A little late with this, but I think the team played pretty well in the first 2 periods (Hyman needs to sacrifice a chicken to the hockey gods, Major League style or something). They stifled Dallas well, and Ottz was just on his A game.
I'm usually a Skinner defender, but that first goal cant go in. The team visibly deflated after that one, and Dallas is too good to not take advantage. He's got to step up or it might be along season.
I think the team's overall play is somewhat encouraging, especially against a top end opponent....but we gotta stop losing the games we should have won. Hopefully that changes toute suite.
That first goal went off a stick.
Skinner wasnt problem in this game. Made some clutch saves.
The PK and the PP were the problem. As much a posters like to dismiss the absence of Foegele and McLeod they were both very good on the PK. This teamis the worst in the NHL on the PK.
That is a major problem.
In the podcast thread I posted the Post game show from Edmontons Sports Talk.
Brad Malone made an excellent point on the 1st Dallas goal on the PP. Why didnt Knoblach have a RHC on the ice? Instead he had a LHC on the ice and considering the situation that was an odd choice.
So a coaching mistake helped cause that goal.
He also mentioned that Dallas compressed down low in their D zone and made the Oilers get outside shots. When the Oilers did get an inclose shot all Ott had to do was hold his position cover the bottom of the net. That is counted as a HDSC but IMO it really isnt becuse the probablity of slamming a puck through the goalies pads are not that high unless you get rebound opportunities which the Oilers didnt get.
The other issues are 5x5 scroing, the PP and the defence.
The big 5 players (McDavid, Draisaitl, RNH, Hyman and Bouchard) have been very underwhelming on the PP and at 5x5.
That has to change especially on the PP because they eat up almost 90% of the PP time.
A number of elementary breakdowns in this game.
Havent really been impressed with Stecher so far and todays game was no exception. Bouchard hasnt been very impressive either.
Lots of work left to do and its a failry long list to clean up....goaltending is well down the list.