Monthly Archives: March 2016

Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #7 Matthew Tkachuk

Heyyyyyyyy BLH Universe…I literally had to drag my ass out of bed this morning. How’s everyone else doing? 1 more day people…1 more day. We can do this….collectively! Ok, so just reminding people that this list isn’t necessarily a top 10 list of rankings, these are the prospects that I think the Oilers should be most interested in. The great thing about being fans, is that we can debate this shit until the cows come home. As always, I’m open to your views, ideas, comments, etc..and you can always link me on Twitter. So getting down to business, here is #7:

But before we do get to #7, check out #8-10 below!

10 – Alexander Nylander
9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois
8 – Mikhail Sergachev

Will Matthew Tkachuk be able to follow in his father’s footsteps and be a dominant NHL power forward?

Matthew Tkachuk
London Knights
6’1” 194lbs
57GP 30G 77A 107PTS 80PIM 45+/-

What’s not too say about Matthew Tkachuk, the kid is awesome. Sure he plays on a stacked London Knights team, but they seem to be consistently stacked and a perennial playoff threat. But the one thing that I do like about Knights prospects, is that they seem too be the most NHL ready. London has amazing programs in place to help the junior’s get ready for the big show.

So we all know that Matthew’s father is none other than former NHL great Keith Tkachuk, but the NHL bloodlines don’t stop there. Tkachuk also has family ties to former player Tom Fitzgerald, and current NHL players Jimmy and Kevin Hayes. That’s a massive family, fucking man mountains they are!

So what’s to like about Tkachuk? Tons! He’s a dominant forward who can impact a game in many different ways. Matthew loves too play a high energy, nasty, agitator role and throw his body around and mix it up. Something the Oilers desperately need (but again, what don’t they need?). Tkachuk’s skating though, is unreal, and is one of his skills that separate him from his peers. He has excellent balance, and speed, which enables him to play at such a high energy level. His scoring touch is quite good as well, as he is able too score from many different areas of the ice. Tkachuk has all the necessary tools to succeed in the NHL, and would make a fine addition to any team.

NHL Comparable(s): His Daddy Keith Tkachuk, Jeff Carter, and Rick Nash

In this forceful, rigid yet graceful sport, there are few who possess a diverse resume of skills necessary to display a consistent level of dominance practically on a shift-to-shift basis. Terms like “the complete package” are often used to describe these rare birds, and as cliche as it sounds, it certainly is the best way to sum up players like Matt Tkachuk. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations. – Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects (source)

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Honestly, I’d much rather the Oilers take a defenceman, but I wouldn’t be upset if we landed Tkachuk. It was hard for me too choose between Dubois and Tkachuk, but I like Tkachuk’s overall game better. He doesn’t take as many stupid penalties as Dubois, and his skating is far more superior. All in all, I’d much rather an addition to our defence, but if I had to take a forward, Tkachuk would rank 4th on my radar in regards to forwards. Like I said, I definitely wouldn’t be upset if we land Matthew Tkachuk.

BLH’s Comments: There’s not much more I can add that Kosmic hasn’t already said. I have heard that he’s a very smart player out there on the ice and he’s got quite the mouth on him. For me, I think I’d go the opposite way as Mr.Burrito though, I’d rather have Dubois’ unpredictability and brute strength. 

Next up in the series is #6, any guesses as to who I’m leaning towards?
As always, you can catch me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9yYqnTL28

Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #8 Mikhail Sergachev

What’s shaking BLH Universe? I’ve ate so much of my kids’ Easter candy, I’m about ready to tear the roof off of the mutha’sucka!! What? They still have candy left from last year! Don’t judge me! Daniel-San, Daniel-San! Focus! You have a blog to write! As we always do, let’s move along! Next up in my 2016 NHL Draft Prospects, is #8:

If you want to check out the previous instalments in the series, click the links below!

#10 – Alexander Nylander
#9 – Pierre-Luc Dubois

Graceful, Powerful, Smart… Who will call this towering Russian’s name at the draft?

Mikhail Sergachev
Windsor Spitfires
6’3” 206lbs
67GP 17G 40A 57PTS 56PIM 15+/-

Mikhail Sergachev is a top end, two-way defenseman. He is an excellent skater, who uses his feet to his advantage. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen Sergachev on the ice without having his feet constantly in motion, which helps with his excellent range of mobility. I was shocked to learn that this kid won’t even turn 18 until closer to the end of June, as he is such a fierce competitor and doesn’t shy away from engaging anyone. Actually, his drive and fierce nature are what helps separate him from the pack. He is incredibly shifty when the puck is on his stick, and that combined with his high Hockey IQ, usually has him at the center of the play….driving it. It’s also worth noting that he made a quick, successful transition to the North American game.

He plays an aggressive and punishing style, mixed in with offensive flair and a strong enough sense to either join the rush or create one himself. The pace and complexity of the next level shouldn’t intimidate him, but his slot coverage is one area where he must improve to complete his development. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

A big minute-munching blue liner who has that nice combination of size and wheels that make NHL scouts take notice. He is a feisty, mobile defenseman that can beat you with his quick first step or a solid pass. Shows nice composure when pressed in his own zone and does not panic but instead skates with the puck or will just rim it out safely. Plays it physical stepping up for the big hit and likes to physically eliminate opponents from danger areas in the defensive zone. Has a strong point shot and the ability to run a power play. High NHL upside with this kid. – Future Considerations (source)

NHL Comparable(s): Sergei Zubov, Alexei Gusarov, and Sergei Gonchar

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Honestly, why wouldn’t he be? Because they already have too many top notch defenders in our system already, right? Haha! In all seriousness, Sergachev would be a fantastic addition to the defense deprived Oilers organization. He can skate like the wind, he can make an excellent first pass, he’s elusive, smart, and isn’t afraid to engage and drive the play. Something the Oilers need desperately.

Well folks, that wraps up my #8 prospect report, hope that you enjoyed it. Stay trippy my friends, next up is #7…

BLH’s Comments – What don’t the Oilers need desperately? Lol. One major con and it’s a mystery to me as to why they can’t succeed for the Oilers, he’s Russian and as we’re seeing, for whatever reason, Russians don’t do well in Edmonton. They have great starts but fade hard. Semenov, Selivanov, Ulanov, Samsonov, Khabibulin, Yakupov, Nikitin (never really started did he?)… I don’t think it’s right but it’s hard to refute the observation nevertheless. 

I’ve also read he’s got a bit of that big man syndrome. You know, A big player who looks like he isn’t doing a whole lot on the ice but in fact he’s working his ass off. As a fan it is hard to get on board with those players unless they are impact game-changers. Draisaitl has been described as such in the past. Personally he wouldn’t be in my top ten but hey, that’s just me. 

You can follow me on Twitter @kosmicburrito

Breaking News, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Zach Laing

TSN Insider Trading: Oilers showing interest in NCAA star G Alex Lyon, Yakupov to stay after all?

TSN’s men who know it all, Bob McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun, just had a few interesting things to say about the Edmonton Oilers and what is going on with the team. Here is the link.

To save you some time, here is the gist of what they talked about:

  • LeBrun: The Edmonton Oilers would listen to offers for the No. 1 overall pick should they win it. He mentioned the Oilers obvious need for some help on defence and “generally speaking” the team wants to make some important changes to the core as well as the team in the offseason.
  • LeBrun: Around the deadline, the Oilers were low-balled on offers for Nail Yakupov. No surprise there. Yakupov’s value is about as low as it could be right now, however LeBrun mentions the Oilers would be glad to have him back next year. The team is looking for a young player that can play in our NHL lineup.
  • McKenzie: The Oilers are glad with both Laurent Brossoit and Cam Talbot however they do want to test the UFA G market. He mentioned they were hard in on UMass-Lowell G Kevin Boyle but to keep an eye on Yale G Alex Lyon. He currently has 12 teams interested, and show narrow it down to about three and make a decision next week. A return to Yale is possible, but doubtful.

*adjusts collar*

Okay, that’s a lot to digest. First off let’s start from the top down shall we?

No. 1

This is something I have pondered myself for sometime and I think it makes sense. There are a number of teams out there that would be able to field legitimate offers for this pick given the abundance of defenseman whose names have been suggested. Ideally, if the Oilers would move the pick I would imagine the other teams first rounder would have to be included, as well as a high-level defenceman. Personally I wouldn’t want to move out of the top ten of this years draft, and I don’t think the Oilers would want to move out of there either.

I’ll revisit this after the draft lottery.

#YakCity

As LeBrun mentioned, the Oilers don’t want to give him away for scraps even though teams are trying to buy low. Let’s not forget that he was a number one overall pick, and the consensus amongst the major scouting agencies. I have long been a fan of Nail as well as his game, but at the end of the day he needs to play in a top six role to succeed. Is that something the Oilers see as a fit? He could get a long-term shot if the team decides to move on from Jordan Eberle this summer.

At the end of the day, I can see a fit in Edmonton for Nail but if the right offer comes around I don’t see the Oilers hesitating to pull the trigger. Should the Oilers have a chance to draft Patrik Laine or Jesse Puljujarvi, how would that impact the team’s decision to move Yakupov or Eberle?

Are you Lyon?!

No, I’m not lying. Alex Lyon could be the real deal – at least his NCAA career suggests it. In his three seasons of NCAA hockey, he has been the Yale Bulldogs starter each year.

Freshman year (2013-2014): 30 GP, 2.41 GAA, .918 sv%

Lyon was named the Ivy League co-rookie of the year as well as the team rookie of the year. His 796 saves were good enough for seventh in Yale’s history.

Sophomore year (2014-2015): 32 GP, 1.62 GAA, .939 sv%

In his second season as a starter, he led the nation in GAA, sv% as well as shutouts (7). All three of those are school records. That season, 12 of his games played came against teams with offenses ranked in Div. 1’s top 20, and in those games he stopped 93% of shots faced, and recorded three shutouts. Lyon was named one of five finalists for the Mike Richter award as the nation’s top Div. 1 goaltender.

Junior year (2015-2016): 31 GP, 1.64 GAA, .936 sv%.

His third season was highlighted by being named a finalist for the Mike Richter award on top of being named a top ten finalist for the Hobey Baker award as the nation’s top NCAA player. He set the school record for career wins that season by hitting the 50 win mark. The previous record sat at 43 wins, which he broke in a 3-0 shutout win against RPI. That shutout also broke the school record with his 13th shutout (now at 15).

So basically, Lyon is a stud in any facet you look at. His scouting report c/o Elite Prospects gives you a look into what type of a goaltender he is:

Very technique-oriented goalie that combines quick reflexes with sound positional play. Superior core and lower-body strength exhibited through quick cross-crease pushes and smooth lateral movement. Quick glove hand that doesn’t get beat very often. Isn’t very scrambly and accurately predicts where the puck is going to hit him and where it will be redirected to if he doesn’t hold onto it. Analyzes odd-man situations well and is always a step ahead. [EP]

All in all, it should be interesting to see where he ends up and if he signs with the Oilers. Knowing what I know about him, I would be hard pressed to imagine the Oilers not being all over him. With 12 teams supposedly showing interest, it will be interesting to watch this unfold over the next week or so.

Do you have a question for us! Click the pic and ask us anything! We’ll read it out on our pod and answer it too!
Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

Kosmic’s Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects: #9 Pierre-Luc Dubois

Word up ladies and gentlemen! Here we are this fine Monday continuing the Top Ten 2016 NHL Draft Prospects. Since it’s been confirmed now, that Nail Yakupov asked for a trade leading up to this past trade deadline. I’m wondering how this will influence the Oilers drafting game-plan? Since it seems inevitable that Yak City is on his way out of town, do the Oilers look to replace his skill at the draft? Or will it be addressed through a trade? Either way, there is still quite a few beauty’s left on this list.

If you missed #10 on our list, check it out here:

10 – Alexander Nylander

So let’s get straight to it, next up in the series is one of my personal favourite prospects of 2016, #9 on our list:

Pierre-Luc Dubois
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
6’3” 201lbs
62GP 42G 57A 99PTS 112PIM 40+/-

What is not to like about Dubois’ game? Seriously? Size? Check! Offense? Check! Defense? Check! Nasty side? Check! Speed? Ok, ya got me there! Skating has always been the weakest point for Dubois. But that doesn’t stop him from being a top-end talent. To say that this kid isn’t a one-trick pony would be an understatement. As he can impact a game in many different ways. Be it his offensive touch, stopping a rush, or laying somebody out with a bang from his big 6’3” 201lb frame. There isn’t much that he can’t do, and by “do”, I mean do it excellently. He is incredibly consistent, which is one of his biggest strengths. Pierre-Luc also possesses an incredibly high Hockey IQ and rarely makes a bad decision, and has always been highly relied upon by his coaches.

NHL Comparable(s): Jamie Benn, James Neal, and Ryan Smyth

Dubois does so many things exceptionally well, and playing with menace and snarl evokes memories of hockey’s heroic warriors of the 1960’s or 1970’s. A real leader with elite offensive skills and off-the-charts intangibles, Dubois comes across as the perfect specimen who we feel is less than a year away from the rigors of the NHL. – Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com (source)

Why would this player be on the Edmonton Oilers Draft List? Really? Why wouldn’t he be? He has the size that Chiarelli loves to build around, and he possesses the skill to complement our top six. Honestly, if the Oilers land Dubois, I’ll be a happy camper.

BLH’s Comments: I like Dubois if the Oilers choose not to draft a dman and they’re out of the running for Matthews, Laine, and Puljujarvi. I love the idea of the Oilers drafting a mean winger who’s smart with the puck and can go top ched on demand. I do like him a bit better than Matthew Tkachuk just because Tkachuk is playing on a stacked London Knights team. But then again, when aren’t they stacked… 

As always, it’s been a pleasure! Stay tuned, as I’ll be back with #8. Until then, stay trippy and always weird…it’s way more fun 😉

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

NHL

Oilers vs Ducks Preview – Nail wants out, Maroon returns to Anaheim

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (30-41-7, 67 pts. 4-6 in their last 10) vs Anaheim Ducks (41-23-10, 92 pts. 4-4-2 in their last 10)

Location: Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Time: 7:00 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: SNW – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

 

Last night, it was released in the media that Nail Yakupov had asked for a trade from the Edmonton Oilers prior to this year’s trade deadline. This news didn’t come as a huge shocker, as it was quite apparent that the Oilers would look to move on from him this offseason.

While it may have not been a formal request for a trade, the Oilers did grant Yakupov’s agent Igor Larionov permission to seek other options. Larionov later said there were “six or seven” teams about Nail Yakupov.

It’s all foggy right now. I’m in a blur. As I had wrote on twitter last night, it’s disappointing to see a situation like this to occur. It’s never in anyone’s best interest for these trade talks to come out in the public but yet here we are.

After Nail had a fantastic rookie season that saw him produce 17 goals and 14 assists for a total of 31 points in the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season, I thought we were in for a treat.

Here came in with elite offensive talent with a rifle of a shot and the ability to fly around the ice. A few coaching staffs later, Nail could find himself on the out. Should a trade come, I hope Nail the best. He is a great young man and I am sure he will find his way in the NHL soon.

When the Oilers came into this three game California road trip, I thought that if the team were to go .500 and play tight in the games I would consider that successful. Heading into tonight’s matchup with the Anaheim Ducks, taking them to overtime would all it would need to take to make my hopes come true.

The Oilers undoubtedly struggled Saturday night against a high-powered LA Kings roster that is bound to make a deep playoff push. Now tonight, the team faces much of the same squaring off against a Anaheim Ducks team nipping at the heels of the LA Kings for the Western Conference lead.

Tonight, the Oilers hope can take down the Ducks with Cam Talbot behind the net. In three career games against the Ducks, he is 0-2-1 with a 2.01 GAA and a .939 sv%.

On top of that, Patrick Maroon will play his first game against his former team. Since his acquisition at the trade deadline, he has been a catalyst for the Oilers scoring 11 points in 12 games. Things have really clicked for the Big Rig in Edmonton since his arrival. His big body play has allowed for Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle to get more space on the ice.

This was apparent during the games against the Sharks and the Kings in which he was able to score five points against those big teams. The fact that the Anaheim Ducks ate $500 000 worth of his $2 mil contract make this deal all the more sweet.

I wish there was an entire team of Patrick Maroons. That would be awesome. #SwoonForMaroon

Predictions for tonight:

  1. Maroon continues his point streak, notching 1G and 1A against his old team.
  2. Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl, who have slowed down as of late, accumulate for 3 points tonight.
  3. Cam Talbot doesn’t get the shutout, but he plays above his head like normal and keeps the Oilers in the game all night long.

Last games predictions: 

  1. Oilers win 3-2 in OT.
  2. Connor McDavid scores the game-winning goal.
  3. The Oilers come out and play a very physical game, and there are two fights in the game.

Ducks Preview:
Anaheim was off on Sunday and concludes a five-game road trip in Edmonton; they are 2-1-1 following a 4-3 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday in which they were down 3-0 in the third period. “Everyone stuck together,” defenseman Hampus Lindholm told the Ducks website. “[Getzlaf] had a little speech in the locker room [after the second period]. He had good words for us to get us going. We came out and played the way we should’ve from the start.” Anaheim has the League’s best power play at 23.7 percent and scored the winner with the man-advantage in overtime. “Every time our power play goes onto the ice, I think they’re going to have a chance to score,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “That’s a good feeling. … We knew we had the rest of the game on the power play, so we wanted to take our time and make the right play.” The Ducks have clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and are three points behind the Los Angeles Kings for first place in the Pacific Division with a game in hand. Andersen started the past two games, so John Gibson could be in net.

— NHL.com

Line Combos and Starting Goalies:

Oilers (Laurent Brossoit):

Taylor Hall – Leon Draisaitl – Nail Yakupov
Patrick Maroon – Connor McDavid – Jordan Eberle
Lauri Korpikoski – Mark Letestu – Zack Kassian
Adam Cracknell – Matt Hendricks – Iiro Pakairnen

Andrej Sekera – Mark Fayne
Jordan Oesterle – Griffin Reinhart
Darnell Nurse – Adam Clendening

EDM Injuries: Oscar Klefbom (leg infection), Andrew Ference (hip), Eric Gryba (knee), Benoit Pouliot (shoulder), Brandon Davidson (knee), Adam Pardy (hand), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (concussion).

Anaheim Ducks (John Gibson):

Brandon Pirri – Ryan Getzlaf – Chris Stewart
Jamie McGinn – Rickard Rakell – Corey Perry
Andrew Cogliano – Shawn Horcoff – Jakob Silfverberg
Nick Ritchie – Nate Thompson – Ryan Garbutt

Cam Fowler – Korbinian Holzer
Hampus Lindholm – Josh Manson
Clayton Stoner – Shea Theodore

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