Post-Game Talk: Connors in OT

[Zerotonine]

except he was the sole reason we got a point against the Wings, because the Oilers so bad...it's not "every 3rd or 4th game"

Are you shitting me on the red wings game?

 

[Spawn]

Because a lot of the shots they are taking have next to no chance to score. Every game you'll see them pass up a shot opportunity from a prime scoring area (usually the slot) for a lower percentage play. You can pretty much set your watch to them overpassing on any odd man rush instead of making a simpler play. A prime example of this was near the end of the second where one of their depth lines had a nice rush into the offensive zone and instead of getting the puck to the net with a man streaking in, they tried to force a pass to that player (while he was tied up) and the chance was wasted. The drop passes and buttonhooks are also becoming a nuisance. I nearly had an aneurysm when Perry dropped a pass to nobody and it ended up in a breakaway going the other way. All too often a lone Oiler will enter the offensive zone and instead of charging the net they'll buttonhook to wait for others to enter the zone. However this also allows opposition players to catch up and get into position. What I want to see more of is this exact play:



Hyman drives the net and scores. At worst you maybe draw a penalty or force a faceoff in the offensive zone. But too many times they'll stop at the half wall and wait for others. This may result in a cycle but it almost never ends with a goal. You're allowing the opposition to get prepared instead of challenging them.

There's also a number of times every game where the Oilers will throw the puck around but the one that ends up shooting is usually the least dangerous player on the ice.

Thing is, if the Oilers are ahead by a significant amount I could care less how fancy they get but they often fall into this trap in close games and despite having ample opportunities to put the Blues away last night they just didn't. And this is hardly the only game this year where they have a large number of shots but a small number of goals. There's a point where the team isn't getting goalie'd, they're just not picking their spots very well. A lot of shots is great in theory but if they're just long range unscreened shots then they're not amounting to anything. Incidentally McDavid scored because he actually decided to shoot from a prime scoring area. That looked a lot more like 60 goal Connor McDavid and less like... well, everything since then.

This team has the offensive talent to blow anyone away but they often hamstring themselves with bad offensive choices.

The Oilers are 4th in the league in GF/GP and generate the second most high danger chances/GP in the league.

You’re over exaggerating the problem based on the last handful of games where the team has struggled to convert chances against some goalies that played really well while also dealing with an illness going through the locker room.

 

[K1984]

except he was the sole reason we got a point against the Wings, because the Oilers so bad...it's not "every 3rd or 4th game"

And the sole reason we beat the Sabres, and the sole reason we got out of the first period against the Kings here a few weeks ago in a critical game, etc, etc.

Skinner blows games up, that is a fact. Did it against the Leafs, did it against the Capitals. However, it is comically inaccurate to say that he only plays well "every 3rd or 4th game" or that he never, ever saves the team from ineptitude in front of him.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

The Oilers are 4th in the league in GF/GP and generate the second most high danger chances/GP in the league.

You’re over exaggerating the problem based on the last handful of games where the team has struggled to convert chances against some goalies that played really well while also dealing with an illness going through the locker room.

It's not the last handful of games though. Production from non McDrai sources has been an issue basically all season. The team all too often gets "goalie'd" because of poor offensive decisions. There was no reason for last night's game to be as close as it was. Hell they didn't even score at 5 on 5. The team needs more than just two players generating all the offense.

Also the definition of a high danger scoring chance is subjective. A breakaway could be counted the same as a wrist shot from the point. Certainly in the first period the Oilers had far more shots but the Blues had some dangerous looks. Robert Thomas could've had at least a pair of goals. Have to wonder if the empty net flub counted as a scoring chance.

No disrespect to Corey Perry but he should not have more goals than more than half of the forwards.

 

[McSpecial DraiBlend]

I've said multiple times he has shown he had talent. He has been and can be fantastic in games. He doesn't have the consistency and has more bad games then good. Imo it's a mental thing and most likely goalie coaching issue but we all know that problem isn't going away

A change in goalie coach would be a insane concept. A guy that actually played at the NHL level I'm sure would be a strong asset. I bet Mike Smith would be a great coach and mentor. He would never do it but someone like that.

 

[SupremeTeam16]

The Oilers are 4th in the league in GF/GP and generate the second most high danger chances/GP in the league.

You’re over exaggerating the problem based on the last handful of games where the team has struggled to convert chances against some goalies that played really well while also dealing with an illness going through the locker room.

I definitely agree that opposing goaltending as well as a sickness could be affecting their scoring currently but I also think it’s fair to say that the team needs to be a bit more aware of when to alter the game plan. There are times when teams are overly committed to defending our preferred schemes and in those times the Oilers needs to realize and shift their attack instead of continuing to try and force it.

I think McDavids PP goal last night is a great example, it was a terrific shot from him but also Binnington and the defenders were anticipating the pass to Leon. Mcdavid taking the shot from that spot doesn’t happen often but it resulted in a goal there and likely played a part in opening up the pass on the game winner as the defenders and Binnington likely had to think twice about giving him too much space vs cheating to Leon.

Sometimes we need to be better at taking the space teams are giving us rather than forcing things. I’d love to see us mix up the attack and score more greasy goals.

 

[Oilslick941611]

Skinner gets a W amd all the stu fans get to go to bed with a boner i see. Was again still the second best goalie on the ice. I dont think he had many high danger chances at all.

Ill never have faith in him getting the consistency we need to win the cup. He ain't the guy.......

jesus christ you guys. Give it a rest. Always having to blame the goalie, even after a win. Give your head a shake.

 

[WhiskeyEE]

Anyone have a video of the supposed wide open net miss that Thomas had?

edit: ok I just saw it and the Oilers got lucky on that, lol. I think the Oilers hit the post a bunch though.

 

[K1984]

I definitely agree that opposing goaltending as well as a sickness could be affecting their scoring currently but I also think it’s fair to say that the team needs to be a bit more aware of when to alter the game plan. There are times when teams are overly committed to defending our preferred schemes and in those times the Oilers needs to realize and shift their attack instead of continuing to try and force it.

I think McDavids PP goal last night is a great example, it was a terrific shot from him but also Binnington and the defenders were anticipating the pass to Leon. Mcdavid taking the shot from that spot doesn’t happen often but it resulted in a goal there and likely played a part in opening up the pass on the game winner as the defenders and Binnington likely had to think twice about giving him too much space vs cheating to Leon.

Sometimes we need to be better at taking the space teams are giving us rather than forcing things. I’d love to see us mix up the attack and score more greasy goals.

I think the Leaf game is a good example of the issues with our approach to scoring.

Early in the game the Oilers were playing well, but it was the normal approach to scoring. Own possession, move it around, wait for the look to open up, shoot only when the look opens up. Except the looks weren't there or the shots were being saved and/or the puck would just get turned over eventually.

We only started scoring when there was a bit of desperation and simplicity in their approach. 2 of the 3 we scored were quick, likely unexpected shots with multiple players driving through the slot and to the net. Types of shots we just weren't taking to start the game, but started to only when it was apparent we needed more to the net quicker to have a prayer of coming back.

I think the problem (that someone mentioned earlier) is our o zone offensive strategy is to enter the zone, establish possession, cycle, then eventually create room up high to send it to the D man for them to take the shot. The problem is it takes too long to set up, our net front traffic 5v5 isn't often consistent or reliable, and we have the D men taking the shot. That isn't to mention the risk of constantly trying to push it high in the zone. I think that we would be much more effective if there was a focus on getting shots off the rush on zone entry, or getting shots early with possession and then pouncing on the scramble. The approach is just too meticulous at times, and it ends up costing us goals and at times seems frankly easy to defend. Box out and wait for us to turn it over.

 

[9GWG9]

I went to school with this Girl. She has always been the teams biggest fan.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Maybe so. I didn't catch the game other then the last 10 minutes and over time which oilers were in control

Just not gonna think all is gravy after he plays great every 3rd or 4th game. This is typical Skinner. Rinse amd repeat

Why make such a definitive statement when you watch 20% of the game?

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

I think the Leaf game is a good example of the issues with our approach to scoring.

Early in the game the Oilers were playing well, but it was the normal approach to scoring. Own possession, move it around, wait for the look to open up, shoot only when the look opens up. Except the looks weren't there or the shots were being saved and/or the puck would just get turned over eventually.

We only started scoring when there was a bit of desperation and simplicity in their approach. 2 of the 3 we scored were quick, likely unexpected shots with multiple players driving through the slot and to the net. Types of shots we just weren't taking to start the game, but started to only when it was apparent we needed more to the net quicker to have a prayer of coming back.

I think the problem (that someone mentioned earlier) is our o zone offensive strategy is to enter the zone, establish possession, cycle, then eventually create room up high to send it to the D man for them to take the shot. The problem is it takes too long to set up, our net front traffic 5v5 isn't often consistent or reliable, and we have the D men taking the shot. That isn't to mention the risk of constantly trying to push it high in the zone. I think that we would be much more effective if there was a focus on getting shots off the rush on zone entry, or getting shots early with possession and then pouncing on the scramble. The approach is just too meticulous at times, and it ends up costing us goals and at times seems frankly easy to defend. Box out and wait for us to turn it over.

Yeah there always seems to be a search for the perfect play rather than the simple one. Other teams adapt, that's why our power play isn't gunning at the rate it was last year. When you always opt for the pass, opposition will recognize that and take it away. We have a number of players with great shots but too often they will force a pass.

The frustration comes from overcomplicating their game. One pass too many, passing from high scoring areas, etc. An offensive zone cycle is ideal in a game where they are leading by a few goals, but when they're actually trying to score it very seldom proves to be effective.

 

[bobbythebrain]

Maybe so. I didn't catch the game other then the last 10 minutes and over time which oilers were in control

Just not gonna think all is gravy after he plays great every 3rd or 4th game. This is typical Skinner. Rinse amd repeat

So you didn't watch the game and made fabricated post?

Your street cred is boomin

 

[bobbythebrain]

jesus christ you guys. Give it a rest. Always having to blame the goalie, even after a win. Give your head a shake.

It was hilarious last nite in the GDT.

After their 2nd goal it became Skinners fault yet again by some ppl. Totally ignored the absolutely dominant cycle by the Blues that predicated a wide open CC...or that Stu still got a piece of it

It was also hilarious seeing it blamed on the refs, but all crickets when the Blues deserved a penalty shot on Leon's blatant hold

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

It was hilarious last nite in the GDT.

After their 2nd goal it became Skinners fault yet again by some ppl. Totally ignored the absolutely dominant cycle by the Blues that predicated a wide open CC...or that Stu still got a piece of it

It was also hilarious seeing it blamed on the refs, but all crickets when the Blues deserved a penalty shot on Leon's blatant hold

Sure he did, but it more points toward the general lack of integrity among the officials, it's not crickets, people realize he got away with one, but this board isn't run by Debrusk, cheering for PIMs against.

 

[Oilslick941611]

It was hilarious last nite in the GDT.

After their 2nd goal it became Skinners fault yet again by some ppl. Totally ignored the absolutely dominant cycle by the Blues that predicated a wide open CC...or that Stu still got a piece of it

It was also hilarious seeing it blamed on the refs, but all crickets when the Blues deserved a penalty shot on Leon's blatant hold

Ive started hanging out around less with all the hysterical stu chatter and bashing, the two days between games here was just dumb, same posters, saying the same thing and replying to the same posters saying the same thing.

 

[jeffff]

Oilers win, Flames lose, the way it should be

Always a great thing when the Lames lose, but honestly.........I'm secretly cheering for them to pass Colorado so we play them in the first round. Assuming we don't catch Winnipeg of course.

 

[Zerotonine]

Anyone have a video of the supposed wide open net miss that Thomas had?

edit: ok I just saw it and the Oilers got lucky on that, lol. I think the Oilers hit the post a bunch though.

That was all Stu what r u talking about

 

[Tobias Kahun]

It was hilarious last nite in the GDT.

After their 2nd goal it became Skinners fault yet again by some ppl. Totally ignored the absolutely dominant cycle by the Blues that predicated a wide open CC...or that Stu still got a piece of it

It was also hilarious seeing it blamed on the refs, but all crickets when the Blues deserved a penalty shot on Leon's blatant hold

Penalty shot on a hold?

Uh, no.

 

[Zerotonine]

A change in goalie coach would be a insane concept. A guy that actually played at the NHL level I'm sure would be a strong asset. I bet Mike Smith would be a great coach and mentor. He would never do it but someone like that.

In all fairness I think that a big reason we don't hear any goalie trade talk. Might bring to much attention to Schwartz

 

[bobbythebrain]

Penalty shot on a hold?

Uh, no.

He was gone the other way on a break. He actually got pulled back by Leon

But ya, probably too close to be called a PS

 

[Tobias Kahun]

He was gone the other way on a break. He actually got pulled back by Leon

But ya, probably too close to be called a PS

It was a missed penalty, otherwise there would be penalty shots for interference calls stopping breakaways.

Draisaitl also got hooked and boarded during the game with no calls.

 

[Fishy McScales]

RV is the new snowpants sam

Been thinking the exact same thing the last little while.