Quick Hits: Tight Backs, And Line Juggling

QUICK HITS!

Some concern today for Justin Schultz, who was reported to have left practice early.

Krueger says J Schultz had some tightness. They played it safe and expect him to be on ice tomorrow.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 14, 2013

Coach Krueger says it was a “spasm” (and points to his back), and that a short practice today was precautionary, and that Justin Schultz isn’t expected to miss any time.

“spasm”. Photo courtesy Edmonton Oilers

This is good, because Justin Schultz is carrying some heavy logs for this team’s defence.  Schultz was on the ice for over 25 minutes last game, and has played over 20 minutes in twelve of thirteen games this season.

He’s kind of a big deal.

WHERE DO THE GOALS GO?

There’s no disputing the Edmonton Oilers would like to score some more goals.

Will a line switch do the trick?

Here’s what the forwards looked like today at Oilers practice

Hall / Nugent-Hopkins / Eberle

Hartikainen / Gagner / Hemsky

Smyth / Belanger / Yakupov

Eager / Vande Velde / Petrell

There are more goals in there somewhere.  Oilers sit dead last in 5 on 5 goals, averaging just 1.3 even strength goals per game.  This was OK when the Oilers were busy scoring four power play goals per night, but that production has dried up in recent games.

The Oilers had a pretty good night in the opposition’s zone against Dallas, but some sloppy play outside of Dallas’ zone cost them the game.  You’ve got to like it when Edmonton has 36 shots (up from 14 on Sunday).

If this team can put up 36 shots on more nights, the goals will come.  It’s a matter of when, and hopefully “when” is “soon”.

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