Hello Oilers fans, just wandered after 12 games MPS have no goals and no assists, what is wrong right now with him? Is it just a matter of line chemistry? I loved what i saw of him last year, why the slow start?
He probably still needs to be playing some sheltered minutes at the NHL level, but our kid line is already getting some of the easier assignments. He would also benefit from having a big body who hits playing with him. I would love it if we could trade Gagner ++ for a guy like Clowe.
He probably still needs to be playing some sheltered minutes at the NHL level, but our kid line is already getting some of the easier assignments. He would also benefit from having a big body who hits playing with him. I would love it if we could trade Gagner ++ for a guy like Clowe.
Gagner is an absolute black hole on the line. The play dies with him. When Hemsky is back, should be able to throw Jones down there and that line should be better.
I'd give it some time. Gagner has struggled coming back from injury and at times looks really slow and tentative. I'd like someone like Harti out there with Gagner and Paajarvi.
Need some size. This line is lacking sustained cycle right now and not in sync at the moment.
Gagner has missed one hell of a lot of hockey and this is basically his TC. He's behind everybody and **** takes time.
That said theres been more and more plays happening. MPS had a good last hme game and seemed due to break out. Not so great last night.
But not giving up much defensively either. Offense will come around.
I also think though that expectations need to be subdued. Baring placement with stars on this club MPS doesn't look like a regular producer. At this point he looks very dependent on others contribution. He needs to initiate the play and press the issue more. Playing a little too tentative. But I do think he is focusing more on D play which isn't bad either given team results.
One positive note is MPS slowly ramping up a more physical game and appears to be working on size and strength. These changes again take time and substract a little from speed as his bodytype is changing somewhat. Seems as if he wants his game to be more physical, more puck battle and not a bad way to go.
Gagner is an absolute black hole on the line. The play dies with him. When Hemsky is back, should be able to throw Jones down there and that line should be better.
And Gagner is the only one on the line that set up 2 nice goals . Prv missed a greats et up from Gagner love how he gets the blame PRV has sucked all year as predictable player as they come, defence angles him off or he shoots weak shot from boards . No blaming Gagner on that line Belanger and PRV are doing squat for offense
I think that when Hemsky comes back a few thing should get shuffled a bit. This is what I'd like to see going forward.
Hall - RNH - Eberle
Paajarvi - Gagner - Hemsky
Smyth - Horcoff - Jones
Eager - Belanger - Petrell
Lander to OKC.
I think this is how they should roll going forward.
Also PRV likes to drive wide right to the net and curl back into the crease for the jam play. I think he would do well with a huge line mate that can park himself in front of the net to bang in the cross crease feeds.
I think that when Hemsky comes back a few thing should get shuffled a bit. This is what I'd like to see going forward.
Hall - RNH - Eberle
Paajarvi - Gagner - Hemsky
Smyth - Horcoff - Jones
Eager - Belanger - Petrell
Lander to OKC.
I think this is how they should roll going forward.
Also PRV likes to drive wide right to the net and curl back into the crease for the jamb play. I think he would do well with a huge line mate that can park himself in front of the net to bang in the cross crease feeds.
Agreed. I would also give Paajarvi some time with Horcoff and Smyth, maybe Smyth going to the net can get his offense going
0+0 in 12 games, how about a short visit to Barons? Give Hartikainen the same icetime and the swede will stay on barons...
I agree that PRV could use some time on the Barons to get his game going. He's regressed a bit this year and needs to gain some confidence. Some top line minutes on the Barons would be good for him.
It's a combination of things, he's not getting the puck with speed, he has zero chemistry with his linemates (he's trying to do one thing, they are doing their own things), and he is flat out fighting it right now. I'd like to see him playing with Lander and Petrell for a game or two to see what happens.
__________________ Treat Others As You Would Like To Be Treated
Physically he has the size but he's still not comfortable with the physical play in the NHL game. Against the Canucks he let Andrew Alberts lay him out and again last night one of the Kings flattened him; in both cases if he put in a couple of extra strides he would've breezed by both defenders.
Offensively he displays very little acumen other than when he's on the power play or playing with Linus Omark. He's got great wheels rushing the puck but usually takes the outside route which reminds me of Kelly Buchberger (he even wears Buckie's number inverted).
Eventually he will take over 2nd line LW from Smyth (maybe next year) and that's when he should take off offensively.
When you don't score you must play good defense. MP is doing that so eventually he will score. No worries yet.
I forgot to mention his defensive play is his strength. Most of our young guys cheat for offense, MPS is the opposite in that he will cheat for defense, often being our first forward back. He's very responsible almost to a fault.
I forgot to mention his defensive play is his strength. Most of our young guys cheat for offense, MPS is the opposite in that he will cheat for defense, often being our first forward back. He's very responsible almost to a fault.
Kind of hard for the young guns to play d when they usually hem the opposing d lol
