Tag Archives: Ben Scrivens

Beer League Hero, Breaking News, Edmonton Oilers

Hall of Shame: Scrivens’ Comments Translated

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scrivens

I was really excited today because the Heritage Classic rosters were being released and the possibility of a new Oilers jersey as well but it wasn’t to be, instead today’s focus is on two former Edmonton Oilers… Crikey man, it’s almost daily where I wake up over here and there’s some more bullshizzle going on regarding the Oilers on Twitter. But this one today could very well be the stake to the heart of the Hall-ogists. Let’s move on with the satire…

It was hard and I had to find an English translator in the middle of the night to get it done but I have translated the comments Ben Scrivens made about the Klefbom/Hall incident. Let’s break it down.

“He would know pretty well,”

Okay, right here we’ve got Ben saying Klefbom know’s someone named “Pretty Well” or that Oscar would know if and when Hall played his best because…

“he played with him for a while,”

Now, this is pretty cryptic and I had a hard time finding a true translation for it but I reckon it’s pointing to the “fact” that Klefbom and Hall were teammates for three years. I could be wrong, English is a finicky language.

“and I can’t say he’s wrong.”

Well this is where we get into the business end. I’ll be honest though, was he talking about Hall being the team’s best player or Hall not giving his best against the harder teams? I guess we’ll never truly know because of the language barrier.

We’ll have to wait until he can get back overseas and speak OUR language, that way we’ll know for sure if something was or wasn’t lost in translation.

Until then… We wait for the Oilers PR guy to call Scrivens in Russia and do what he can to twist the former netminder’s arm into issuing a follow-up interview to clarify what he “really” meant.

If you’re angry after reading that, you should be. If you found it funny, mission accomplished on my part. If you’re sad because everyone is shitting on Taylor Hall these days, maybe consider that these rumors are starting to set in stone.

This is the 2nd time Scrivens has commented on Hall in the last 30 days.

Now before you get all over Ben Scrivens and lambaste the guy for agreeing with Klefbom. This guy is an asshole like PK Subban was an asshole in Montreal. Case in point:

Scrivens was a team-first player in Edmonton. He probably sealed his fate with Hall when he agreed to join Team Ference in the locker room though. But he did things like:

Would’ve been nice to see one of the Oilers young “leaders” throw that jersey back into the crowd.

He also did things like this:

You might still say that for a guy who was buried in the minors due to poor performance (probably would be a good idea to take a look at the team in front of him during his tenure) and finally ended up in the KHL, he shouldn’t say anything at all or that his opinion holds no water… But you’re wrong, in fact it holds more water. Why?

Because he was in the dressing room…

Maybe, just maybe, Hall had an absolute shit attitude in the locker-room. Maybe his teammates respected the HELL out of his on-ice talent but grew tired of his off-ice attitude. Maybe he thought that what was working for him when Renney, Eakins, Nelson, Quinn, and MacTavish were coaches, would work with McLellan and Chiarelli… Ouch!

If you’ve played hockey at any level, you’ve probably played with a guy/girl that was so good but your personality clashed with theirs. Not anybody’s problem really unless it impacts the rest of the team in a negative fashion. The kicker is, if the team is one that is a perennial loser and said player still harbours that same attitude and behaviour, the novelty runs out fast. It starts looking very selfish and the rest of the team resents it.

I think we can all agree the lack of success is not to be laid at Hall’s feet solely but yet he should be held responsible to a certain extent. Being the best player on the team and a guy with a letter on his chest, means being consistent on the ice in terms of effort and production and that’s not just in the eyes of the stats men in the stands and the fans. It means, most importantly, you’ve got the backing of your teammates no matter what. Not just a few that are the same age as your or want to ride your coattails either, All of them!

If you’re still wondering why he never made Team Canada for a meaningful tournament or was never named captain of the Oilers… You might very well take that mystery to your grave.

Unfortunately for Hall, he never had that in Edmonton. Tough break kid! Hopefully he gets his ducks in a row in New Jersey.

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Edmonton Oilers, Fancy Stats, NHL, Trades, Walter Foddis

Analytics of a Trade: Zack Kassian

The latest trade rumour became reality: This morning, the Edmonton Oilers traded goalie, Ben Scrivens, for Montreal Canadiens’ forward, Zack Kassian. Due to a strong training camp by Anders Nilsson, Scrivens had been demoted to the Oilers’ AHL-affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. Zack Kassian has a checkered history, which includes on-ice antics, such as his slew foot on Eberle (Nov. 1, 2014), and a recent rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.

Quoting Wikipedia: “On October 4th, 2015, Kassian was involved in an accident on a non practice day, suffering a broken nose and fractured left foot. Kassian was not the driver of the car, however he was under the influence, which resulted in him being suspended without pay and sent to the NHL’s substance abuse program.

On December 15, 2015, after successfully completing the substance abuse program, the NHL announced Kassian’s return from suspension. However, only a few hours after the announcement, the Canadiens put him on waivers.”

That’s the downside of Kassian. On the upside, he is in prime at 24 years of age. Although his overall production isn’t spectacular–35 goals & 31 assists in 198 NHL games–more refined analysis of his even-strength performance suggests he has a strong scoring touch. The following two charts show his production, possession, and passing metrics.

 

Glossary for Passing Metrics

The HERO chart, which teases apart his production and possession metrics, suggests that on both metrics that he is a solid bottom-6 forward. What stands out, of course, is his goal-scoring rate, which is comparable to top-line forwards. His even-strength career scoring rate (i.e., shooting%) is 13.5%, which is above average even for a top-6 forward.

What about the influence of playing with Henrik and Daniel Sedin while playing in Vancouver? At even-strength, 10 of his 35 goals were scored with the Sedins in which he scored at an unsustainable rate of 22%. Without the Sedins, his career scoring rate is a more plausible 11.7%, which is still high-end for a bottom-6 forward.

However, if we look at his passing metrics (2nd graph), we see that he does not contribute all that much to offense. His Corsi (i.e., shot attempt) Contributions are on the low side, quite low in fact. Even accounting for time-on-ice by using ‘per 60 minute’ breakdowns, he’s not doing a lot to generate offense. But at the same time, if we look to the right of the graph and note his contributions to scoring chances, he looks very good; way above average. He doesn’t do a lot, but when he does, he’s heavy on quality chances.

One way to look at Kassian’s passing and shooting is that he favours quality over quantity. For a bottom-6 forward, I find it hard to complain about that. The more scoring depth for the Oilers, the better. Relative to the Oilers current bottom-6, Kassian is a definite upgrade. Moreover, as to the struggling power-play, I would definitely prefer seeing Kassian than Korpikoski.

Even if this trade doesn’t pan out, I don’t think the Oilers lose in this trade. But if he does become a strong possession and producing depth forward, then he is another valuable piece to the puzzle.

What are your thoughts on Kassian? I was skeptical given his history, but his metrics suggest this could be a good find for Chiarelli.

Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL

Oilers/Habs Swap problems While Looking for Solutions

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Following the Oiler’s recent road loss to the Calgary Flames, the Edmonton Oiler’s Peter Chiarelli pulled the trigger on a deal that had been rumoured for a few days, trading former number one goalie, Ben Scrivens for heavyweight agitator Zack Kassian, who was playing with the Montreal Canadians AHL affiliate.
From an Oiler’s perspective, the trade will not offer any cap-relief (Edmonton is retaining some of Scriven’s salary according to Jonathan Willis) but the reasons for the trade are for more than just saving a few bucks.

Will Kassian Make the Oilers Tougher?

Kassian does have potential.  In spite of his personal challenges, he was a top 15 first rounder (13th overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft) and at 6’3 217lbs, can play the agitator role to a tee, because he can stir up crap and has the physical ability to clean up the mess he creates.  He also has a decent touch around the net for a skater of his type, and  was a point per game player with the OHL Peterborough Petes in his draft year, made Canada’s World Junior squad in 2010, and has shown he can contribute at the NHL level.  So what is it about this deal that makes you want to take a shower?

The most obvious issue is that Kassian has had substance abuse issues that could flare up, or worse, negatively influence a youthful lineup.

But let’s be honest, Chiarelli has traded for a player that Oiler fans relish in detesting.  Hating Kassian because he purposely injured Sam Gagner (career has never been the same since) and taunted that player about it afterwards.  That sort of behaviour goes to character, and it remains an area of concern.

Another consideration is how it will affect the current lineup.  You would have to think current enforcer Luke Gazdic has a target on his back and his time in the lineup will be affected by how hard he is pushed by Kassian in the minors.  If Kassian proves he has recovered, Gazdic’s days are numbered, which is what it is, but Gazdic is an honest player and respected teammate.

Eetu Laurikainen

Maintaining Player Development

As for Ben Scrivens, an opportunity to repeat history is presenting itself.  Will he be able to follow in Devan Dubnyk’s footsteps and re-invent himself?  My observation is he’s a career back-up, and we should all wish him the best in making the most of that opportunity.  In trading Scrivens the Oilers are rightly adjusting to an AHL goalie tandem that will focus on development as talented Finnish netminder Etu Laurikainen has been recalled from the Finnish Elite league, and will continue to hone his craft in the AHL.

 

But getting back to Kassian, will he make the most of his opportunity? He has the ability.  If all the cards were played correctly he could see time with former WJC teammate Taylor Hall.  Or, if he doesn’t sort himself out, spends time in the pressbox, he likely won’t get re-signed in the summer.  From a pure asset exchange, it’s a low risk trade.  There’s no question the Oilers need a tough guy who can play in the top 9, and Kassian has that ability.  At this point it could go either way, and while Chiarelli, has not given up a lot for Kassian, his reputation in judging character and the player are the highest risk.

NHL

BLH Edmonton Oilers Weekly Recap December 20th-26th

15 Oct 2015: Edmonton Oilers Goalie Cam Talbot (33) [7933] during pre game warm ups and playing his first home game against the St. Louis Blues at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Photo Credit: Chris LaFrance
I

n this holiday edition of the Beerleagueheroes.com weekly recap, our Edmonton Oilers had only two games on the docket where they finished 1-0-1 with a win over Winnipeg and an overtime loss against Vancouver.

However, don’t let the record fool you: The Edmonton Oilers did not play great hockey in those two games, especially last night where it was a stinker. Last night’s game in particular was a lifeless effort where they played a solid first period and forgot there was a game going on.

Edmonton Oilers Three Stars: 

3. Teddy Purcell: Right now, he’s the best Right Wing on the Edmonton Oilers. Against Winnipeg, he tallied two goals with help from Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl. The one goal included was an awesome one timer. He’s a much better player compared to last year and there’s not many people who are complaining about his play. If it were me who was General Manager, I’d keep Purcell. I said it last year too: I actually like Teddy Purcell. I think he’s playing well enough for a short term contract (2 years, 2.5-3 million per) but that’s just me spit balling.

2. Taylor Hall: The best Edmonton Oiler makes another appearance in the top three list for the week, almost like he’s a permanent fixture for this weekly list. Against Winnipeg, Hall had three helpers. Ho hum. Against Vancouver he was held pointless but he was the most dangerous Edmonton Oiler out there: every time he touched the puck he was creating chances and was the driver of his line. He’s a dangerous forward, which is not a shocker to fans in Edmonton.

1. Cam Talbot: Taking the top spot this week is Cam Talbot who went 1-0-1 this week and was the MVP for the Oilers and the main reason why they got points. Talbot faced 69 shots in those two games combined, including a career high 45 against Winnipeg, and stopped 66 of those shots. While the overtime goal is probably one he would like back, he is rocking a combined save percentage of 0.956. Which is great. I see Talbot slowly moving towards taking the starting goaltender spot, although I doubt he plays tonight against Calgary (back to back games)

Edmonton Oilers Trade Rumours: 

There was an interesting Rumour that has some major smoke to it:

Zack Kassian to Edmonton for Ben Scrivens.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/680948402880929792

We had a post breaking down the potential rumor right here which is definitely worth a read.

However, since that post, there have been some updates such as goaltender Eetu Laurikainen coming back from Europe to rejoin the Condors. Signalling the end of Ben Scrivens with the Edmonton Oilers organization, considering he was held out of last night’s game against Stockton.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/681171047945654272

I went from “oh HELL NO” to “I’ll consider it” in less than a day. Kassian is a crazy player. Nobody will ever forget the time he taunted Sam Gagner when Kassian broke Gagner’s jaw. He’s despised by Oilers fans since then. He has his demons; he recently completed a stint in rehab.

Now there is a trade freeze that lifts at midnight (or 10 pm EST), so it’ll be interesting to see if it happens.

Another piece of news from the Edmonton Sun has Connor McDavid returning after the All Star Break. Which is too bad, because I miss watching 97 on the ice. Still, better safe than sorry.

Around the League/Hockey World

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect William Nylander left yesterday’s game against the Swiss after a nasty hit to the head. 

Canada dropped their first game against the USA, 4-2.

Edmonton Oil King Defenceman, Dysin Mayo, signed his Entry Level Contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

Jets lose Mark Scheifele in a weird practice accident where he suffered a concussion.

The Montreal Canadiens have dropped 10 of their last 11.  

 

Highlights

Connor McDavid was featured in TSN’s top ten stories of the 2015 sporting year. He was number three.

 

This heartwarming video is making rounds: A sailor surprises his daughters with a visit on center ice at Tampa Bay

 

Kopitar scored a nice Overtime winner against Arizona last night

 

The Week Ahead

The Oilers have four games this week and it looks like a hell week.

They face The Flames in Calgary tonight.

They kick a six game homestead against the LA Kings on Tuesday, followed by Anaheim on Thursday and Arizona in an afternoon game on Saturday.

That’s all for the week that was. Hopefully we see a trade happen! Follow me on Twitter and have a solid week.

 

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

BLH Post Gamer G36 Oilers VS Canucks: Bloody Hansen

Jultz’s good games to bad games ratio is at least 1-10. He was pushed around again vs the Canucks. Photo courtesy of Jeff Vinnick.

The Oilers should’ve had this one tonight. The Canucks were without Dan Hamhuis, Chris Tanev, Ryan Miller, and Alex Burrows. Not only that but there was something going on with Henrik Sedin all night as he wouldn’t sit on the bench and was constantly standing between shifts. Edmonton’s only excuse was a lack of concentration. I heard turkey legs a couple of times during the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast but come on, these are professional hockey players not bar stool heroes.

I’d say the game was fairly close with each team really only having one line really buzzing. The Horvat line for the Canucks was constantly causing issues for Edmonton and Letestu’s line for the Oilers was giving the Canucks fits. Hall and Draisaitl showed glimples as did the Sedins but ultimately neither groups dominated wholly.

Coach McLellan said that he thought there were about five or six players that pulling the team down anchor-wise in tonights post-game interviews. Yikes! Let’s take a guess as to who those players where…

  • Nikitin
  • RNH
  • Eberle
  • Pouliot
  • Fayne
  • Schultz*

It’s days like these when you left wondering where the hell the likes of Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Benny Pouliot were. Nikitin was playing like absolute dog shit. Is the team in such dire straits that he is still an option? Seeing Mark Fayne get walked by Bo Horvat left my side in a stitch too. Justin Schultz had a mind-boggling 27 minutes on the ice. Has he got friends in high places or what? I mean how is his play this season let alone the past three seasons warranting so much ice time?

Where the response was when Cam Talbot got smoked by Adam Cracknell? Check it out below.

The flames of the rumors of Kassian to the Oilers were fanned that much more when Elliotte Friedman commented on the rumor during the 2nd intermission. I for one welcome the likes of a rehabilitated Zack Kassian to an Oilers roster that lacks unpredictability and toughness and I touched on it here. Surely he’d have found someone to tune in on the Canucks just to send the message that running the goalie is a regrettable path to take.

I find Luke Gazdic to be the nicest tough guy in the league and the lesser of the two regarding talent. Kassian is signed for the rest of the year at $2M (AAV $1.75M) and at that price point and given Chiarelli’s interest in him when he was with the Bruins, he looks like he could be a fit for the team. If Ben Scrivens (I’ve heard he’s in Edmonton right now awaiting the lifting of the roster freeze) is the rumored return, the Oilers would save a little cash as well. Elliotte Friedman talks about it in the clip below (skip to the 2:30 mark).

They touch on trading RNH again… Look, it’s my opinion that you cannot deal the Nuge unless you’re getting a significant piece in return AND a serviceable veteran center. Or you have another deal lined up to get said center. You cannot leave the no.1 and no.2 center positions at the feet of two players that have yet to hit 21 years old. Yes, the Oilers need defence but Chiarelli mustn’t deal his best defensive forward until he knows what he has in McDavid and Draisaitl.

But in knowing that, you can never say never. The Nordiques had Lindros, Sundin, and Nolan at one point and dealt them all. The way things are going for Nuge and Yak, I can def. see them moving on at some point as well. Later rather than sooner though.

Next up… The Flames. The Oilers HAVE to win this. If they drop another two points I think it’ll be tough for them to stay in the race for that final playoff spot because it’s LA and Anaheim after Calgary. I know McDavid will be back soon and so will Klefbom and Yakupov but they’re not going to be 100% for another couple weeks. Ideally they should be able to step into the lineup and contribute not be the focal point of the team’s success or lack thereof.

BLH

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