night

Rookie Skinner had a .913 SV % and team won, and there are two comments about regression.

Markstrom has zero high danger shot and the commentary is about how well Markstrom handles the puck to reduce high danger opportunities.

David

Skinner looked a little jittery but I don’t understand an evaluation that says he played poorly.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Oilers goalie coach really needs to spend a few days talking about rebounds. What are they? Why are they bad? What can we do to prevent them?

Reja

Watch how Mikko tracks the puck with his eyes he’s very often a split second behind. He has many saves where the puck hits him and he’s looking elsewhere. Keep a eye on how he tries to see through a screen very poor technique that’s why so many goals beat him from the point. Mikko might be a nice gentle giant but his Greyhound Bus ticket out of town is non-refundable.

GordieHoweHatTrick

He hadn’t played in the NHL in a while. Decent back-up performance from that perspective.
Get him in the rotation a bit more regularly and that wobble would like wibble out.
But now it looks like the old man is ready to return for a few periods, so I suspect Roddy to go directly to ECHL, does not stop at AHL, does not collect $200.

YYCOil

I went to the Flames game last night. The atmosphere in the rink is brutal, without food and beer. 0-0 games was terrible to sit through, I don’t think the Canucks tested Markstrom once.

The Canucks didn’t not have a back-up goalie on the bench or in the tunnel. I have never see that. But it begs the question why would a team keep the back-up goalie sitting on the bench getting cold. Why doesn’t the back-up goalie have a space they can stay warm, in case they have to be put into the game?