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In No Particular Order- Nurse and Tippett |
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Good afternoon all. A few things have been popping up in the last few days so let's discuss them in today's episode of In No Particular Order.
NURSE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE
Darnell Nurse took on a much more prominent role with the Oilers this past season to varying success. He continues to produce good numbers at EV and his numbers increased when for the first time in his NHL career he was given continuous PP time. Nurse can be a bit too adventurous still in his own zone but he should be a part of Edmonton's D core for years to come. His possession numbers have been the worst when paired with Kris Russell and if both men are on the roster next season they should be as far away from each other as possible.
Nurse has taken a leading role on Team Canada playing over 20 minutes a night and in the last game, scoring the goal that ended up being the game winner. Through 9 games he has gone 2-2-4. Nurse is still only 24 years of age and is not yet in his prime. Of existing players on the roster, I would love to see him paired with a more responsible player like Andrej Sekera.
TIPPETT
At this point all signs point to Dave Tippett on being the next coach of the Edmonton and everyone; your friend, dad, dog, crazy frothing Uncle Jimmy who rambles on and on while you sit there are smile and hope he goes away... everyone has their own take. So here is mine. Tippett has been known as a defense first coach, but when you look at the garbage Coyotes teams he has had to coach its not hard to see why. However, when Tippett coached the Stars he led the team to multiple 100+ point seasons. If the talent is there he has shown to be able to work with it.
Like many veteran coaches, Tippett is a guy who often will defer to his veterans and will ride his best players. If Tips is coach we will see MvDavid, Draisaitl and RNH getting a whole bunch of minutes. Regardless of who is behind the bench that shouldn't change.... unless its Babcock who refuses to play Matthews more for reasons.
It's understandable for fans to be worried about going to the old boy well. Oilers fans have seen it happen time and time again and have plenty of reasons to be suspicious. Holland has done well so far as members of management who have been around for years have been shown the door.
Regardless of whether Tippett accepts the job or someone else takes it, Edmonton will not be a playoff team until the roster improves. The signing of Nygard is a baby step forward but there is plenty of work to be done and plenty of summer left to do it.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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