19 Responses to Scoring Chances: G4 vs Predators, Oct 17th

1. 

   Dennis

   October 17, 2011 at

   94-10-28
   4-93-14
   91-20-23
   55-57-37

   5-77
   25-44
   13-58

   Reply
2. 

   speeds

   October 17, 2011 at

   It’s interesting that 11 of the 13 ES SC’s occurred when Smid was on the ice. So, for the other 27 minutes there were only 2 chances?

   Reply
3. 

   Dennis

   October 17, 2011 at

   It’s very early but the Oilers have out-chanced their opponent in three of the season’s first four games. Yes, two of those out-chancings were by one and two respectively but it’s a much better start than anyone suspected.

   Tonight we saw Renney hard-match the 94-10-28 line against the Preds main offensive line and the old chemistry between 10 and 94 was on display. This allowed the 93 line to see the lesser competition and we also saw how that line got the first shift after the opposition’s powerplays were killed.

   All around a good night for Renney.

   Reply
4. 

   Matt Watt

   October 17, 2011 at

   Even though a low event night from Omark, liked his game. Brought more to the table than he took. What this teams needs.

   As for the defense, even Sutton looked poised during the evening. What a beauty Gilbert is. Nowhere near as physical as Suter and Weber, but just as effective this year. Hope those radio callers keep asking for his head, #bunchofjackasses.

   Reply
5. 

   Dennis

   October 17, 2011 at

   Yes, sir.

   Early on the Oilers have been doing a great job at clamping down at even-strength. It was a lot of fun tonight to see the 10-94 duo leading a checking and/or matching line. For a moment I allowed myself to think of how much fun it will be to see 83 back with them again for the 15 healthy games he’ll play this season.

   The defense is still patchwork and Whitney won’t provide nearly enough of the salve that the backline ultimately needs but the forward group could be neat to watch depending upon health

   Reply
   • 

     speeds

     October 17, 2011 at

     It’s early, but I think this D, when healthy is a bit better than speculated, in particular if they go with something like:

     Whitney-Petry
     Smid-Gilbert
     Barker/Sutton-Potter

     Reply
6. 

   Dennis

   October 17, 2011 at

   Matt: for my money tonight Potter was the unheralded guy that I liked. Lots of nice little short passes. To be decent the Oilers need the 5-77 tandem to keep trucking and for 6 to be able to carry someone along. Maybe it’s 58 or 49 or maybe it’s 44.

   Reply
7. 

   Matt Watt

   October 17, 2011 at

   Dennis: Exactly how I felt about Potter’s game tonight too. Him and Petry seemed to be making the right play tonight, keeping it simple. Potter still was caught flat footed too many times for my liking, but I would take the game he played tonight for another 70+ nights this year.

   Reply
8. 

   Matt Watt

   October 17, 2011 at

   Sorry, meant Sutton was caught flat footed too many times for my liking, not Potter. Got myself confused their. Also, know Petry and Potter were not paired together, just commenting on their games in general.

   Reply
9. 

   Dennis

   October 17, 2011 at

   Well, as Mike pointed out just a little before I did:), it depends on the health of 6 and his ability to mentor. Also, 5-77 have to keep up the early good work.

   Reply
10. 

    Julian

    October 18, 2011 at

    Six minutes for Lander? He’s gotta be the first guy they send down to the AHL, right?

    And three for Eager? Welcome back to the NHL man. Don’t tire yourself out.

    Reply
    • 

      dawgbone

      October 18, 2011 at

      I think that 6 minutes ties in directly to the 3 minutes by Eager.

      Renney doesn’t trust his 4th line as a unit yet and he’s not going to take O-zone faceoffs away from the kids.

      Reply
11. 

    OilW30

    October 18, 2011 at

    The short minutes can’t be good for Lander’s development…

    Reply
12. 

    Dennis

    October 18, 2011 at

    I’m not sure just how beat is Blair Betts but if he can get healthy I’d like to pick him up for the 4th line pivot role and just put 89 on the rw with 91-20.

    In any case, yes, time to send Lander down to OKC.

    Reply
13. 

    Pat Mc

    October 18, 2011 at

    Why do you have a picture of Sir John A MacDonald above these posts?

    Rumour has Lander getting sent down momentarily and Gagner apparently almost ready.

    Reply
14. 

    RiversQ

    October 18, 2011 at

    The Oilers have definitely looked pretty good. I don’t really agree about the defense being ok, although I’m not sure it matters that much with the forward depth and quality especially when Hemsky and Gagner return. I also have little confidence in Whitney’s health. Maybe less than Hemsky even.

    It looks like we’re getting close to another test of management coming up here. This team might hang around for much of the year, so there will be a temptation to make moves. Not to mention a critical offseason coming up. I think the Oilers still have wrong guys making those calls.

    Reply
15. 

    spOILer

    October 18, 2011 at

    Renney might have been hard matching Horc against the Preds top line, but Trotz was countering by having Weber and Suter face both the K1 and K2 lines. The kids did very well against one of the top defensive pairings in the league.

    Reply
16. 

    Vic Ferrari

    October 18, 2011 at

    Thanks Dennis, I missed the game. 18-6 chances at evens though, Yowza. If these forwards are as good as we think they are, the D will appear to be good, methinks. Would help a bunch if Hemsky comes back on form.

    Funny the way scoring chances seem to work. Most games are very close, then every third or fourth game good teams open a can of whoop-ass on their opponents … bad teams take a pounding on that occasion. Too early to say for sure, but I’m bullish on this year’s Oilers.

    Let’s hope Oilers management holds steady. If they start making trades all bets are off.

    Reply

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