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 Mike
Messages: 2004
Registered: August 2005
Location: Moncton, New Brunswick
2 Cups
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| NetBOG wrote on Mon, 04 April 2022 04:10 |
For all the b-ing and moaning that happens on this site, the Oilers have actually been really good for most of the year. They had a 15 game stretch of crap (all defencemen injured, covid, unscheduled break, 6 road games, unscheduled break) where they went 2-11-2, that means they've played the rest of the season at 38-14-3.
I understand that when the playoffs approach, no-holds-barred hockey will cripple them again, but they really aren't getting enough respect from anybody.
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I'm about as jaded as anyone here, but I really don't dislike the majority of the makeup of the team.
There are warts to be sure, but I would put our forward group now up against any in the league. Obviously 97 and 29 alone puts them in the conversation, but even all the rest. 91 has pretty much been a perfect add to the top 6, not only for what he brings, but like Skookum says, how he seems to be rubbing off on JP and Yamamoto. Hyman has been WAY better than I ever expected - I thought it was all Toronto media hype, but the guy is a player. Definitely brings it more often than not, and seems to have a great infectious attitude.
Foegele and Ryan have been new men ever since Tippett left, especially Ryan. Brassard is solid if unspectacular. Kassian though overpaid, has the potential to be a gamechanger - when he's engaged, he's a definite plus. And McLeod? Wow - found money or what.
We don't have any world beaters, but Kulak seems to be the perfect partner for Barrie who is despite his shortcomings an elite offensive Dman. Ceci has blown away all expectations for him. Keith has been good (still the most stupid trade in Oilers history). Bouchard looked like a Norris contender in October and November. Then he fell off a cliff, but he seems to have had a good last couple of games. Pretty cool that all 6 D last night were right around 20 minutes.
But then you get to the net...we're not going anywhere with those 2. If we make it in we might win a round, but that netminding is not holding up for 16 post season wins.
I really believe our only shot for a deep run this year is to give Skinner a chance to catch lightning in a bottle.
We know what we will get from both Smith and Koskinen - both will give you a good game here and there, but both will wilt under the workload of the playoffs. Skinner though? Maybe he would as well, but maybe he won't. Of the 3, he's the one that inspires the most confidence. And the results support that
Skinner .913%, 2.62GAA
Koskinen: .902%, 3.10GAA
Smith: .897%, 3.36GAA
It's not like I'm suggesting putting in a worse option and hoping for the best - I am suggesting putting in a guy who has objectively done better than the other 2, and is young enough to sustain the energy required for a long playoff run.
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