Post-Game Talk: Miserable Matinee

[Drivesaitl]

The Back-Up Plan.
Oil got good goaltending again which is the big takeaway. But little else with the power outage of their play drivers out of the lineup. Very underwhelming games from Hyman and Nugent Hopkins. J. Skinner in audition time also was way too quiet along with quick twitch Kapanen who shows speed & some puck skill but too often zeroes right across his stat line. Frederic looks like a missing ingredient with physical, hard ice play and some innate nasty.

Get this team healthy including another apex predator Kane and we'll see what they've got this season.

Kane hasn't been an apex predator in years. Last time played he was around a .5ppg player and he was less interested in mayhem as well. Fact is he's a lot older, hasn't played for ages and even at that has played very little hockey in recent seasons.

I think its a bit aberration to be thinking all the guys out are going to add a lot. Sure McD and Drai will. Ekholm might be less than 100% the rest of the way given how many times now he's been out long stretches. We saw today that even we've really added very little at deadline. Jones confirmed bust. Another confirmed still hurt.

People wanted to anoint that J Skinner had a complete turn around in season but any time he's facing tight checking he just disappears. As did all our offense today.

I'm a bit worried the whole club or a lot of it are thinking "wow when we get all these guys back" Not sure its the best kind of team thought out there. Not saying the team is thinking that, but performances like this lend some questions.

Fact of the matter is we have around 6-8 players in our roster that couldn't score in a brothel.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Its weird that a poster who loves hits and Because physicality so much says this.

Maybe because @Bryanbryoil was bang on. Not just in the performance, but in Frederic seeming not to be ready to go, ready to play even after a longtime out. So the guy threw a few checks but as a physical player he couldn't even finish the game and was hurt coming to the bench 2-3 times. That entire look is a bit worrisome. I like the player, but I don't think he's gonna be 100% anytime soon and his game requires it.

 

[harpoon]

This team has a pathetic cast of goal scorers after McDavid and Draisatl. I wasn’t expecting a win here but they didn’t even make their goalie earn his shutout.

How many times can you post the same thing in one thread? Go for 20.

 

[PositiveCashFlow]

If this was game 83 I’m sure McD, Drai, and Ek would have played and the outcome would have been a little different

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Kane hasn't been an apex predator in years. Last time played he was around a .5ppg player and he was less interested in mayhem as well. Fact is he's a lot older, hasn't played for ages and even at that has played very little hockey in recent seasons.

I think its a bit aberration to be thinking all the guys out are going to add a lot. Sure McD and Drai will. Ekholm might be less than 100% the rest of the way given how many times now he's been out long stretches. We saw today that even we've really added very little at deadline. Jones confirmed bust. Another confirmed still hurt.

People wanted to anoint that J Skinner had a complete turn around in season but any time he's facing tight checking he just disappears. As did all our offense today.

I'm a bit worried the whole club or a lot of it are thinking "wow when we get all these guys back" Not sure its the best kind of team thought out there. Not saying the team is thinking that, but performances like this lend some questions.

Fact of the matter is we have around 6-8 players in our roster that couldn't score in a brothel.

I'm talking Kane's play style. Hard, compete ice areas, and physical presence. He's likely coming in as a bottom six player missing all year. I'm looking for Kane and Frederic to bring to this group high compete, heavy hockey and work rate within hard ice areas. That said, play that way and in those areas and no reason their production can't follow.

This team, when healthy, can run with anyone. It will be a question of chemistry with some of the injured players and need for McDavid, Draisaitl and Ekholm to deliver to their elite level play. But goaltending will likely define their post season.

J. Skinner today missed a chance to assert himself. But I don't put a whole lot of stock into this game with the team's elite players eating popcorn.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Kane hasn't been an apex predator in years. Last time played he was around a .5ppg player and he was less interested in mayhem as well. Fact is he's a lot older, hasn't played for ages and even at that has played very little hockey in recent seasons.

I think its a bit aberration to be thinking all the guys out are going to add a lot. Sure McD and Drai will. Ekholm might be less than 100% the rest of the way given how many times now he's been out long stretches. We saw today that even we've really added very little at deadline. Jones confirmed bust. Another confirmed still hurt.

People wanted to anoint that J Skinner had a complete turn around in season but any time he's facing tight checking he just disappears. As did all our offense today.

I'm a bit worried the whole club or a lot of it are thinking "wow when we get all these guys back" Not sure its the best kind of team thought out there. Not saying the team is thinking that, but performances like this lend some questions.

Fact of the matter is we have around 6-8 players in our roster that couldn't score in a brothel.

You're aware that the last time Kane played, he couldnt even sit down on the bench because he was so injured right?

 

[Tobias Kahun]

How many times can you post the same thing in one thread? Go for 20.

Hes gonna post it as many times as he can to convince himself he knows hockey.

 

[Drivesaitl]

You're aware that the last time Kane played, he couldnt even sit down on the bench because he was so injured right?

Fair comment. But he's an unknown at this point and has missed so much hockey. I suspect he'll be a good player for us, we don't know what he will be able to do at this point.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Fair comment. But he's an unknown at this point and has missed so much hockey. I suspect he'll be a good player for us, we don't know what he will be able to do at this point.

I agree its an unknown, and its not likely he has the same impact.

He could be anywhere between 2nd and 4th liner at this point.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

This team has a pathetic cast of goal scorers after McDavid and Draisatl. I wasn’t expecting a win here but they didn’t even make their goalie earn his shutout

They are the line drivers of the top 6. No duh the offence is struggling without them.

I actually think they have done pretty well considering the circumstances.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

They are the line drivers of the top 6. No duh the offence is struggling without them.

I actually think they have done pretty well considering the circumstances.

Okay but it’s still another no show for the bottom six. If this team is going to make any noise they need more from them.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I'm talking Kane's play style. Hard, compete ice areas, and physical presence. He's likely coming in as a bottom six player missing all year. I'm looking for Kane and Frederic to bring to this group high compete, heavy hockey and work rate within hard ice areas. That said, play that way and in those areas and no reason their production can't follow.

This team, when healthy, can run with anyone. It will be a question of chemistry with some of the injured players and need for McDavid, Draisaitl and Ekholm to deliver to their elite level play. But goaltending will likely define their post season.

J. Skinner today missed a chance to assert himself. But I don't put a whole lot of stock into this game with the team's elite players eating popcorn.

I think its essential that the brunt of this team, the vast majority of its starters, that will be starters in playoffs start to exert a bit more influence on games. This lands especially squarely at the hands of players like Hyman, Nuge, Skinner, Arvid who are paid to produce and add more than they are. Or who should be able to in anycase. Underwhelming seasons from several of our players and most of whom have been healthy and with no reports otherwise.

Fact of the matter is aside from Kane the Oilers have far less man games lost than most teams get and have often had this fortune with their superstars being healthy. yet even in a season where we've had our crew in for the vast majority of games we're staring at a third place finish in the age Peak of McD and Drais hockey careers.

If anybody said this team would finish 3rd in division at start of season they'd be hearing about it a lot. I had even expected 2nd place even with the Oilers brutal offseason.

Again whether you or I put stock in the game NHL players have to and cannot be taking that kind of an attitude to a game that essentially was about 2nd place and home ice advantage in first round. I thought so much this would be a dog game I turned it off after first period. Then reviewed later. But a primary reason I thought so little of what the team would do today is that even in 2025 the club is still so dependent on McDrai.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Okay but it’s still another no show for the bottom six. If this team is going to make any noise they need more from them.

This season as a whole I agree. Getting through these injuries I think they have done pretty well though. Also we still got 3 rosters players out.. dead weight will get trimmed.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

I think its essential that the brunt of this team, the vast majority of its starters, that will be starters in playoffs start to exert a bit more influence on games. This lands especially squarely at the hands of players like Hyman, Nuge, Skinner, Arvid who are paid to produce and add more than they are. Or who should be able to in anycase. Underwhelming seasons from several of our players and most of whom have been healthy and with no reports otherwise.

Fact of the matter is aside from Kane the Oilers have far less man games lost than most teams get and have often had this fortune with their superstars being healthy. yet even in a season where we've had our crew in for the vast majority of games we're staring at a third place finish in the age Peak of McD and Drais hockey careers.

If anybody said this team would finish 3rd in division at start of season they'd be hearing about it a lot. I had even expected 2nd place even with the Oilers brutal offseason.

Again whether you or I put stock in the game NHL players have to and cannot be taking that kind of an attitude to a game that essentially was about 2nd place and home ice advantage in first round. I thought so much this would be a dog game I turned it off after first period. Then reviewed later. But a primary reason I thought so little of what the team would do today is that even in 2025 the club is still so dependent on McDrai.

Top guys have to produce or forget any playoff run. Whether Oilers or any other team. This has been a hugely frustrating season beginning with its off season. Several sustained losing streaks and not the healthy, strong second half and stretch drive this team has been. We're in unknown territory with a team that could roll out first round or galvanize into a deep run if several issues correct themselves - healthy lineup for the first time and chemistry lands; inconsistent goaltending; and their puck management.

Their 6-3-1 last 10 with some positive signs namely Pickard's steady goaltending. Some good games and some disappearing ones from their secondary core guys Nugent Hopkins and Hyman. Arvidsson's looking more engaged and getting from production. Team is tightening up their goals against. But I agree with you, this season is largely a disappointment looking up to a road series opener. Question marks with health, chemistry, and in net.

No Connor. No Leon. No chance.

 

[McShogun99]

A week ago I thought for sure we’d be playing the Kings in the first round. Now there’s a decent chance we play Vegas. I wouldn’t mind Vegas in round one since it will be a more entertaining series and I want me some revenge.

 

[brentashton]

Driving back from AZ today, left at midnight got to Lethbridge tonight. Woof,
I’m exhausted. Couldn’t get Radioplayer to run 880 through the hills/mountains so switched to sat radio (Kings feed). Sounded awful for the Oil. They made Pickard sound like an out of position bantam goalie. Said he made 2 Darnell Nurse bum saves and he didn’t know where his net was.Haven’t read the comments but was that what it was?

EDIT - I’d also like to report that BP has removed Bacardi from their lineup because it’s USA - boo, it’s Puerto Rican , they are as close to being USA as us folks in the old ‘51 but they restored my faith when they brought me my Captain Mo white with a real plastic straw - full length.
Hey Treliving Senior, pick a lane!!

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Its weird that a poster who loves hits and physicality so much says this.

Maybe I missed his physicality because the Kings feed wasn't pointing it out while I was busy? How many hits did he have?

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Maybe I missed his physicality because the Kings feed wasn't pointing it out while I was busy? How many hits did he have?

2 in 7 minutes.

 

[brentashton]

Pretty limited offence without McDrai. Looks like Nuge is on another of his 15 game do nothing heaters. Kulak looks like he's fallen off a cliff the last couple months. And please get Polkozin off any top 6 line. He shouldn't be allowed to handle the puck after beating it square again. Let him grind and pound somewhere down the bottom. Hyman looks lost.

Pickard with another solid game. .929 save % , and against another quality opponent.

Arvy with a solid workmanlike performance.

Frederic looked like he tweaked something on the first shift. I hope they didn't bring him back before he's 100 %. If so, shame on them.

By limited you maybe mean non existent?

 

[29Beast97Mode]

Random drinking thoughts:
I'm sold- start @tardigrade81 in the playoffs. If that's not possible (thanks gary) I guess Pickard will do. Skinner should not sniff the ice again this year. Get podkolzin off draisaitls line. That's all.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

Maybe I missed his physicality because the Kings feed wasn't pointing it out while I was busy? How many hits did he have?

2, and was also mucking it up infront of the net constantly.

He also shoved and slashed doughty into his own goalie battling for position.

Once you finally see him properly play, you'll be a fan.

 

[Mr Positive]

I didn't hate this game. It's not good to lose of course, but we were not dominated. We lost by 2 goals and an empty netter. We probably deserved to lose 2-1. This was one of our toughest remaining games

 

[Ibanez]

if we go out early in the playoffs

I wonder if we do a buyout or two?

I hate buyouts but we are so old and slow. Henrique can leave anytime

I still have time for arvi

I would assume Kane is traded for some sort of peanuts now that he has a modified NTC

We need a retool in the worst way

 

[Drivesaitl]

I didn't hate this game. It's not good to lose of course, but we were not dominated. We lost by 2 goals and an empty netter. We probably deserved to lose 2-1. This was one of our toughest remaining games

LA had a goal called back as well on an offside over ruling and another two posts. The game wasn't really even as close as scoreline.

Unfortunately all the games when it matters will be tough and involving good teams. Nothing about this club this season is pointing to it being any force. Not even goal differential. We don't score a lot and we have questionable goaltending.

Heres another unfortunate aspect. OIlers haven't improved hardly at all at TDL or during season. We'e failed to improve goaltending, Jones is nothing, Klingberg not even playable, Frederic is just what he is and Walman is an OK addition.

LA made one move at TDL and it was getting Kuzmenko who was the best player on ice for either club by a wide margin and frankly has been the Kings best player since they got him. Now this doesn't say much about the Kings squad but he's better than anything we brought in this whole season or offseason. This guy has already had several better games for the Kings than we'e got out of say Arid or Skinner all season.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

LA had a goal called back as well on an offside over ruling and another two posts. The game wasn't really even as close as scoreline.

Unfortunately all the games when it matters will be tough and involving good teams. Nothing about this club this season is pointing to it being any force. Not even goal differential. We don't score a lot and we have questionable goaltending.

Heres another unfortunate aspect. OIlers haven't improved hardly at all at TDL or during season. We'e failed to improve goaltending, Jones is nothing, Klingberg not even playable, Frederic is just what he is and Walman is an OK addition.

LA made one move at TDL and it was getting Kuzmenko who was the best player on ice for either club by a wide margin and frankly has been the Kings best player since they got him. Now this doesn't say much about the Kings squad but he's better than anything we brought in this whole season or offseason. This guy has already had several better games for the Kings than we'e got out of say Arid or Skinner all season.

What a load of absolute shit.