Pre-Game Talk: Lers vs Leafs - Jan 4, 2022

[Garbo Man]

I also think the team can do well without McDavid for a game or two as the others probably want to show they can get points without him too. I think this would be a perfect opportunity to try Pulju on McDavid's PP spot, would also be good for the team to see what they've got there, but I have no hopes that Tippett will do this. It'll probably be someone like Turris or Shore instead.

It'll be Drai-Hyman-Yamo-Barrie-Foegele I bet

 

[bone]

It'll be Drai-Hyman-Yamo-Barrie-Foegele I bet

Watch this finally be a game the NHL allows refs to call penalties against the opposition knowing it's likely the be a step back with both RNH and McDavid out.

 

[bone]

The Oilers are +11 with McDavid on the ice and -22 without him on the ice over the past 15 games.

Are you sure about that?

Player Season Totals - Natural Stat Trick

Sorry, you're right. Everyone's been talking about the last 12, so I looked at that instead of the last 15. However, it is skewed quite a bit from him being on for 11 GF in the first 3 games of that sample size (almost half of all the GF over the 15 game stretch).

Player Season Totals - Natural Stat Trick

 

[Igor Ulanov]

We have a 4 day break after the game tomorrow, ample time to get rid of Tippett. A loss could very well be the final straw for him.

Good on McDavid for taking one for the team and sitting out to guarantee a loss.

There is over a week break after the game against Ottawa as well - a change could happen at any time!

 

[TopShelfGloveSide]

I will not being watching this. It’s going to be embarrassing.

 

[Leonardlizard]

I will watch it expecting the worst which alleviates the depression post game.

 

[Rengorlex]

Are you sure about that?

Player Season Totals - Natural Stat Trick

Sorry, you're right. Everyone's been talking about the last 12, so I looked at that instead of the last 15. However, it is skewed quite a bit from him being on for 11 GF in the first 3 games of that sample size (almost half of all the GF over the 15 game stretch).

Player Season Totals - Natural Stat Trick

McDavid's line has been dominating in possession all season long. The difference in the xg ratio that this team has with him on ice versus without him on ice is as extreme as you'll ever see in this league.

Nobody's without fault, but this team isn't struggling because of McDrai and people need to stop getting mad at them when they fail to single-handidly win games.

 

[Czechboy]

It's gonna be fun for sure. What could go wrong? They are missing Matthews and we are missing McDavid. No biggie.

Luckily we have a well balanced roster and can overcome some adversity

 

[Czechboy]

McDavid's line has been dominating in possession all season long. The difference in the xg ratio that this team has with him on ice versus without him on ice is as extreme as you'll ever see in this league.

Nobody's without fault, but this team isn't struggling because of McDrai and people need to stop getting mad at them when they fail to single-handidly win games.

It is an oiler tradition to shit on the best players while ignoring the raging dumpster fire around them!

 

[MettleMcOiler]

I think this will be an interesting game, other teams have lost their big guns and still manage to grind out a win. Maybe it's our turn thus time around.

 

[McBeastMode]

Kostco let's everything in..

 

[trick91]

Funny people thinking we will actually get a powerplay tomorrow.

Hoping they call up marody and Skinner but not surprising if they go with Smith in net.

 

[PaPaDee]

Gonna skip my third game in a row. Guaranteed loss.

 

[MoontoScott]

It's gonna be fun for sure. What could go wrong? They are missing Matthews and we are missing McDavid. No biggie.

Luckily we have a well balanced roster and can overcome some adversity

What could go wrong?

I think that was one of the lines from the Apollo 13 movie.

 

[BlackDogg]

The return of Babcock to Toronto....

 

[BlackDogg]

Kostco let's everything in..

And gives you a useless coupon before you put the puck by him.

 

[Niten Ichi Ryu]

We just lost MCDavid for 10 to 12 days

Oilers' McDavid absent from practice after testing positive for COVID-19 - TSN.ca

I guess if it's gonna happen eventually to Captain, best it's now. Only 2 games the next 14 days (leafs/sens). Four games cancelled, 3 home games (Isles, Wild, Vegas) and one in Winnipeg. All four of those games are almost a guaranteed spanking right now.
Divine intervention, timing couldn't be better imo.

And the times when McDavid was out of the lineup, the entire team seems to step their game up, and use it as a rallying point. Could be a blessing the team needs right now, the catalyst to regain that swagger. Maybe even for McDavid as well, he's been a little off his game lately, maybe some down time, alone, is necessary

 

[KlefDown]

This team is being beaten by a team coached by Dallas Eakins in the standings and people are just ok with that

 

[Yak]

Will be a easy win against Ottawa, however is a game you want to tank!

A win against 30th place team does nothing for a long term on going problem.

 

[Field Marshal Phibun]

This feels like a great game to not watch

This game will be must see tv. You will remember where you were when you watched the game for the rest of your life.
Of course it could be for all the wrong reasons that you remeber but history is that way.

 

[Leonardlizard]

Yeah maybe some solitary confinement for mcdavid will bring us back to life...

 

[BlackDogg]

Dumb question but I thought Toronto had to be at half capacity and was postponing games?

 

[BlackDogg]

I guess if it's gonna happen eventually to Captain, best it's now. Only 2 games the next 14 days (leafs/sens). Four games cancelled, 3 home games (Isles, Wild, Vegas) and one in Winnipeg. All four of those games are almost a guaranteed spanking right now.
Divine intervention, timing couldn't be better imo.

And the times when McDavid was out of the lineup, the entire team seems to step their game up, and use it as a rallying point. Could be a blessing the team needs right now, the catalyst to regain that swagger. Maybe even for McDavid as well, he's been a little off his game lately, maybe some down time, alone, is necessary

Maybe Leonard can fix him.

 

[SwedishFire]

Nuge and McDavid away.

I guess center will be Drais, Turris, MacLeod, Ryan. Thar order.

Or Draisaitl, Draisaitl, MacLeod, Ryan. Leon with 40 min ice time, while 4th line getting 6 min.

Leon will get pissed.

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

I can't wait to find out what Matthews is wearing to the game tomorrow.