November 4, 2021 /

Edmonton Oilers Talk: Hyman Struggling at 5×5 and What to Make of Benson/Perlini So Far?

This is your TL/DR (too long, didn’t read) summary post where excerpts are taken from the best of the best when it comes to Edmonton Oilers blogs. BLH gives you his two cents on the latest posts being published in the Oilogosphere! Including those from Lowetide.ca, The Athletic, Oilersnation, The Cult of Hockey, Copper N Blue, Oil on Whyte, and more!

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Lowetide.ca

  • The addition of Zach Hyman to the Edmonton Oilers roster was obvious early, and his boxcars (6-2-8 in eight games) early in 2021-22 are outstanding. Hyman’s five on five totals are less impressive (1.17pts/60), but it’s a small sample size and things change.
  • There’s no reason to be concerned and there’s no reason to believe Hyman will score about 10 goals per hour on the power play. An increase in five on five points-60, and a little better shot share might be expected. 

BLH’s Thoughts: So this is why we don’t take too many stats seriously this early in the year. One or two good games can skew them in a massive way and send the wrong message. 

I’m curious what his net drives/60 are or successful stick checks/60 are. It’d be nice to see somebody post the metrics surrounding how well he does in puck battles along the wall. Lets dig into the guts of what makes this player as good as he is and just how special a talent the Oilers have here. 

The Edmonton Sun

OILERS NOTES: Even Calgary Flames appreciated what Kevin Lowe brought to table
  • “It’s very important to recognize accomplishments, but it’s also important to measure character and integrity and longevity. I would have loved to have had Kevin on my team,” said the tough customer Jim Peplinski, part of the Battle of Alberta for 10 years and 80 games as one of the Calgary Flames forwards.
  • Oilers goalie Mike Smith hasn’t yet come off injured reserve, two weeks after hurting his leg in a goalmouth scrum against Anaheim. “He’s skating, he’s really close. I’d say he is in the day-to-day mode. He felt like he needed a couple more practices and we’re hoping he’s an option for Friday,” said Tippett
  • The Oilers fourth line remains very much in flux. Tyler Benson who got a two-game audition on left-wing, was scratched for Brendan Perlini. Benson, who worked hard but hasn’t clearly hasn’t won over Tippett, has played two games, same as forward Colton Sceviour.

BLH’s Thoughts: From the eye, I don’t think Perlini or Benson are costing the Oilers goals when they’re on the ice but the fancies are telling us the opposite. The problem is we have to consider how much ice time these players get on Edmonton’s fourth line because the stats look ridiculous and Perlini/Benson haven’t played enough to take the metrics seriously.

Benson’s GF% rel: -10.00
Perlini’s GF% rel: -3.26

The preseason concerns with each player (Benson’s skating and Perlini’s hockey IQ) haven’t really improved from game one to now. Add to that neither player is going to the right areas on the ice to score. It’s as simple as that. They’re getting involved in the muck to an extent but I don’t see them getting to the soft areas for a shot on goal nor are they making their presence known net front. Maybe having Derek Ryan center them for a game or two will help if coach Tippett decides to move him down a line for a spell.

That said, they’re both in Nygard/Haas territory since they don’t contribute to special teams and I’m betting that one or both will be playing on a different hockey club sooner than later, be that an AHL squad or otherwise. 

The Daily Goal Horn

  • According to Kevin Weekes’ the Flames offer for Jack Eichel consists of Matthew Tkachuk, an upcoming first round selection, a former first, and two prospects.
  • Flames head coach, Darryl Sutter was asked about the Jack Eichel trade rumors involving Calgary today. “I wasn’t aware of that,” he said. “That’s just a media thing, to be quite honest. He’s an inactive, active player.”
  • Regarding the trade, there’s been more talk surrounding the Vegas Golden Knights being close to making a deal than anyone else. Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, he says Vegas has made an offer and that it’s up to the Sabres to either accept it or counter.

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CategoriesArmchair GM Beer League Hero Edmonton Oilers NHL Rumors

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Beer League Hero Written by:

I'm the Beer League Hero! I am from Camrose, Alberta but I make my home in Taipei City, Taiwan. I've been through the ups and downs and the highs and the Lowes, the Bonsignores and the McDavids, the Sathers and the Eakins but I'll never leave my Oilers, no matter what! They're with me until the end and then some. GO OILERS GO!