Pre-Game Talk: Decisions Decisions Decisions v.3.0, now with new and improved Pole!

[VainGretzky]

In god we trust In Skinner we bust

 

[GMofOilers]

If Broberg comes in, Vinny will sit he’s been atrocious in this series, Dallas way to fast for him

 

[BlackDogg]

Love Holland's deadline moves

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Wait… where’d potato go? Injured?

Nurse needs a “reset”

Potato is being interviewed for GM last time I checked.

There's no way they're sitting Nurse. From an emotional standpoint I get it, but do not tell yourself it's a possibility because it isn't.

I'd like to see Pickard in. Whether Skinner is good or bad, he clearly needs rest every couple of games regardless or he's pretty much guaranteed to be bad.

McLeod draws back in. That game in the PB was probably more of a reset for him than a permanent thing.

I'd actually be curious to see Perry back too,but maybe that's just me.

I think a Cabbage at this point is actually the more attractive of the options to be honest.

Perry in over Ryan is my vote. If they bring in McLeod then sit Carrick I guess.

 

[Heavy Dee]

Yeah maybe. I still think Nurse is the guy that should come out, but they will never do that. Ceci is the easier answer for sure, and the even EASIER answer is 11/7, which is why I think the coach will go that route.

Imagine 9.25 has fallen to the point where he can't even anchor his own pair.

 

[McDrai]

This is game over if Skinner and Nurse start

 

[KCC]

Either ride Pikard the rest of the way or this series ends in 5. Skinner is so damn bad. The team has to play basically perfect hockey for 60 minutes and shelter him else when they don't have their best period or have lull's, this dude can't stop a beach ball.

 

[Ibanez]

Imagine 9.25 has fallen to the point where he can't even anchor his own pair.

Oh he’s an anchor alright, but not in the good way.

Dragging the team to the bottom of the metaphorical ocean of mediocrity

 

[lopper]

Stating the obvious that this is the most important game in the McDrai era. Just would love to see a full 60 minute effort and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[elmeroil]

Either ride Pikard the rest of the way or this series ends in 5. Skinner is so damn bad. The team has to play basically perfect hockey for 60 minutes and shelter him else when they don't have their best period or have lull's, this dude can't stop a beach ball.

I'm surprised Knob is starting Skinner, I really thought his move was great when he started Pickard. Not sure what they see in Skinner, Pickard played so well and it's a trend that Skinner declines after playing 3 or 4 in a row. Really bad move imo, really thought Knob was different but hey what do I know.

 

[Porkleaker]

I think it's colossal mistake not giving Pickard a game. There was more to the Oilers falling apart last night, part of it was Hintz back in the line-up and they clearly weren't prepared for that. That line blew up in our faces. Why isn't someone throwing huge hits on him? Where's the intensity? Jesus...
Hopefully Ceci out at least.

 

[PositiveCashFlow]

At least we did better than 2022 and I don’t really hate any of the other teams left

 

[Messrules11]

Knob confirms skinner starts tomorrow.

That’s just gross at this point

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Imagine 9.25 has fallen to the point where he can't even anchor his own pair.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Skinner in game 4 FFS.

it just never ends with this tool being in goal.

 

[Mr Positive]

Dallas seems like a team built to beat us. If we can get through them, I bet we win the cup. Dallas is all about shutting down your best players and staying out of the box. The Oilers would have an easier time with either Eastern contender

 

[Ibanez]

Dallas seems like a team built to beat us. If we can get through them, I bet we win the cup. Dallas is all about shutting down your best players and staying out of the box. The Oilers would have an easier time with either Eastern contender

Would help if we played with an ounce of physicality. Dallas is not built to play that game other than maybe Marchment or Benn. We’ve been way too nice and playing right into Dallas game.

Crash some bodies. Smash. Let’s go

 

[Mr Positive]

If Broberg comes in, Vinny will sit he’s been atrocious in this series, Dallas way to fast for him

Yes please. I don't see much advantage to Vinny's physicality so far, and if we arent using that we may as well have more skill. We could use mobility and passing plays.

But let's be real. If we are down on Vinny for his bad lapses, Broberg was prone to those too. He is a year older and better now though.

Imo it is a bit of a desperation move. We probably don't go that way unless we lose next game.

Would help if we played with an ounce of physicality. Dallas is not built to play that game other than maybe Marchment or Benn. We’ve been way too nice and playing right into Dallas game.

Crash some bodies. Smash. Let’s go

I definitely agree there. Our Pk has been good. If we get penalties against us, chances are we get some PPs too to even it up.

 

[TheNumber4]

Would help if we played with an ounce of physicality. Dallas is not built to play that game other than maybe Marchment or Benn. We’ve been way too nice and playing right into Dallas game.

Crash some bodies. Smash. Let’s go

I agree. Thought so before the series started that we may need to resort to bringing this game into the gutters, the Stars are just too comfortable out there playing their default game. They aren't being challenged enough. They need to take some punches to the face and be forced to respond. That said, with the ticky tack officiating we have in this Stars series, it's also a very fine line the Oilers will need to navigate. Don't want to hurt yourself either.

 

[RegDunlop]

Nurse out, Broberg in. Nurse by the eye test and by all statistical measures has been the worse defenseman in the playoffs by a wide wide margin, its not even close.

Picard should play again like the Van series, give Skinner another reset. He has proven and we all know it that he cant play every game.

It's seems such an easy decision after all no?

It doesn't even matter what side of the fence fans or coaches fall in terms of Skinner.
- we have a calm reliable tender in Pickard
- he has recently shown he is capable
- Stu's pumpkin hours expire between 120 and 180 minutes
- most importantly, IT JUST WORKED.

But.... they'll start Skinner anyway.

 

[McDrailers]

Imagine 9.25 has fallen to the point where he can't even anchor his own pair.

You’re right. He’s an anchor to the whole damn team lol

 

[RegDunlop]

I would actually go back to the much maligned 11/7 tonight. We have more than enough forwards who can rotate into the 4th line, and it would reduce the mins that Nurse is playing.

Personally, I would send Nurse a message (and likely improve the team) by playing Broberg over him. Broberg literally couldn't be worse than Nurse is, it would be practically impossible.

I would too.
Was thinking the same. Can only do it for this home game I think so why not?

 

[9GWG9]

Not playing Nurse is not an option regardless of his play we all know it and why. We’re only down 2-1 to a REALLY good team but changes are needed. Pickard and Perry.

 

[RegDunlop]

To my eye, Draisaitl looks injured and tired. He needs help on that 2nd line. for game 4 I'd go:

Henrique-Mcdavid-Hyman
RNH-Draisaitl-Holloway
Kane-Mcleod-Brown
Janmark-Carrick-Foegele

I kind of like this lineup

 

[TheNumber4]

Welp. Knob is 2 for 2 on goalie change decisions these playoffs. Here's hoping he goes 3 for 3.

I think the first Skinner pull was an easier decision to make. As he cited, there was a lack of big saves in games 1-3 in Van, and he was eventually pulled in game 3 and we got to have to a brief look at Picard. So that lends more easily to taking Skinner out for Game 4.

The current decision is harder. Skinner is coming off 4 decent to good games with 1 bad one in there, and that stretch has included more big saves than the 3 game stretch in Van. It's a tougher decision this time around which is probably why he's leaning to keep Skinner in. Skinner needs to be much better than he was in Game 3 though if we are to have a chance.