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Edmonton Oilers Sunday Rambling: Bad Hockey, Deadline movers

By Kris Hansen

Feb 7, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas (53) grabs the puck before Edmonton Oilers center Mark Letestu (55) during the third period at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas (53) grabs the puck before Edmonton Oilers center Mark Letestu (55) during the third period at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Well this weekend was a terrible one for the Oilers getting spanked a combined 13-2 between the two games.

It’s efforts like that, just completely lack and sleeping walking through, why the Edmonton Oilers were not going to be near a playoff position, even with Connor McDavid.

That game against the New York Islanders was one of the worst games I’ve watched and there’s been plenty. It’s not as bad as the 2013 game where they were booed off the ice against the Blackhawks but close to.

There should not be any excuses. The Islanders played the night before and were smoked 5-1.

At the very least, it’s exciting to watch number 97 once again. Personally, I’m pulling for him to force a Calder Trophy nomination. It’ll be difficult, but that point per game pace is vital. So far, it’s sitting at 1.5.

That said, there’s so much wrong with the team. Consistency bites the offence so badly. If it’s not one line that’s underperforming, it’s another.

The team seems to fall into awful old habits whenever they win a couple of games. It doesn’t matter if it’s the offence not producing, the defence doing their best pylon impersonations or the goaltending being swiss cheese, today we got to see all three put together and it was ugly.

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Deadline Targets

Justin Schultz

Jan 8, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Justin Schultz (19) follows the play against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defensemen Justin Schultz (19) follows the play against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Schultz is a goner beyond this year. I understand management wanting to play him to sell him, but my goodness. Darnell Nurse was a rightful healthy scratch, but not Justin Schultz, who looked the worst against the Montreal Canadiens.

I have no clue what Justin Schultz value is. Right now he’s not even playing like an NHL like defence man. If Peter Chiarelli could get a draft pick for him, it would be a good trade. I would not be shocked if Justin Schultz faced waivers at some point either.

His cap hit of 3.9 million does not help the case for moving him. I think he’s the most likely person to be moved, but it beats me if it’s by waivers or by trade. He’s bad right now. It’s been a disaster of a season.

Jan 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Teddy Purcell (16) skates against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Purcell scores a goal. The Stars defeat the Oilers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Teddy Purcell (16) skates against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Purcell scores a goal. The Stars defeat the Oilers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

I really hope the Edmonton Oilers do not move Teddy Purcell. I think he’s been fine this season and has been a great fit with Draisaitl and Hall. That said, he’s a no brainer to be moved: his cap hit is alright (4.5 million) and is a UFA at the end of the year. He’s purely a rental player.

However, I hope they re-sign Purcell, but it’s tough to say that. The Right side currently has Purcell, Eberle, Yakupov and Kassian playing on the Left Side. I think the Kassian acquisition kind of puts Purcell as the odd man out. It’s too bad. I like Purcell as a player.

Other Names

Other names, like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle are not on the list. I think if one, if any, are to be dealt, it happens near the draft or during the summer.

I think the Edmonton Oilers will walk away from Anders Nilsson and let Laurent Brossoit take the reigns as the backup goalie.

Since Seth Jones was traded, I am weary of trading Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. However, something has to give here.

I understand people wanting to see the team do well, but the “core” has not gotten it done. Blame it on lack of depth. Blame it on goaltending. Blame it on shoddy defending, but something has to give here. Patience is wearing thin, even though Chiarelli and McLellan both acknowledged that it was a process and this was year one.

I have a lot of faith in Peter Chiarelli as a General Manager. I expect him to make the right moves for the team.

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The waiting part, for everything to finally go north, is agonizing.

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