The Oil Report 02.06.2008
Posted by Rod Oracheski on 02.06.2008
With reclusive billionaire Daryl Katz prepped to buy out the Edmonton Oilers, 411 columnist Rod Oracheski suddenly has the urge to do a weekly column on the team...but why have the two never been seen together in public?
As a lifelong fan of the Edmonton Oilers and with today's buyout of the team, pending league approval of course, what better time to start talking about the future of the Edmonton Oilers here on 411mania?
Each week I'll offer up a look at the week ahead, while also taking a look at the past week's slate of games. Then I'll talk about firing Craig MacTavish for a while. OK, OK - I might not talk about that every week, but if manages to stay on the bench, expect it to be a fairly common topic.
The Oilers and Blackhawks have faced off twice this year, with the Oilers winning the first game and losing the second.
Saturday, November 24th, 2007
3-2 shootout win at Edmonton
The Oilers, with Roloson in net, were outshot 40-31 through four frames, though the team showed consistent effort through regulation. Edmonton was 8-11-11 in shots through three periods, but managed only a single shot in overtime. The Blackhawks, by comparison, had a strong second period with 7-14-11 output, then outshot the Oilers 8-1 in overtime.
The Oilers had no powerplay goals through six minutes of 5-on-4 and 12 seconds of 4-on-3, but also killed off 5:33 of 5-on-4 and 27 seconds of 4-on-3.
The game was a first meeting between two former London Knights, a pair that tore up the league for 97 goals and 166 assists. While both were held off the scoresheet, Gagner took the night's friendly competition with his shootout goal. Kane was stopped by Roloson on his attempt.
BLACKHAWK POINTS:
Duncan Keith - 1 goal
Martin Lapointe - 1 assist
James Vandermeer - 1 goal
James Wisniewski - 1 assist
Sunday, December 23rd, 2007
3-2 loss in regulation at Chicago
The Oilers, with Matheiu Garon in net, were outshot once again, as they dropped a 3-2 decision to the Blackhawks. It was the Oilers' third straight loss in a losing skid that would run six games, while it was the third straight win for the Blackhawks in a string that would be snapped at four games.
Edmonton scored once on the powerplay, with Tom Gilbert opening the scoring for the Oilers while Patrick Kane was off for interference. That would be Edmonton's only powerplay marker in 9:18 of 5-on-4.
Discipline was a problem for the Oilers, allowing 12:13 of 5-on-4 time over the course of the game. The Blackhawks scored once on the powerplay.
The Oilers had a slow start to the game, racking up only 6 shots in the first, but took a 2-1 lead out of the period. Edmonton continued their trend of growing stronger as games wear on, shooting 6-10-11 over the three periods, while the Blackhawks had 13-10-11.
The Oilers lost Hemsky in the second period following a knee-on-knee collision with Lapointe. There was a shoving match to end the game, with some potential for fireworks in their next meeting.
OILERS POINTS
Robert Nilsson - 1 assist
Andrew Cogliano - 1 assist
Dustin Penner - 1 goal
Tom Gilbert - 1 goal
BLACKHAWKS POINTS
Brent Sopel - 1 assist
Brent Seabrook - 2 goals
Patrick Sharp - 1 goal
Robert Lang - 1 assist
Martin Lapointe - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Petri Kontiola - 1 assist
James Wisniewski - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Patrick Kane - 1 assist
TRENDS Home team wins: The home team has won both games. Final two periods matter: The first period hasn't decided either game. Tied in Edmonton's win, and the Oilers lead 2-1 in their 3-2 loss. Penalties, penalties, penalties: In two games, the pair of teams have racked up 70 minutes in penalties.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
For the Oilers, with the loss of Horcoff for the season, the fate of the offense rides largely on the shoulders of Ales Hemsky, who's nursing an injury. Expect team captain Ethan Moreau to continue to push his team, and his own offensive output, with a punishing physical game. Gagner, facing off once again against his friend, has extra incentive to perform.
For the Blackhawks, Lapointe is returning from a bruised kidney and will want to make an impact. The pair of Patricks - Kane and Sharp - will be worth watching.
PREDICTION: 3-1 Oilers
FUTURE MEETINGS:
Sunday, March 9th - OILERS AT BLACKHAWKS - 1 p.m. start (MT)
The Oilers and Flames have faced off five times, with the Oilers leading the season series 3-2 after Monday's 5-0 blowout in Edmonton.
Saturday, October 20th, 2007
4-1 loss in regulation at Calgary
The Oilers were outshot and outworked in their first meeting with the Flames, outshot 34-18 over the course of the game. Though outshot, the Oilers had several quality scoring chances, but were unable to convert them into points. Sam Gagner was the lone Oiler to find the back of the net, scoring his first NHL goal.
Edmonton had no powerplay goals in 10:21 total powerplay time, while allowing a pair in 10:05 short-handed.
Shots over the three periods were 6-5-7 for Edmonton and 10-11-13 for Calgary, showcasing the Flames' strong offense. Roloson made 30 saves in the loss.
OILERS POINTS:
Matt Greene - 1 assist
Shawn Horcoff - 1 assist
Sam Gagner - 1 goal
FLAMES POINTS:
Dion Phaneuf - 1 goal, 2 assists
Jarome Iginla - 1 goal, 2 assists
Kristian Huselius - 1 goal, 1 assist
Daymond Langkow - 1 assist
Adrian Aucoin - 1 goal
Alex Tanguay - 2 assists
Saturday, November 10th, 2007
4-2 win in regulation at Calgary
Garon got the start for Edmonton in this one, facing 39 shots as the Oilers - with 35 shots - were outshot once again.
Though Edmonton was outshot overall, they built momentum through the game and controlled much of the third period, outshooting Calgary 8-1 through the first 10 minutes of the final period.
The Oilers had two powerplay goals in 8:42 on the powerplay, while allowing one in 11:01 while short-handed. Eight Oilers contributed to the scoring effort, with Gagner picking up his second of the series.
Hemsky was a target during the game, eventually taking a nasty hit from Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr (video at right) just under a minute into the third period.
OILERS POINTS
Shawn Horcoff - 2 goals (2 goals, 1 assist in season series)
Robert Nilsson - 1 goal, 1 assist
Andrew Cogliano - 2 assists
Marty Reasoner - 1 assist
Dick Tarnstrom - 2 assists
Dustin Penner - 1 assist
Tom Gilbert - 1 assist
Sam Gagner - 1 goal (2 goals in season series)
FLAMES POINTS
Own Nolan - 1 assist
Jarome Iginla - 1 assist (1 goal, 3 assists in season series)
Matthew Lombardi - 1 assist
Craig Conroy - 1 assist
Robyn Regehr - 1 goal
Tanguay - 1 goal (1 goal, 2 assist in season series)
Saturday, November 17th, 2007
3-1 loss in regulation at Edmonton
The Oilers had a slow start to the game, registering only three shots in the first 20 minutes. Garon faced eight shots in the opening period, and 27 over the course of the game as Edmonton was outshot 27-16.
The Oilers had four consecutive penalties in the second period, disrupting line combinations. The penalty box's revolving door also gave Calgary a strong second, with 12 shots recorded compared to Edmonton's five.
Though Edmonton allowed no powerplay goals, Calgary took a 2-0 lead out of the second. Edmonton PK was perfect in eight minutes short-handed, while the powerplay sputtered - scoring zero in 4:13 on the man-advantage.
OILERS POINTS
Geoff Sanderson - 1 assist
Andrew Cogliano - 1 goal (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Sam Gagner - 1 assist (2 goals, 1 assist in season series)
FLAMES POINTS
Owen Nolan - 1 goal, 1 assist (1 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Jarome Iginla - 1 assist (1 goal, 4 assists in season series)
Matthew Lombardi - 1 goal, 1 assist (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Eric Nystrom - 2 assists
Craig Conroy - 1 goal (1 goal, 1 assist in season series)
Alex Tanguay - 1 assist (1 goal, 3 assists in season series)
Sunday, January 13th, 2008
2-1 win in regulation at Edmonton
Though he'd struggled early in the season, Mikka Kiprusoff had a strong game here, stopping 29 of the 31 shots he faced and keeping an anemic Flames offense in the game. The Oilers outshot Calgary 31-28, with Garon stopping 27 shots en route to the win - avenging his earlier loss.
Vengeance was the order of the day, as Hemsky got revenge on Regehr for the hit earlier in the season. He sped past the Flames d-man for a highlight-reel deke, and the winning goal, just 35 seconds into the second period.
The Oilers powerplay clicked once, and fast, with Horcoff scoring 14 seconds into the lone powerplay. Edmonton was perfect while short-handed, killing off five penalties on the night.
OILERS POINTS
Shawn Horcoff - 1 goal, 1 assist (3 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Jarret Stoll - 1 assist
Dustin Penner - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Ales Hemsky - 1 goal, 1 assist
FLAMES POINTS
Anders Eriksson - 1 assist
Jarome Iginla - 1 assist (1 goal, 5 assists in season series)
Daymond Langkow - 1 goal (1 goal, 1 assist in season series)
Monday, February 4th, 2008
5-0 win in regulation at Edmonton
With the news that Shawn Horcoff would be joining Raffi Torres on the 'out for the season' list, the Oilers had a huge game against their long-time rivals with five goals against a Flames team that looked lost.
The Flames couldn't get bounces or generate offense throughout the game, shooting 7-8-9 over the three periods and being outshot for the second straight game by Edmonton by a 28-24 total.
The Oilers had a widespread offense, with points from 11 players on the night. Gagner continues his strong play against the Flames, with two points to give him five in the season series.
The Oilers had three powerplay goals in 11:02 of 5-on-4, though blanked through 1:20 of 5-on-3 time. They also killed 9:48 while short-handed.
Garon earned the win, improving to 3-1 against the Flames this season. Joseph was in net for the Flames in the loss, looking abandoned by Flames defenseman at several points in the game.
OILERS POINTS
Geoff Sanderson - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Andrew Cogliano - 1 assist (1 goal, 3 assists in season series)
Jarret Stoll - 2 assists (3 assists in season series)
Ethan Moreau - 1 assist
Steve Staios - 1 goal
Dustin Penner - 1 goal (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Fernando Pisani - 1 goal
Denis Grebeshkov - 1 assist
Tom Gilbert - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Ales Hemsky - 1 goal, 1 assist (2 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Sam Gagner - 1 goal, 1 assist (3 goals, 2 assists in season series)
TRENDS Opening two are key: The team leading after two periods has won each game. Oilers must lead early: The two teams have been tied after one period twice. The Flames have won both times. Oilers to outshoot?: Edmonton was outshot in the first three games, but has outshot Calgary in the last two. Gagner to factor?: Sam Gagner has points in four of five games this season. Flames need Jarome: Jarome Iginla has been a force, with six points this season. Garon putting out Flames: Matheiu Garon is 3-1 against the Flames.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
The Oilers will need to see Ales Hemsky continue to improve his play against the Flames, with Sam Gagner another important part of their offense. It will be interesting to see what new acquisition Curtis Glencross can contribute. The Oilers netminder, whether Roloson or Garon, will also need to be sharp.
The Flames will continue to rely on Kipper, with Curtis Joseph having a less-than-stellar first meeting with the Oilers. The Flames defense, regardless of who gets the start in net, will have to be sharper than they were in the last game. Also look for Jarome Iginla to continue sparking the offense, though he'll need to add more goals to go with those assists.
PREDICTION: 4-2 Flames
FUTURE MEETINGS:
Saturday, March 29th - OILERS AT FLAMES - 8 p.m. start (MT)
Tuesday, April 1st - FLAMES AT OILERS - 7 p.m. start (MT)
Tuesday, Feb 12 - WILD @ OILERS - 7 p.m. (MT)
SEASON HISTORY
The Oilers have faced the Wild five times this season, posting a dismal 1-4 record thus far. With eight games against Minnesota this season, the Oilers are looking for better results in the next three.
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
2-0 loss in regulation at Minnesota
Edmonton was once again outshot over the course of the game, with the Wild having a 26-21 margin. Edmonton showed desperation in the final minutes, doubling their shot output and getting good chances, but falling short of converting.
The Oilers had four opportunities on the powerplay, failing to convert, while killing off a single penalty-kill.
Roloson was in net for the loss.
WILD POINTS
Brent Burns - 1 goal
Marian Gaborik - 2 assists
Pavol Demitra - 1 goal, 1 assist
Mikko Koivu - 1 assist
Thursday, October 25th, 2007
5-4 shootout win at Edmonton
Ales Hemsky was the difference in this one, scoring twice in regulation and adding the winner in overtime.
The Oilers scored the game's only powerplay goal, with Horcoff putting a slap shot past Josh Harding - one of 31 shots Harding faced during the game. Roloson was in net for the Oilers, facing 30 shots. Roloson was a huge part of the win, making key saves with time winding down and through overtime.
WILD POINTS
Mikko Koivu - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
James Sheppard - 1 goal
Branko Radivojevic - 1 assist
Martin Skoula - 1 assist
Pierre-Marc Bouchard - 1 goal, 1 assist
Nick Schultz - 1 assist
Brian Rolston - 1 goal
Eric Belanger - 1 assist
Mark Parrish - 1 goal
Wes Walz - 1 assist
Monday, November 5th, 2007
5-2 loss in regulation at Minnesota
The Oilers penalty-killers were on vacation for this one, as the Wild scored four straight powerplay goals to take a 4-0 lead before the 15-minute mark of the second period. Dustin Penner had the Oilers' lone powerplay goal.
Dwayne Roloson started the game, allowing three goals on eight shots, with Matheiu Garon replacing him at the start of the second. Edmonton outshot the Wild 40-25 on the night.
OILERS POINTS
Dustin Penner - 1 goal, 1 assist (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Ales Hemsky - 1 assist (2 goals, 1 assist in season series)
Jarret Stoll - 1 assist
Shawn Horcoff - 1 goal (2 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Robert Nilsson - 1 assist
WILD POINTS
Mark Parrish - 2 goals (3 goals in season series)
Petteri Nummelin - 2 assists
Mikko Koivu - 3 assists (5 assists in season series)
Pierre-Marc Bouchard - 1 goal, 1 assist (2 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Eric Belanger - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Kurtis Foster - 1 goal
Stephane Veilleux - 1 goal
Kim Johnsson - 1 assist
Thursday, November 15th, 2007
4-2 loss at Edmonton
After falling behind 1-0 in a first period where they outshot Minnesota 16-8, Edmonton took the lead on back-to-back goals by Jarret Stoll - including a short-handed marker.
A pair of powerplay goals put the Wild back in the lead before the end of the second, with a goal just a minute into the third period putting the game out of reach.
Roloson backstopped the team for the loss, facing 25 shots while the Oilers poured in 40.
Wild player Martin Skoula opened the scoring, his first goal in 113 games. His last goal? March 13, 2006 - also against the Oilers.
OILERS POINTS
Jarret Stoll - 2 goals (2 goals, 1 assist in season series)
Ales Hemsky - 1 assist (2 goals, 3 assists in season series)
WILD POINTS
Martin Skoula - 1 goal (1 goal, 1 assist in season series)
Eric Belanger - 4 assists (6 assists in season series)
Branko Radivojevic - 1 assist (2 assists in season series)
Marian Gaborik - 1 goal, 1 assist (1 goal, 3 assists in season series)
Mark Parrish - 1 goal, 1 assist (4 goals, 1 assist in season series)
Kurtis Foster - 1 goal (2 goals in season series)
Pierre-Marc Bouchard - 1 assist (2 goals, 3 assists in season series)
Saturday, December 29th, 2007
5-4 overtime loss at Minnesota
Special teams were key for the Oilers in this one, with Edmonton scoring a goal on the powerplay and two while short-handed.
In the end, it wasn't enough as the Wild scored a pair of powerplay goals of their own (including one in overtime) along with three even-strength goals en route to a 5-4 overtime win.
Roloson stopped 30 as the Oilers were outshot 35-27 on the night.
WILD POINTS
Kim Johnsson - 1 goal (1 goal, 1 assist in season series)
Eric Belanger - 1 assist (7 assists in season series)
Pierre-Marc Bouchard - 3 assists (2 goals, 6 assists in season series)
Brian Rolston - 1 goal, 1 assist (2 goals, 1 assist in season series)
Pavol Demitra - 1 assist (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Sean Hill - 1 assist
Marian Gaborik - 1 goal (2 goals, 3 assists in season series)
Mark Parrish - 1 assist (4 goals, 2 assists in season series)
Petteri Nummelin - 1 goal (1 goal, 2 assists in season series)
Brent Burns - 1 goal
TRENDS Early lead important: The team leading after the first period has won all but one game - the Oilers have the only loss. Two-goal safety zone: There's been a two-goal margin at least once in each game. The team leading has won four out of the five - the Oilers have the only loss.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
If Jarret Stoll can keep his stick in one piece, he's been the most consistent threat for the Oilers so far this season. Hemsky will also be a factor if the Oilers want to win. Roloson has struggled to get a win against the Wild, so I'd expect to see Garon this time around.
For the Wild, watch for Eric Belanger (who tied a team record with his four-assist game earlier in the season) to be a factor, along with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Mark Parrish. Boogaard, if he's back in the lineup, will look to make an impact.
PREDICTION: Oilers win 4-3 in OT
FUTURE MEETINGS:
Monday, March 24th - WILD AT OILERS - 7:30 p.m. start (MT)
Wednesday, March 26th - OILERS AT WILD - 6 p.m. start (MT)
FROM THE BENCH
It's been a tough year to be an Oiler fan, though last year wasn't exactly a great one either. The team has slumped badly at times, and though injuries have played a large part - and continue, with the loss of Horcoff - the team just hasn't been consistent enough to earn wins.
There's little doubt that in any other NHL city, the Oilers struggles wouldn't have triggered some head office shuffling - if not outright firing. That hasn't been the case here, however, perhaps due to the rumoured 'old boy's club' in place (and with ex-Oilers - some with questionable qualifications - holding several key positions, that's a hard one to dismiss out of hand) or perhaps due to the mess of approval that having a large ownership group can create.
With hometown billionaire Daryl Katz buying the team, pending league approval, the second of those obstacles will be out of the way. It's also unlikely that Katz would let his investment sit mired in mediocrity - regardless of his friendship with former Oilers and current management - so we might well see some action soon.
I, for one, think it's about time. Regardless of the cause, MacTavish has been the coach of an underachieving team for longer than anyone could reasonably expect. For all the talk of rebuilding, the Oilers are spending at or near the cap, and that's not rebuilding - that's failing to achieve your potential. It's time for MacTavish to step down or be removed.
After all, we've already got a replacement standing on the bench - and I don't mean Charlie Huddy.
Rob Daum signed a one-year deal to serve as an assistant coach earlier this season after the resignation of Criag Simpson. Daum is the real deal when it comes to coaching. He's earned his stripes at every level, including being CIS Coach of the Year twice and Canada West Hockey Coach of the Year five times - including four straight wins from 2001-2004.
The Oilers have the components to be a great team, but they've lacked the coaching experience needed to get those components clicking. It's time for a change.
Actually it's well past time, but hey - we're Canadian, and we're as patient and polite as it gets.
