2021-22 Game 52: Oilers at Panthers

by Lowetide

The Edmonton Oilers have another opportunity to post a statement game today, as the club visits Sunrise, Florida and the high-flying Panthers. If the visitors can play a game similar to the Lightning game earlier this week, and the goaltending holds, maybe we’re talking about this game for a long time.

You can see the possibilities in this new team. A young, idea coach and a team open to change while yearning (do you ever yearn?) for wins. As much promise as this relationship holds, you have to execute.

THE ATHLETIC!

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 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 1-0-0)
  • At home to: MIN (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-1-0)
  • On the road to: TBY, FLA, CAR (Expected 0-2-1) (Actual 0-1-0)
  • Overall expected result: 6-4-2, 14 points in 12 games
  • Actual February results: 6-4-0, 12 points in 10 games
  • Oilers in 2021-22: 28-20-3, 59 points in 51 games

I have this as a loss, with an OT loss predicted for tomorrow. I will remind you these projections were made back when Dave Tippett was coach, so aren’t really based on the team before us. If the Oilers could find a way to win both? A massive moment in the season.

THE LINES AND PAIRINGS

It all looks good from here, the lines seem to be holding together despite injuries to quality players like Jesse Puljujarvi, and the defense is hanging in but badly in need of Duncan Keith’s return. The goaltending has been not far from adequate at five-on-five (.903 for Koskinen in two games, .901 for Smith in five games) but the overall SP (Smith .891, Koskinen .872) isn’t close to good enough.

My current theory is that Mike Smith is well enough to play, but nursing or worried about a recurrence of an injury. So, he’s cheating a little, I think that’s what we saw on the Stamkos goal the other night. On the one hand, credit for doing everything he can to help his team, but on the other hand helping his team the most might involve scaling back and completing a rehab.

The play here is to recall Skinner, IR Smith and go shopping for a veteran. Worst case is the club enters the playoffs with Koskinen and Skinner, and Smith continuing to rehab in hopes of a return during the postseason. I still think a trade for a top-15 goalie is better than nothing, but the Koskinen-Skinner tandem may allow Holland to wait until closer to the trade deadline. It is now less than a month (March 21) away.

THE CONDORS

All kinds of good news from last night’s 2-0 road win for Bakersfield, led by Skinner’s shutout. He now owns a .923 save percentage, and would have to rank as one of the top goalies in the American league.

Dmitri Samorukov is in full heath, and showing tremendous wheels. He scored an empty netter last night, but was more impressive during regular play. At one point, and I swear this is true, Samorukov transported the puck at high speed out of his own end, through the neutral zone, beat the Griffins defender wide and drove to the net for a high danger chance. He’s dancing now, this is some kind of hockey player.

Raphael Lavoie’s skating has never been better, and because of it he’s getting to more pucks. When he gets to pucks, his size is a great benefit. I’m telling you, it isn’t just the shot, this player is figuring it out right now. He’s 6-6-12 in his last 15 but has been far more noticeable than previously.

Dylan Holloway is so fast and fearless his name gets called by Ryan Holt dozens of times per game. He needs to be more selfish (shoot!) and winning more board battles is necessary but the fact he’s a willing participant is a good sign. Without the puck, he shows about as much attention to detail as you can hope for from a young player, he does benefit from a structured college background. Smart, smart player.

That’s four players pushing. This is a farm system! Music!

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Kinger_Oil.redux

– So I’m on the only car train in North America: Amtraks “Florida Train”. I’m the advance crew filled up our car and drove from Toronto to Virginia. Americans know customer service. Have a private room waiting for my steak dinner and smuggled in a monster Caymus Red that I’m sipping. Not holding up much hope for Amtrak Flat Iron Steak but we will see

– My dear wife is flying down with another family with 4 kids and nannie in tow and my Grandparents on Tuesday by which time our apartment will be stocked and ready for chaos. Haven’t been to our place in Miami in two years : and a new one in tow.

– Feels great to have a night off amd figured I’d send a note. Dinner served at 8, room gets turned into a bed at 9:3.0. Just going to bar car for double jack and diet. New coach amd new “starter” in Koski seems to have calmed the waters. Funny how outlooks change with a change.

– hopefully spring training so we will get to see baseball hockey and basketball games in March.

– Be good on LTs site everyone. It’s awful that LT has to stress and monitor all the time. I was sad to read his story about the Blog when his mom passed. Be better.

teddyturnbuckle

Messier was my favourite Oiler and Ranger of all time. If his team was winning in the 3rd he would skate over the center line and dump it in every time. The Oilers best players don’t know how to protect leads. Not sure if this is born from always playing from behind but for the love of god why do they always have to give up so many chances when they are winning. That Mc David drop pass that led to a breakaway was hideous. When you have a 2 goal lead with 10 mins left there should be no passing back to the point at all! Too much risk having a shot blocked and turn over. Down low plays only and quick shifts. Until the Oilers best players learn how to close games out properly this team is going nowhere.

Munny 2.0

I think it was also one of the things they picked up from the Isles, who were far better at puck management when they first met..

Munny 2.0

Axs hang on to win. And I mean hang on.

They scored twice 26 seconds apart early in the third to take the lead 3-2 and then never got another shot on goal.

Munny 2.0

Oh the Central Division is the toughest they say. Filled with powerhouses and Cup favorites, they say.

I only have one thing to add tonight…

Stupid Central Division!

Pull your heads out of your asses and show us what you’re made of.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
Munny 2.0

Avs have turned it around. Wild are now the Tame.

iHockeyWpg
iHockeyWpg

Nice goal by Lavoie in shootout.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497769077938532352

Tarkus

Summarizing!

Savoie’s goal and Engaras’s assist were the only points tallied by Oilers prospects on the night.

Munzenberger and Brind’Amour were shut out, while Lachance and Mazura were injured.

A couple of notes:

  • Denver is leading the entire NCAA Div-1 (59 schools) in goals per game with 4.44 (after tonight’s action).
  • Almost at the other end, Vermont is only at 1.68 GPG. Only one team scores less per game (Brown).
  • Quinnipiac leads all of Div-1 in team defense, allowing only 0.94 GPG.
  • Kohen Olischefski is a teammate of Mazura’s in Providence. Last season, he was a teammate of Savoie’s in Denver. (He transferred in the offseason.)
Last edited 2 years ago by Tarkus
Tarkus

Just Carter Savoie doing what he does best–a one-time blast from the right circle on the PP:

https://twitter.com/DU_Hockey/status/1497771043611496449?cxt=HHwWgsCilYS1k8kpAAAA

fishman

Geez Leafs leading Wings 10-7 in the 3rd. Wild game!

flyfish1168

I hope that is the same score for the Wild over the shames.

Tarkus

The funniest part is Tavares and Rielly with nary a point between ’em.

flyfish1168

Just watched the game.
Best Oiler Player – Tie Mikko and Derek
Worst Oiler by Country Mile- Evan
Hourable mention – Darnell

I cringe at the thought of Smith playing tomorrow

fishman

Yep I agree! I would be OK with not seeing Smith in goal again ever.

OriginalPouzar

It would be a pretty bold move by Woody starting Smith tomorrow but he does have a long history of running his guy in back to back games in the AHL – I know, different league and different circumstances but I think Woody is confident when he makes a decision, even those that go against “the norm” (such as 11/7).

flyfish1168

I feel Mikko is in a zone and is hot so I sure hope they start him.
I didn’t like the way Smith was yelling on the ice at his Dmen last game. I think it was at Broberg.

Last edited 2 years ago by flyfish1168
jp

Do you mean bold ‘not to start Smith’ tomorrow? That’s what I’m reading the context of your post as, but you wrote it would be bold ‘starting Smith’.

In any case, I agree Woodcroft has no qualms about running his goalies back to back. He does it a LOT, it’ almost the norm.

maudite

Play with the cat or don’t.

But complain about a cat being a cat and generally not doing anything unless they do it the way you like is pretty pointless.

Sometimes I find it amusing to whack the cats ears and see what happens.

Rarely, but sometimes, I laugh when the cat catches someone by suprise.

Most times I ignore the cat. And I definitely don’t get overly bothered by it ever.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
OriginalPouzar

Crazy stat from Matty:

Down in Bakersfield, Calif., Vincent Desharnais, another defence prospect who has really surprised, has been an even or plus player in 25 straight games

Tarkus

Okay, so Engaras definitely gets an assist on this marker that draws New Hampshire within one late in the third, but they would fall 4-3:

https://twitter.com/UNHMHOCKEY/status/1497761192751755265?cxt=HHwWgsCrxdH3jskpAAAA

fishman

Well that was quite a ride this morning! I swear Oilers were trying to lose in the third taking penalties and making mistakes. Talk about missing empty nets! Koski stood tall though. What can we expect tomorrow? I cringe to see Smith in net but not sure you can throw Koski back out there, or maybe you can? Derek Ryan scored a hat trick and only played 13+ minutes!!! Has to be a record? Guessing we go 7 D again.

Can honestly say I think team is playing differently/better under Woodcroft. I know it is still early but this seems different from dead cat bounce type of play. Going to miss Nuge though and hope it isn’t too serious. He has been playing great hockey lately. Any points tomorrow would be great and yea I hate the Hurricanes for stealing our cup in 06! Go Oil!

Ryan

Am I the only one who thought the officiating was absolute shit?

The Panthers d got away with an insane amount of obstruction, both in terms of taking out players who didn’t touch the puck and in tying up guys aggressively. Even the can opener on Draisaitl that led to his penalty.

Last edited 2 years ago by Ryan
fishman

I agree but you could argue the officiating is shit most games. Obviously I am a homer but I swear there are a number of ref’s out there that loathe the Oilers. So many calls or non calls that go against them….

Ryan

It’s crazy. It used to be written off that the Oilers don’t get the calls because they’re not a veteran team etc.

I’m obviously a homer, but it nearly always feels like we’re getting the shaft from the officials.

I’ve jumped on a few other bandwagons during the playoffs and still can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it.

Two recollections juxtapose themselves in my mind’s eye.

One. Lucic is a King. He absolutely bowls over our goalie and the play is reviewed. Good goal is the call from the review.

Later, in one of his earlier games as an Oiler, he makes what I felt was the slightest trivial amount of contact with the opposition goalie. The play is reviewed and the goal is overturned. His look after that was telling.

Side

In the last few minutes when Eckblad was punching the glass and following the ref yelling at him because he disagreed with the refs call, my gut was that he would get penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct call or something. But nothing. I wondered.. “should that have been a call? Or this just my gut instinct reacting because if it were Kassian or Kane or some other Oiler that it could have been a call?”

€√¥£€^$

There was a very close play where 97 would of had a breakaway that was called offside. It looked onside to me. I’ve always thought they should let close plays like that go and they can review later to get it right.

Foegele also got the short stick on an icing call, where he was obviously ahead of the defender. There is no excuse for this kind of bs.

I want robots for officials dammit!

Seriously, bring on unbiased robots refs…

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

I think for whatever reasons refs have it in for certain players. I remember seeing Pouliot “cross-check” a King Dman into the LW boards deep in the Kings zone. Honestly he did make minor contact, but it was a nothing play.

Later in the game the exact spot the King Dman cross checks Pouliot head first into the boards. That was a terrible looking play but no call. Pouliot was able to get up and skate away.

Same ref in the same position looking at the play, whistle in his pocket for Pouliot.

I watched both plays a dozen times. Clearly that Ref had something against the player, so should that guy be reffing the game. Reeked of a lack of character/ethics/professionalism…how does the Referee’s supervisor overlook something like this?

Each club should employ an ex official to watch each game and assess how tilted the playing field is for their team. Especially with gambling now a legit thing.

OriginalPouzar

What a goal by Holloway to tie the game at 2.

Picked off a d-man outlet pass near the goal line, took it to the net, awesome forehand/backhand move and roofs it.

Bill

Bakersfield 2-2 in the 3rd
Holloway has a goal, his 4th on the season and an assist.

Last edited 2 years ago by Bill
Bank Shot

Nice to see the goaltending battle tilt the other way for a change. Hopefully Nuge isn’t out long term. I’d like to see what this team looks like healthy. Not sure it has happened yet this season.

And trade for a goalie yesterday please and thank you

Ryan

The website server be like:

comment image

Surprised so few comments with so much traffic.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

I tend to chuckle at posts like this and move on. Today I’ll just say that the answer for poor speech is better speech that is more accurate.

DSF/HH adds more than many of the regular posters here, many of whom I value a great deal. His style is as abrasive as his goal posts have serious mileage. But the arc of the conversation that he typically engenders is much more sophisticated than most can fall into backwards on their luckiest day.

Do I like his continually baiting posts? No. Does it spur engagement? Yes. Look no further than the contemporary news media model and ask yourself a serious question before replying; am I angry and trying to be heard, or am I setting straight the record that has been deliberately skewed to form a narrative?

Having said all that, I will leave this debate on a philosophical note.

‘What a fuss about an omelette!’ he had exclaimed when he heard of the burning. How abominably unjust to persecute a man for such an airy trifle as that!

‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,’ was his attitude now.

— Evelyn Beatrice Hall, on Voltaire about the French philosopher Claude-Adrien Helvétius who in 1758 published a controversial work titled “De l’esprit” (“On the Mind”).

source: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/06/01/defend-say/

Side

I think you might have missed a fair amount of times where HH has just flat out lied about things or attacked posters.

I have lost count of the number of people who have said they stopped engaging because of HH’s schtick, sadly.

And it’s not like the number of posters on this site seem to be increasing. I think one could argue he is driving more contributors away than anything.

I can’t think of any forum in any period of history where lying and being disingenous are qualities that are welcomed as much as they are on the internet.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

You’re right. It is sad that grown adults are baited into a position they wouldn’t normally hold because of someone else posting anonymously on the Internet.

It’s sad really. There’s always the choice, to engage or decline.

There are plenty of other posters to discuss matters with on a regular basis.

godot10

Trolling was the first profession on the internet. Hacking the code and trolling the newsgroups. It is a feature, not a bug. Hacking builds the resiliency of the code, and trolling sustains the resiliency of free speech.

Side

Unfortunately though, being a “troll” on a privately owned hockey blog does nothing to sustain the resiliency of free speech.

Admiral Ackbar

As in provoking him? That’s honestly not what I’m trying to do. I’m just stepping back, observing a body of work, and sitting here stupefied.

Munny 2.0

As in LT would like us to make our points without including our politics.

Admiral Ackbar

I can’t imagine who would want to devote their time to it. I already have a hard time admitting to my wife that I’m on Lowetide, again. And I’m a partisan. Imagine what it would take for you to go repeatedly just to poke people’s irrational love for something that really doesn’t hurt the world in any way…

Harpers Hair

And there you have it…”irrational”.

This used to be a place where rational thought was valued and led to some mind blowing insights into the game.

While there are still some remnants of that here, it has been severely eroded by those who won’t tolerate anything but pom pom waving.

Sad.

Side

Last year you made up a few teams stats so it would fit your narrative at the time.

You are not the rational thinker that you think you are.

DevilsLettuce

Sir, while it’s extremely sad there is far less numbers and arguments over numbers. You’ve never approached those conversations with a rational approach.

Complaining about pom pom waving while your hands are full of underdog pom pom’s from the likes of Colorado, Vegas, Calgary to name just a few of your favorite underdogs. Again, clearly rational.

Calgary went 0-2 w/l with 10ga-3gf in the state of Florida.

While Edmonton just wrapped up their Florida man celebrations with a 1-1 record going 9gf-6ga.

Just one of the many reasons Calgary sucks.

Also did you know the short handed goal Nurse registered recently is more then Quinn Hughes has scored in his professional career. Quinn Hughes is really starting to resemble a poor man’s Tyson Barrie.

OriginalPouzar

That post is utter BS – utter.

There are numerous regular posters on here that are more pessimistic, point out negatives even during the wins, etc.

Many an engaging, informative and fun discussion are had with competing viewpoints

There is no sense of rational though and/or desire to have engaging and honest conversation in your character.

There might have been at one point but, for a very long time, its nothing but a character playing a role – actively trying to find anything that can be construed as negative towards the Oilers, stretching like a hot yoga teacher in order to come us with these points and often just making things up. Its a complete character. Its obvious and intentional.

You are not here for rational thought and discussion but to decrease the enjoyment for dozens and dozens on a nightly basis.

Diablo

This^^^^
Most of us have way better things to do with our lives.

Tarkus

Filip Engaras gets a primary apple on New Hampshire’s opening goal in period 1.

https://mobile.twitter.com/UNHMHOCKEY/status/1497733285484449792?cxt=HHwWgMCimZyfgskpAAAA

EDIT: It’s been credited to someone else. Should have known: Engaras wears #16, not #24.

Last edited 2 years ago by Tarkus
Pretendergast

I think I always saw Koski as a 1B or solid backup. If i recall correctly, general consensus was we liked the goalie the first year he was here and wanted 1.5-2M to keep him. The contract and expectations soured me on the player. We aren’t resigning him but recasting him at 1.5M and 20-30 games i think he’ll thrive on another team. Not the ‘can string together a run’ thrive but post above average backup numbers. He always wilted when we leaned on him but tonight, he held firm. Bravo.

An Oilers goalie stole a game! It’s been a minute.

Jethro Tull

I think this is a fair assessment. Koski’s biggest enemies are consistency and fatigue, which often go hand in hand.

When he’s on, he’s on. And he was awesome tonight. Out very aggressively to shooters. Made the saves that he had to. No cheapies. And a couple of saves that were worth goals.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Yes.

It’s another Horcoff situation.

Like the player, hate the contract.

Thanks, Pete!

Genjutsu

If there name has hair in it?

SwedishPoster

I think Mikko might have stolen Vasilievski’s talent when they were in Tampa.

Ryan

Perhaps, he saw Vasilieski standing far out from his net aggressively challenging shooters.

Admiral Ackbar

I had the joy of going to a game in Zurich a few years ago. Saw Marcobello play, who had been leading the league in scoring. Thankfully it was the year after Matthews and his creepy stasche left. Dereck Ryan sure looks like a Swiss League player with an NHL level brain. He’s got fringe skills, a bit undersized but boy does he often find himself in the right place at the right time lately. Credit JW. Imagine where this team would be if he was at the helm all year. They’re getting better game-by-game. And it shows. They looked like the lesser team in the past 2 games but they were in both games – won this one. We might be observing a playoff team after all.

Also, how about the range on Mikko! He can look that good and also look as bad as he did within how many games of one another? He looked confident, arrogant, beautiful today.

This team is a joy to watch right now.

Last edited 2 years ago by Admiral Ackbar
Scungilli Slushy

I thought they took it to Tampa in every way but goal

But agreed, watching them look like a normal NHL team is a treat

Randle McMurphy

My favorite penalty of the game. Edmonton with six skaters no where near the bench and the refs send FLORIDA to the box for too many men 🙂

fishman

Is there a professional sports league anywhere with worse officiating than the NHL???? A league where officials make calls depending on what the score is???

tileguy

NFL

Admiral Ackbar

Yep. This definitely happens in the NFL.

Pretendergast

Angel Hernandez and Joe West. One’s incompetent, the other believes the fans came to see him.

achotai

The play here is to recall Skinner, IR Smith and go shopping for a veteran.

I feel like a better plan is (if possible) include Smith in a trade for a decent goalie upgrade. Smith is signed for next year, Koskinen isn’t. I’d rather have Better Goalie + Skinner next year than Better Goalie + Smith next year… no?

maudite

Given the year Smith has had to date:

Pretty sure koskinen on expiring is more trade value than Smith on a 35 plus contract that runs additional year.

Last edited 2 years ago by maudite
Randle McMurphy

Leadership team, McDavid, Draisaitl, Nurse and Kane all with unnecessary penalties in this game.

Neumann

What is your point? The 97 penalty was bogus. The stripes put the whistles away for most of the third. And had a chance to put their mark on the game with the Nurse call, it was a penalty. Kane was stronger than his check, it was a penalty. Draisitl got dinged for calls that we hope are made when they are against our team, they just often aren’t. This was game management 101 as a previous poster mentioned. When you are down to 10 forwards against a very good aggressive team and are in the lead penalties will be called.

Randle McMurphy

My point is  McDavid, Draisaitl, Nurse and Kane all with unnecessary penalties in this game.

There, is that better?

Last edited 2 years ago by Randle McMurphy
Neumann

McDavid should never have been called for a penalty.

90s fan

That was for SURE a penalty on McDavid.

Just picture McDavid receiving that. Oilers fans would be pissed.

Last edited 2 years ago by 90s fan
Neumann

I watched it again on both the sportsnet and Bally’s feeds. 97 never changed his line or body position (did not stick his knee out). In one angle on the Bally feed 97 misses the stick check and as Verhaghe makes his move to the net they collide knee on knee. 97 had every right to that ice as Verhaghe. I can tell you that these things had a factor in the call:
Nurse knocked Marchment over seconds before.
Nurse roughed Marchment again right after.
Verhaghe went down hard immediately after that.
I would love if refs called a penalty every time 97 was taken down even if it is marginal.

90s fan

I will trust you. I just saw it once, looked like a knee slid out. But I may have been wrong.

€√¥£€^$

At full speed that was my assumption as well, but the replay showed that the McDavid’s leg stayed on his path, it was Verhaghe who went straight into McDavid’s leg. It was a reactionary call and Connor was innocent of a foul.

pts2pndr

You have to play to what the “game management team” with the whistles are calling and or not calling or your team is at an extreme disadvantage. Like lambs to the slaughter so to speak. This game ranks as one of the worst officiated games that I have watched for both sides. Unfortunately for our fan base our broadcast team are officiating apologists of an unbelievable degree to the point of insulting our basic intelligence! With your remarks you must be one of their fans! If you’re trying to be funny my apologies but it isn’t working!

Scungilli Slushy

The Oilers have been taking a lot of penalties lately, need to dial that in.

Even if the refs are wrong, you’re still in the box and 5 penalties a game won’t work later

meanashell11

I was at the game and there were many calls that could have been made on the Cats. Holding, interference, for example. Many were behind the play so not certain they made it to TV. The refs were bad.

DevilsLettuce

Sweet job refs, leadership was also on the winning side.

90s fan

I think some of that comes from getting beat, and fighting desperately to not get beat.

Randle McMurphy

3 Stars

1) Mikko Koskinen

2) Derek Ryan

3) Mikko Koskinen

Munny 2.0

Fishman was asking earlier who was the oldest player to record their first NHL hattrick.

The surprising answer is Niklas Lidstrom at 40.

fishman

Oh wow. Thanks!

fishman

Wonder if there might be players available that are bailing from the KHL???

OriginalPouzar

If a UFA playing in a European league is signed in-season, they need to clear waivers in order to be activated on the roster.

Also, I’m not sure the implications of “bailing” but, KHL contracted players can’t sign in the NHL.

fishman

Thanks for that. Some rules might perhaps change????

Randle McMurphy

I think it’s highly likely there are going to be BIG changes. Might not affect player availability this year, but almost certainly will next year.

The KHL is going to be heavily sanctioned imo

Munny 2.0

I would hope that Holland saw how the back end was exposed today.

This team desperately needs a RHS defenceman the coach can trust to put out there in the last minute of periods and games. Obviously Ceci is one of them but they need another. Barrie survived tonight but he won’t survive every night.

Last edited 2 years ago by Munny 2.0
Gerta Rauss

Gudas would look good back there

Hamonic..?…that 2nd year is problematic

Last edited 2 years ago by Gerta Rauss
John Chambers

Pysyk

Gerta Rauss

Yeah, I like that

Munny 2.0

I think the top 3 bandied around here have been Braun, Pysyk, Manson with Ristolainen coming on strong lately.

Scungilli Slushy

I am not sure Risto is a defensive upgrade on Barrie, but a lot bigger

Munny 2.0

I’m not sure either and his contract is a big ticket. I’d rather make one of the cheaper bets.

OriginalPouzar

He’s definitely not known for being a defensive gem but, on the other hand, he’s always had to play big and tough minutes on a bottom feeding team.

He is definitely bigger and meaner and motivated.

I would swap Barrie for him straight up, even as just a rental, as it removes that $4.5M X 2.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Is he an actual defenseman? Or another version of Barrie?

fishman

Spot on! Nurse and Ceci are very good NHL D men, Barrie is OK on some nights but Bouch, Legs and Nemo were under severe pressure all game. You aren’t a contending team with this D. Hopefully Keith isn’t far off and Russell as well.

pts2pndr

The young guys are gaining the experience to be the the players we need. Trading for someone with experience that may be marginally better doesn’t make good sense! Barrie needs to be moved as he is what he is and not a defensive top four D in the NHL. He is not aging well either!

BornInAGretzkyJersey

I’d have time for Gudas, Manson, or Braun.

Although I’ve coveted Dumba since his draft in 2011, he’s not a realistic target.

prefonmich

I think we might have to give some credit to Smith for the Koski game today… Smith is rarely challenging shooters, most often on the goal line, putting him at risk on most every kind of play/shot, other than the most wildly acrobatic of reaction saves, which he loves due to his inflated ego. Koski has surely been observing the ‘merits’ of this approach from the bench, especially last game. He was incredibly aggressive in coming out and challenging shooters today. Probably 5+ shots were terrific blocker saves that for sure would have found twine if he hadn’t been challenging so far out, or if Smith were in net. Thanks for the example of what not to do, Schmitty!

meanashell11

For example the breakaway. I was right there. Koski saw the breakaway start and stormed out of the goal to cut down the angle.

Munny 2.0

Koski: “Team was very happy for Ryan. Almost too happy after the second period. Should have saved a goal for the 3rd.”

Ends the interview with a low key: “Today, it was my day.”

Munny 2.0

Devin shore played 15:12 today, more than Ryan, Foegele, Benson

Randle McMurphy

After Two; Story Line

Koskinen stealing the game

Ryan with the hatty

RNH UBI

Evan Bouchard Young D will break your heart.

Admiral Ackbar

Universal basic income? UBI?

Genjutsu

He could’ve gotten more but that our Nuge

pts2pndr

Amazing the number games Barrie has been as bad and little said. Bouchard will be fine if the fan base doesn’t run him out of town. He did have a tough day today!

jp

Yet today Barrie sits at +1 in 5v5 goal differential while Bouchard is -7. Barrie was 2nd on the D corp last season at +5 as well, recall.

And little has been said when Barrie has been poor? Really?

Anyway, I agree Bouchard will be fine, and also hope he doesn’t get too much grief from the fanbase.

Munny 2.0

Woody: No news on Nuge. Will know more tomorrow when he is fully evaluated.

Randle McMurphy

I like that as he was getting up form the hit he lifted his stick using his injured arm / shoulder. He lifted his stick almost backhanded over his shoulder. Suggests it might not be as bad as it looked. here’s hoping anyway.

Munny 2.0

Jay:

The whole dressing room is just ecstatic for Ryan.

His hockey IQ is off the charts. Positionally in the right spots. Move to RW has rejuvenated him. Can help out with RH face-offs. Has underrated skill…

Munny 2.0

Koskinen is going to be haunting Verhaege’s dreams tonight.

Randle McMurphy

And also the dreams of anyone who was hoping we get another goalie.

pts2pndr

Old saying about grass looking greener on the other side of the fence. With the new emphasis on team defence he may be better than a few of the suggested acquisitions!😉

Side

Didn’t realize this was an afternoon game. Turned it on with 4 minutes left. I felt like I was having a fever dream when I saw Koskinen with 40+ saves and heard Derek Ryan had a hattrick…

Admiral Ackbar

I would have completely assumed it was a hallucination. Ha! That’s amazing.

MushedPeas

Don’t like cheering against a guy, and I never cheer against Oilers, but am okay w Smith putting up a stinker tomorrow if that’s finally the final straw. Oil need either to move a goalie or play their best goaleurs. Drawing out the pain simply hamstrings the team.

Munny 2.0

I believe we are now 13-0 when scoring first.

OriginalPouzar

16-0

Munny 2.0

Thanks. Thought we were on 12 but that might have been at the end of Tippett

Randle McMurphy

I wonder what that stat would be for “when scoring first and playing solid team defense” ?

Sierra

Mikko, 6 wins in his 10 starts in 2022

Randle McMurphy

5 wins and a steal

813.52Ran

Steals count as two.

Bruce McCurdy

Stolen win vs Calgary as well, that temporarily saved Tippett’s job. Same stats: 47 shots, 44 saves, .936 Sv%, W.

Sierra

How soon we forget. Thanks for the reminder.

Tarkus

Mazura once again out of the lineup for Providence.

On the subject of just how long he’s been out of the lineup, here’s Grandpa Simpson.

dangilitis

HH “strength of schedule” win number 1

I will be sure to update as regularly as possible

Last edited 2 years ago by dangilitis
Sierra

Anyone remember when the guaranteed losing streak was to start?

Harpers Hair
90s fan

Lol. Well played sir.

meanashell11

I’m pretty sure tankathon would have had today as a loss.

Harpers Hair

Probabilities…not certainties.

fishman

Terrific 2 points to put in the bank! Having said that Oilers sure made a lot of errors in this game. If I am Bouchard not sure I want to review this game tape. The young D struggled and even Connor had a bad turnover that turned into a breakaway. Koski with perhaps his best game in the NHL????

OriginalPouzar

Unless they hold out Holloway from today’s game, I can’t imagine he’d be called up and playing tomorrow. There may not even be enough time to get him to Carolina (although Condors are out east as well) but that would be 3 games in 3 days.

In any event, his wrist isn’t 100% and Marody or Griffith deserve the call, if one is needed.

Munny 2.0

It will be Griffith.

MushedPeas

Agreed.

jp

Sure it won’t be Malone?

(just for Woodcroft to troll OP obviously)

Munny 2.0

lol… They’re saving him for the playoffs.

OriginalPouzar

It very well might be – in particular if they are looking for a center (and PK) with Nuge out.

Id prefer to play McLeod as 3C and add more “skill”.

jp

I do think he’s a legitimate possibility for the call-up.

I hadn’t thought about the PK part in replacing Nuge, which would help Malone for sure.

He actually got his NHL deal signed the day Woodcroft was hired, you’d have to think Woody gave some input there.

OriginalPouzar

Oh, I could definitely see it given the player out is a center and a primary PK guy, I’d just prefer Marody – like come on, lets give this “kid” a shot over a 30-year old that was on an AHL deal a few weeks back.

As for timing, that’s right but, of course, the deal was about to be signed a week or so earlier before Malone had Covid-issues.

Of course, we know Woody likes the player, he was his captain for the last while.