I didn’t believe this Oilers team would win multiple Stanley Cups during the Connor McDavid era, because there was too much work to do. The owner was still learning on the job, and he had a new arena to fill, and the minor-league system had only recently been repaired by Steve Tambellini. The amateur scouts started humming around 2013, I think Craig MacTavish is owed a little credit there, and by 2015 the scouts were delivering quality with the picks the GM didn’t trade away.
I did believe Edmonton would win one, said it on the McDavid lottery night. The key would be making major inroads during McDavid’s entry deal, possibly winning it before his second contract kicked in. You might laugh at the idea, but if you look at the forward group on that team, it was pulsating with elite talent. McDavid. Hall. Draisaitl. Eberle. Nugent-Hopkins. Music!
As you know, it didn’t work out that way. Seven years later, after carrying the team for exactly one forever, you can see weary creep into Connor McDavid’s game. Far from a spent force, but there is a new reality for player and team. There are times in the past six weeks when the captain has called upon his magic and has been met with silence. He’ll get it back, but McDavid and company need help and need it now. Is there any coming?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Oilers pro forward depth chart about to get overhauled
- New DNB: Three Oilers questions that will define stretch run
- Lowetide: Hard-target search to address Oilers roster needs before trade deadline
- Lowetide: Four RH defence prospects looking to impress while pushing for the NHL.
- DNB: Why Oilers prospect Xavier Bourgault is ‘a player that everybody wants to play with’
- Lowetide: Do the Oilers finally have three strong outscoring lines?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ bizarre January ended on a high note
- DNB: Oilers’ Zach Hyman is compelled to speak up about antisemitism when he sees it
- Lowetide: Revisiting Oilers’ choice to take Kailer Yamamoto in 2017 NHL Draft
- DNB: Evander Kane’s presence was felt in his Oilers debut
- Lowetide: Why prospects stall in the AHL
- DNB: Oilers leaders believe Evander Kane will buy in
- Lowetide: Have Oilers trade assets changed in light of the Evander Kane signing?
- Lowetide: Grading the first 3 years of Ken Holland’s Oilers trades
- DNB: Adam Cracknell is now a Canadian Olympian.
- Lowetide: Leon Draisaitl’s history of long Decembers and what came after
- Lowetide: Three first-shot scorers in Oilers system in a race to make NHL
- DNB: Dylan Holloway resumes road to Oilers after frustrating injury interruption
- New DNB: Oilers’ flaws can’t be ignored as losing skid goes from bad to worse
- Lowetide: Why can’t the Oilers win a trade in the Connor McDavid era?
- DNB: ‘We’re finding ways to lose’
- Lowetide: Midseason review of Oilers reasonable predictions for 2021-22
- DNB: The Oilers aren’t getting a dominant Leon Draisaitl right now
- Lowetide: What to expect from Dylan Holloway in Bakersfield and Edmonton this season
- Lowetide: Forget the Connor McDavid bump, Jesse Puljujarvi is the real deal after all
- Lowetide: Oilers top 20 prospects, winter 2021
WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY
- On the road to: WAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
- At home to: VEG, CHI, NYI (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-2-0)
- On the road to: SJS, LAK (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: WPG (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- At home to: MIN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
- On the road to: TBY, FLA, CAR (Expected 0-2-1) (Actual 0-0-0)
- Overall expected result: 6-4-2, 14 points in 12 games
- Actual January results: 1-2-0, 2 points in 3 games
- Oilers in 2021-22: 23-18-3, 49 points in 44 games
The Oilers have 12 games this month, and three extremely difficult games at the end of February. Winning last night, and tomorrow night, would build some points for what is extremely likely to be a brutal end to this month. Instead, we see a month that resembles the early days of December.
The Oilers are simply awful at the start of games. Just miserable. The passing is garbage and no one is shooting enough. Honestly, Edmonton’s home games are not good. That’s a fact.
We’re left to discuss scraping into the playoffs, talking about next year and (gulp) contemplating the first-round selection and what it might bring. Vegas came to town and beat the Oilers and then the Flames hammered Vegas last night. Do you believe this Oilers team can win a playoff round against either Vegas or Calgary? Seriously. The goal of those two teams is to win the Stanley Cup. Edmonton’s goal? Scratch and claw to the playoffs.
Last night, Mike Smith made several fantastic saves later in the game, but the team had a 2-0 deficit before most of us had settled in to the game. This has become a nightly routine and has to stop. Much will be made of Dave Tippett’s decision to run Smith two nights in a row, clearly indicating that Smith’s knocking the rust off is more important than the two points lost in the standings. What are the Oilers doing, exactly? Everyone knows the team will need two goalies from now to the end of the season, right? Flummoxing.
Duncan Keith has played well, very well at five-on-five. His on-ice goal differential in the discipline (28-25) is stronger than Darnell Nurse (26-34) by some margin, and the pressure on Nurse will increase with Keith’s absence (I expect he’ll be out for at least a short period. Expect a recall today, and an increased role for William Lagesson. Based on my viewing of the Condors, Markus Niemelainen would be the best shutdown option, Broberg the best mobile defender available. Dmitri Samorukov has also played well recently.
The Oilers best line last night was the McLeod line based on Corsi, shots and expected goals. It continues a trend for Jesse Puljujarvi, who owns a shot share (55 percent), goal share (55 percent) and expected goal share (58 percent) at or near the top of Edmonton’s forward group this season (all numbers five-on-five). Warren Foegele had a couple of brilliant chances.
The Draisaitl line played a lot and Evander Kane had three high-danger chances, couldn’t cash at five-on-five. Leon Draisaitl scored Edmonton’s goal (PP) with helpers from Kane and McDavid.
The McDavid line had some brilliant chances, Hyman was roaring and Nuge had an extra step, too. McDavid worked hard but things aren’t rhyming, I don’t think he’s hurt as much as worn down from chasing the game every night. Back in the day, they’d send guys away for a week to get some rest, there’s no way 97 would do it but it might be the best solution.
Darnell Nurse played one second less than 30 minutes on the night, a Herculean effort that may have to be repeated tomorrow evening. Keith and Ceci were rocking and rolling until Keith’s injury, and Willy Legs looked good with Evan Bouchard. Quite a night for the blue.
LOWDOWN WITH LOWETIDE
At 10 this morning, TSN1260, we hit the ground running on a busy day in sports. Chris Johnston, TSN Insider, will give us the latest on trade rumours, the state of the Pacific division and contemplate a complicated market for goaltenders. We’ll also talk Super Bowl and Olympics, where Canada won a bunch overnight. 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
Everyone is expecting Smith to start tomorrow night, right?
If he’s healthy probably, he ended the game decently. Woody doesn’t seem like a ‘comin’ in hot’ type
Flames now leading the Leafs 5-1 early in the 3rd period.
This would be their 5th straight win at home.
Outscoring the opposition in those 5 games, pending tonight’s final, 24-3
Who could possibly have seen this coming?
Nobody
But this isn’t playoffs
They should be competitive but when they play more talent with discipline in the playoffs it becomes the Preds deal
I did.
Are you suggesting the Flames cannot play with discipline in the playoffs.
It is their identity.
Well if you mean you said they would be good yes, the other thing you implied no
I meant past round one the other teams also have discipline so that advantage is moot
That is when superior talent takes over unless luck intervenes or goalies
Same as it ever was
Tkakchuk is pretty good, Bread may stay hot, JH can be eliminated in playoffs as usual when his space is gone
That when depth takes over and the Flames have that in spades as well as an elite goaltender.
Of course, injuries can derail any playoff push, so we’ll see.
That could be depending on opponent
If the Avs and Flames met and assuming health. and comparable G, money goes on Avs. You know why
Of course…the Avalanche are shaping up to be an historically good team.
The Flames can’t find enough discipline to beat Tipps systems lol.
I guess when you say 1000 things it is possible to get 1 right so you have that. How about we make a list of all the wrong guesses over the years. Not to mention not honoring gambling debts.
The Flames are hot trash, they can’t even beat Tipps systems lol.
OEL sucks.
Bosnum Raspberry is still trying to pick up the pieces from your curse.
Have the Flames beat the Oilers?
Tippet and Playfair gone. Well… it’s a start. Two down, three to go.
The problem is you still have guys like Lowe and Mactavish lurking in the background. They shaped the rebuild of the rebuild. Not terribly surprising things haven’t gone according to plan.
There is still hope for this Oilers club, but time is running short.
Right you are!
Two down, five to go.
Lowe and MacT? I wish I could see you, cause I have no idea if this is serious or not!
Bob Nicholson has outright said that the reason he is in Edmonton is because of connections to Lowe.
Who guided Katz in the direction of hiring a guy with no NHL experience to head up his hockey operations?
I think it would be crazy to think that a guy like Lowe has had zero influence on the Oilers org despite being separated from the hockey side on paper.
Beyond naive to think Lowe and McTavish haven’t had a voice all along.
They are both still welcome at the Red Wine Summits.
Truth. And I don’t get to say that often in this precise context.
Wait. You think Holland is a puppet to Lowe and MacT? And Chia? These guys may not be the best gms but they were for sure making their own decisions.
MacT? The guy that went to Russia, to coach and is now a broadcaster has his hands on our roster decisions?
Still lurking! like herpes.
Legitimately surprised not to see 2000+ comments. I know it’s no McDavid draft but…
A possible Stanley Cup final underway in Denver.
Avalanche lead the Lightning 2-1 halfway through the 1st period.
Avalanche already have 18 SOG!
2-1 Colorado at the end of the 1st.
SOG – COL 24 TBL 11
HDSC?
Lightning: Corsi 21 – Fenwick 15 – Scoring Chances 13- HD Chances 9
Avalanche: Corsi 46 – Fenwick 35 – Scoring Chances 23 – HD Chances 11
Results somewhat delayed.
HDSC is closer and the score is now closer
A good tilt
Avalanche with a 3-2 win.
What a game.
Since January 1, the Avalanche are 16-0-1.
Will there be a Boudreau bump? (The new version of the Hitchmas miracle) If McD is honestly hobbled, and he might be, I’m not as hopeful. He does seem to be really rationing his bursts but that could be his overuse.
Shouldn’t be overuse considering he’s played 12 games in 2022 (with a 1.13 P/60).
An interesting tidbit, read second-hand:
“Elliotte Friedman on The Jeff Marek Show says he thinks the Oilers offered Philadelphia a 5th round pick for Martin Jones, but PHI wanted more. He also said CBJ asking price for Joonas Korpisalo was a 2nd and a 3rd, but EDM is not willing to do that.”
Jones is at .901 with a high GAA, and Korpisalo is having a career-worst season. Lateral moves at best?
It is interesting.
Why would they want Martin Jones. Does that mean they value Jones more than Skinner.
I don’t get it.
They saw him well in that SCF series against the Pens? He was at his peak then…
Do we know what happened to Jones that caused him to fall off the way he has? Was there something specific or multiple things?
He took a job as a goalie in Philly. That’s the death knell.
A poor team makes a poor goalie
This is where a good goalie coach who can be eyes and stats pay off
A good goalie coach is going to make the poor team better? I’m not quite sure what you’re trying to say here.
They can look at a target’s game and inform if the goalie has game and it’s the lack of defense or if the goalie and team are weak
OK, fair enough.
I wonder if this sort of thing is why Korpisalo is still viewed as a legitimate target in the hockey world?
Good question
That or guide and record book?
Not the guide and record book at all, that’s exactly my point.
According to PokeCheck above, the ask for Korpisalo was a 2nd and a 3rd (for a rental who’ll be UFA this summer). Apparently Holland wouldn’t pay that, but it seems as though people in the hockey world think Korpisalo is going to put it all together any day now.
Based on his guide and record book numbers that’s a batshit crazy ask.
Korpisalo’s NHL SV% by year:
.920
.905
.897
.911
.894
.887
That’s a notably worse track record than either Smith or Koskinen. Yet Friedman reported a 2nd and a 3rd without an lol. And there also seems to be constant interest in Korpisalo from around the league.
It’s more than a little weird based on his guide and record book stats. It has to be some sort of scouting/saw him good that’s propping up Korpisalo’s reputation, no?
Maybe he has a “good” agent?
Hah! Well damn.
Though he did let/advise Puljujarvi sign for $1.175M times two.
True dat. I mean I’m not sure what he can actually accomplish but I’m also not sure he’s an honorable actor. I mean does all it take is a plant with Elliotte? “Yknow Elliotte,, my client tells me that…”
I dunno. Maybe I read too many spy novels as a kid.
Yeah that definitely sounds possible as an element of his rep. Can’t be the only reason though, right??
I guess he did knock off TB the other year, but i think there has to be a strong scouting/fundamentals/saw him good component for a guy carrying around an .891 SV% the last couple of years.
I thought Harry’s Hairball had him as the Vezina winner this season. That’s the death knell……..
That’s who I wanted low cost he was a starter for years In the Pacific and he’s a good-ole B.C boy. If Holland can trade a 3rd or was it a 4th for 1 effing game for Mike the cash is Green.
Jones would be a lateral move, Korpse is a clear downgrade.
Fleury -0.291 GSAx/60
Vejmelka -0.297
Jones -0.322
Georgiev -0.322
Koskinen -0.343
Greiss -0.372
Dreidger -0.377
.
.
Korpisalo -0.505
Shame the new coaching staff doesn’t have any decent practice time in the schedule for two months. Holland’s brand of for thought encapsulated.
I will spot the new coaches some pairs, ala Woodcroft mentor Flat Top;
McDavid Puljujarvi
Draisaitl Yamamoto
Nuge Hyman
Ryan Sceviour
Sprinkle other forwards across these pairs depending on fit and form, plus add spark (Holloway) in a week.
I have strong opinions on what our best D pairs would be, with what is available, but I am to sacred of Manson to say 😀
I named those first few pairs a few days ago and added McLeod as the center of the 4th pair.
Sceviour is currently in the AHL.
I was leaning towards McLeod as Center as that is where he would add most value to the organization long term. For now I can’t see 9 forwards clearly better than him higher in the order.
No more Draisaitl and Yamamoto.
Kane McDavid Puljujarvi
Nugent-Hopkins Draisaitl Hyman
Foegele McLeod Yamamoto
Benson Shore Ryan
The number say different vis-a-vis Drai/Yamamoto – over years.
I don’t care what the numbers say…I want Yamamoto to be my 3rd line Kessel. I’m putting him there because I think he will contribute more there.
I’d like him to be 3rd line as well but I won’t go as far as to say Drai/Yamo should never be together again….
I know DYNamite is a distant bell but Drai/Yamo still rhyme, no?
I’ll be blunt
Yama has had 500 at bats and can’t cover the bet
If you’re that size you have to produce at a high level. Old small Turris is out pointing him not playing with Drai on an arguably worse team
Defensive acumen isn’t a rare commodity on other teams. His willingness to engage is admirable but token in the nhl
Likeable kid, I’d cash if there is value still. Maybe Woody can get him cashing as he needs to for me to change my mind
Replace Yamamoto should of kept Gagner he has as many points playing less minutes and less talent. At least Sam went after Gio. When McDavid got flattened and tweaked his knee in the process what was the response.
Yamo went after Hathaway the other day when he hit McDavid.
Gagner is appallingly bad at defensive play I’ll pass
The numbers don’t agree this year:
http://naturalstattrick.com/linestats.php?fromseason=20212022&thruseason=20212022&stype=2&sit=5v5&score=all&rate=y&team=EDM&vteam=ALL&view=wowy&loc=B&gpfilt=none&fd=2021-10-12&td=2022-04-29&tgp=2000&strict=incl&p1=8479977&p2=8477934&p3=0&
I don’t mind this solution -love the third line-, but given Woodcroft does not seem obsessed with designated penalty killers why have Shore playing NHL hockey?
I think Shore is more useful than Perlini.
Sure.
By which I mean: Sure.
No defense no play
Strudwick mentioned he doesn’t think Woody will do much different because injuries who do you play that will be better etc etc
Well not off the bat, but if he/they don’t do a lot of structural change and invigorate the offense through it, Babs is calling realtors
GO JAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Petrov tallies his 27th goal of the season to give North Bay a 5-1 lead in period 2.
Meanwhile, The Bourg is not in the Shawinigan lineup tonight.
It’s yet another one-timer from his “office”, i.e., just below the left dot:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OHLBattalion/status/1491945752481914880?cxt=HHwWgICzjbuwurQpAAAA
Is Petrov AHL eligible next year? Or is there some CHL/Import/NHL complication?
Pretty sure he can play in the A as a 19-year-old, since he hadn’t been in the CHL when he was drafted.
Thanks
I believe Tarkus is right but they may or may not bring him to the A as they will be graduating various others including Bourgault, Tulio, Savoie (presumably) and perhaps even the likes of Rasanen (if they choose/want to sign) and maybe even Beryozkin (although probably not there).
Though balance to walk – too many prospects to develop versus development spots.
Petrov is making the case that he is too good for the CHL already, but playing all the minutes there might be better than limited minutes in the AHL next year.
It will be interesting to see which way it goes.
The only way Petrov stays in Junior next year is if the org feels he can’t handle the step up.
Is Malone signed due to the PK issues?
If he gets put on the roster and in the lineup, it better be in replacement of Shore.
You mean as opposed to Benson? or who?
Joe Snively with the snipe.
1-0 Washington.
Snively with another beauty!
My high end projection for Broberg is Jay B. – similar skill set, similar style of play and tracking better at the same age.
I hope your projection is a 100% correct!!!! We haven’t had many cornerstone defensemen in a looooong time!
Delusional
Zegras is one the elements the Oilers need. A winger that can score
the first and worst Holland blunder
I am highly confident I’ve watched more Broberg than you this season – have you watched him play?
Does he play better when you watch him or because you watch him?
I’ve been watching the Oilers since day 1 but you can only take so much of the fanboys. Holland has this team capped out for years with possibly a non playoff team. He needs to answer the piper this isn’t Detroit this is the real HockeyTown.
What’s a fanboy? Is it defined by your thoughts on Holloway?
I’ll put my money on Holloway over borderline Yamamoto he’s invisible. It seems like you’ve never been the boss before you can’t please everybody and there’s even times where you need to be a prick to get results. Calgary’s in Playoff mode and no way is Sutter using Yamamoto full time in the top 6.
OK – so fanboying on Holloway, to use your term.
He had a hard-on for Broberg who seems to be running in place and not the dynamic D we were hoping for. Smartest man in the room syndrome.
Broberg is 20 and how do you figure he is running in place.
If you are speaking about production, he is actually having a historic season for a 20 year old.
If you are talking about his role, well, he is their top minute guy nightly.
We needed help up front Zegras played in Hollands backyard. Why take a reach pick in Broberg that’s a 3-5 year project that’s not a sure thing,
That doesn’t speak to your comment about Broberg “running in place”. You continue to make statements, are asked to discuss or back them up and then respond with unrelated thoughts.
As to the point, Broberg is having a huge development season, producing at near historic rates for a 20-year old d-man in the AHL and the Oilers also need help on the back-end and he is on the NHL roster – ahead of schedule.
Sounds like the opposite of “running in place”.
As an aside, Dylan Holloway has started to run in place.
Yawn
If your tired put your jammies on and go to bed.
Holy crap tough crowd tonight…..
I still have another show for the adults later tonight.
You have absolutely pummelled that horse into dust. It is done and gone.
But carry on broken record, it’s what you do. Good times!
I keep thinking of more recent JB and hope for more
At Broberg’s age, Jaybo had 143 NHL games to his credit.
Games where he got absolutely killed and then played a full season in the AHL and performed inferiorly to Broberg while being older.
Totally different eras and Jay was playing on a very poor team that only won 24 games in his rookie season.
One of these is not like the other.
oh stop it with the truth!
Jaybo had no offensive upside. He was essentially fully developed at 18,
He scored 46 points as a 21 year old playing on a shitty team.
Most stud Defenceman show themselves early like at puberty time. Where have I heard this before?
At Broberg’s age, both Cale Makar and Adam Fox were in college.
And dominating the NCAA while not spending a second in AHL.
Do you really expect Broberg to win the Calder Trophy or the Norris Trophy next season?
Or are you just #toobin
A comment was made about d-men showing themselves early.
A fact was provided that, at Broberg’s age, two elite d-men were not even playing pro hockey – both in college.
Fact!
FACT!
NCAA players always take at least one more season after the draft.
See Owen Power and scores of others for reference.
FACT!
Broberg will not be in the Calder or Norris conversations next season.
But Owen Power will.
You’re going to scream FACT! While spouting nothing but opinion. You’re a twat.
Wait, so Fox and Makar not playing pro hockey but playing in NCAA is an opinion?
I’m pretty sure that is a fact.
What is wrong with you?
Broberg is a rawer prospect. No doubt. He is going to play top 4D for a long time. What is not known is his arrival time, and his top end. My base (most probable) case is a legit #3D, with a significant chance to be a legit #2D, with an outside chance of being a true #1D.
So Petry or Bouwmeester is the base case. Nurse or Hampus Lindholm, Ekman-Larssen, a good chance. With an outside chance of being Hedman.
I can see him as a top 4D for sure but his offence has always been shy and a true #1D requires that.
I would think Petry is the outer marker not the base case.
So did I
On Nintendo
Bowmeester is my low-to-mid range projection. My high end is top twenty defenseman in the league.
That’s an extra-ordinarily high floor, no?
He was drafted because his top end is unknown and unlimited
Unlimited because he has all tools except one
He s naturally big, very fast and mobile, can play defensively as he has been used in Europe and his national team, and has shown offense as a youngster in pro leagues better than Klefbom who showed little pre nhl
If he was tough he’d be the bees knees
A dice roll. Zegras is more obvious but doesn’t have the same stratosphere upside at draft time, he’s not a generational forward
Having sick skills isn’t the same. Gagner does. If Zegras was 6’3 and 200 pounds, different story
Zegras may end up better, Holland rolled hard on a player that can impact the game more, D playing far more normally
Right now ask 32 G.M’s Zegras or Broberg who has more commodity.
That’s why I said dice roll
Per Gregor:
#Oilers moves..
Kassian to LTIR (4-8 weeks)
Turris (no timeline) and Keith (2-4 weeks) to IR.
Niemelainen and Broberg recalled.
That has them at 22 on roster (13 fwd, 7 D, 2G) so room to add one more. Could be Malone tomorrow
I would be fine if Turris never sees the ice as an Oiler again. Below replacement level player at this point.
Absolutely. Why they wasted a spot on him comes down to pride, money, and Tippet.
How was Kassian’s jaw broken? Stick, puck?
pretty sure it was a deflected puck.
The ghost of Sam Gagner.
Well,
What can I say? There’s honestly a part of me as a fan that wanted this. It has been quite obvious for some time that a change was needed behind the bench. Sure, this is not the only change needed, but let’s focus on the coaching end of it. As a fan, I wanted a pound of flesh and today I got it, along with many others.
As a member of the coaching fraternity, I feel bad for both Tippett and Playfair. Being fired is never fun and leaving on someone else’s terms really sucks. I feel bad for Playfair as his family and my family go back a few years from my days of growing up in Fort St. James, where the name Playfair, not only Larry and Jimmy, is synonymous with hard work and great caring for others. My grandma was good friends with Jim’s mom, Bev, and Jim’s dad, Al, was a man who took his role as a maintenance worker for the village quite seriously. When I finished university and went home I coached the local team (2 seasons) and Jim had given his number out to the coaches in FSJ if they ever wanted to call him and chat about coaching. Great guy. I feel bad for Tippett because he is a family man, and from what I understand both him and his wife really support Emily Cave.
Having said that, both men are good coaches and one doesn’t get to the the level they’re at, by being bad at what they do. They both succeeded at reaching the highest level. However, sometimes, you aren’t the right coach at the right time for the team. It happens all the time, and unless you are proven to be a mind control freak or an abusive prick, chances are are you get another shot. I’ve been the wrong coach on a few teams, where I couldn’t wait for the season to end, I could shake everyone’s hand, pack the stuff away for the summer, and wait for next season. Those were the toughest seasons to walk away from as you felt that maybe something was wrong with you, that maybe you are not a good coach and (gasp) maybe you are those horrible things people have labelled you as (asshole, loser, etc). It is the toughest time in your life. It is a time when you will feel lonely, even in a crowd of people who care about you. If you hit it from a healthy angle though, you take a few days rest, talk to those who really care about you, and then you realize that you really aren’t all those horrible things you thought you were.
That’s how I see it.
Holy crap Coach. That’s powerful.
And completely in line with today’s theme. Deep Dark Valley.
This is great, thanks, Coach.
Always look forward to your posts, especially ones like these where you add perspective AND stories from inside the rink with some of the people we know only as characters.
Great insights, CC.
I’ve not been a coach or mentor at high levels but there also comes a time for most leaders in pressure-packed ‘win at all costs now’ environments where a stasis or even paralysis sets in. Old ways get double-downed on, moves become more desperate (Mike Smith back to back!), talent gets overworked. It’s often framed as the ‘players tuning the coach out’ but it cuts both ways, of course.
My main disappointment is that many of us wanted Tippett as ‘that coach who knows defense and structure because he helped Phoenix be a tough team that punched above it’s weight for many years’… didn’t work out 8 years later – is it that this team is too lopsided in it’s talent? Has the game passed Tip by? Where’s the Oilers’ Shane Doan?
Anyway, light at the end of the dark valley, might be another fire but we continue on.
Cheers for the insight
I used to coach Sr. AA out that way. Traveling into the Fort was never an easy game!
Which team did you coach? I got recruited to do the in-game music for 95-96 and 96-97 season.
I wish I could have upvoted this one twice.
– I never got the accolades for Tipp. Sure he’s a good honest dude. The typical NHL coach special: “grinder in the NHL, but leader, well liked, who gets into coaching at retirement” At one time more than 10 years ago, he was viewed as a coach who got teams to outperform, HE WON A JACK ADAMS IN 2009.
– Just as Holland was a “meh, at least he isn’t bad GM hire, but probably 10 years ago was at top of game”, Tipp was a “meh at least he isn’t a bad Head Coach hire, but probably 10 years ago was at top of game”.
– “Meh” gets us this, which considering the two all-time players in theri prime is so so mediocre…Come on be better
– Hollands tenure as GM hinges on a coach who he didn’t want to hire, that hopefully will get the most out of guys that mostly Holland inherited…
FUN FACT: In his last 11 years as head coach, he failed to make playoffs 7 times, and only one time did he advance his team out of 1st round.
Here’s what he did:
Out of playoffs
Lost in round 1
Lost in round 1
Lost in Round 3 (this was in 2011: and his “best coaching”, more than 10 years ago)
Out of playoffs
Out of playoffs
Out of playoffs
Out of playoffs
Out of playoffs
(no longer hirable as a coach, took consulting gig for 2 years, then enter Holland)
Lost in round 1 (“Fake playoffs” loss to CHI)
Lost in round 1 (Swept)
Read the post above yours.
– Yeah, its actually a great comment, and reinforces mine. I refer to Tipp being a good dude. Crazy humanizes this. Getting fired sucks (for those of us who have). Tipp was wrong coach, wrong time, wrong team, as per Crazy. 12 years ago, he would have been a great hire (as would have Holland). That playoff record above, suggests a not great coach, but one that is well liked despite lack of playoff success.
Oh my, I just read the news.
Honestly, I feel terrible for everyone, especially for whomever has lost their job. For me, it has nothing to do with how much money one makes, the folks that work for the Oilers and any other sports team are usually very invested in their organization. Whether they are successful or not, they put their heart and soul into what they are trying to accomplish. Being professional sports, the stakes are always high. Being fired from an NHL hockey team isn’t like being told to leave a restaurant because you don’t have the proper attire.
At the moment, I’m not going to analyze this. I’m going to leave that to the community and the author. Honestly, I think Lowetide may be the most balanced and erudite commentator I have read in sports. I don’t think it’s flattery to say so, just seems like a balanced an honest comment to me. I can’t find anyone better.
I wish everyone that is moving on well and thank them for trying to win games for my favorite hockey team.
And yes, I DON’T believe that winning is everything. It’s likely one reasons why I haven’t won too many championships over the years and I lose at cards. I’m good with it.
Conversely, I think the Oilers have hired a coach that is very different from the many others that have tried to make this an elite organization. I look forward to the new perspective, there a some amazing possibilities ahead.
For those saying that McDavid doesn’t look right….
https://twitter.com/TomGazzola/status/1490058796927836163?t=XBW82j2MN9HwA3SLmrGMhA&s=19
Wow, this has been a season of misery, wrapped in a blanket of sadness.
I dare ask, when will it stop?
And if he’s not right he could no longer cover all mistakes made by management. We need a healthy Connor, and we needed to drive some change.
I liked Emily’s speaking up for Tippet there as well. Very nice.
Gregor saying that Broberg will also be recalled (in addition to Niemelainen).
If Nemo could just shut down the right side for nurse. Shut it down, flip the puck out off the glass. repeat.
Well, he is a left side guy…
Niemealinen’s GA/60 in his short stint was below 2 (I believe) and the Cult guys had him with a very low rate of mistakes on Grade A chances against.
If he can continue “mistake free” defending while being that crazy physical presence….. that’s a player not matter what his puck skill develop into (or don’t).
I’m excited to see Broberg back up. He could grab a LD spot and run with it for the next 15 years (or not, but it’s possible).
I do believe he can hold a spot for years, but it is worrisome “this” year. Oilers back to having no cover available for him. Manson coming with him – could that be the difference maker?
Yeah having Manson there won’t hurt.
And there is some worry, but in addition to some rookie mistakes in his last stint he was running in some awful luck. I’m optimistic it will go better in his 2nd try.
Not that’s there’s any time in the schedule to practice or apply studied correction, but by season’s end we may see if Oilers D gap control issues were at least in part a failure of coaching.
Perhaps. Good reminder of how little time there is for correction.
The other thing is whether the failure of coaching was it’s system, or the ability to get the players to play it. Though I guess that’s a moot point now.
He didn’t seem as assertive as I’ve seen him at lower levels. Slight hesitations or slower reactions. He wasn’t at his best… and that’s okay.
Yes, it’s understandable for sure. Probably even compared to those things in the bubble and previous camps.
I expect he’s learned from it and he should be better prepared this time around.
If Tippett had any honor he would have quit with Tippett. More to blame than Tippett.
The list of incompetence is very long.
Worst is not drafting Zegras.
But not far behind was his failure to find goaltending.
Woodcroft is as good an option available, but Holland must go.
The Oilers must be deconstructed. Start with trading Nurse asap before his $9 million of waste cripples this team. Seattle and Arizona beckon.
“If Tippett had any honor he would have quit with Tippett. More to blame than Tippett.”
You’re right. If Tippett had any honor he would have quit with Tippett. Don’t even get me started on Tippett, he should be gone too. In fact, so should Tippett and Tippett. Fire the lot of them and hopefully that sends a message to Tippett that he is next if he doesn’t at least perform as well as Tippett.
I can’t believe you went on this rant and didn’t even lay any blame at Tippett’s door. And don’t get me started on Tippett…
You can’t be serious about Tippett. He is a dishonourable scumbag.
But Tippett on the other hand… now he is a man of honour.
Everyone knows Holland has no honor or competence.
I will jump on this. I do hold that draft pick against Holland, only because he came into the club with that pick already established in his mind. It was his pick regardless of Oiler scouting.
And at that time , he knew little of the team.
But he did have Nurse, Larson, Klefbom who were all young, with a first rounder Bouchard developing. Yeah he owns Broberg over Zegras when Zegras looked more valuable at the time.
.
But I do not agree with Nurse.
Nurse has been holding things together for years. Hes good. Give him somebody to work with.
I wonder what Woodcroft would have preferred.
Taking over the big club now? Or taking over to start the next season?
I’d imagine he would have preferred a training camp, but in his position one isn’t wise to look a gift horse in the mouth. The opportunity might not be forthcoming in the off-season if he were to decline at present.
I wouldn’t underestimate the opportunity here, you jump no thoughts
It’s why both Holland and Tipp came
Not many teams offer Connor and Leon, where there is actually a gig. And despite what some say there is a lot on the roster
Most are weak teams with weaker rosters in or approaching a rebuild
This is tweaks away from contending. If done properly, for years. HOF career making opportunity
Holland torpedoed Tipp, but Tipp did himself no favours
Hopefully the ones at the top are paying attention
I have been calling for Tippett’s head since ten games into the season because the 5×5 results were poor even then. I didn’t trust him to coach the team in the playoffs again.
I am now terrified to see what is going to happen now that I got my wish.
I’ve been calling for his head since the play in series years ago.
Exactly. Tipp had a team that was distinctively superior to their opponent that year and the scrappy Hawks + decent coaching put them into a position to win, which they did, in 4 games.
Dach and Hartman are not world-beaters.
The only worry lies above Woody
These coaches will get things to an NHL normal. Tipp for some reason wasn’t doing normal, which is shown by the results of a pretty deep team with two superstars and an actual #1 D, even if not the best one
Goalies aren’t good enough, but they have been hung out left to dry. It has been the same for years and they are better than this, like all the guys who moved on
Maybe Holland has a revelation that he needs to modernize things because his plan fell flat
Maybe Katz has a revelation along the same lines
Modern to Holland is reading the Guide and Record book on a laptop. That tiger is not changing his stripes and needs to be put out to pasture along with Burger Bob
SO looking forward to tomorrow’s LT post and the title…. it’s like waiting for the clock to tick down for the next Wordle.
Sail On XXX
But alas, tomorrow is a game day.
Title: 2021-22 Game 45: Islanders at Oilers
Sail On:
ADIEUMIREDFIRED
OR, Do we get the rarest of all birds. The evening post???
I’m guessing not because “The Athletic” 🙂
What the hell is Wordle?
Jubilation!!!! JW is exactly who I wanted there! Well I like Maurice too but JW represents forward thinking hockey. Season may still be lost but this is a good move. I wonder if it wasn’t Holland who made the decision.
Maybe not
Maurice keeps being mentioned, but like Tipp respected but didn’t get it done
For years with a league top roster and a great goalie when he came
And constant issues in the room and disgruntled players that still goes. The Jets became a dirty messed up team that underwhelmed
Im not convinced about Maurice. The inactivate Chevy either. Drafted great. Way too slow and now his team’s window is closing and they are crashing again
JW started in the League as an AC under Holland 17 years ago. He already has over a thousand games (IIRC) as a coach in the NHL.
First NHL coaching gig and you get McDavid and Draisatl! Nice.
and Evander Kane
Why do you hate Nuge?
Ha! Thrown into the deep end.
First NHL gig as head coach.
At least for Woody.
Will Mary St. Louis be able to see over his players on the bench or will he have to bring back the Tikhonov style of standing in front of his players?
Not sure, but I do know that Jay Woodcroft is a “close talker” so that should be interesting to watch. Some players seemed to hate that sh*t.
Well if they don’t want the talk they will be motivated to not have to have one! Like kids!
With all the women being hired now in the NHL, refreshing to see Mary as a head coach….:)
lol oops
Will there be enough room behind the bench for his assistants, with those massive tree trunk legs of his?
Well, had to happen, unfortunately for Tipp, who I think has his strengths, as most coaches do, and weaknesses. This we know – there are no perfect coaches. But rather perhaps right coaches for right teams at right times.
I’m looking forward to see what Woody can do. Obviously I have some reservations or questions. I usually don’t like being the team to break in a rookie coach. But not nearly as much as a rookie GM, ach. You pay for their on the job training.
In particular I am looking forward to his positive coaching messaging.
I watched the Leafs, All or Nothing, on Prime Video and ugh, Sheldon Keefe – annoying.
I think that in the playoffs coaches do better when they are “for” the players. Not the yellers and antagonistic towards the players. (obviously exceptions and good teams can overcome bad coaching).
I think of coaches like Pete DeBoer and the positive things he has to say about his players in the playoffs. Darryl Sutter when with the Kings. Cooper, big time. It’s better if the players feel that the coach is “in the fight” with them. The yellers and screamers can help players not lag in game 52 of a regular season. But the playoffs…it’s such a grind. That kind of motivation isn’t needed by most.
Real happy for Manson. I was thinking…why am i happy for him? Must be cause he paid his dues. He’s done a good job developing. I hope he does good up here.
It may be personnel but the D down there seem to play more physical than they do up here. He seems to coach that. Will we see a return to a more physical style from the increasingly less physical Nurse?
Only if his minutes are cut. He’s gassed.
Woody has 10 NHL seasons as an asst coach
Not head C but he’s not a greenhorn and has been a HC unlike Mary St Louis
Question for LT.
Did you think Coach change was coming today as you titled todays blog?
I was looking for some background on our new coach, and I found this…
Jay Woodcroft was born on August 11, 1976 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is an actor, known for Separate Vacations (1986) and The Littlest Hobo (1979). See full bio »
I’m sure there’s a joke in there somewhere….
There’s a voice that keeps on calling me…
Not ready for this just yet . . .
Maybe tomorrow?
Coach Yamamoto to really crash and bang and become a power forward, start calling him The Littlest PoFo?
Awesome
I’M BACK!! Durag…..shake head 😃
Ha! I sort of owned it at the start of the day…but really I just ended up taking credit for it.
👍😂
Craig Morgan
@CraigSMorgan
BREAKING: AZ Board of Regents has approved capital development plan for ASU’s multi-purpose arena that includes Coyotes’ added team areas at NE corner.
ASU will be Coyotes’ temporary home for at least 3 seasons (approved for more) as they await word on proposed Tempe arena.
@sekeresandprice
“The Arizona Coyotes are not fit to be an #NHL franchise…they are not owned, managed, supported or perform at an NHL level. They are sub NHL, they are not like the 31 other clubs.”
S&P https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/27a1.svg https://2kl4.short.gy/SPFeb9
So bush league.
What the hell is the value of all this? Nothing’s going to change in 3 years either.
The arena will seat 5500 but that is expected to be pared down even further when they make alterations to the design for the Coyotes.
I can’t imagine the NHLPA being very happy about this since it will be a huge drag on HRR.
Bettman spoke to the revenue issue in his all-star game presser and it doesn’t sounds like it will be a huge drag.
That’s because 5500 would be a record crowd for the Coyotes.
What is 5500 x $10 a ticket….
He was speaking specifically about revenue sharing which is already maxed out.
He then, jokingly, said ticket revenue might actually improve.
Obviously, it can’t.
He spoke about revenue sharing and how the Yotes get the max.
He also spoke about team generated revenue and about their different modelling and don’t believe it will be too materially effected.
He also spoke about the Canadian teams regarding not having fans recently (and concessions) and, while its a big hit to the teams, it won’t have big impact on overall HRR.
Doesn’t sound like this will have a big impact on HRR either.
Exactly what I was going to say, bush league.
I wonder how quickly Woody will put his system in? Friday skate? The weekend? Can’t wait.
I hope Kenny isn’t being disingenuous on this. Give Woody a hard task, then if we don’t make the playoffs, use it as proof that an older head is needed so he can get Babcock in.
Please no
There is only one old coach that would be good but….
Now maybe we may get to see Benson,McLeod,and Marley playing together for the Oilers.About time to reunite the top scoring line in AHL for a long time!
I think people need to adjust their expectations
Listened to Marty St L talk about what he was going to do for the Habs
He said make it fun to play again (so those who thought Ducharme should take over, he tanked morale apparently). To me a modern coach is the communicator, manages team morale and individuals in the greater sense. This to me is Cooper’s strength. Assistants do a lot one on one as well. They all do tactics at a high level, some are just wrong about them, or wrong about what the personnel can do well
Marty mentioned structure vs systems. Structure is a plan, let the players ‘read’ off it and use their talents
Systems are rigid and players are asked to not play outside of it. Stifles creativity and makes all players the same by neutering the top guys
Eventually I think rigid systems burn players out unless they are winning consistently and at a high level, to provide the juice to keep grinding. It is devastating to the team if the players don’t think the system and ‘ask’ have merit
I think this is what undoes coaches like Torts in the end, and what we may have just witnessed, even though the players apparently really liked Tipp and probably Playfair. That probably made it even harder on them, too much cognitive dissonance because it obviously wasn’t working
I think Tipp ended up at least with systems, and everyone diminished, and hope Woody is about structure (a good one) and players enjoying playing to their talents and riffing within the structure
Great post.
I also think this is why and how Sutter is having so much success in Calgary as his team plays with structure while allowing his top players the opportunity to thrive.
No accident that Gaudreau, Tkachuk and Lindholm among others are having career offensive seasons while the Flames are the best defensive team in the league (along with Carolina.)
Lol Calgary 24 wins, Edmonton 23 wins.
Sutter such a hero.
Their top talent isn’t what the Oilers is or some others, but their goal diff and numbers that matter in playoffs is pretty strong
And they have a goalie
The oilers with a few tweaks can beat them in a series
Calgary has the best win percentage in the Pacific Division and just smoked the Knights.
After having one of the toughest schedules in the league in the 1st half, the Flames have the 3rd easiest schedule the rest of the way.
This won’t even be close.
Don’t normally agree with your take and the negative schtick but have to agree on this one. When you watch flames play, you can see a structure that is absent (at least recently) with the oilers’ team. When there a structure and every player works within that structure, it becomes much easier to improvise as situations come up. The individual forays that oiler players try works out very rarely and most times is counterproductive.
Have the Flames beat the Oilers?
LOL johnny yahoo and kry-chuk are both UFA next season and playing for a contract. john play when i like has done this before on the last yr of a contract. 1st time around sutter failed and was fired .
Slightly off topic, but Nurse also seems run ragged, and a lot of that is covering up for his partner. Bouchard. And Barrie.
One look and Big Manson will be on the phone to Little Manson. I hope.
Isn’t he on IR with a finger injury?
https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/ducks-josh-manson-lands-on-injured-reserve/
He is, but could be back soon according to this.
Carry on!
Hey Madoil, you had a good prediction on the Calgary game in yesterdays thread. Stick tap.
Thank you sir, though the way the 2 teams are playing, it was a relatively easy call. Having said that, I did not think that it’d be a 6-0 drubbing.
Dear Woody:
Please run 4 lines and limit all players ice time to reasonable levels. Also, bench the vets who are not helping and let some young guys play.
Signed:
All Oiler Players
Tippett died on the Yamamoto hill among other things. Hopefully Woody has the good sense to drop him where he belongs in the line-up. I have full faith in Manson getting the most he can out of the D. Goalie?
So who do you replace Yamo with.
Have you been paying attention?
Holloway, last year.
Someone who watches Bakersfield does Woody line match???
Good question….
Its tough to say because I’m often not all that familiar with the top lines of the opposition…..
He definitely used Niemelainen/Deharnais has his top shut down pair.
Woody will have his hands full.
Based on just short moments in time he seems like a good tactician. He shows thought and process. He can work with personalities. He has been constantly reading players and adapting to change.
He does not come with ex NHL player respect such as a Brind “Amour. That’s okay. He will have some carry over from his time with Todd M. At least with 4-5 players that were around.
I think he will be balanced with Manson there. And leaving Gully in place was wise. I like Gully and I think he can bring the new coach up to speed and offer ideas he has been sitting on.
I would expect a bump in energy but no big changes, its likely Woody has a sit down with the group and individuals to listen before he acts.
And Manson, Manson is about to throw a grenade into the cream puff factory.
McDavid
Draisaitl
Nuge
Nurse
Puljujarvi
Kassian
Russell
Yamamoto (9 games of him)
I’d forgotten he went to the Bake the year before McLellan was fired.
Kass out 4-8? weeks broken jaw?
With all the facial injuries and lost dollars to injury, maybe time for a change?
Out of the blue – how about an engineered spider wire face screen. The dome is set up as a crush zone. It is tear away if pulled outward.
Tears away for a fight or if a stick catches it. Tiny wire almost invisible, engineered support, crush zone protecting eyes and face.
You’re welcome, I’ll go back to work now.
I’m sure actual scientists and people who study CTE or facial injuries would totally be in agreement with you, but you are dealing with a group that by and large still prefers machismo over life altering injuries.
What alarms me about that Press conference is Holland’s reasoning being based on “GUT FEEL”, and the fact that he did not seem to grasp the real issues behind this team’s failures. Also, the fact that he was seriously considering extending Tippett is a red flag and is just more evidence that Holland is not the right GM to take this franchise to contender status.
Once you get to a certain age, you realize people are more important than work or money.
While I think this statement is true, it does not apply to competitive sports managers.
And that’s why once you get to a certain age, you can still add value through experience, but those hard decisions should not be part of your job description.
And yes, I am of that age.
It means he didn’t recognize the system was crap – fireable offense because it was obvious even to the amateur
Or he was trying to spin it that he’s still Mr Overly Loyal and didn’t have a choice
I like loyal, but it doesn’t matter that much in the end, because success heals all wounds (not egregious criminal ones) in sports. It’s all any of them and the money (fans) want
Or he’s just trying not to throw Tippett under the bus on the day of his firing, in case Tippett ever wants to look for work as an NHL coach in the future.
Good points
I know Holland isn’t going to reveal his secrets but every press conference is just a revelation to me. Saying he was hoping to extend Tippett 3 months ago after 2 disappointing seasons….we need to get rid of Kenny stat.
It has taken some time, but many now see Kenny is actually not wearing anything at all…
Would Yzerman be interested in two 2nd and a 3rd plus 2.5 million retained in a trade for Holland. What’s the cap implications of buying out Holland?
Imagine if he had claimed Alex Nedeljkovic instead of saying that you can’t screw over other GMs.
“Texted Tipp”
Classy Kenny
Ur frd, lol
“Contract extension”
Hahaha Clueless Kenny
Why does the number of coaches matter? Virtually all these players have had a new coach every year since they were 5yo. 🙂
Agreed, why worry about the number of coaches, when its the quality that counts?
I think the thought process is that one coach brings a level of consistency to a club. At the pro level it’s important to have that. Be it a system, tactics, whatever word one might want to use.
Holland answered all my questions. May not be the answers you’re looking for, but you can’t say he didn’t answer. He remains very consistent.
No one can argue that he didn’t give Tippett every opportunity.
No illusions with Holland. What you see and what you hear, is what you get; No need to read between lines.
Also repeatedly expressed his own “personal responsibility”
Yep, super easy thing to do when you still hold the position.
Great but what’s he going to do because he had to fire the coach in season for the first time?
Thinking about NHLe and whether it is a valuable analytics tool or not.
For the 2021/2022 season:
Yamamoto: On pace for 30 pts / 82 games – all strengths
Marody: NHLe of 43 (Dobber’s) – 30 pts in 28 AHL games
Would like to see KY taken off the top 6 and Marody inserted. Produce or get shuffled to the press box. So that means Kassian is eating popcorn.
Kane – 97 – Bison King
Foegele – 29 – Marody
Hyman – RNH – KY
Perlini – McLeod – Ryan
Marody in the top 6?!?!
Not gonna happen; wouldn’t be prudent.
Woody knows what an NHL player looks (years in the NHL) like and will know where his protégés will succeed, especially in his system, or not
Not sure Kassian will be eating popcorn. Ouch.
Not with his broken jaw……