Oiler viscosity very low right now, obviously not coming from the Athabasca oil sands but instead smooth and flows good, maybe the old Leduc #1 is flowing again? That is 9 wins in a row led not only by McDavid with a crazy good goal against the 'Wings, but a host of other players - Hyman, Draisaitl, McLeod, and the 2 Ryans to name a few. Even the goaltending is not looking like a porous reservoir right now. Let's see if they can keep it up.................
For historical perspective, here is an image of Leduc #1 that changed the history of Edmonton as much as Peter Puck and Glenn Sather did.......... And, oh, thaz why the Edmonton hockey team is called, the Oliers. Leduc..................
Win streak now 11, beat the Maple Leafs last nite, great goaltending again, McD only 1 point. That is good and bad - good is that alot of other players are doing very well scoring for the Oil now. Bad is, McD is taking shots but they are not going in. If they want to vie for the cup, he will have to step up on goals, like last year.
@spacehayduke said:
Win streak now 11, beat the Maple Leafs last nite, great goaltending again, McD only 1 point. That is good and bad - good is that alot of other players are doing very well scoring for the Oil now. Bad is, McD is taking shots but they are not going in. If they want to vie for the cup, he will have to step up on goals, like last year.
At as far as today Canada has the 2 top NHL teams when it comes to regular season points (games won). Vancouver and Winnipeg. Now if Edmonton can keep things going we may just yet win a Stanley Cup.
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Well they did and the oil flowed all over them for win #12! McD had only one assist but that is a 12 game scoring streak as well keeping him tied for 6th in scoring this season. Watching the game showed that defenses like this giant animal from the depths, are collapsing on McD every time he has the puck within 30 feet of the goal so he has alot of traffic to get through. This is stopping his goal scoring but not his sweet passes to set up the other Oilers on the ice and that is working well. At some point defenses are going to relax if this keeps up and then McD will start to score goals again...............
Number 13 in the win streak is now complete - beating da Flames, the most hated team in Edmonton, 3-1 at the Cal-garry Saddledome (we used to have a more derogatory name for it ). The McD scoring streak is over, he did nothing last nite. This is the longest win streak by any team from Canada in the history of the NFL. It has taken great goal tending, which is complete turn around from the early season, and scoring participation from Lines 2-4, while Line 1 has not looked as good as for example, last year. If Line 1 gets it going, watch out NHL.........
Win #14 in a row is on the books, beating Carolina 4-1. McD had a nice goal. That puts him at 60 exactly halfway, and at this pace 120 points for the season, which would be his 3rd best scoring season. But given the scoring increase in the league this year, this is very good, but maybe not generational play. We will see if he picks it up in the 2nd half. Can the Oil keep the win streak going?
15th straight is in the books against the Blackhawks who instead looked like black birds being preyed upon. McD and Draisaitl both with 3 points in the 3-0 win. Superb goaltending by back up Pickard.
Only 5 teams in NHL history have run up 15 straight wins. Can the Oil keep flowing? We will see............
16 is on the books. McD 1 goal and 2 assists, Draisaitl 1 goal and 1 assist. The record is 17 wins in a row set by the 92-93 Penguins with Lemieux. Well it seems streaks like this happen when a generational player is on the team..........
McD is now tied for 6th in scoring. All of those ahead of him have played 6 or 7 games more than McD this season.
We will see how this goes........... Here are the highlights, sweet goal and passing by McD, another great goaltending effort, what is up with that?
@Tabe said:
14 straight games allowing 2 or fewer goals for Edmonton. Gonna win a whole heckuva lot of games doing that.
I agree their O is about the same during the streak, but their D has really hunkered down. I guess that is what was lacking when they fired their coach and turned things around.
@Tabe said:
14 straight games allowing 2 or fewer goals for Edmonton. Gonna win a whole heckuva lot of games doing that.
I agree their O is about the same during the streak, but their D has really hunkered down. I guess that is what was lacking when they fired their coach and turned things around.
would now be a good time to note that the players whose defense was lacking have had their ice-time cut in favor of the McLeods and Foegeles? That's right kids, under the new regime, a certain hero's ice time is it's lowest since 2017. Leon's too. In turn, the high danger chances allowed have been nearly cut in half.
"His third assist of the night was the 600th of his career, making him the fourth-fastest in NHL history to hit that milestone (reaching it in 616 games). Only Gretzky (416), Mario Lemieux (514) and Bobby Orr (608) were faster.
"It's unbelievable. You can only dream of a game like that," Oilers forward Dylan Holloway said. "It's pretty incredible. It's fun to watch. He deserves it, too. He brings it every day in practice, brings it every game. He had a great game tonight."
"I think his stats sheet says it all: Six assists, plus-six, no power-play time and he was skating," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said of McDavid, who has 603 assists in 616 games. "He was one of the few guys who was skating for a full 60 minutes and the plays that he made tonight were pretty phenomenal. If he's not on top of his game, we're probably not winning that one."
"His third assist of the night was the 600th of his career, making him the fourth-fastest in NHL history to hit that milestone (reaching it in 616 games). Only Gretzky (416), Mario Lemieux (514) and Bobby Orr (608) were faster.
"It's unbelievable. You can only dream of a game like that," Oilers forward Dylan Holloway said. "It's pretty incredible. It's fun to watch. He deserves it, too. He brings it every day in practice, brings it every game. He had a great game tonight."
"I think his stats sheet says it all: Six assists, plus-six, no power-play time and he was skating," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said of McDavid, who has 603 assists in 616 games. "He was one of the few guys who was skating for a full 60 minutes and the plays that he made tonight were pretty phenomenal. If he's not on top of his game, we're probably not winning that one."
My buddy is an Oilers fan. Huge.
Other buddy is a Leafs fan.
Love watching them argue on Facebook.
Speaking of assists (6 is amazing), my buddy posted this. Connor is in great company.
Just watched C McD outskate the whole Duck team from the Oiler blue line to freeze their goalie and score. That will end up on every highlight reel tomorrow. BTW, it currently puts him tied for #2 overall in points for the season, worked his way up from missed games and being injured at the beginning of the season. McD does things other scorers in the NHL simply can't do which is why he is considered one of the best all time by many.
This progressive uptake in assists and goals by McD has correlated well with the Oil moving up in win %. Alot of strong teams this year, any of 8 or so could be in the SC finals. We will see which team gets hot in the playoffs. I hope the Oil burns clean and strong.................... Key is going to see if Skinner can keep his porous episodes to a minimum, there is no room in the playoffs for eratic goalie play.
@PillarDollarCollector said:
Only 28 points left for McDavid to hit 1000 career points. Not sure that will be done this season but for sure early next season.
He sits at 972 points in 638 career games. Pretty amazing in modern hockey I must say. Hope he wins The Cup this year.
Well McDavid is in #3 spot at 125 points.
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that makes sense. it is a big drop off in shooting percentage.
what is considered a better skill, or more dominant player, one who scores lots of goals and not many assists (Ovechkin) or a playmaker who assists on lots of goals but doesn't score as many (McDavid this year)?
@craig44 said:
that makes sense. it is a big drop off in shooting percentage.
what is considered a better skill, or more dominant player, one who scores lots of goals and not many assists (Ovechkin) or a playmaker who assists on lots of goals but doesn't score as many (McDavid this year)?
Under the parameters of this question, neither.
1- You need a great goal scorer who can also create space and dish the biscuit- Lemieux/Gretzky
McDavid and 8 do not belong in the same conversation with those two .
You take Connor over 8 though.
@craig44 said:
that makes sense. it is a big drop off in shooting percentage.
what is considered a better skill, or more dominant player, one who scores lots of goals and not many assists (Ovechkin) or a playmaker who assists on lots of goals but doesn't score as many (McDavid this year)?
Great question, hard to answer. A great set up guy is extremely valuable, but needs a "finisher" to pass to.
Great goal scorers are a rare breed, guys that can consistently get off a good shot and hit the area they are shooting for.
Take a look at Brett Hull and Adam Oats, separately they were great at what they did, when they got together, it was magical.
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I've watched most of the Oil games this year, even last nite against Dallas. It seems like McD has alot more defensive traffic around him, and it seems that many of his traffic shots are in frustration and not as good as last year bc of that. Sometimes he still skates away from everyone and scores, but certainly the defense is paying more attention to him. That has allowed Hyman to be open more and get more clear shots on goal, hence his production going up.
So McD clearly is focusing more on being a set up guy when they close around him more. There is no degradation of his ability, just reality of how the game is played. He makes great passes to Hyman, Draisaitl, etc. so when he is in, the scoring is still up.
But, like last nite, the better teams are able to close the Oil down more by focusing the traffic on McD. That is going to be a big problem for the Oil in the playoffs if they can't get the rest of the team to rise up and compensate. And of course, Skinner has porous episodes where it seems the other teams score more than one in quick succession. So I am not optimistic for the Oil in the playoffs but hope I am very wrong. This ain't like the last Oil Cup win where Mess drove them to the championship win after the Great One left.
Ok I have had it. Why can't the Oil get a decent goalie? Skinner is pathetic. Halfway through the 1rst period with the 'lanche, at home, and the dude has let in 2 easy goals. And McD, wide open shot to the 'lanche net, what does he do? Looks for the f-ing pass. Into traffic. Dude, shoot!!!!! Dudes! You gotta play to your talent if your gonna win. McD, start playing for the goal for yourself. Skinner, leave, let's get a decent goalie.
Skinner needs to get more up for the games. McD needs to show more fire consistent with his talent. Get pissed off McD, seriously............................................ Nope, no Ranford are U Skinner, not even Fuhr.
My rant against the Oil. I hate to see a talented team play so lame....................
OK as I rant McD scores, Still....................
So McD clearly is focusing more on being a set up guy when they close around him more. There is no degradation of his ability, just reality of how the game is played. He makes great passes to Hyman, Draisaitl, etc. so when he is in, the scoring is still up.
yeah not really. Last year Nugent-Hopkins rode left shotgun while Kane missed half the year. RNH is also a plus creator, thus creating more space and opps for McJesus and Hyman. McJesus isn't just all of sudden ignoring goal scoring opportunities to create for Hyman when Hyman scores the vast majority of his goals 3 feet from the net on rebounds and shove-ins (42 of his 52 goals were scored from the crease or within a foot in front of it). And he certainly isn't deferring to deadweight like Evander "oh is there a game tonight?" Kane.
McJesus is simply just not a versatile scorer. He primarily scores his goals off the rush and PP, and the Oil's PP conversion rate is down 6% from last year. When you're dependent on those situations (and those situations certainly depend on whether the Oil load up with Leon/McJesus/Hyman on the same line, and on the same 1st PP unit and those situations also depend on the score), your shooting% is always going to fluctuate. Compare that to consistent scorers like Matthews and Pasta who are top 4-6 over the course of the last 5 years in pretty much every scoring category - ie goals off of the rush, wrist shots, one-timers, tip-ins/shot redirections etc.
Matthews since 2020
Scoring chances (1st)
Cycle chances (1st)
Forecheck chances (1st)
Rebound chances (2nd)
Rush chances (9th)
McJesus' shots average below 80 mph (77th percentile), and shot accuracy - 1.1% above average (68th percentile)
In simpler terms, McJesus just doesn't have the high-end shot tools that the top guys do. Some of that is largely because he still hasn't learned how to be a puck hunter and that comes from controlling the defensive and neutral zones, and he's not a crease crasher. He's below average in neutral zone time (you shouldn't need anyone to tell you that's suboptimal for a center) He's strictly an O-zone/transition only guy at this point which means his goals are either coming off the rush in a one-on-one situation or further out in the bumper area. He averages 47% of his ice-time in the o-zone, compared to around 40% for other top line forwards, and we've already been through the rest of his blowing the d-zone early stuff over the last two years.
So McD clearly is focusing more on being a set up guy when they close around him more. There is no degradation of his ability, just reality of how the game is played. He makes great passes to Hyman, Draisaitl, etc. so when he is in, the scoring is still up.
yeah not really. Last year Nugent-Hopkins rode left shotgun while Kane missed half the year. RNH is also a plus creator, thus creating more space and opps for McJesus and Hyman. McJesus isn't just all of sudden ignoring goal scoring opportunities to create for Hyman when Hyman scores the vast majority of his goals 3 feet from the net on rebounds and shove-ins (42 of his 52 goals were scored from the crease or within a foot in front of it). And he certainly isn't deferring to deadweight like Evander "oh is there a game tonight?" Kane.
McJesus is simply just not a versatile scorer. He primarily scores his goals off the rush and PP, and the Oil's PP conversion rate is down 6% from last year. When you're dependent on those situations (and those situations certainly depend on whether the Oil load up with Leon/McJesus/Hyman on the same line, and on the same 1st PP unit and those situations also depend on the score), your shooting% is always going to fluctuate. Compare that to consistent scorers like Matthews and Pasta who are top 4-6 over the course of the last 5 years in pretty much every scoring category - ie goals off of the rush, wrist shots, one-timers, tip-ins/shot redirections etc.
Matthews since 2020
Scoring chances (1st)
Cycle chances (1st)
Forecheck chances (1st)
Rebound chances (2nd)
Rush chances (9th)
McJesus' shots average below 80 mph (77th percentile), and shot accuracy - 1.1% above average (68th percentile)
In simpler terms, McJesus just doesn't have the high-end shot tools that the top guys do. Some of that is largely because he still hasn't learned how to be a puck hunter and that comes from controlling the defensive and neutral zones, and he's not a crease crasher. He's below average in neutral zone time (you shouldn't need anyone to tell you that's suboptimal for a center) He's strictly an O-zone/transition only guy at this point which means his goals are either coming off the rush in a one-on-one situation or further out in the bumper area. He averages 47% of his ice-time in the o-zone, compared to around 40% for other top line forwards, and we've already been through the rest of his blowing the d-zone early stuff over the last two years.
Well you can say what you want, but clearly since you have given McDavid a denigrating name on these boards, we know where your bias is and that defeats anything you write up here about him.
I stand by my post and I don't use denigrating names to bolster my arguments (well at least for McD).....................
Oh and he scored 2 goals last nite - he was more aggressive with shooting, so he scored because he is the best in the game right now, simple as that.
No question Matthews is very good, but does not seem to have the complete game - which is why he has about 1/3 of the assists of McD despite playing on a high scoring team. Puck hogging means one can score alot, just like NBA ball hogs with few other stats to show, there have been plenty of those over the years and quite a few in the NHL right now. I will prefer to watch folks like McD with a complete game..................
And just to bring my arguments home, here is from the NHL.com itself:
McDavid won the 2023 Art Ross Trophy, leading the NHL in scoring for the third straight season with 153 points, the most since Mario Lemieux had 161 for the Penguins in 1995-96. He also won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the leading goal-scorer with 64, and led the NHL with 89 assists, becoming the fifth different player in NHL history to outright lead all three categories in one season. The 26-year-old led the NHL in power-play points and ice time per game among forwards (22:23). McDavid has 850 points since entering the NHL in 2015-16, 115 more than Draisaitl (735), who is second and has played 32 more games.
"He's incredible, he's electric," Boyle said. "He is still getting better which is incredible. He can take on 3-4 guys at a time. He has multiple different gears with which he can play. He reads the game so well. ... He has elevated his game every single year and I can't wait to watch him next year.""
Matthews was #4, no where near the accolades of #1 McD in the write-up. Again he can score, ooh, but not a complete game.
BTW, NHL.com ranks Draisaitl above Matthews and also McKinnon. Silly NHL, what do they know?
To the neutral folks here. Supporters of other teams such as Toronto and Minnesota love to downplay McDavid, they give him denigrating names, or say silly things like he is a 'set-up' man on the posts here to put him down. But if you go to any qualified evaluation out there on the web, there is no doubt that the pundits and experts think that McDavid is the best player in the game right now and his stats don't lie. I used to be the same way for the great NBA players that would destroy my Blazers every time, so I know what their perspective is and why. So they latch on to anything that can be a shortcoming or a weakness. This year, McD's goal scoring is not as high, I explained why - did these other guys watch every Oil game in 23 and 24? I watched the games, there was a clear shift in D against him and his approach on the ice this year from last. It all comes out in the stats being used to downplay him, LOL..... But I suspect if you put Matthews with Hyman and Draisaitl, the whole line would score much fewer goals. The best players not only score like McD, but they set up their line for scoring as well. Hence, more assists by McD than anyone else but yet top goal scoring as well. Hmm........
Oh and here is a link to an article about the candidates for the Art Ross trophy. Despite >60 goals, Matthews in not considered as a competitive candidate for the AR.
“I mean, to be honest with you, I think it has to be McDavid at this point. He started slow by his standards but the way he’s come back, I don’t think he comes all the way back to be a little short. But it’s pretty insane what all three of those guys are doing right now.” – Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson"
Connor had an absolutely incredible year last year, but it was little compared to those who were far greater then he will ever be. He had 1 great year. That’s it. Two guys named 99 and 4 had five great years in the Top 20 all time.
@spacehayduke said:
To the neutral folks here. Supporters of other teams such as Toronto and Minnesota love to downplay McDavid, they give him denigrating names, or say silly things like he is a 'set-up' man on the posts here to put him down.
The simple fact is McDavid is the best "set up man" in the game right now. It helps that he has teammates who can put his passes in the net.
Last year he (finally) began to look like a truly great goal scorer as well, but it looks like that was a one year thing.
For the people here that casually follow hockey, the guy with the most points scored at the end of the season us NOT automatically the "best" hockey player in the league.
McDavid is very good, but not the best.
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I'll take MacKinnon.
Actually, I'll just keep Kaprizov, he's amazing. Plus he back checks and helps bring the puck up the ice and is one of the best at winning puck battles along the boards and behind the opponants net.
FAR SUPERIOR in all around play to McDavid on a team with virtually no other good scorers. Boldy shows some talent, but usually when he's on the ice with Kaprizov.
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I'll take MacKinnon.
Actually, I'll just keep Kaprizov, he's amazing. Plus he back checks and helps bring the puck up the ice and is one of the best at winning puck battles along the boards and behind the opponants net.
FAR SUPERIOR in all around play to McDavid on a team with virtually no other good scorers. Boldy shows some talent, but usually when he's on the ice with Kaprizov.
I will agree that all three are very close. You can’t lose taking either one.
I'll take MacKinnon.
Actually, I'll just keep Kaprizov, he's amazing. Plus he back checks and helps bring the puck up the ice and is one of the best at winning puck battles along the boards and behind the opponants net.
FAR SUPERIOR in all around play to McDavid on a team with virtually no other good scorers. Boldy shows some talent, but usually when he's on the ice with Kaprizov.
I will agree that all three are very close. You can’t lose taking either one.
All three are very talented offensive players.
From what I have seen, MacKinnon and MacDavid both have better players on their teams (especially MacKinnon) so they are focusing on scoring more than all around play. Give me the guy who plays a 200 foot game over the guy who "cheats" and just is there to score points.
I am anxious to see what happens with the Wild when they get rid of their dead cap hit of almost $15 million. Kirill gets another great player on his line and you might just see him take his game to another level!
GO WILD!
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Absolutely if he can physically endure the 200 foot game the way Howe, Orr, and Crosby did.
Will he be more like a Hossa and not a Patrick Kane ? Time will tell.
Remember being an ultra strong two way player like Clarke and Federov will hurt your point totals.
Yes, if he had a Brett Hull to play with his points would head higher.
The team has a great future if they solve their goaltending first and build around him second.
@4Boston said:
Best player this year.
He does have better teammates.
Your goalies need work.
Losing our captian Jared Spurgeon hurts. He's undersized, but one of the better defenders in the league.
We also couldn't afford to resign Dumba because of the dead cap hit.
Gustavsson looked great last year, but hasn't been as good this season. Flurry has played very well at times and others, not so much. Jesper Wallstedt is supposed to be an awesome prospect. If he's the real deal, that will be a big help.
Next year doesn't really look too promising, the Wild just don't have the money to bring in any free agents.
There are a few good looking prospects in the pipeline, if 1 or 2 can come in and make an impact, next year could be competitive, but I think we are 2-3 years away from being a contender.
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Comments
Oiler viscosity very low right now, obviously not coming from the Athabasca oil sands but instead smooth and flows good, maybe the old Leduc #1 is flowing again? That is 9 wins in a row led not only by McDavid with a crazy good goal against the 'Wings, but a host of other players - Hyman, Draisaitl, McLeod, and the 2 Ryans to name a few. Even the goaltending is not looking like a porous reservoir right now. Let's see if they can keep it up.................
For historical perspective, here is an image of Leduc #1 that changed the history of Edmonton as much as Peter Puck and Glenn Sather did.......... And, oh, thaz why the Edmonton hockey team is called, the Oliers. Leduc..................
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Oil wins 10th in a row! Great pass by McD to set up goal in OT! Dude!
And it was McD's birthday today - 27 years old.................
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Win streak now 11, beat the Maple Leafs last nite, great goaltending again, McD only 1 point. That is good and bad - good is that alot of other players are doing very well scoring for the Oil now. Bad is, McD is taking shots but they are not going in. If they want to vie for the cup, he will have to step up on goals, like last year.
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At as far as today Canada has the 2 top NHL teams when it comes to regular season points (games won). Vancouver and Winnipeg. Now if Edmonton can keep things going we may just yet win a Stanley Cup.
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RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Well they did and the oil flowed all over them for win #12! McD had only one assist but that is a 12 game scoring streak as well keeping him tied for 6th in scoring this season. Watching the game showed that defenses like this giant animal from the depths, are collapsing on McD every time he has the puck within 30 feet of the goal so he has alot of traffic to get through. This is stopping his goal scoring but not his sweet passes to set up the other Oilers on the ice and that is working well. At some point defenses are going to relax if this keeps up and then McD will start to score goals again...............
The oil flows:
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Number 13 in the win streak is now complete - beating da Flames, the most hated team in Edmonton, 3-1 at the Cal-garry Saddledome (we used to have a more derogatory name for it
). The McD scoring streak is over, he did nothing last nite. This is the longest win streak by any team from Canada in the history of the NFL. It has taken great goal tending, which is complete turn around from the early season, and scoring participation from Lines 2-4, while Line 1 has not looked as good as for example, last year. If Line 1 gets it going, watch out NHL.........
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Win #14 in a row is on the books, beating Carolina 4-1. McD had a nice goal. That puts him at 60 exactly halfway, and at this pace 120 points for the season, which would be his 3rd best scoring season. But given the scoring increase in the league this year, this is very good, but maybe not generational play. We will see if he picks it up in the 2nd half. Can the Oil keep the win streak going?
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15th straight is in the books against the Blackhawks who instead looked like black birds being preyed upon. McD and Draisaitl both with 3 points in the 3-0 win. Superb goaltending by back up Pickard.
Only 5 teams in NHL history have run up 15 straight wins. Can the Oil keep flowing? We will see............
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Feels good to see them play at the top of their game lets go Edmonton!!!
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16 is on the books. McD 1 goal and 2 assists, Draisaitl 1 goal and 1 assist. The record is 17 wins in a row set by the 92-93 Penguins with Lemieux. Well it seems streaks like this happen when a generational player is on the team..........
McD is now tied for 6th in scoring. All of those ahead of him have played 6 or 7 games more than McD this season.
We will see how this goes........... Here are the highlights, sweet goal and passing by McD, another great goaltending effort, what is up with that?
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Some truly amazing hockey by Edmonton it feels great to watch!!!
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14 straight games allowing 2 or fewer goals for Edmonton. Gonna win a whole heckuva lot of games doing that.
I agree their O is about the same during the streak, but their D has really hunkered down. I guess that is what was lacking when they fired their coach and turned things around.
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would now be a good time to note that the players whose defense was lacking have had their ice-time cut in favor of the McLeods and Foegeles? That's right kids, under the new regime, a certain hero's ice time is it's lowest since 2017. Leon's too. In turn, the high danger chances allowed have been nearly cut in half.
McDavid wins:
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39447296/oilers-connor-mcdavid-wins-revamped-nhl-all-star-skills-challenge
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McDavid had these many assists last nite:
6
https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39522457/connor-mcdavid-tallies-career-high-6-assists-oilers-win
"His third assist of the night was the 600th of his career, making him the fourth-fastest in NHL history to hit that milestone (reaching it in 616 games). Only Gretzky (416), Mario Lemieux (514) and Bobby Orr (608) were faster.
"It's unbelievable. You can only dream of a game like that," Oilers forward Dylan Holloway said. "It's pretty incredible. It's fun to watch. He deserves it, too. He brings it every day in practice, brings it every game. He had a great game tonight."
"I think his stats sheet says it all: Six assists, plus-six, no power-play time and he was skating," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said of McDavid, who has 603 assists in 616 games. "He was one of the few guys who was skating for a full 60 minutes and the plays that he made tonight were pretty phenomenal. If he's not on top of his game, we're probably not winning that one."
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He may still yet win the scoring title with games like that.
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My buddy is an Oilers fan. Huge.
Other buddy is a Leafs fan.
Love watching them argue on Facebook.
Speaking of assists (6 is amazing), my buddy posted this. Connor is in great company.
Just watched C McD outskate the whole Duck team from the Oiler blue line to freeze their goalie and score. That will end up on every highlight reel tomorrow. BTW, it currently puts him tied for #2 overall in points for the season, worked his way up from missed games and being injured at the beginning of the season. McD does things other scorers in the NHL simply can't do which is why he is considered one of the best all time by many.
This progressive uptake in assists and goals by McD has correlated well with the Oil moving up in win %. Alot of strong teams this year, any of 8 or so could be in the SC finals. We will see which team gets hot in the playoffs. I hope the Oil burns clean and strong.................... Key is going to see if Skinner can keep his porous episodes to a minimum, there is no room in the playoffs for eratic goalie play.
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Listening to game today as well. McDavid is eyeing to becoming the point leader. Hope he does it this year as well.
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McD scores again in the 2nd period............. Not quite as spectacular show of skill as the first, but more of a grinder. Hat trick in the making?
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McDavid and MacKinnon are now at 125 points each and Colorado is still playing in the 2nd period.
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Only 28 points left for McDavid to hit 1000 career points. Not sure that will be done this season but for sure early next season.
He sits at 972 points in 638 career games. Pretty amazing in modern hockey I must say. Hope he wins The Cup this year.
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Well McDavid is in #3 spot at 125 points.
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i am not a big hockey guy, but is there a reason McDavids goal scoring has been down so much compared to last season?
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
He's always been more of an assist guy. He is having his best year as far as assists go.
His scored 21 power play goals last year, only 7 so far this season.
For his career he has averages about .5 goals and 1 assist per game. Last year's goal total may be a one time thing.
Also Zach Hyman is scoring lots more goals than usual this year. Maybe teams are focusing more on McDavid and Hyman is benefitting.
Yes. Because his shots are bad this year. He’s on track for possibly his worst shooting year of his career.
It’s that simple.
Last year his shot totals and shooting percentage were career highs.
Huge drop off this year.
Probably the injury though.
that makes sense. it is a big drop off in shooting percentage.
what is considered a better skill, or more dominant player, one who scores lots of goals and not many assists (Ovechkin) or a playmaker who assists on lots of goals but doesn't score as many (McDavid this year)?
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Under the parameters of this question, neither.
1- You need a great goal scorer who can also create space and dish the biscuit- Lemieux/Gretzky
McDavid and 8 do not belong in the same conversation with those two .
You take Connor over 8 though.
Great question, hard to answer. A great set up guy is extremely valuable, but needs a "finisher" to pass to.
Great goal scorers are a rare breed, guys that can consistently get off a good shot and hit the area they are shooting for.
Take a look at Brett Hull and Adam Oats, separately they were great at what they did, when they got together, it was magical.
8 shots on goal yesterday 0 goals.
His worst shooting year ever as of now. Doesn’t matter. Edmonton has horrible goaltending.
I've watched most of the Oil games this year, even last nite against Dallas. It seems like McD has alot more defensive traffic around him, and it seems that many of his traffic shots are in frustration and not as good as last year bc of that. Sometimes he still skates away from everyone and scores, but certainly the defense is paying more attention to him. That has allowed Hyman to be open more and get more clear shots on goal, hence his production going up.
So McD clearly is focusing more on being a set up guy when they close around him more. There is no degradation of his ability, just reality of how the game is played. He makes great passes to Hyman, Draisaitl, etc. so when he is in, the scoring is still up.
But, like last nite, the better teams are able to close the Oil down more by focusing the traffic on McD. That is going to be a big problem for the Oil in the playoffs if they can't get the rest of the team to rise up and compensate. And of course, Skinner has porous episodes where it seems the other teams score more than one in quick succession. So I am not optimistic for the Oil in the playoffs but hope I am very wrong. This ain't like the last Oil Cup win where Mess drove them to the championship win after the Great One left.
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Ok I have had it. Why can't the Oil get a decent goalie? Skinner is pathetic. Halfway through the 1rst period with the 'lanche, at home, and the dude has let in 2 easy goals. And McD, wide open shot to the 'lanche net, what does he do? Looks for the f-ing pass. Into traffic. Dude, shoot!!!!! Dudes! You gotta play to your talent if your gonna win. McD, start playing for the goal for yourself. Skinner, leave, let's get a decent goalie.
Skinner needs to get more up for the games. McD needs to show more fire consistent with his talent. Get pissed off McD, seriously............................................ Nope, no Ranford are U Skinner, not even Fuhr.
My rant against the Oil. I hate to see a talented team play so lame....................
OK as I rant McD scores, Still....................
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The TV announcing booth for the Oil. No wonder............
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yeah not really. Last year Nugent-Hopkins rode left shotgun while Kane missed half the year. RNH is also a plus creator, thus creating more space and opps for McJesus and Hyman. McJesus isn't just all of sudden ignoring goal scoring opportunities to create for Hyman when Hyman scores the vast majority of his goals 3 feet from the net on rebounds and shove-ins (42 of his 52 goals were scored from the crease or within a foot in front of it). And he certainly isn't deferring to deadweight like Evander "oh is there a game tonight?" Kane.
McJesus is simply just not a versatile scorer. He primarily scores his goals off the rush and PP, and the Oil's PP conversion rate is down 6% from last year. When you're dependent on those situations (and those situations certainly depend on whether the Oil load up with Leon/McJesus/Hyman on the same line, and on the same 1st PP unit and those situations also depend on the score), your shooting% is always going to fluctuate. Compare that to consistent scorers like Matthews and Pasta who are top 4-6 over the course of the last 5 years in pretty much every scoring category - ie goals off of the rush, wrist shots, one-timers, tip-ins/shot redirections etc.
Matthews since 2020
McJesus' shots average below 80 mph (77th percentile), and shot accuracy - 1.1% above average (68th percentile)
In simpler terms, McJesus just doesn't have the high-end shot tools that the top guys do. Some of that is largely because he still hasn't learned how to be a puck hunter and that comes from controlling the defensive and neutral zones, and he's not a crease crasher. He's below average in neutral zone time (you shouldn't need anyone to tell you that's suboptimal for a center) He's strictly an O-zone/transition only guy at this point which means his goals are either coming off the rush in a one-on-one situation or further out in the bumper area. He averages 47% of his ice-time in the o-zone, compared to around 40% for other top line forwards, and we've already been through the rest of his blowing the d-zone early stuff over the last two years.
Wake me up next time you see McDavid fighting hard like Gordie did in all ends of the ice.
Well you can say what you want, but clearly since you have given McDavid a denigrating name on these boards, we know where your bias is and that defeats anything you write up here about him.
I stand by my post and I don't use denigrating names to bolster my arguments (well at least for McD).....................
Oh and he scored 2 goals last nite - he was more aggressive with shooting, so he scored because he is the best in the game right now, simple as that.
No question Matthews is very good, but does not seem to have the complete game - which is why he has about 1/3 of the assists of McD despite playing on a high scoring team. Puck hogging means one can score alot, just like NBA ball hogs with few other stats to show, there have been plenty of those over the years and quite a few in the NHL right now. I will prefer to watch folks like McD with a complete game..................
And just to bring my arguments home, here is from the NHL.com itself:
https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-current-players-ranked-top-20-centers-345506390
"1. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid won the 2023 Art Ross Trophy, leading the NHL in scoring for the third straight season with 153 points, the most since Mario Lemieux had 161 for the Penguins in 1995-96. He also won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the leading goal-scorer with 64, and led the NHL with 89 assists, becoming the fifth different player in NHL history to outright lead all three categories in one season. The 26-year-old led the NHL in power-play points and ice time per game among forwards (22:23). McDavid has 850 points since entering the NHL in 2015-16, 115 more than Draisaitl (735), who is second and has played 32 more games.
"He's incredible, he's electric," Boyle said. "He is still getting better which is incredible. He can take on 3-4 guys at a time. He has multiple different gears with which he can play. He reads the game so well. ... He has elevated his game every single year and I can't wait to watch him next year.""
Matthews was #4, no where near the accolades of #1 McD in the write-up. Again he can score, ooh, but not a complete game.
BTW, NHL.com ranks Draisaitl above Matthews and also McKinnon. Silly NHL, what do they know?
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To the neutral folks here. Supporters of other teams such as Toronto and Minnesota love to downplay McDavid, they give him denigrating names, or say silly things like he is a 'set-up' man on the posts here to put him down. But if you go to any qualified evaluation out there on the web, there is no doubt that the pundits and experts think that McDavid is the best player in the game right now and his stats don't lie. I used to be the same way for the great NBA players that would destroy my Blazers every time, so I know what their perspective is and why. So they latch on to anything that can be a shortcoming or a weakness. This year, McD's goal scoring is not as high, I explained why - did these other guys watch every Oil game in 23 and 24? I watched the games, there was a clear shift in D against him and his approach on the ice this year from last. It all comes out in the stats being used to downplay him, LOL..... But I suspect if you put Matthews with Hyman and Draisaitl, the whole line would score much fewer goals. The best players not only score like McD, but they set up their line for scoring as well. Hence, more assists by McD than anyone else but yet top goal scoring as well. Hmm........
Oh and here is a link to an article about the candidates for the Art Ross trophy. Despite >60 goals, Matthews in not considered as a competitive candidate for the AR.
https://www.nhl.com/news/trophy-tracker-2023-2024-art-ross
Quote from the article:
"They Said It
“I mean, to be honest with you, I think it has to be McDavid at this point. He started slow by his standards but the way he’s come back, I don’t think he comes all the way back to be a little short. But it’s pretty insane what all three of those guys are doing right now.” – Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Johnson"
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The best player in the game this year has been Nathan McKinnon.
Connor had an absolutely incredible year last year, but it was little compared to those who were far greater then he will ever be. He had 1 great year. That’s it. Two guys named 99 and 4 had five great years in the Top 20 all time.
The simple fact is McDavid is the best "set up man" in the game right now. It helps that he has teammates who can put his passes in the net.
Last year he (finally) began to look like a truly great goal scorer as well, but it looks like that was a one year thing.
For the people here that casually follow hockey, the guy with the most points scored at the end of the season us NOT automatically the "best" hockey player in the league.
McDavid is very good, but not the best.
Connor McDavid has easily been the best forward in the game the past five years. Easily.
Look at those shots on goal for McKinnon yet McDavid has more goals in less games.
I'll take MacKinnon.
Actually, I'll just keep Kaprizov, he's amazing. Plus he back checks and helps bring the puck up the ice and is one of the best at winning puck battles along the boards and behind the opponants net.
FAR SUPERIOR in all around play to McDavid on a team with virtually no other good scorers. Boldy shows some talent, but usually when he's on the ice with Kaprizov.
I will agree that all three are very close. You can’t lose taking either one.
All three are very talented offensive players.
From what I have seen, MacKinnon and MacDavid both have better players on their teams (especially MacKinnon) so they are focusing on scoring more than all around play. Give me the guy who plays a 200 foot game over the guy who "cheats" and just is there to score points.
I am anxious to see what happens with the Wild when they get rid of their dead cap hit of almost $15 million. Kirill gets another great player on his line and you might just see him take his game to another level!
GO WILD!
Absolutely if he can physically endure the 200 foot game the way Howe, Orr, and Crosby did.
Will he be more like a Hossa and not a Patrick Kane ? Time will tell.
Remember being an ultra strong two way player like Clarke and Federov will hurt your point totals.
Yes, if he had a Brett Hull to play with his points would head higher.
The team has a great future if they solve their goaltending first and build around him second.
So you want your guy to be an incredible two way player ?
MacKinnon single-handedly destroying the Wild tonight.
Best player this year.
He does have better teammates.
Your goalies need work.
Losing our captian Jared Spurgeon hurts. He's undersized, but one of the better defenders in the league.
We also couldn't afford to resign Dumba because of the dead cap hit.
Gustavsson looked great last year, but hasn't been as good this season. Flurry has played very well at times and others, not so much. Jesper Wallstedt is supposed to be an awesome prospect. If he's the real deal, that will be a big help.
Next year doesn't really look too promising, the Wild just don't have the money to bring in any free agents.
There are a few good looking prospects in the pipeline, if 1 or 2 can come in and make an impact, next year could be competitive, but I think we are 2-3 years away from being a contender.