Post-Game Talk: Insane 5-4 SO win for the Oilers. Fasth > Scrivens

[Tyrolean]

The Flames have a better constructed roster. Confidence has something to do with it as well as good coaching but they quite simply have a better roster.

They have 2 possibly 3 defensemen if you include Wideman or Russell who are better than anything the Oilers have. They have a legit #1 goalie and a nice blend of skill, grit and 2 way play up front. Better leadership core as well so I think it goes beyond just the Flames being a more confident group.

The Oilers just don't have the horses to compete at a consistent level. They are still very far away from even being where the Flames are now even with better coaching and it's only going to get worse with the departure of Petry and probably a few other vets in the offseason.

The worst part is that MacT is going to continue to be the man to try to get this ship righted especially with this better stretch of play giving ownership more excuses to keep the status quo.

I wish people stop talking about the Flames. What the Flames do is irrelevant except we can learn from their moves.

 

[McDraekke]

I wish people stop talking about the Flames. What the Flames do is irrelevant except we can learn from their moves.

You literally explained why people talk about the Flames...

 

[blue_n_copper]

Look at the way the Oilers had the Sharks hemmed in their own zone and controlled the puck during the time leading up to the tying goal. Did we ever see that late in a game when we were behind when Eakins was coaching? The increased confidence is unmistakable. Under Eakins we were a mediocre team that badly underachieved. We are still a mediocre team, certainly nowhere near a playoff team, but we are playing at the level we should be at and the games are fun to watch again. Its frustrating to think where this team could be now if Eakins had not temporarily derailed its development.

 

[Digger12]

I'm still trying to figure out if this team is playing better because Nelson is here, or because Super Happy Fun Time Eakins is no longer here.

It's a bit of both I guess...and I imagine it's easier to play the game when you know the pressure's off and nobody's placing any expectations on you to succeed at this point in the season.

IMO a truer test of Nelson's worth will be IF he's the head coach next year, and he has to deal with this team from the start of the season, where expectations will be at their peak. Can he keep this team from buckling under the weight like it has so many times before?

 

[McGoMcD]

eberle reminds me of hemsky, all flash no defense

when he's not flashy he's not doing anything

I agree, which is why I have been bashing him this year. However if he can keep up the flash then He is a very good hockey player.

 

[joestevens29]

So Nelson has successfully gotten Eberle, Yakupov, and Klefbom going. Nuge is still struggling, and Hall is still awful. Wonder how long it will take those guys to turn a corner.

12 points in 15 games and Hall is awful. Interesting.

 

[dustrock]

I'm still trying to figure out if this team is playing better because Nelson is here, or because Super Happy Fun Time Eakins is no longer here.

It's a bit of both I guess...and I imagine it's easier to play the game when you know the pressure's off and nobody's placing any expectations on you to succeed at this point in the season.

IMO a truer test of Nelson's worth will be IF he's the head coach next year, and he has to deal with this team from the start of the season, where expectations will be at their peak. Can he keep this team from buckling under the weight like it has so many times before?

Exactly. Nelson obviously has them playing better, but I'm a little leery of any kind of run at this point in the season, after going through this with Gagner, Nilsson and Cogliano before.


One thing I'll say for Klefbom and Schultz - not only did they have great games top to bottom, they were doing it against a collection of very big, skilled and fast forwards. If you can drive possession against Thornton, Pavelski, Marleau and Couture, you're doing very well. Nice to see.


And boy oh boy did I want Lander to win the shootout, but Col Klink is just fine too.

 

[LTIR]

12 points in 15 games and Hall is awful. Interesting.

Hey Yak has 1G 4A in last 20 since Nelson joined. and is -13 during that time but is classified as "going" ..

Nuge also has 6pts in last 7 GP...

 

[OilTastic]

Exactly. Nelson obviously has them playing better, but I'm a little leery of any kind of run at this point in the season, after going through this with Gagner, Nilsson and Cogliano before.


One thing I'll say for Klefbom and Schultz - not only did they have great games top to bottom, they were doing it against a collection of very big, skilled and fast forwards. If you can drive possession against Thornton, Pavelski, Marleau and Couture, you're doing very well. Nice to see.


And boy oh boy did I want Lander to win the shootout, but Col Klink is just fine too.

^but wait !! now they'll say the only reason the Oilers won is because the Sharks are getting old and slow, not because the Oilers actually beat them because really they can't....ever, right?

 

[IV XIV XCI]

Nice win. Eberle loves to play San Jose. Was hoping he'd get his first hat trick.
Our grittier new player in combination with a new coach has really made us a more rounded team. Just simple hockey stuff. We're harder to play against and we have more structure.

Looking forward many have said we still need improvements at D and goalie and that is clear. My question is, how long will it be before Klefbom, Nurse and Marincin are all staples of our line up?

That's a very strong core ~3-5 years from now - especially once they all fill out and mature. In the meantime, it is imperative that CraigMac finds someone who can quarterback the blueline for the next two years at least. Not easy, but definitely necessary.

The real question mark, again, will be in net. Are both of these guys career back ups? Have we seen anything this year to suggest otherwise? I bet if you put viktor or ben in a place like chicago or nashville, they'd seem much closer to elite than we make them appear.

 

[LTIR]

Klefbom-Schultz would be a good bottom pairing next year. Fayne is a keeper so we just need 3 more solid Dmen

 

[OilTastic]

^is that all?

 

[AJGass4]

Look at the way the Oilers had the Sharks hemmed in their own zone and controlled the puck during the time leading up to the tying goal. Did we ever see that late in a game when we were behind when Eakins was coaching? The increased confidence is unmistakable. Under Eakins we were a mediocre team that badly underachieved. We are still a mediocre team, certainly nowhere near a playoff team, but we are playing at the level we should be at and the games are fun to watch again. Its frustrating to think where this team could be now if Eakins had not temporarily derailed its development.

When he coached and we were trying to tie it up, we rarely got out of our own end.

He was a terrible, terrible coach and I cannot for the life of me see how anyone could argue that point.

 

[s7ark]

You literally explained why people talk about the Flames...

Lots of teams do better things than the Oilers, why not use them as examples? Many of those teams do things better than the Flames as well.

^is that all?

If we can somehow keep Petry, then it's only two. Toss the chequebook at Boychuk and then see who the cap casualties are.

 

[Frank the Tank]

Lots of teams do better things than the Oilers, why not use them as examples? Many of those teams do things better than the Flames as well.



If we can somehow keep Petry, then it's only two. Toss the chequebook at Boychuk and then see who the cap casualties are.

Seabrook! Seabrook! One can dream... (although I do worry he has slowed down a bit)

 

[Approved Variety]

Klefbom-Schultz would be a good bottom pairing next year. Fayne is a keeper so we just need 3 more solid Dmen

They're a great bottom pairing, and will be a serviceable mid pairing.

Klefbom-Schultz
Marincin/Ference-Fayne

Ok now we just need #1 and #2! And no, don't even say Nurse.

 

[I am the Liquor]

I'm still trying to figure out if this team is playing better because Nelson is here, or because Super Happy Fun Time Eakins is no longer here.

It's a bit of both I guess...and I imagine it's easier to play the game when you know the pressure's off and nobody's placing any expectations on you to succeed at this point in the season.

IMO a truer test of Nelson's worth will be IF he's the head coach next year, and he has to deal with this team from the start of the season, where expectations will be at their peak. Can he keep this team from buckling under the weight like it has so many times before?

What expectations? Playoffs would be the goal but I would be happy with a steady improvement.

 

[OilTastic]

Marincin may not actually be traded....a media wag on TSN 1260 radio yesterday said they had sent Marincin down to work out a few kinks in his game so he may indeed be back next season. and really, how can you trade Stu's golden boy pick unless they are going to fire the entire amateur and pro scouts? (one can only dream of this actually happening!). unfortunately, it looks like Petry is gone, perhaps to be replaced by Marincin? the Oilers are so hush hush on info about players sometimes it's no wonder we all go apeshot all the time from guessing! "is Petry going to get a contract or be traded?"....who bloody knows because they never tell us if they are negotiating with him or not! (to my knowledge at least? ) and yes, Nurse should play at least part of next season in Bakersfield, and if he shows he's ready, then bring him up and not before! please don't ruin this kid!

 

[Replacement*]

Klink had a good game, possibly the best I'd ever seen him play. Perhaps the KISS approach is needed more and ironic that he was the only one to figure out that a simple going blocker side was going to be best option. It was the simplest of the shootout moves and the most effective. Helped by reach and Klink being forehand on that play.

That aside the most solid support for the Wagon line I'd seen from him and the best the line has looked. Which is saying something as I think that line is gold.

One thing though, passing the puck back in ownzone is a no go and I hope Nelson has a word with him pronto about that. When you have a chance to clear zone you do that. Especially on a wagon line. Passing it backwards against the dangerous Sharks. c'mon, just don't do that.

 

[Approved Variety]

Marincin may need one more season in okc. Unless Nelson is still the coach, as he seems to be the AHL-whisperer.

Marincin put on a bunch of weight over the summer, and has been struggling with his new frame. Once he gets it figured out, he'll be strong.

I'd rather not rush him, either.

 

[joestevens29]

Marincin may not actually be traded....a media wag on TSN 1260 radio yesterday said they had sent Marincin down to work out a few kinks in his game so he may indeed be back next season. and really, how can you trade Stu's golden boy pick unless they are going to fire the entire amateur and pro scouts? (one can only dream of this actually happening!). unfortunately, it looks like Petry is gone, perhaps to be replaced by Marincin? the Oilers are so hush hush on info about players sometimes it's no wonder we all go apeshot all the time from guessing! "is Petry going to get a contract or be traded?"....who bloody knows because they never tell us if they are negotiating with him or not! (to my knowledge at least? ) and yes, Nurse should play at least part of next season in Bakersfield, and if he shows he's ready, then bring him up and not before! please don't ruin this kid!

Gregor and Strudwick talked a lot about Marincin yesterday. A lot of what he needs to learn will probably just happen and people will forget what the issues were. For Struds the biggest thing is he makes himself too small by using two hands on the stick. A guy his size has a huge advantage and needs to use his long wing span.

Really don't know why they don't hire Struds. He makes too much sense.

 

[OilTastic]

^that's it ! and amen to hiring Struds!! they should hire the ultra bright Ray Ferraro while they are at it !

 

[Klimando Kostani]

Gregor and Strudwick talked a lot about Marincin yesterday. A lot of what he needs to learn will probably just happen and people will forget what the issues were. For Struds the biggest thing is he makes himself too small by using two hands on the stick. A guy his size has a huge advantage and needs to use his long wing span.

Really don't know why they don't hire Struds. He makes too much sense.

Last year we all commented on his one handed stick checks on people trying to gain the zone, he was sensational at it.

Not sure how he has begun to make himself too small?

How does a guy regress like this?

 

[oilerbear]

That's where we'll see if we have a proper coach next season. Either they'll be terrified and feel the need to carry the city on their shoulders (we as fans are partly to blame for this) or they'll go out and just have fun playing hockey.

A good coach makes a huge difference.

Head coach
Eakins 7-19-5 19/62pt 50 pt season pace.
MacT 0-3-2 2/10 pt
Nelson 7-6-2 16/30 pt 1.067PT/gm 87.5 PT season

Under Just Nelson
Hall 12gm 1G 8A +1
RNH 15gm 2G 6A +1
Eberle 15gm 9G 4A E
Pouliot 13gm 8G 1A +9
Fraser 14Gm 3G 4A +3
Lander 13gm 1G 7A -1
Hendricks 15gm 4G 1A Even
Gordon 15gm 1G 1A Even
Klinkhammer 12gm 0G 1A -2
Roy 15gm 4G 5A -3 w/ Yak 8gm -8; w/ Pouliot 7gm +7
-----------------------------------
Yak 15gm 1G 4A -6
Purcell 15gm 1G 4A -3

Hall-XXX-XXX
XXX-RNH-Eberle
XXX-Lander-Fraser
Pouliot-Roy-XXX
Hendricks-Gordon-Klinkhammer

 

[McDreamy]

Last year we all commented on his one handed stick checks on people trying to gain the zone, he was sensational at it.

Not sure how he has begun to make himself too small?

How does a guy regress like this?

He's about to turn 23, so next season is an important one for him.

The bright side is that at least Klefbom has taken a huge step forward this year. He is looking like a solid second pairing player already, but I wouldn't count on him doing the same thing next year. He's young enough still that he will likely have periods where he struggles, so I hope we go into next year with him pencilled in on the third pairing.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Nurse play himself into a spot on the team next year too. Can't run with too many inexperienced dmen though, so Marincin is gonna have to earn his spot here with some tough competition.