Tag Archives: Reinhart

Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Zach Laing

Oilers vs Penguins Preview – Reinhart down, Schultz up

edit 4:46 PM: Anders Nilsson has been confirmed to start.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Game: Edmonton Oilers (7-14-2) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (13-8-1)

Location: CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Time: 5:00 PM MT

Where to find it: TV: Sportsnet – Radio: 630 CHED

Edmonton Oilers Preview:

Coming off the heels of a 4-3 heartbreaking OT loss to the Red Wings, the Oilers made the move to activate Justin Schultz off the IR and assign Griffin Reinhart to the Bakersfield Condors (AHL).

The move isn’t one that I am a fan of, but it is one that I can understand. The Oilers still have a log jam of defencemen and something had to give. Reinhart was one of few defencemen available to be returned to the AHL, and I don’t feel that Brandon Davidson or Darnell Nurse are deserving of that. Reinhart still has some flaws in his game, so hopefully he can get some big minutes in Bakersfield.

Jujhar (J.J.) Khaira will be featured in his NHL debut.

“I think I’ve found my game,” said Khaira. “I’m definitely more confident. I know what I need to do when I’m out there, what kind of player I need to be and a lot of it has to do with being a big body and creating room for myself and others.” Source.

At 6’3, 215 lbs that is exactly what Khaira can come in and do. His scoring has caught up with his size this season, as he has potted seven points in 16 AHL games – a definite improvement over the 10 points in 51 games he notched last year.

I am a big fan of Khaira’s, and was happy that we were able to get him in the 3rd round of the 2012 NHL Entry draft. The Oilers are a team that has been lacking size for sometime, so hopefully Khaira will be able to continue to develop into an impact player for the Oilers down the road. His game has been impressive in the AHL.

Tonight, both the Oilers and Penguins are preparing for back-to-back games after both suffering OT losses last night. Last time these two teams met was on November 6th, where the Penguins beat the Oilers 2-1. Anders Nilsson had the start in that game, and boasted an impressive 2.05 GAA and .939 sv%.

Given that Talbot had the start last night, I would expect to see Nilsson manning the crease tonight.

Walter Foddis’ Pregame Metrics:

The Otherside:

Backup goaltender Jeff Zatkoff will make his fourth start of the season after Marc-Andre Fleury made 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. Zatkoff got the victory in Edmonton earlier this month, making 26 saves. Sidney Crosby, who left the game in Columbus briefly after being cross-checked in the neck late in the second period, returned to the game and extended his point streak to four games when he set up Evgeni Malkin for a power-play goal midway through the third period. Crosby has three goals and five points during this stretch. “I’m OK,” said Crosby, who left with 1:20 remaining in the second period but was back for the start of the third. There always concern when it happens, but I’m OK.” – nhl.com

Line Combos and Starting Goalies c/o Daily Faceoff:

As per the Oilers website, “The Oilers did not skate this morning, having flown in from Detroit last night. The lineup will be announced during warmups.”

Oilers (Unknown): 

Penguins (Jeff Zatkoff): 

Any ideas on how to improve my game previews? Send me an email at zjlaing@gmail.com.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq8KHn2TEXI]

 

Brennen York, NHL, NHL Entry Draft, Prospects

2 – Buffalo Sabres

It’s been a rough off season already for GM Tim Murray, however he has consistently come away with some good consolation prizes. First he suffered through the draft lottery in which the first overall pick was ripped from his hands, and we also witnessed something similar when Mike Babcock passed on the Sabres and their vacant coaching spot and moved on to tackle the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, in both of those situations, the Sabres walked away with some pieces that you’d still consider to be very good. Dan Bylsma will prove to be a very wise investment, and though Murray had his eyes (and heart) set on Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel has the ability to be the franchise center the Sabres need. 

This draft is a game changer for the Sabres, and they have a chance to do things even bigger than many expect. I’ve thrown this proposal around in the past, and please note this is purely speculation, but I wonder if Murray would consider shipping off Sam Reinhart in order to attain the third overall selection and grab one of Marner or, the more likely pick, Noah Hanifin. Grabbing a franchise defenceman and a franchise center in the same draft could end up being one of the most brilliant moments in draft day history we’ve seen in a while. 

Aside from the speculation talk, the Sabres have a pretty straightforward draft day ahead of them. Make picks and find a goalie. With the depth in the Sabres organization, it’s possible we see them move one or two pieces or picks in order to grab a goalie like Lehner or Talbot. With picks at 21, 31, and 51, Murray can definitely walk away with some solid prospects. 

At 21, likely a faller, watch for Zboril, Kylington, maybe a guy like Nick Merkley. At 31, if he’s still available, Ilya Samsonov is the guy. At 51, it’s tough to say who’s available, but possibly a player like Travis Dermott or Parker Wotherspoon would be good additions. All in all, it may not be an action packed weekend for the Sabres, but with the promise of Eichel, it will surely be a day to remember.

Draft Day Gameplan

– Stay the course, acquire good, young talent whether it’s through picks or trades.

– Add a young goaltender. I would not pass on Samsonov at 31, but I’d also be very interested in adding a goaltender like Lehner to the mix.

– If there’s a good deal for Grigorenko consider it. Maybe a Grigorenko for Gormley swap?

– Hit it big with 21. I love Jacob Larsson and Oliver Kylington, both of whom are likely available come the 21st pick.

Sabres Big Board

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Dylan Strome
5. Mitchell Marner
6. Ivan Provorov
7. Zach Werenski
8. Pavel Zacha
9. Mikko Rantanen
10. Mathew Barzal

Who do they take?

Jack Eichel.

Darkhorse?

Jack Eichel. No darkhorse, but I do think that grabbing Hanifin at 3 would make a huge difference moving forward.