The Oilers right-wing depth chart in the days before training camp has been altered greatly by injury and illness. Josh Archibald didn’t make it to opening night, Zack Kassian is on LTIR and now Jesse Puljujarvi is out for several weeks. What will the Oilers do?
The Oilers deployment of seven defencemen in six spots is a unique way to see into the deployment priorities of the new coaching staff. What are they building in there? @TheAthleticNHLhttps://t.co/O7LJB0OChm
On the road to: WAS (Expected 0-1-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
At home to: VEG, CHI, NYI (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 1-2-0)
On the road to: SJS, LAK (Expected 1-0-1) (Actual 2-0-0)
At home to: ANA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 1-0-0)
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 February results: 5-2-0, 10 points in 7 games
Oilers in 2021-22: 27-18-3, 57 points in 48 games
A win tonight gets Edmonton on track for a 99-point season and that would guarantee the playoffs, possibly as high as second place in the Pacific division. This is the beginning of a very difficult part of the schedule, if Edmonton goes 2-2-1 (a tall order) the team would end the month 29-20-4, 62 points in 52 games.
A CONVERSATION
They finally found a coach who is rolling four lines five-on-five. He’s not rolling four lines.
Well, all the fourth-line forwards are playing more, that’s for damn sure. There is no fourth line. There are three lines and two extra players. In the most recent game, when Jesse Puljujarvi got hurt, the fourth line became one guy (Devin Shore).
You twist things. Okay, let’s do this. All numbers five-on-five. In the four games before the coaching change, Zack Kassian (38:16), Derek Ryan (33:37) and Devin Shore (27:22) were the 10-12 forwards according to Natural Stat Trick. In the most recent four games, the 10-12 forwards are Ryan McLeod (30:34), Tyler Benson (14:49) and Devin Shore (7:37). Woodcroft isn’t rolling four lines five-on-five, he isn’t even starting with four lines and scraping them for parts. He’s running three lines.
Explain Derek Ryan, then. Woodcroft placed him on a line with Warren Foegele and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and they’re destroying the soft parade. In 29 minutes over the last four games, the line is 5-1 goals and 24-14 shots. Expected goals: 64 percent. Fire.
And you said Nuge couldn’t drive a line. Guilty as charged. In the Anaheim game, the line played against Greg Pateryn and Josh Mahura (Ducks third pair) and made them pay. It’s a massive advantage.
So what are the fourth line minutes? Against the Sharks, McLeod and Tyler Benson were the two extra skaters, and Zach Hyman played with them the most (2:37) among the available forwards. At five-on-five in that game, Benson played 7:43, McLeod 7:22. Oilers had an early lead and could play the extra men because of it. It isn’t a fourth line, it’s more a brief interlude. Woodcroft is running his nine best forwards.
Why are McDavid’s minutes down? The Oilers are winning, they don’t need to push the top two lines. In the four games under Woodcroft, he played 59:34 at five-on-five, Draisaitl 58:10 and Nuge 49:22. In the final four games under Tippett it was 66 for McDavid, 60:58 for Draisaitl and 47:06 for Nuge. Some of that dip in minutes comes from increased special teams, but Woodcroft is about fresh troops.
Who benefited the most? Derek Ryan for sure. He’s perfect in the role. Kassian’s injury opened up the opportunity, but it’s also true Ryan is more of a Woodcroft player than Kassian.
You don’t know that at all. Ass. I think Woodcroft is about responsibility, we’ve seen this with Evander Kane and Tyson Barrie in the first four games. He gave more time to the No. 2 PP when that group showed possibilities and it paid off. Ryan has some range to his game.
How will they replace Puljujarvi? I think the recall is likely to be Brad Malone, but hold out some hope for Cooper Marody. Raphael Lavoie is pushing, Dylan Holloway is the one everyone is waiting for, so we’ll see.
How will they replace Puljujarvi? I would run Hyman-McDavid-Yamamoto, Kane-Draisaitl-McLeod and then Foegele-Nuge-Ryan. I don’t think that’s what will happen but it’s what I would do.
What about the defense? I covered things off in The Athletic article (link above), they have fresher legs and have moved Evan Bouchard away from the PK. William Lagesson and Markus Niemelainen are penalty killing often (about two minutes), Philip Broberg is as well (about a minute).
Which of the young blue is being relied on more? Great question. Lagesson has played 44:40 at five-on-five in the four games, and is 3-0 goals and 57.7 expected goals. Philip Broberg has played 43:55 and is 4-1 goals and 54.9 percent expected goals. Markus Niemelainen has played 41:26, is 4-1 goals and 58.3 percent expected goals. Lagesson plays quite a bit with Cody Ceci, so the qual comp might be higher. If you’ve read the article at The Athletic, the deployment seems fairly uniform.
Lagesson is Rasputin. Willy Legs keeps running up that hill, for sure. He was drafted in 2014, and his rise to the NHL is akin to getting on the milk run bus instead of the express. I don’t think he has more NHL track than either Broberg or Niemelainen, but the coaching staff knows him and things are working out fine so far in this small window.
Will Holland make a trade? I think so, yes. I’ve read that a righty is preferred but there isn’t much and a lefthander could add experience to the group and still play when Duncan Keith returns. By the way, we’re not hearing much on Keith’s return, so that may be a prolonged story.
Who should the Oilers trade for?Frank Seravalli’s latest list has LHD Ben Chiarot as the top option among blue, I think the price is too dear. Jakob Chychrun is also on the list, plus Jeff Petry, Mark Giordano and Nick Leddy. I don’t see Edmonton affording any of them. Maybe Luke Schenn or Libor Hajek would be considerations. Would Nurse-Keith-Niemelainen-Russell be enough to go to war with in the postseason? Last time Edmonton went deep, Matt Greene had 27 games NHL experience when that playoff spring began. Niemelainen has 11, with 33 to go. I think we’ll see a pickup of some sort, but with Woodcroft being a different style of coach, speed and two-way ability will be requirements for the new blue.
I don’t think the Holloway goal from last night was posted – good to see him feeling comfortable and healthy enough to use his shot and for it to lazer in:
Why Eakins? Kreuger was his last coach with the Oilers. He left in June 2013 before Eakins even saw him in a training camp. And that he is playing in the Olympics and the KHL I don’t think will make MacTavish regret anything he did.
Eakins knows how good Hartikainen was from playing against him in the playoffs in the AHL. In the series Scrivens stole, Hartikainen was the dominant forward on the ice, and the Marlies had future NHL’ers on their roster, who already had NHL games.
Instead Eakins brought several of his AHL flunkies with him.
iHockeyWpg
February 19, 2022 10:57 pm
Condors lose 4-3 in 5 round shootout. Skinner with 40 saves on the evening. Condors 0-4 in shootouts this season.
Munny 2.0
February 19, 2022 10:48 pm
My thoughts on the game… I made it home in time to watch most of the 3rd and had heard the 2nd on the radio, but I decided to watch the game from the start.
Winnipeg is the team my memory tells me was the team they played last year when they first played this tight and smart game (in albeit too few appearances). So they’re kind of my baseline. Plus they were unable to successfully call that game up against this same team in the playoffs. So I’m very interested in this battle.
The first thing I noticed is LT has the lines right. Kudos. And an indicator that Jay himself likes stability by keeping two lines intact.
I laughed and then face-palmed when Perlini took the penalty. He ended up playing only 3:48.. Just a massive kill, great positioning. They survived another wave from the Jets after that, then it was all Oilers as they went back into that tight game, giving the Jets no room inside at all, creating turnovers and coming back at them in waves.
Nurse’s play on Scheifele in the first, what a pivot, what a steal. He had a very good game overall.
Telling you, man, Nemo with that eyes-up head and that smooth stride… There might be more there than everyone thinks.
Woodcroft leaned more heavily on the top of the roster and pared down minutes on the back half. Moreso than in past games. Nurse led the team with TOI, and Barrie was second among Dmen. His first period was very strong, especially the last 80 seconds. Third period not so much although that wasn’t all his fault. He looks way more comfortable out there, although there’s no doubt he’s also his own worst enemy in this regard.
Oil fought off a burst from the Jets at the beginning of the 2nd, slowly grinding the game their way, till they were dominating yet again.
The Yamamoto goal was beautiful all the way from the backtrack to the goal. That pass Yams makes to Connor at the blue line is the very definition of “deft.” I think he got the puck back from 97 as a reward for that pass.
Only to be outdone by the sweetest backhand sauce from Neon Leon on the next marker. Heinz would’ve been proud.
And then in the 3rd things went awry. I think everyone on the team learned from that shortie, including the coach. But they survived in the end, not blowing the points as they have in the past. Ceci was a beast, as was Koski.
Considering this was 4 in 6, or a likely loss (as is tomorrow’s game), an outstanding performance, especially through the first 50 minutes, and I think I should them a break for the defensive breakdowns late in the game. Other than the last 10 minutes, it was exactly the game I wanted to see.
I think I agree with every word of this. The Jets are no an easy out, as we well know. That they have had our number for awhile, this was a good road win. As we have been told ad nauseam, have to bank these road wins. I am hoping to go to the Panthers game (it is really ridiculous that I can get seats 6 rows from the glass in the end the Oil shoot at twice in the game for $65! Thank you Florida fans!). If I go, I will be wearing my games worn, Hemsky Rookie season whites, so should be easy to see in the sea of red!
Caught up w/former Coyotes (Stars & Oilers, too) coach Dave Tippett briefly today. At age 60, the plan is retirement. He’s got a house in the Valley; another under construction near Flagstaff. No big interviews. He’ll go quietly. I enjoyed covering Dave. I wish him all the best.
@MapleLeafs · 37m TRADE: We’ve acquired forward Ryan Dzingel & defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin from Arizona in exchange for forward Nick Ritchie & choice of our third-round selection in ’23 or second-round selection in ’25.
Nothing personal but the use of “master stroke” here seems equal to media overuse of the word “bombshell”. Contrarian’s are helpful, but let’s not oversell this.
Got to know Mr Francis as our GM with the Whalers. A gentleman, fierce competitor, loved to chat about baseball. My early career was better because of his presence .. #ripCat
Tarkus
February 19, 2022 7:21 pm
Filip Engaras gets a primary aPPle as New Hampshire extends its lead to 4-2.
And then he seals the deal with an empty-netter for a 5-2 win.
Last edited 2 years ago by Tarkus
Tarkus
February 19, 2022 7:06 pm
Wanner collects his 6th goal of the season to put MJ up 3-1.
He gets the puck at the blue line, dangles one would-be defender, walks in and zips one glove-side:
Watched as many of the kids as possibe last weekend and almost no points from anyone. Watch no one this weekend and its tally-ho everyone. That’s the good luck I know and looove.
grumble grumble grumble
prefonmich
February 19, 2022 6:28 pm
Woodcroft is so incredibly positive. I love how he goes out of his way to build up players. It was most noticeable with his comments about Koskinen, but I don’t think it is at all insincere. He is smart- and recognizes that a confident goalie who is supported and encouraged by coach and teammates is a more successful goalie.
flea
February 19, 2022 6:26 pm
4th game in 6 nights, team might be feeling the effects a little. End game there says they were a little gassed.
Its gonna be a tough one tomorrow for them, no one panic if they get whooped. This is a game for Smith to steal for this team.
Oilers looked far superior to the jets in that game – again I only go by the eye test and follow along for the advanced stats. It was a shame it came down to an empty net goal.
Neimelenen is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Last edited 2 years ago by Snellbert
Funnybird
February 19, 2022 6:20 pm
5 straight games of NHL quality goaltending has been nice to see. I think a healthy combo of Smith and Koski should be enough to keep us in the top 8. Neither of these goalies are capable of winning 16 playoff games though. I shudder with the thought of an overpay on a goalie this year but with Kane in the mix maybe we need to go for it.
I’m not on board with the “stumbled in” mantra – they expressly took steps to keep him in the organization when McLellan and the rest of that staff were dismissed
In their 6 games since the All Star break they beat Minnesota twice, and Nashville once, and took Dallas to OT on the road, plus a win against Seattle which is the only non plus win.
Yep, the rubber is really, I mean this time for sure, forget about all those other comments, It’s rubber-time! Gonna hit that road hard, oh yeah, Oilers don’t even know what’s gonna hit them. But it will be rubbery, on a road, yeah, that’s it
NEW for The Athletic: Bakersfield Condors play later tonight. Raphael Lavoie is having a fantastic run. Here’s a look at a recent game and how much he brings (plus possible ETA in Edmonton).
The Bourg is not in the lineup for Sherbrooke, as he plays for Shawinigan. At least, he would if he was healthy again, which he is not.
Funnybird
February 19, 2022 5:18 pm
Probably biased by the 5 straight wins but the 7-11 seems like a genius move by the new coaches. What better way to break in 4 young d-men then by playing them 10 to 15 minutes a game. Also, if one of them is struggling you can sit them down without worrying about overworking the rest of the d-corps (yes Darnell played big minutes today but he is a stud and can handle it). Also what better way to give more minutes to the bottom 6 then by splitting it between 5. Plus we have 6 or 7 guys who are 11, 12’s so there becomes a little more competition for them to get into the lineup.
William Lagesson D 13:48
Evan Bouchard D 13:19
Markus Niemelainen D 13:09
If they’re playing Broberg so little (6:34) best to send him back. Of course, it’s one game, he may play more tomorrow. For the record, the most worrying defensemen for me today was Barrie.
Barrie is what he is. The game management error is on Manson for having Barrie out there at all on the 4 min power play. Holland needs to find a shutdown RD for the playoff run.
Barrie seemed like the main culprit on the 2 short handed breakaways. Maybe a lesson for the new coaches, 2 D on the PP when up by 3 with less than 10 minutes to go in the game. Darnell and Bouch have both looked good on the PP so I do t think we give up much by going with that look if warranted
Totally agree on Barrie. He seems to absolutely disappear defensively. Too bad one of our young defenceman (beside Bouch) wasn’t right handed. What ever happened to Burgland??? A veteran RD would be an ideal aquisition.
Also, sending some love to Dave Manson. I don’t know what he’s telling these kids (and vets) but if defensemen were trees Dave’s thumbs would be verdant.
In my head I picture him as a laconic rough-riding cowboy. Dispensing wisdom through grizzled aphorisms. Like Curly in City Slickers. Or Sam Elliot in any movie Sam Elliot is in.
…the man ate bacon at every meal….you just can’t do that….!
Last edited 2 years ago by Gerta Rauss
fistycuff
February 19, 2022 5:07 pm
Post game report from Winnipeg.
Oilers tried very hard to give this one away. The officiating was trying really hard to keep this game close.
#80, #5, and #93 were very good and very noticeable by my eye. #97 was outstanding in 1st and 2nd, but not as noticeable in the 3rd. #22 was not good throughout the game,looked very slow, and it seemed like #25 had to save his bacon over and over. Please #18 was good but the officials made a call every time he touched a jet.
The weather is snowing hard and gusting to 100KPH. Don’t know what that means as far as travelling by air.
All in all, it was well worth the $90 and there is not a bad seat in the rink. My nephew loved seeing both of his favourites score a goal 97 and 81) and there were times where his excitement for the game blew me away. He did not care one bit about the final score….
We are in Tortuguero on the Caribbean side right now and its very remote so there is almost no cell service wherever we go. We were doing a hike in the national park during today’s game and there was actually service for part of it so I kept appraised of the game for the part.
With that said, I got on the boat to head back to the hotel at 3-0 and going on a 4 min PP – wasn’t expecting to come back to an empty net in the last minute when I got back.
OP, I consider you an intelligent fellow but please keep up.. now that P% argument compliments the Oilers, that poster has moved on to strength of schedule.. and trust me it does not look good for the poor oilers.. great for every other team in the west though***
*** post in jest, as I have yet to locate the sarcasm font on my phone***
Its 2 games – and both were losses. That’s a 100% error on your part. Good grief.
I will concede, however, that he hadn’t played since March 7 of 2021. Not that you’d give the Oilers player any such consideration when a similar situation is applicable to them.
Oilers are have been gaining ground on Vegas in P% for a while now including with Eichel in the lineup – fact.
iHockeyWpg
February 19, 2022 4:55 pm
Condors host the Heat in Bako later tonight. Should be a good one, go Condors!! 👊
Whaler Slamamoto
February 19, 2022 4:53 pm
Rubber hasn’t hit the road yet!
theDjdj
February 19, 2022 4:49 pm
I know LT’s piece talked of D trade targets but by my eyes, Woodcroft is getting a lot out of his Californian Scooby gang (side note: man Nemo is a nasty customer and have nothing but time for it also there’s been a few times where I’ve seen a Dman skate up the puck thought it was Nurse and it was Bouchard- remember how the knock on him was skating?).
Does the conversation turn to acquiring a Goaltender? That feels the most obvious critical point in the team at the moment. I don’t think they’re awful but you would have to consider the tandem as league average at best.
That 4 min powerplay where we did absolutely nothing and gave up two breakaways and let t he m score a shorty is absolutely inexcusable. They thought the game was over and let their foot off the gas. It isn’t over until it is over. They should have been laser focused on that powerplay to crush the Jets.
This PP needs to get back on track. I saw Nuge read and scouted a few times on the half-boards. They need to add a few more options in that position (pass to the middle or round the boards to McD/Leon).
Well, a strong 50 minutes followed by 10 minutes of fire drills and chaos but it’s another 2 in the bank, and a rested Smith tomorrow
woooot!!
Admiral Ackbar
February 19, 2022 4:40 pm
Also, eat shit Peg! Oilers will no longer be pushed around. In Nemo we crush!
Admiral Ackbar
February 19, 2022 4:39 pm
What a game. They got soft in the 3rd but then put on their work boots after that second goal. They got lucky on the penalty breaking Leon’s twig…
Shout out to the original creator: #EXTENDTHEWOOD
This year, until now, has almost seemed hopeless. Who knew they could look so organized? Who knew they could create room for McD to this extent? Who knew the kids were all right? Who knew that this brand of hockey was right around the corner?
If they play like this on the regular, I’ll watch every game. Win or lose.
Codi Ceci has turned into an absolute warrior for the Oilers. Holland hasn’t been perfect but huge props to him in so quickly pivoting after losing Larsson to secure Ceci on a good contract. Really starting to love this player. He is not the defenseman I had him pegged to be. Looking forward to watching him for a few more years.
It’s funny I always had him as more of the Barrie style of roving type defenseman. And I guess early in his career he was(?) and maybe he just never found the rhythm in the NHL to play that way.
But he just totally is not that player today. He has the tool kit – definitely can skate and shoot and has competent passing – however, it’s his gritty, hard-nosed, blue-collar defense that is winning us games. Honestly the opposite of what I thought we were getting. He’s not as nasty or as physical as Lars but definitely fulfils that stay at home D.
For all the crap that we give the pro scouts, they were way ahead of the curve on Ceci. Terrific player on a value deal.
GarbanzoHumanBean
February 19, 2022 4:37 pm
Perfect example of needing a stud goalie. This game should have been a blow out but Winnipeg has Helly to keep it close and the oilers have a goalie that lets in a soft one every game. Every game but the shut out where the best option was optioned.
We’re either of those soft? I’m a Kosk critic but those were both grade A+ chances. Maybe you expect an elite G to stop the Connor goal but that was pretty similar to McD’s goal.
The Connor shot was from outside the high danger location and Koskinen was square to the puck. Overall he played well but he definitely should have saved that shot.
This game turned when Tyson Barrie gave up TWO shorthanded breakaways with a 3-0 lead. The man does not have a defensive conscience. He’s all in on the attack and simply does not recognize potential danger.
But hey, he got 2 points. So he’s easily tradeable. 🙄
Kane has the puck down low, McLeod circles back in, Drai wanders down low far side, and RNH as the 4th chases the puck. No one on the left side picked up the Jet. 4 Oilers caught below the top of the circle with Barrie on the blue line along the right wall, while the Jet has the puck.
If Barrie has some culpability, he’s certainly not the only one.
Barrie is the last man back. Oilers don’t have possession.
Do you want him sliding back protecting the middle of the ice, or standing still at the boards on the offensive blue line?
I’m pretty sure I know what Woodguy and Manson would prefer.
Deployment was also an issue … we’ve been singing the praises of Wood-man but that was an unforced error … should have just rolled the lines as normal with 2 defenseman on the ice, and killed 4 minutes off the clock, but they got a bit greedy.
Agreed.
I was expecting the PP to change after 1 minute when the Jets iced the puck but the big boys got a little greedy and reverted to some bad habits.
I really don’t think any coach can change Barrie at this point in his career. He wants to attack. All the time. And he’s willing to take chances to do it.
He just doesn’t seem to have any defensive instincts.
JOFA
February 19, 2022 4:37 pm
Keith with some huge saves😉
fishman
February 19, 2022 4:37 pm
Dominate the game for 2 1/2 periods and then almost blow it. Never a dull moment!
They gave up a lot of chances but I was very impressed by their positioning. When they’d get running around in the pre-JW-era, I seem to remember significantly more chaos from our D. It’s as if the weaknesses are being very well hidden.
or maybe I’m revising my memory. Happiness does that…
jzed
February 19, 2022 4:35 pm
The opportunity to learn after this game is how pro hockey players manage a game , and how not to.
I don’t think the Holloway goal from last night was posted – good to see him feeling comfortable and healthy enough to use his shot and for it to lazer in:
https://twitter.com/Condors/status/1495253753926017024
Morning and the Oilers remain 2nd in the division by points percentage – ahead of both LAK and VGN.
Congratulations Teemu!
Hartikainen gets to give MacT and Eakins an FU.
Iiro Pakarinen also gets a gold
Slepyshev with a silver
Why Eakins? Kreuger was his last coach with the Oilers. He left in June 2013 before Eakins even saw him in a training camp. And that he is playing in the Olympics and the KHL I don’t think will make MacTavish regret anything he did.
Eakins knows how good Hartikainen was from playing against him in the playoffs in the AHL. In the series Scrivens stole, Hartikainen was the dominant forward on the ice, and the Marlies had future NHL’ers on their roster, who already had NHL games.
Instead Eakins brought several of his AHL flunkies with him.
Condors lose 4-3 in 5 round shootout. Skinner with 40 saves on the evening. Condors 0-4 in shootouts this season.
My thoughts on the game… I made it home in time to watch most of the 3rd and had heard the 2nd on the radio, but I decided to watch the game from the start.
Winnipeg is the team my memory tells me was the team they played last year when they first played this tight and smart game (in albeit too few appearances). So they’re kind of my baseline. Plus they were unable to successfully call that game up against this same team in the playoffs. So I’m very interested in this battle.
The first thing I noticed is LT has the lines right. Kudos. And an indicator that Jay himself likes stability by keeping two lines intact.
I laughed and then face-palmed when Perlini took the penalty. He ended up playing only 3:48.. Just a massive kill, great positioning. They survived another wave from the Jets after that, then it was all Oilers as they went back into that tight game, giving the Jets no room inside at all, creating turnovers and coming back at them in waves.
Nurse’s play on Scheifele in the first, what a pivot, what a steal. He had a very good game overall.
Telling you, man, Nemo with that eyes-up head and that smooth stride… There might be more there than everyone thinks.
Woodcroft leaned more heavily on the top of the roster and pared down minutes on the back half. Moreso than in past games. Nurse led the team with TOI, and Barrie was second among Dmen. His first period was very strong, especially the last 80 seconds. Third period not so much although that wasn’t all his fault. He looks way more comfortable out there, although there’s no doubt he’s also his own worst enemy in this regard.
Oil fought off a burst from the Jets at the beginning of the 2nd, slowly grinding the game their way, till they were dominating yet again.
The Yamamoto goal was beautiful all the way from the backtrack to the goal. That pass Yams makes to Connor at the blue line is the very definition of “deft.” I think he got the puck back from 97 as a reward for that pass.
Only to be outdone by the sweetest backhand sauce from Neon Leon on the next marker. Heinz would’ve been proud.
And then in the 3rd things went awry. I think everyone on the team learned from that shortie, including the coach. But they survived in the end, not blowing the points as they have in the past. Ceci was a beast, as was Koski.
Considering this was 4 in 6, or a likely loss (as is tomorrow’s game), an outstanding performance, especially through the first 50 minutes, and I think I should them a break for the defensive breakdowns late in the game. Other than the last 10 minutes, it was exactly the game I wanted to see.
Woody now two away from Geoff Ward’s record.
I forgot to add… when did ManWood turn Nuge into Popeye? Twice he muscled guys off the puck to great effect. Who is that masked man?
That’s the Man(strength) part of ManWood.
I think I agree with every word of this. The Jets are no an easy out, as we well know. That they have had our number for awhile, this was a good road win. As we have been told ad nauseam, have to bank these road wins. I am hoping to go to the Panthers game (it is really ridiculous that I can get seats 6 rows from the glass in the end the Oil shoot at twice in the game for $65! Thank you Florida fans!). If I go, I will be wearing my games worn, Hemsky Rookie season whites, so should be easy to see in the sea of red!
Recapping:
Engaras: 1+1
Lachance: 1+1 (3rd star)
Wanner: 1+0 (GWG, 3rd star)
Tullio: 1+0
Savoie, Munzenberger, Brind’Amour all held pointless.
The Bourg, Chiasson, (maybe Mazura too?) injured.
Heat and Condors 3-3 with less than 10 minutes in 3rd. Cracknell ties it up.
Ooops ugh Canucks, losing 7-3 to a team that lost 7-3 to the Oilers. That can’t feel good.
@CraigSMorgan
·
3h
Caught up w/former Coyotes (Stars & Oilers, too) coach Dave Tippett briefly today.
At age 60, the plan is retirement.
He’s got a house in the Valley; another under construction near Flagstaff.
No big interviews. He’ll go quietly.
I enjoyed covering Dave. I wish him all the best.
I hope his house isn’t in the Valley of Death.
Anyway, I wish Dave Tippett all the best too.
FWIW he goes into the record books as the Oilers coach with the 2nd best winning percentage of all time.
Sather 0.616
Tippett 0.596
McTavish 0.537
Lowe 0.537
Muckler 0.531
McLellan 0.502
kanucks getting SMOKED big time
Unsurprisingly
Holloway ties it up at 2-2 in the 2nd period.
Toronto Maple Leafs
@MapleLeafs
· 37m
TRADE: We’ve acquired forward Ryan Dzingel & defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin from Arizona in exchange for forward Nick Ritchie & choice of our third-round selection in ’23 or second-round selection in ’25.
A master stroke by Dubas.
That’s a overselling it a bit.
More like shuffling in and out end of the roster players. They paid a pick to get out of bad contract that they signed only a few months ago.
When we over utilize words like master stroke, it means we have to make up new words when true master strokes happen.
That’s the problem with hyperbole, isn’t it.
Nothing personal but the use of “master stroke” here seems equal to media overuse of the word “bombshell”. Contrarian’s are helpful, but let’s not oversell this.
“Contrarian’s are helpful, but let’s not oversell this” is a dandy line for a blog mission statement.
It is also a good tag line for a troll living under a bridge.
Ducks with 3 goals on 8 shots on Demko. His save percentage taking a flogging! Canucks with 2 shots in the 1 st period .
Condors up 1-0 over Stockton in the 1st. Marody had the goal.
@TheAthleticNHL
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Saturday, the Rangers announced the passing of former head coach Emile Francis, aged 95.
Francis spent time as a player, coach, and general manager during his time in the NHL and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.
A true gentleman. R.I.P.
@rayferrarotsn
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Got to know Mr Francis as our GM with the Whalers. A gentleman, fierce competitor, loved to chat about baseball. My early career was better because of his presence .. #ripCat
Filip Engaras gets a primary aPPle as New Hampshire extends its lead to 4-2.
And then he seals the deal with an empty-netter for a 5-2 win.
Wanner collects his 6th goal of the season to put MJ up 3-1.
He gets the puck at the blue line, dangles one would-be defender, walks in and zips one glove-side:
https://mobile.twitter.com/MJWARRIORS/status/1495218911217963015?cxt=HHwWjsC-ibDrisApAAAA
Watched as many of the kids as possibe last weekend and almost no points from anyone. Watch no one this weekend and its tally-ho everyone. That’s the good luck I know and looove.
grumble grumble grumble
Woodcroft is so incredibly positive. I love how he goes out of his way to build up players. It was most noticeable with his comments about Koskinen, but I don’t think it is at all insincere. He is smart- and recognizes that a confident goalie who is supported and encouraged by coach and teammates is a more successful goalie.
4th game in 6 nights, team might be feeling the effects a little. End game there says they were a little gassed.
Its gonna be a tough one tomorrow for them, no one panic if they get whooped. This is a game for Smith to steal for this team.
True
It is an opportunity to practice game management
Look at the circumstances and be smart
Oilers looked far superior to the jets in that game – again I only go by the eye test and follow along for the advanced stats. It was a shame it came down to an empty net goal.
Neimelenen is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
5 straight games of NHL quality goaltending has been nice to see. I think a healthy combo of Smith and Koski should be enough to keep us in the top 8. Neither of these goalies are capable of winning 16 playoff games though. I shudder with the thought of an overpay on a goalie this year but with Kane in the mix maybe we need to go for it.
How about if they each win 8.
Well Woodcroft fixed the PDO
He did.
Though they were pretty much full value for their shots tonight (40-24 vs 4-2, with an ENG in there).
Tullio collects his 25th tally-o of the season to bring Oshawa within 1 in period 1.
He accepts a cross-ice feed and snipes one from the right faceoff dot:
https://twitter.com/Oshawa_Generals/status/1495204549866438665?cxt=HHwWkoCy1benhMApAAAA
Tippett and McLellan both ended up watching McDavid and Draisaitl in shock and awe, unable to do ought except:
Standing behind the bench, mesmerised and unable to function.
Seems like Oilers have stumbled into a first rate head coach; youthful, intelligent, in tune with the players.
Sometimes you need horseshoes up your arse.
I’m not on board with the “stumbled in” mantra – they expressly took steps to keep him in the organization when McLellan and the rest of that staff were dismissed
I’ve always said Scotty Bowman’s greatest gift was timing.
Never look a gift arse in the horse
Okay so they won. Big effing deal.
Where’s Harpers Hair?
Team x has more 1st assist per 60 than the oilers in the last 1.8 games.
You rang?
An expected win…now things get tough.
Expected win over a team that swept us in the playoffs and have owned us mentally…….can’t make this stuff up!
4th game in 6 nights, playing their back up against the Jets vezina caliber starter, etc. etc.
Jets have been “off” all season.
No one, including Paul Maurice” seem to know why.
In their 6 games since the All Star break they beat Minnesota twice, and Nashville once, and took Dallas to OT on the road, plus a win against Seattle which is the only non plus win.
And yet, their record in their last 10 is a pedestrian 5-4-1
Jets missed Ehlers who always looks like a all-star against us.
Yep, the rubber is really, I mean this time for sure, forget about all those other comments, It’s rubber-time! Gonna hit that road hard, oh yeah, Oilers don’t even know what’s gonna hit them. But it will be rubbery, on a road, yeah, that’s it
An expected win yet at midnight last night you were saying something about the start of a losing streak.
these goal posts are moving fast lol…
Shane Lachance has given Youngstown an early 1-0 lead, going forehand-backhand for the finish:
https://twitter.com/YtownPhantoms/status/1495191292829130757?cxt=HHwWioCzheOj_r8pAAAA
And now picks up an assist as Youngstown goes up 2-0 in period 1.
NEW for The Athletic: Bakersfield Condors play later tonight. Raphael Lavoie is having a fantastic run. Here’s a look at a recent game and how much he brings (plus possible ETA in Edmonton).
https://theathletic.com/3138290/2022/02/19/lowetide-oilers-raphael-lavoie-has-turned-the-corner-as-an-nhl-prospect/
Nice one LT
The Bourg is not in the lineup for Sherbrooke, as he plays for Shawinigan. At least, he would if he was healthy again, which he is not.
Probably biased by the 5 straight wins but the 7-11 seems like a genius move by the new coaches. What better way to break in 4 young d-men then by playing them 10 to 15 minutes a game. Also, if one of them is struggling you can sit them down without worrying about overworking the rest of the d-corps (yes Darnell played big minutes today but he is a stud and can handle it). Also what better way to give more minutes to the bottom 6 then by splitting it between 5. Plus we have 6 or 7 guys who are 11, 12’s so there becomes a little more competition for them to get into the lineup.
Well, Broberg only played 6 minutes tonight (and Bouch was barely over 10) but, overall and generally, I agree.
William Lagesson D 13:48
Evan Bouchard D 13:19
Markus Niemelainen D 13:09
If they’re playing Broberg so little (6:34) best to send him back. Of course, it’s one game, he may play more tomorrow. For the record, the most worrying defensemen for me today was Barrie.
Barrie is what he is. The game management error is on Manson for having Barrie out there at all on the 4 min power play. Holland needs to find a shutdown RD for the playoff run.
I think that would have been Gully’s decision, not Manson.
If you’re not playing Barrie on the power play, then you’re keeping him from the one thing he can do well. I don’t think that’s a solution at all.
Not all pp just end of game if you are up.
Ah. I understand
Barrie seemed like the main culprit on the 2 short handed breakaways. Maybe a lesson for the new coaches, 2 D on the PP when up by 3 with less than 10 minutes to go in the game. Darnell and Bouch have both looked good on the PP so I do t think we give up much by going with that look if warranted
Totally agree on Barrie. He seems to absolutely disappear defensively. Too bad one of our young defenceman (beside Bouch) wasn’t right handed. What ever happened to Burgland??? A veteran RD would be an ideal aquisition.
He’s been outplayed by Desharnais, Kemp and Kesselring to my eye. Berglund has been a disappointment for me in Bakersfield.
Kemp is defensive, do you have a read on how close he is?
Not really, no. I know he’s solid, and he’s improving.
Thx
I don’t like to hear Berglund’s been a disappointment but glad for the update. Seemed like he struggled in his last SHL season as well.
O thank heaven for Coach 7 of 11.
Also, sending some love to Dave Manson. I don’t know what he’s telling these kids (and vets) but if defensemen were trees Dave’s thumbs would be verdant.
In my head I picture him as a laconic rough-riding cowboy. Dispensing wisdom through grizzled aphorisms. Like Curly in City Slickers. Or Sam Elliot in any movie Sam Elliot is in.
…the man ate bacon at every meal….you just can’t do that….!
Post game report from Winnipeg.
Oilers tried very hard to give this one away. The officiating was trying really hard to keep this game close.
#80, #5, and #93 were very good and very noticeable by my eye. #97 was outstanding in 1st and 2nd, but not as noticeable in the 3rd. #22 was not good throughout the game,looked very slow, and it seemed like #25 had to save his bacon over and over. Please #18 was good but the officials made a call every time he touched a jet.
The weather is snowing hard and gusting to 100KPH. Don’t know what that means as far as travelling by air.
All in all, it was well worth the $90 and there is not a bad seat in the rink. My nephew loved seeing both of his favourites score a goal 97 and 81) and there were times where his excitement for the game blew me away. He did not care one bit about the final score….
over and out.
Your nephew is lucky to have you in his life.
Awesome. Thanks for the “on the scene” comments! Safe travels.
I’m in Lockport, snow falling steady with high winds. Hard to say if the charter will be allowed to take off.
The team is really playing well. One more win and they have erased the December/January carnage.
5×5 stats since Woodcroft took over:
58.3 CF%
57.4 SF%
62.1 HDCF%
58.4 xGF%
83.3 GF% 15-3!
Only one of the teams we’ve played is in the playoffs, but wow.
Oilers ahead of Vegas in P% at this moment.
The Oilers have gained on Vegas since Jack Eichel was activated (and I recall reading ALOT about P% and about Vegas getting to add Eichel).
OP broadcasting live from Costa Rica
We are in Tortuguero on the Caribbean side right now and its very remote so there is almost no cell service wherever we go. We were doing a hike in the national park during today’s game and there was actually service for part of it so I kept appraised of the game for the part.
With that said, I got on the boat to head back to the hotel at 3-0 and going on a 4 min PP – wasn’t expecting to come back to an empty net in the last minute when I got back.
Never a dull moment being an Oiler fan! Enjoy your trip. Hope to go there next year.
Is that a dog whistle I hear?
OP, I consider you an intelligent fellow but please keep up.. now that P% argument compliments the Oilers, that poster has moved on to strength of schedule.. and trust me it does not look good for the poor oilers.. great for every other team in the west though***
*** post in jest, as I have yet to locate the sarcasm font on my phone***
Yeah…that one game Eichel has played pretty much says everything.
Good grief.
Its 2 games – and both were losses. That’s a 100% error on your part. Good grief.
I will concede, however, that he hadn’t played since March 7 of 2021. Not that you’d give the Oilers player any such consideration when a similar situation is applicable to them.
It’s been 2 games Andrew, good grief
Eichel has played more than 1 game – fact.
Oilers are ahead of Vegas in P% – fact.
Oilers are have been gaining ground on Vegas in P% for a while now including with Eichel in the lineup – fact.
Condors host the Heat in Bako later tonight. Should be a good one, go Condors!! 👊
Rubber hasn’t hit the road yet!
I know LT’s piece talked of D trade targets but by my eyes, Woodcroft is getting a lot out of his Californian Scooby gang (side note: man Nemo is a nasty customer and have nothing but time for it also there’s been a few times where I’ve seen a Dman skate up the puck thought it was Nurse and it was Bouchard- remember how the knock on him was skating?).
Does the conversation turn to acquiring a Goaltender? That feels the most obvious critical point in the team at the moment. I don’t think they’re awful but you would have to consider the tandem as league average at best.
Goalie and a RD.
Hockey writers have good piece on Braun. It’s ridiculous if he goes for a 3rd rounder and we aren’t in on it
7-2-1 in last 10 and winners of 5 straight.
And they looked good winning the last 5. They completely owned the Jets and their game plan for vast stretches save a 7 min Tippett-relapse.
Bring on the North Stars!
That 4 min powerplay where we did absolutely nothing and gave up two breakaways and let t he m score a shorty is absolutely inexcusable. They thought the game was over and let their foot off the gas. It isn’t over until it is over. They should have been laser focused on that powerplay to crush the Jets.
I don’t think they let their foot off the gas. I think everyone except the goalie was things Score , Score, Score
This PP needs to get back on track. I saw Nuge read and scouted a few times on the half-boards. They need to add a few more options in that position (pass to the middle or round the boards to McD/Leon).
Teaching moment!!!!
Well, a strong 50 minutes followed by 10 minutes of fire drills and chaos but it’s another 2 in the bank, and a rested Smith tomorrow
woooot!!
Also, eat shit Peg! Oilers will no longer be pushed around. In Nemo we crush!
What a game. They got soft in the 3rd but then put on their work boots after that second goal. They got lucky on the penalty breaking Leon’s twig…
Shout out to the original creator: #EXTENDTHEWOOD
This year, until now, has almost seemed hopeless. Who knew they could look so organized? Who knew they could create room for McD to this extent? Who knew the kids were all right? Who knew that this brand of hockey was right around the corner?
If they play like this on the regular, I’ll watch every game. Win or lose.
I’ve been using it. Stole it from Reddit.
Codi Ceci has turned into an absolute warrior for the Oilers. Holland hasn’t been perfect but huge props to him in so quickly pivoting after losing Larsson to secure Ceci on a good contract. Really starting to love this player. He is not the defenseman I had him pegged to be. Looking forward to watching him for a few more years.
You nailed it. Neither Barrie or Bouch are what you would call strong defensively. Would be in deep shit without Ceci!
It’s funny I always had him as more of the Barrie style of roving type defenseman. And I guess early in his career he was(?) and maybe he just never found the rhythm in the NHL to play that way.
But he just totally is not that player today. He has the tool kit – definitely can skate and shoot and has competent passing – however, it’s his gritty, hard-nosed, blue-collar defense that is winning us games. Honestly the opposite of what I thought we were getting. He’s not as nasty or as physical as Lars but definitely fulfils that stay at home D.
Real gem of a sign
Ceci is vastly superior to Larson. He puts up points. He has an actual first step.
He can also pass well and has a wicked shot that he actually uses
And he’s a man-rocket.
For all the crap that we give the pro scouts, they were way ahead of the curve on Ceci. Terrific player on a value deal.
Perfect example of needing a stud goalie. This game should have been a blow out but Winnipeg has Helly to keep it close and the oilers have a goalie that lets in a soft one every game. Every game but the shut out where the best option was optioned.
We’re either of those soft? I’m a Kosk critic but those were both grade A+ chances. Maybe you expect an elite G to stop the Connor goal but that was pretty similar to McD’s goal.
Kosk was squared up to a shot from the top of the circle and the puck went through him.
5 hole was wide open on both breakaways including the goal where he ended up in his own net.
how many more grade A chances did Helly see? This shouldn’t be a one goal game. Winnipeg has an elite goalie that kept them in the game.
The Connor shot was from outside the high danger location and Koskinen was square to the puck. Overall he played well but he definitely should have saved that shot.
Draisaitl, Ovechkin, and Matthews score regularly from there when they get the opportunity. Connor has nearly as good a shot.
This game turned when Tyson Barrie gave up TWO shorthanded breakaways with a 3-0 lead. The man does not have a defensive conscience. He’s all in on the attack and simply does not recognize potential danger.
But hey, he got 2 points. So he’s easily tradeable. 🙄
And 3rd star of the game…….
I hope Woody gives Bouch another PP1 cameo.
Koski was solid … did enough for the win. I’ve been critical of his propensity to let in weak goals, but he was fine tonight.
Is there another RHD like Ceci out there available in a swap for Barrie?
Kane has the puck down low, McLeod circles back in, Drai wanders down low far side, and RNH as the 4th chases the puck. No one on the left side picked up the Jet. 4 Oilers caught below the top of the circle with Barrie on the blue line along the right wall, while the Jet has the puck.
If Barrie has some culpability, he’s certainly not the only one.
Barrie is the last man back. Oilers don’t have possession.
Do you want him sliding back protecting the middle of the ice, or standing still at the boards on the offensive blue line?
I’m pretty sure I know what Woodguy and Manson would prefer.
Deployment was also an issue … we’ve been singing the praises of Wood-man but that was an unforced error … should have just rolled the lines as normal with 2 defenseman on the ice, and killed 4 minutes off the clock, but they got a bit greedy.
A learning moment for the rookie coach as well.
Agreed.
I was expecting the PP to change after 1 minute when the Jets iced the puck but the big boys got a little greedy and reverted to some bad habits.
I really don’t think any coach can change Barrie at this point in his career. He wants to attack. All the time. And he’s willing to take chances to do it.
He just doesn’t seem to have any defensive instincts.
Keith with some huge saves😉
Dominate the game for 2 1/2 periods and then almost blow it. Never a dull moment!
Trying to pull an ‘Oiler’ on Woody! Snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
I was having flashbacks to game 3 last year….
way too many mistakes in the last 10 minutes of the game by way too many guys, but they held on for the deserved win.
They gave up a lot of chances but I was very impressed by their positioning. When they’d get running around in the pre-JW-era, I seem to remember significantly more chaos from our D. It’s as if the weaknesses are being very well hidden.
or maybe I’m revising my memory. Happiness does that…
The opportunity to learn after this game is how pro hockey players manage a game , and how not to.
Big win!!! The dagger from Nurse! 👍