Catch The Rainbow

by Lowetide
Photo by Noah Fuchs

The Edmonton Oilers were down 2-0 before the hockey world could settle in to a most anticipated matchup between two high powered hockey clubs. The Boston Bruins received goals from Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak early early, but you knew Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl would come roaring back.

That’s not quite the story of last night’s game, but a 3-2 win for the road team is now in the history books. It was a strong game by an Oilers roster that is still finding out what kind of team they’ll be down the stretch and into the postseason. The truth is coming into view.

THE ATHLETIC!

WHAT TO EXPECT IN FEBRUARY

  • At home to: TOR, WPG (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 2-0-0)
  • On the road to: WPG, BUF, BOS, TOR (Expected 2-2-0) (Actual 2-1-0)
  • At home to: OTT, DAL (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • On the road to: SEA (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: SJS, ARI, VGK (Expected 2-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • On the road to: ARI, VGK (Expected 1-1-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • At home to: LAK (Expected 1-0-0) (Actual 0-0-0)
  • March expected result: 9-6-0, 18 points in 15 games
  • March actual result: 4-1-0, 8 points in five games
  • February actual result: 4-3-4, 12 points in 11 games
  • January actual result: 8-2-2, 18 points in 12 games
  • December results: 7-6-2, 16 points in 15 games
  • November results: 7-7-0, 14 points in 14 games
  • October results: 6-3-0, 12 points in 9 games
  • Oilers in 2022-23: 36-22-8, 80 points in 66 games

The Oilers are on pace for 99 points now, and the Pacific is an absolute explosion waiting to happen. Four teams down the stretch and any of them could win the division title. Edmonton’s tidy start to March (4-1-0) is a splendid beginning to an important run to the finish line. Seattle’s loss means the Oilers have the same number of points, although the Kraken have a game in hand. Vegas and Los Angeles are clear, but not well clear, and this is going to be an exciting stretch run.

GOALIES AND DEFENSEMEN

Stuart Skinner had a tough start but reset after the first period and stoned the best team in the league in the final 40 minutes. Skinner now owns a five-on-five save percentage of .928 for the season, No. 7 among goalies with 1,000+ minutes this season. He’s a rookie, but doesn’t play like one. The recovery from last night’s first period gives more spine to his resume. The man looks so calm. It’s rare, people.

Darnell Nurse scored the winning goal but for me the most impressive play was a sequence down low in his own end. Tackled twice, able to barely get stick on puck to delay a clean drive to the net, Nurse fought and won the puck and transported it out of danger. Helluva game. Seven minutes versus the Bergeron line, 50 percent goal share and 2-1 goals (all at five-on-five), he’ll take some heat on the Pastrnak goal but that was Skinner’s folly all the way. Cody Ceci had some trials against the Bruins, who are relentless. Picked up an assist and blocked some shots. Nice pass to Nurse on the GWG, and Ceci matched the Bruins physicality and quickness. One of the better games recently from a maligned player.

Mattias Ekholm was physical, punishing Bruins forwards, blocking shots and closing gaps. It’s a joy to watch him play the game. The earth has tilted since his arrival, there are times when Oilers fans feel a calmness with the team on defense. That’s blue rare, is what it is. Evan Bouchard scored a fabulous goal, important in a game Edmonton couldn’t go down 3-0. Ekholm-Bouchard went 1-0 goals on the night and are now 7-2 goals in five games. The Brett Kulak-Vincent Desharnais pairing were shout 7-2 and outscoring 1-0 but didn’t give up a HDSC. It’s a good third pairing, I would like to see Philip Broberg get into a game soon. Maybe versus the Senators.

FORWARDS

Leon Draisaitl tried a lot of things, but as was the case with Edmonton’s top skill lines, little rhymed. He did pick up a secondary assist on the game winner, a subtle but important moment that combined with Ceci’s pass to Nurse left Boston’s defense out of alignment and ill prepared for the shot that doomed them. Connor McDavid was covered well most of the night, the Derek Ryan collision gave northern Alberta a sheer heart attack but he came back and played after the Suffolk county incident. Evander Kane looked exactly like the guy who is just coming back from injury, he did dish out some punishment and the penalty was weak from the stripes.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins missed a great chance with Boston’s net empty, but he wasn’t the only one. He made a nice drive by just before Nurse’s shot passed him, may have contributed to the goal. Kailer Yamamoto had a couple of looks but also fell down quite a bit. Someone mentioned the ice in the comments section here at Lowetide and I’d believe it. Zach Hyman is in a slump, he looks a little slower than usual I wonder if he picked up some injury along the way. At one point in the game, I misstook him for Derek Ryan, who isn’t quite the skater Hyman is at this point in their careers. Something is up.

Warren Foegele had a breakaway but didn’t cash, if he can score 15 goals a year he’ll play a long time. If my Dad were alive and saw him, he’d say “he needs a haircut” which isn’t important right now. Mattias Janmark got an assist on the Bouchard goal, Ryan McLeod scored a big goal from a fine Devin Shore pass. Shore might be playing the best hockey of his career, must be drinking from the same fountain of youth as the Nuge. Derek Ryan drew a penalty, played effectively and will someday tell his kids about the night his life flashed before his eyes after hitting Connor McDavid in an open ice hit.

A FEW THINGS

Blame it on the rain, but one of the key moments in the game came about because Boston deployed lefty Matt Grzelcyk on the RH side, he stumbled along the wall at the Oilers blue line and Mattias Janmark quickly intercepted the puck. Moments later, Evan Bouchard fired the first Edmonton goal past Jeremy Swayman. LH-RH is the better way, even if it means sitting Philip Broberg for a time.

Fluto Shinzawa at The Athletic has a strong game story up, I encourage you to look at point No. 5. That’s a really interesting quote.

For Oilers fans, the injury McDavid suffered as a rookie remains embedded right at the top of the memory banks, ready for instant recall. In fact, he has been exceptionally durable since the career-threatening injury at the end of the 2018-19 season (Game 82) against the Calgary Flames.

I also see people comment about Kane needing to protect 97 during games, which is often followed by my viewing an on-ice exchange that involves the captain manhandling an opposition player in pursuit of the puck. I know the hopes of all generations ride with McDavid, and maybe today we hear something about the injury we don’t yet know. If we’re honest, this young man can handle himself well in a daring and physical league. Someone should give him credit for being far more rugged than is generally recognized and maybe I can move the conversation a little by pointing it out.

FRIEDMAN’S 32

I like to wait 24 hours to comment on someone’s work, especially as it pertains to actual news. Elliotte Friedman’s 32 thoughts had plenty on the Oilers (it is here) and I wanted to take a moment today and comment.

  • Friedman writes the Oilers were in on Timo Meier as a rental. I find that a fascinating idea, and it points out that the organization wanted an impact player with position being secondary. They are stacking difference makers one upon another. Grand idea. I like the aggressiveness.
  • He also tells us one of the reasons Ken Holland pursued Mattias Ekholm over Jakob Chychrun was health. Although older, Ekholm is quite durable. I think we’re seeing now the wisdom in acquiring a complete defenseman (Ekholm). It’s breathtaking how much more structured Edmonton appears now as opposed to the deadline.
  • Friedman also says Edmonton considered making a run at Radko Gudas. Music! I think his price point and the fact he is older and no longer plays versus elites at the same level he did means the value may not have been there. Love the thinking, though.

LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON

Jamo called the Oilers win last night, expect much noise over it on TSN1260, 10-2 today! We’ll dissect the game, then talk about the HNIC v Leafs tomorrow evening. Plus, MLB, NBA, and more! 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soup!

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LMHF#1

Thanks Darnell…

They just wanted to hand the Leafs some goals hey?

Brutal…

LMHF#1

Skinner has to make that save.

Kulak and Desharnais both with the wrong decision there. Brutal.

LMHF#1

That was an awful play all around.

What in hell was McLeod doing?!?!

And if you’re Nurse there, your job is to be saying “No. NO!” as he looks your way.

Skinner caught and can’t blame him too much, but should still be more ready.

Clarkenstein

Oil need to get Klim back in the Leaf game. His physicality and finish are superior to other players in the lineup. Not sure why he didn’t play in Boston.

AsiaOil

The flames had their shot at a rebuild this past summer. They should have sold off turtle for picks and sold more at this deadline going into a strong draft. Instead they pinned their hopes on older guys with retirement contracts that are going to age horribly. They might be ok next season but after that it’s a long slow miserable slide into mediocrity. Hope they enjoy it.

Durag

https://twitter.com/fwkomets/status/1634403102961852416?s=46&t=rpx0MIr8YyVNAYZ3CsB1GA

Ryan Fanti beat the hell out the other guy in an ECHL goalie fight. Is that a good arrow?

kgo

My sodium levels felt low so I hopped over to flamesnation to slurp up some salty tears…my fav comment was a guy who said he’s 69 yrs old, hopeful to make it to 70, but thinks the “Coilers” will win the cup and it will be the death of him

hunter1909

Calgary Lose to the Ducks!!

Noooooooooooo lol

Tarkus

Summarizing!

A few crooked numbers tonight, led by Chiasson scoring his 20th and adding two assists. He was named 2nd star.

Lachance tallied twice with 5 SOG, including his 28th of the season which tied the game. (Youngstown would win in a shootout.) He too was named 2nd star.

Mazura picked up a helper but St. Lawrence blew a 3-0 lead and lost Game 1 4-3 in OT.

Brind’Amour was kept off the scoresheet but did go 9/16 (56.3%) on the dot as Quinnipiac won 3-0 to start their series.

Petrov was also held soupless.

innercitysmytty

No surprise the flames choked against an easy opponent tonight. The flames are like a fish at the poker table that doesn’t know they are.

maudite

I think bubble playoff teams would be about easiest games to get amped up to play for clear lotto teams.

Screw someone else chance at playoffs.

innercitysmytty

Yeah I could see that

David

Easy schedule: 1, Calgary Flames: 0.

Victoria Oil

Flames lose 3-1 at home to the Mighty Ducks. I am so despondent that I might have to pour myself a glass of Laphroaig.

Last edited 1 year ago by Victoria Oil
Ice Sage

Yeah, that’s a real shame…
… and such an easy schedule!

Side

The Flames have a good chunk of their remaining games against non-playoff teams…. Which doesn’t bode well for the Flames chances of making the playoffs since they have a losing record against non-playoff teams.

OriginalPouzar

Its tough playing against your own tier, non-playoff teams.

OriginalPouzar

Flames lose at home in regulation to the Ducks – what a shame.

Side

Panthers fighting for a playoff spot against the terrible Blackhawks and Matthew Tkachuk gets 3 assists and 3 points.

Flames fighting for a playoff spot against the almost as terrible Ducks and Huberdeau gets 0 points and ends the night -1.

OriginalPouzar

I particularly like the whiff with 20 seconds left on his attempted shot from the half-boards.

Faustkarz

if Oilers make the Western final this year, where does Woody rank all time in oilers coaches in 1.5 years of work?

caveat: most coaches are remembered (without a cup) by their failures at their end but curious none the less, people may be baffled and critical (rightly so) of his roster moves but a strong playoffs is huge for his emerging legacy in Edmonton

David

There’s no question he out-coached Sutter in the Playoffs as a rookie.

Woody actually seems to make noticeable mid-game tactical changes (beyond blending lines).

The Oilers had a weird lull this season where I was wondering what the coaching staff was doing/not doing to get the boys going again but it has been an impressive start to his head coaching career.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Depends on how you weight QoT vs QoC.

The Weight/Guerin/Cujo teams sure did punch above their weight (ahem) compared to the big market teams. The 06 team was similar in that regard.

Faustkarz

Hard to judge salary cap era vs not

Ron Low is his comp for 2nd in my opinion, I love the mid to late 90s era (especially the 96-97 jersey (should be their 3rd imo))

see what happens, obviously a hypothetical what ever mind rankings are

I love MacTavish, until 06-07, oilers weren’t exactly world beaters but cap being what it was

really hard to say, there are all moves people wish were done weren’t done either with roster or deployment..having McD and Drai (HELP a TON) but they need to. You just can’t win in the league without superstars w/o having a deep core of determined veterans performing over-cap

I think after a run of Quinn, Renney, Krueger, Eakins, McLellan, Hitchcock, Tippett

Woodcroft is taking advantage and doing what he can think of to compete…I would also highly rate McLellan though

Munny 2.0

Here are the possession stats for Ekholm on the right-hand side with the Preds. That is, possession stats whenever Ekholm was playing with another leftie and how both did otherwise. 2023 stats are Preds only.

I’ve chosen two three-year samples, but even then the stats look noisy. That could indicate the variance in his partners, or situations used, or comp faced, or simply too small of a sample noise.There’s a natural break in the partners in 2020 and three years in the max NST will run, so I’m running with it. 🙂

And of course, as always, please remember forwards are the bigger drivers of possession.

All numbers, unless otherwise stated, are CF%

Josi:

17-20 >> TOI: 912 (4:06/gm), w/Ek: 45.6, w/o: 53.7, Ek w/o: 45.9
20-23 >> TOI: 225 (1:19/gm), w/Ek: 55.6, w/o: 51.3, Ek w/o: 50.3

Hamhuis:

17-20 >> TOI: 677 (5:56/gm), w/Ek: 38.9, w/o: 49.0, Ek w/o: 52.30

Tinordi:

17-20 >> TOI: 305 (10:55 /gm), w/Ek: 42.9, w/o: 34.3, Ek w/o: 51.2

Irwin:

17-20 >> TOI: 134 (1:08/gm), w/Ek: 53.1, w/o: 50.7, Ek w/o: 50.6

Lauzon:

17-20 >> TOI: 205 (3:18/gm), w/Ek: 48.5, w/o: 46.1, Ek w/o: 50.9

McDonagh:

17-20 >> TOI: 102 (2:03/gm), w/Ek: 44.7, w/o: 45.4, Ek w/o: 50.91

Everyone else played less than 1 min per game with.

From 17-20, Ekholm played 954 of his 4404 minutes with another LHD on the ice. That’s 22 percent ofh his 5v5 TOI

From 20-23 Ekholm played 591 of his 3291 total minutes at 5v5 with another leftie on the ice. That’s 18 percent of his 5v5 TOI.

What conclusions can be drawn from this? Well one is that Ekholm is a lot better than many of the defensemen he played with, lol. To me, the most important numbers here are the TOI numbers. Ekholm has considerable experience over a long period of time playing on his off side. While it doesn’t appear to be beneficial to do so, a lot of this depends on the circumstances. In particular when with Josi, is this last minutes of a period hanging onto a lead kind of stuff or is it normal game flow? I suspect it is more of the former.

Faustkarz

awesome information

one thing that can be stated as a motivation maybe even initiative of holland

is get players who are versatile and can play wherever

match that with woodcroft who may be becoming or who currently is one of the main innovators of the game right now behind the bench

and its working with fire

this is coming off me reading Keefe is going with 11-7 tomorrow, which is just funny but proof the Oilers are rubbing off on the league, specifically tactically

there is a lot of talk about hockey becoming “positionless”, the Oilers seem to be leading that trend in real time

Last edited 1 year ago by Faustkarz
innercitysmytty

Tampa went 11-7 quite a lot a few years ago as well.

Faustkarz

so did the flames in 2011

TBL it was mostly out of necessity with McDonagh out

Woodcroft seems to have done it out of strategy but can accept argument our F group was lacking, with addition Bjug, it is non-optimal. but I doubt any team has played to the frequency he did this season. one thing I think of why i prefer 12-6 as I have stated is the reduced amount of coaching needed

11-7 must be exhausting to run from behind the bench

with that said, with the way D mobility and off-handedness is going; i think we are 2-3 years from seeing 10-8 put out tactically

may be drunk thoughts but, I’m sure many have seen Oilers success running 11-7 this year AND with a short roster for cap implication and thinking “well it can be done, at least as a last resort”

Holland may be betting with fire all year with how he has structured the roster, but its worked..it may be due to as the Chychrun vs Ekholm via friedman info….get players who are healthy to give a coach better options long term

Holland raised Woodcroft from Detroit and now Edmonton, I think they are symbiotic with thinking of how the team should play and its paying benefit

McLellan and Tippett both seemed to fight management with deployment and roster, I don’t think thats the case at all with the Oilers, for their benefit

Last edited 1 year ago by Faustkarz
BornInAGretzkyJersey

First, and foremost, thanks for diving into the numbers in this fashion. I appreciate the work.

What conclusions can be drawn from this? Well one is that … Ekholm has considerable experience over a long period of time playing on his off side.

I do wonder, to what degree of certainty can we parse Ek playing on his offside solely based off these numbers?

When I looked into his fancies before Christmas, what stood out to me was that he seemed to shelter Josi by absorbing the tough mintues, akin to a Parayko/Pieterangelo kind of relationship. But I couldn’t exactly determine port or starboard deployment from the numbers. So I am genuinely curious.

Munny 2.0

I’m a little uncertain what you’re asking. Are you asking how certain is it that when Ek was out with a leftie, Ek was on the RH side?

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Yes!

Munny 2.0

Well the primary assumption of this exercise is to assume that’s what is happening when there’s two lefties on the ice.

There’s nothing anywhere that will allow us to examine every single minute and state with certainty that Ekholm was playing on the left.

All we have is the reputation that he was the Predators’ most likely choice in that regard. there are specific tweets that state he was on the right side, ones for example about playing with McDonagh that reference this. There’s also the odd article from The Tennessean pre-2020 that mention it also, in particular when PK was out with injury.

But there is nothing in the NHL’s in-game reports about who is playing which side on any given shift, so we cannot get granular data. An assumption has to be made.

hunter1909

Since Oilers didn’t whip Boston 10-1 like I wanted…

I’d like to see Oilers whip Toronto.

Scungilli Slushy

I’m up for a whooping

Not personally

Scungilli Slushy

If the Oilers start ‘checking for chances’ as Nurse referred to, and Hitch tweeted about, consistently, the tide will have turned; and the juggernaut will emerge. Perhaps be unleashed

I think they have the ability to crush opponents, all opponents, once that mental hurdle is jumped

Like the good old days

Reja

We have added some major height with Desharnais, Bjugstad, Kostin and Ekholm. The Oilers would be one of the tallest teams in the league if not for Yamamoto.

OriginalPouzar

Rodrigue with the start tonight – finally. He’s played apx 5 of 20 since Pickard has been back from injury – he’s won his last 3.

Savoie is out sick.

Munny 2.0

On a face-off, Petrov just took the tip of a stick blade right under the visor, but he’s okay and stays on. No call, of course.

Munny 2.0

I’m beginning to think it was an error (in hindsight) that the org posted Petrov back to the minors. Please understand I’m saying this without knowing the young man’s level of maturity or comfort or own desires this season, all of which could’ve been part of the decision.

He just doesn’t look challenged or pushed at this level. He’s an observer/reader/analytical type that likes to have the play in front of him as much as possible. He seems content to always be in the safe spot doing safe things and distributing the puck, only really driving the net when he sees an obvious opportunity. He’s really good at doing all that and you can see why he’s the forward the coach trusts to be on the point on powerplays. About as poised and and assured and confident as I’ve seen any player at this level.

As I’m typing this he takes the puck up the ice on a 2 on 1, late in the shift and the period and was content to fire a longish but dangerous wrister on net, with his team up 3-0. Safe, smart, coaches love it, but I wanna see what the kid can do, lol.

So he seems all brains and no fire right now. Maybe it will all change in the playoffs. Hope we see it, because there might be something really special hiding in this kid. But I need him to push a little to see it. Up 3-0 now after two periods, highly unlikely I get to see that facet of his game tonight.

Last edited 1 year ago by Munny 2.0
Munny 2.0

For sure, but this guy looks bored of the competition and has most of the season. Like I said, I expect it to be different in the playoffs. The assertiveness level will probably be up.

It would’ve been four wingers and an older rookie C. But dang, I wonder if it wouldn’t have been better to keep Savoie in school another year… but then you likely lose that guy.

godot10

The OHL was probably better for his cultural adaptation to North America. Sometimes it is better to let teenagers be teenagers.

Munny 2.0

Could be, yes. But as I’m trying to indicate above, I’m just looking at this from a hockey perspective. Could be many good reasons he’s there.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Possible he attacks the AHL with more professional zeal than if he was “gifted” a spot in a professional league?

Sometimes guys need to get hungry for the next level instead of waft their way through the ranks to have long term success.

I’m sure a psych profile the team would have access to would determine a lot of how they handle prospects.

Tarkus

Lachance gets off la schneid as he buries #27 on the season.

Tarkus

Mazura (#10 in white) draws a helper on St. Lawrence’s opening goal.

Harpers Hair

Rick Dhaliwal reporting Aidan McDough plans to sign with the Canucks very soon when Northeastern’s season ends.

leadfarmer

And why do we care?

Diablo

You posted this on the wrong blog again HH.

Side

He is such an unremarkable signing for the Canucks that even you can’t be bothered to spell his name correctly.

Last edited 1 year ago by Side
BornInAGretzkyJersey

comment image

hunter1909

That 4 0n 1 before the Oilers goal was hilarious.

Harpers Hair

Decided the game when the Bruins defenseman fell.

leadfarmer

They were still up 2-1 at that point.

MADOIL

Not sure if anybody caught the Sportsnet’s expert comment at the end of the 1st period between Oilers and Bruins. The expert, in this case, Mike Futa of the ex-LA fame opined grandly “having the best player in your team does not mean that you can beat the best team” (paraphrasing here).
Sorry, I don’t know how to link that segment here, but the tone was so disdainful that the Oilers victory was doubly sweet for me as this was the exact up-yours that the Oilers could have dished to this ‘expert’. Especially because we did it without the ‘best player’ contributing anything to the sore sheet.

90s fan

Misunderstanding: having the best player in the league does not mean you can beat the best team.

Correction: Having the best player gives you a chance to beat any team on any night. This particular team has the best two players. Neither player is required to score to beat the best team.

innercitysmytty

A lot of these ex-executives show their bias for the teams they used to be employed by. Button was on TSN yesterday basically giving the Oilers zero chance to come out of the West. One of the things he cited was poor forward depth. Not sure if he watches games, looks at stats or just speaks but that was a pretty weak take given our top 5 rivals any team in the league and we have another 6 forwards that will be in the 10-15 goal range by the end of the season. Of course this is the same guy that thinks the Flames have stellar forward depth so I’m not surprised.

Munny 2.0

Get this headline n TSN 1260’s “Audio” page:”

Button: The Oilers depth will be massive in the playoffs

Diablo

Button is a shock jock – he peddles in clickbait.

Brogan Rafferty's Uncle Steve

Personally, I have loved watching the last two seasons of Oilers hockey. McD and Drai are sublime.

The team drives me crazy on occasion, but that is sports.

In the late days of Chia, I stopped watching Oilers/hockey for a while. Now I feel more at peace watching.

Regardless of whether the Oilers win a cup, how can one not enjoy watching an athlete as talented as McD reinvent a sport? His spin moves and stutter steps are things I have never seen before in hockey.

Oddspell

In the late days of Chia, I stopped watching Oilers/hockey for a while. Now I feel more at peace watching.

Same thing happened to me. The Chia years killed part of my passion for this team, but the Holland years (possibly in conjunction with being homebound for large swathes of the last couple years) have reinvigorated my fandom.

The last couple years have been such a fun ride, culminating in an all time entertaining playoff run and a very bright near future.

A team of this calibre doesn’t often survive more than a few seasons. What’s happening right here and right now is “the good old days”. Enjoy them while they last.

McSorley33

Well put

TL1977

Feeling blessed to watch this team right now. Things seem to be rhyming since the new acquisitions and they look much more like a contender to me. Lets go playoffs.

OriginalPouzar

Wanner suspended for the rest of the regular season but, as we found out a few days ago, police found the incident to “not be criminal in nature”.

Wanner is scheduled to turn pro next season, and was having a bit arrow up season (which started last season as well) and has become a prospect of note.

I won’t speculate on what may have occurred, but surely it was, well, not good, but I hope, and presume, the Oilers do what they need to do, the proper talks, training, etc. in place and reaffirm they want this person in the org prior to his contract engaging.

https://twitter.com/zjlaing/status/1634277226047852547?s=46&t=GQPuJbznUxrs2_b4oFf4fw

Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

i am glad this matter has been put to rest. I look forward to maximumus and his friends learning from their errors and putting in the work.

To me the fact it is non criminal, and that it has been handled properly by the authorities means that we can all leave it to rest and focus on the future.

Ginch

We gave up plenty to get Ekholm. His and Nurse’s TOI should be reversed. He is the better hockey player. Play him like it.

meanashell11

They are different players and each has considerable value.

106 and 106

If my Dad were alive and saw him, he’d say “he needs a haircut” which isn’t important right now.

🤣🤣🤣

flea

It would not shock me to see Soup get the start tomorrow.

2-1 on this road trip. Kind of a bonus game tomorrow in some ways. Is it a chance for Campbell to reset and play in a building he’s familiar to? Maybe it gets him out of his funk and lets him reset.

I know I’ll get downvoted like crazy on this but i would not be surprised if the Oilers did it tomorrow.

pixel-bender

I don’t think so. Woodcroft has mentioned a few times that they’re currently seeking out every possible point so they’ll be starting Skinner until the next back to back.

Faustkarz

while I understand your thinking,

getting lit up by toronto in toronto would be the straw that broke campbell’s back

Oilers need to keep pace in the WC, they can’t afford to risk the need for 5-6 goals tomorrow to win it

Ice Sage

I agree – this is NOT the game to try and rehabilitate Campbell. Leafs will know which fragile buttons to push. Skinner was solid vs TML last week.

innercitysmytty

When they started skinner for the last Toronto game in Edmonton I thought they would then start Campbell in Toronto. However, given how important the points are and the way the Winnipeg game went, I no longer think they will.

winchester

In the early eighties Edmonton was an upstart team. They had nowhere near the fanbase as one of the original six for example.

Gretzky was tough, in that he played through sh*t every game. Hacks and whacks and attempts to completely destroy him as a threat. Because thats what you did. He never got any respect for being tough though as he could not fight. And fighting in hockey was so well respected.

No matter how many points he put up, and how much attention he received, he was envied but not yet appreciated. Too small, too slow. It was years before he was fully appreciated and definitely after his peak years.

The fans loved and hated him. The opposing fans had no idea what to do with him as he consistently put their favorite teams out of the playoffs.

If Gretz had fallen to the ice and held his knee, those fans would erupt with a chant of “whiner, whiner, whiner” Matter of fact it only took a moment of Gretz complaining about a missed call for that chant to erupt. Because he was so good, it was almost considered unfair and thus any attempt to hook him, slash him, or fully obliterate him was fully endorsed.

Just sharing. Anybody else recollect this?

Reja

Lots of players took a knuckle sandwich if they tried messing with Gretzky. L.A and the Oilers had some good brawls especially the one where Taylor went after Gretzky.

winchester

That’s exactly what Im talking about, but from a different angle. He was too weak to defend himself, couldn’t be a real NHL player. He needed “protection” Lots of fans did not appreciate Gretz till years later.

Reja

Across the country you either loved the cocky Sather Oilers who’s team took his identity are you loathed the Oilers. There was not much in between. You would have to be Loco to mess with Gretzky the entire league watched in horror as McSorely castrated Mike Bullard.

Scungilli Slushy

Robinson protected the Habs, Gillies the Islanders etc

Sather was cagey. He was a ruffian himself. He made sure that ‘when’ that stuff started there would be an answer. The Oilers always had a top team toughness, if not the toughest

Lots of dirty players. Lots of pushback and often times initiation. The Oilers now are the closest they’ve been to those teams. Elite talent, size, speed, at least 4 guys that you don’t necessarily want to tussle with. And Monster Nuge

I remember the naysayers getting shut down within a few seasons. Wayne was so outside of the box, it was understandable that people expected he couldn’t do it in the NHL. But what he could do was on a level nobody had seen, at least in decades

And he did whine to the refs, at least at first, being a hyper competitor. As did Mario. But they started the change, in being willing to be vocal about such things

The league and fans are used to extreme high skill and less outright violence these days

Boil-in-the-Oil

I recall his many haters would refer to him as “Wayner-Whiner”. If spoken in the Coliseum, during a game, those words would likely start a fight amongst fans. We were passionate defenders of Wayne’s honour, as we now are of Connor’s.

Dee Dee

Gretzky had eyes in the back of his head. I think his best skill was a situational awareness of everything going on the ice at any moment.

He used that ability to pass to open team mates as well as dodge incoming hits. Glen Sather once said a fire hydrant could score 10 goals a year on Wayne’s line as he could just bounce the puck in off of it.

Yes he got clocked a few times, but he dodged so many more.

When players from his era are asked why they didn’t hit Gretz more they usually answer that they tried but he slipped out every time.

Some US network had a simulated rink to demonstrate plays this year and watching old man Gretz shoot the puck on goalies was amazing.

At 60 he could still pick a small opening and score at will before the goaltender even had a chance to react.

Pouzar

Hello All,

Any recommendations for a decent bar downtown to watch the game tomorrow?

Cheers.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Whereabouts?

Pouzar

EDM, staying at the Sandman downtown.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Another vote for Campio, one of my favourite breweries in the city, the beer and food are excellent. Great atmosphere, lots of free parking. Yellowhead Brewing is in walking distance too.

All depends on what you’re looking for out of the establishment.

If you want the sports bar vibe, Banquet and Icehouse are two of your better bets due to popularity although there’s nothing overly original about the establishments. I do prefer Banquet for their menu and tap list.

Home and Away, just across the street from the arena at 10363 104th St NW, used to be my default for pre-gaming before attending a game when it was Mercer’s Tavern.

Going a little farther away is a quality staple often mentioned by Bob Stauffer, Pub 1909. It’s where some of his ilk gather after games for refreshments. Nice spot.

If you’re looking for other recommendations, dinner, breakfast/brunch, etc, don’t be shy. There are literally dozens of quality establishments in the downtown and Whyte Ave region.

Last edited 1 year ago by BornInAGretzkyJersey
innercitysmytty

I don’t believe Yellowhead is around any longer. Pub 1905 is decent and so is the Rocky Mountain Ice House. Someone mentioned Campio and I’d recommend that as well. Good food and beer there.

Tarkus

If you were in Boston once upon a time, you would have answered your own question. 😀

Last edited 1 year ago by Tarkus
winchester

I admit Im out of touch, but it used to be “On the Rocks” was a very Oily place.

Ekholmsbeard. Formerly brobergstan

banquet/canadian icehouse is a nice spot, right in arena district.

SayItAin'tSo, Gretz, SayItAin'tSo!

Campio Brewing (good pizza) And Smoke BBQ (bbq).

Both have lots of brews on tap, plenty of TVs and good food.

geowal

Maybe not for the game, but I like Sherlock Holmes as a pub

MushedPeas

Skinner must be a Swifty cuz he can Shake It Off.

Ekholm a revelation as he helps bear The Weight.

Fourth Line’s got a brand new perspective. They’re Knocking At The Door.

Munny 2.0

Take a load off Evan,
Take a load for free.
Take a load off Evan -an -an -and…
Put the load right on me.

Last edited 1 year ago by Munny 2.0
OriginalPouzar

McDavid expressing that tomorrow’s game is indeed special with it being a Saturday night game- usually when they play in Toronto, its been Monday night or something like that.

A “special game”, coming off maybe his least impactful offensive game in a few years…….. watch out.

OriginalPouzar

Live look in from practice on Oilers Plus and, while I didn’t see Connor, I did hear Woody yell something to McDavid using his name – at least I think I heard that and I think he’s on the ice.

OriginalPouzar

OK, there he is – visual confirmation of McDavid on the ice for practice.

Reja

Thank-you.

rich tm

Stauffer just said “McDavid is flying out there” at the skate today.

John Chambers

Cody Ceci has been playing very good hockey lately.
If anybody thinks he can be replaced with a better defenseman for under $4M, they’re dreaming.

Material Elvis

When he’s healthy, he’s a serviceable top 4 defender. 1RD is above his ability, but as you stated, that upgrade is very costly. For next year, they need to upgrade Yamamoto at 1 or 2 RW. And fix the Campbell issue.

MushedPeas

Agreed. I remain grateful for Ceci in wake of the Larsson shocker. Coulda been much worse, and it’s not like Ceci brings nuthin. Also expect his play to improve or stabilize as Ekholm lightens loads all around.

John Chambers

Haha. That’s what I was going for. Great movie.

Funny Bissonness

Jousting sticks? What do want with a pair of jousting sticks?

PaperDesigner

I think he can be a good support player on one of the top two pairings with a strong partner, and the fact that he can be so on a budget is a great thing. He fits this roster construction well.

But if they’re hunting for Karlsson in the offseason, do you keep him, Bouchard AND Karlsson and run them as your three on the right side? Or is he a casualty, needing to go the other way to help make the money work? I know the salary isn’t the same, but if you’re getting Karlsson at say around 9.25 million, it’s a little easier to become cap compliant if it amounts to upgrading Ceci to Karlsson and paying six million in difference than straight up over nine million more dollars for another defenceman.

I like him, and he fits this team as currently constructed, but I could also see them moving him for a higher impact right-shot defenceman like Karlsson. (We’ll see if anyone else becomes available in the off-season.) I’ll be curious to see how things play out. I would love to be able to run Karlsson/whoever-Bouchard-Ceci on the right side, I just don’t know how you find the money.

GordieHoweHatTrick

RE: Darnell Nurse scored the winning goal but for me the most impressive play was a sequence down low in his own end. Tackled twice, able to barely get stick on puck to delay a clean drive to the net, Nurse fought and won the puck and transported it out of danger

>> Yup! That was a sit up straight in your chair moment!

MushedPeas

Good to see that zip in his play as it hasn’t always been there this season. Been times this year I thought I was watching a vet in his 30s managing his energy shift by shift.

OriginalPouzar

Boston, Toronto, Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Buffalo, Boston, Toronto

7 games against good to great teams – strength of schedule is the be all end all (so we’ve been told), the rubber was going to hit the road……

So far 4-2………..

McSorley33

Yep

Night and day difference here compared to January and Febs schedule.

Oilers are full credit for their record.

Harpers Hair

Points in last 10 games for WC contenders:

MIN 16
LAK 15
VGK 14
COL 13
EDM 13
NSH 13
DAL 12
SEA 12
CAL 10
WPG 6

While the Oilers are in the midst of a decent recent run and a win over TOR would solidify that, a loss would leave them actually losing ground in the playoff race.

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, it appears the Jets are about to collapse on their tough SE road trip so CAL and NSH still have some hope for a post season spot.

Reja

L.A is playing heavy hockey they managed to acquire a starter midstream which very rarely happens as we all know. Between Vegas, L.A and Seattle the Kings scare me the most.

Harpers Hair

Early in the season, they were giving up too many goals but seem to have gotten that under control.

Adding an actual LHD to balance their pairings will also help.

Ice Sage

If the Oilers play like they have on this stretch, no team should scare them. After last night, they’re 2nd favourite for Stanley, per Dom @ athletic.

Harpers Hair

The bookies have them tied with Vegas at 8th.

https://www.oddsshark.com/nhl/stanley-cup-futures

leadfarmer

Campbell drops them down that’s why Dom has them second. Because Skinner will get every playoff game

Harpers Hair

I wonder if games played might catch up to Skinner?

The most games started as a pro is 41 and he’s at 38.

Once you hit the playoffs, the schedule is gruelling.

His age may be advantage.

BornInAGretzkyJersey

Been a while since you’ve had the vigour of youth, eh? I’m sure his stamina will suffice.

And, lest we forget, Skinner has a history of elevating his game for the playoffs.

jp

The most games started as a pro is 41 and he’s at 38.

Skinner has played more than 41 regular season games in 3 of his 4 pro seasons before this one (Covid shortened 20-21 the only exception).

He was over 80 games including playoffs his last 2 years of Junior.

He played 48 games plus 5 in the playoffs just last year.

Now Korpisalo is a guy whose workload you might worry about.

Side

And moneypuck has the Oilers as the 2nd favourite to win the cup.

Reja

When McDavid was curled up and was withering in pain almost made me sick to my stomach. I thought his season was done and what made it worse was Jack was yapping some bullshit then Louie didn’t acknowledge it right away either. I’m like please be alright please come out for a skate next whistle to test the knee. I was beyond happy when he played the last minute.

flea

I’m guessing it was a charley horse the way he went down. So painful but also temporary.

Bag of Pucks

Hi LT, listening to the program this morning and I definitely can feel your frustration that more Oiler fans aren’t in a happy place during this era of PM (Peak McDavid).

One thing I would caution is to not gauge the mood of the many by the output of the few. Studies repeatedly show that 90% of the content on social media is generated by 10% of the population, with this 10% largely representational of those living on the extreme sides of a given issue. Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and unfortunately the polarized people tend to be the most engaged/obsessed.

There are balanced people on places like Twitter but they’re likely posting once a day or even once a week. Meanwhile the crazies, the zealots, and the conspiracy theorists dominate the bandwidth. This is why I laugh when someone who has disappeared down a rabbit hole tells me “everyone is talking about this.”

I suspect the majority of Oiler fans ARE happy, but they’re content to let that happiness reside within while the negative folks continue to use their bullhorn. It’s what they do.

Last edited 1 year ago by Bag of Pucks
TheGreatBigMac

I think the biggest contributor has been the kind of rope-a-dope inconsistency, where the team looks like a contender to pretender, sometimes in the span of a week. Holland has made steady progress on problems. First it was no wingers and terrible PK, then the bottom 6, then goalie, then D. Goalie is still a question mark but optimistic Skinner can be a 1A. If the team gets rid of the lower lows, more pessimistic fans will come around.

Last edited 1 year ago by TheGreatBigMac
Bag of Pucks

There’s a school of thought that happiness lives in the realm of being present in the moment and enjoying the process, while unhappiness lives in the realm of fixating on results or the final goal. I suspect that’s a core cause here. Some fans can enjoy the entertainment value of watching McDavid and Draisaitl, and it’s a bonus if the team wins. Others are living in the mindset of this team has to win a Cup for them to be happy, or worse multiple Cups because their expectations are so high for a generational player. 

It was an eye opener to me to see Holland have such a good trade deadline only to see some fans being negative because he had the temerity to deal a 6th round prospect. That indicates a level of fan entitlement that I don’t consider balanced or healthy. Jmo.

Melman

And of course let’s not forget those that will complain/say Holland “got lucky” when they win the cup, if the team is constructed differently than they would have built it.

winchester

I agree, But dam that 10% is annoying!

Bag of Pucks

The upside of the Internet, everyone has a voice. The downside of the Internet, everyone has a voice.

OriginalPouzar

I think its very notable that, even down 2 goals after the first period, and trailing going in to the 3rd period, Woody did NOT shift and go load up with McDavid/Drai. Yes, there were a few shifts here or there, as always, however, for the most part, Woody stuck with his lines and the patience was rewarded. This is rare when the team is down or “chasing the game”. It was good to see.

McSorley33

I was looking for this as well…..still think he went to McDrai too often.

Ryan and Shore only had 9 minutes.

You could-*once again* -make the case the 4th. Line was one of our better lines.( shot share)

31saves

You’ll never win with Oilers fans.

The Oilers win a game against the BEST team in the NHL, maybe of all-time. WE are the first team this season to beat them in regulation after they score first, when they lead after 1 and when they lead after 2.

And people are still complaining that, although we won, Devon Shore and Derek Ryan didn’t play enough.

Wild.

McSorley33

Agreed…nit picking

BornInAGretzkyJersey

8-10 minutes is about what fourth lines play… how much are you expecting them at 5v5?

I saw ’em good too, and Shore’s been playing well for a solid run of games. But there’s also the point of diminishing returns to consider. If they were better candidates to play bigger minutes, they wouldn’t be fourth line players.

Redbird62

Further to your point, Boston’s 4th line players played around 9 minutes each in this game and their top 2 forwards in ice time played -21 minutes (Pasternak, Krejci).

McSorley33

If they are our best line on the night? 12 minutes.

Pro sports is a meritocracy.

They earned more minutes, imo

Again, fully concede I am nit picking.

OriginalPouzar

McDavid/Drai played 4:48 together at 5 on 5 – so 4-5-6 shifts through the game.

In a game they were trailing, doesn’t seem like a ton but more the nominal.

Yup, the 4th line played 9-10 minutes but that’s what they’ve played the last number of games and I would suggest that is right in their wheel-house and they may not be effective if they are up to 12-13-14 minutes, right?

McSorley33

Normally.

But we keep hearing phrases like might be the best line of the night.

When that is the case – and it is earned on the night- just suggesting more than 180 seconds a period for them.

Again, only when they are performing on what everyone seems to agree is high levels.

Meritocracy

Again, fully concede I am nit picking here.

Last edited 1 year ago by McSorley33
Ice Sage

And it happens often that lines will naturally blend with line changes, can’t blame Woody if he sends 97 or 29 as the first forward out from their line.

McSorley33

So Skinner let’s in a tough one and maybe an iffy one last night and *still* has the fortitude to shake it off and play great the rest of the game.

At some point, this old, cranky, skeptic is going to have to buy into this young man and this team.

TL1977

One of the most notable things about this young fella to me. Ice in his veins I swear.

Brantford Boy

McDavid is one tough hombre!

I remember the look on his face with the broken clavicle was very similar to my buddies when it happened to him. He described it as pain, but moreso he didn’t want to puke on the ice in front of everyone. Probably a similar thought went through Connor’s head on live TV.

Then the almost career ending game brought on by Gio and the Flames. To lay there, mouth “it’s broken” and have your teammates carry you off without a stretcher with that much pain. That’s toughness folks!

Night in night out he’s leading by example, as a great captain making hits, often in the first shift if need be to set the tone. Being grappled, held, tackled, tripped, clipped, you name it and he’s fought through it with very little complaint.

There’s no doubt he’s a tough customer, but last night scared the hell out of me watching him grab that knee. I think I had a slight cardiac hiccup. Here’s the down vote part… you take any one player off a team and I doubt it changes the entire dynamic of that team. With McDavid out for any prolonged duration would essentially eliminate us in the first round of the playoffs. He got up with a hobble, skated it off in his tough as nails fashion. Let’s hope LT and his 97 candles did the trick and the only thing required is some A5-35.

McSorley33

Quite simply- I had no idea Ekholm was this good.

Its just a different D core now.

And I agree with LT on Hyman – he has been less than good for some time. Has to be something like an injury.

Shore, Foegele and Ryan are stealing the show here.

This 4th line play has been nothing short of stunning. *Especially* given the tough comp lately

blainer

I couldn’t agree more. I watched him closely last night playing against the best team in the league. This team is sooo much better with this kind of D. he is also making Booch play a LOT better. Boosh was really driving me crazy with his play until EK came along. Hope he keeps it up.

Have to say IMO EK is the best D I’ve seen since Pronger in the Dzone. Nurse also played a great game last night and with EK on the team they can ALMOST split an entire game together on that left side if needed. Have to give Holland some credit here. Just a great add !!

McSorley33

Spot on.

So many subtle knock on effects of having Ekholm here.

Bouch just thriving with a wily veteran like Ekholm.

MushedPeas

Blue’s been missing this element since 2006. Satisfying to see. Finally.

teamblue

Ek reminds me of a lefty Jason Smith without the fighting.

Pretendergast

What I found a little bizarre was how Montgomery stated that they knew the goal was coming back 20 seconds before it happened because they knew it was offside. Which begs the question, why would you not signal in some ways to the players that they are offside? Nothing good can happen from that moment forward for your team. Why not even pass back to the point and intentionally go offside to get a whistle to reset?

Of course it’s easy to say that from the sky seat and its a very unique situation but if you have over 20 seconds of leeway you’d think someone could have communicated that.

813.52Ran

The off-chance that the opposing team misses the call?

Pretendergast

Yep, you’re right. Was still in the Minnesota Calgary overtime mentality where the refs called it all by themselves 5 minutes after the benches cleared.

Reja

After the Makar Goal does anyone know what offside is? The Makar Goal opened up a Pandora’s box that’s even worse than the Goalie interference tamatoe tomato rulings.

winchester

Yamo knew he was offside prior to last goal Oilers had called back for offside. You could see it on TV as well, its frustrating watching them play out a pointless sequence.

Reja

Especially when it happens 45 seconds after the offside happens. Is there any other sport where so much time is put back on a clock. With the in house gambling happening it’s bush-league the Makar Goal was not a Goal that bullshit ruling pissed me off more than the sneaky Perry Talbot episode.

Bag of Pucks

You know the team finally has sufficient depth when fans are ticked about the players in the press box. It took a decade plus but we’re finally living in the ‘nice problems to have’ neighbourhood.

OriginalPouzar

Absolutely.

I don’t agree with either Kostin or Broberg not playing but, at the same time, I’m struggling to find a way to put them in the lineup right now…..

Bag of Pucks

It’s one thing for a team to say they can beat any team in the league. It’s quite another to go out and do it. That causes legitimate belief. If this team goes on to make a deep deep run, it wouldn’t surprise me if they reference this game in hindsight as a key turning point in their season.

Really encouraging to see this team gelling into a unit that does not beat itself.

New Improved Darkness

Working Nurse over after the play to send a message? That’s like a goalie taking a chop at Ryan Smyth’s ankle because he’s annoyed about the persistent visual obstruction. Ryan’s head pivots around, he takes a good look at the blue paint, blurts out “hey, I like this neighborhood”, enrolls all of his children at the nearest school, then takes out a second mortgage to erect a gazebo on the front lawn. If he does most of the carpentry himself, he might even have enough left over to build a double RV garage out back. With a steeple. And a bell tower. Front and back.

Some rare individuals have this gear I call “hold both my beers”. Gator, Smyth, Nurse. Guys like that. Nurse is not commanding $9.25 on talent alone.

Messier was different, though. He would hold out his key fob: “Hey, valet, park my kegger truck behind the woodshed, and don’t forget to engage the parking brake for the mud season in late spring, because I’m rolling up my sleeves to wrestle alligators deep into 2OT twenty-eight games in a row, if that’s what it takes.”

Hatcher: Are you looking at me? You think I’m your truck driver?

Messier: Everyone thinks you’re my truck driver.

OriginalPouzar

I disagree with any vitriol towards Derek Ryan – he was not stupid, boneheaded, an idiot nor did he do untying stupid or egregious – two players looking seperate ways ran in to each other. It happens. There is no fault. Everyone is fine.

Ice Sage

This. Happens a lot at every level of hockey, but the microscope is on 97 and the Oilers now.