Pre-Game Talk: Oilers vs Sabres

[elmeroil]

If Smith shits the bed and is still an Oiler the next day, Holland should get a 10 year extension. That makes as much sense as Smith playing in the NHL right now.

 

[K1984]

Smith better be on a short leash.

He won't be because he might be mean if he gets pulled too quickly. Oh, and he's a "battler."

 

[joestevens29]

A nice 45 save shutout by Smith would be nice. Then leave him in Buffalo and bring back Anderson.

Convince them this guy is "their" starter for next year.

 

[tardigrade81]

Woah JP is back? Nice

Be damn good to see him again in the lineup

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Sooo 4 goals on 15 shots?

 

[WIOiler]

Smith = Loss

 

[McDrai]

If we can manage to beat the Sabres then we really have turned the corner (serious).

 

[AddyTheWrath]

Can we not root for Smith to fail? He's historically been a #1G in the playoffs, which is just what we need (along with an improved defensive corps). It would go a long way if he can somehow get back to form (yeah I know it's doubtful).

 

[CycloneSweep]

If Smith shits the bed and is still an Oiler the next day, Holland should get a 10 year extension. That makes as much sense as Smith playing in the NHL right now.

WHEN Smith shits the bed and is still an Oiler…

 

[CycloneSweep]

Can we not root for Smith to fail? He's historically been a #1G in the playoffs, which is just what we need (along with an improved defensive corps). It would go a long way if he can somehow get back to form (yeah I know it's doubtful).

Like a decade ago. He has played 3 playoff series in the past decade. One he was good for Calgary and two for us. One where he was the worst player on the ice, the other where he was one of the worst goalies in the playoffs. What a guy did 10+ years ago means nothing

 

[AddyTheWrath]

Like a decade ago. He has played 3 playoff series in the past decade. One he was good for Calgary and two for us. One where he was the worst player on the ice, the other where he was one of the worst goalies in the playoffs. What a guy did 10+ years ago means nothing

I mean, he had a .917 playing for Calgary against Colorado (was easily their best player), and a .912 against the Jets. Those may look like average numbers but Calgary was dominated by Colorado and Smith was fairly solid for us last year (2.4 GAA so he held the fort enough for us to win).The play-in game was an outlier and after a huge break. Not going to put too much stock into it, especially since Smith had a .944 and .958 when he made the playoffs with Arizona and Tampa Bay.

Koskinen is playing much better right now but not sure I trust him in the playoffs when the pressure is turned up 100x.

 

[trick91]

Why are people talking about previous Smith seasons? He looks HORRIBLE this year. Lunging at pucks, out of position in net, etc. I could care less what he did in the past in the playoffs. He is no longer that same player and the faster the Oilers recall Skinner, the better chance we dont keep giving away points.

 

[CycloneSweep]

I mean, he had a .917 playing for Calgary against Colorado (was easily their best player), and a .912 against the Jets. Those may look like average numbers but Calgary was dominated by Colorado and Smith was fairly solid for us last year (2.4 GAA so he held the fort enough for us to win).The play-in game was an outlier and after a huge break. Not going to put too much stock into it, especially since Smith had a .944 and .958 when he made the playoffs with Arizona and Tampa Bay.

Koskinen is playing much better right now but not sure I trust him in the playoffs when the pressure is turned up 100x.

That 944 and 958 are meaningless as they were over a decade ago dude.

 

[AddyTheWrath]

That 944 and 958 are meaningless as they were over a decade ago dude.

Then the one game against Chicago is even more meaningless dude. I'm just saying based on history I probably prefer Smith over Koskinen in the playoffs. I hope he can get back up to speed because right now the obvious choice to start Game 1 is Mikko and that makes me very afraid.

 

[94 Oil Drops]

Can we not root for Smith to fail? He's historically been a #1G in the playoffs, which is just what we need (along with an improved defensive corps). It would go a long way if he can somehow get back to form (yeah I know it's doubtful).

Whose rooting for Smith to fail? He just sucks.

 

[AddyTheWrath]

Whose rooting for Smith to fail? He just sucks.

No one specifically, but it seems like some people just love to torch the guy. Just reminding people it's in our best interest for him to do well down the stretch.

 

[Oilhawks]

No one specifically, but it seems like some people just love to torch the guy. Just reminding people it's in our best interest for him to do well down the stretch.

A lot of fans are black-pilled and just actively hoping for the worst at this point

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

No one specifically, but it seems like some people just love to torch the guy. Just reminding people it's in our best interest for him to do well down the stretch.

Maybe because he’s one of the worst goalies in the league. We’re fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot and he hurts our chances anytime he’s in the net. I hope he does well but I just don’t see it happening.

 

[duul]

If Smith blunders again tomorrow night, you have to think THAT'S the end? We need points.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

If Smith blunders again tomorrow night, you have to think THAT'S the end? We need points.

I think he gets the Tippett treatment. Aka held onto for way too long.

 

[3IR]

If Smith blunders again tomorrow night, you have to think THAT'S the end? We need points.

Smith would have been done long ago if the GM thought we had other options. Even Holland can see Smith is costing us our shot at the playoffs every start he gets, he's just incapable of making a move that improves that position in any way.

If Smith blunders again tomorrow, they'll ride koskinen until he shits the bed again and then go back to Smith, because if there was a deal out there he was willing to do, I really don't see why he would have waited until seeing the results of tomorrows game to act on it.

 

[Tyrolean]

Automatic loss.

 

[AM]

Agreed. What a stupid decision. And he is slotted on the fourth line? Maybe he gets 8 minutes there. At least put Shore on the fourth line and let McLeod get third line centre.

It’s called a rotation. It’s good management.

 

[brentashton]

Can we not root for Smith to fail? He's historically been a #1G in the playoffs, which is just what we need (along with an improved defensive corps). It would go a long way if he can somehow get back to form (yeah I know it's doubtful).

Why would you root for a player on the team you cheer to fail? I get that we all have faves and non-faves, but thats a silly proposition. Do you cheer for Connor to fail? For Leon to fail?

edit - your first sentence is wonky. I think i know what your asking, but then again you confuse me.

 

[McDraekke]

It’s not Smith’s fault that he’s in the net.