I don’t think we would be any better with McLeod, Broberg and Holloway personally. But I think it raises another question. Seems like players who leave here are more productive. And the players that come here are less productive. Why?
Down by a goal or 2 other teams still play their bottom 6 until late in the third. Down by a goal or two the Oilers play their top line, with a few of the second line thrown in.
highest ice times last night
Oilers
Bouchard 28:37
McDavid 25:37
Draisitle 23:53
Ekholm 23:30
Nuge 23:05
Hyman 21:25
Canes
Slavin 24:42
Burns 24:23
Aho 22:49
Orlov 20:34
Necas 19:50
Gostisbehere 19:11
Keeping in mind the Canes Trailed for over 40 min.
Canes being able to spread the ice time across all skaters keeps them all engaged, likely gives more confidence. If I am a bottom 6 players on this Oilers team, I am likely playing to just keep the puck out of my net, as opposed to be willing to try to make an offensive skill play. If the other teams scores, I likely don't see the ice again for 5-8 min at least.
anyone who has played sports understands it is hard to stay engaged, when you spend more time on the bench, and you begin to second guess yourself.
McDavid/Drai need to only be around the 19-21 min/game. Nuge and Hyman should be 17-20 add a minute or two depending on special team roles in the specific game.
Its no super surprising guys that go to other teams and get more minutes, opportunities then they had in Edmonton go on to play better, or produce more.