Monthly Archives: January 2016

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL

Rumblings Out of Oil Country: Kassian, Drouin, McDavid, and More!

Since I was on the IR for the holidays I didn’t get a chance to comment on some of the happenings coming out of Oil Country. So I’d like to take the opportunity to do that now.

Let’s start with one that has been burning a hole in my pocket since the transaction took place…

Zack Kassian

Will Zack Kassian make it up to Edmonton this season?

I wrote about the a rumor that was raging online just before the trade was completed here and not a whole lot has changed. I love that Chiarelli was willing to go out on a limb to pick up a kid that has had a tough go lately. I love that he was willing to eat some salary to clear up his goaltending situation in Bakersfield. This trade is a win-win for Edmonton because if Kassian turns out to be a solid contributor for either the Condors or the Oilers, that’s a lot better than a $2M+ goalie clogging things up in the AHL. Also, Ben Scrivens gets to team up with former teammate Jeff Petry in Montreal and he’s closer to his old lady as well.

First shift and Kassian was laying the body! Can’t wait to see him in an Oilers uniform!

Connor, Mike Richards, and the Nuge

Connor McDavid is practising with the team and Nail Yakupov is skating… They’ll be back before the All-Star break and McDavid will play in the All-Star game is what I’m thinking (If he’s selected of course). The league and the team will position his comeback as miraculous and ahead of schedule but they all have had a good idea of when he’d be back and have played it safe so far.

With ConYak coming back sooner that later the team is going to have to make some moves… I read an interesting post over at Oil on Whyte from the lovely Sammi Silber where she proposed the idea of Edmonton picking up Mike Richards thus giving them some room to move Nuge for some help on D. It really made me think and I’m not completely against the idea.

Here’s the thing though, Richards would need some conditioning in Bakersfield to get his game back and then he’d need about 10-15 games in the NHL to see if he’s even good to go at that level. At that point, how close are we to the trade deadline? There’s no point in pursuing this option if it isn’t going to help this season unless the team dealing with Edmonton is willing to sweeten the pot a bit more due to their own playoff implications. The Oilers are better off waiting until the draft to see what shakes loose there. Not only that but to see what pick the Oilers are selecting at. If they have a chance to get defenseman Jakob Chychrun they should jump at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSZ89n0rkZk

No, the team doesn’t need anymore young prospects to build upon but guys like Chychrun don’t get traded for. You have to draft them and develop them. That being said, he is left-handed and the Oilers are stocked full of LH dmen.

If we’re looking at trade options for Nuge, I think it’s hard to ignore Nashville and Seth Jones, the guy is a beast but I’m not 100% certain he’s worth RNH straight up. That probably means it’s a good deal then. Other options are strictly fantasy… Morgan Rielly, Karl Alzner, Brent Burns, Shattenkirk…

In the end, it’s probably not a good idea to deal one of the best two-way centers in the league if there’s no guarantee that the piece coming back is one that can contribute right away. It’s better to go with Draisait-McDavid-Nuge down the middle until something else comes up. I mean if the team isn’t making the playoffs and all then why make a move. Wait until the draft then free agency and see what shakes loose.

The World Juniors

Anybody else notice the lack of coverage and promotion for this year’s WJHC from the Canadian Media? I didn’t think they would win but I also didn’t think they’d be forgotten until the end when everyone hopped on Virtanen and knighted him the GOAT of the tourney for Canada. I reckon the goaltending and defense weren’t up to par and the coaching was suspect. Dylan Strome to me was the best player for Canada and I can’t wait until next year. I wonder if Nolan Patrick (potential 2017 1st overall pick) will make the team?

Does Canada have a crisis in net?

After watching the Finns and Jesse Puljujarvi, I’m seeing flashes of Rick Nash in Puljujarvi. He’s big, fast, physical, and has a laser of a shot. Do you think it’d be hard for the Oilers to pass them up if they finish the year in the bottom 5? Can you imagine McDavid centering this guy and Yakupov? Woof!

The Russians did a lot better than I thought they would. Making it to the gold medal game was two rounds farther than I thought they could go. But they had some great goaltending and one shouldn’t be silly enough to count them out before the tourney starts.

The Swedes massive collapse in the 3rd place game was no surprise to me. Since my days of watching the Viking Cup back in Camrose people have said that the Swedes tend to give no fawks if they start losing badly in an elimination game. The Americans handed it to them and kudos to Team America but not to their coach Ron Wilson. Is this guy one of the biggest dicks in hockey today or what? Why does he talk so much? Every time he opens his yap something retarded comes out.

Drouin and Rychel

Jonathan Drouin and Kerby Rychel are two young studs looking for new teams due to some untenable situations in their organizations. Drouin is a former 3rd overall that hasn’t taken off like his draft pedigree might suggest he should be. Rychel is physical winger who just can’t seem to get any traction in Columbus.

There’s a part of me that’d trade for them. I like the skill set that Drouin possesses. He dominated the QMJHL in the same fashion McDavid dominated the OHL. There’s a player there and I think he could help the Oilers more than say Nail Yakupov. Would Tampa take Yakupov for Drouin? The problem being that Drouin would like to be center and Edmonton is set there… Unless the shoe drops on Nugent-Hopkins thus paving the way for McDavid to take over the no.1 spot, Draisaitl the no.2 spot. Would Drouin be happy with the no.3 spot and PP duty? Reckon he’s going to the Rangers though.

What do you think about an extremely skilled kid like Drouin?

Kerby Rychel is a guy I’d love to see in Oilers colors. He’s got a bit of the Ethan Moreau to me and the Oilers could use more of that in the lineup. Depending on how the organization values Benoit Pouliot, and I’m concerned about him here because McLellan has been on his ass for a week plus, I wonder if Pou could be moved to make room. He’s not producing this year like he was last year but neither is Nuge or Eberle. What about Schultz or Fayne?

But you put Rychel and Kassian on a line together and let the fireworks fly, this changes the league’s opinion on how easy the Oilers are to play.

Anyways, that’s all for today. Things are looking up for Edmonton as they’re only two points out of a playoff spot and ConYak is coming back this month! Things are about to get real for the Oilers. We just need to get Klefbom back and we’re set to see what we have.

Take Care!

BLH

 

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Oilers Post Game Report, NHL

BLH Post Gamer G41 Oilers VS Canes: Rebound Seks in OT!

2 Comments
Seks all. night. long. baby!

Well I’m back after a much need layoff. It was not a lovely holiday in the BLH household. Sickness got to all of us and it sucked major arse to be honest. But let’s not dwell on that, I’m itching to talk some HAWKAY!

The previous meeting between the Edmonton Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes resulted in a loss for the Oilers to the tune of 4-1 and that was a flattering scoreline. The Hurricanes manhandled the Oilers on that November evening and they were a handful again…

Carolina should’ve won this game most likely.

Truth be told, this was one of the most boring games I’ve ever seen and I lived through the Jacques Lemaire coaching era… ‘Twas fawking brutal. But this is the way that the Bill Peters led Carolina Hurricanes are finding success and a hat tip to them. Would you care if the Oilers were winning games but were horrible to watch? I might.

I’m concerned with the lack of scoring coming from the top six. Hall’s line and Nuge’s line were very noticeable but they couldn’t manage to tickle the twine against the lunch pail gang of defencemen Carolina was sending out. The team is averaging 2 goals FOR per game over the last 10 games. NOT GOOD.

On another note Rob Klinkhammer was back! I love what he does out there on the ice. He can skate and he can play an in-your-face game that Edmonton sorely lacks. It can’t be Hendricks providing the sandpaper game after game. I think that Khaira and Klinkhammer should get a bit more ice time personally. They’re big bodies that open up space for the skillers.

I got into it on Twitter regarding Justin Schultz and Darnell Nurse with a follower who is a pretty good guy but unfortunately seems to be a Schultz apologist. Yes, Schultz’s underlying numbers are decent but on the ice he’s not contributing apart from his lateral passes. If his only plus is being a guy that can make a pass then I’m sorry, he’s not worth $4M per year because there are others that could be had for cheaper that can bring more to the rink.

There was a point in the game (screen cap below) where Justin Schultz was for whatever reason sitting in between the hash marks in front of his own net and Carolina had the puck behind the Oilers’ net with enough time to grill a steak well done before Schultz reacted and got his ass in gear and back into position.

Why is Schultz sitting at the hashmarks while the Hurricane player has the puck behind the net all alone?

The gentleman I was debating with’s position was focusing on Darnell Nurse and why HE is out of position. I just thought that Nurse was taking the man who had the puck. Reacting to the situation on the ice, right? Well needless to say the debate went on for a while with it ending in sarcastic laughter. Meh.

I’m of the opinion (A majority one at that!) that Schultz is not a player that will be with the Oilers come next season perhaps come the trade deadline. I also believe that Brad Hunt is performing much better than Schultz and brings more to the table than #19. He’s replaced Schultz on the PP and for good reason. Versus the Hurricanes Justin Schultz only played 47 seconds of special teams deployment.

I like Hunt’s offense, he can move the puck, he’s physical, and he’s adept at taking the puck away. Plus he’s got some personality. Hunt is a guy you could def. sit down and have a beer with. The downside is he’s lacking in the positioning department.

All that said, Hunt had 5 shots, 2 hits and 2 PIM in 17:37 TOI versus the Hurricanes. He led the team in shots. But that pales in comparison to what Rej Sekera put up:

1 goal
4 shots
3 hits
3 blocks
2 takeaways
2 giveaways

How about that Cam Talbot? First shutout of the year and is he ever playing some decent hockey lately? 28 saves from 28 shots against Carolina feels pretty good, right? He’s got a .961 Sv% in his last three games and is looking to have recaptured the starter’s job in Edmonton. Is he coming around now?

Photo Courtesy of Andy Devlin
Edmonton Oilers, Zach Laing

Oilers vs Hurricanes Preview – 2016. New year, new team?

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (16-21-3) vs Carolina Hurricanes (16-17-6)

Location: Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Time: 7:00 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet West – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

After bringing in 2016 with a solid 4-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes, the Oilers look to build off that win as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes.

In the upcoming month of January, the Oilers face the Lightning and Panthers twice, as well as three games in the Pacific Division (Arizona, San Jose, Calgary) and two against Central Division teams in Dallas and Nashville.

The return of Connor McDavid appears to be coming sooner rather than later as earlier today he was taking faceoffs and participating in drills. HIs return will come at a good time, whenever that might be. He will certainly help offensively, and will be a welcomed addition in the challenging schedule ahead.

The loss of McDavid seems to have taken a huge effect on the team’s power play. Since he suffered his fractured clavicle on November 3rd, the Oilers power play fell from 22.5% (10th) to 16.5% (26th).

His offensive instincts are a huge addition, and allow for the team to run two effective power play units.

Tonight, the Oilers face off against an old foe. This year the Hurricanes have been a bit of an interesting case. Despite sitting 25th overall in the league, the ‘Canes rank 2nd in the league in Corsi For %, with 54.4%.

The Hurricanes are a young, fast team just like the Oilers and like the Oilers, they are weak defensively. It should prove to be an interesting game, and a good chance for the Oilers to get two points in the win column.

Cam Talbot gets the start again for the Oilers.

RNH On Talbot:

“Since he’s been getting some starts here lately, he’s been really solid for us,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “He’s held us in a few games. Boston for sure, and won too. We try to play as well as we can for them and not give up too many high-scoring chances. It’s nice to have confidence in both guys right now.”

As we move into 2016, I hope to see some real progression out of this group. Lead by Todd McLellan and Peter Chiarelli, the effects they have had on this team has already began to show. Now, it is time to take it to the next level.

The Otherside:

Carolina recalled forward Brock McGinn from Charlotte of the American Hockey League on Sunday. McGinn had two goals and three points in 14 games during an earlier stint with the Hurricanes this season. He’ll likely take the place of Phillip Di Giuseppe, who left the Hurricanes’ 2-1 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday because of an upper-body injury and went through the NHL’s concussion protocol. Coach Bill Peters hasn’t decided on a goaltender; Eddie Lack is 1-0-1 and has allowed three goals in his past two games; Ward has surrendered eight goals in his past five starts.

Line Combos and Starting Goalies c/o Left Wing Lock:


Oilers (Cam Talbot):
Taylor Hall – Leon Draisaitl – Teddy Purcell
Benoit Pouliot – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle
Matt Hendricks – Mark Letestu – Lauri Korpikoski
Rob Klinkhammer – Anton Lander – Jujhar Khaira

Darnell Nurse – Justin Schultz
Andrej Sekera – Brandon Davidson
Brad Hunt – Eric Gryba

Hurricanes (Cam Ward): 

Kris Vertseeg – Eric Staal – Elias Lindholm
Joakim Nordstrom – Jordan Staal – Andrej Nestrasil
Jeff Skinner – Viktor Rask – Phillip Di Giuseppe
Brad Malone – Riley Nash – Chris Terry

John Michael-Liles – Justin Faulk
Jaccob Slavin – Ron Hainsey
Noah Hanifin – Brett Pesce

Any ideas on how to improve my game previews? Send me an email at zjlaing@gmail.com.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_ghwXLBnVo]

Edmonton Oilers, Kris Hansen

BLH Edmonton Oilers Weekly Recap Dec 27th-Jan 2nd

– photo by Andy Devlin / Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club

Tough week for the Edmonton Oilers as they finish 1-3-0, against Pacific Division rivals no less.

That’s a tough pill to swallow. They blew a two goal lead, twice, against Calgary. Goaltending sank the team against Los Angeles. Anaheim was just better.

The victory against Arizona ended a four game skid, which is good. It was an entertaining game yesterday and I thought the Oilers played well enough.

The upcoming week there are only two games on the dock, as they continue their six game homestead.

Edmonton Oilers Three Stars.

3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Finally making an appearance on the three stars of the week, the second line has finally stopped sleep walking through games. Nugent-Hopkins looked like one of the best forwards in yesterday’s tilt against Arizona. This week, Nuge posted four points, all assists in four games. It’s a quiet, but solid showing from 93, who has been struggling this year.

2. Jordan Eberle: Like 93, he showed up this week. Eberle posted five points in four games, including three goals. Two of those goals were nifty ones against Arizona. Yesterday, he also registered his 300th point of his career. Eberle has taken a lot of flak these last couple weeks due to lack of production, but it’s good to see him starting to turn it around now.

1. Benoit Pouliot: To be fair, it was a toss up between Eberle and Pouliot as they posted the same box numbers and Eberle did reach a milestone yesterday. That said, I like Pouliot’s game. He plays aggressively on the forecheck, sometimes too aggressive as he did have two penalties in the offensive zone yesterday against Arizona. The goal that stands out for me was his second against Calgary: he losses his helmet, but that doesn’t faze him one bit as he goes to his spot in the slot and scores. He brings a grittier element to his line.

Edmonton Oilers News and Rumors

Connor McDavid and Nail Yakupov both skated with the team on Friday.  This is obviously great news: McDavid would be a tremendous boost to the team. Sure, he’s not playing Defence and can’t bring stability to the crease, but he’s such a special talent that I don’t think we can really grasp just how good he is. Based on some short clip (I know great sample size) he seems to be shooting, stick handle and pass the puck just fine. He keeps saying to the media that he’s feeling better. I think he plays before the All Star Break.

I wrote about an interesting part of Lowetide’s blog regarding a Mayor’s Manor tweet: The Oilers are interested in the services of Mike Richards.  Some people will say that it’s to replace Nugent-Hopkins but that’s foolish: Richards is a shell of his former self and would be strictly a bottom six role. I think he would be more effective than Lander save for faceoffs.

Earlier this week, The Edmonton Oilers acquired Zack Kassian from the Montreal Canadiens for Ben Scrivens.  Last night was Kassian’s debut in Bakersfield where he posted no points, a +1, four shots on goal and four minutes in penalties.

 

Around the League

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/683690926666084352

That’s some big news. I’ve been saying Free Drouin for awhile and I don’t think he’s getting a fair shake in Tampa Bay. I also don’t think the Oilers make sense as a fit either.

I wonder when he’ll get dealt.

Toronto Media can’t get over the McDavid lottery. 

The Canadiens thumped the Bruins in the 2016 Winter Classic. I personally love outdoor games.

John Scott, NHL All Star Captain.

Rob Martell refereed his 1000th and final NHL game.

The Florida Panthers have won 8 in a row!  

Crosby is on a point streak. 

Highlights

The Coyotes Oilers Game

Dougie Hamilton had a spill into the bench

 

Shane Doan broke the franchise record for goals with the Arizona Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets

 

The Alumni Game Shootout

 

 

The Week Ahead

Only two games for the Edmonton Oilers: Monday they host the Carolina Hurricanes and Friday they host the Tampa Bay Lightning.

That’s the week that was, follow me on Twitter and have a good one!

 

Edmonton Oilers, Zach Laing

Oilers vs Coyotes Preview – “I’ll take a win for a thousand, Alex.”

 

 

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (15-18-3) vs Arizona Coyotes (18-16-3)

Location: Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Time: 7:00 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet West – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

Auston Matthews am I right?

Well, that’s what I imagined Arizona was thinking at the start of the season, but clearly the team has had other plans.

Lead by Max Domi, the Coyotes are right in the thick of things in an odd Pacific Division. Tonight, the Oilers are in dire need of a win and some life.

The team has faltered during this Pacific Division dance, losing all of the last four games played (VAN, CGY, LAK, ANA). This had been a fantastic chance to get some interdivision points and an opportunity to climb in the standings.

“This is a super important stretch for us, you know its five in a row against the Pacific Division and it hasn’t gone our way so far, but we still got time, we can turn it around here with a couple on the home stand,” said Rob Klinkhammer.

“I think if we stick with it, maybe get a little grittier, bear down a bit, we’ll be fine, the guys have been working their butts off here, it’s been a long stretch, I’m proud of them for that and hopefully I can get back out there and help ’em.”

However, it has been the exact opposite.

With Connor McDavid returning to the practice ice, the questions turn to “when will he return?”. It’s so difficult to put the hopes of your season on the backs of a 18-year old kid.

If the team is able to tide the waves for the next few weeks, I hope that McDavid would be able to help provide a push for a late season playoff run.

Last time the two teams met was on November 12th, when the Oilers fell 4-1.

 

The Otherside:

Goalie Louis Domingue is likely to make his seventh start in eight games, coach Dave Tippetttold the Arizona Republic. Forwards Martin Hanzal (lower body) and Boyd Gordon (upper body) will travel on the road trip but likely won’t play Saturday. Gordon hopes to play against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday. Hanzal and Gordon each participated in an optional practice Friday. Injured goalie Mike Smith (core) briefly skated in sweats on his own. “He’s a long way off,” Tippett said. The Coyotes have gone 4-1-1 in their past six games and begin a three-game trip through Western Canada. They defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-2 at home Thursday, when Doan scored his 380th NHL goal to set the Winnipeg/Arizona record, one more than Dale Hawerchuk. Doan has nine goals in his past 10 games.

Line Combos and Starting Goalies c/o Left Wing Lock:


Oilers (Cam Talbot):
Taylor Hall – Leon Draisaitl – Teddy Purcell
Benoit Pouliot – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle
Matt Hendricks – Mark Letestu – Lauri Korpikoski
Rob Klinkhammer – Anton Lander – Jujhar Khaira

Darnell Nurse – Andrej Sekera
Justin Schultz – Mark Fayne
Brandon Davidson – Brad Hunt

Coyotes (Louis Domingue):
Max Domi – Antoine Vermette – Mikkel Boedker
Tobias Reider – Viktor Tikhonov – Anthony Duclair
Jordan Martinook – Brad Richardson – Shane Doan
John Scott – Kyle Chipchura – Craig Cunningham

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Connor Murphy
Nicklas Grossman – Michael Stone
Klas Dahlbeck – Zbynek Michalek

Any ideas on how to improve my game previews? Send me an email at zjlaing@gmail.com.