The Edmonton Oilers returned after an extended all star game break, having three games in the span of the week. It started off with a bang, with a 5-1 win over Columbus on Tuesday night and a 7-2 thrashing to the seemingly hapless Ottawa Senators, but reality came crashing back to earth with a stinker loss against Montreal yesterday, dropping the game against former Oilers goaltender Ben Scrivens, 5-1.
Playoffs aren’t a realistic expectation right now. Injuries have been an arguable factor and the defence has been a let down once again this year. For me, the last 29 games this season is the Connor McDavid show: the 19 year old returned Tuesday Night after a three month layoff due to his clavicle break.
Edmonton Oilers Three Stars:
3. Benoit Pouliot: Pouliot returns on the three stars after an impressive effort. In his last three games, Pouliot had five points, including the lone goal against Montreal yesterday. I like Pouliot’s game and with the new economics in the league, his cap hit for his production is good. Jonathan Willis of Oilersnation had a good post explaining why Pouliot is a good second line option.
2. Jordan Eberle: Despite being chewed out by Connor McDavid on the bench yesterday for not being in the right spot, Eberle has looked good with 97. Eberle posted three goals and two assists in his last 3 games. His chemistry with McDavid was very apparent during the Columbus and Ottawa games and is simply the better option over Nail Yakupov at this point.
1. Connor McDavid: This is not a surprising pick here. McDavid posted a goal and four assists in the past three games, keeping up with the point total with his other linemates, but he’s clearly the best player on his line. Every time Connor McDavid touches the puck, it’s magic. You’re on the edge of your seat anticipating his next move. While he was held pointless yesterday against Montreal, he was the best forward and nearly had another goal of the year attempt, where he just barely missed the net.
However, Tuesday Connor McDavid had the goal of the year: he goes through three defenders and just dekes the poor goalie to oblivion. I don’t think words does the goal much justice: just watch.
Edmonton Oilers News and Rumors:
It’s the calm before the Trade Deadline Storm. It’s quiet right now, but people are rightfully speculating which Oilers will go.
My two cents: I think Justin Schultz is the most obvious to go, despite his shoddy play. He’s entering Tom Poti levels of venom when it comes to the fanbase. His effort against Montreal was absolutely putrid and Clendening has looked better (albeit in a VERY limited sample size). I would rather keep Teddy Purcell, although I might be in a minority.
I feel that Feburary 29th might be a quiet day for the Oilers, but I imagine a move is made. I think the bigger moves will be for the off season where teams have more flexibility.
Around the League
Erik Karlsson is second in league scoring. SECOND.
NHL All Star MVP John Scott welcomed the birth of his twin girls
Braden Holtby is eyeing Brodeur’s win record in a single season
The NHL released an updated website and a new streaming app. It’s been a bit of a disaster.
The Toronto Maple Leafs released a new logo that they will be wearing starting next season. I like it!
Highlights
The Blackhawks drilled the Stars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqOCCKwMV1c
Marchand scored an Overtime Penalty shot game winner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW0VR0Y1vF0
The Oilers vs Senators Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBnjO_yxF6Y
The Week Ahead
The Oilers have four games this week including a game at 12:30 MT against the New York Islanders, A tilt in New Jersey Tuesday. They host the Maple Leafs on the 11th and then the Jets on the 13th.
That’s the week that was, feel free to give me a follow on Twitter! Have a wonderful week.
