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Post Game: Oilers Lose To Leafs

January 23, 2021, 11:56 AM ET [22 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Good morning everyone. Apologies for the lack of game day blog but let's get into the details from last nights game.

News came out before the game that both Auston Matthews and Joe Thornton would miss the game; Matthews as a precautionary and Thornton out weeks after sustaining an injury from a hit from Josh Archibald. This meant that two of the players that play in Toronto's top six would not be present.

Sadly it was not an opportunity Edmonton could take advantage of as they couldn't overcome a one goal deficit. An empty netter sealed the deal. Final score, 4-2 Toronto.

GOOD STUFF

- Kailer Yamamoto continues to be the Oilers most consistent player through the first six games. Once again Yamamoto was active in all areas of the ice, being a threat most offensively and making sharp defensive plays.

- Connor McDavid scored a great seeing eye deflection in the second period. Not the type of goal we are used to seeing from McDavid but a hard working play nonetheless.

- Koskinen played a strong game and the netminder has looked far more dialed in the last couple games.

- Leon Draisaitl scored a shorthanded goal on a hard working play and once again that line was the strongest for the Edmonton Oilers.

BAD STUFF

- Special teams were the difference maker last night. Last season Edmonton was subpar at 5 on 5 but were carried by dominant special teams. This season the same 5 on 5 play is there but the team is not being bailed out by their PP or PK. Edmonton went 0/2 on the PP.

- Adam Larsson.

- Adam Larsson.

- Larsson is supposed to be the Oilers go to shut down defensive option but through six games he has provided nothing for the team defensively. Last night the Vesey goal was a direct result of two failed opportunities by Larsson to clear the puck. Bear and Jones were benched for far less egregious mistakes through their early games and I hope Tippett follows suit next game with Larsson.

- Zack Kassian is not working on the top line, after some decent plays in the first period Kassian once again disappeared. I think it's time to switch things up there.

- RNH played a fine game but ends up in the bad stuff because I know he can play so much better. Maybe it's time to reunite him with Drai.

- Turris remains a disappointment. Turris has never been a defensive expert but I was expecting more flair in the offensive end from him to make up for it. He is MIA and I wonder if a wing assignment would work better for him.

Edmonton has a day to regroup before making the long drive to Winnipeg to face a Jets team that will be without Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic, and at least for a these games, Dubois.

Thanks for reading.
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