Pre-Game Talk: North Side Story: Jets @ Oilers

[CravenMH]

Stoked about the playoffs. We got the best possible scenario playing WPG and hopefully the MTL and TOR beat the crap out of each other. I could definitely see MTL taking it if they get all their regulars back. here's to hoping.

Definitely not going to look past WPG but this is our best matchup no doubt about it. No matter what happens, it will be a great experience for the young guys and good opportunity to evaluate players for a better roster next season with more cap avail. I'm just going to enjoy watching our boys in the playoffs again.

 

[RandomGuy79]

I hope the Oilers release another pump up video as good as this,

 

[Syyncrow]

Probably hard to do when you can't include the fans like that in the video, unless they just add clips from previous seasons.

 

[Mcnofool6110]

Very intrigued by our lineup going in:
- I feel like Neal's slowly earned his spot. PP + 4LW, veteran body with size. Paired with McLeod, he actually seems to be decent. I don't think his leash is extremely long, mind you.
- Chiasson, when hot, is great. Chiasson, when cold (currently), is a nothing player. That's an improvement over our bottom six usually, because at least he's decent on that PP, but he plays a redundant role if Neal is playing. Kassian is supposedly a playoff X factor, but he's been bad all season - to the point where I think that version of him might be gone. At least Chiasson has had some decent moments. And one of two cup winners in the lineup #cupexperience
- Devin Shore has cooled off a tad as well by my eye, but he's an essential penalty killer. I really did like that Ennis-Khaira-Archibald line. I could see it pop in if we struggle to score Game 1.
- I guess we go with Kahun and McDavid? Doesn't scream a lot of confidence. At least McD has Pulju.

Kahun-McDavid-Puljujarvi
DRY
Shore/Ennis-Khaira-Archibald
Neal-McLeod-Kassian/Chiasson

- Defence should have been easy. Kulikov, however, handles the puck like a hand grenade. I'm not convinced he's any better than Kris Russell at this point. Lucky for him, Kris Russell's injured. Maybe 4K's back?

Nurse-Barrie
Jones-Bear
Kulikov/Russell/4K-Larsson

- Lol my dude Kosko with the sub .900 s%
Smith
Koskinen

 

[bellagiobob]

This is the whole point with me. The Oilers team has earned my faith and respect this season, and complete with solid coaching have my trust and benefit of doubt.

I mean as a fan experience I don't see the point of being negative about our chances before playoffs have started and we've been around topten in league right now. When taking into account the clubs poor 3-6 start, the Oilers have been one of the hottest teams the whole league.
I think guys like Pulju, Kahun, Neal, will surprise, get some goals, and Nuge feels like he's coming. Yama has to start bagging some soon. Chiasson has looked geared up.

Needs to be remembered how potent are D are in scoring support. I mean our D can score all the goals in a W at times.

It's just the usual negative posters. This has been a great season, the Oilers play this year shows that that they have taken the lesson learned from the Chicago series and applied it to their game. McDrai made it their mission to become better two way players this year, and all of there hard work did not go unnoticed. Oilers are a much better team than they were going into the playin round last year, and while I expect the Jets to give them a good run, I see the Oilers winning in 6.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

I said Oilers in 6. I could see us winning in less games, but Hellebuyck is capable of great play and typically our games against them are close. Their size up front will be tough for someone like Barrie to handle in a long series IMO.

 

[Dean Char]

Jets when healthy won't be a easy out. Their downfall will be their lacklustre Defence corps.

 

[McTonyBrar]

Let’s not get carried away guys. This is no easy team. They also have Lowry back all ready and Ehlers will be back too

 

[Niten Ichi Ryu]

These poll results might be bad mojo lmfao

Jets won't be easy with Ehlers back, but I still think we win in 6 or 7.

Winning the regular season series 7-2 has everyone, media, both homer and rival fans, almost writing off the versatile Winnipeg Jets. They've been a playoff team for a few years now. They have the experience, the firepower, the goaltending and now the confidence to make it all the way. Edmonton is going to face a monster in the 1st round, and everything is going to have to go right to beat this multi-dimensional team.

Anticipating a tough back and forth 7 game series, with McDavid rising to the occasion in game 7

 

[MoreDifferentS]

Winning the regular season series 7-2 has everyone, media, both homer and rival fans, almost writing off the versatile Winnipeg Jets. They've been a playoff team for a few years now. They have the experience, the firepower, the goaltending and now the confidence to make it all the way. Edmonton is going to face a monster in the 1st round, and everything is going to have to go right to beat this multi-dimensional team.

Anticipating a tough back and forth 7 game series, with McDavid rising to the occasion in game 7

Everything you said makes complete and perfect sense, but on the other hand it's really *really* hard for me to look at a squad that's lost 9 out of 11 going into the playoffs as a "monster". Like, I understand the hubris of looking past an opponent, but I'm not convinced that this is a 7 game series unless the Oilers decide to be their own biggest obstacle or Connor Hellebuyck does reigning Vezina winner things.

 

[Oilers in NS]

Where do grounded planes go if there is no airport?

I dont know Winnipeg. Driven thru it, very quick I must say, but I dont have a clue about this airport. Whats the story on this? We have one in Halifax.

 

[Oilers in NS]

2 words, Foot Soldiers

Good movie, I highly suggest it

 

[Oilers in NS]

Very intrigued by our lineup going in:
- I feel like Neal's slowly earned his spot. PP + 4LW, veteran body with size. Paired with McLeod, he actually seems to be decent. I don't think his leash is extremely long, mind you.
- Chiasson, when hot, is great. Chiasson, when cold (currently), is a nothing player. That's an improvement over our bottom six usually, because at least he's decent on that PP, but he plays a redundant role if Neal is playing. Kassian is supposedly a playoff X factor, but he's been bad all season - to the point where I think that version of him might be gone. At least Chiasson has had some decent moments. And one of two cup winners in the lineup #cupexperience
- Devin Shore has cooled off a tad as well by my eye, but he's an essential penalty killer. I really did like that Ennis-Khaira-Archibald line. I could see it pop in if we struggle to score Game 1.
- I guess we go with Kahun and McDavid? Doesn't scream a lot of confidence. At least McD has Pulju.

Kahun-McDavid-Puljujarvi
DRY
Shore/Ennis-Khaira-Archibald
Neal-McLeod-Kassian/Chiasson

- Defence should have been easy. Kulikov, however, handles the puck like a hand grenade. I'm not convinced he's any better than Kris Russell at this point. Lucky for him, Kris Russell's injured. Maybe 4K's back?

Nurse-Barrie
Jones-Bear
Kulikov/Russell/4K-Larsson

- Lol my dude Kosko with the sub .900 s%
Smith
Koskinen

Where is Kassian and 4K in their injury progress?

 

[Cloned]

I dont know Winnipeg. Driven thru it, very quick I must say, but I dont have a clue about this airport. Whats the story on this? We have one in Halifax.

They have no airport.

 

[Oilers in NS]

They have no airport.

Where does team get flown in and outta?

 

[Oilers in NS]

Let’s not get carried away guys. This is no easy team. They also have Lowry back all ready and Ehlers will be back too

Love him or hate him, Pionk is a very good defenceman.
Also, with Ehlers back, Jets can run 2 very good lines. Gonna be a good series . We desperately need 2nd line scoring and it would be great to see 3rd line score a few

 

[Drivesaitl]

Everything you said makes complete and perfect sense, but on the other hand it's really *really* hard for me to look at a squad that's lost 9 out of 11 going into the playoffs as a "monster". Like, I understand the hubris of looking past an opponent, but I'm not convinced that this is a 7 game series unless the Oilers decide to be their own biggest obstacle or Connor Hellebuyck does reigning Vezina winner things.

Yep. The undisputed greatest player in the world has just had another transformative season and is at his exact prime and playing the best hockey (incredible) of his life. A team that can barely beat any NHL north opponents is suddenly going to be "monster". The Jets had a hot start. They've not been very good since that.

The jets first 20GP, Feb 27 they were 13-6-1 and competing for first in division. Since then they are a non playoff calibre club with a 15-17-2 record. It isn't just recently the Jets have struggled. Its for months.

But prior to yesterday the Jets lost 9/10 times. The only fear being expressed on hfoilers, was that the Jets were falling so bad that they might let the Habs (who play us better) slip into 3rd. Now that didn't happen, and people are sweating about the club in freefall that just weeks ago was having all kinds of discord, strife, rumors of coach firing, Schiefele being benched etc.

I come here and that club is being described as a Monster. Are some of these posters Jets fans?

The Jets had their brief moment. They have an older core now. On some nights Wheeler looks old as Thornton. Stastny is old as the hills. Non impact player at this point. The Jets have 7 players in their roster born in the 1980's. At least 5 of them will be playing. That isn't good vet depth, its over the hills and far away from it depth.

Jets that cause me concern are Ehlers, Schiefele, Lowry, Connor. Lock that up and you're good to go. Lean on the Jets and they will have trouble with that.

I can't help but think our core will be bringing their best games. Why not? We have 1,2 top players in scoring race and the Jets have abysmal D. Possibly the worst D of any playoff club. For our lineup this is an almost ideal opponent.

 

[jukon]

Probably the one match up in the playoffs that Tippett won't get out coached.

 

[iCanada]

Yep. The undisputed greatest player in the world has just had another transformative season and is at his exact prime and playing the best hockey (incredible) of his life. A team that can barely beat any NHL north opponents is suddenly going to be "monster". The Jets had a hot start. They've not been very good since that.

The jets first 20GP, Feb 27 they were 13-6-1 and competing for first in division. Since then they are a non playoff calibre club with a 15-17-2 record. It isn't just recently the Jets have struggled. Its for months.

But prior to yesterday the Jets lost 9/10 times. The only fear being expressed on hfoilers, was that the Jets were falling so bad that they might let the Habs (who play us better) slip into 3rd. Now that didn't happen, and people are sweating about the club in freefall that just weeks ago was having all kinds of discord, strife, rumors of coach firing, Schiefele being benched etc.

I come here and that club is being described as a Monster. Are some of these posters Jets fans?

The Jets had their brief moment. They have an older core now. On some nights Wheeler looks old as Thornton. Stastny is old as the hills. Non impact player at this point. The Jets have 7 players in their roster born in the 1980's. At least 5 of them will be playing. That isn't good vet depth, its over the hills and far away from it depth.

Jets that cause me concern are Ehlers, Schiefele, Lowry, Connor. Lock that up and you're good to go. Lean on the Jets and they will have trouble with that.

I can't help but think our core will be bringing their best games. Why not? We have 1,2 top players in scoring race and the Jets have abysmal D. Possibly the worst D of any playoff club. For our lineup this is an almost ideal opponent.

Plus... we're kind of Jets kryptonite even looking past the head to head match-up this year. Which to be frank... McDrai are in their heads; the Jets believe McDavid and Draisaitl can score at well on them.

But more than that, this is a franchise that the Oilers have utterly dominated since the 80s. In 7 series vs the Jets, the Oilers have won 22 out of 26 games and never lost a series since 1979. The Jets tales of old glory are all about flying close enough to the sun to allow themselves the opportunity to get torched by Edmontons superstars. That mentality goes deep; it's not just the players, it's the staff, the coaches, the management, the alumni, and the fans.

You can see it them whenever we play them; there's a distinct shrug and an acceptance that there is nothing they can do. An acceptance that McDavid's and Draisaitl's just transcend them.

To the point that this current tailspin their on was started largely by us coming in and beating them 3x in a row.

 

[MoreDifferentS]

Where is Kassian and 4K in their injury progress?

From listening to Tippet's comments about Kassian in a recent press conference, it sounds like its more a case of getting him up to speed to reinsert him into playoff-paced games as opposed to him needing to heal. Koekkoek I don't think has had anything new said about him. I seem to recall Tippet mentioning a couple/few weeks back when asked about him that he was a gonna be a little bit longer than expected and without any actual evidence or reporting to base it off of, would guess he wouldn't be available until closer to the end of the month. Again, regarding Koekkoek I'm just spitballing with that timeline, but since his injury was to his collarbone, I'm sure he's had lots on on-ice workouts and all that so getting back to speed shouldn't be as much of an issue.

If Kulikov manages to get his proverbial poop in a group here, and we don't see both of Jones and Lagesson get hurt I don't think there's much urgency to rush him back into the lineup anyways. We'll have to see how those guys do, as I'm fully expecting the Jets to be identifying the 2nd and 3rd left D as a position to really key in on.

 

[bucks_oil]

5.5games. Kind of what happened with Boston final in 1990....

One Jets home game is delayed, then cancelled as NBC can't find out where the DT and NHL caliber arena is...After having to drive in from Minneapolis.

No seriously, this is the arena, this is where the jets play..excuse tourists for thinking its a large Urban Sobeys marketplace where they sell produce and vegetables.

You'll find it eventually though. Everything in Winnipeg is located on Portage. Yeah, just next to the Glasnost Radisson. lol, yeah, the Radisson. Most cities have a swanky hotel next door with access. Winnipeg has the Pandemic Radisson. Don't cough, they'll lock you up. The Radisson is the building that looks like a nondescript precast 1970 era "tower" nightmare. At 20floors clocks in as highest building in Manitoba. Or Winnipeg. They spared no expense in sourcing out the best concrete prefab.

Just hold up this picture when trying to find your hotel

No seriously, this is the arena...

Don't let the WHA banners confuse, its the only thing Winnipeg has ever won..

View attachment 433005

They really are an NHL City.

SAVAGE!

I'd say this is a strong start.

PS: This Bostonian has fond memories of Polo Park... bought my first Ocean Pacific and Vuarnet T-shirts there. Not the authentic ones, the kind they would sell in Polo Park.

 

[jukon]

The Oilers can go very deep in the playoffs if their first priority is defence, their second priority is defence, and their third priority is defence. Limiting games to one or two goals against, we have a shot against anybody.

 

[Oilers in NS]

From listening to Tippet's comments about Kassian in a recent press conference, it sounds like its more a case of getting him up to speed to reinsert him into playoff-paced games as opposed to him needing to heal. Koekkoek I don't think has had anything new said about him. I seem to recall Tippet mentioning a couple/few weeks back when asked about him that he was a gonna be a little bit longer than expected and without any actual evidence or reporting to base it off of, would guess he wouldn't be available until closer to the end of the month. Again, regarding Koekkoek I'm just spitballing with that timeline, but since his injury was to his collarbone, I'm sure he's had lots on on-ice workouts and all that so getting back to speed shouldn't be as much of an issue.

If Kulikov manages to get his proverbial poop in a group here, and we don't see both of Jones and Lagesson get hurt I don't think there's much urgency to rush him back into the lineup anyways. We'll have to see how those guys do, as I'm fully expecting the Jets to be identifying the 2nd and 3rd left D as a position to really key in on.

thx

 

[fancy dan]

don't understand the worry about Ehlers returning. Have a look at his playoff stat line.... guys like a softer Johnny Gaudreau in the playoffs.

 

[MoreDifferentS]

Paul Maurice linematching: