The Nuge
Some say…
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Wha?
Letestu didn't replace him on the left half-boards and lead the team in power play goals(and outscore Eberle by 11 power play goals) over the course of the season and playoffs?
Do you think it was just a coincidence that McLellan/Woodcroft "reduced his time" to the second unit?
Meh, I won't miss him at all. On the one hand, I give him credit for not being a complete defensive liability last season, but he was making too much for what he brings.
He and Schultz were the 2 most frustrating Oilers I've ever watched due to their half-arsed, lacksadaisical play.
I have watched most of Oilers playoff games from YT during summer months and what really catches my eyes is that Eberle and Pouliot both had big problems cashing chances near the net. Both were hesitant to go there and if they did, they didn't find the puck, made poor effort to shoot or were just pushed off from the area. Those kind of plays easily give impression that these players aren't giving 100 % for the team. When playoff series are on the line and some guys just can't put puck into the net from 5 feet, it ignites GMs actions. We had problems getting to the net and if you watch highlights of Strome and Jokinen, they are like opposites of Eberle&Pouliot in that regard.
Strome had steep price but I think he brings some of the things that we really lacked last season.
Hyperbole is a problem with the other side of the argument? Yet you provide support of someone with ... hyperbole.
The one thing I wont miss is him floating 5 feet from the boards in the defensive zone when the puck gets ringed around then never gets out because he was never in position, and even if he was he couldnt win a puck battle 95% of the time.
The "improved defensive play" stuff just doesnt fly with me, he spent most of the year playing with superior defensive awareness players and looked better by association.
I'm rooting for Strome but those are some grandiose expectations. Eberle is a far better player than people are giving him credit for.
Dollars and cents pushed him off of this team.
^and Chia's lack of love for the Old Boys Club players!
That seems like a pretty solid motivation given the OBC's historic futility.
Draisaitl, Klefbom and Nurse are gone if that's the case.
well he signed Klefbom, I'm feeling good about that
well then, ....it kinda blows the whole idea of "Chia's lack of love for the Old Boys Club players" out the water.
What specifically are you referring to...show your work.