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G22 Oilers vs Red Wings: Well That Was Awful |
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The only thing that’s positive about that last game is that we don’t have to think about it for very long. The Oilers play Detroit tonight.
That game was everything that is wrong with Edmonton in one game. The scoring that doesn’t happen without Nuge and McDavid. The poor goaltending. The leaky Defense. The flimsy play along the walls. It was all there on display.
Maybe the best thing that happened was Nurse finally scoring a goal. Kris Russell even picked up a point. So if we’re lucky someone thinks he’s found his offense and will be more interested in taking him off the Oilers’ hands.
I’m struggling overall to spin things in a flattering way for the team. That performance was bad by eye, number, and Karma. Things are getting worse, not better, and what we’re seeing appears more and more to be a team whose hopes have been crushed. The team is playing like they know they aren’t making the playoffs.
Matt Benning is going to be out in this game and the team has sent down Malone and recalled Ryan Stanton. The 28 year old defender is another lefty who has had 0-0-0 in 8 AHL Games this year. I’m not expecting a savior so much as a patch of Bondo.
The season keeps going whether the team is ready or not.
LINEUP
Stanton recalled due to Benning injury.
Maroon McDavid Caggiula
Lucic RNH Draisaitl
Cammalleri Strome Puljujarvi
Khaira Letestu Kassian
Klefbom Larsson
Nurse Russell
Stanton Gryba
Talbot
OILERS KEYS TO THE GAME
1) Moving On. Yesterday was awful. It never should have happened, but it did, and there’s nothing we could have done about it. Now the Oilers get to play another game. The team should be embarrassed about their performance but they don’t have to live with it for long. A great game tonight puts the one against the Blues firmly in the rear view mirror. Short memories make for a good night’s rest. This team needs to clear its head soon.
2) Anything From The Bottom 6. The bottom 6 need to start contributing a lot more. Mike Cammalleri was brought in to score some goals and that isn’t happening. Jesse Puljujarvi has to use his size and speed to make more happen. Ryan Strome has to accomplish anything. And that’s before we get to Letestu and Kassian. The duo of Kassian and Letestu have to get their butts in gear. Letestu is playing game 500 and hopefully he wants to put on a show.
3) Puck Moving D. Once upon a time Mike Green was one of the most buzz worthy defensemen in the NHL. His offense was electric and put him in the conversation as one of the league’s most impactful defenders. Now, the buzz is mostly gone, but his offensive impact is still positive. He is Detroit’s 3rd leading scorer and the QB of their Power Play. Oiler forecheckers need to keep the puck out of Green’s reach.
Puck drops tonight at 5PM Mountain Time on Sportsnet West. Game On1
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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