Tag Archives: Jonathan Drouin

Edmonton Oilers, International, Michael Sifeldeen, NHL

McJesus and the World Cup Promised Land

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(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.

Our tribute to the Team Canada of ’87! Click the pic to get yours!
Armchair GM, Edmonton Oilers, Lindsay Ryall, NHL, Rumors, Trades

How a Drouin Trade Could Affect the Oilers Upgrades

It seems most play-off years a rookie or newish player will be thrust into the spotlight at the right time and this year that player looks to be, Jonathan Drouin.  The Tampa Bay lighting made relatively short work of a team they lost to last year when they had superstar forward Steven Stamkos  in the line-up.  What’s the difference? Obviously the team is playing better together and Drouin is proving to be a driver for that success.  A very interesting situation considering the player asked for a trade this past season, and GM Steve Yzerman was apparently interested in accommodating him.

Back in Edmonton there is a similar theme with at least one high-profile forward likely leaving town.  Edmonton Oiler’s General manager Peter Chiarelli will need to move at least one (likely 2) high-profile top six assets to shore up his defence next season.  If  Yzerman decides to move Drouin in the off-season, a situation of competing assets, (not unlike when the Oilers were rumoured to have offered RNH for Seth Jones) could arise and it wouldn’t help the Oiler’s bargaining position.

At the present time, there are three players that are likely to be marketed for defensive upgrades in the off-season: Nail Yakupov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jordan Eberle.  Of course Taylor Hall could potentially be added to that list but I personally can’t see Chiarelli trading both first and second overall 2010 picks in his GM employment history.  So how do our current crop of tradeable assets compare to Drouin?  Like most situations, there is a range.

Nail Yakupov: Although Yak is only a couple of years older than Drouin and has better point totals as well as very comparable ppg numbers (.46 to .44 for Drouin), you have to give the edge to Drouin.  His hockey sense is better, he skates better, his junior numbers were better, and he can play both wing and centre.

Head to head edge: It should be closer than it is, but if we were in a competing trade and offering, Yak, the other GM would take Drouin unless it was a plus plus on our end.

Ryan Nugent Hopkins:  The Nuge is an established top six center who is dedicated to his craft and has focussed on playing both ends with equal prowess.  The problem is, at this point he is coming off a bad year and is being pegged by most as a 50 – 60 point player, which puts him in the second-line center spot.  Drouin however has not played enough pro to establish what his potential is, and in the games he’s seen at the NHL level, Drouin still carries first line center potential, maybe even  than the Nuge.

Head to head edge: If Drouin has a strong second series, he could be considered the more favourable asset, in a trade due to his low salary and upside.

Jordan Eberle: Eberle does one thing but he does it very well: score goals.  So Eberle is currently the best on the team (being pushed by McDavid) at putting the puck in the net.  Unfortunately that’s really all he does and when franchises are building playoff teams they need their top six players to contribute at both ends of the ice, as well as check effectively.  nonetheless, scoring goals is the hardest thing to do in the NHL and Ebs is among the best.

Head to head edge: I would think that Eberle has the edge in offensive upside but Drouin has greater flexibility because he can play centre as well as wing.  In Drouin’s favour, his contract is much lighter, and that will make a difference in today’s cap world.

What makes Drouin so attractive as a prospect is his potential.  The NHL already knows (or feels they do) the top end of the Oilers core group, while Drouin has considerable more upside at a lower price.  In the NHL, potential is the alluring opiate that drives every scout into a frenzy and every GM’s toe to tapping.  And to be sure, every member of the organization is looking for that sweet cherry high that happens when they land that player who changes the team, especially if the price is right.

What will Stevie Y do?

It’s difficult to say what Drouin and the Lightning will do in the off-season.  When asked about his long-term future with the club, Drouin’s answer was somewhat cryptic:  In a story that appeared in CBC Sports Drouin commented on returning the lighting organization:

“We’ve talked about the decision to come back here. I think that we’re going to fix this in the summer and see how it goes from there.”

Soooo, does “fix it in the summer” mean he’s going to be moved in the summer?  Or something else?

If Drouin was on the open market he would make for tough competition for what Chiarelli needs to accomplish, especially if both teams were making a pitch making a pitch for a comparable asset.

But despite the rhetoric between both sides I’m hoping Yzerman has the situation well-managed.  He’s done all the right things.  Been patient, avoided a war of words in the media, and put Drouin in position to succeed and feel part of the team again.  I’m guessing he would rather keep Drouin than trade him.  And lets hope so, one the trade rumours had Drouin heading to Anaheim for a young D-man . . . now that wouldn’t be good for the oil.

Edmonton Oilers, Kris Hansen

BLH Edmonton Oilers Weekly Recap Dec 27th-Jan 2nd

– photo by Andy Devlin / Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club

Tough week for the Edmonton Oilers as they finish 1-3-0, against Pacific Division rivals no less.

That’s a tough pill to swallow. They blew a two goal lead, twice, against Calgary. Goaltending sank the team against Los Angeles. Anaheim was just better.

The victory against Arizona ended a four game skid, which is good. It was an entertaining game yesterday and I thought the Oilers played well enough.

The upcoming week there are only two games on the dock, as they continue their six game homestead.

Edmonton Oilers Three Stars.

3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Finally making an appearance on the three stars of the week, the second line has finally stopped sleep walking through games. Nugent-Hopkins looked like one of the best forwards in yesterday’s tilt against Arizona. This week, Nuge posted four points, all assists in four games. It’s a quiet, but solid showing from 93, who has been struggling this year.

2. Jordan Eberle: Like 93, he showed up this week. Eberle posted five points in four games, including three goals. Two of those goals were nifty ones against Arizona. Yesterday, he also registered his 300th point of his career. Eberle has taken a lot of flak these last couple weeks due to lack of production, but it’s good to see him starting to turn it around now.

1. Benoit Pouliot: To be fair, it was a toss up between Eberle and Pouliot as they posted the same box numbers and Eberle did reach a milestone yesterday. That said, I like Pouliot’s game. He plays aggressively on the forecheck, sometimes too aggressive as he did have two penalties in the offensive zone yesterday against Arizona. The goal that stands out for me was his second against Calgary: he losses his helmet, but that doesn’t faze him one bit as he goes to his spot in the slot and scores. He brings a grittier element to his line.

Edmonton Oilers News and Rumors

Connor McDavid and Nail Yakupov both skated with the team on Friday.  This is obviously great news: McDavid would be a tremendous boost to the team. Sure, he’s not playing Defence and can’t bring stability to the crease, but he’s such a special talent that I don’t think we can really grasp just how good he is. Based on some short clip (I know great sample size) he seems to be shooting, stick handle and pass the puck just fine. He keeps saying to the media that he’s feeling better. I think he plays before the All Star Break.

I wrote about an interesting part of Lowetide’s blog regarding a Mayor’s Manor tweet: The Oilers are interested in the services of Mike Richards.  Some people will say that it’s to replace Nugent-Hopkins but that’s foolish: Richards is a shell of his former self and would be strictly a bottom six role. I think he would be more effective than Lander save for faceoffs.

Earlier this week, The Edmonton Oilers acquired Zack Kassian from the Montreal Canadiens for Ben Scrivens.  Last night was Kassian’s debut in Bakersfield where he posted no points, a +1, four shots on goal and four minutes in penalties.

 

Around the League

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/683690926666084352

That’s some big news. I’ve been saying Free Drouin for awhile and I don’t think he’s getting a fair shake in Tampa Bay. I also don’t think the Oilers make sense as a fit either.

I wonder when he’ll get dealt.

Toronto Media can’t get over the McDavid lottery. 

The Canadiens thumped the Bruins in the 2016 Winter Classic. I personally love outdoor games.

John Scott, NHL All Star Captain.

Rob Martell refereed his 1000th and final NHL game.

The Florida Panthers have won 8 in a row!  

Crosby is on a point streak. 

Highlights

The Coyotes Oilers Game

Dougie Hamilton had a spill into the bench

 

Shane Doan broke the franchise record for goals with the Arizona Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets

 

The Alumni Game Shootout

 

 

The Week Ahead

Only two games for the Edmonton Oilers: Monday they host the Carolina Hurricanes and Friday they host the Tampa Bay Lightning.

That’s the week that was, follow me on Twitter and have a good one!

 

Edmonton Oilers, Kris Hansen, NHL

The BLH Oilers Weekly Round Up: September 28th-October 3rd

Congrats everyone! We are OFFICIALLY only four days away from the regular season starting in the NHL. We’re back baby!

This week has some important news, especially on the Edmonton Oilers front.

Edmonton Oilers Three Stars of the Week

Third Star: Connor McDavid

McDavid makes another appearance in my three stars of the week and I think it will be a reoccurring theme for this season. So far, he has 5 points (all assists) this pre season. Yet, the score sheet does not do McDavid any justice. Every time he touches the puck, you are on the edge of your seat. It’s hard to put into words how special of a talent this kid is and I personally can’t wait to see him play against NHL teams.

Second Star: Anders Nilsson

Personally, I think he is the back up over Scrivens. Nilsson has been practically perfect this pre season. I do not see how anyone could really cut him over Scrivens, although contract and waiver exemption will be a factor. Still, the big swede has been our best goalie this preseason, even above our assumed starter, Cam Talbot (who I am a huge booster of).

First Star: Anton Lander

What a year can make. At this time last year, Lander was facing a waiver claim losing a spot over the woeful Will Acton. Has there been an Oiler that has benefited from the axing of Dallas Eakins? Lander had a natural hat trick in a win over Arizona earlier this week, scoring the three goals in a six minute span. He’s looked fine this pre season and is maturing into that bottom six role that the Oilers have needed for awhile. Hard not to root for the guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUeDQMc5NaA

Edmonton Oilers Rumors and News

There were a couple Oilers rumors this week. First was the Bryan Bickell for Nikita Nikitin trade rumor that fell thru. Bickell was placed on waivers yesterday and cleared this morning. Meanwhile, the Oilers waived Nikitin this morning and is expected (barring a miracle) to clear. (Edmonton Journal)

Also rumored was Andrew Ference being on the trade block and the Captain situation. Jason Gregor spoke with Ference about the captaincy and it was revealed that Ference was the one who approached management about stepping down as captain this season. (Oilers Nation)

Unfortunately, Jordan Eberle was injured in Tuesday’s pre season tilt with Arizona. The winger will be missing four to six weeks with a shoulder injury. (Edmonton Journal)

Darnell Nurse was sent down to the AHL on Tuesday. His time will come soon. He had an impressive camp. (Edmonton Sun)

Nikita Nikitin was placed on waiver this morning. I wrote a post after Thursday night’s 5-2 loss focusing on the woes of Nikitin. (Oil on Whyte)

 

Around the League

Videos of the Week

PK Subban is actually Don Cherry this entire time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi6hl8xo2Sk

The Hanson brothers gave the Penguins some motivation prior to their game against Tampa Bay

Jonathan Drouin has a razzle dazzle goal

The Oilers 2015/16 season opens up vs. the St.Louis blues next Thursday, October 8th. Talk about having your work cut out for you right off the bat. Who’s got more to prove though?

Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next week!

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