Pre-Game Talk: Seeing Stars 5 p.m. MST start on City TV

[Jet Walters]

If the Oilers come out flat in this one i won't even know what to think anymore

Agreed. Hendo, Caggs, and Russell are all spark plug type players that can hopefully get the team fired up and running properly.

Who sits on defense? I think I'd sit Gryba instead I Benning. Pouliot sitting is a good thing. He's been hot garbage lately.

 

[ujju2]

I think they move Drai to RNH's wing.

Maroon-McDavid-Puljujarvi
Lucic-RNH-Draisaitl
Kassian (can he play LW?)-Cagguila-Eberle
Hendricks-Letestu-Pitlick

Honestly, I don't know. I had a hard time figuring out these combinations. Lots of interesting options. I guess they're sitting Slepyshev?
Mclellan should sit Eberle for a game if he wants to send a real message.

I agree that Drai will likely move to RNH's wing. That's why I said RNH on McDavid's wing was My Personal Preference.

 

[BarDownBobo]

Lucic-McDavid-Pulju
Drai-RNH-Ebs
Maroon-Caggiula-Slepy
Hendricks-Letestu-Kassian

Is my guess on lines based on some of the things on Twitter today. Interesting combos to say the least.

 

[ujju2]

Lucic-McDavid-Pulju
Drai-RNH-Ebs
Maroon-Caggiula-Slepy
Hendricks-Letestu-Kassian

Is my guess on lines based on some of the things on Twitter today. Interesting combos to say the least.

Slepyshev over Pitlick? Why???

 

[40oz]

I don't see them separating Lucic from Mcdavid. They were buzzing last game, and even though he didn't put any points on the board Lucic had one of his best games as an Oiler. Not saying much as he has generally been bad but still.

Good call

 

[BarDownBobo]

Slepyshev over Pitlick? Why???

Slepy has been much more effective the last couple games.

 

[ujju2]

Slepy has been much more effective the last couple games.

Personally I disagree, but that's just my opinion. They do have similar skillsets. Caggiula too. Which is nice, because it helps build our identity. Fast, physical, good shots. I quite like that identity. All 3 of them fit it. Once Hendricks retires (I assume he will after this season) I want to get rid of Pouliot for good and put all 3 of these guys in.

 

[oobga]

Hope Maroon is back with McDavid soon. Some of those golden chances Lucic got on McDavid's wing that he didn't put in, I think Maroon would have made a better play on. He just has better hands than Lucic and a better sense for the puck in scrambles. I think he works much better with McDavid.

 

[LemmyUlanov55]

That's great news! Not really sure about a win, but i'm hoping for a solid Caggiula debut.

 

[NedPlimpton]

awesome news. A decent looking shakeup.

Won't be able to watch this one, sadly.

 

[Soundwave]

Not really sure how smart it is to just throw Caggiula into the lineup without giving him a couple of AHL games, but we'll see I guess. Thank goodness Russell is back.

 

[oljimmy]

Pouliot had 2.4 points per 60 minutes last year, in 18 games this year he's down to 0.9. That's a HUGE drop. Definitely one of the severe under-performers. Can't find anyone else on the team whose dip from their normal rate is even close to that severe.

 

[oobga]

Wow, I was sure he plays few games in the AHL after being gone this long and with no previous NHL experience.
But excited to see how he plays and Lucic tonight as well. He played his best hockey in Boston(in his last season) with 2 of the Bostons fastest forwards.

Great news all around there. Hopefully in the time Poo is sitting out he can remove his head from his butt.

 

[BlackDogg]

Time of the first goal against thread?

I'll pick 19:09 of first.

 

[Hopelesslucicfan]

Nuge and drai are gonna have big nights playing together

 

[oobga]

I agree that Drai will likely move to RNH's wing. That's why I said RNH on McDavid's wing was My Personal Preference.

I've wanted to see Nuge on the wing for a long time. Mainly to free him up to take some offensive risks instead of being so overwhelmed by his defensive responsibility as a C. And it would let him build some confidence again in his offensive game.

But, I have a feeling that McLellan is a huge Nuge fan and believes in his value playing C. Thinking it will always be Drai moving to wing when McLellan is going away from the McDavid/Nuge/Drai 3C's strategy.

 

[ujju2]

I've wanted to see Nuge on the wing for a long time. Mainly to free him up to take some offensive risks instead of being so overwhelmed by his defensive responsibility as a C. And it would let him build some confidence again in his offensive game.

But, I have a feeling that McLellan is a huge Nuge fan and believes in his value playing C. Thinking it will always be Drai moving to wing when McLellan is going away from the McDavid/Nuge/Drai 3C's strategy.

I agree that McLellan is a huge Nuge fan. I am too. But I go back to the Pavelski comparison. I think RNH and McDavid would look great together.

 

[Hemsky4PM]

I want to see:

Lucic McDavid Draisaitl
Maroon RNH Eberle
Slepyshev Drake Kassian
Hendricks Letestu Pitlick

Load up the top two lines and get er done.

 

[Ritchie Valens]

Pouliot pb'd? Way to go Mclellan!

Mactavish be like "WUT?"

 

[ujju2]

I want to see:

Lucic McDavid Draisaitl
Maroon RNH Eberle
Slepyshev Drake Kassian
Hendricks Letestu Pitlick

Load up the top two lines and get er done.

I would switch Pitlick and Kassian, and drop Slepyshev for Puljujarvi.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

F Lines
27 - 97 - 98
19 - 93 - 14
44 - 36 - 29
23 - 55 - 42
15, 67 sit

D pairings
77 - 6
2 - 4
25 - 83
62 sits.
Wouldn't be surprised if its 25 - 6 and 77 - 83 however.

 

[McGlassbangers]

Drizzy is gonna get a hat trick, mark my words.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Drizzy is gonna get a hat trick, mark my words.

My God someone is way overdue to break out huge offensively. Would be nice to Drai with a hatty.

 

[T-Funk]

F Lines
27 - 97 - 98
19 - 93 - 14
44 - 36 - 29
23 - 55 - 42
15, 67 sit

D pairings
77 - 6
2 - 4
25 - 83
62 sits.
Wouldn't be surprised if its 25 - 6 and 77 - 83 however.

And then Davidson comes back and we are happy campers! We actually have nhlers in the pb again. Depth depth depth.

Hope the drake has a big night. Then I can chuckle about it to myself at the Seinfeld show tonight.

 

[Elias Pettersson]

Excited to see what Cagguila can do.
Dallas is struggling mightily this season, the Oilers can capitalize on this game. The Stars defence and goaltending is laughable so scoring shouldn't be a problem this game.
Offensively, they've also don't got much. Sharp and Spezza injured, Benn has been playing poorly. Just shut down Seguin.