The Edmonton Oilers rookies lost 1-0 in overtime to the Calgary Flames rookies in Red Deer last night and I’m having a tough time describing the overall vibe of the game. On one hand, it had its moments (mostly for the Flames albeit), but on the other hand, how is a 0-0 game ever entertaining?
We’ve been hearing the hype for weeks regarding Tyler Benson and Cooper Marody and in all honesty, they were both non-factors. Any sliver of offense they created was quickly nullified by Calgary’s aggressive forecheck and/or no-name defense. I’m sure it’d be easy to say that this is just game one so we should lay off of them, but with these two especially, I can’t do it. This is exactly the sort of game where they should’ve stood out for the good things in their games instead of the poor ones. Dillion Dube and Matthew Philips had no problems for the Flames, so what was holding Benson and Marody back? They’d better have an improved performance in game two of this series (and the rest of training camp) or else I’m afraid there’s no way that a veteran will let them take his job.
As it is, I do not believe anybody who played in this game for the Oilers is ready for NHL duty as it is and they’d all be better off going back to junior or the AHL to dominate and continue their developmental plan. Who would it hurt anyhow? Nobody. Just give these guys a run out at main camp, cut them early, thank them for their time, and wish them luck this season. We’ll see ya when we see ya!
Who I Saw Good:
- Ryan McLeod
- Evan Bouchard
- Dylan Wells
- Ostap Safin
Who I Saw Bad:
- Cooper Marody
- Vincent Desharnais
- Nolan Vesey
The Game Grades
Tyler Benson – 5 – Benson had flashes of brilliance when he was given the time and space but he didn’t do a lot with it. I expected more production from him and his line and came away quite disappointed. I don’t care how local you are, how well you play on the boards or how good you look on the PP in a rookie game, if skating is one of your weaknesses, you won’t be playing in the NHL very much. I will say that I was happy to see him get mucky behind the Oilers net after the whistle though. Respect!
Cameron Hebig – 4 – I remember Hebig playing a very skilled role for the Condors last season but against the Flames rookies he was a much grittier version of himself. Had a decent chance where two Flames tried to line him up in the slot for a big hit and they ended up hitting each other instead.
Cooper Marody – 3 – So many giveaways… The two in OT were atrocious. AHL-caliber stuff… He reminds me of a poorer skating Ryan Spooner sometimes. He took a tough hit at the Flames bench that might’ve knocked something loose but he was poor before that, so we can’t use that as an excuse. It simply was not his night at all.
Kirill Maksimov – 5 – Early on he was noticeable. Playing physical and creating space. He was a mainstay on the Oilers PK. I would’ve liked to have seen him one-time that shot on the 2v1 with McLeod though. Been hearing all about this shot of his and he didn’t use it. Took a poor penalty late in the third that caught some criticism from the Oilers play-by-play team. Faded as the game wore on.
Ryan McLeod – 7 – Very good last night. His speed and excellent stick were on full display. He was passing very well too. In my eyes, he’s head and shoulders above Marody on the Oilers depth chart. He got a LONG look last year at training camp, I wouldn’t be surprised if he got another one this year. Should’ve started OT instead of Marody. All that ice and with his speed… C’mon Woodcroft!
Nolan Vesey – 3 – Was very much a Milan Lucic clone on the night. Every time he got the puck, the play died. He could be bound for Wichita. Especially if Jakob Stukel has a good camp.
Steven Iacobellis – 5 – Average game. I didn’t really notice him that much. His linemates on the other hand…
Ostap Safin – 7 – I wasn’t expecting a lot out of Safin to be honest but he stood out. For portions of the game, the puck really followed him around a bit. He used his size and soft hands to his advantage. I hope to see more.
Raphael Lavoie – 6 – Lavoie had a few really good chances but like some of his teammates, couldn’t capitalize. I seen him get outmuscled a couple of times in the corner. He’s going to be a handful once he grows into his body. I’m betting he wrecks the QMJHL this year.
Jakub Stukel – 4 – I like Stukel’s tenacity. He was noticeable early in the game for his forechecking but disappeared completely after the first. This is a player I think if the Oilers stuck with that could develop into a formidable 4th line checker. He really works his ass off when given the chance.
Beau Starrett – 5 – I was taken aback by Starrett. Honestly, when I saw that the Oilers had signed him I thought that he was going to be another Nolan Vesey. Starrett has an excellent frame, he goes to the dirty areas and uses his body pretty effectively. Has a decent shot too. Too bad he got jumped by Onyebuchi, I would’ve liked to have seen him throw down too.
Liam Keeler – 3 – Didn’t notice him one bit.
Evan Bouchard – 7 – Great game. Those hands! Wow! He’s so composed out there and never gets rattled. His shots get through to the net more often than not eh? The Oilers forwards were having trouble penetrating the Flames zone at one point in the 3rd, so Bouchard took it himself. Some will say his skating needs work but I am not one of those. I could see a significant improvement in his skating. It was much smoother and his edgework was way better than last year. Something I can’t say about Benson and Marody.
Dmitri Samorukov – 6 – He was okay for me. A tough couple of periods before settling down in the third. What worried me most was that he went for a couple of BIG hits and got caught leaving his partner to defend some odd-man rushes. He’ll have to iron that out of his game for sure. Dima had a really nice rush with the puck at one point.
Logan Day – 4 – Not sure if he was shaking off the rust or what, but we only got to see him thrive a few times. Normally he’s a very good playmaker who is cool under pressure, but not last night. Had a bit of a tough one offensively.
Ethan Cap – 3 – No idea. Never stood out for me.
Vincent Desharnais – 3 – Calgary’s smaller forwards took advantage of Desharnais’ hulking frame and drew a couple of penalties on him. He looked slow.
Brendan de Jong – 3 – refer to Desharnais.
Dylan Wells – 8 – Might’ve been player of the game for me. I know last week I said that I was expecting much from Wells this year, but he had a really good game and if he keeps that up he’ll win the backup’s job in Bakersfield easily.
Stuart Skinner – 6 – After coming in at the half0way mark, Skinner played solid enough. Nothing noteworthy though. Probably could’ve played that 2v1 in OT a bit better.
It’s undecided at this point in time, but perhaps we see Kailer Yamamoto, Jason Bellamy, and Olivier Rodrigue draw in for the next game.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
