The Edmonton Oilers preseason gets underway tonight. The club’s final roster is basically known, but the hope for all involved is some pleasant surprises along the way. I’ll be watching Matthew Savoie, Noah Philp, Jayden Grubbe, Raphael Lavoie, Max Wanner, Beau Akey (if he plays) and Olivier Rodrigue. Good chance all of these names are on the outside looking in when the final cuts are made. You can read about all of the hopefuls here.
OILERS CERTAIN (18) AND UNCERTAIN (15)
I could move Corey Perry, Derek Ryan and Josh Brown up to certain, but believe Pederson, Philp, Hamblin, Lavoie, Kemp and Dermott have enough of a shot to allow a little doubt into the conversation. I like this team, would like it more with Artem Zub added to the RH defense. The deadline hovers over this roster even in September.
THE DISTANT BELLS (15)
Among the distant bells, I’m curious about Jayden Grubbe. He was everything the coach asked him to be last season, and was the most impressive prospect forward in Bakersfield. That has value, especially if he sustains it during this camp. Carl Berglund is hurt, but I haven’t seen anything on specific length of time, so there’s no (inj) next to his name. The RW’s listed here could easily get lost in the flood of training camp. Max Wanner remains a Wonder and it’s possible the coach Wanders into the realm of the impossible and keeps him late in this camp. It’s a fun time of year. Lineups posted when they come out.
Okay, in regards to the menu on horizontal iPhones blocking, are we happy now? I believe that I have resolved the issue.
Ryan, we’re grateful for you keeping this a clean well-lighted place!
Yay!
Fixed for me, (Samsung tablet)
Actually, no. I tried my iPad mini overnight and the menu on the right side extends into about 1/3 of the text making it impossible to read anything except fragments of sentences that are on the left side of the screen. I also have the same problem on my Pixel phone. And in both cases it doesn’t matter what browser I use. But it works fine on my main Windows desktop!
Actually, let me revise what I just said – I got left and right mixed up accidentally. So it should read that the menu on the Left side extends into about 1/3 of the text making it impossible to read anything except fragments on the Right side of the screen. Sorry about that! But this version is correct!
Thank you Ryan… an inconvenience has been resolved. Pleasantly surprised.
Two years ago I was a massive Derek Ryan supporter. Last season I was starting to think it might be time. Going into this season the 4C spot doesn’t look great with Ryan in it. Hopefully one of Philp, Hamblin, or Pederson can grab it and run with it.
Dineen and Carrick looked great against this level of competition (not NHL). Would like to see how they each look against NHLers with a legit partner alongside them (like a Kulak or Emberson/Stetcher).
IMO Ryan can help mentor Philp. In that regard I suppose Perry has enough experience to help both of Podz & Philps development as well. Therefore a fourth line combo with Podz-Philp-Ryan/Perry might work out.
Philp can also play wing if needs be.
I’m beginning to wonder if the competition for the seventh D is between Dermott & Stecher?
They need a whole lot more of what Perry does and hopefully can teach. Don’t need an hockey optional, the youth need to learn the art of gamesmanship and agitation. And for a big fella that is willing to agitate like Lavoie learn to go
I think Podkolzin is a head of Lavoie & Philp is the RHC, Lavoie isn’t. Plus it very well might appease the Kane time line, they’re thinking early March right around the March 7th trade deadline, for convenience sake. But who knows what might happen between now and then. It’s a mystery.
Carrick looked great, except when he showed why he’s been an AHL player recently. A poor decision low in the offensive zone that led to a 2 on 1 the other way (that was foiled on the backcheck) and the poor play at the defensive blue line leading to a penalty taken.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Akey assigned to Barrie right away here
Judging from that it will be interesting to see if Savoie can show enough to see NHL games this season . He’s small but noticeably strong. Not sure he’s strong enough yet. IMO Podz & Philp are going to make the team out of camp.
After a year off, will Philp have the stamina to play a full season?
Oddly enough, for that reason, he might be better as a platooning 13/14F in the show, rather than playing every game in the Bake.
But the lack of waivers makes it easy to send him down to the AHL. And regardless of his training camp showing, it would be a little unconventional to give a guy his first-ever NHL game after a year out of hockey.
I was thinking it would go to a shoot out. I was pleased it didn’t.
I found it hard to follow the game with the feed quality, unfamiliar numbers, jets broadcast, etc, and I’ve learned that I can have few meaningful takeaways from these early preseason games as it pertains to the NHL roster.
But guys show some skills and weaknesses, and after a couple more games it becomes a more reliable trend.
Most of all it’s fun seeing Oilers playing again, I’ve barely recovered from the playoff run (if I even have).
Oilers + feed was A+ with Jack Michaels and Bob Stauffer calling the game.
Dylan Holloway scores his first with the Blues.
https://www.reddit.com/r/hockey/s/o4neOjtDGr
Holloway has a knack for doing that in the exhibition season.
Holloway had five goals in the playoffs last year.
Key words being ‘last year’.
Who cares!
No Hawkins Cheezies for you tonight.
So St. Louis in now on your list of favs is it? Twat.
The winning goal including Podz’s mash:
https://x.com/zjlaing/status/1838014059373039967
Each of O’Riley, Podz, Lavoie and Philp showed well up front.
Hamblin and Caggiula as well but that was expected – also they were great early and the kids took over late.
Emberson and Brown were just solid on the back-end.
Dineen and Gleason also good, showing the tweener depth the Oilers have.
Didn’t really notice much from Dermott or Hoffman!
Stauffer randomly threw out a comment near the end that Dermott was looking really good playing on a PTO.
I suspect Lavoie has been listening to his coaches… he impressed me.
Podz proving he wants to play, wants to succeed … he did. He has (potentially at least) a lot of what we need.
Philp doesn’t appear to have lost a step after his yr-long absence.
O’Reilly looked really really good.
Guys like Podz and Lavoie also looked good, but that’s sort of expected for them given the competition.
OT!!!
Podkolzin with a huge hit in D zone, puck is moved to offensive zone, Dineen scores. Very nice.
He hit Parker Ford, 5’9” and 180lbs.
And…..
just like Kane hit Quinn Hughes in round 2 leading to a big Oilers goal.
Podz with a massive hit behind his own net to get possession of the puck in 3 on 3 OT, he then leads the 2 on 1 with Dineen, over to Dineen who actually makes a poor play and takes a bad angle shot but buries it.
Lavoie and O’Riley with Gleason started OT – didn’t get possession.
2nd shift was Savoie taking the draw with Podz and Dineen – he lost it clean but Podz took it back.
Lavoie scored alot of PP goals like that at the AHL level – good to show it tonight.
My goodness it hasn’t taken Philp long to move his way up in the coach’s trust list – he’s all over this 3rd period. Lavoie as well, after a slow first, he’s been all over the puck.
Philp is going to play NHL games this year.
I’ve been saying that since spring 2023.
I’m not sure the Jets had any NHLers other than Stanley but he picked right up where he left off.
I like Wright a lot more than a number of much more famous hockey players.
Jets TV (website) wouldn’t allow me in at the start of the game due to location … BUT … now, (after 1st period) it allows me in!!!
I was hopeful this would work for me as well down here in NC, but alas, no bueno.
C’est le vie.
Excellent shot to take the lead followed by a vet line letdown GA.
Mixed bags and such…
Podkolzin has looked real good on the power play this game.
Stefan with a blue line turnover, leads to a Carrick hold and PK. No issue, Philp just wins the face off to Emberson for a clear – a minute later and the Jets still have not gained zone with possession!
As we’ve come to expect, Noah Philp just solid out there. Gregor notes he’s 8-1 on the draw and Curlock opines:
One observation halfway through the Oilers first exhibition game is Noah Philp is noticeably more explosive in his first two steps. He’s playing much quicker.
He’s been a pleasant surprise from me, I expected indecisiveness or rust but he’s looked like he’s in the upper class of players in this game at least
Philp and O’Riley sure love to win faceoffs!
It’s been 20 years since we can actually say this. If Noah wins the 4-C and with Henrique-Leon they will all be over 50%. If Noah gains K.K trust and is on the PK winning that initial faceoff is huge and with a fresh downtown Brown I can see these 2 as a feared effective team.
@SportsnetSpec
Looks like Oilers will dress McDavid, Draisaitl and several top players Monday night in Edmonton, with a much younger roster heading to Calgary.
No Stu Skinner or Nurse in either game.
Lavoie wins an offensive zone battle, lugs the puck around the zone, into high slot and wrists one – doesn’t get through but good stuff.
Impressed with Brown’s 10 foot passing in this game.
Delia has come in as planned. I’ve never really understood the point of the planned split – why don’t they just play each in a game, full?
Rodrigue was solid – 6 saves on 7 shots and no chance on the screened deflection on the opening shift.
Detia was solid too. They probably want 74 & 3o tomorrow night.
Skinner is not playing tomorrow in either game.
Nice sequence from Grubbe, good positioning while defending and then won a battle.
Podz is aggressive and strong on the forecheck!
Its good that Lavoie is clearly working to find spots to get his shot away but, so far, he’s let two go from the blueline – he needs to work his way closer to the net in this league.
O’Reilly may well have been worth that pick.
Calm, talented, holding himself to a high standard in preseason game #1. Like it.
And he’s barely 18. Doesn’t turn 19 until March!
Nicholl is a nice player.
Podz with a nice power move to the net from the goal line on the PP but can’t stuff it in.
Podz with a great vision set-up for Savoie on the PP but the one-timer is stopped.
Savoie took the PP faceoff, won it.
Hoffman, Lavoie, Gleason and Podz on PP1.
Lavoie broke a stick on a one-timer (it was from the blue line though and likely wouldn’t have been dangerous).
Do you like Podz or what?
I enjoyed his game tonight, yes.
Plays like that are where Lavoie shows he probably won’t make it.
Should’ve had a good chance and didn’t skate through the man.
Lavoie draws the first PP of the time taking a good angle and skating hard for a loose puck in the neutral zone – draws a hold.
Rodrigue good after the early stinker. A couple strong leg saves.
Not loving the D group. They get stuck and aren’t tracking their men terribly well.
Already had the yearly reminder that Drake can’t shoot.
Savoie looks better than Podkolzin.
The O’Riley goal:
https://x.com/zjlaing/status/1837986499838828582
Fun period, great pass by Gleason to O’Reilly who cashed. Lots of energy, many prospects making their case. I’m not sure any of the prospects in this game will make the opening roster, but some will play here this coming season imo.
Sorry, Dineen. Great pass. Nice play by the forward. Connor Carrick with the second assist.
Lavoie comes alive with some good puck protect in the offensive zone, earned some space and a nice pass – didn’t lead to anything but, other than that, he was a ghost in the first – he’ll impact the later two periods.
Love O’Riley’s game – so solid in all zones – real skill – showed a very nice separation bust and release on his goal.
Emberson and Brown looked a tier above the rest – solid defending and good 5-7 passes with consistency.
Gleason and Dineen look like what they are, solid organizational depth.
Hamblin and Caggiula had the puck all period.
Podz was not much more noticeable than Lavoie.
One period down!
Agree on Lavoie, he needs to do more. Harder on the forecheck would be a good start. Be a puck hound, then use that big body to start the cycle.
I hope they pump this kid O,Reillys tires for a few games more. Send this kid back to London on a high note believing that the Oiler organization now has time for their blue chip prospects.
Carrick with a terrible turnover in his own slot – saved by the post – he’s as expected, high event both directions.
Through 12 minutes, the Oilers top 2 lines have pretty much dominated each shift they’ve been on the ice.
Caggiula and Hamblin driving their lines.
O’Riley looks so good – strong down low in the offensive zone and smart plays.
Savoie skill with the puck on his stick.
Lavoie’s name hasn’t been mentioned yet but Podz has been helpful in the cyle.
Dominant offensive zone shift by the Podz/Hamblin/Savoie line.
Great breakaway pass by, I think, Dineen, and O’Riley buries on a partial breakaway.
Stanley beat on a screened point shot 17 second in – likely tipped.
Jack Michaels on the Oilers Plus call.
Projected Lineup:
Podz/Hamblin/Savoie
Lavoie/O’Riley/Caggiula
Hoffman/Philp/Stefan
Wright/Grubbe/Nicholl
Dermott/Emberson
Gleason/Brown
Dineen/Carrick
Rodrigue
Delia
Goalies expected to split.
https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/gameday-jets-at-oilers-x0470
Here is the lineup that will be going up against the Oilers:
Torgersson. Gustafsson. Jonsson-Fjallby
He. Toninato. Ford
Walton. Kupari. Anderson-Dolan
Loponen. Zhilkin. King
Stanley. Coghlan
Sautner. Salomonsson
Anhorn. Barteaux
Eric Comrie will get the start in goal.
I see Podz, Grubbe, O’Riley, Nicholls, Lavoie, Savoie on ice so far.
Rodrige taking pucks.
Dermott, Philp, Hamblin, Cam Wright – whoever number 8 is has a A on his sweater.
Did I miss something? Where are Rodrique and Dermott on the list???
Perhaps more prudent than posting Bedard highlights from last season is the news that Arthur Kaliyev broke his clavicle and is out indefinitely.
To watch the preseason games on Oilers+…
-Sign in/up for Oilers+
-Select monthly subscription
-Use promo code “PRESEASON24”
(2 months free)
Merry Christmas 🙂
Bedard.
https://x.com/worldhockeyrpt/status/1837718252182736898?s=61
(click for video)
Someone needs to tell the kid showing off in a meaningless game will probably cost him somewhere down the line.
That was from last season……
Summarizing!
Berry was initially credited with an apple but it was later rescinded. All that remained for a stat line was a -1 with a SOG in a 4-3 OT loss.
Prospecting takes a break until Friday.
Come on now Oilers, its exhibition game 1 – how about a lineup?
Looks like the preseason games will be on Oilers+ that is dissapointing they’ve always had it on Oilers.com or their YouTube channel
Ah I just paid the 9$ lol I’m good now
Exactly how did that work for you if you don’t mind explaining.
I went to take a look and the first thing that happened is that a screen popped up saying the site would not open if I was using a VPN – which I do.
I guess what I want to know is if it will run if I am out of the country since it won’t allow me to use a VPN and I will be in Vietnam most of the winter.
Just as an aside I dislike sites that require you to register with email, password etc. before you ever get in to read the details. To me it is just collecting info for re-sale which increases the amount of spam in my emails.
You will be able to watch in Vietnam
https://www.nhl.com/info/how-to-watch-and-stream-nhl-games
Ya I couldn’t even begin to tell you. Sorry.
I believe its been like this for a few years now.
Oilers + is awesome – worth the price just for the behind the scenes content – great production value.