Contrary to popular belief, I like being wrong... about some things.

Who has been the Oilers best defenseman since January 1st? I would argue that it's been Philip Broberg. The 21 year old has 4 points in 20 games this season, all assists. It isn't his offensive output however that is getting noticed but his strong two way play, skating ability, and fearlessness in going into the tough areas of his own end to retrieve the puck.

Since the beginning of January Broberg alongside Evan Bouchard have outscored the opposition 11-3 when they are on the ice. Yes, there are a few stipulations. The duo have been getting a healthy dose of Connor McDavid and are not playing against the toughest competition but there is reason to be excited.

McDavid with Ceci and Nurse since January 1st have played 37 minutes together at 5 on 5. They have outshot the opposition 25-24 but have been outscored 2-3 at 5 on 5 in these minutes. In the 63 minutes they have played without McDavid the duo has been outshot 22-43 and outscored 0-1.

Broberg and Bouchard have played 21 minutes with McDavid over this period and have outshot the opposition 20-11 and outscored the opposition 3-1. Away from McDavid, the duo have played 50 minutes and have outshot the opposition 32-22 and outscored them 5-2 at 5 on 5.

Woodcroft is doing an excellent job at sheltering this pair but they are absolutely obliterating anyone they are facing, regardless if McDavid is with them or not. Slowly this pair is going to be able to take on more and more responsibilities and could be a legitimate second pairing. Maybe they will turn into top pairing players but even being strong top four options would be a huge boost for this team.

Back to the me being wrong part. I have been a huge advocate of trading Broberg for someone like Chychrun. My belief was Broberg was at least a couple years away from being a difference maker and the Oilers are in win now mode. So far, Broberg is showing that he is ready to be an impact whenever he is on the ice. There are still going to be hiccups but having a 21 year old big, strong skating defenseman, who is good in his own end and cost controlled is exactly what Cup contending teams have on their own rosters.

Playing with Broberg also seems to be unlocking the offensive instincts of Bouchard once more. Bouchard was looking far more passive in earlier games this season, wasn't making the crisp outlet passes he used to and wasn't using his shot nearly as much. Against the Kraken, Bouchard was an absolute force making a number of brilliant passes up to a streaking forward, a couple of which directly led to goals for the Oilers.

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Edmonton has some good fortune with the current schedule. When they faced off against the Kraken, Seattle was on the second of back to backs, with the game being their third game in four nights. Tonight the Oilers will play a Lightning team that is on the second of back to backs and their third game in four nights. On Saturday the Oilers will play a Canucks team that is on the second of back to backs, playing their third game in four nights.

It's a fortunate stretch for the Oilers but that just puts all the more pressure on them to win these games. The opportunity is there but they need to put in the effort to make it happen. In practice yesterday, Woodcroft was yelling at some players who were "half-assing" it. I'm glad to see the coach come down like that. Somehow, the team has flipped a switch since the LA loss and have been committing to far better team play. This is the caliber of play that should be the bare minimum for the team as they strive for greater things.

Tampa is on their own hot streak as they have won their last 5 straight games, outscoring their opposition 24-12 in that time. Brian Elliott got the start yesterday against the Canucks so the Oilers will get Vasilevskiy. Stamkos scored his 500th NHL goal in his last game.

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A bit of interesting rumblings to keep an eye on. After their last practice, all the boys were swarming and cheering for Stuart Skinner. At first glance it would be assumed that it was because of the birth of his first child, Beau, but the whole team have been together practicing a couple times since that.

The theory is that Stuart Skinner might be going to the All-Star game. He would have to be a fan vote in to get in but there is a strong case for him. In the Pacific Division here are the 5 on 5 SV% ranks for starters:

Skinner - EDM - 0.934%
Thompson - VEG - 0.917%
Jones - SEA - 0.913%
Gibson - ANA - 0.909%
Markstrom - CAL - 0.902%
Quick - LA - 0.898%
Reimer - SJ - 0.893%
Martin - VAN - 0.892%

and for all strengths (5 on 5, PK, PP, etc)

Skinner - EDM - 0.914%
Thompson - VEG - 0.913%
Reimer - SJ - 0.897%
Gibson - ANA - 0.895%
Markstrom - CAL - 0.895%
Jones - SEA - 0.893%
Quick - LA - 0.883%
Martin - VAN - 0.877%

Skinner has arguably been the best goalie in the Pacific Division this season. I don't know if he does get the nod to go to the All-Star game but he certainly deserves recognition for his play.

Thanks for reading!

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