So what was Potter doing out there with the 1st unit on that last PP? Smells like showcasing.
God, do i ever hope you are right. He is the weakest link in the chain and Whitney doesnt exactly cover well for bad partners.
Fistric>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Potter
I would really like to get anything for Potter that can assist in us getting an upgrade somewhere.
On the other hand Whitney looks better with Potter than with Fistric. When Whitney plays with Potter, Potter is so horrific your attention goes to him, when Fistric is out there you pay attention to a big hit or a Whitney f up
Maybe Whitney is being showcased. I dont think other GMs would be fooled by Potter having a few points in the next couple games...but then again there is GM Howson in CLB.
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If we got Boychuk from the B's (should they land a Yandle or other d-man in a trade or if we can get him for Petry) that would give us a very legit top 6 IMHO
with Petry -
Smid Boychuk
Schltz Schultz
Fistric Petry
Whitney gonzo
without Petry
Smid Boychuk
Schultz Schultz
Whitney Fistric
Whitney walks in the summer if not traded.
Last edited by oilinblood: 01-29-2013 at 12:22 AM.
Just want to add as well that in our assessment of Yakupov we need to remember that he isn't just an 18 year old, he's an 18 year old adjusting to a new language and culture that makes coaching and development that much more difficult. In that regard, he's going to have it much harder than Hall or RNH. Nonetheless, he's got 3 goals in 5 games now. I think we ought to consider that a success. Kid's a special talent for sure.
He played in the OHL for two years... I mean yes his English isn't great but he isn't exactly fresh off the boat.
Does anyone else find it hilarious that even our empty net goal was scored on the PP?
That was a brash move by Sacco to pull his goalie but I liked it. The Avalanche were all over the Oilers 5 on 5 in the 3rd and I definitely feared that they would make it a 3-2 game with a minute left.
I think the Yak benching had as much to do with protecting the lead as it did with Yak not playing well. To expect a 19 yr old rookie to mesh with Hemsky when we've seen veterans come in here and struggle to do that may be asking a lot of him still.
I'm giving Nail lots of slack, and it was nice to see Kruger put him out in that last minute. Kids a gamer no doubt, he's just trying to hard to get some flow with Hemmer but he is usually trailing the play late it seems after circling too deep when Hemsky and Gagner break out. They'll figure it out soon, too skilled not too.
Oilers are currently 2nd in PP% and 8th in PK%. These are playoff team stats. Hopefully they can keep up the awesome special team success!
I was just going to post this. Beating a dead horse but if we can continue to dominate the special teams game and start producing 5 on 5, we're going to be a good team. As of right now, we NEED to be dominating the special teams just to have a chance at winning.
1st line played great, the chemistry is very strong. Eberle with two sweet behind the back passes
Gagner is increasing his value every game, worth at least 6th rounder now. Good game
Yakupov is fighting the puck, trying to do to much. But hes a rookie. Ill give him a break. Would like to see him on the third line for a bit.
Hemsky didnt play as bad as people are saying, decent game.
Harti and MPS- love it, love the pair, they dominated the boards, Harti is a bull
Belanger played good in our zone to.
Smid- Petry played a good game
Schultz squared- good game, JS with some great opporunities, and defensively sound. I have full confidence in this guy no matter that situation.
I would like to see a Petry-J Schultz pairing for a game to see two PMD play together with the 1st line. A smid and N schultz line would be a good shutdown pairing for the second line.
Also good to see Hall keep his head up, havent seen him take a big hit all year. Hopefully he tries to shoot more though
Saw him do it 2-3 times today, good on him. A bit less reckless and a bit more order to his game today, and the results were a load of zone-time on the PP and 2 primary assists.
