Well, The Edmonton Oilers have not had a good week. Sunday they were utterly obliterated 8-1 in a lazy showing against the New York Islanders, lost a snoozer 2-1 against the Devils, won 5-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs (the true high of the week) and losing 2-1 in a shootout against the Winnipeg Jets last night.
The biggest problem looking at those scores, is that besides the Maple Leafs game, the Oilers are not scoring goals. They are a one line team, yet again, and for me it’s frustrating. It doesn’t make much sense: when one line is awake and on, the other lines completely disappear. Nail Yakupov is the invisible man. Leon Draisaitl looks like he’s either running out of gas or is hiding an injury and Taylor Hall is trying to do too much at once.
Edmonton Oilers Three Stars
3. Laurent Broissoit. Brossoit played in his second career NHL game last night in the shootout loss to Winnipeg and by all accounts was rock solid. Sure, the shootout he let in two goals that sealed it for Winnipeg but I was really rooting for Brossoit to get his first NHL victory. He was a late addition to the starting line up as usual starting goaltender, Cam Talbot, was out due to illness. In two games, Brossoit’s lowest save percentage is .961 This season in Bakersfield, Brossoit has played 26 games, some missed due to injury and sports a decent .921 save percentage. I like LB a lot; I watched him in Juniors with the Oil Kings and I’ll be definitely rooting for the Oil King alumni.
2. Jordan Eberle Eberle posted five points this week, including four goals and an assist. He scored, amazingly, his first career hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His chemistry with McDavid is looking very good and he’s been on fire as of late. Some want Nail Yakupov to be playing with McDavid but right now Eberle is the better player to be playing shotgun to 97. Last night he scored the lone Oiler shootout goal, a nice snipe top corner. As someone who wanted Eberle moved for someone attractive, I’m starting to change my stance.
1. Connor McDavid. Expect McDavid to be number one every week for the rest of the season. He’s that good of a player and he showed it against Toronto where he scored a whopping five points (two goals and three assists). On the empty net goal against the Leafs, he unselfishly gave the puck to Eberle for his first career hat trick. From all accounts he looked a bit sluggish against the Jets but was often the most dangerous player when on the ice. While he was held pointless against the Jets last night, McDavid had a staggering seven points in four games played.
Edmonton Oilers News and Rumors
To the shock of no one, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to be sellers for the trade deadline. Elliote Friedman also saying that Jordan Eberle will not be traded before the Trade Deadline, which again, is not exactly a huge shocker.
Potential movers? I think Teddy Purcell is a goner. Justin Schutlz will also be on his way out too. Other names not as likely but could, include Mark Fayne and Eric Gryba, although I think the Oilers like Gryba enough.
Also one news item I wrote at theoilersrig.com was from John Shannon of Sportsnet concerning the Oilers being the next team to play in the outdoor game, hosted by Winnipeg. Interesting to note is that the game would be slated to be played in October. I love it!
Around the League
The Minnesota Wild, losers of eight straight, have fired Head Coach, Mike Yeo.
A huge trade happened this week: Dion Phaneuf in a nine player deal from Toronto to Ottawa. As a Sens fan , I like the trade. Shed some salary they didn’t want, and they finally get a bonafide top four defenceman.
TSN released a list of the top fifty NHL affiliated prospects.
Carrie Underwood aka Mrs. Mike Fisher, had some fun at Ryan Johansen’s expense.
The Chicago Blackhawks, not the Toronto Maple Leafs, are set to host the 2017 NHL draft.
Highlights
Dion Phaneuf got his first point as a Senator, the crowd loved it
Maple Leafs and Oilers Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFGlJHsv_io
Martin Brodeur had his number retired.
The Week Ahead
The Oilers have three home games this upcoming week.
Tuesday against the Ducks.
Thursday against the struggling Wild.
And Saturday against the Avalanche.
That’s the week that was! Follow me on Twitter (almost at 1000!) and have a wonderful week.
