GDT: Preseason Game 7, Oilers at Kraken beer leager. Oilers + 8 PM

[JeffSkinner53]

Are we there yet?

Yes.

"Really"

NO

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

US teams would prefer even a later start to the season than we currently have, due to the competition with football down south. And we know who stirs the drink, and it’s not Canadian teams.

And they can f*** all the way off!

 

[brentashton]

Everyone goes back to work after Labour Day, kids go to school etc.

Training camp should start the day after Labour Day and the season should start on Sept 15th with the Cup finals played in May.

Makes sense in many ways, but that would probably mean the players are “back to work” much earlier, say in late July. I think players and their families would not be fans of that. I do agree that the season goes far too late into June.

Adding two more games to the regular season in order to reduce the number of preseason games seems like cutting 2 feet of rope off and then tieing it to the other end and then saying “there, fixed”. Silly.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

And they can f*** all the way off!

This FOREVER.

 

[brentashton]

Artist's Bluff, New Hampshire taken by me on September 30th.
View attachment 911655
You know it's close to hockey season when it looks like this outside. Too bad pre season drags so much.

I just came in from cutting my frontlawn which faces out to the open lake. I wore a toque and mitts. No lie. I like fall colours, I hate fall temperatures.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Unlike most people I don't like a lot of change.

I never would have guessed.

(joking joking)

 

[Duke74]

Makes sense in many ways, but that would probably mean the players are “back to work” much earlier, say in late July. I think players and their families would not be fans of that. I do agree that the season goes far too late into June.

Adding two more games to the regular season in order to reduce the number of preseason games seems like cutting 2 feet of rope off and then tieing it to the other end and then saying “there, fixed”. Silly.

If anything, the number of regular season games should be reduced. It prevents wear-and-tear going into the playoffs and makes each game more meaningful.

 

[FlameChampion]

From Gregor;

Perry, Podkolzin, Emberson, Stecher and Pickard skated this morning so, tonight's lineup is likely:

RNH-McDavid-Hyman
Skinner-Draisaitl-Arvidsson
Janmark-Henrique-Brown
Caggiula-Philp-Ryan

Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Dermott
Kulak-J.Brown

Skinner
Rodrigue

Really strange fourth line and second pairing if true

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Really strange fourth line and second pairing if true

Agree but I think Lavoie is banged up hence Cagguila in and I think they want one more twirl with Dermott vs an NHL lineup.

 

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Agree but I think Lavoie is banged up hence Cagguila in and I think they want one more twirl with Dermott vs an NHL lineup.

And, re-Dermott, to see how he handles RHD and a bigger work load maybe.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I never would have guessed.

(joking joking)

My mistake was reading Alvin Tofflers "Future shock" at the age of 12. Never do that. haha. Not even jk. You read that and it kind of forms your take on a lot of things. Some things read can't be unread. I know you're kidding but man...

All my teachers on the other hand would say "embrace change donkey". Who you calling a donkey!

 

[FlameChampion]

Agree but I think Lavoie is banged up hence Cagguila in and I think they want one more twirl with Dermott vs an NHL lineup.

Who knows what the brain trust is really thinking but combined with Kulak-JBrown, it just feels confusing.

Also just feels like setting up Philp to fail by giving him the worst linemates so its easier to send him to Bakersfield.

But I am probably just being negative and dramatic lol

 

[brentashton]

I never would have guessed.

(joking joking)

Maybe he’s on to something

New Coke
O’Douls Beer
Beyond Meat

Sometimes change can be bad, lol.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Agree but I think Lavoie is banged up hence Cagguila in and I think they want one more twirl with Dermott vs an NHL lineup.

They're for sure taking a hard look at Dermott with his versatility to play both sides. Dermott at 2RD over Stetcher getting even a sniff at ice-time is interesting.

And Caggulia is a tailor made fourth line guy getting a reward with a deep camp (and cannon fodder in a too long pre-season). On the outside in in terms of making the roster but worth a deep look as a cheap recall option. Frustrating that Lavoie is banged up.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Maybe he’s on to something

New Coke
O’Douls Beer
Beyond Meat

Sometimes change can be bad, lol.

jebus you think? The list is endless and we all know that. heh

What? you don't like eating pureed grasshopper patties. The new protein? Get with the times man.

edit New and improved posting...pfft

 

[Oilslick941611]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1841277604067737707

About time. Now start preseason and training camp right after Sept long weekend, the season mid September and end the season no later than June 1.

84 game season also solves the uneven schedule within the division as you play 5 opponents 4 times and 2 opponents only 3. This would mean every team within your division you play 4 times.

8 games is too much. We don't need 6 games of CHL/AHL lineups

84 games is fine with me.

 

[oXo Cube]

I think the logic of 'fewer preseason games means fewer injuries' is fairly flawed analysis, but if teams are going to use those games the way they have been the last few years then I'm not really sure what the point of playing more than 3 or 4 really is either way.

 

[Cypress]

They're for sure taking a hard look at Dermott with his versatility to play both sides. Dermott at 2RD over Stetcher getting even a sniff at ice-time is interesting.

And Caggulia is a tailor made fourth line guy getting a reward with a deep camp (and cannon fodder in a too long pre-season). On the outside in in terms of making the roster but worth a deep look as a cheap recall option. Frustrating that Lavoie is banged up.

Can Stecher kill penalties? Contract is obviously a big factor for Brown, but maybe they also just need someone who can PK. If Dermott can play RD, maybe they'll send Brown to Bakersfield.

On Cagguila, I think it's worth noting that he played pretty well for Bowman in Chicago for a couple years. Maybe that has something to do with why he's still here.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I think the logic of 'fewer preseason games means fewer injuries' is fairly flawed analysis, but if teams are going to use those games the way they have been the last few years then I'm not really sure what the point of playing more than 3 or 4 really is either way.

#1 flaw in preseason regardless of games played is the length in time of the preseason, and too much gap between games. League wide several teams and players are complaining about this. It makes no sense. Split squad games, few players playing every game and they still have these long breaks between most games. Preseason should take 2wks maximum. Not close to a month that this is taking.

 

[Oilhawks]

Can Stecher kill penalties? Contract is obviously a big factor for Brown, but maybe they also just need someone who can PK. If Dermott can play RD, maybe they'll send Brown to Bakersfield.

On Cagguila, I think it's worth noting that he played pretty well for Bowman in Chicago for a couple years. Maybe that has something to do with why he's still here.

I don’t necessarily disagree, but it might be a reasonable question as to whether or not J Brown can effectively kill penalties either

 

[joestevens29]

Can Stecher kill penalties? Contract is obviously a big factor for Brown, but maybe they also just need someone who can PK. If Dermott can play RD, maybe they'll send Brown to Bakersfield.

On Cagguila, I think it's worth noting that he played pretty well for Bowman in Chicago for a couple years. Maybe that has something to do with why he's still here.

I honestly wonder if Brown got 3 years because they hope that will scare people away from waivers

 

[CycloneSweep]

If anything, the number of regular season games should be reduced. It prevents wear-and-tear going into the playoffs and makes each game more meaningful.

Teams nor players want a reduced revenue though. Dropping 4 preseason games and adding 2 regular season games probably calculates to be relatively revenue neutral.
As all things, its about the money.

 

[Gordy Elbows]

Maybe he’s on to something

New Coke
O’Douls Beer
Beyond Meat

Sometimes change can be bad, lol.

Speaking of drinking 0% alcohol beer (O’Douls)….I heard it mentioned that drinking that is like watching porn on the radio.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Can Stecher kill penalties? Contract is obviously a big factor for Brown, but maybe they also just need someone who can PK. If Dermott can play RD, maybe they'll send Brown to Bakersfield.

On Cagguila, I think it's worth noting that he played pretty well for Bowman in Chicago for a couple years. Maybe that has something to do with why he's still here.

Good question about Stetcher. The Oilers Plan A was to extend its NHL defense depth with Stetcher and Brown as 7th & 8th dmen who could step into third pairing minutes. Fully believe both got term deals as poison pills to mitigate waiver claim considerations with ability to move up and down between Edmonton and Bakersfield. They essentially pre-purchased their trade deadline defense depth without giving up any precious draft collateral.

The Oilers are working through Plan B with loss of three defenders 6'3"; 6'4"; and 6'7" so the audition is on to find balance with own zone defending and PK ability. There is clearly some consideration for Brown's size and reach for important home plate defending, cycle breaking, and willingness to fight. Stetcher a game undersized d-man who's built a strong journeyman career with solid minutes on bad teams that gets leveraged into trade deadline insurance to good teams and fewer, reduced minutes. Dermott some versatility and known to this head coach and Jackson through his former agency. Looks like a three-way battle for two jobs. PK ability is going to be a key factor in their decision with loss of their two top right shot PK dmen. Feels like Emberton virtue of age and latent potential upside might get first crack at 2RD. Might be a candidate too for PK work.

Personally I think a realistic 2RD is a step beyond all these guys and a lingering roster hole that's existed for years.

Caggulia signed back with the Oilers last season pre-dating Bowman. He's become a good pro's pro for the organization in Bakersfield with his work ethic and attitude. An AHL NHL tweener this is a reward for the attributes he brings to the organization. Good energy player but I suspect the Oilers would have a bigger body in that role for NHL bottom six.

 

[joestevens29]

Can Stecher kill penalties? Contract is obviously a big factor for Brown, but maybe they also just need someone who can PK. If Dermott can play RD, maybe they'll send Brown to Bakersfield.

On Cagguila, I think it's worth noting that he played pretty well for Bowman in Chicago for a couple years. Maybe that has something to do with why he's still here.

I don't know Cagguila was ever an everyday NHLer back then in Chicago. He's really never been an everyday NHLer

Think it's more the guy is the type of players coaches love and Knoblauch has never really seen him before so he's taking that extended look. Just one of those guys that listens and follows instructions from the coaches while giving it his all. Unfortunately I don't think he thinks the game fast enough at the NHL level