Teams coming back to earth

[aufheben]

You are probably correct but if we do that then the whole record (coming from behind) is null and void. I am just hoping that this new culture we are seeing will hold out the entire season and that the Oilers make the playoffs.

I just meant trailing in that particular game shouldn't be viewed negatively. Actually I'm not 100% sure the NHL still considers the Rangers part of the league anyway.

 

[blue_n_copper]

Actually you are not wrong but it bodes well. In 2016-2017 they started off 7-1 and guess what? They ended up 2nd in the Pacific.

2016-17 Edmonton Oilers Schedule and Results | Hockey-Reference.com

2017-2018? 2-6 and 2018-2019 4-4... very meh starts.

In 2018-2019, the Oilers were 8-4-1 after the first 13 games though, which at the time was incredible given their horrendous schedule up to that point. Then the wheels fell off. While I was happy with the start I don't remember being as impressed with how the team was playing then as I am now.

 

[BiolaRunner]

The fact that they've been able to come from behind so often should be encouraging. I learned last year when we started the best we ever had since 07 when we won the Cup that good first 2 weeks of season aren't necessarily indicative of how season will look.

 

[ChaoticOrange]

There have been a couple of “boring” takes in this thread... We’re 7th in the league in goals for, 2nd in goals per game, how is that boring to watch?

Don’t be sour because we’re actually playing defence for the 2nd time in a decade.

 

[Nadal On Clay]

I hope for McDavid and Draisaitl that the Oilers make the playoffs. These guys are too good not to have a chance to participate to the spring dance. They’re a treat to watch right now.

 

[bronco73]

There have been a couple of “boring” takes in this thread... We’re 7th in the league in goals for, 2nd in goals per game, how is that boring to watch?

Don’t be sour because we’re actually playing defence for the 2nd time in a decade.

second? Oh ya we had the famous Eakins "swarm" that really killed it lol! We needed everybody buying in to a solid game at both ends of the ice, and Tippet seems to be getting that across to them. The problem we have is this team in recent history gets down a goal or two and almost lay down to play dead. They need a full 60 in every game they play regardless of score or they won't make it.

And you are right, anybody who says they are playing boring hockey is not watching their games.

 

[Saltcreek]

I want to see a full season of the Oilers playing structured hockey. We have always been able to do it over short periods of time but then we collapse. Hopefully Tippet can keep them focused all season.

 

[Tender Rip]

Edmonton Oilers - Chicago Blackhawks - October 14th, 2019

Following my post from yesterday.... one cannot expect to succeed consistently if it is needed for the two star forwards to play more than 26 minutes each in a game finishing in regulation. Drai was 1 second from 27 even. That's ridiculous.

 

[McNurse]

We suck. Rely on two players. Can’t score. Ass eating szn. Lost.

 

[Three On Zero]

Looked bad tonight, coming back down to earth?

 

[Langdon Alger]

Not being a smart ass, but do they have anything other than McDavid, Drai, Nuge and Neal?

 

[Mr Tadakichi]

Used up all of our good for the season. Now we wait for another 1st overall.

 

[wetcoast]

Edmonton Oilers - Chicago Blackhawks - October 14th, 2019

Following my post from yesterday.... one cannot expect to succeed consistently if it is needed for the two star forwards to play more than 26 minutes each in a game finishing in regulation. Drai was 1 second from 27 even. That's ridiculous.

Why?

Seriously we hear all the time that teams fail or succeed based on how their best players do.

Does either player look tired?

Dmen reguarily play that much and more in the NHL, maybe Tippett is onto a new trend as long as the players pace themselves.

 

[Hattrick Kane]

Not being a smart ass, but do they have anything other than McDavid, Drai, Nuge and Neal?

Nuge has actually been pretty bad lately. Kassian is a solid contributor for the most part.

But there is absolutely nothing in that bottom 6. Playing Jurco in the top 6 is probably not inspiring either.

 

[oilexport]

Were at least 2 top six players from being a top team.

Our bottom six still suck too. If those 2nd liners get pushed down, bottom six is fixed.

 

[Langdon Alger]

Nuge has actually been pretty bad lately. Kassian is a solid contributor for the most part.

But there is absolutely nothing in that bottom 6. Playing Jurco in the top 6 is probably not inspiring either.

Kassian is more of a bottom six guy though right? He plays up in the lineup due to a lack of depth I guess?

How about the defence and goaltending? How would you asses that? Klefbom is good?

 

[Zerotonine]

Lol looking bad to night, back down to earth. Yeah nothing to do with 5th consecutive road game.

Real test will be how they respond

 

[Dustin]

It's a long season but wins in October go a long way to help a team make the playoffs.

 

[The Panther]

Not being a smart ass, but do they have anything other than McDavid, Drai, Nuge and Neal?

Yes. Klefbom and Nurse are very good -- occasionally great -- players. Ethan Bear might be a future star, and is one to watch. Every other game or so Kassian looks like the real deal (the in-between games he looks awful).

Neal has been a great acquisition, obviously, but the problem of forward depth remains. So far this season, the Oilers have two even-strength goals from the second, third, and fourth lines combined.

Defensively, though, they seem so much better than in the past. Okay, they allowed 2 goals tonight at the end of a road-trip, but it would have been 1 if Mike Smith hadn't gone wandering (again). Smith, stay in the damn net.

 

[Stubu]

"Might it be time to consider the Oilers are maybe good?"

No. Categorically no.

Don't hedge your argument into oblivion.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Edmonton Oilers - Chicago Blackhawks - October 14th, 2019

Following my post from yesterday.... one cannot expect to succeed consistently if it is needed for the two star forwards to play more than 26 minutes each in a game finishing in regulation. Drai was 1 second from 27 even. That's ridiculous.

That's crazy, but it speaks to the lack of depth the Oilers have throughout their lineup.

Perhaps they can squeak into the Wildcard, but what will Drai/McD have left after Tippet grinds them to dust during the regular season.

Top 5 Forwards in Ice Time last year

McDavid
Drai
Barkov
Kane
Kopitar

Besides being great players, what else do they have in common for 18/19?

 

[MessierII]

Edmonton Oilers - Chicago Blackhawks - October 14th, 2019

Following my post from yesterday.... one cannot expect to succeed consistently if it is needed for the two star forwards to play more than 26 minutes each in a game finishing in regulation. Drai was 1 second from 27 even. That's ridiculous.

They played that much because they were down a goal in the 3rd. They shortened the bench to try and tie the game.

 

[EdmFlyersfan]

Once the adrenaline of the new season goes away, Oilers true form will reveal itself

 

[Isaac Nootin]

They played that much because they were down a goal in the 3rd. They shortened the bench to try and tie the game.

Drai is AVERAGING over 25 minutes a night, this isn't a one off.

 

[HugginThePost]

They played that much because they were down a goal in the 3rd. They shortened the bench to try and tie the game.

.....and the other games? Seem's to be par for the course. No need to make excuses about being down in the third. They play that many minutes because Tippett has to lean on them due to lack of any decent players outside of a couple players.

If by chance they do make it to the playoffs, they are going to be worn down......

But hey....."McPoints"!!