Kr55 wrote on Sat, 07 November 2026 21:59

We seem to always have a Darnell Nurse in the lineup. Murphy just ringing trash around the boards over and over just in full on panic mode. One super lame clear attempt to give the puck right back to the Canucks followed by him just frantically running around like a headless chicken helped the Canucks get to 3-2 Emberson is infinitely more reliable on D than Walman. Honestly kinda rude taking him out every time we decide we want to see Walman dragging his rear around. Maybe Murphy can take a break next time.

Tend to agree about Wally.. and I think Babcock is starting to develop a similar opinion.

The one good thing about the injuries we've had this year is you get to test and evaluate a lot of players over a longer time period.. building a data base for future decisions..

I feel the hierchy of the Oiler defence is starting to change .. Walman has slid down from a 2nd pairing spot to press box..

I think Muk85 moves better .. more agile.. and he's got reach.. but still plays a little light.. he's been improving based on what I've seen so far.. and watching Emberson tonight I was thinking he moves a lot better than Walman as well.. with fewer mistakes.

Both Muk85 and Emberson seem to have become better options over Wally.

As for Murphy.. he's slow.. similar to Walman.. but seems to play a safer game.. he chases a lot in his own end but makes fewer bad decisions.

Shea is decent.. so I'd say our top 3 D are OK.. but the #4 D could use an upgrade... then slide Murphy with (Ember/Muk85/Wally) as the 3rd pair..

We might get away with our bottom 4 D when playing the bottom half of the NHL teams in the regular season.. but once we play faster and higher pressure teams the problems will become evident.. Roman Jossi!

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