All posts by Lindsay Ryall

Born in Edmonton, raised in the pumpkin capital of Canada in rural Ab. and an Oiler fan since their first season.

Being Candor on Lander

August 8, 2015 Lindsay Ryall

In many ways, the emergence of Anton Lander in the second half of the 2014 – 15 season was the best part of a very bad season for the Edmonton Oilers.

In one fell swoop the Oilers had shown they could develop a true top nine forward (not drafted in the top five) that had a combination of grit and skill, could win faceoffs, and possessed some natural leadership abilities as well as character. Once Dallas Eakins was fired, and Lander became Todd Nelson’s chief reclamation project, the player gained momentum and confidence and finished the season with decent numbers (.52 ppg for 20 points in 38 games last season.

As should happen, Lander was rewarded with a modest, but appropriate 2 year $1.975M contract and suddenly a player that was on waivers at the beginning of the year had etched out an important niche on the team.

But in spite of that success new challenges loom on the horizon for 2015 – 16, hurdles that Lander will need to overcome if he wants to maintain forward momentum. The coach that helped him get on track is no longer with the organization, and with numerous off-season upgrades, (both in trades and player development), Lander could indeed slip back if he doesn’t find a way to keep pace.

And a rival emerges . . .

The first person Lander will need to impress at training camp is his new hockey boss, Todd Mclellan. Coaches generally speaking, favor veterans and Oiler’s GM Peter Chiarelli’s off-season signing of seasoned center Mark Letestu provides motivation for Lander, but also a threat to his ice-time.

Especially when you consider Letestu has four season’s where he has played an average of 64 games and is an Alberta boy to boot, hailing from the town of Elk Point (also Sheldon Souray’s hometown) in Alberta’s Lakeland region. Letestu will be considered a reliable veteran. He has been a plus player the majority of his seasons in the NHL and coaches tend to favor defensively sound skaters. Lander for his part has never really been close to being a plus player in the two seasons he has played 20 + games with the Oilers. Of course that needs to be tempered with the fact the Oilers have been among the worst NHL teams in the last 10 years, but nonetheless, it doesn’t help his case.

Lander can overcome the challenge to his number 3 center spot but he will need to continue to improve on what he does well. Topping that list would be face-offs. In today’s possession game, things are a whole lot easier when you start with the puck, and last season Lander emerged as true duelist on the dot. You would have to think Lander’s faceoff development gave management the confidence to deal Boyd Gordon and free up some cap space. And while he became a leader on that regard he could certainly improve. Through 38 games last year Lander had a faceoff percentage of 50.1% based on an average of 15.01 minutes TOI. When we balance that number against other centres on the Oilers, he looks ok, almost halfway between Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (45.7%) and Boyd Gordon (55.9%). However Lander needs to keep his eye on Letestu who sports a very nice 52.9% for face-offs. Realistically, to maintain his pecking order, Lander will have to at least match a faceoff win percentage of 52 – 53%.

The importance of Lander’s faceoff percentage is likely linked not only to his ice-time, but his time on the PP where Lander netted almost half of his season total. Last year he saw a lot of duty on the #2 powerplay where he could win the faceoff and pull a Craig Simpson or two in front of the net with some ugly goals. If he isn’t able stay strong in the faceoff, not only will his ice time suffer, but the precious time he receives on the powerplay as well. So his focus on this aspect of the game is key.

The other elephant in the room is Lander’s skating, which most feel is labored and can use some work. Letestu by comparison is considered a strong skater, so Lander should be taking some direction from Oilers skating coach David Pelletier in the off-season. As far as I can observe, Lander gets to where he needs to be and survives with Hockey IQ and anticipation, but I’m not a hockey scout either.

But the one intangible that may just allow Lander to leverage a spot on the Oiler’s core is not a skill but definitely an asset, and that is his leadership abilities. Lander and a C on the crest have been a pairing for a good chunk of his hockey career. He was a captain of the Tre Kronos U-18 team in 2010 and for Sweden’s WJC U-20 team later that year. A few years later in 2013 he would earn the C for the Oilers affiliate in Oklahoma, and would keep the captaincy for two years until he was promoted to the Oilers in 2015, no easy task for a Euro player in North America. Do we see a pattern here? Lander is a leader and the Oilers have very few natural leaders in the core, or on the team.

So at the end of the day Lander can ensure his spot on the team, and ice time are consistent by simply shoring up his game. Make improvements on what he does well (faceoffs) as well as what he doesn’t (skating) and everything will fall into place. Draisaitl could emerge and challenge Lander for the no.3 spot but most feel he is a top six skater and will either shift to the wing or maybe get more seasoning in Bakersfield. As for Mark Letestu, he’s a useful addition for the Oilers, and should only be positive motivation for Lander.

Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, Prospects

The Russians are Coming!?

July 23, 2015 Lindsay Ryall 1 Comment

It was during the 2013 – 14 season when the Edmonton Oilers added Ilya Bryzgalov along with Denis Grebeshkov that an ever expressive Nail Yakupov was asked his thoughts on having some countrymen around.

“Yeah, it’s the Russian mafia,” Yakupov joked, and added his satisfaction in being able to communicate in his native language around the rink. Unfortunately for Nail, Bryzgalov and Grebeshkov weren’t destined to be Oilers for long. Grebeshkov was clearly outclassed and no longer an NHL player, while Bryzgalov looked for opportunities elsewhere.

Just a couple of years later, Yakupov still has one countryman to play Durak with on road trips, but low and behold there are several more on the horizon and the future Edmonton Oilers may someday have the highest Russian content this side of the Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals.

Who Likes Borscht on the Team Right Now?

Nail Yakupov: Yakupov still hasn’t found the consistency he needs to have as an NHL player, especially a former first overall draft pick. Nonetheless, he rebounded nicely when Dallas Eakins was fired and Todd Nelson took over. He also responded well when paired with Derek Roy, so even though he is teetering on the brink of being a bust, there is a strong belief that this will be the year Yakupov will establish himself with a solid 25 goal 50 point season. Yak has jam, a world class shot, and can deliver a serviceable check when needed. For the time being he will be an Oiler and have the opportunity to fulfill the promise of a number one overall pick.

Nikita Nikitin: Nikitin has arguably the biggest bullseye on his back affixed by Oiler’s fans and has been roundly criticized for indifferent and downright poor play. Amazingly he has survived the trade and buyout deadline and may very well be an Oiler come October. It is quite possible that the tandem of Mactavish and Howson still have some influence and have convinced Chiarelli that he has some value. In fairness, Nikitin does have some skills. He easily has the hardest shot on a team that is looking for a cannon from the blue line to help the powerplay. Nikitin is going into a contract year and that’s typically when most NHLers magically turn it around. Maybe he’ll be a reclamation project . . .

Young Guns on the Way

While there are two Russians currently on the team, the Oilers’ have two hopefuls in the development system that should make the team over the next two seasons, and will likely play in the top 9. They bring the requisite skill set you would expect from Russian trained hockey players, and also bring intangibles that cannot be taught, namely size.

Bogdan Yakimov: Standing 6’5″ and weighing in at 232 lbs., 20 year old Bogdan Yakimov doesn’t require any more time to fill out, in that respect he’s definitely arrived. But Yakimov is not just a big lug, he has hands and can skate. Yakimov also had a decent first year in pro with the OKC Barons with 28 points in 57 games, numbers he will doubtless build upon next year. In his first pro-year Yakimov also showed a keen willingness to learn, paired with a good work ethic, spending extra time with veterans and the coaching staff to learn different aspects on the North American game. In Russia such good behavior would earn the comment, “Mollodets” (translation: Good boy). Yakimov is still young and comparables are never 100% accurate, but forecasting him as a more rugged Victor Kozlov is a definite possibility. With respect to development, I would project him as an NHL player in two seasons.

Anton Slepyshev: Slepyshev has dazzled and teased the Oilers organization since he was drafted in the 2013 entry draft. The concern with Slepyshev was whether he would actually commit to playing in North America or instead continue playing in the KHL. However, any doubt about his commitment to the NHL was erased this year when Slepyshev signed an entry level deal with the Oilers. Slepyshev is not a physical monster, but no slouch either, checking in at 6’2 and 187 lbs and the kid can play. Not only does he play with all the skill you would expect of Russian skater, he’s also a gamer, playing his best in big games against the best competition. That’s what every organization wants. His first year at pro will be the litmus test on his potential, but he is definitely one of the most exciting young players in the system.

Danil Zharkov: Zharkov was pretty cocky when first drafted in the third round of the 2012 entry draft, 90 spots after Nail Yakupov. Zharkov was billed as a potential power forward, and scored 23 and 25 goals respectively in his last two seasons of major junior with the OHL’s Belleville Bulls. Unfortunately his development has not really progressed well since then and while he is playing in the KHL, he has not found much offensive production, scoring 5 points over 58 games in his career there so far. It doesn’t look like Danil’s NHL or pro dream is going to happen, but hey, he’s only 21 years old, stranger things can happen.

Potential Additions off the grid

Vladmir Tkachev: This diminutive offensive dynamo impressed all at the Oilers training camp last year (so much so that he was awarded a contract, that was eventually disallowed) but followed it up with a very lukewarm last year of junior in the QMJHL. When you weigh in at less than a 150lbs. and stand maybe 5’9″you had better be putting up some gaudy offensive numbers and Tkachev did not (33 points in 33 games with the Quebec Remparts last year). Nonetheless there may be a chance he is invited to camp again and has said in interviews he wants to join the Oilers and play with his countrymen already in the system. It’s a longshot right now but so was his surprise camp last year, so there’s still a possibility.

Evgeny Dadonov: Originally a third round pick of the Florida Panthers, Dadonov toiled for a short time in the AHL before bolting for bigger dollars and home cooking in the KHL. Dadonov has played three seasons in the K and had a nicely productive year in 2014 – 15 with 46 points in 53 games. Excellent numbers for that league. He also paced well in the playoffs, outscoring Ilya Kovalchuk with 20 points in 22 playoff games. Dadonov then capped his season with 11 points in 10 games for Russia at the World Championships and in my mind was their most consistent player in the tournament. The Oilers are deep at wing for now, but if there was a buyout for Purcell or a long term injury that needed to be addressed, he could be a splendid addition. At age 26 there wouldn’t be any seasoning required, but he would need to improve his defense, which reportedly needs work. Many of the goals he scored at the World Championships were world class and that’s where I would rate his talent. His rights are till held by the Panthers and I am somewhat surprised they haven’t tried to sign him, nonetheless he’s worth keeping an eye on. If he was made available, it shouldn’t take a lot to pry him out of the Panther’s organization.

How does the future look?

While it’s not likely that two years from now the Oilers will have anything approaching Detroit’s famed “Russian Five” of the 90’s, an all Russian line in the near future is a very real possibility with Big “Bo” Bogdan Yakimov at center and Slepyshev and Yakupov on the wings. As for any other additions, it’s too early to tell, and I can’t see Nikitin sticking around that long, but overall the team will soon have an increased Russian presence.

Armchair GM, Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL, Rumors

Will 2015 – 16 Mark the End Of Achey-Breaky Pitlick’s Injury Woes?

July 15, 2015 Lindsay Ryall

Not far down the laundry list of needs for the Edmonton Oilers, (just after defense and goaltending) lies the need of the team to play a heavy game. Along with the lack of heavy play, there has also been a shortage of toughness, of size, and at times a question mark of character.

One player that has often been suggested as a possible solution to this issue is 2010 second rounder, Tyler Pitlick. From his inaugural training camp the youngster established instant respect from not only his peers, but the seasoned vets on the team, for his most notable asset: the kid had a heavy game and was tough in the corners. Fast forward five seasons later, the Oilers are anxious to see the budding power forward bloom, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Instead Pitlick has been hit with a barrage of injuries, ranging from the standard ankle injury in his last year of junior with the Medicine Hat Tigers, to a ruptured spleen in one of a handful of games he played in last year with the Oilers. The steady stream of injuries begs an obvious question:is Pitlick injury prone, or,has he just had bad luck?

In fairness, Pitlick is not the first young Oiler forward to lose significant time to injury. Taylor Hall lost an average of 17 games in his first two seasons. Ryan Nugent Hopkins missed 18 games in his first season and eventually underwent shoulder surgery, while Jordan Eberle lost some time to a hand injury. But while these injuries were unfortunate, they should have been expected. Hall, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle were playing top minutes in their teen years, ( or close to it) against big time NHL forwards, and suffered upper body injuries as a result.

Is He Just Too Fragile?

Pitlick’s situation has been different. His injuries have been all over the place. Reviewing his setbacks we have an ankle in 2010, a knee injury in 2013, and the spleen injury in the 2014 – 15 season. The spleen has to be considered a fluke. The knee and ankle injury? Two different injuries in areas where you would expect a hockey player to get injured. So is he really injury prone, or just needing to physically mature like a lot of young players? I would suggest more of the latter than the former and further suggest the 2015 – 16 season could be Pitlick’s time to shine.

This year’s Anton Lander?

Pitlick goes into this year with a lot of competition on the team. On the right side we have Eberle, Yakupov, and Purcell. New additions like Lauri Korpikoski give depth and there is no question the competition to fill any spot will be a challenge. Add to that Leon Draisiatl will push to make the squad and may try the wing to do it, so it will be tight for Pitlick. Nonetheless Pitlick has an intangible that no other player on the team has. He can physically punish in the corner and make a play. Hendricks tries his best but while listed at 6’0 200lbs., his real height is said to be closer to 5’10”. Pitlick is 6’2″ and could easily crack the 200lb. barrier this season. If he comes to camp and plays like a bull in a china shop,turns heads, and doesn’t get hurt, the Oilers would be crazy not to keep him with the big club.

Even better, if Pitlick and Draisaitl play lights out, start the season, and force Chiarelli to trade Purcell because he’s spending too many nights sitting in the pressbox drinking hot chocolates (because coffee is too strong for that guy), that would be ideal.

One option of gauging Pitlick’s potential long-term durability would be to look at his bloodlines and examine the pro-career of his uncle Lance who toiled for years as a journeyman defenseman in the NHL. Researching Lance’s career, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of reference to fragility. He didn’t play 80 games every season, but that may very well have to do with the fact that he wasn’t an impact player and couldn’t make the roster every night. So if we can make a historical reference, the junior Pitlick may follow a similar path with respect to durability, once he matures.

At any rate, Pitlick should be given every opportunity to prove his worth to the team this fall, and the Oiler’s need him to. There’s no question that the Oilers have oodles of offence in the top six, but you don’t win in today’s western conference without defense, goaltending, and a heavy game. And with respect to a heavy game, the Oilers are at a huge deficit. If Pitlick can go into camp and stay healthy, and continue to do what he does best, the Oilers will take a big step in correcting that deficit, and quite possibly salvage another high draft pick while they’re at it.

Lindsay Ryall, NHL

No Rush to Crown Blackhawks a Dynasty

June 26, 2015 Lindsay Ryall

When it comes to major hockey moments a bit of time to gain perspective is often required. So it was a little surprising to hear a unanimous rush to grant the 2014 – 15 Chicago Blackhawks the elite status of dynasty, a term afforded to only 9 teams (six franchises) over 95 years in the NHL’s lengthy history. To be clear what makes a dynasty, definition can be drawn from the small number of teams recognized as such by the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Based on the franchises that have been awarded this lofty status there are a few standout criteria items.

-Need to have one two cups back to back over the dynastic period.

-Must have won a minimum of four Stanley cups.

-Clearly have dominated other opposition during their period of greatness.

When matching this criteria to Chicago Blackhawks that one it’s first cup in 2009, the windy city franchise clearly does not match up. They haven’t won back to back cups, they haven’t won four Stanley cups, and they really haven’t been the clear dominant franchise during their dynastic period. So why is media, NHL executives and hordes of fans rushing to declare them a dynasty? The reasons have less to do with facts and more to do with marketing and a desire by all to feel they are watching hockey that is truly special.

Gary Bettman Says So . . .

When the cup was awarded, the NHL Hockey boss said he believed the Chicago Blackhawks were a dynasty and took advantage of one of those rare moments when he wasn’t showered with boos. It must have made Gary feel warm and fuzzy to be the good guy on this occasion, however, that good feeling was likely a far distance from his true motivation. Bettman’s real motive, the one he holds near near and dear to his heart, is selling the sport of hockey in the U,S, and making as much money for the league and himself in the process.. Chicago is one of the top markets in the US and while he doesn’t need to sell hard to this storied franchise, it doesn’t hurt. Additionally, while the spot light was in Chicago all the U.S. could bask in the afterglow. Do you think that may help sell some tickets? It certainly wouldn’t hurt.

The issue I have with Bettman’s statement is that I don’t believe he is equipped to make any blanket statements with respect to the sacred sport of hockey. I honestly believe if he was hooked to a lie detector and and asked to recount his top ten hockey memories he might get to 7 before machine went beserk as he went into the fabrication zone. So to believe Bettman’s cheerleading legitimizes a Blackhawk dynasty is pure folly.

What About The Media?

Somewhat surprisingly the hockey media generally rushed to support the notion that Chicago should be crowned a dynasty. Even established vets like Bob Mckenzie agreed that the cup victory legitimized a new dynasty. The real question that needs to be asked is why? Especially when the Hawks’ victory totals clearly did not stack up to any previous dynasties. The straight answer to that is the media was really just doing it’s job and spinning the most interesting angle following the Stanley cup victory. To some degree that perspective of the media can be appreciated albeit the claim remains inaccurate. Especially when you couple the media’s natural drive for the biggest story out there with a push for something to make our hockey time that much more significant. This push isn’t new. As long ago as 2000 the HHOF had been feeling pressure to recognize something truly elite comparable to other great hockey eras. Elite players have arrived but no real elite teams, at least no dynasties.

But They Did It Under The Salary Cap so . . .

A very valid point all those who support the Hawks’ claim to dynasty status is that the salary cap that has been in place since 2005 – 06 has made it all but impossible to assemble a four cup team, so a three cup one spread out over five years should suffice. But is that really the biggest obstacle to another dynasty team? As challenging as the cap is the continuing influx of teams over the past 20 years that have diluted the talent available as well as competition from other leagues for high level players have sapped the talent pool.

Based on that ongoing challenge, a team like the Detroit Red Wings of the mid to late 90’s that won three cups over five years should have received equal consideration for dynasty status, but never did. The reason the push is on now has less to do with the Blackhawks actually being a dynasty and more to do with all parties associated with the NHL wanting something that special to happen during their time watching hockey. As for Blackhawks actually being a dynasty there is one last significant reason that disqualifies them: During their ostensibly dynastic period they did not dominate from start to finish.

When you look at past dynasties, specifically ones like the 1920’s Senators or 1950’s Detroit Red Wings that did not win their cups consecutively, they were still clearly the dominant team of their dynastic period. The Chicago Blackhawks by comparison only have one more cup than dynasty rival, the Los Angeles Kings. Indeed, if the Kings were to somehow rebound next year they would have won as many cups as Chicago and would also incorrectly challenge for dynasty status. So would that be realistic? No, it would all be high level wishful thinking.

Now, what if the Blackhawks were to pull off yet one more win in the 2015 – 2016 season? Would that be enough to do it? Well, actually I would have to say yes. They would have won four cups over a relatively short period of time including back to back wins and would clearly have been the best team during their dynastic period. So until that happens, lets not rush to make any excessive claims of grandeur but simply label the Blackhawks for what they are: an excellent team of their era comparable to the Detroit Red Wings or Colorado Avalanche of the 90’s. But are they a dynasty? Not quite yet.

Thanks for reading but before you go, head on over to the Beer League Heroes T-Shirt Shop and pick yourself up something nice to represent your love for the Edmonton Oilers and The Beer League Heroes! Every dollar received helps keep this dream alive! Thanksand Happy McDavid Day!!!

-BLH

Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL, Prospects

Making a case for David Musil

June 18, 2015 Lindsay Ryall

Reflecting on the Oiler’s 2nd Pick in 2011

As the most anticipated NHL draft in Edmonton Oilers’ history rapidly approaches, a quiet subplot looms in the background. Connor Mcdavid is surely a slam dunk for the number one pick and eventual generational talent, however, the concern remains: will there be any gems in rounds two through five, the ones every team needs to build a Stanley cup winner?

The 2011 draft is one that has drawn the critical eye of Oiler fans when in the second round, future impact NHL talents Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad, were passed over by the Oilers scouting staff in favor of a stay at home defenseman with the Vancouver Giants, David Musil.

To this point David Musil has played limited games in the NHL (two, to be exact) and questions about his lack of foot speed continue to dog him. Despite his detractors, there are enough positives to support the belief he may develop into the physical defensively sound rearguard the Oilers sorely need.

Of course you can’t argue there were better players taken after Musil, but as far as defenseman taken in rounds two and after, his development is more than comparable. Keep in mind, if Musil does succeed in making it as a pro, an ideal stay at home defenseman doesn’t get a lot of attention with his play. If you don’t notice him, it means he’s done his job.

And as far as progression goes, Musil’s has been steady. He followed up a strong final year in junior with the Edmonton Oil Kings (7-16-23 points in 48 games) with an . . . okay first year at pro in 2013-14 (2 – 10 – 12 and -2 in 54 games). And last year had a very solid season, posting 11 points in 65 games with the OKC Barons as well as improving his plus minus 12 points to plus 2.

But it was when Musil was given a cup of coffee with the big club at the end of last season that some eyebrows were raised. Not by Musil’s flashy play, but with his steady confidence in the limited minutes he received, as well as showing the ability to do something the majority of Oiler defenseman seem unable or unwilling to do: physically stop the cycle of opposing forwards.

As for his much maligned skating ability, I didn’t notice him lagging that far behind in the two NHL games he played. However, most agree it will be an area that requires improvement. I’m not an NHL scout, so they’re probably right. But the good news is that in today’s advanced athletics he can improve upon his footspeed, he just has to be willing to work on it.

It’s in the genes

Frank Musil (left) David Musil (Oilers/NHL.com)

And on that end, Musil’s bloodlines indicate he has the character and work ethic to overcome this limitation. Not only is there father Frank Musil who toiled 13 seasons as a journeyman NHL defenceman, but also Uncle Bobby Holik who had a lengthy NHL career being one of the first euro-power forwards. None of David’s relatives were known for their flash, but were hard-working physical pro hockey players, which Musil is on pace to be.

But if there were better forwards passed over in the second round, was there a slam dunk better defenceman available? The quick answer to that question is, not really. The criteria for a significantly better D-man pick would be one chosen in the second round or later of the 2011 draft, and who has played at least one full season, or 80 games. At this point, no one really stands out significantly.

The most advanced D-man pick from the 2011 draft picked outside of the first round I could find would be Nikita Nesterov (fifth round pick in 2011) of the Tampa Bay Lighting, who has played 27 regular season games and 17 in the post-season in 2015 and will likely be promoted to full-time duty next season. But he’s sub-200 lbs, and not likely what the Oilers need in terms of physicality.

Conversely, Musil is 6’3, 204 lbs., and has the physical tools he needs to be an effective NHL defenseman . . . as long as he can improve his skating. Look for him to get a longer look this year, and after one more year of seasoning in the minors, a roster spot.

Several years after the 2011 draft, rumors persist that Musil Junior indeed wasn’t the Oilers scouts’ choice in the 2nd round of the 2011 daft, and that they favored Boone Jenner. However, then GM Steve Tambellini apparently insisted on drafting a defenseman and here we are. Four years later the Oilers are still in desperate need of physical defensemen, and while Musil is taking his time getting to the NHL, he should be just what the Oilers need when he gets there.

Check out the the new t-shirts over at the Beer League Heroes t-shirt shop! Pick one up now as they’re only available for a limited time.