score two goals in two games

blame the goalie

Classic Oilers

McDavid and Smith for Tavares, Nylander, Anderson?

score two goals in two games

blame the goalie

Classic Oilers
- flashfire

Koskinen had a bad game the last game. Other than the first goal tonight, he was pretty solid. Even in their first game, pretty much none of those goals were his fault.

Our past little arguments aside, I really don't see them coming out of this. This is a team with no motivation. Hard work beats skill 100% of the time and this team refuses to work hard for some reason. I actually have no answers/suggestions. Fire the 7th coach? Haha I think they're cooked.
- JLO961

It is really too bad that oilers fans can’t come to the area a and throw their jerseys on the ice

It is really too bad that oilers fans can’t come to the area a and throw their jerseys on the ice
- pzoxic

Fire Holland! It’s overdue!

The Edmonton Oilers are playing shinny hockey, pretty much none of them back check, I only see Larsson winning battles on the wall, and the centreman is last man back on most transitions.

I never thought I'd say this but this is now a coaching issue. Players not battling or backchecking is a motivational issue.

It's also the most frustrating hockey to watch when your own team doesnt give 2 sh1ts.

I could be done with these guys...this is one of the worst teams they've had.
- JLO961

Koskinen had a bad game the last game. Other than the first goal tonight, he was pretty solid. Even in their first game, pretty much none of those goals were his fault.
- Oilers4Life14

the problem is that the first goal last night had a knock on effect and Montreal went on to mostly control play from that point whereas Edmonton had them on their heels prior to the goal. unless you're an elite team those goals are absolute killers.

the problem is that the first goal last night had a knock on effect and Montreal went on to mostly control play from that point whereas Edmonton had them on their heels prior to the goal. unless you're an elite team those goals are absolute killers.
- DoubleDown

While it was a bad goal to allow, you'd expect a team with McDavid and Draisaitl to be able to muster some semblance of offensive. Especially with 7 (frank)ing power plays.

They have to figure this out soon.

While it was a bad goal to allow, you'd expect a team with McDavid and Draisaitl to be able to muster some semblance of offensive. Especially with 7 (frank)ing power plays.

They have to figure this out soon.
- Oilers4Life14

fair point.

While it was a bad goal to allow, you'd expect a team with McDavid and Draisaitl to be able to muster some semblance of offensive. Especially with 7 (frank)ing power plays.

They have to figure this out soon.
- Oilers4Life14

Leafs 4 times and Jets twice in the next 6. If they don’t come out with 4 wins they’re toast.

While it was a bad goal to allow, you'd expect a team with McDavid and Draisaitl to be able to muster some semblance of offensive. Especially with 7 (frank)ing power plays.

They have to figure this out soon.
- Oilers4Life14

A major problem is that Draisaitl (sometimes others but mainly him) plays this game like he thinks it's easy. He goes for the high percentage play about 80% of the time, when it should be 20%. It's a war out there and he is playing like he just won the MVP trophy. That was yesterday Leon, get to work.

Also, I do really like this player., we actually have two dogs named Connor and Leon, but the reason I keep harping on him is that I know he can be better. He's got to move his feet, stop with the highlight reel attempts at easy plays, and start winning battles. The reason I kept calling for a Draisaitl trade is that the Oilers don't need him as much as they need the 3or4 pieces he would bring, and I am a "value" guy. It's my career actually...and the value for Draisaitl is right now the highest it will ever be (in my opinion). It was actually higher last year, and it is my belief that that value is diminishing. My first choice is for Leon to play to his potential...he clearly hasn't been doing that. The worst way to manage assets is to be emotionally attached to those assets. When the value is there...make the deal. I'd be shopping him for sure (and not accepting anything less than a king's ransom and a very lopsided deal that I'm sure someone would step into).

RNH is so valuable to this team and I don't really know if people see it. When he's with McDavid, that line performs because Nuge picks up the slack defensively. The reason Draisaitl, Nuge, and Yamamoto performed is because you've got TWO guys that hustle and play responsibly to make up for Leon's defensive shortcomings (Leon's the fgkn centre by the way! This is backwards).

Leafs 4 times and Jets twice in the next 6. If they don’t come out with 4 wins they’re toast.
- TurdFergeson

Yep, with the shortened season it's of paramount importance to get off to a decent start. Ideally after 8 games, you'd want to be at least .500 I'd say.

Even though I say don't sound the alarm yet, it is very worrying to see them start the season the way they have. I don't think for a second that it's Koskinen's fault, other than the first game versus the Canadiens, he's been solid.

The defense and offense though... very inconsistent.

A major problem is that Draisaitl (sometimes others but mainly him) plays this game like he thinks it's easy. He goes for the high percentage play about 80% of the time, when it should be 20%. It's a war out there and he is playing like he just won the MVP trophy. That was yesterday Leon, get to work.

Also, I do really like this player., we actually have two dogs named Connor and Leon, but the reason I keep harping on him is that I know he can be better. He's got to move his feet, stop with the highlight reel attempts at easy plays, and start winning battles. The reason I kept calling for a Draisaitl trade is that the Oilers don't need him as much as they need the 3or4 pieces he would bring, and I am a "value" guy. It's my career actually...and the value for Draisaitl is right now the highest it will ever be (in my opinion). It was actually higher last year, and it is my belief that that value is diminishing. My first choice is for Leon to play to his potential...he clearly hasn't been doing that. The worst way to manage assets is to be emotionally attached to those assets. When the value is there...make the deal. I'd be shopping him for sure (and not accepting anything less than a king's ransom and a very lopsided deal that I'm sure someone would step into).

RNH is so valuable to this team and I don't really know if people see it. When he's with McDavid, that line performs because Nuge picks up the slack defensively. The reason Draisaitl, Nuge, and Yamamoto performed is because you've got TWO guys that hustle and play responsibly to make up for Leon's defensive shortcomings (Leon's the fgkn centre by the way! This is backwards).
- JLO961

I don't know why you dislike Leon so much, but I'll leave the jokes aside for this argument. Thus far, that line is really the only line that has been a positive factor in a game. They get the puck in, cycle it around and create chances.

Leon isn't a fantastic two-way center by any means, but he's not the reason why this team has been (frank)ing ass thus far.

As for trading him, while I'd rather not do that, it is a possibility honestly. I'd trade him while his value was the highest for a lot of picks and a lot of prospects/players ready to break out. This team still somehow needs an overhaul.

Defensively, this team has prospects galore that have a lot of potential. Bouchard and Broberg are obviously high-end prospects, but Laggeson, Samarukov and a few others look to have a place in the NHL. What they need however is forward prospects, and badly.


Nuge is Nuge. He needs to be signed immediately.

I don't know why you dislike Leon so much, but I'll leave the jokes aside for this argument. Thus far, that line is really the only line that has been a positive factor in a game. They get the puck in, cycle it around and create chances.

Leon isn't a fantastic two-way center by any means, but he's not the reason why this team has been (frank)ing ass thus far.

As for trading him, while I'd rather not do that, it is a possibility honestly. I'd trade him while his value was the highest for a lot of picks and a lot of prospects/players ready to break out. This team still somehow needs an overhaul.

Defensively, this team has prospects galore that have a lot of potential. Bouchard and Broberg are obviously high-end prospects, but Laggeson, Samarukov and a few others look to have a place in the NHL. What they need however is forward prospects, and badly.


Nuge is Nuge. He needs to be signed immediately.
- Oilers4Life14

I agree with all if this. I'm looking at it purely as asset management and something hasn't been working for a long time. I just th think Nuge is a very high end 2C and Drai cant play C, he's a very elite winger that needs support (not unlike Laine, Ovi, Brett Hull, Bure, etc)

I agree with all if this. I'm looking at it purely as asset management and something hasn't been working for a long time. I just th think Nuge is a very high end 2C and Drai cant play C, he's a very elite winger that needs support (not unlike Laine, Ovi, Brett Hull, Bure, etc)
- JLO961

Honestly they need to mix up the lines:

Ennis-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Draisiatl-Nuge-Yamamoto
Arichbald-Turris-Kassian
Nygard-Shore-Chiasson

Shore had a good game last game. Dunno what you do when Neal comes back but I think these are a lot more balanced.

Defense is iffy, but maybe:

Nurse-Bear (not a huge fan of Nurse)
Jones-Barrie
Koekkoek-Bouchard

I know it's wild, but they have to mix and match at this point.

While it was a bad goal to allow, you'd expect a team with McDavid and Draisaitl to be able to muster some semblance of offensive. Especially with 7 (frank)ing power plays.

They have to figure this out soon.
- Oilers4Life14

This is all true, but i dont think much credit is being given to the habs for how the shut them down or how the team plays 5v5.

This is also the problem with sports in general and hype. These team, like the leafs and Edm have great players, but the whole of the team is not that great. The coolaid has been served all off season, they will beat everyone because they have McJesus, Draistle or Marner Matthews etc etc, but the reality is, its a team game.

The habs cut every passing lane, and was on every oiler player during those PPs. That win was because of good coaching and the team as a whole playing exactly the game they were told to play.

Why is it so hard for people to call a spade a spade and give credit where its due.

TSN, CBC and the likes not given 2 mins of air time towards the habs this offseason, has also made it so other fan bases dont take it seriously, unless you are a hockey fan, and can look at the game objectively.

Honestly they need to mix up the lines:

Ennis-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Draisiatl-Nuge-Yamamoto
Arichbald-Turris-Kassian
Nygard-Shore-Chiasson

Shore had a good game last game. Dunno what you do when Neal comes back but I think these are a lot more balanced.

Defense is iffy, but maybe:

Nurse-Bear (not a huge fan of Nurse)
Jones-Barrie
Koekkoek-Bouchard

I know it's wild, but they have to mix and match at this point.
- Oilers4Life14

It has to be wearing on McDavid's patience that the second line is a normal NHL second line and he gets the crap. My son went through this all last year and it is a real de-motivator. The best player gets the scraps because he can pull their weight, while the second scoring line gets the talent. I count 4 wingerscthat should probably be in the AHL retired. Draisaitl is probably too good for the second line so trade him for a 1st line winger and a second line winger (I'm excluding D and G fir this example although we need that too).

Crosby and Malkin had great support on the wings and always a capable 3c. Past trades have really done damage to the Oilers.

Also, I'd give Puljujarvi a long leash...he's looking like he could get there. Starting to open up his toolbox.

Honestly they need to mix up the lines:

Ennis-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Draisiatl-Nuge-Yamamoto
Arichbald-Turris-Kassian
Nygard-Shore-Chiasson

Shore had a good game last game. Dunno what you do when Neal comes back but I think these are a lot more balanced.

Defense is iffy, but maybe:

Nurse-Bear (not a huge fan of Nurse)
Jones-Barrie
Koekkoek-Bouchard

I know it's wild, but they have to mix and match at this point.
- Oilers4Life14

I don’t get why everyone thinks they can put 1or2 plugs with McDavid and still be a #1 line.
Try giving the guy some help, just think how he’d do.

All this talk about how great Holland has been for the Oilers. He was horrible in the last 8 years of running the Wings. He’s a historically bad trader. In hindsight, adding Turris and Barrie is just adding two mediocre players. The worst part is that Holland is loyal to a fault and has run an unsuccessful roster for years if it meant keeping all of the guys he signed together. He will have to be fired before he gives up on these periphery players around McD/Draisatl.

You should have listened to fry when he said this all offseason.

- HonkyTonkMan

This is classic .... "Allen robs the Oilers early and controls rebounds back to his own team." This is no bank heist or train robbery. Start giving the Habs credit where it's due. Is that too much to ask for?
- Deplorable_Maximus

The Habs are looking good Smart move getting Allen to take the pressure off of Price. Love that Romanov kid.

Nope. He’s right. They stink. They’ve played as much as other teams that have started way better. This team will miss the playoffs at this rate.
- TurdFergeson

We need to start with getting a proper goalie and fill the bottom six with better players.

McDavid and Smith for Marner, Matthews, Anderson and multiple 1st round picks?
- Byfuglien Ate Me

fixed

Oilers have been abysmal in drafting and developing prospects for years, the same way the Maple Leafs used to.

Holland or Lowe (if he is still the president, unsure) must clean house the way Shanahan did in 13/14 and fire 27+ household names in the scouting department, and restructure the entire program.

Sunday bloody Sunday they called it in the papers

All this talk about how great Holland has been for the Oilers. He was horrible in the last 8 years of running the Wings. He’s a historically bad trader. In hindsight, adding Turris and Barrie is just adding two mediocre players. The worst part is that Holland is loyal to a fault and has run an unsuccessful roster for years if it meant keeping all of the guys he signed together. He will have to be fired before he gives up on these periphery players around McD/Draisatl.

You should have listened to fry when he said this all offseason.
- fry

Totally agree