Pre-Game Talk: McDavid v Crosby

[snipes]

Close once the GDT is up.

Here we go, hopefully the Pens matchup Crosby against McDavid all night. If McDavid wants to be the best, he needs to battle the King.

Other interesting match-ups? Malkin v Drai.

Nurse needs to have a big game. We need him to be a bully and use his skating to inflict his physical presence. We're tougher than the Pens, if Darnell makes it a street fight, the Pens have no answer.

I have as much belief in our team as anyone, but I know the reality. We're underdogs boys (and the odd ladies who are in HFOil-- if you exist). We have no pressure, all the pressure is on the Pens. Nothing to lose with something to prove is a dangerous enemy. Lets go out and fight.

No one thinks we can win, all we have are each other here. Lets go battle and see how we can compete with the best. Can't wait.

Click to read more...

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

The Oilers will have to play their best game of the season in order to win. The Pens (especially Crosby) are feeling it right now.

I'd be very satisfied with a point.

 

[duul]

Man it will be so cool to see if they put Crosby against McDavid all night. I unfortunately don't think Eberle would be able to match the intensity of those lines...

Maroon-McDavid-Pitlick? I could see Pitlick creating havoc out there and disrupting Crosby.

 

[6 God]

I'd like to see the Oilers come for blood and make a statement game today, knowing they have 2 days to rest after tonight.

Let's go, show us what this new look Oilers is really about.

Huge games from Larsson, Lucic, and Draisaitl (or whatever centre escapes the Malkin, Crosby matchup) I hope.

 

[gqmixmaster]

Is this the first game Jultz will play against the Oilers as well?

Should be fun - I hope McDavid turnstyles him or Letestu pickpockets him on the PK for a breakaway

 

[Pointteen]

Klefbom is still having nightmares from last year.

The Penguins match up really well against the Oilers. They have a big advantage. I would love to be surprised tonight. If they can shut down the speed of the Penguins, I may start getting optimistic. They did a fairly good job against a more offence by committee team in the Rangers.

Any updates on injuries that I missed?

 

[Mc5RingsAndABeer]

Big test. I think we get wrecked and the boys realize how much further we have to go to be a perennial contender.

 

[McDavyCrockett]

So Puljujarvi is for sure a no-go?

 

[LemmyUlanov55]

Hoping for a win, let alone 1 point would be huge. McD vs. Crosby. Sounds like a match made in hockey heaven.

 

[McTrashBoat]

Nurse needs to have a big game. We need him to be a bully and use his skating to inflict his physical presence. We're tougher than the Pens, if Darnell makes it a street fight, the Pens have no answer.

Interesting point, do we try to keep it a speed game or go more physical?

it's nice that we have the option to do both

 

[KeithIsActuallyBad]

Interesting point, do we try to keep it a speed game or go more physical?

it's nice that we have the option to do both

Given that teams have been clogging up the neutral zone I don't think we have a choice. We really haven't been able to generate much speed the last 8 or so games.

 

[snipes]

Interesting point, do we try to keep it a speed game or go more physical?

it's nice that we have the option to do both

Well his speed can intimidate. If Nurse closes the gap and forwards panic, we don't need a kill shot hit. His speed is a form of intimidation.

But in the corners and in front of the net we need the nasty Darnell making life hell on the Pens, key point -- without taking penalties.

 

[DreamTheatre]

I’m really looking forward to this game. Hopefully McDavid has an amazing game.

 

[BB88]

So Puljujarvi is for sure a no-go?

He'll take the warmups.

Pulju 100% wants to play(I'm sure). It's who he is.

 

[Pointteen]

I am hoping some more fans hate on Nurse in their post game thread.

 

[McDavyCrockett]

Interesting point, do we try to keep it a speed game or go more physical?

it's nice that we have the option to do both

No we don't. We don't have any speed demons up front outside of McDavid, Puljujarvi, and Pitlick. RNH might be a borderline consideration.

Pittsburgh has speed four lines in. Aside from Kunitz and Fehr, every single one of their forwards can play the game at high-super high speeds.

 

[Diamondillium]

I hope Jultz feels the aura of Edmonton again and plays like we have seen for years.

Even if the game isn't in Edmonton. The jerseys should be enough to spark his inner suck.

 

[Pointteen]

No we don't. We don't have any speed demons up front outside of McDavid, Puljujarvi, and Pitlick. RNH might be a borderline consideration.

Pittsburgh has speed four lines in. Aside from Kunitz and Fehr, every single one of their forwards can play the game at high-super high speeds.

The Oilers have to force them to dump the puck in and wear them down physically. Hits, hits, hits.

 

[Faelko]

I’m really looking forward to this game. Hopefully McDavid has an amazing game.

Me too. I'm enjoying watching them play the elite teams again and almost cringe at the other games.

 

[snipes]

He'll take the warmups.

Pulju 100% wants to play(I'm sure). It's who he is.

Is this from Finnish media? Thanks for the update BB.

Pulju is becoming a favourite around here. Tough kid who gives full effort every shift.

Charley horse injuries are typically 1-3 weeks recovery.

 

[Joe MacMillan]

He'll take the warmups.

Pulju 100% wants to play(I'm sure). It's who he is.

Doesn't that mean he'll be dressed and in the lineup?

Btw, and this has probably been addressed countless times already, is this the first time McDavid faces Crosby and the Pens?

 

[BB88]

Is this from Finnish media? Thanks for the update BB.

Pulju is becoming a favourite around here. Tough kid who gives full effort every shift.

Charley horse injuries are typically 1-3 weeks recovery.

Got that from twitter.




I hope he plays, his game has been developing at such a high rate lately and the team could use him with Kassian missing.

 

[snipes]

Got that from twitter.




I hope he plays, his game has been developing at such a high rate lately and the team could use him with Kassian missing.

Pretty crazy toughness if he comes back tonight. I suppose they're born tough up in Lapland eh?

 

[suddeninterest]

With the way Crosby and Mallon are playing I can't see the Pens losing. The boys will need to play their best game of the season (as in all 82 games) to win.

 

[BB88]

Pretty crazy toughness if he comes back tonight. I suppose they're born tough up in Lapland eh?

Last year he seemed to play better after he was hit, instead of surgery he flew to help the u18 win gold.
He lives and breaths hockey.

I'm sure when they ask him if he's ready he'll say yeah.