GDT: WCQF | G2 | Oilers vs. Kings | 4.19.23 | 8:00PM-ish | SN

[CupofOil]

Yeah. Connor himself said this year isn't last year, the series is different. Last year Oilers just turned up the volume and ran the Kings out of the rink a couple games. That was without Doughty, Arviddson, Vilardi (who is back tonight)

You are correct in that the Kings haven't found their game in weeks. But game 1 was closer to it then they've been lately. The Kings did manage to stay out of their end enough to keep the game close but the Oilers have to force the Kings hand with more forecheck pressure. (but which also comes with dangers) I'd also like to see the right line configs that support ozone cycle and keep it rolling. We had trouble doing that.

The same people in the thread saying the Oilers will just blow out the Kings tonight were the ones calling a 4 game sweep. Oilers should have won the first game, I agree, but Kings were cagey enough to stay in a game in which they didn't have two of their more prolific players. They played a better disciplined game and with better structure.

I think the Oilers take it tonight but I'm not convinced this is going to be easy. That said you never know. As mentioned the Oilers HAVE to win tonight and the Kings don't. But you never know the read in the rooms. For all we know the Kings show up tonight wanting more, or the Oilers do. Concerning thing is that in game one nobody seemed to be as much of a support player as Arviddson. The whole panel were impressed with him. Thats what you need in playoffs is guys rising up. Who are the guys in the room that will play their game and give extra, give a lot extra. We weren't getting that in Game 1. We need it now.

Interestingly enough, it was the Oilers support players that played a great game (the bottom 6 was terrific tbh) but it was the top guys outside of Drai that were MIA really so in that respect even though I'm conceding that the Kings have a lot more to give that the Oilers also have a lot more to give even though they controlled a lot of last game.

My main concern is that you can't just give away games in the playoffs especially when the other team is far from their best and it's completely in your control. It just creates a much smaller margin for error going forward where the Oilers have very little room for hiccups going forward. Not to mention that the Kings leading scorer and best power forward are likely coming back.
I still think the Oilers should win the series if they play their game but that outlook became more murky for me after Game 1. If they spit the bit tonight, it's just about time to close the shades on this season.

 

[duul]

I love Desharnais at times but man he lost the script. By end of game he's making gestures, pointing to officials, banging boards. Love the passion, but the Kings know that he's a hotwire. They'd target him to get him to lose it. Why wouldn't a team? Loose cannons are problematic. Desharnais best play is just play physical, be scary, but cut out the shit and just go to the bench. He has too much fire in him to get worked up in a game. Because when that happens anything happens. Sure the coaching staff, especially Manson said some things to him.

Desharnais has some wild in him that he has to harness. Pretty sure I'm not the first person that has said that about him or to him. He's fascinating because he has to channel all that energy and its obviously been a learning curve to do that. Just to be here.

What I worry about though is after all the anger if Desharnais feels like he cost the team the game. That would be bad too for him to be feeling that. The whole team could help him with that.

The issue with him is, from my viewings, he is not a physical or scary defenceman. He is a guy the other team is licking their chops at playing against because they know they'll get a few opportunities against him to really get a scoring chance by skating by him. He is not hurting anybody. He's the ultimate fake tough guy. Biggest guy on the ice but you'd never know it going off the stats pages.

I assure you nobody on the Kings sees him as anything but a cookie ticket. In game 3 their game plan will be getting Kopiitar and Kempe out against him as much as possible to exploit how incapable he is. At least we see Nurse and Kostin really throwing their body around trying to hurt people in the first period. Where's Desharnais at any point in that game? Utter failure all around but this is nothing new for him. He has never been a physical player.

 

[Porkleaker]

Get about the same chances as last game and finish chances and it is a blowout.

Kings are not "cagey" lol. They gave us PLENTY of HD chances

Oh absolutely, I was following it on moneypuck chance of winning was in the high 70's until the wheels fell off the bus, and our HD chances and shot attempts were far better. Oilers come out on fire tonight and stay on fire or else!

 

[CupofOil]

The issue with him is, from my viewings, he is not a physical or scary defenceman. He is a guy the other team is licking their chops at playing against because they know they'll get a few opportunities against him to really get a scoring chance by skating by him. He is not hurting anybody. He's the ultimate fake tough guy. Biggest guy on the ice but you'd never know it going off the stats pages.

I assure you nobody on the Kings sees him as anything but a cookie ticket. In game 3 their game plan will be getting Kopiitar and Kempe out against him as much as possible to exploit how incapable he is. At least we see Nurse and Kostin really throwing their body around trying to hurt people in the first period. Where's Desharnais at any point in that game? Utter failure all around but this is nothing new for him. He has never been a physical player.

Huh? I'm not understanding this post, completely bizarre tone too. Vinny has been rock solid for the Oilers.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Interestingly enough, it was the Oilers support players that played a great game (the bottom 6 was terrific tbh) but it was the top guys outside of Drai that were MIA really so in that respect even though I'm conceding that the Kings have a lot more to give that the Oilers also have a lot more to give even though they controlled a lot of last games.

My main concern is that you can't just give away games in the playoffs especially when the other team is far from their best. It just creates a much smaller margin for error going forward where the Oilers have very little room for hiccups going forward. Not to mention that the Kings leading scorer and best power forward are likely coming back.
I still think the Oilers should win the series if they play their game but that outlook became more murky for me after Game 1.

What year will this team learn to close games consistently and not walk into series? Most of us thought it would be this year. Still not. Sure there was a lot said in the room. Not sure if anybody noticed but Drai was livid on the bench basically berating somebody. I think it was Kane. He has a right to. You rarely see Drai this angry at a team mate. It sent me for a loop when I saw it. Drai is usually kid gloves with team mates. Not blaming him. Plenty of players around him need to bring their A game, which Drai pretty clearly had. It isn't Drai feeling his way into postseasons. It never is.

The issue with him is, from my viewings, he is not a physical or scary defenceman. He is a guy the other team is licking their chops at playing against because they know they'll get a few opportunities against him to really get a scoring chance by skating by him. He is not hurting anybody. He's the ultimate fake tough guy. Biggest guy on the ice but you'd never know it going off the stats pages.

I assure you nobody on the Kings sees him as anything but a cookie ticket. In game 3 their game plan will be getting Kopiitar and Kempe out against him as much as possible to exploit how incapable he is. At least we see Nurse and Kostin really throwing their body around trying to hurt people in the first period. Where's Desharnais at any point in that game? Utter failure all around but this is nothing new for him. He has never been a physical player.

Bit of a tough take. Tbh the Kings were looking forward to any time Ekholm wasn't on the ice. So its not just Desharnais. I prefer him to somebody wandering around and not being anywhere near net. Thats when we get in trouble and Skinner isn't good enough to withstand that and Kings like a net front game. You need ushers out there.

 

[Forgot About Drai]

Huh? I'm not understanding this post. Vinny has been rock solid for the Oilers.

Agreed. He has also been pretty vicious and mean in the corners too, so dont really get the not physical comment either. I think some times hes a little to viscous and physical to be honest.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Oh absolutely, I was following it on moneypuck chance of winning was in the high 70's until the wheels fell off the bus, and our HD chances and shot attempts were far better. Oilers come out on fire tonight and stay on fire or else!

Well, part of the Oilers problem in game 1 was pacing. Its even possible McD blew some of his wad in first period. For sure Kane and others did. The Oilers were so intent on running the Kings out of the rink in the first they kind of lost sight of game being +60mins. Not a new thing with the Oilers. If its one thing Kings are capable of its pace and endurance. They can roll lines. The Oilers have to be smarter with their energy. Guys like Messier would read which times he would go for the gusto. Its 2023 and McD still ain't doing that. He was trying to make magic happen even when it really wasn't there.

The Oilers hits in the game drastically fell off after first and second periods. Its possible some of their pace did too. The Oilers defended well in first two periods and were good all over the ice. But starting with the third period that was gone.

Kane is really severely getting bagged out there. We're getting first periods out of him and thats it.

 

[OfCorsiDid]

I’ll be in the building tonight.

Changing jerseys for game 1 from 2019 Draisaitl away white to 2003 Gretzky Heritage Classic blue. Hopefully that wipes a bit of the stink off from Monday.

Hopefully I come home happy and with no voice!

 

[duul]

What year will this team learn to close games consistently and not walk into series? Most of us thought it would be this year. Still not. Sure there was a lot said in the room. Not sure if anybody noticed but Drai was livid on the bench basically berating somebody. I think it was Kane. He has a right to. You rarely see Drai this angry at a team mate. It sent me for a loop when I saw it. Drai is usually kid gloves with team mates. Not blaming him. Plenty of players around him need to bring their A game, which Drai pretty clearly had. It isn't Drai feeling his way into postseasons. It never is.


Bit of a tough take. Tbh the Kings were looking forward to any time Ekholm wasn't on the ice. So its not just Desharnais. I prefer him to somebody wandering around and not being anywhere near net. Thats when we get in trouble and Skinner isn't good enough to withstand that and Kings like a net front game. You need ushers out there.

I don't think Desharnais ushers anyone. He is not the factor a lot of people here assume he is because of his size. He doesn't punish anybody. He is not imposing his will on anyone. He is simply there and LA goes on their way to do whatever they want.

As for Draisaitl, that was one of the best games I've ever seen him play. He dominated throughout. Good on him for showing some emotion like that, it's a rarity from him as you say. Really impressed with him, but it's a shame one of McDrai have to be saddled with Kane and Yamo -- both of them are playing terribly.

With Kane barely able to skate, Yamo inconsequential, and Hyman not making a single pass all game, it's clear to see we are still full of holes. Nobody is perfect but we are actively griefing our superstars by still not having players capable of taking and making passes to them on a regular basis. It's McDrai and RNH and then the rest.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I don't think Desharnais ushers anyone. He is not the factor a lot of people here assume he is because of his size. He doesn't punish anybody. He is not imposing his will on anyone. He is simply there and LA goes on their way to do whatever they want.

As for Draisaitl, that was one of the best games I've ever seen him play. He dominated throughout. Good on him for showing some emotion like that, it's a rarity from him as you say. Really impressed with him, but it's a shame one of McDrai have to be saddled with Kane and Yamo -- both of them are playing terribly.

With Kane barely able to skate, Yamo inconsequential, and Hyman not making a single pass all game, it's clear to see we are still full of holes. Nobody is perfect but we are actively griefing our superstars by still not having players capable of taking and making passes to them on a regular basis. It's McDrai and RNH and then the rest.

He's just meat and potatoes. He's Not Luke Richardson. Don't get me wrong, not elevating him he's a no nonsense guy that punishes people around the net and pushes off screens. Its simple stuff but you gotta have some of it in your lineup. We got Ekholm, Nurse, and Desharnais doing that. Ceci ain't doing shit. In this lineup Desharnais still has a role. In coming years we need to get deeper on D.

 

[ujju2]

Drai seems to produce with anyone when he has to. Swap Kane back to McD's wing

Problem is Kane wasn't doing much with McDavid. Swapping Kane to McD's wing would mean putting Nuge on Drai's wing, which is probably an upgrade for Drai and downgrade for McDavid (opposite of the intended effect).

 

[Drivesaitl]

Agreed. He has also been pretty vicious and mean in the corners too, so dont really get the not physical comment either. I think some times hes a little to viscous and physical to be honest.

I don't think Desharnais is too viscous. I like that he sticks to guys pretty well. hehe

Its extra funny that autocorrect didn't save you because viscous is a word.

 

[KingKhron]

Feels like it’ll be a tougher test tonight after giving the Kings life. They had 1 goal in the last 8 periods against us going into the third. Let’s hope the team plays disciplined and let their superior talent prevail in a full 60 minute effort.

 

[Duke74]

What year will this team learn to close games consistently and not walk into series? Most of us thought it would be this year. Still not. Sure there was a lot said in the room. Not sure if anybody noticed but Drai was livid on the bench basically berating somebody. I think it was Kane. He has a right to. You rarely see Drai this angry at a team mate. It sent me for a loop when I saw it. Drai is usually kid gloves with team mates. Not blaming him. Plenty of players around him need to bring their A game, which Drai pretty clearly had. It isn't Drai feeling his way into postseasons. It never is.

I assume you're talking about the overtime? If so, I think it was Nurse that he was upset with. I think it happened when Draisaitl passed back to Nurse and wanted the return pass but Nurse made an ineffectual shot attempt. I don't like to see players yelling at their teammates because it disrupts chemistry and creates animosity. The best approach is to mention it on the bench afterwards or even in the locker room.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Problem is Kane wasn't doing much with McDavid. Swapping Kane to McD's wing would mean putting Nuge on Drai's wing, which is probably an upgrade for Drai and downgrade for McDavid (opposite of the intended effect).

Its a bad feel but at present Kane is with Drai because McD wasn't presently enamored with the idea. This far into career its not my favorite look that McD picks linemates. I really feel he does. Drai gets whats left.

Which is strange because anytime Kane is on a heater McD would want him. Its like clockwork with the club. Anytime a player needs a reset they're dropped to Drai. Shit needs to stop. Put the guys together based on what is working and how the players work off of each other. Normally I'd be more than fine to see Kane with Drai, I like the big dawgs, but Kane has expected hands problems since the wrist injury. Its harder for him to cycle and protect and work puck well now. The cycle is off with Kane now. Then its Yamamoto. Ouch.

Whenever possible Drai is feeding his D. Or just putting the puck in spaces. Drai is a marvel in that he's not having a lot to work with currently and still producing like a charm.

 

[Porkleaker]

Refs hmm could be much worse.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

Found ekholm

 

[Drivesaitl]

I assume you're talking about the overtime? If so, I think it was Nurse that he was upset with. I think it happened when Draisaitl passed back to Nurse and wanted the return pass but Nurse made an ineffectual shot attempt. I don't like to see players yelling at their teammates because it disrupts chemistry and creates animosity. The best approach is to mention it on the bench afterwards or even in the locker room.

Was it Nurse? It was unclear because who Drai was speaking to was out of range. I thought I saw a bit of Kane. But Nurse, could be. Pretty sure what Drai is PISSED about is a lack of puck support, from anybody, when he's being double teamed in ozone which is almost all the time. I would be too. Drai wouldn't be mouthing off if it wasn't several instances and a player had it coming. Nurse is good enough to work offense and quite well and has been playing with Drai for years. Generally he's a good D support in the Ozone for Drai. But man, Ekholm takes it to another level. Drai loves some Ekholm. heh Probably wishes Nurse could be a viking.

Drai and Ekholm are warriors. I'm sure they love each other by now. Well, maybe a bromance...heh

 

[Porkleaker]

I am hard on yams but honestly I dont think singling him from the first game is really necessary. He was probably more effective than RNH, Hyman and Kane were. I wouldnt moving on from him in the offseason though. I think he makes too much and hes not a top 6 forward.

He did some honeybadger things, was tough on the forecheck and good on the early PKs.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Found ekholm

thx. I just blew up my speakers hehe Warning. loud, no LOOOOUDDDD

 

[alphahelix]

Janmark has been the best natural winger on the team for a while, smart 2 way low key with good skating... kind of like a 2016 era Nuge but a winger instead of a C. Hyman needs to be way better and Kane needs to score. Yamo needs to do something.

Not thrilled with Janmark injury as honestly if it were up to me I would have elevated him to the top 6 pronto.

 

[independent observer]

I don‘t know about you guys but my level of concern is very high. And I tell you why:

1) the Kings are much better team than the one we faced last year. Doughty gives them a level of confidence they don‘t have without him and the offense is better as well. Kempe took a step. Byfield is also not getting worse… Vilardi will come back and maybe also Fiala later. I know we improved as well with Ekholm but don‘t tell me that Ekholm is on Doughtys level…

2) Vinny‘s skating (foot speed and mobility) is a glaring weakness got exposed and they will continue to hunt him… his size is great, but you also need to be decent skater.

3) Drai had a horrible turnover last game. Kudo‘s to him that he cleared his mistake but that shouldn‘t happen and these kind of turnovers have been too common by him. I was also not happy with McDavid in that regard. I mean I understand that certain offense is created with risk, but it needs to be calculated risk and they need to improve. It is not only about scoring goals, you need also to make sure that you are not on the ice when the other team scores.

4) McDavid‘s offense execution is somehow off… fumbling on chances in a way that I rarely see… I hope he proves me wrong, but something is not right…

5) I am not sold on our goaltending… at least apart from Helle this should not be the biggest problem until we would face a eastern conference team in a possible final.

Now of course it is just one game and if they manage to stay mostly out of the box, cut their turnovers in half, and McDavid returns to his regular season form, I still believe that they should advance…

 

[Church Hill]

I don‘t know about you guys but my level of concern is very high. And I tell you why:

1) the Kings are much better team than the one we faced last year. Doughty gives them a level of confidence they don‘t have without him and the offense is better as well. Kempe took a step. Byfield is also not getting worse… Vilardi will come back and maybe also Fiala later. I know we improved as well with Ekholm but don‘t tell me that Ekholm is on Doughtys level…

2) Vinny‘s skating (foot speed and mobility) is a glaring weakness got exposed and they will continue to hunt him… his size is great, but you also need to be decent skater.

3) Drai had a horrible turnover last game. Kudo‘s to him that he cleared his mistake but that shouldn‘t happen and these kind of turnovers have been too common by him. I was also not happy with McDavid in that regard. I mean I understand that certain offense is created with risk, but it needs to be calculated risk and they need to improve. It is not only about scoring goals, you need also to make sure that you are not on the ice when the other team scores.

4) McDavid‘s offense execution is somehow off… fumbling on chances in a way that I rarely see… I hope he proves me wrong, but something is not right…

5) I am not sold on our goaltending… at least apart from Helle this should not be the biggest problem until we would face a eastern conference team in a possible final.

Now of course it is just one game and if they manage to stay mostly out of the box, cut their turnovers in half, and McDavid returns to his regular season form, I still believe that they should advance…

Very solid post, I agree in general. It's the playoffs, you cannot afford to give games away, no matter how good you are. Even if the series turns favorably, that's still one extra game played with all the extra incurred bumps & bruises.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

1) Put your best face-off man in key situations. OIl won 58 percent of their face-off but the ones they lost were at critical points in the game.
2) Don't imediately lose possession after winning a face-off. I mean wtf ..
3) Adust the lines if needed. Don't like Hyman's lack of vision. Pass the damn puck. Nuge, Kane ..need more out of them. Yams, for the love of God.. do something
4) Be smarter and stay out of the box. Reffing is atrocious and it's only going to get worse in LA.

No puck luck or weird bounces for LA...please...

 

[CupofOil]

He's just meat and potatoes. He's Not Luke Richardson. Don't get me wrong, not elevating him he's a no nonsense guy that punishes people around the net and pushes off screens. Its simple stuff but you gotta have some of it in your lineup. We got Ekholm, Nurse, and Desharnais doing that. Ceci ain't doing shit. In this lineup Desharnais still has a role. In coming years we need to get deeper on D.

That guy doesn't make sense with his assessment. Desharnais has never been billed as a Chris Pronger like physically punishing Dman so I don't know what he expected. Lots of stay at home Dmen especially in this modern era are more quietly physical, they use stickwork and positioning and in Desharnais's case use their size and wingspan to close off the opponent. He's been great in this respect. Kind of like a lesser version of Ekholm.

He's had some hiccups with the puck and has issues with speed occasionally but in terms of defending his position, he's been as solid as can be. It's baffling that anybody would trash him just because he's not erasing guys on the regular. I mean, who even does that anymore anyway?