Photo by Bruce McCurdy
There’s a song by The Rolling Stones called “Moonlight Mile” and it’s a favourite of mine. It’s a beautiful melody and the instrument deployment on the song is unusual for the Stones. The electric guitar takes forever to erupt, and when it does, it’s a very brief (albeit spellbinding) sequence, then back to acoustic guitar.
I used the song as the title this morning because of the lyric. Truly beautiful poetry. Painful emotions. I think every human can relate to “I am just living to by lying by your side, but I’m just about a moonlight mile down the road.”
It’s a song about longing to be with someone and circumstance that makes it impossible. There’s a line about strangers bringing nothing to the author’s mind, we all know that feeling. Everything’s fine, except that nothing is fine.
This is us. Today. Everything’s fine—Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe, Leon Draisaitl gave everything, Evan Bouchard and Philip Broberg found another level, Stuart Skinner found a way to give his team a chance—and yet there is no guarantee this group will ever get this close again.
I think today is a good time to reflect on those initial expectations back in 2015 when Edmonton won the McDavid lottery. The player himself is and was as advertised, the rarest gem to exist under the Sun. He did not arrive to a team that was ready for the challenge.
The build of the team around the captain is like construction in Edmonton—ongoing, never ending and running way over cost. Peter Chiarelli didn’t get close, Ken Holland got very close, and the new general manager will have his opportunity beginning this summer.
The team you saw last night dissolved as the clock hit zero in the third period. There will be changes and we all have opinions on who should stay and who should go. That will be settled in due time. I would like to comment on a few players specifically this morning.
Connor McDavid extended his brilliance to the outer limits of the game and beyond. In a way, it’s fitting that he won the Conn Smythe trophy. He has done everything one player can do in order to win Stanley, but the team isn’t quite good enough to make it happen. That’s cruel on the day after pain, but the hockey Gods have spoken and the are men with feet of clay on this team. It’s going to be, or should be, a cruel summer for some of those players.
I am amazed by the progress made by Evan Bouchard over this season and playoff run. I think it’s possible we see Bouchard move away from Mattias Ekholm next season as coach Kris Knoblauch looks to cobble together two defensive pairings who can play at elite levels. One of things I’ll remember forever is how close he came to scoring last night.
Philip Broberg emerged over this postseason as an impressive NHL defenseman. It was he who was making plays with the puck last night, he who was winning battles. Lots to learn but the skill set is obvious and he played under fire for weeks this spring. The new general manager can look to Broberg as a young piece who can play here for the rest of this decade and beyond.
Stuart Skinner has iron in his veins, something one needs to play goal for the Edmonton Oilers. His performance in a pressure packed spring will not be recognized by many, as he was the last line of defense on the winning goal last night. I remain convinced that he is a quality NHL goaltender with a bright future, we’ll see what the new general manager belives this summer.
I do not expect you’ll rejoice today, but will tell you how I feel about this team. I believe the Oilers could have secured the Stanley Cup with this roster, although there’s zero chance all will return. There is a need for more speed on the wings, and defensive help is always on the list.
I would love to see Mattias Janmark, Adam Henrique and Connor Brown return. I am convinced that all of Bouchard, Broberg, Stuart Skinner, Dylan Holloway and Ryan McLeod are a strong cluster in the ‘younger than McDavid’ pool of talent.
The McDavid cluster (97, 29, Warren Foegele, Darnell Nurse, Vincent Desharnais) may need a tweak and of course cap comes into play.
The 30+ group of signed players is the area of the roster that will be culled this summer. I’m onboard with keeping Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Mattias Ekholm, Brett Kulak, and we’ll see about the health of the other men. Some of these fellows are about to age out of the league, and keeping them would be folly.
I think you should both mourn the loss and be proud of this team. They came so very close to winning it all, overcoming great odds before falling just shy. In time, my guess is that you will view this team in the way I view the 1983 and 2006 Oilers: Fondly, with a special place in my heart for the men who never got back again for a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The great thing about NHL hockey is there is no script. It’s the real thing.
The business of hockey begins today for the Edmonton Oilers. Allow your heart to break, let it all out, talk about it. I have some experience with great loss and can say expressing how you feel, telling someone about your pain, is in and of itself healing. I’m going to bet you will be ready for another season of heaven and hell in the NHL before September.
Today on the Lowdown, noon to 2pm, we’re going to open up the text lines and let you be heard. I’m at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section here and on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. Thanks so much for making this season so special. It’s one I’ll remember forever.
Hi lowetide. 😉
Haven’t seen this posted, but Zach Lang is saying that drai has broken rib, broken finger, and Conner an abdominal injury that likely requires surgery.
https://oilersnation.com/news/the-pain-is-real-but-im-proud-of-the-edmonton-oilers
I’ve speculated exactly that for Drai (although I said dislocated finger, not broken).
I’ve also speculated that for McDavid (the injury from late in the season) PLUS I still think there is a season long hand/finger/wrist/arm issue.
Due to the lack of shooting? The zip on shots, positioning?
Due to the 3-inch thick splint on his finger, I’d wager.
and he’s had “trouble” handling the puck all season long -to my eye.
Spit-balling on the day after. Small window open to trade Nurse for Marner – trade Marner for picks and cap room – sign Pesce as UFA for less than Nurse. Use first round pick from Nurse to get rid of Campbell. Trade Ceci for a useful bottom 6 forward piece.
Ek Bouch
Broberg Pesce
Kulak Des
Wanner (or UFA vet)
OR keep Marner and go full Offence!
Toronto is probably the only place Nurse waives his NMC & Marner as well.
the problem is, this doesn’t fix your immediate problems.
Ceci
Desharnais
Foegelle
Henrique
Holloway
Broberg
B – Goalie
Carrick
Brown
So trading Nurse for a draft pick to Toronto might be the only way to go considering there are really good LHD via free agency.
How does this sit with McDavid & company?
tough…
I would rather pay that Marner salary to Janmark Henrique & Brown
I was being facetious!
I’m think that group is an improvement and cheaper, but I’m on the fence with Des ATM
Won’t happen but Zub would also be a good partner for Bro and has a bit of salt to him. But if we’re dreaming dream big!
Also could sign Guentzel
Do you think Toronto makes that trade?
If Nurse is so bad, why are the Leafs taking on that contract? If Nurse is so bad, how do they get a positive asset (very positive, no matter how much fun many like to make of the Leafs and their stars)?
I think the leafs fans due. They think Marner is terrible. Not sure i make that trade though.
Could you flip Marner to Nashville for something like Fabbro, Sissons, and another spare part?
I wonder if Coffey sticks around to coach next season.
Lets not forget, he didn’t want the job to start with and kind of agreed as a favor to help them through the transition period.
Maybe he loves it. Maybe he thinks its too much work (and stress) and would prefer more opportunities to drink red wine with the gang.
Is Mark Stuart the natural successor?
I’m not sure what his responsibilities were besides the PK but he absolutely killed that job.
I really hope the whole coaching staff comes back for one more run together.
Unfinished business.
It’s really incredible how well the assistants came together and each had a clearly defined role, given the circumstances.
I read recently Coffey liked it more than he thought he would so you never know
My Dad shared this quote with me today as he thought it was appropriate given the result of yesterday’s game.
“The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality.”
James A. Michener
Even without winning the Cup I still really enjoyed the playoffs. Thanks to LT and everyone on this blog for making the ride fun!
Barring any moves before the weekend, the Oilers will pick at:
#64
#160
#183
#192
#196
#218
Woohoo! Twice as many picks as yesteryear!
I suspect the first pick will be at F. Just a hunch.
I would think at least two of the picks will be spent on D, maybe a third if they don’t take a goalie.
Great season. Disappointing end, but wonderful playoff run.
Hypothesis: Corey Perry is a bad luck charm.
Dallas, Montreal, Tampa, Edmonton. A trail of woe.
Anaheim?
He sure does help you get to the Finals though ;-p
He’s a warrior, and a Worm, and everyone one he’s ever played with has had nothing but great things to say about him.
I don’t regret cheering for Corey Perry. He battled his ass off in the playoffs and was one of the only Oilers forwards willing to consistently take a beating in front of the opposition net.
I hope his time in Edmonton helped to get his life back on track.
I’m not sure if he has much left in the tank, but if he can provide 40+ regular season games at the same level that he brought this season, on a minimum contract, then I’d have him back with no reservations.
Probably. I’d still keep him as 14th F. Teach the forwards more about the net front
Todd Nelson and the Hershey Bears won their 2nd Calder Cup championship in a row over Coachella in OT and game 6.
Nelson’s 3rd Calder Cup championship in the last four years he has coached in the AHL (there was a 4 year interlude as an assistant coach in Dallas)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXzlRoNtHU
It’s too bad we couldn’t have had a coach like him when we drafted McDavid.
I was so disappointed when they let him go. There were a number of young guys that had their best year under him and then he was out in under a season.
I have been doing some preliminary ciphering and I can see us doing just fine Cap wise over the next three years if we run a 22 man roster.
To make a short story long, as is my style:
Forwards
player 24/25 25/26 26/27
McD 12.5 12.5 16 long term extension
Drai 8.5 14 14 long term extension
McLeod 2.1 2.5 2.5 2 yr bridge ARB rights
Henrique or replacement 2.5 2.5 1 2 yr deal followed by younger player
Nuge 5.125 5.125 5.125
Kane or replacement 5.125 5.125 4
Brown or replacement 3 3 3
Janmark 1 1 1 3 yr @ 1 per for security
Hyman 5.5 5.5 5.5
Ryan or replacement 0.9 0.9 0.9
Holloway 1.25 1.25 2.5 2 yr bridge, room for raise in 26/27
Foegele or replacement 3 3 2 2 yr deal then go younger
13th forward 0.9 0.9 0.9
Forwards total 51.4 57.3 57.425
Defence
Nurse 9.25 9.25 9.25
Ekholm or replacement 6 6 6 extend or replace after two years
Kulak and replacement 2.75 1 1 trade next offseason, go cheaper
Bouchard 3.9 10 10 extend
Ceci x x x Move on this offseason
Broberg 1.25 1.25 1.25 3@1.25 to establish himself
Desharnais/replacement 0.9 0.9 0.9 We got Kemp/Waner/Akey
7th defenceman 0.9 0.9 0.9 We got Kemp/Waner/Akey
Defence total 24.85 29.325 29.65
Goal
Skinner 2.6 2.6 6
Pickard or replacement 1 1 1 Rodrique could swap when ready
Goal Total 3.6 3.6 3.6
Total Team 79.5 90.225 95.075
Sunk Costs
Neal buyout 1.916667
Campbell buyout 1.1 2.3 2.6
Prev bonus overage 4.153092 0 0
Total Sunk Costs 7.169759 2.3 2.6
Net Cap Hit 87.02 92.525 97.675
EXPECTED CAP 88 93 98
After these three years, we are locked and loaded. Strong core locked up, with a full 23 man roster and room for some raises as earned. I didn’t include the numbers here for clarity, but I used current salary ranges for each position adjusted by cap increase percentages to get reasonable numbers for any replacements necessary.Meanwhile we end up with a very nice roster at 22 men without having to ship out anybody from our core to do it.
Rejoice, my brothers. The future is promising!
Really? This was a lot of thought and work.Why the downvote???
I didn’t downvote you but would suggest that some of your numbers are much lower/higher than the actuals will be (Henrique, Desharnais and Broberg for example) and/or that a lot of commenters would not run back an almost identical roster less a Ceci and are looking for a major change. Personally, I think you’re right that we have the option of bringing back most of a roster that almost won a championship and that is a good thing.
Numbers from Cap Friendly. I run this spreadsheet all year.I also use their data to get the salary ranges for C/LW/RW in 32 player bands, and D in 64 player bands, for example.
Estimates for extensions are for either the player or a possible replacement, in case agent ask is unreasonable. They take n account if a player is RFA, RFA with Arb rights or a FA, and if they are late in their career, as well.
Please note that some players are listed as XXX OR REPLLACEMENT! That means if they are too greedy for their role, we replace them either internally or from trade/FA… the salaries are in line with what is being paid for players ion the proper salary band for their roles in my calculation…
Thanks for this!
Interesting thx
I think Bro might throw a wrench into it. And possibly the back up, I think they need to upgrade Pickard. He’s ok but probably not good enough to go through playoffs if needed
This is why for me spending to trade Campbell is best. No dead cap, spend it all on the playing roster
Broberg is coming off his ELC with no arb rights – this it the player that Holland grinds down to near his QO but, of course, he might not be making the decisions.
I think Bro comes in at one year near $900K or 2 years at apx $1.1MM.
His QO is less than $800K and he spent more of the season in the American League.
I hope Pics is willing to come back for below $1MM – I wonder if he played enough games to get a market bump.
One more year to kind of “share the 2G role” with Rodrigue would be nice.
LT, as always, I read along and nod. Great write up. Thank you
I still get a few waves of sadness wash over me today “so close!” but the waves of gladness and hope are slowly happening more. What a season.
Hope you and Ziggy have a good summer.
I hope that whoever is making decisions on who will return is as unemotional as possible. Zito traded away 2 key contributors weeks after a reasonably successful season
Only management knows if other factors (injury) affected performance of Foegele, etc. during the playoffs.
What we’ve learned about injuries in the last few hours would lead me to believe that even if they ran it back as close as possible to this team, planning for deadline acquisitions and player development, it would be built to compete in all 3 disciplines next year. You can quibble about losing Foegele, but would a healthy Kane be adequate cover? If we can’t get Henrique, can an adequate replacement be back at the deadline? Given the cap issues, this team won’t be a finished product in October and that is not a reason to panic
I’m with you on unemotional. It has to be about getting better, the competitors aren’t standing still
One reason I say that Connor’s effort got them so deep is because of how things went. Record or near record elimination games, number of games, falling behind in 3 series. Stu did his part. But still this was a Connor, Bouch and luck driven run ‘primarily’, with so many players struggling
Going into the playoffs there was a lot of talk about the weak links with the skaters, and it bore out just as some thought. Henrique helped, Brown came on, Janmark went full viking and that helped a lot
But if we still like stats, there were 10 players with a negative 5v5 goal share, and 11 that played 50% or better. That is where there needs to be improvement somehow, this has been their achilles heel for a long time
The playoff 5v5 GF% was 50.48. A championship team is going to do better there, Panthers at 54.22. The finals was each at 50%, but take out the blowout game and overall it wasn’t good. This is so important because the PP got quiet again as it went at times, and they don’t call any penalties anyway the deeper it goes
The obvious place to start is a deep look at who was underwater in stats and GF%, see who you have to keep, and find the best partners and linemates you can for them to improve. To me the Oilers should be able to dominate most teams
What is Broberg’s actual ceiling? Lots of people here saying he’ll be a top 4 D in this league for over a decade and others point out he got caved most games and has tons of wobble in his game.
I think if we consider that he was cold, not given a lot on NHL experience, and was put on his off side with a struggling partner in a SC finals, it’s a pretty impressive performance
I think when he settles and especially if playing LD, he will as SwedishPoster has said go from good rookie to being one of their best D by season end. It’s been his progression up the ranks. Holloway has been the same, takes a bit to get it going at the next level up. And both have had injuries put them back a bit
Ya, I would ignore anyone that says he got caved or has a ton of wobble in his game. As Slushy said, he literally just played top 4 minutes in the SCF against the best team in the NHL, on his off-wing. If Broberg is in our bottom pair next year, then I guess our top 4 is exceptional.
I am not suggesting he got caved but I think folks should manage their expectations.
I do think Broberg should play on the left side.
Broberg is trending a bit behind where Klefbom and Nurse were at the same age but also has had a better team in front of him. I would suggest he could end up anywhere from First pair to Third pair but most likely we’re looking at 2nd pairing and the same or better than Brett Kulak.
In 2006 for game 7, I was visiting Toronto for a family thing and was able to watch the game with several Edmonton ex-pats, all friends I’d known since I was 4 or 5 who had moved out here for various reasons. We were all in our mid-20s then, having grown up in the glory days but too young to remember much before 88 and 90. It was on that trip to the centre of the universe, my first as an ‘adult’ that I realized my future was here. My friends and I were devastated from the loss. Many beers were had, many tears spilled but we were together, bound by our childhood bonds that were growing into adulthood thousands of kilometres from home. We hoped we’d find our way back to this type of moment with the team we grew up loving. We had no idea it would take this long.
18 years later, many of us were together, still living in our no-longer-new city but never forgetting where we’re from. It was different this time. We’re older, lots more grey in our playoff beards, all married (or happily unmarried) with kids of our own, many of whom stayed up to watch with us, all draped in Oilers jerseys, hats or in the case of one, pyjamas; a real sight to behold. There are so many of us now that the group was spread out over three locations because with kids and spouses and all that, we couldn’t all fit into one place.
Some of the kids cried a little when the clock ran out, though to be fair so did a few of the adults (myself included), but the feeling was different. It wasn’t at all like 06. Instead of crying into our beers and punching the walls, we had to shake it off, impart lessons of grace, humility and sportsmanship onto the little ones and then help get them off to sleep or out the door to get home. For a few of us who lingered, I opened up a bottle of cognac, which I hoped would get finished to celebrate a victory. Instead, we toasted the team and the season we just witnessed, the magic, the miracle comebacks, the growth of a franchise and an incredible regular season and some of the finest playoff performances in a generation. A new group of fans of this team is emerging in real time, thousands of kilometres from Edmonton while a group of west Edmonton kids from the 80s now living in Toronto will look backwards and forwards at the same time.
What a season. What a year.
It’s ok to be sad, but this isn’t the end. Something tells me Connor’s just getting started.
In Calgary, I was doing the same with one of those friends from 18 years ago. Although I wish I was as graceful this time around. Be well, hopefully we can do this again soon, with fully healed McDavid and Draisaitl and co.
I hope so, too. Its always good to watch with old friends, even if the result isn’t exactly what any of us wanted…
In 2006, as someone who works in the hedge fund industry, I bet against the Oilers in Game 7 as an ’emotional hedge’. Since I didn’t have my own account, I bet thru a friend’s account, but the maximum I could bet thru his account at the time on short notice was $200. It was a dumb idea as my winnings didn’t even put a dent onto the pain of losing.
This year, midway thru the playoffs, I pledged to the hockey gods, that I would make a sizeable donation to charity if Stanley came home. And as I mentioned to my friends, I also pledged not to ask for any more favours from the hockey gods for the rest of my life if the Oilers won.
In a game that could have gone either way, the hockey gods decided not to be kind to us yesterday. But I probably will still make some kind of donation for karma.
Anyways, today I’m feeling proud of the team, the city, the fans and this community.
Go Oilers!
KINGERs hot takes from beach before hoping on plane :
MICRO:
— the ice was brutal. McD fell more that ever as he couldn’t edge in the soft
— the ice also neutralized their ability to swing puck around : while they did move it around they had to pause a bit to get control
— Refs gave Florida PP twice on fresh sheets of ice …
— Drai at end of many shifts seems bagged : he couldn’t sustain
— Florida had more “juice” and their style with the conditions made it ideal. Full credit they managed with what they got
MACRO
— as great as McD is the formula remains the same : shut him down when they panic and play McDrai and you win. Game 6 being the exception
— Home ice matters: they need to not be chasing points all year like last 2 years.
— entering what 10th year of McD one cup appearance is a fail IMO
— Get an awesome GM switch 3-4 guys for better ones and they are close. :
— they have lost last 3 years in a row to the cup winners. Bet that’s never happened before
GAME:
— its for sure not a “hockey town” like in Canada. Fans were happy cheering respect. They just don’t “bleed” hockey like how we do. Or say NFL football for them or soccer in many parts of the world.
— the unveiling of the Cup was awesome. Hard to feel bad for the commissioner but man did he get booed and I don’t know if he has something but his hands visibly shaking (although mine would too if I got booed like that!).
Was a fun season. Game 6 for me a memorable adventure that’s for sure.
— One of the treat was a bunch of old posters coming out of woodworks to post during the run and many long time lurkers. : post more. The 15 + posts from OP and HH daily gets old.
— TTYL…
Thanks Kinger….
Yeah I think something might be up with Gary. That didn’t look good.
And yeah – the emotional impact on “Panthers fans” was barely there. And the next day was just another normal day. Brutal.
Hopefully we taught them a little something, but who knows.
They actually cheered Bettman. They booed McDavid.
— no they didn’t. You must have been really gunned if you were at game and believe they cheered Bettman. Well I guess for a bit they might have but it was mostly booing untill he presented the Cup.
—. It would be a huge mistake to bring back the band believing “we were so close”. Is that what you believe?
—. So yeah Game 7 Cup is as good as it gets without winning. But the team has a structural issue which is “shut down McDrai who play together when the going gets tough”
— Some different personnel and that gets them closer IMO.
I agree. They have to get the 5v5 sorted. Can’t have half of he team underwater when Connor is off
Also need to be able to keep the pedal down and not let the big comebacks happen very often
Of course there will be some roster turnover and management will try their best to make some improvements but its likely tweaks around the edges at this point.
It would be foolish to think that a team that has the best record for the last 3/4 of the regular season and had 15 playoff wins (and likely deserved to win 4 games in the SCF) needs major changes.
Drai was shut down the entire SCF and McDavid for a good portion of it and the Oilers still won 3 games and played well enough to win 5.
Consider the likelihood of ANY NHL team shutting them down to this extent if either were near full health – even normal playoff wear and tear – not broken ribs and appendages and core surgery injuries.
I mean. They did. I don’t own any guns. But I was watching the broadcast. I guess it could have been the way they timed the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup presentations, but it was very different than previous years.
Good thoughts
Though I’m confused with the statement many are making:
“switch 3-4 guys for better ones and they are close”
In what world is game 7 scf not “close”? I’ve seen this a few times and it seems like an odd statement…
LOL – dick comment at the end there – there are many posters that post that many times daily – thanks for the personal attention
— Don’t take it personally. It wasn’t a call on who you are as a person. I’m sure in real life we’d actually be buddies. I wasn’t being a dick. Just factual.
— You have many good posts. You also over post and can monopolize the daily comment section.
— It was refreshing over this run to have a bunch of posters all sharing. I wish some of them would post more. Some “old friends who dropped a note”
— Wheels up. What a long great 36 hours….
It’s not quite the same but the St. Louis Blues lost 3 cup finals in a row their first 3 years due to the original six vs. expansion format.
According to Oilersnation McDavid will need surgery to repair an abdominal injury yikes.
Gazzola was alluding to this last night.
I’d be surprised if it didn’t come out that he has been dealing with a finger/wrist/hand issue for months on top.
Yep, be prepared for a bunch of guys to be not ready for game 1 next season.
Everyone is talking about getting back here no problem next season. 100 plus games takes a massive toll. May take some guys 6 plus months to recover
Montour and another impact player were out until, I believe December, with off-season surgery last year – Ekblad I think?
Would love to hear some opinions on this… not writing this to crap on the current situation, but something that’s been jumping around in my brain:
Excluding all the other reasons players don’t want to sign in Canada (taxes, media/fan pressure, weather, etc), if you were a free agent who was at the point in your career where you’ve made your money and want a cup, would you really hedge your bet on a Canadian team if you had similar offers from say, a sunbelt team?
The longer this goes on, the more this has to lowkey factor into player decisions. I don’t even mean this in any sort of “grand conspiracy” against Canadian teams or any bias, but almost a feedback loop.
Some of the pieces that I’ve wondered as a counter-point to the tax and sun benefits of some Southern markets that we have going for us are 1) the financial benefits of being paid in USD while living in a market that uses CAD and 2) the marketing opportunities that are available while living in such a hockey rabid market.
I wonder how these weigh into the financial and live quality calculations for players and agents.
What a season. While it sucks to see the team get so close only to come up short, I don’t mind that they lost to fellow elite team. I’m glad with what the team achieved and what I got to witness throughout this season. My bar isn’t and probably will never be “Cup or bust” because that’s not what enjoyment of the sport means to me. Maybe I’m alone in that sentiment but it’s how I view things 🙂
This season brought us a whole lot of valuable new information about various players but a few things really stood out to me.
1.) The amazing difference between Broberg at 2RD compared to Ceci/Desharnais at 2RD. The difference in skating is night-and-day; he makes it look so effortless. That’s a very good sign for the future!
2.) The emergence of Holloway as both a middle-6 option and a bit of a tone-setter. His pace and physicality has been fantastic to see and that he’s found the beginnings of a fit with Drai is encouraging!
3.) The emerging patterns of Skinner’s success in the postseason. He consistently had his share of struggles in the early goings of every series but his numbers consistently improved meaning he’s a goalie that both/either dials in once he gets familiar and/or effectively makes adjustments to account for opposition tendencies. For me, that’s a positive sign from our 2nd year starter!
These feel like significant positives to me too!
Well the result sucked but man what a ride. I will use this for platform to thank each and every Oiler player and employee for the great year.
We know that the players read LT. 😂
Hmmm. WOuld it be beneficial if Holland signed a two year farewell deal, to continue the current plan and get Drai, Bouch and McD signed and set things up for next guy properly?Then we can do a prolonged in depth search for the next guy at the end of his retirement deal as GM? Or do we have his replacement already in house, groomed and ready to assume stewardship of his plan?
From the way they talked about a replacement, I would suspect they already know who it is and will announce it when they can (either after Holland’s contract runs out or the new guy’s team is done at the draft)
Let him go to Columbus, maybe the league will make them surrender a draft pick. HARDY, HAR-HAR.
It would be beneficial for Holland to be gone. Yes, he was better than ChiaPet but that is the lowest bar imaginable. Oilers need a GM who understands salary cap, LTIR etc, not someone’s favourite uncle.
Hard BUSINESS decisions coming. If Drai wants over 10 million trade him. Need to build a SCF winner not emulate the leafs.
Drai is 100% getting over $10M. Expect Bouch to be getting north of 10 as well on his next deal.
Great give them both $10+ and put the team into cap hell.
In the media they are positing that MCD, Drai and Bouch will combine for 49 million per. 16 for McD, 14 for Drai and 10 for Bouch… I used these estimates in my p[evious post if you want more depth in Cap position…
$10MM? That’s your limit on Drai’s AAV?
Understanding LTIR? Is that your way of saying he should have forced a player that was able to, and wanting to, play through an injury to shut it down for months and have a doctor sign off on his inability to play?
I think many teams would have wanted that direction and tried to convince the player if unwilling
First of all because a healthy Kane may have put this season over the top. He was not playing well before the deadline either. He ended up not being used at the most important time because he was in effective. Not to mention having another high end player on the roster for the run
Kane may not have wanted to do it, I’m also curious about the management thinking but we’ll likely ever know
What i have realised is that it wasnt team defense that was the undoing of this team in the finals, it was a lack of offense in game 6 and 7. Foegele/Mcleod both got a goal but it was not enough, a 3rd line with some more offensive juice could be huge.
i think 1 thing this run does is cement Edmonton as the cream of the crop for contenders going into next season.
Our core12 is intact or RFA. Mcd, Drat, Hyman, Nuge, Holloway, Kane, Bouche, Ekholm, Nurse, Broberg, McLeod, Skinner.
I 100% take a run at bringing back Henrique, Brown, and Janmark.
I think you have to let foegele walk. he doesnt produce when he isnt with the big guns and you cannot pay for production that is a direct result of mcd and drat.
Sprinkle in some UFA who want to take budget deals. Im looking at a few guys out there who could be a lot worse off than taking a pay cut to ride shotgun in YEG.
Patrick Kane- Dare to Dream?
Victor Arvidsson- Maybe he views YEG as an opportunity to boost his stats on a 1 yr deal?
IF jeff skinner gets bought out i am ALL over it as a winger for drat.
Less sexy names.
Ondrej Kase is rumored to be making a return. Would look nice with mcleod. 2 yr deal for security?
Jakub Vrana on a dirt cheap 2 yr deal could be intriguing and could insulate against the bouche and draisaitl raises incoming next yr. his 5v5 scoring rates are wild.
TJ brodie still had pretty solid underlyings in toronto but fell out of favor. isnt returning to leafdom allagedly.
Barret Hayton may not get qualified…. had 19 goals and 43 points last season and then fell off a cliff due to injuries this season.
Victor Oloffson on a dirt cheap deal? only 1 season removed from 28 goals
Kevin Labanc or Barabanov could be reenergized with this team on budget $$.
Im thinking out loud.
Nuge-Mcd-Hyms
Holloway-Draisaitl-Arvidsson
Vrana-Mcleod-Kane
Janitor-Rico-Brownie
Ekholm-bouche
nurse-broberg
kulak-Tj Brodie
Skinner
Rodrigue.
I’m really keen on Arvidsson as an answer in the middle-6. He’s all the things we had hoped Yamo would be, he’s apparently best friends with Ekholm, and he has a decent reason to want to come play on a cheaper-than-market, 1-yr deal.
Much less keen on Vrana. McLeod needs a different kind of support on that line and that bottom-6 could benefit from a bit more physicality and speed. I’d be checking in on Max Jones in ANA (RFA but possible he doesn’t get qualified) or Eric Robinson in BUF/CBJ as Foegele replacements.
I don’t think there’d be a realistic path to getting it done, but if there were a way to get JG Pageau out of the Island at 50% retained, I can’t think of a more perfect fit. Pesky, aggressive RC that’s elite on the dot and produces well despite tough deployment.
There is alot to like about Arvidsson but, damn, if I didn’t find him to be THE biggest diver in the league over the course of the 5-game series and, also, he seems to get hurt yearly and not sure how he’d do in a 2-month playoff grind.
For me they need to look less at offense and more at on ice nature
There are a lot of nice fellas on the team. I think they need to be saltier. They have trouble (I know been saying it for a while) with teams that defend the slot hard and are aggressive with pressure. The answer is a playing a way they don’t seem to do consistently. I was surprised they went away from the weak side breakouts that won the last 3 games. Maybe they just were too gassed, maybe mentally and physically
They played game 7 a step behind for too long and on the perimeter. They need more forwards that know how to attack the net well inside. They went there last night at times but often not in Bob’s eyes, standing to the side
They also need some meaner D that can also get the puck back and up. Not brutes but more aggressive by nature. Guys that can handle the pace. It matters in the playoffs
I like Arvidsson a lot. Little guy with a big heart and motor who is not afraid to go to tough areas. But that’s also why he’s getting hurt a lot and he hasn’t been the same since Robert Bortozzo of St. Louis cross checked him into the cross bar a few years back.
Didn’t watch TML enough to know what Brodie has left, but If you can get Desi back at a good number, why not?
Would think Rodrigue will see games at some point next season, but you may want to bring Picard back as insurance.
I want forwards who have a non-stop motor, that will lie, cheat, steal and just stop short of murder to win a hockey game. Think Corey Perry from 5 years ago. Janmark from this playoff.
In that vein – Arvidson yes, Skinner, and Olafsson no … there is a reason why perpetual losers in Buffalo don’t want those guys anymore.
Vrana – that kid can play but it’ll depend on where he’s at in terms of the off-ice stuff. The Oilers have proven to be a mature enough club to be able to help players overcome those demons.
What a run.
As has been mentioned, it looks like some mistakes were made in G7. Some players were injured. But wow, Oilers, once they decided to play this season they did it!
These playoffs were fantastic. Looking forward to next season.
I pretend I’m okay
But that’s not what gets me
What hurts the most
Was being so close
And having so much to say
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could’ve been
And not seeing that love in you
Is what I was trying to do
It’s hard to deal with the pain of losing you everywhere I go
But I’m doing it
It’s hard to force that smile when I see our old friends
And I’m alone
Still harder getting up, getting dressed, living with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade, give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken
What hurts the most
Is being so close
And having so much to say (much to say)
And watching you walk away
And never knowing
What could’ve been
And not seeing that love in you
Is what I was trying to do
Oh
I’m still wearing my Edmonton Oiler boxer shorts.
amazing.
stunned; surprised the Oilers could not get a 2nd one past Bob
Bob was good enough to win.
It’s hard not to be disappointed. The chance to etch the team into the lore of legends was right infront of them. This wasn’t a normal game seven. To climb all the way to the top, through the most difficult terrain imaginable, and then not make it is devastating.
Look, no one wants to criticise McDavid( and obviously they wouldnt have a sniff of successnwithout him) but if you want historical reverance,to be among the greatest of greats, you have to come up larger than life when the light shines the brightest. He simply did not. He was invisible for over half the game. That’s what hurts the most. My selfishhness WANTED TO SEE HISTORY. I wanted him to become legendary.
Jordan, Ali, Ruth, true transcendence of sport throughout history. It was right there in front of him. And he came up empty. God it hurts.
So forgive me if I’m not sunshine and roses and patting them on the back for trying hard. I will get there, but today isn’t that day. One day I’ll hopefully remember the elation of Browns Shorty, 97 dancing through defenders, Skinners cross crease Rolosonesque save. But I fear what I’ll remember most is the sports greatest player, on the biggest stage, couldn’t rise above and show true greatness.
Maybe next year…Go Oilers and love to all here.
How many goals did Gretzky score in the 1983 finals?
He was 22.
The disappointment for some is the time frame. Gretzky and co rapidly learned their lessons. Next season is 10 for Connor
It’s not Connor’s fault of course, but taking so long to get to the finals is a regret for me, having a player like Connor. He only has so many great seasons ahead. Winning yesterday would have helped mitigate that
Some really good players never win, but generational and all time players usually win at least one. He probably will but for me he needs more help
The stage was set, and it may not happen again for a very long time, if ever. Any team can win on any given day. C’est la vie.
IMHO
Last night, I thought Knoblauch shrank the bench too early, went to McDrai too early, and overplayed McDrai and the fab 5 too early.
It took the other lines and pairs out of rhythm and out of the game, and one could not build to a higher maximum pressure at the end of the game.
And they seemed to actually run out of gas. Psychologically, it enabled Florida to feel like the Oilers had taken their best shot, and that they could manage it.
I think one has to trust ones bench more for longer. Maybe get Florida caught with the wrong players on the ice during an icing,
They also didn’t try the “skating” D, Nurse and Broberg, for a shift or two with McDrai as a changeup to the “passing” D, if only to keep Ekholm and Bouchard fresher.
It takes a team. The OIlers have been at their best when they have played more players.
Agreed. I made a similar comment last night.
Nurse and Broberg did not help their cause last night. Several poor giveaways and difficulty clearing the zone.
To me, Broberg was a bright spot last night, using his skating to transport the puck (out of zone, through neutral zone, a couple sorties into O-zone).
Along with Ekholm, Broberg was the best Oiler defender last night.
Bouchard was not a factor on offence and culpable on the first goal against. Ceci made a great pass but was on with Kulak for the second goal against, which was a a dagger after a great chance just narrowly missed.
Nurse was a tire fire the entire playoffs. He needed a rookie playing on his off-hand side to shelter him. Nurse couldn’t connect on a single headman pass all night, and was responsible for a bunch of icings.
Solid post Diablo…including your comments on Nurse
8 shot attempts blocked but I can’t say Bouchard wasn’t a factor with 17 shot attempts last nightllll
I do believe by the time we pulled the goalie, the fab 5 were absolutely gassed. They had nothing left.
Knoblauch made a bet that he could squeeze a goal out of loading up the top line in the 3rd period. It almost worked, somewhere at around 6-8 minutes left McDavid, had the puck in front of the crease with Bob out of position, Forsling made a fantastic Dplay, the puck went to Hyman who also had a chance, but Montour made a great Dplay.
They emptied the clip, came up short.
Gotta give the Panthers credit.
The TOI for Henrique and Janmark specifically was too low.
Foegele and Holloway weren’t going. Should’ve popped them onto the wings with one of the big two.
The Oilers didn’t play their speed game and I think this is a big part of the reason. They needed to beat Florida in transition and not circling outside of five guys in the middle trying to bounce a puck through. It’s difficult to play that game when your best players are injured and playing 25+ minutes. I do think the game ended up being more of a coin toss that way. Lucky bounce one way or the other to win instead of who has more talent.
Same playbook we have seen for years….
Paul Maurice called out the loading up of McDrai again….
This is all so much like 2006. I remember thinking in those days and weeks following G7 “this is the start of something beautiful, we have the best player in the league locked up for 5 more years!” Little did I know what was lurking in that player’s mind while I thought those thoughts. Is a similar fate awaiting us now, out there somewhere lurking in Connor’s or Leon’s brain? Go ahead, tell yourself “not a chance” at your own peril…surely last night taught you the world is nothing if not cruel.
Very different for me.
In 2006, they were very very good, but had sputtered a lot. Then they got to the playoffs and played tremendous hockey, only to have the game one nightmare. I didn’t they could win game 7. I thought they needed to win game 4 very badly. When they didn’t, most of my hope was done.
This team on the other hand is the absolute best when they play their game. Have been for months. They did not play at their peak for the last month+. They had several very off nights. They still got by, and with plenty of ways to win it all.
But the same egg was laid in a game 7.
Today is duller, but no less brutal than last night.
In 2006, the PK reeeeally struggled too
I think the key to next year, as it has been for several years, is building a functional second pair.
Having a second pair that can transition the puck consistently will solve so many depth scoring issues.
It is a testament to how good Bouchard-Ekholm was considering how poor the bottom pairings played for long stretches of the playoffs.
That’s how I see it as well. Also not getting hemmed in so often and long
And finding more value contracts. Can Philp be an option? Can someone else from Bakersfield make a push? Will Holland/Son of Holland/New GM be able to find some cheap vets. college dudes, etc?
I love our guys.
Massive shout out to Ekholm. Had no idea he was this good when he was with Nashville.
Love the player. Love the person. Love the way he plays.
Lets give Holland some credit. Big trade that had massive payoff.
I think we need a similar trade next year to get more goal scoring up front.
Agree on the Ekholm part. I think goal scoring on the wings can be bought, and developed from within. This includes McLeod, who I believe is better suited as a winger. Which leaves 3C most important to figure out
Just an insane run to come back from being down 0-3 !
Broberg and Holloway and Vinny – give me great confidence in next year.
Need 1 more scorer though….
Darnell Nurse needs a reset this summer and find his game.
I know he can….
Very early, but we may finally have the ideal partner for Nurse next season – Broberg. Small sample size, but he was very good in the hottest spotlight and we have a very good top 4 for next season.
I like Broberg fine but he PDOed hard during the playoffs. He was under water in almost every stat except actual GF/GA.
Lets not forget, he was throw in to the Western Conference final after not having played in 6 weeks and having played 2 garage time NHL games in the last 6 months.
I think he’ll be a significantly better and more impactful player come next May.
No one has forgotten that OP, but the stats are what they are.
The stats are what they are but they show what happened, not what’s going to happen, right?
Broberg will certainly bolster the second pair, be it with Nurse or another. Who knows?
Broberg & Bouchard together could be dynamite. Ekholm may have a new partner to work with we will wait and see.
I do not have much to say. It was a fun couple months of hockey.
I do not feel sad like I did in 2006 because this run actually feels repeatable. Obviously nothing is guaranteed but this is an excellent team. A few tweaks and they will only be better.
The thing that really hurt was the Pronger trade, shortly after the playoffs. I would imagine the Oilers would be a desireable team to play for, provided they keep their core and young contributors. Yanmark and Brown I think have earned “core” designation.
Appreciate your perspective (and song choice) as always Allan.
Agreed in almost all of your roster decisions/prescriptions save for Kulak, unless the plan is to play Broberg on his off side as the #2 RHD. Kulak is a good, veteran bottom pairing dman, a luxury the oilers can’t afford with their cap situation. I hope the organization doesn’t give him multiple years @ $2.5m plus when a solid replacement can be added at next year’s deadline for a mid round pick if needed.
I’d like to see:
Ekholn-Bouchard
Nurse-Pesce
broberg-desharnais
I also wonder if Broberg’s emergence/the Oilers cap crunch makes the new GM think about moving Nurse. Packaging Nurse with a pick + prospect for a #2 LHD/RHD with a lesser cap hit might be tough medicine to swallow, but freeing up $4M in cap space will probably be worth it.
I don’t see how they can bring back Des. They wouldn’t use him when it counted with Ceci mostly struggling, against a team outhitting them by a lot. To me that says it all
Agree 100%. Des no doubt sees it the same way. The other thing that jumps out is that the PK didn’t fall off when Des was taken out.
Ceci over Desharnais was a mistake, particularly against Florida.
I thought Des had some trouble playing quickly enough with the pressure and that was why they sat him
It wouldn’t surprise me if both of Ceci & Desharnais aren’t with the team next season.
Also, can’t see Nurse being traded as some are saying. Going into next season with Ekholm, Bouchard, Broberg, Nurse & Kulak isn’t a bad thing.
It’s better. But Bro Nurse got caved in possession stats even if Bro pulled off a 70 GF%. But he was 0-2 in HDGF%. He’s very talented but still green and a bit wobbly. The numbers say that him at RD isn’t ideal, at least not with Nurse, yet. Like all of the numbers are poor except GF%, and that will regress to the meat with those possession numbers
I think it’s best if they have him a 3LD until he pushes someone down to the point a deal is possible. Maybe you could run Ek Bro and Nurse Bouch. I like BK but the cap, so he and Ceci are dealt and Des is either a 7 or let him get paid elsewhere
Enter Maximus Wanner & Philip Kemp.
Absolutely they should be looking to move on from Nurse. Broberg was sheltering Nurse … can’t pay 9+ million to the 3rd best LHD on the roster.
There are lots of contracts with money and term that other teams are trying to move (most of them with NMC/NTC – this will be the summer where those clauses gets waived a lot).
Find a dance partner and redistribute Nurse’s cap space to fill another void.
I think the toughest thing to take is there is no guarantee we’ll ever get back here with this roster that I love, flaws and all.
It’s been since 2006 for the team.
Even for a hugely talented core it is difficult to get back. Just ask Colorado and Vegas.
This.
32 team league….most don’t want to admit it, but we had more than our fair share of breaks go our way this spring just to reach the Finals.
I thought they would have to be very lucky to win the Cup. Every team has to have it to a degree, and health. Just ran out a game too early
Very true….
Although disappointed I’m not angry at the outcome. I thought it was a great ride and the Panthers played a great game 7.
I’m old enough to remember winning cups so for that reason I’m very disappointed for the young crowd who haven’t seen a Stanley Cup victory. After being in Edmonton for game 4 your passion is unrivalled and I hope you will see Conner lift Stanley one day.
Elkholm said we are going to be back for next year in his short post game. Love the positive view I guess.
I do wonder which players had significant injuries that impacted their play. Drai for sure, Nurse for sure.
Kane fell off a cliff sometime in Feb, he was 50% the player. He had 21 goals, 35 points in his first 50 games with minimal PP. I had the same type of injury to what he had about a decade ago. I tried to play beer league and struggled thru it. Could feel the discomfort with such minor things as a kid piggybacking, going from sitting to standing. heck even coughing. It took time and rehab to get back to normal. A healthy Kane would have been a different series.
I would also be interested about a McD injury. His unwillingness to shoot, all season, has been noticeable.
I wonder if having Hyman on his wing all season, having success by scoring 70 goals, made McDavid feel like he didnt need to be shooting as much as he did last year.
I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it
I had hoped you’d see my face
And that you’d be reminded that for me, it isn’t over
Never mind, I’ll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you, too
“Don’t forget me, ” I beg
I remember you said
“Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead”
“Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead”
You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised in a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days
I still feel sad and now despises game 7s.
Offseason plans
Dump Ceci. Trade Kane, Buyout Soupy
Foggy will walk
Please Re-sign Brown, Henrique Yanmark to short friendly deals
See if Arvidsson would like a year on a discount
Kane has a NMC till the trade deadline. Trading him is just not likely to happen. Management should put their focus and energy elsewhere.
Yeah, Kane is fast, tough and scored 24 goals in a “down” year. I can’t see him being the odd man out even with his defensive issues.
Hernia is not a major injury. I know he’s had bad luck but that needs to be factored in here. I think he still can have had a major impact and rooting for bounce back season is not outlandish
I speculated about Kane going, and I do wonder if he just takes the money and “retires” via a LTIR. Not my preferred outcome, but he has not been the player he was when he started for the past season +. Otherwise he is here bc of the NMC (why he got one when nobody else was bidding for his services is another Holland groaner).
To me, better to find a trade partner for Campbell, even with retention, than buyout. The dead cap from buyout sticks around too long. For reference: Neal still on cap next year…
Yes, however, it probably still cost the Oilers a first round pick + to move the contract, even if they retain half.
Brown and Henrique will not be cheap for sure and the Oilers need cap space to sign Drai, Bouch, and Connor
My 2 cents…
1. Always felt this was a 50-50 series. That turned out to be the case. Re-watched the Oiler’s chance right before Reinhardt’s goal. 29 makes nice backhand pass off right wall to 37 below RHS goal line. 37 drives to the net, jams puck into crease, puck squirts free to Bob’s left. 55 in position to jam it home, has stick on ice but then lifts his stick off the ice, perhaps hoping to create chaos or anticipating puck in air – who knows? If 55 kept his stick on the ice I bet he’d have scored. (You can see this clearly at 2-3 second mark here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSQCd-paIM8.)
2. On ensuing FLA rush, Kulak cheating a toward FLA forward in center, which is Ceci’s man, gives Reinhardt too much room, and Skinner looks to me to be a bit low in the net and Reinhardt buries it between arm and pad. Kulak checks center several times – was he worried about Ceci losing his man? Doesn’t look like Drai’s stick hits Reinhardt’s from this angle. Drai seemed to let up just a bit at the red line too.
3. A game of inches between two evenly matched teams. If Bouch gets post in or Holloway scores, game easily could have played out differently with the rats pressing for equalizer and Oilers capitalizing on D-pinches, overly aggressive F1, F2, or something similar. If Kulak didn’t surrender too much gap and/or Drai got back a second quicker, Reinhardt probably doesn’t score. Damn.
4. Very impressed with how Skinner bounced back in Nux series after benching. Played very well after that. Sure, he might have got that Reinhart goal but no one is perfect.
5. Looking forward, Bouch’s playoff performance was top notch. He’s mostly ironed out the defensive miscues and if he can keep that up he’ll be a perennial Norris contender for years to come. Yeah, he didn’t recognize the danger man quickly enough on the first goal but he creates so much more than he gives up.
6. Holloway needs more reps and consistency, seems at a minimum to be a middle-six guy, could be a top six guy.
7. Broberg looked very good at points as well and as he gains more reps, his game will continue to grow. Is he talented enough to be the new Klefbom? I think the chances are good – especially with Ek and Coffey to mentor him.
8. It hurts to lose when getting so close, but there is no shame in how they lost. The boys gave it everything and an inch here or a bounce there and this turns out different.
Great post. I also thought the extended offensive zone shift the oil had just a bit prior to the goal was a great hard working shift and the obvious trip right in front of the zebras was a factor. I am definitely not whining about the officiating but that was a factor as it was one of those penalties where the other team was hemmed in and hard work caused the trip. It would of negated the 2nd goal. Woulda, coulda shoulda.
They had put the whistles away there though so there were lots happenings going on.
Was Holloway’s stick not lifted by a Florida player?
I think Ekblad came flying in and made a decent play as well at the end.
I don’t think so. 55 has stick on ice then lifts it to give FLA D a slight cross check. If he keeps stick on ice the shot is there.
Things happen pretty fast.
You are right on with your No.2. Kulak backed in on Skinner and was playing like he was the only defense man back even though Ceci was almost beside him. Gave Reinhardt lots of room letting him pick his shot.
That 3rd line of Janmark-Henrique-Brown was incredible despite not being a set line for most of the playoffs. I’m saddened that all 3 are UFAs and, as much as I’d love to see them all sign, I don’t think any of them will be back.
I hope this offseason is long enough that Kane has the time to come back fully healthy for next year. We need Evander at 100%. He’s a difference maker when healthy.
Kane is basically done. I wish more fans would see this. His game will continue to fall off a cliff due to his age and severe wrist injury that will never fully recover.
He scored 28 goals and played in 97 games. He’s been playing with a sports hernia for most of the year. He’s scored at total of 82 goals (regular & post season) in the short time he’s been on the team.
LTIR him, then load management upon his return and have him ready for the playoffs. There are several much less useful players, like McLeod, who should be shipped out before Kane.
I’d be surprised if Jamark isn’t back – think he might even get 3 years at $1.4MM (apx).
Brown is tough as he’s shown the hockey world he’s fully recovered and likely to get offers in $3MM range (6 weeks ago it was half).
Henrique, he can probably get $4MM in the open market, will he take a discount to $3MM to say – can’t commit more to him (unless its one-year) has having more for a player turning 36 in the Bouch/Drai extension window would be a dagger.
————————-
Its tough for me to expect Kane to “get hurt less” as he continues to age…..
That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.
Question for the group.
Reflecting on the game.. was that a good game for the nhl?
As dedicated fans a slog Is respected.
Probably only a total of 5 really good scoring chances with lack of finish/luck?
So my question is…
For any “non hockey fan” or casual fan tuning in last night.. did that sell the sport? Sell the nhl?
Curious others thoughts?
This game is about winning championships with the best roster you can build … 4 men in the house and everything to the outside neutralizes elite talent and wins hockey games. Owners are interested in Championships rather than entertaining hockey it is the way it is
Absolutely.
That game will have a negative impact on the league’s ability to sell the sport. Zero real “moments” in the game. The highlight package on it was a struggle for the editors to put together, I’m sure.
There’s also the “lets emulate the winner” effect that it has on how the whole team tries to win going forward: take the skill out as much as possible.
And it’s not like Florida doesn’t have skilled players, but they were happy to let that take a backseat to shutting things down.
Pepperidge Farms got kicked in the sack.
What a run. That was sure a disappointing result but am pleased to be able to come back here this morning to read our esteemed host’s thoughts and ponder what could have been. It should be an exciting summer ahead with some thoughts about hockey and some time away from the rink.
My heart is not breaking. I wanted them to win, because they put so much into it (and McDavid should have a cup by now), and I’ve never felt that kind of camaraderie with a team – I even let my (scraggly) beard grow! Connor Freaking Brown! Wow! They should be proud of the fight they showed.
What a season, but I’m glad it’s over. I need to get back to my regularly scheduled life. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing how the team is going to change heading into next year. I have some hopes for some guys, but who knows who’ll be back.
A great effort and they pushed as best as they could last night through the muck of slush they call ice in the heat. I am more irritated with the loss than heartbroken. These guys wanted this badly, you could see it as Janmark flew around the ice last night. Ceci playing a decent game as he has in a long while. Drai hobbling around the board play and barely able to shoot at all. PROPS to this team to get there. It has been years since I had so much fun watching my team than this playoffs. Though my nerves are glad for the rest.
It is difficult to win 4 in a row let alone 4 against one quality team.
Florida got most of the game last night to their terms, the grind, slow, muck and boards. Whistles put away. The Oil still had a chance to win that game.
It was a great year. They will be back, 97 wills it. Please let the new GM add positive pieces to enhance what is there already.
Lordy. I have cheered passionately for 2 teams since I was a kid. The 49ers and the OIL. Both hit the Championship game this season, a unicorn season indeed for a fan. Just one win dammit.
It stung last night…
But being a more mature man than I was in 2006 I reflected quickly and it felt different for me.
The pain was minimal because my reaction was, what a great ride. What a great spring to share with my 3 kids. All the evenings of watching together spending time celebrating goals and shaking our heads on missed opportunites.
I have 3 dedicated oiler fans that love watching with me now. Thats a championship win for this dad.
Excited or next year and I believe we will get to see a cup in Conner’s hands in the coming year or two.