Hey y’all! Welcome back for another season of Edmonton Oilers hockey! I’m BLH and I’ll be giving you the skinny on today’s game!
If you’re new here and are wondering what 3P2W means, well, it stands for Three Players to Watch and seeing I’m as lazy as I am, I figured we’d shorten it to 3P2W.
So with that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about what’s been going on lately in the Oilogospehere and then get into the player’s I’ve put under the spotlight for today’s matchup!
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Random Pontifications
In a brilliant strategic move, the Edmonton Oilers decided to part ways with head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson, signaling their commitment to mediocrity with a stellar 3-9-1 start. Because, you know, nothing says “Stanley Cup favorite” like a team that can’t even win half its games.
To fill the void left by the ousted coaching staff, the Oilers have ingeniously recruited Kris Knoblauch from the powerhouse that is the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Because clearly, nothing says “NHL head-coaching material” like someone making their debut after a stint in the minor leagues.
And to add a touch of prestige, they’ve brought in Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey as an assistant coach, because when your team is already a sinking ship, why not throw in a Hall of Famer to witness the descent into the abyss? Good job, Oilers. Your commitment to chaos is truly commendable.
Has anybody considered that Jackson's "we" didn't include Holland and his ppl?
Maybe Jackson's "we" is him, Coffey, and Katz. https://t.co/3OFteHlrVB
— BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} (@BeerLeagueHeroe) November 13, 2023
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Three Players to Watch for the (team)
- #27 Anders Lee (1g 1a 2pts) – We’re used to see this guys’ name on the scoresheet a bit more that what he’s putting up right now. One goal on 29 shots this year… That’ll sort itself out soon and usually the Oilers are a good team to help with that.
- #10 Simon Holmstrom (4g 0a 4pts) – The young swede is up on the Isles’ first line with Horvat and Barzal and it’s paying off. In his last five games he has three goals. I remember him being touted as quite the sniper in his draft year.
- #8 Noah Dobson (4g 8a 12pts) – He leads the Islanders in scoring right now. You fantasy folk might be interested in knowing that he’s got 35 shots on the season to go with 32 blocks and he’s averaging over 24 minutes of TOI.
Three Players to Watch for the Oilers
- #97 Connor McDavid (2g 8a 10pts) – I don’t think there’s anybody else that everybody is going to be watching considering his junior coach just got hired to replace Woodcroft. I’d imagine that’s a lot of pressure for him but at the same time, good. He gets paid the big bucks for a reason, now start showing us why.
- #55 Dylan Holloway (1g 0a 1pts) – Hollywood was flying against Seattle. I really liked the effort I saw out of him and I think he’s starting to heat up.
- #2 Evan Bouchard (3g 9a 12pts) – Noah vs. Evan from their draft year was a big debate and now they’re pacing each other at the NHL level. Who’ll have a better game tonight? I’m going to put my money on Bouch.
The Next Twelve Games (#2-#13)
- 10/14 vs. Canucks – I think the Oilers will take 2/2 vs. Vancouver to start the year. (W)
- (4-3 LOSS)
- 10/17 @. Predators – The Preds don’t scare me. Their roster is in shambles. Poor Jusse Saros and Roman Josi. (W)
- (6-1 WIN)
- 10/19 @ Flyers – Their forward group looks entertaining but they’ve got nobody on defense. (W)
- (4-1 LOSS)
- 10/21 vs. Winnipeg – The Jets are always a tough out. I like their chances. (L)
- (3-2 OTL)
- 10/24 @ Wild – Minny isn’t as good as they used to be but still very solid. (W)
- (7-4 LOSS)
- 10/26 vs. Rangers – I like NY’s defense and goaltending here. (L)
- (3-0 LOSS)
- 10/29 vs.Flames – Calgary is going to surprise a few this year. (L)
- (5-2 WIN)
- 11/2 vs. Stars – This will be a very tight game. (W)
- (4-3 LOSS)
- 11/4 vs. Predators – Leon will continue to light the Preds up. (W)
- (5-2 LOSS)
- 11/6 @ Canucks – I’ll take Edmonton for a third time here, Alex. (W)
- (6-2 LOSS)
- 11/9 @ Sharks – I don’t even recognize half the names on SJ’s roster… (W)
- (3-2 LOSS)
- 11/11 @ Kraken – I like Seattle’s roster. Well-rounded. (L)
- (4-1 WIN)
(predictions made 10/11/2023)
