Raphael Lavoie entered Monday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets needing to show Oilers management he is worthy of consideration for an opening night roster spot. I believe he did it, your mileage may vary. The young Edmonton players are vying for NHL jobs. Lavoie, Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg and Xavier Bourgault held serve in difficult circumstances. Phase two of preseason begins tomorrow.
About the Oilers and this fall's waiver wire. One of the Jets goal scorer's last night may be available, and represents a perfect fit addition. https://t.co/EMYPJw4JeH
Calvin Pickard did not have a good night, although the qual comp was high in this game compared to his troops. I thought Olivier Rodrigue was more impressive, but it’s so difficult to tell because roster construction really dictated the flow of play. I’ll say this: Pickard didn’t move his case for being No. 1 in Bakersfield forward one inch last night.
Brett Kulak bent but did not break, and showed good speed and battle along the wall. He was 4-17 Corsi events five-on-five versus the Scheifele line, 11-9 against other opposition. I don’t think there’s any reason to worry about this player, he’s a solid third pairing blue.
Cody Ceci had the best scoring chance of the game, terrific goal mouth clear by Jets defender. He had the same experience five-on-five as Kulak, and I thought his foot speed was good. Injury is the only worry with this player.
Noel Hoefenmayer had some wobble but also a few good moments. Good speed, passer, can win battles, gave away the puck once. I’d like to see him again, suspect he’s the kind of player we’ll need to see 10 games from in Bakersfield before we can draw a real opinion.
Max Wanner didn’t wrap up David Gustafsson’s stick on a deflection goal, but that’s the kind of thing rookie pros do and we have to allow for youth in this case. He did draw two penalties and is strong for a young man aged 20. Positioning is an issue, again youth does these things.
Cam Dineen had four shots on goal, QB’d the power play and looks as advertised (puck mover with some chaos). One of the things I’d like to figure out before we get to the halfway point of the season is the pecking order of Dineen, Hoefenmayer and Gleason. I just don’t have enough information, and through one game each I’m not any clearer on this issue.
Philip Broberg had a top flight first period, some wobble later and overall I was impressed again with his play. Broberg’s speed is such a weapon and we saw him rush the puck a few times last night. Good passing, mobile, he gave the puck away three times and that’s going to cost him playing time during the NHL season. He’ll need to tighten it up, I expect he will. Early days and we need to remember this is a very small sample (two games).
Dylan Holloway was flying last night, I thought he was easily the best player on a line that wasn’t helping him much at all. He had four shots, three HDSC and I would have thrown him on the Malone-Lavoie line early.
Greg McKegg had a couple of takeaways and won seven of 11 faceoffs, but his forechecking and backchecking were “in the photo” without having any impact. I don’t know that he sees the NHL again. I don’t say that with any pleasure, always cheer for these player types.
Seth Griffith had one shot on goal and didn’t impact the game in a positive way. He spent 4:27 on the power play and despite some creative passing decisions couldn’t make anything click. I don’t believe he holds on to the feature role in Bakersfield all season. A long-time favourite of mine going back to his Bruins days, you could look at his 80 NHL games and think he wasn’t much but that would be untrue. A fine pro for more than a decade.
Adam Erne didn’t belong on the Malone line to my eye. He had one hit, was in many photos but didn’t do much. I don’t think his foot speed is a positive and rugged isn’t goal scoring or goal suppression. I worry a little the Oilers will keep him and he just doesn’t do much. He did block a couple of shots, one hurt like hell I’m sure.
Brad Malone had a strong evening, a shot, a HDSC and some good work across 200 feet. I know there’s plenty of attention being paid to Brandon Sutter and Lane Pederson, but if the Oilers are looking for a rugged center who can play, Malone remains an option.
Raphael Lavoie did exactly what he was doing in the second half of last season. He gets in the play, knocks people off the puck and gets scoring chances. Four shots, one HDSC, a power drive down LW that had to impress and a ridiculous call to take a penalty. I keep reading from media how he’s under pressure, and worry from fans. Look, the Oilers organization isn’t dumb. If he can play, they will keep him. He is goal scorer. Those hits last night stuck, that power move was embedded in Jay Woodcroft’s brain as he slept last night. Stop worrying about what the media says and enjoy this ride. It’s pretty cool.
Brady Stonehouse made people aware of him, hits and aggression and such. He’s just 19 and this was a strong Jets roster, so we need to be aware of these things. I hope the Oilers sign him. He isn’t big but he is skilled. Need those goals in the system.
Jayden Grubbe wasn’t even in the photo at times. A disappointing effort because he didn’t impact much past the spot he was standing most of the night. More ghastly, he wasn’t the Oilers least productive center in Winnipeg.
Xavier Bourgault is having himself a September to remember. SO good on the PK, he once again turned over pucks with a wizard stick and headed for daylight. There’s a bit of the ol’ Dave Keon in this one, even though his birthplace and Keon’s (both in Quebec) are nine hours apart.
Matvey Petrov had a shot on goal and held the puck more than you’d think in a game list this, but I think nerves may have been a factor. He skated into the Winnipeg zone with fury and passed the pack 10 feet past his winger for a quick jailbreak the other way. He’ll be fine, but I don’t think he’ll get many more games (if any) this fall.
Carl Berglund had a bad night. He’s challenged as a skater, his awareness was poor and frankly his numbers were terrible. He got hit twice, 50 percent in the dot, 0-2 five-on-five goals, 1-13 scoring chances against at five-on-five. He was “also in still photo” on the night, and touched the puck rarely. He’ll need to be better if he plans on making the Bakersfield roster.
Tyler Tullio hasn’t shone as hoped this preseason but I’m convinced he’s going to play in the NHL. There’s some rugged qualities in his game and he can pass plus shoot. He had two shots on goal, drew a penalty and adhered to the Warren Zevon song (hit somebody!) enough to get noticed.
Today on Sports 1440, we’ll talk Oilers with Daniel Nugent-Bowman at The Athletic, some baseball and take your texts (there are more coming in every day and I thank you). We’ll also look at the waiver wire. You can leave comments here, @Lowetide on twitter or text us 1.833.401.1440 directly. A quick final note: Yesterday, I mistook a LMHF post for an OP post and rambled on. I did not come back to correct it. Those are two things, and I owe both men an apology and I’d like to do that now. I’m sorry. I will do better.
Staples article on a seminar Gulutzan gave during the summer on defensive systems that touches on a lot of discussion that has taken place around here on man to man vs zone vs the swarm.
Yesterday, I mistook a LMHF post for an OP post and rambled on. I did not come back to correct it. Those are two things, and I owe both men an apology and I’d like to do that now. I’m sorry. I will do better.
Nope, no apologies needed at all – honest mistake.
dunterpunter
September 26, 2023 2:08 pm
My fun predictions this year:
Players:
-97 is points leader; with 29 2nd
-Tage Thompson is goals leader (reach)
-Nuge will not crack 100
-Yamamoto will get to 45 points this year barring no injury
-Brad Malone will play in 6 NHL games
Goalers:
-Skinner will be the starter with 55 games. Campbell will recover slightly sv%.
-Saros wins Vezina
Teams:
-Calgary makes playoffs
-Kraker does not make playoffs
-Oilers finish 2nd in division, with 104 points
-Sabres make playoffs (yay)
Playoffs:
-Knights/Oilers West Final again
-Devils are east champs
-Oilers / Devils SCF
I believe on Spitting Chiclets the Whitney(?) did say that it was basically the Knights / Oilers who were going to win the cup last year, it just was dependent on who won that series.
I think the Knights / Oilers are going to be the Penguins / Capitals . . . .
-Yamamoto will get to 45 points this year barring no injury
-Kraker does not make playoffs
Those are curious predictions. If Yamamoto scores 45 points from the 4rth line, no way they miss the playoffs. 😉
The Kraken have depth on the right wing. They have Eberle, Burakovsky, and Bjorkstrand.
They also have Tolvanen who’s listed as a left shot right winger. Then they have Kole Lind and the recently drafted RHS centre, Shane Wright (#4 ov 2022).
Yamamoto might have been longing for home, but otherwise the Kraken don’t represent a good opportunity for a right winger trying to crack the top nine.
Yes and of course we all know how indicative exhibition season is for the regular season. It is axiomatic that had he done that for the Oilers you would have pointed out the inconsequential nature of preseason. However since he did it for Seattle it has true predictive value now.
You schtick is so very very tiresome. You are like the creepy uncle at family dinners who says stupid things he thinks are witty and funny and stares too long at everyone’s date.
In particular the inclusion of soon to be 25 year old Kole Lind, he of 30 career NHL games and none last season (yes, I know he had a strong playoff).
Lind has basically been Tyler Benson lite to this point, and is a whole 17 days younger than Kailer Yamamoto.
It’s funny but maybe it’s HH’s fault. Whenever someone says something positive about another team, it’s triggering for people here. 🙂
I don’t think it should be. Colorado has an exceptional top pairing. Makar is absolute piss-cutter. Nashville still has an amazing starting goalie. Ottawa has pulled some amazing pieces from the depths of the draft. The Kraken are stacked at right wing.
When I say things like this, I”m not baiting people into an argument with moving goalposts… just stating what I believe to be true.
Having ha hard time seeing where Kole Lind entered the conversation.
Kole Lind plays right wing. I was just listing all of the people I could think of competing for jobs on the right wing.
What was HH about the post was listing everyone in an organization who could conceivably play a given position (including AHL and Jr players), irrespective of whether they actually played that position, then concluding an Oiler (former Oiler in this case) probably wouldn’t even make the team.
I”m not baiting people into an argument with moving goalposts…
I have no idea what you’re referring to here.
I pointed out that 2 of the 4 NHL ‘RWs’ you listed played half or full time as LWs last year. I think your suggestion of moving goalposts is more a goalpost move than anything I said.
And back to the initial point, HH has made essentially this exact same post 10 or 20 times in the last year whenever Yamamoto to the Kraken was brought up. Yours could have been copied and pasted from one of those.
that was a shot in the dark – maybe not so much a prediction, as lets say something I’d like to see.
Typically though, when teams don’t crack the playoffs, opportunity arises. This is where I hope 56 jumps in.
Really looking forward to Buffalo making a move this year though. Dahlin deserves it.
GordieHoweHatTrick
September 26, 2023 12:35 pm
Not a huge Malone fan, but I agree with LT on what he can bring to a game if necessary in a call-up situation -> ruggedness. I think the puck broke after it hit him in the teeth. 😉
Less impressed with the other aged tweeners: Griffith, Erne, McKegg – they shouldn’t be blocking any of the young guys in Bako that need reps in the top 6
ArmchairGM
September 26, 2023 11:27 am
It’s interesting to see the cream (Holloway, Lavoie, Bourgault) rising to the top early in training camp this year. I’m glad these young men have the opportunity to show us what they are when healthy. This team needs their high picks contributing in order to take the next step.
TheGreatBigMac
September 26, 2023 10:21 am
If we keep Lavoie, any bets on who would get 4C (at least to start)? Ryan, Janmark, Holloway, Sutter, Pederson? The lineup for the remaining games is going to be interesting.
In reality they’ll probably just give McDavid and Draisaitl an extra shift every once in a while. If Lavoie is on the 4th line, that wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
Nugent Hopkins was 52nd in the league in 5 on 5 points last season – clearly 1st line production and more 5 on 5 points and tied with Fiala, Eichel, Gaudreau, Scheifele.
There is no team in the league that will find sufficient 4th line ice time to justify that set-up – even teams without the superstar talent that should play more 5 on 5 minutes than the 3rd and 4th lines.
Do you suggest that Woody play each of the McDavid and Drai lines apx 14 minutes of 5 on 5 so that he can get Janmark and Lavoie out there for 14 5 on 5 minutes with Nuge?
A contender should be able to cruise to the playoffs on system play, good special teams play, and solid goaltending. The OIlers were all banged up by the time the playoffs started. Play more players. Get contributions from more players.
That does not answer my question about deploying the top 2 lines apx 14 minutes at 5 on5 per night in order to deploy this set-up as you want.
Now that I think about it, that’s too high – its more like 11-12 minutes per night per line with the rest special teams.
Drai was not banged up when the playoffs started – he was the best player in the world for the first round and a bit – he then got banged up but it had nothing to do with his regular season minutes.
Hyman was banged up because he took a knee, in the playoffs, not because of regular season minutes.
McDavid, also, got hurt in the playoffs.
I agree re: reducing 29/97 but a minute or so at 5 on 5 per game but not by 7-8 minutes.
Hey Nuge, Woodcroft has you centering the 4rth line
But I scored over a 100 points last season.
Look, it’s line number 4, it’s not the fourth line, okay.
—
While I like your out-of-the-box thinking, there is a downside.
Nuge will be wasted playing with Lavoie and Janmark, both in terms of minutes and actual scoring.
Holloway will be a weak link in the top six.
If I had time, it would be fun to look at this effect.
McDavid and often Draisaitl get double shifted with some of the bottom sixers. Even with elite guys like that playing against dregs, with dregs, I’m sure their scoring rates take a big hit.
JP around to post this for us?
There’s an easy fix:
Kane-McDavid Brown
Nuge Draisaitl Hyman
Foggy Highlander Lavoie
Janmark Holloway Ryan
Foggy and Highlander could use a guy with a good cue.
Holloway could use Ryan for some draws and mentoring.
Unless there is am LTIR injury, I don’t see how Sutter or Pederson can be on the team.
I don’t see them waiving/assigning either of Janmark or Ryan and Holloway is a lock.
I think the 4C in that case would almost assuredly be Ryan.
I don’t think Janmark is a real center option.
I don’t think they run “4 centers” with Nuge at 3C and McLeod at 4C (McLeod legit needs more ice).
Holloway at 4C is an option – I don’t like it because I believe he should get more ice time but, if they are going to have him at 4LW, as opposed to 3LW, to start with – go for it.
because there is no realistic chance that he’s not in the top 12 forwards based on ability (and performance through 2 games).
Tarkus
September 26, 2023 9:33 am
Yesterday, I mistook a LMHF post for an OP post and rambled on. I did not come back to correct it. Those are two things, and I owe both men an apology and I’d like to do that now. I’m sorry. I will do better.
We all have our moments like this. It’s part of being human.
Tyler Tullio hasn’t shone as hoped this preseason but I’m convinced he’s going to play in the NHL. There’s some rugged qualities in his game and he can pass plus shoot. He had two shots on goal, drew a penalty and adhered to the Warren Zevon song (hit somebody!) enough to get noticed.
Tulio has been my most disappointing player of the “real prospects” to this point. I’m also somewhat convinced he can play in the NHL but he may not be as close as I thought two weeks ago.
I had a hope that he could “stick with Bourgault” and be a second forward prospect to be in the NHL call up conversation after the turn of the calendar. Maybe it still happens but he has not stood out at all in any of the games he’s played – rookie games, formal scrimmage on Sat, exhibition game.
Pretendergast
September 26, 2023 9:18 am
Ralph Lavoie can play on my 4th line any day. He played like an NHL player, that power move as LT mentioned was wonderful to see from such a big kid. He shot the pill from everywhere and it was heavy. I remember the Athletic article about him being a volume shooter and he showed it with some higher competition. Bodied people but didn’t crunch them, you don’t need to in today’s NHL. Very positive step to earning his way on the team imo.
Wanner stuck out to me in that there were some leaks but for a 7th rounder in his first preseason game he did not look out of place.
Borgault looks like he needs a step or a power move to add to the repetoire because he’s smart and makes skill plays but imo is missing that NHL calibre separation Lavoie showed last night.
Refs were baffling as always, 2 calls they willed into existence. Preseason or midseason form I can’t tell anymore.
Early, early days, of course, but if Lavoie continues to impress I can see Ryan or Janmark developing ‘back problems’ just before the season starts in order to get a little longer look at him.
Depends on how set they are on Sutter at 4C. Just opining that there are wider options if they get to the deadline for cap compliance and still aren’t sure.
Wanner stuck out to me in that there were some leaks but for a 7th rounder in his first preseason game he did not look out of place
He looked just fine. Partially culpable on a goal against not having his mark’s stick tied up but that’s par for the course for the Oilers D-group over the last, well, forever.
Smart defender with alot of jam to his game – I think he’ll take a couple full years in the AHL but he’s got a chance.
Of note, he did get in to one exhibition game last season.
Borgault looks like he needs a step or a power move to add to the repetoire because he’s smart and makes skill plays but imo is missing that NHL calibre separation Lavoie showed last night
It was disheartening to see him not score a sure goal due to not being strong enough (to fight through the check for the 2 on 1 tap in that was right there).
Disheartening because strength and strength in battle was the main thing he needed to improve on. Not saying he didn’t but, in that instance, he lost the battle.
OriginalPouzar
September 26, 2023 9:17 am
Raphael Lavoie did exactly what he was doing in the second half of last season. He gets in the play, knocks people off the puck and gets scoring chances. Four shots, one HDSC, a power drive down LW that had to impress and a ridiculous call to take a penalty. I keep reading from media how he’s under pressure, and worry from fans. Look, the Oilers organization isn’t dumb. If he can play, they will keep him. He is goal scorer. Those hits last night stuck, that power move was embedded in Jay Woodcroft’s brain as he slept last night. Stop worrying about what the media says and enjoy this ride. It’s pretty cool.
I’m going to stop well short of calling the organization dumb but I remain convinced that the organization much prefers a center, and a vet center if possible, for the 12F spot. Heck Woody said straight up earlier this week, that 4C is an area of need.
I agree that, out of all those in real competition for the 12F spot, Pederson, Sutter, Enre and Lavoie, who have each played one game, Lavoie was by far the most impactful player.
I really hope he gets a game, at least one, with some established NHL players, maybe even some established NHL skill players – even must a McLeod an Feogele, let alone a Nuge or Hyman.
Bravo. Your finally getting it yesterday on Lowtide Gregor was going on about how Lavoie needs to be Gordie Howe this training camp to even get in the conversation of making the team over Sutter etc.Gregor even mentioned if Lavoie scores 3 preseason Goals it doesn’t mean much after just saying he needs to produce. This is really Lavoie first training camp with a realistic shot to win a job as he missed the previous year. Even Woody was hard boiling him on his thoughts of Lavoie yesterday. Again I will say something is sour with Lavoie and the organization
I’m going to say Lavoie isn’t in competition for the 12th forward who needs to be a center, because they want to run 4 lines this season . If that makes sense? Lavoie needs to beat out a winger such as a , Dylan Holloway, Derek Ryan, Warren Foegele or Mattias Janmark to make this team. Is it possible, maybe.
That would be my opinion as well. Not easy for a coach to choose a rookie over a vet though when the rookie is more potential and the team sees this as their year to push.
All Lavoie did last night is give himself at least two more games to make his case.
If Lavoie is the best player out of the group then Derek Ryan can be the 4C. I don’t agree that the open roster spot needs to be a center.
Shit, they could play Dylan Holloway at 4C if they aren’t going to give him more than 4th line minutes anyways (which is where he’s starting entering camp).
No doubt that would be their preference but, at the end of the day, the better player should be on the roster and its really hard to imagine Brandon Sutter being the better player.
Brandon Sutter might be the best option at 4c, with Lane Pederson first call up. If Rapheal Lavoie is better than Holloway, Foegele, Janmark or Ryan then so be it. That is all I’m saying. Foegele has the large contract, if Raphie is better than him there could be cap implications. And maybe a 22-man roster might be possible.
I think we can be pretty sure that Lavoie is not “better than Holloway” – judging by NHL experience, current play over the first couple of games and even the AHL last year – when Holloway was in the Condors’ lineup, he was the forward driver on the team over Lavoie.
I don’t think its reasonable to suggest that Jay Woodcroft would ask his GM to keep the 23 year old rookie who he is asking to change his game to play more like Janmark and Ryan, over Janmark or Ryan.
OriginalPouzar
September 26, 2023 9:13 am
Cam Dineen had four shots on goal, QB’d the power play and looks as advertised (puck mover with some chaos). One of the things I’d like to figure out before we get to the halfway point of the season is the pecking order of Dineen, Hoefenmayer and Gleason. I just don’t have enough information, and through one game each I’m not any clearer on this issue.
I’d like to get a sense of where Phil Kemp is at in this pecking order.
It seemed odd at first that Broberg would get the call last night when Vinny D. couldn’t go, over Kemp, but I believe that was to ensure the min vet requirement was met.
I presume Kemp plays on Wed (and with a much stronger Oilers’ lineup – McDavid/Drai are schedule to play).
LMHF#1
September 26, 2023 9:00 am
All good LT. We all walk knee/shin-first into the corner of the bed once in a while – and your instances of that are exceedingly rare.
Todd Macallan
September 26, 2023 8:58 am
Terrific segment with Alicia yesterday on sport psychology LT. As someone who works in a related field it was particularly interesting to hear her perspective and am looking forward to hearing more of her!
If this is not an area the Oilers are currently focusing on I hope it is on Jeff Jackson’s to do list, and suspect it will be.
Staples article on a seminar Gulutzan gave during the summer on defensive systems that touches on a lot of discussion that has taken place around here on man to man vs zone vs the swarm.
https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/nhls-best-defensive-teams-did-it-one-way-the-oilers-another-should-edmonton-change
Some scuttlebutt.
VGK are launching their own streaming service to carry their games.
$69/season.
Patrick Kane is recovering from surgery leading Dreger to speculate Kane may join the Leaks when recovered.
Should read…recovering in Toronto…Leafs.
Love the Apology. You are a man of Integrity 🙂
Nope, no apologies needed at all – honest mistake.
My fun predictions this year:
Players:
-97 is points leader; with 29 2nd
-Tage Thompson is goals leader (reach)
-Nuge will not crack 100
-Yamamoto will get to 45 points this year barring no injury
-Brad Malone will play in 6 NHL games
Goalers:
-Skinner will be the starter with 55 games. Campbell will recover slightly sv%.
-Saros wins Vezina
Teams:
-Calgary makes playoffs
-Kraker does not make playoffs
-Oilers finish 2nd in division, with 104 points
-Sabres make playoffs (yay)
Playoffs:
-Knights/Oilers West Final again
-Devils are east champs
-Oilers / Devils SCF
🙂
You missed the most important prediction!
Haha, I leave some things to be.
I believe on Spitting Chiclets the Whitney(?) did say that it was basically the Knights / Oilers who were going to win the cup last year, it just was dependent on who won that series.
I think the Knights / Oilers are going to be the Penguins / Capitals . . . .
Those are curious predictions. If Yamamoto scores 45 points from the 4rth line, no way they miss the playoffs. 😉
The Kraken have depth on the right wing. They have Eberle, Burakovsky, and Bjorkstrand.
They also have Tolvanen who’s listed as a left shot right winger. Then they have Kole Lind and the recently drafted RHS centre, Shane Wright (#4 ov 2022).
Yamamoto might have been longing for home, but otherwise the Kraken don’t represent a good opportunity for a right winger trying to crack the top nine.
Yamamoto’s currently listed by DF as 4RW.
I guess he could end up getting traded.
He scored twice last night.
Yes and of course we all know how indicative exhibition season is for the regular season. It is axiomatic that had he done that for the Oilers you would have pointed out the inconsequential nature of preseason. However since he did it for Seattle it has true predictive value now.
You schtick is so very very tiresome. You are like the creepy uncle at family dinners who says stupid things he thinks are witty and funny and stares too long at everyone’s date.
Wow, this feels like an HH post.
In particular the inclusion of soon to be 25 year old Kole Lind, he of 30 career NHL games and none last season (yes, I know he had a strong playoff).
Lind has basically been Tyler Benson lite to this point, and is a whole 17 days younger than Kailer Yamamoto.
Except I’m not trolling anyone.
The Kraken are stacked on the right wing.
Do you disagree?
Where do you see Yamamoto slotting in on their depth chart?
Well Tolvanen played LW (mostly with Bjorkstand) and Burakovsky played half his time with one of Eberle or Bjorkstand.
So I’d guess 3RW or maybe 4RW for Yamamoto. Having ha hard time seeing where Kole Lind entered the conversation.
It’s funny but maybe it’s HH’s fault. Whenever someone says something positive about another team, it’s triggering for people here. 🙂
I don’t think it should be. Colorado has an exceptional top pairing. Makar is absolute piss-cutter. Nashville still has an amazing starting goalie. Ottawa has pulled some amazing pieces from the depths of the draft. The Kraken are stacked at right wing.
When I say things like this, I”m not baiting people into an argument with moving goalposts… just stating what I believe to be true.
Kole Lind plays right wing. I was just listing all of the people I could think of competing for jobs on the right wing.
Kole Lind scored 30 goals and 62 points in the AHL last season and followed that up with 9 goals and 31 points in 26 playoff games.
At 24, he ain’t nothing.
I’m not sure why you think I’m triggered.
What was HH about the post was listing everyone in an organization who could conceivably play a given position (including AHL and Jr players), irrespective of whether they actually played that position, then concluding an Oiler (former Oiler in this case) probably wouldn’t even make the team.
I have no idea what you’re referring to here.
I pointed out that 2 of the 4 NHL ‘RWs’ you listed played half or full time as LWs last year. I think your suggestion of moving goalposts is more a goalpost move than anything I said.
And back to the initial point, HH has made essentially this exact same post 10 or 20 times in the last year whenever Yamamoto to the Kraken was brought up. Yours could have been copied and pasted from one of those.
Seattle let Daniel Sprong walk and signed Yamamoto for $500K less.
Why do you think that is?
Could it be a surplus of wingers?
It’s all good JP.
I now see where you’re coming from.
It was not my intention to create an argument here. My apologies 🙂
Tyler Benson scored 29 goals in his last FOUR AHL seasons.
Lind scored 30 just last season.
Conflating these two players is silly.
A silly comparison indeed.
Benson LW 25.6mo 6′,190
AHL career 217 43-133-176 0.81 p/game
Lind RW 24.11mo 6’1″,179
AHL career 244 71-96-167 0.68 p/game
The issue with Benson is he was never much of a threat to score.
As you pointed out he has only managed 43 goals while Lind already sits at 71 with an extra season post draft to add to that total.
Its a pretty good bet he will be well over 100 should he return to the AHL.
Agree on Yams!
that was a shot in the dark – maybe not so much a prediction, as lets say something I’d like to see.
Typically though, when teams don’t crack the playoffs, opportunity arises. This is where I hope 56 jumps in.
Really looking forward to Buffalo making a move this year though. Dahlin deserves it.
Not a huge Malone fan, but I agree with LT on what he can bring to a game if necessary in a call-up situation -> ruggedness. I think the puck broke after it hit him in the teeth. 😉
Less impressed with the other aged tweeners: Griffith, Erne, McKegg – they shouldn’t be blocking any of the young guys in Bako that need reps in the top 6
It’s interesting to see the cream (Holloway, Lavoie, Bourgault) rising to the top early in training camp this year. I’m glad these young men have the opportunity to show us what they are when healthy. This team needs their high picks contributing in order to take the next step.
If we keep Lavoie, any bets on who would get 4C (at least to start)? Ryan, Janmark, Holloway, Sutter, Pederson? The lineup for the remaining games is going to be interesting.
Of those, Ryan.
In reality they’ll probably just give McDavid and Draisaitl an extra shift every once in a while. If Lavoie is on the 4th line, that wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
Might Lavoie be in direct competition with Holloway?
Yes. But also Ryan and Janmark. It will be interesting to see if they start playing him on the PK.
Kane McDavid Brown
Holloway Draisaitl Hyman
Foegele McLeod Ryan
Janmark Nugent-Hopkins Lavoie.
There are FOUR lines, and no fourth line or fourth line centre.
I doubt we see this but boy would that be fun.
Nugent Hopkins was 52nd in the league in 5 on 5 points last season – clearly 1st line production and more 5 on 5 points and tied with Fiala, Eichel, Gaudreau, Scheifele.
There is no team in the league that will find sufficient 4th line ice time to justify that set-up – even teams without the superstar talent that should play more 5 on 5 minutes than the 3rd and 4th lines.
There are FOUR lines, and no fourth line.
Its not a reasonable set-up.
Do you suggest that Woody play each of the McDavid and Drai lines apx 14 minutes of 5 on 5 so that he can get Janmark and Lavoie out there for 14 5 on 5 minutes with Nuge?
A contender should be able to cruise to the playoffs on system play, good special teams play, and solid goaltending. The OIlers were all banged up by the time the playoffs started. Play more players. Get contributions from more players.
That does not answer my question about deploying the top 2 lines apx 14 minutes at 5 on5 per night in order to deploy this set-up as you want.
Now that I think about it, that’s too high – its more like 11-12 minutes per night per line with the rest special teams.
Drai was not banged up when the playoffs started – he was the best player in the world for the first round and a bit – he then got banged up but it had nothing to do with his regular season minutes.
Hyman was banged up because he took a knee, in the playoffs, not because of regular season minutes.
McDavid, also, got hurt in the playoffs.
I agree re: reducing 29/97 but a minute or so at 5 on 5 per game but not by 7-8 minutes.
I see where you are going here. Maybe swap Hyman with Lavoie and give Drai a shooter. Hyman plays better defensively with Nuge
Throw out any line. So sweet to have so many options now. Though one player id like to have seen here is Klim Kostin.
Hey Nuge, Woodcroft has you centering the 4rth line
But I scored over a 100 points last season.
Look, it’s line number 4, it’s not the fourth line, okay.
—
While I like your out-of-the-box thinking, there is a downside.
Nuge will be wasted playing with Lavoie and Janmark, both in terms of minutes and actual scoring.
Holloway will be a weak link in the top six.
If I had time, it would be fun to look at this effect.
McDavid and often Draisaitl get double shifted with some of the bottom sixers. Even with elite guys like that playing against dregs, with dregs, I’m sure their scoring rates take a big hit.
JP around to post this for us?
There’s an easy fix:
Kane-McDavid Brown
Nuge Draisaitl Hyman
Foggy Highlander Lavoie
Janmark Holloway Ryan
Foggy and Highlander could use a guy with a good cue.
Holloway could use Ryan for some draws and mentoring.
Lots of small sample size alert and I don’t have time to adequate look at this, but you can sort GF/60 here in the table. (or xgf/60)
McDavid playing 80 minutes with Janmark last year.
0.72 gf/60 and 1.45 ga/60. expected goals were much better though.
Unless there is am LTIR injury, I don’t see how Sutter or Pederson can be on the team.
I don’t see them waiving/assigning either of Janmark or Ryan and Holloway is a lock.
I think the 4C in that case would almost assuredly be Ryan.
I don’t think Janmark is a real center option.
I don’t think they run “4 centers” with Nuge at 3C and McLeod at 4C (McLeod legit needs more ice).
Holloway at 4C is an option – I don’t like it because I believe he should get more ice time but, if they are going to have him at 4LW, as opposed to 3LW, to start with – go for it.
why is Holloway a lock? not saying he isn’t, just not sure why he is
because there is no realistic chance that he’s not in the top 12 forwards based on ability (and performance through 2 games).
We all have our moments like this. It’s part of being human.
There’s no need to apologize, Bruce.
Apologize for what?
(Satndard disclaimer: this is a joke. This is only a joke.)
Yeah, that’s ok, I mistake McCurdy for Staples all the time. LOL.
Obligatory – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dxxTMCQlG1M
Excellent.
I actually had this Fawlty Towers bit in mind when writing the above.
Tulio has been my most disappointing player of the “real prospects” to this point. I’m also somewhat convinced he can play in the NHL but he may not be as close as I thought two weeks ago.
I had a hope that he could “stick with Bourgault” and be a second forward prospect to be in the NHL call up conversation after the turn of the calendar. Maybe it still happens but he has not stood out at all in any of the games he’s played – rookie games, formal scrimmage on Sat, exhibition game.
Ralph Lavoie can play on my 4th line any day. He played like an NHL player, that power move as LT mentioned was wonderful to see from such a big kid. He shot the pill from everywhere and it was heavy. I remember the Athletic article about him being a volume shooter and he showed it with some higher competition. Bodied people but didn’t crunch them, you don’t need to in today’s NHL. Very positive step to earning his way on the team imo.
Wanner stuck out to me in that there were some leaks but for a 7th rounder in his first preseason game he did not look out of place.
Borgault looks like he needs a step or a power move to add to the repetoire because he’s smart and makes skill plays but imo is missing that NHL calibre separation Lavoie showed last night.
Refs were baffling as always, 2 calls they willed into existence. Preseason or midseason form I can’t tell anymore.
Early, early days, of course, but if Lavoie continues to impress I can see Ryan or Janmark developing ‘back problems’ just before the season starts in order to get a little longer look at him.
I don’t see the coaching staff or management looking to move a good defensive minded vet out of their lineup options.
Isn’t the easier options just to keep Lavoie and waive/assign/cut: Pederson, Sutter, Erne?
Depends on how set they are on Sutter at 4C. Just opining that there are wider options if they get to the deadline for cap compliance and still aren’t sure.
He looked just fine. Partially culpable on a goal against not having his mark’s stick tied up but that’s par for the course for the Oilers D-group over the last, well, forever.
Smart defender with alot of jam to his game – I think he’ll take a couple full years in the AHL but he’s got a chance.
Of note, he did get in to one exhibition game last season.
It was disheartening to see him not score a sure goal due to not being strong enough (to fight through the check for the 2 on 1 tap in that was right there).
Disheartening because strength and strength in battle was the main thing he needed to improve on. Not saying he didn’t but, in that instance, he lost the battle.
I’m going to stop well short of calling the organization dumb but I remain convinced that the organization much prefers a center, and a vet center if possible, for the 12F spot. Heck Woody said straight up earlier this week, that 4C is an area of need.
I agree that, out of all those in real competition for the 12F spot, Pederson, Sutter, Enre and Lavoie, who have each played one game, Lavoie was by far the most impactful player.
I really hope he gets a game, at least one, with some established NHL players, maybe even some established NHL skill players – even must a McLeod an Feogele, let alone a Nuge or Hyman.
Bravo. Your finally getting it yesterday on Lowtide Gregor was going on about how Lavoie needs to be Gordie Howe this training camp to even get in the conversation of making the team over Sutter etc.Gregor even mentioned if Lavoie scores 3 preseason Goals it doesn’t mean much after just saying he needs to produce. This is really Lavoie first training camp with a realistic shot to win a job as he missed the previous year. Even Woody was hard boiling him on his thoughts of Lavoie yesterday. Again I will say something is sour with Lavoie and the organization
I’m going to say Lavoie isn’t in competition for the 12th forward who needs to be a center, because they want to run 4 lines this season . If that makes sense? Lavoie needs to beat out a winger such as a , Dylan Holloway, Derek Ryan, Warren Foegele or Mattias Janmark to make this team. Is it possible, maybe.
That would be my opinion as well. Not easy for a coach to choose a rookie over a vet though when the rookie is more potential and the team sees this as their year to push.
All Lavoie did last night is give himself at least two more games to make his case.
If Lavoie is the best player out of the group then Derek Ryan can be the 4C. I don’t agree that the open roster spot needs to be a center.
Shit, they could play Dylan Holloway at 4C if they aren’t going to give him more than 4th line minutes anyways (which is where he’s starting entering camp).
I’m thinking they would prefer a veteran 4th line center as opposed to a rookie. Maybe Ryan. but they might prefer him on the wing.
No doubt that would be their preference but, at the end of the day, the better player should be on the roster and its really hard to imagine Brandon Sutter being the better player.
Brandon Sutter might be the best option at 4c, with Lane Pederson first call up. If Rapheal Lavoie is better than Holloway, Foegele, Janmark or Ryan then so be it. That is all I’m saying. Foegele has the large contract, if Raphie is better than him there could be cap implications. And maybe a 22-man roster might be possible.
I think we can be pretty sure that Lavoie is not “better than Holloway” – judging by NHL experience, current play over the first couple of games and even the AHL last year – when Holloway was in the Condors’ lineup, he was the forward driver on the team over Lavoie.
I don’t think its reasonable to suggest that Jay Woodcroft would ask his GM to keep the 23 year old rookie who he is asking to change his game to play more like Janmark and Ryan, over Janmark or Ryan.
I’d like to get a sense of where Phil Kemp is at in this pecking order.
It seemed odd at first that Broberg would get the call last night when Vinny D. couldn’t go, over Kemp, but I believe that was to ensure the min vet requirement was met.
I presume Kemp plays on Wed (and with a much stronger Oilers’ lineup – McDavid/Drai are schedule to play).
All good LT. We all walk knee/shin-first into the corner of the bed once in a while – and your instances of that are exceedingly rare.
Terrific segment with Alicia yesterday on sport psychology LT. As someone who works in a related field it was particularly interesting to hear her perspective and am looking forward to hearing more of her!
If this is not an area the Oilers are currently focusing on I hope it is on Jeff Jackson’s to do list, and suspect it will be.