Rumor: Rumors and Proposals Thread | The Infinity Glove Hand, Snap Your Fingers and the Puck Still Goes In

[Pucklington]

I can guarantee he wouldn't be better then me in my prime . I had university trying to recruit me . Today yeah you are probably right as for the kid that was a joke . Doesn't matter how good a kid is he not going to be near the worst NHL goalie . If you thought that was a serious post I don't know what to say

Also I actually have stuck up for Koskinen on a few occasion . I still think he needs to be moved . The team has lost faith in him and he probably has lost faith in the team not a recipe for success .

Me too. I cleaned up in all the big road hockey tournaments. Scouts would hear I was going to play, and treck all the way to my subdivision to watch my filthy glove hand and lightning quick reflexes.

 

[fuswald]

Assuming 1 in 10 shots goes in (0.900 save percentage) you would expect about 8 of those to be the first shot of the game in an 82 game season.

Using this logic 8 in 10 go in on the second shot as well. And the third and the fourth and so on. If we average 30 shots per game that means we let in 240 goals a year. Was 217 so is very possible.

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

Rolling the dice on this tandem, I would not bet too much money.

It wasn't good enough to get us into the next round two years in a row but now that both are a year older it surely will.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

It wasn't good enough to get us into the next round two years in a row but now that both are a year older it surely will.

There is more to a team than goaltending. We are better at forward and with our defensemen than last season.

Nurse-Barrie (same)
Keith >>> Any of our LD not named Nurse last season
Bouchard >>> Bear offensively
Ceci >>> Larsson offensively
Koekoek/Russell (same)

We may struggle a little more defensively without Larsson, but we are MUCH better in terms of puck movement and having threats to score from the point than we've been in eons.

Out Bear 43gp. 2-6-8 (all at ES)
In Bouchard 14gp. 2-3-5 (1-3-4 at ES)

Out Larsson 56gp. 4-6-10 (all at ES)
In Ceci 53gp. 4-13-17 (all at ES)

Out Jones 33gp. 0-4-4 (all at ES)
In Keith 54gp. 4-11-15 (3-6-9 at ES)

Out 6-16-22 at ES in 132gp.
In 8-22-30 at ES in 121gp.

Ceci was on a team that scored 10 more goals than we did last season and Keith was on a team that scored 24 less goals than we did last season.

Bouchard was on pace for a 20 point season last season, depending on his ice time and usage he could be a 30-40 point defenseman this season.

 

[SupremeTeam16]

I you get a combine .920sv% out of these two the Oilers likely finish first in their division.It would not surprise me to see shots against down a fair bit this year. The forwrads are a fair bit better defensivley. And while they have lost Larsson, the defense moves the puck better than last year.

To me the moves they've made this offseason and the players they brought in signals that they'd like to defend better as a unit and also move the puck out of their own zone more efficiently, both of which should make the goaltenders job easier. By improving the team in certain aspects it could indirectly improving the goaltending situation and buy them some time to find a more long term solution in net.

I personally don't think Koskinen is as bad as most want to make him out to be. He's a decent to good goalie the bulk of time of the time but when he's bad he's horrifically bad and it tends to come at the absolute worst times. I don't know what's all involved with their goaltending training but he seems like a guy who can benefit from working with a sports psychologists. I started seeing one last year as I've been trying to improve my golf game and it has really helped me with things like mental preparation in sport, controlling emotion/thoughts, and compartmentalizing. It's really helped me improve my game and not dwell on bad moments that leads to more bad moments. I wasn't expecting much when I first went but the results have been surprising.

 

[Aerchon]

It wasn't good enough to get us into the next round two years in a row but now that both are a year older it surely will.

There is more to a team than goaltending. We are better at forward and with our defensemen than last season.

Nurse-Barrie (same)
Keith >>> Any of our LD not named Nurse last season
Bouchard >>> Bear offensively
Ceci >>> Larsson offensively
Koekoek/Russell (same)

We may struggle a little more defensively without Larsson, but we are MUCH better in terms of puck movement and having threats to score from the point than we've been in eons.

Out Bear 43gp. 2-6-8 (all at ES)
In Bouchard 14gp. 2-3-5 (1-3-4 at ES)

Out Larsson 56gp. 4-6-10 (all at ES)
In Ceci 53gp. 4-13-17 (all at ES)

Out Jones 33gp. 0-4-4 (all at ES)
In Keith 54gp. 4-11-15 (3-6-9 at ES)

Out 6-16-22 at ES in 132gp.
In 8-22-30 at ES in 121gp.

Ceci was on a team that scored 10 more goals than we did last season and Keith was on a team that scored 24 less goals than we did last season.

Bouchard was on pace for a 20 point season last season, depending on his ice time and usage he could be a 30-40 point defenseman this season.

So Keithisjustokay has hit the nail on the head as cleanly and simply as possible.

Bryanbryoil has done a great job explaining his rationale.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. To each their own. Etc. There really is no wrong statement.

But Keithisjustokay rings pure and true to my ears and Bryanbryoil rings hollow.

KoskiSmith has done better than credited and certainly better than the best pundits predicted but realistically their is no reason to actually expect better results with the changes that were made and another year of over the hill for Smith.

Edit: it "could" but it realistically shouldn't.

 

[NoDust33]

So Keithisjustokay has hit the nail on the head as cleanly and simply as possible.

Bryanbryoil has done a great job explaining his rationale.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. To each their own. Etc. There really is no wrong statement.

But Keithisjustokay rings pure and true to my ears and Bryanbryoil rings hollow.

KoskiSmith has done better than credited and certainly better than the best pundits predicted but realistically their is no reason to actually expect better results with the changes that were made and another year of over the hill for Smith.

Edit: it "could" but it realistically shouldn't.

The only real question is if Koskinen and Smith are good enough to have this team in a playoff position by the deadline? I'd say yes.

To say it's a poor decision to run with them again because they won't advance the team in the playoffs, prior to that decision being made, is premature.

 

[Aerchon]

The only real question is if Koskinen and Smith are good enough to have this team in a playoff position by the deadline? I'd say yes.

To say it's a poor decision to run with them again because they won't advance the team in the playoffs, prior to that decision being made, is premature.

I like to use historical data when available and especially when it's as relevant as it is in this situation.

The only thing that matters is playoff success to me with the players we have. Edmonton has been in a great position to have success for a long time imo. Needs to happen.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Forwards:

Out:
Chiasson 45gp. 9-7-16 (4-5-9 at ES)
Neal 29gp. 5-5-10 (4-3-7 at ES)
Kahun 48gp. 9-6-15 (9-5-14 at ES)
Khaira 40gp. 3-8-11 (3-8-11 at ES)
Haas 34gp. 2-1-3 (2-1-3 at ES)
Ennis 30gp. 3-6-9 (3-6-9 at ES)
Nygard 9gp.0-0-0 (0-0-0 at ES)
P. Russell 8gp. 0-2-2 (0-2-2 at ES)

Total Out: 243gp. 31-35-64 (0.26 points/game) 25-30-55 at ES (0.23 ES points/game)

In:
Hyman 43gp. 15-18-33 (12-16-28 at ES)
Foegele 53gp. 10-10-20 (10-10-20 at ES)
Ryan 43gp. 2-11-13 (2-11-13 at ES)
McLeod 10gp. 0-1-1 (0-1-1 at ES)
Perlini 21gp. 9-7-16 (Swiss League, stats not included in Total)
Benson 36gp. 10-26-36 (AHL, stats not included in Total)
" 15gp. 2-17-19 (Swiss League, stats not included in Total)
Holloway 23gp. 11-24-35 (NCAA, stats not included in Total)

Total In: 149gp. 27-40-67 (0.45 points/game) 24-38-62 at ES (0.42 ES points/game)

 

[NoDust33]

I like to use historical data when available and especially when it's as relevant as it is in this situation.

The only thing that matters is playoff success to me with the players we have. Edmonton has been in a great position to have success for a long time imo. Needs to happen.

I agree about playoff success. I'm just saying, I think the goaltending should be enough to have us in position for a home ice playoff spot by the deadline which I would expect Holland makes a move to strengthen the goaltending...barring a massive season by Koskinen.

If Holland is able to address goaltending while giving less assets/retention at the deadline then he would have had he pulled the trigger this summer, that would be a success. Of course, if he runs these 2 guys in playoffs to the same results, that would be a pretty bad look.

My point is, it's too premature to say Hollands made the decision to roll with Smith/Koskinen in the playoffs to the same results- which is where the issue is. History suggests they are competent enough to get the team into good position for the playoffs by the deadline.

 

[Anarchism]

Forwards:

Out:
Chiasson 45gp. 9-7-16 (4-5-9 at ES)
Neal 29gp. 5-5-10 (4-3-7 at ES)
Kahun 48gp. 9-6-15 (9-5-14 at ES)
Khaira 40gp. 3-8-11 (3-8-11 at ES)
Haas 34gp. 2-1-3 (2-1-3 at ES)
Ennis 30gp. 3-6-9 (3-6-9 at ES)
Nygard 9gp.0-0-0 (0-0-0 at ES)
P. Russell 8gp. 0-2-2 (0-2-2 at ES)

Total Out: 243gp. 31-35-64 (0.26 points/game) 25-30-55 at ES (0.23 ES points/game)

In:
Hyman 43gp. 15-18-33 (12-16-28 at ES)
Foegele 53gp. 10-10-20 (10-10-20 at ES)
Ryan 43gp. 2-11-13 (2-11-13 at ES)
McLeod 10gp. 0-1-1 (0-1-1 at ES)
Perlini 21gp. 9-7-16 (Swiss League, stats not included in Total)
Benson 36gp. 10-26-36 (AHL, stats not included in Total)
" 15gp. 2-17-19 (Swiss League, stats not included in Total)
Holloway 23gp. 11-24-35 (NCAA, stats not included in Total)

Total In: 149gp. 27-40-67 (0.45 points/game) 24-38-62 at ES (0.42 ES points/game)

So yes our goal scoring and our transition game will improve while we are still weak down the right side. I dont disagree with your analysis. However what it points out or projects is alot of higher scoring games....This will work against some teams who struggle to score or skate.
Counter punching teams with a defense first mentality that have a couple of good quality defensive lines will create some trouble for us. In season the changes should result in more wins and less shots against. However in the playoffs when things tighten up.....hopefully our right side D will be fixed somewhat by coaching and experience and we are able to restrict Barrie's time 5 on 5 and Ceci and Bouchard can take more of the load. Lots can still go wrong. However after this season (next year) there are reasons to be optimistic.

 

[bobbythebrain]

I like to use historical data when available and especially when it's as relevant as it is in this situation.

The only thing that matters is playoff success to me with the players we have. Edmonton has been in a great position to have success for a long time imo. Needs to happen.

Binnington and Murray both came in to help their teams playoff success.

We have a gem in Skinner and a great mentor in Smith.

Our goalie situation is nowhere near as bad as some are making it out to be.

 

[Anarchism]

Binnington and Murray both came in to help their teams playoff success.

We have a gem in Skinner and a great mentor in Smith.

Our goalie situation is nowhere near as bad as some are making it out to be.

Its good to be optimistic. Obviously your in Skinner's corner ....hope your right about him.
But probables say....the odds against Skinner becoming more than a backup....fairly remote. But sometimes lightning can strike...sometimes goalies are the proverbial mud at the wall.

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

Its good to be optimistic. Obviously your in Skinner's corner ....hope your right about him.
But probables say....the odds against Skinner becoming more than a backup....fairly remote. But sometimes lightning can strike...sometimes goalies are the proverbial mud at the wall.

Skinner improves every season. I’m not holding my breath but the potential seems to be there.

 

[GhostfaceWu]

Binnington and Murray both came in to help their teams playoff success.

We have a gem in Skinner and a great mentor in Smith.

Our goalie situation is nowhere near as bad as some are making it out to be.

Remember when this was being said about Brossoit.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

Remember when this was being said about Brossoit.

And? Skinner will pave his own path.

 

[GhostfaceWu]

And? Skinner will pave his own path.

Pretending our goalie situation isn't bad because a prospect had one good AHL season during a pandemic isn't rationale.

 

[Oilhawks]

Pretending our goalie situation isn't bad because a prospect had one good AHL season during a pandemic isn't rationale.

I don’t think too many fans would be upset with Skinner topping out as a solid backup like Brossoit, particularly if that started this season

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

Pretending our goalie situation isn't bad because a prospect had one good AHL season during a pandemic isn't rationale.

Crapping on optimism because a performance of an upward trending prospect was 'during a pandemic' is far less rational.

 

[Tobias Kahun]

So Keithisjustokay has hit the nail on the head as cleanly and simply as possible.

Bryanbryoil has done a great job explaining his rationale.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. To each their own. Etc. There really is no wrong statement.

But Keithisjustokay rings pure and true to my ears and Bryanbryoil rings hollow.

KoskiSmith has done better than credited and certainly better than the best pundits predicted but realistically their is no reason to actually expect better results with the changes that were made and another year of over the hill for Smith.

Edit: it "could" but it realistically shouldn't.

You know what failed to get us into the second round this year?

Our lack of offense.

 

[GhostfaceWu]

Crapping on optimism because a performance of an upward trending prospect was 'during a pandemic' is far less rational.

People were saying the same thing about Starrett after his .918 season and he turned into nothing. My original response was towards the poster saying our goaltending issues aren't near as bad because we had a pospect put up a good year when he only had to play the same divisional opponents all year. If Skinner is our safety net between the pipes for the next 2-3 years we're in trouble.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

People were saying the same thing about Starrett after his .918 season and he turned into nothing. My original response was towards the poster saying our goaltending issues aren't near as bad because we had a pospect put up a good year when he only had to play the same divisional opponents all year. If Skinner is our safety net between the pipes for the next 2-3 years we're in trouble.

Holland has tried to improve on our goaltending two years in a row. I wouldn't say its our safety...

That said, we clearly passed on goaltending in the draft this year because the team has faith in our 2 prospects.

 

[Anarchism]

Holland has tried to improve on our goaltending two years in a row. I wouldn't say its our safety...

That said, we clearly passed on goaltending in the draft this year because the team has faith in our 2 prospects.

 

[Anarchism]

Your first statement is true but the second is not necessarily true. Holland has quite a different approach to goaltending.
Also part of what the poster above has said is true ....covid year where many of the better shooters/goal scorers were overseas. Its hard not to look at Skinner's numbers this past season and say what if....

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Forwards are markedly better in terms of depth, 200 foot play, forechecking ability and converting offensive chances. The defence is markedly better in terms of puck movement, offensive conversions and in my opinion should be better in decreasing unforced and forced turnovers in the defensive zone.

This all means we should have the puck more often and more often in the offensive zone where you play your best defence as the puck is 200 feet from your end of the ice.

This should translate to an improved goal differential by a slight decrease in goals allowed and a slight increase in goals for. That translates directly into wins.

If the goalies do not let those deflating first shots of the game in, and the special teams holds (which the PP should do without question) we should be an easy spot for 2nd overall and while Vegas might think they improved, I am not so sure they are better especially losing Fluery, so I am thinking we will be challenging all year for 1st in our division especially if we beat Vegas in our divisional series by 2 games or more, and a top 6-8 finish in the league.

The goal is to get out of our division this year in the playoffs and scoring more goals in the playoffs is how we do that.