Sigh. Oilers did not do well this week. I predicted them to go 1-3 this week, but losing all three games by one goal is a kick in the pants. Especially that heartbreaker against Calgary last night. That was unbelievable.
Oil Country is probably in a foul mood today and rightfully so.
Edmonton Oilers Three Stars
3. Connor McDavid
McDavid is still in the three stars because he’s been that great. Against Montreal, he was the straw that stirred the drink by pitching in two assists, including a great play to a wide open Benoit Pouliot. That said, there’s two others that out performed McDavid this week.His so far career high seven game point streak was snapped last night against Calgary, although he came awfully close twice to continue that streak.
2. Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl was recalled earlier this week and had to catch a flight for the game on Thursday against Montreal. Draisaitl, with a lack of sleep, only scored two goals including the game winner in that game where the Oilers were down 3-0 after one. Draisaitl kept up his “clutch” factor by scoring the game tying goal and two helpers against Calgary last night. Two games in and it will be a very difficult task to send him back to Bakersfield.
1. Taylor Hall
Has been on fire. He only had three points last night. Sure, he had some turnovers and the Hall Character Problem club will be all over that, but he was our strongest player this week. He has nine points in his last five games. He’s playing like one of the best Left Wingers in the NHL that we know he is. This season would be a lot worse without Taylor Hall on the left side.
Edmonton Oilers Rumors
So, the Edmonton Oilers are completely decimated with injuries at the moment. Stop if you heard that one before. Out are: Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, Griffin Reinhart, Matt Hendricks, Rob Klinkhammer. I’m biased but I think losing Reinhart hurts the most because we are forced to watch a god awful Ference and Gryba pairing without a capable puck mover in sight. Reinhart isn’t known for his puck movement abilities but sure is a helluva better bet than Ference and Gryba who handle the puck like a grenade.
There’ll be some tough questions: Who will get sent down? Who will get put where? Most importantly though, and one would hope Chiarelli is watching carefully: That defence is horrendous, even when healthy. Right now, the Oilers cannot move the puck out one bit out of their end. Who knows what is out there but one would have to think that it’ll get remedied quickly.
Also, the third and fourth lines scoring is non existent. Lander has vanished. If someone could find his game, please let the Oilers know.
Around the League
- Carey Price is injured
- The NHL’s goalie interference challenge call is hot garbage.
- Halloween was last night. Naturally, NHLers dressed up for the occasion.
- Movember starts today. Great cause and awesome moustaches are coming.
- In Phil Kessel’s return to Toronto, the Penguins won 4-0. Toronto chose not to play a tribute for him because it’s Toronto.
- Speaking of returns, Dan Byslma returned to Pittsburgh this week.
- Steve Dangle had a kind video towards Edmonton, which was before the crushing loss to Calgary.
- For you stat wizards out there, Woodguy55 had an amazing post about what a real third line should look like.
- Auston Matthews is injured.
- One of my personal favorites, Daniel Briere, is moving into a business role with the Flyers.
Highlights and Videos
Some saves of the week
Dylan Larkin scored a nifty goal
Mats Zuccarello scored his first career hat trick
Camera Man had his lens broken by a shot
The Week Ahead
The Oilers have three games this week and it’s a doozy:
Tuesday at home versus Philadelphia and Friday at home versus Pittsburgh.
Sunday they visit Chicago.
That’s your weekly recap for this week! Follow me on Twitter.
