Sean Maloughney: Looking At Potential New D Pairings For The Oilers

Darnell Nurse is not a number one defenseman. Paired with Ceci, there is your weakness. We all saw the playoffs. Nurse was lost.

I don't get how you say that kulak was more effective last year when moved to 3rd pairing and playing against weaker competition. You admit he couldn't handle tougher competition. And yet somehow you think it would be a good idea for him (and Ceci) to handle the most difficult defensive zone starts this year. I'm guessing in critical junctures of the game (last minutes, close game), you'd re-think that and put your best D out.

I don't get how you say that kulak was more effective last year when moved to 3rd pairing and playing against weaker competition. You admit he couldn't handle tougher competition. And yet somehow you think it would be a good idea for him (and Ceci) to handle the most difficult defensive zone starts this year. I'm guessing in critical junctures of the game (last minutes, close game), you'd re-think that and put your best D out.
- Leafs567

It all comes down to minutes. Kulak is a strong two way player and works well in a shutdown role but he should be playing 16-18 minutes a game instead of 22+ as he was prior to Ekholm.

Obviously the two other pairings will be out there at critical junctures as well but if the pairings I have laid out prove effective than Woodcroft isn't forced into as many situations of having less than ideal matchups.

Nurse scored 43 points while only getting 35% offensive zone starts while every other 9 mil dman is getting 60%. If hes put in a position to succeed he could have a career season.

It all comes down to minutes. Kulak is a strong two way player and works well in a shutdown role but he should be playing 16-18 minutes a game instead of 22+ as he was prior to Ekholm.

Obviously the two other pairings will be out there at critical junctures as well but if the pairings I have laid out prove effective than Woodcroft isn't forced into as many situations of having less than ideal matchups.
- freelancer

Got it, thanks!