November 18, 2023 /

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM15: Oilers @ Lightning- 3P2W – Could the Oilers Join the Dark Side with this Acquisition?

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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Who is Kris Knoblauch Anyhow?

Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers’ new head coach, embodies a modern coaching approach, prioritizing positive reinforcement over criticism. Replacing Jay Woodcroft, Knoblauch faces the challenge of reshaping the underperforming Oilers.

His calm demeanor, rooted in his teaching background, resonates well with players, fostering a positive and calculated coaching style. Knoblauch, known for empowering players and valuing teamwork, has a track record of success, notably with the Erie Otters in the OHL and the old Kootenay Ice of the WHL.

Despite the Oilers’ initial struggles, Knoblauch aims to bring defensive improvements and elevate the team’s performance, drawing inspiration from past mid-season coaching changes that led to Stanley Cup victories. With a focus on communication and strategic adjustments, Knoblauch, echoing his positive philosophy, strives for continuous improvement and stability within the Oilers’ lineup.

Could the Oilers Go After Darth Vladar?

Well, the Oilers’ so-called “starter” got the AHL ticket, putting up a stellar 0-3-0 record with a .819 save percentage. Not exactly Vezina material. Now, some folks think a sports psychologist might be in order because no goalie goes from hero to zero without some mental gymnastics.

With Calvin Pickard expected to ride to the rescue, surprise, surprise! Stuart Skinner’s in the spotlight, putting up some solid numbers. But let’s face it, Skinner is going to need a break sooner or later, and the Oilers don’t look like they’re itching to throw Pickard into the fire at all.

The Oilers aren’t scouting for a starter, just a reliable netminder. Enter Dan Vladar from the Flames, who did a stellar job holding their season together when Markstrom hit a rough patch. Sure, Vladar’s not cheap, but maybe a deal’s in the cards. His .858 save percentage isn’t stellar, but hey, the struggling Flames might be willing to part ways. It’s trade talk time.

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Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #86 Nikita Kucherov (11g 13a 24pts) – Kucherov has 76 shots on the year so far. That’s a bit of volume shooting to say the least. This guy stirs Tampa’s drink. Shut him down and I think the rest of the offense follows. I mean, Nick Paul is their 2C and AHL Uber-star Alex Barre-Boulet is their 2RW…
  • #77 Victor Hedman (4g 15a 19pts) – I think it’s a safe bet to go into any game that involves Tampa thinking that Hedman will be a factor one way or another. He’s one of the best big dmen to ever play in the league and I’m definitely looking forward to his battles with Draisaitl tonight.
  • #91 Steven Stamkos (5g 11a 16pts) – 33 years old and he’s producing at a point-per-game rate. I don’t know how he’s going to do it alongside Paul and Barre-Boulet tonight though. I feel like that line is going to get lit up.

Three Players to Watch for the Oilers

  • #28 Connor Brown (0g 0a 0pts) – No pressure tonight…
  • #93 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (3g 8a 11pts) – Nugey started hot but has cooled right the f*ck off now. He’s only got 9 shots in his last 5 games and he’s missed on some golden opportunities lately. He needs to pick his ass up off the floor and get going here.
  • Edmonton’s Bottom Six (5g 7a 12pts) – Those five goals have come from two players, Warren Foegele and Sam Gagner. Derek Ryan has ONE BLOODY POINT this year!!! McLeod has TWO!!! For the love of Pete… This group needs to get going and if I’m being honest, I don’t think we’ll see these guys in Edmonton past the deadline aside from one or two.

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CategoriesArmchair GM Beer League Hero Edmonton Oilers NHL Rumors

TagsEdmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers Game day Edmonton Oilers News Edmonton Oilers Rumors NHL NHL News NHL Rumors Tampa Bay Lightning

Beer League Hero Written by:

I'm the Beer League Hero! I am from Camrose, Alberta but I make my home in Taipei City, Taiwan. I've been through the ups and downs and the highs and the Lowes, the Bonsignores and the McDavids, the Sathers and the Eakins but I'll never leave my Oilers, no matter what! They're with me until the end and then some. GO OILERS GO!