Tag Archives: Dylan Larkin

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

Larkin Going to the Oilers?

By today’s standards this is old news but my good buddy Sean Patrick Ryan from theoilnight.ca posted an article yesterday about the Oilers adding Dylan Larkin’s brother, Colin, the 2017 NEHC Player of the Year. 

I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know that Colin Larkin was on the Oilers radar but we do know how much Chiarelli loves his Massachusetts prospects. Larkin was also the ECAC East Rookie of the year in 2015

UMass Boston is a Div III (there is no Div II) team and the more notable prospects that have came out of the NCAA’s 2nd tier are Todd Krygier, Alex Hicks, and Keith Aucoin, Most of the D3’s best players top out in the ECHL at best or make it to Europe’s second or third divisions.

Peter Chiarelli said he was looking to add speed at his most recent avail and Larkin brings it. In fact, it’s Colin Larkin’s calling card just as it is his younger brother Dylan’s. Skating.

I love the idea of adding a college kid with mad speed out of the NCAA. Chiarelli is obviously following the model he used in Boston to build up part of the roster you see today and a similar model that the Penguins employ.

The difference being, Chiarelli still believes in size and Larkin is 6’3″ and 192 lbs. Basically Zack Kassian’s size. I wonder if a comparison to Viktor Stalberg would be a good one to make here.

But, if you can’t tell, there’s a hint of skepticism I’m feeling.

Colin Larkin has been playing, and dominating, in a league that’s a tad inferior and on the best team. My question is, why didn’t he commit to a team in Div I? or why didn’t a Div I team come calling given his obvious talents?

Larkin self-admits that his developmental path trended up a bit slower than his little brother’s in an article here.

“My development was way different. He was always a top player in the state of Michigan growing up in Triple A. He was always good, while I was a late bloomer and was a bit slower in my development. Then when he made the jump to the US National development program, Our paths have been so different, and i’m so excited for him. He just gets better, and better, and better every year.”

So are we looking at big player who can skate like the wind but there’s no guarantee that the other skills will translate at the AHL level let alone the NHL one.

 

That being said, the Bakersfield Condors are going to go through a massive turnover this summer with as few as 6 forwards leaving via free agency (Gust, Hamilton, O’Brien, Polei, Loney, plus any of the RFAs the Oilers will walk away from)  and adding Larkin, Tyler Benson, Ostap Safin (possibly), Tyler Vesel (IF he signs with the Oilers), and Cameron Hebig.

Not to take anything away from Colin Larkin but I don’t expect to see him in an Oilers uniform apart from the prospects tourney in the summer. Best case scenario, he’s a solid producer at the AHL level and a player who could be relied upon to contribute as a 4th line checker at the NHL level.

Fun fact #1: UMass Boston’s goalie is none other than Ron Hextall’s son, Jeff!

Fun Fact #2: Colin Larkin was coached in the NAHL by Moe Mantha… That’s right, Oilers prospect and current Bakersfield Condor Ryan Mantha’s uncle.

#Confirmed

Thoughts? Please leave your comments below!

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Edmonton Oilers, International, Michael Sifeldeen, NHL

McJesus and the World Cup Promised Land

2 Comments

 

(I’ve got a copy of The Hockey News’ World Cup preview magazine in front of me as I write this, so if you’ve got a problem with any of the stats I’m quoting, take it up with them.) Ok, perfect. While the hockey world tries to figure out if they give a shit or not about the World Cup of Hockey, I’m sitting here looking at the rosters and immediately coming to the conclusion that Team North America is the team to beat, and then also seeing quickly after that no one who matters agrees with me. So, now, I’m going to go over a few key World Cup facts and figures here, and inject a healthy dose of bias and starry-eyed opinionated commentary to try and pull you firmly onto the Team NA bandwagon with me. Many of our more naysaying readers may be saying nay right now to Team North America’s chances of winning this tournament, and I’m going tell them, in as many words, why they’re dead wrong. Ready? Let’s do it.

Team NA is not significantly smaller or lighter than the other teams

Here are the average heights and weights of all the teams competing in this tournament:

Canada: 6’2″, 207lbs
Sweden: 6’1″, 200lbs
Finland: 6’1″, 199lbs
USA: 6’2″, 210lbs (Jesus Christ, get out of here, Byfuglien, you’re screwing up the metrics)
Russia: 6’1″, 200lbs
Czech Republic: 6’1″, 205lbs
Europe: 6’1″, 204lbs

And finally, Team North America coming in at a very respectable average height and weight of 6’2″, 200lbs. The NA boys have an inch on 5/8 teams, and weigh the same as or more than three others. This is a non-issue at these averages.

Team NA is significantly younger than any other team

The average ages of the World Cup teams:

Canada: 28.7
Sweden: 28.7
Finland: 25.9
USA: 29.0
Russia: 27.0
Europe: 29.9
Czech Republic: 27.3

And again, we have Team North America coming in at a young, but respectable, 21.7 years old on average. This is an age range where most of the players have about two-to-three years in the NHL under their belts, so they’re not green rookies, and they are at the age where their speed and reflexes will almost certainly be at or near their career high.

Team NA is Faster Than Any Other Team, and It’s Not Close

McDavid, Eichel, Larkin, Gaudreau, Droin, MacKinnon… this team is obscenely fast. Tell me how the defensive monsters on the Canadian squad like Doughty and Weber, or the Americans’
Johnson or Byfuglien are supposed to exert their power over these kids if they’re too big and slow to even keep up with them? Which leads me to the next point…

Defensive Size and Grit Won’t Matter*

It’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t a typical NHL playoff series grind, and won’t even really be reminiscent of regular season games. This is a short tournament. There won’t be significant contact, certainly no dirty plays with an NHL season about to start and a KHL season already underway, and fighting is out of the question. So where exactly do the big, intimidating bodies of the other national teams have a significant advantage over the quickness and skill of the North Americans?

*(09/10 Post-pre-tourney CAN vs USA games update: … *Except* for the CAN/USA games, apparently. Jesus.)

Plus, the Team NA Defensive Lineup is Amazing in Its Own Right

Ekblad, Ghost Bear, Jones, Murray, Parayko, Rielly, and Trouba? Are you kidding me? You’re looking at the future of NHL defence right now, and these guys haven’t even entered the prime of their careers yet. They’re dynamic and intelligent, and they can eat minutes along with the best of ’em. I’m not even kind of worried about this aspect of the team.

Don’t Worry about Team NA’s Goaltending

I laugh really, really hard and obnoxiously every time someone says the goaltending of Team North America is going to be their achilles heel. Yes, I too am super concerned about rookie-playoff-record-15-game-winning-Stanley-Cup-champion Matt Murray and All-Star Game player and Ducks’ 23-year-old bona fide starter John Gibson.

Puh-lease. These guys are killer. Obviously they’re not a Carey Price or a Henrik Lundqvist yet (I spelled The King’s name right the first time, just so you know), but what does that matter in a tiny preseason tournament? We aren’t testing these guys over the course of a 60-start season.

That’s the root of the problem with most criticism levied at this squad: it presumes the need for a bigger sample size than is necessary or warranted for the format and length of the tournament. Is anyone arguing that, historically, experience and grit wins championships? Of course not. But for the glorified preseason exhibition series the World Cup is poised to be, traditional evaluative factors don’t apply. Team North America is going to skate circles around the competition. They’re going to score ridiculous goals and come up with whacky, inventive shit that will wins them games because they’re young and fast and skilled, and that’s what’s going to matter.

In Conclusion

I wrote the bulk of this piece before the first pre-tournament games had taken place, so let me just acknowledge how wrong I was about the whole “no dirty plays, etc” bit. Clearly I underestimated the classlessness of some of the American squad (*cough*Kesler you still suck*cough*). So let me amend part of my statements to say that, for the majority of the teams, this isn’t going to be an all-out war of who can play the most boneheaded and outmoded brand of hockey.

I stand by my overall assessment that the North Americans are going to win it all based on their skill and speed, because they’re never going to have to play the Americans, because the Canadians will dispatch them before the group final round.

Where North America will win.

Because McJeez/Johnny Hockey/Eich is the most ridiculous first line I’ve ever heard of in my life and I refuse to stop fanboying. Goodnight, and may god have mercy on the rest of the world’s souls.

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Edmonton Oilers, Kosmic Burrito, NHL

Kosmic’s World Cup of Hockey Team North America Roster Prediction

March 1st 2016
Post Deadline

Well….here I am…I must have done something right, because I’m back to trip with the BLH Universe again! How’d you like Chia Pete’s first go as an Oiler at the ol’ deadline? Do you think that the Oilers made out alright? Me, I don’t really have any complaints, plus, that’s not what my post is about, haha…

As promised, this is my 2016 World Cup of Hockey Team McDavid, errr, I mean Team North America roster predictions/report. Let’s face it folks, this team belongs to the McWizard!

But first, I have to get something of my chest. I don’t even like the inclusion of the 23 and under North American and European teams. Do you really think that Mcdavid wants to be the one who scores the goal that eliminates Team Canada (hypothetically speaking)? Of course he doesn’t!! He wants to score the huge goals for Canada, and party with the big boys!! But….here we are, and that train has left the station.

Too be honest though, as an Oilers fan this team does possess a lot of Edmonton connections. First off, the GM is Peter Chiarelli, and the Head Coach is Todd Mclellan. Plus some key members of the team I might add.

So, just like my last report, we’ll start with the Goaltenders. Speaking of which, I think this is going to be the team’s weakest position. Only due to the lack of experienced ’tenders. There is USA’s John Gibson, who has won both gold and bronze at the World Juniors. Also, Jets prospect Connor Hellebuyck won bronze at the World Championships. So there is some experience there, that can’t be discounted. I do honestly believe that Gibson is on the verge of breaking out huge, and what a scene that would be if he could do it on the world stage.

Potential Goalies: John Gibson, Connor Hellebuyck, Malcolm Subban, Matt Murray, and Zach Fucale

Again, this is just my personal opinion, but you can’t ignore Gibson and Hellebuyck’s international resumes. So I see Chiarelli going with (in this order):

John Gibson – Connor Hellebuyck – Malcolm Subban

The defence is a different story….this is seriously a stacked backend ladies and gentlemen! We’re talking about names like Ekblad, Reilly, Jones, and Hanifin. That’s heavy duty. Baby’s got back! I didn’t realize just how stacked they are until I started to research this story. So let’s get on with it.

Potential Defencemen: Aaron Ekblad, Noah Hanifin, Matt Dumba, Morgan Reilly, Colton Parayko, Seth Jones, Dougie Hamilton, Connor Murphy, Jacob Trouba, Cody Ceci, Colin Miller, and Ryan Murray

Making my prediction for the defence was actually tougher than originally thought, but if I was GM, the defence would like something like this:

Seth Jones – Aaron Ekblad
Morgan Reilly – Jacob Trouba
Ryan Murray – Dougie Hamilton
Extra Skater: Matt Dumba

Ah yes, now the Mcdavid’s, I mean the McJesus’, Errg…Now for the forwards. You thought that the defence was stellar? Shit dude, you haven’t seen anything yet! We’re talking about names like 2 time Cup winner Brendan Saad, Johnny Hockey himself, and that other fellow, what”s his name, oh yeah…CONNOR MCDAVID! Honestly, this team should not be taken lightly at all. There is A LOT of potential firepower on this squad. So let’s get cracking at it.

Potential Forwards: Connor McDavid, Brendan Saad, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nathan McKinnon, Curtis Lazar, Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Sean Couturier, Ryan Strome, Sean Monahan, Alex Galchenyuk, Jonathon Huberdeau, Mark Scheifele, Jonathon Drouin, Sam Reinhart, Max Domi, Dylan Larkin, Boone Jenner, Sam Bennett, Robby Fabbri, Anthony Duclair, and Bo Horvat

See, I told you that they’re doing pretty well for themselves….so take this with a grain of salt, but here are my line predictions:

Johnny Gaudreau – Connor McDavid – Nathan McKinnon
Brandon Saad – Sean Monahan – Jack Eichel
Alex Galchenyuk – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Ryan Strome
Max Domi – Sean Couturier – Curtis Lazar
Extra Skater: Auston Matthews

As awesome as it will be for all of these kids to play together, you can’t tell me that they wouldn’t have preferred to play for their respected countries? So hopefully the next inception of the World Cup only includes countries. But regardless, the North American team is an incredibly talented squad and they’re my sleeper pick to win it all. They definitely shouldn’t be underestimated just due to their age, they have a lot of international hardware between them, plus…..McDavid.

Well folks, once again, thanks for tripping with me!! Stay tuned for my next article……an introduction to the future, the man known as Laurent Brossoit….

Follow me on the Twitter @kosmicburrito

Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL

The Fastest Skater in the NHL in 2016… Possibly Ever?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhs7Zl_SeGs

Now I didn’t think Mike Gartner’s all-time NHL record would be broken and I don’t know how everyone is so surprised that Dylan Larkin is the fastest skater. WATCH A RED WINGS GAME AND SEE THE KID PLAY!! Not that it’s breaking news now, but this kid can fly and he’s a huge reason why the Red Wings are in the position they are in at the moment. An NHL superstar in the making for sure and I can’t wait to see him line up with the plethora of future stars in the World Cup this summer.

The only guy that I can think that might be faster…

Maybe 2017 will be Connor’s…

Participants/Results (from NHL.com):

East:

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings / 12.894

Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets / 13.634

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators / 14.630

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins / 14.081

West:

Roman Josi, Nashville Predators / 13.527

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche / 14.026

Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers / 13.654

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets / 14.203

A little disappointed Hallsy wasn’t the fastest on his team but kudos to him regardless. Hope he can have a good one in the actual NHL All-Star game. Hat-Trick Hallsy sounds pretty good to me, you?

What did you think about Larkin’s performance? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Kris Hansen

BLH Edmonton Oilers Weekly Roundup Oct 25th-Nov 1st

Sigh. Oilers did not do well this week. I predicted them to go 1-3 this week, but losing all three games by one goal is a kick in the pants. Especially that heartbreaker against Calgary last night. That was unbelievable.

Oil Country is probably in a foul mood today and rightfully so.

Edmonton Oilers Three Stars

3. Connor McDavid

McDavid is still in the three stars because he’s been that great. Against Montreal, he was the straw that stirred the drink by pitching in two assists, including a great play to a wide open Benoit Pouliot. That said, there’s two others that out performed McDavid this week.His so far career high seven game point streak was snapped last night against Calgary, although he came awfully close twice to continue that streak.

2. Leon Draisaitl 

Draisaitl was recalled earlier this week and had to catch a flight for the game on Thursday against Montreal. Draisaitl, with a lack of sleep, only scored two goals including the game winner in that game where the Oilers were down 3-0 after one. Draisaitl kept up his “clutch” factor by scoring the game tying goal and two helpers against Calgary last night. Two games in and it will be a very difficult task to send him back to Bakersfield.

1. Taylor Hall

Has been on fire. He only had three points last night. Sure, he had some turnovers and the Hall Character Problem club will be all over that, but he was our strongest player this week. He has nine points in his last five games. He’s playing like one of the best Left Wingers in the NHL that we know he is. This season would be a lot worse without Taylor Hall on the left side.

Edmonton Oilers Rumors 

So, the Edmonton Oilers are completely decimated with injuries at the moment. Stop if you heard that one before. Out are: Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, Griffin Reinhart, Matt Hendricks, Rob Klinkhammer. I’m biased but I think losing Reinhart hurts the most because we are forced to watch a god awful Ference and Gryba pairing without a capable puck mover in sight. Reinhart isn’t known for his puck movement abilities but sure is a helluva better bet than Ference and Gryba who handle the puck like a grenade.

There’ll be some tough questions: Who will get sent down? Who will get put where? Most importantly though, and one would hope Chiarelli is watching carefully: That defence is horrendous, even when healthy. Right now, the Oilers cannot move the puck out one bit out of their end. Who knows what is out there but one would have to think that it’ll get remedied quickly.

Also, the third and fourth lines scoring is non existent. Lander has vanished. If someone could find his game, please let the Oilers know.

Around the League

 

Highlights and Videos

Some saves of the week

 

Dylan Larkin scored a nifty goal

 

Mats Zuccarello scored his first career hat trick

 

Camera Man had his lens broken by a shot

 

The Week Ahead

The Oilers have three games this week and it’s a doozy:

Tuesday at home versus Philadelphia and Friday at home versus Pittsburgh.

Sunday they visit Chicago.

That’s your weekly recap for this week! Follow me on Twitter.