SUNDAY NOTES
- The win on Friday was impressive despite the fact that it was against the Sabres. It was their first Road win of the season and they had to come from behind to win it. What was impressive though was the 52 shots they directed on net even though it was their 3rd game in 4 nights. They dominated that game and it looked like they were going to blow it. They didn't give up. Good on them.
- Reports have Hall getting back on skates very soon. He is a fast healer and will want to play as soon as possible. It doesn't mean he'll be game ready in a day or two, but if the Oil are lucky the 2-4 weeks might be just 2. I hope the Oil are a little cautious with sending him out too early, but nothing in their recent history suggests they will be.
- Nail Yakupov has stepped up his shooting game. He had 9 shots in his first 8 games and 23 in his last 6. He is shooting at around 6% right now and that number is too low for someone of his talent level. Goals are going to come if he keeps this up. The shots aren't just opportunities for him. The Oil have already capitalized on the rebounds off of them. Good things happen when you shoot the puck.
- There was a terrible internet rumour that I think was started by a Habs fan on Reddit yesterday. It had Yak and Petry going to Mtl for Eller and Beaulieu. First and foremost, this proposal had not one credible reporter behind it. The Oilers have been so bad for so long that outside fan bases believe the team should just do ANYTHING to maybe get the right mix. Even if anything is trading a former 1st overall pick and the team's best Defenseman for a 3rd line C and kid who MIGHT be as good as Justin Schultz one day.
- Edmonton does have a problem with their roster. It is very top heavy and there's no stud on the back-end to anchor the squad. The issues at C are there but Draisaitl is the 2C of the future and Arco is capable of keeping his head above water. If there's a fix it requires more depth guys. The issues at C are only alleviated by adding a potential star.
- I think if the Oilers are serious about getting better and acquiring that Defenseman then it's time to burn the boats behind them and press forward. Make the 1st round pick available when discussing trades. Yes, the Oilers are still a basement team in the West. Yes, Connor McDavid looks like a generational talent. Leave McEichel for Carolina and Buffalo. Find a possible 1D and if it means the pick, David Perron, and some players on the farm who might be gems then do it.
ROSTER
The Captain is back from suspension and that means someone is sitting out. And that someone is going to be Marincin. So if you're playing along at home then don't forget to put BOTH Marincin AND Klefbom in the Pressbox tonight. One more time, Aulie + Ference >>> Marincin + Klefbom. The forwards are the same as they were against Buffalo and Fasth gets the start again after doing a pretty good job against the Sabres. I don't know if it's "Win and you're in" but good performances need to be rewarded.
Pouliot RNH Eberle Purcell Drai Yak Pakarinen Arco Perron Hendricks Gordon Joensuu
Ference Schultz Nikitin Petry Aulie Fayne
Fasth
OILERS KEYS TO THE GAME
1) Gamble. Aulie had a fight and was a 71% CF against the Sabres. The problem is that was against the Sabres. I'm going to have to seriously reconsider my thoughts on Aulie if he maintains positive numbers against more serious competition. The issue is that his history doesn't support the belief that he WILL keep up any good play. The Coach is playing him ahead of a blue chip prospect and one of last year's best. He has to deliver.
2) Tired Rangers. New York played last night and the Oilers need to find ways to use that to their advantage. The Gordon line can lead by example by sustaining pressure in the OZ with the cycle and physical play. The one thing Aulie and Ference bring more of than Klef and Marincin is that physical edge. Might as well use it.
3) Dont Be Fooled By The Standings. The Rangers are 11th in CF% and 12th in FF%. They are a good puck possession team and then you add in goal scoring like what Rick Nash is doing right now (11 goals in 13 games) and you have a recipe for success. It just hasn't come together for this group the way they wanted it to. They sit outside of the playoffs but this is a dangerous team. Nash, Brassard, and St Louis all are hovering around a point per game. The support players are staying in the right end of the ice. Their problem is that Lundqvist has a .901 sv% right now. As soon as King Henrik returns to form this team will take off like a rocket up the standings.
Puck drops tonight at 4:08PM on Sportsnet West. Game On!
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