Edmonton Oilers Out-Duel Sabres 3-2
The Edmonton Oilers badly out-classed a really horrible team on Thursday night, by a 3-2 count that absolutely flattered the Buffalo Sabres. The Oilers did not play great, but as it turns out…more than good enough. Anyone who wants to finish behind this sad-sack team in order to get a better draft pick has absolutely no pride whatsoever. 9 Things;
9. Nikita Nikitin was playing perhaps his best game of the year, until he left the match with an injury that I saw as either a dislocated shoulder or even perhaps a broken collar-bone. Either way, I’m willing to bet that he’s out at least a month. Which left-shot D-man gets called up from OKC: Martin Marincin or Brad Hunt? I think the former. But one never knows, these days.
8. I rarely comment on the media. As someone who has done their job, I recognize how much of a challenge they have: Someone who lives in glass houses ought not throw stones. But whoever at SportsNet gave Tyler Myers 3rd Star was not paying attention. He stunk the joint out, guys. There’s no excuse for a reporter in Edmonton, of all places, to not be able to spot a bad defenceman. Lots of examples.
7. It’ll take a while for the anti-Justin Schultz sentiment to die down in Edmonton, as this city holds a grudge like I have never seen. But with the exception of a one-game regression, Justin Schultz has improved with each match that he has played under Todd Nelson: I saw a player closing gaps, making common sense pinches, heck…he ever pushed a guy! Arrows up.
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6. Luke Gazdic often gets more credit than he deserves in this town, because he’s an honest, blue-collar guy who brings his lunch bucket to work, much like the people that fill the stands every night…especially the upper bowl. But this was his best game as an Oiler. Solid zone exits, an aggressive fore-check, an assist, and was careful to pick the right time for a spirited scrap.
5. Ben Scrivens did on Thursday night what winning goaltenders do: They give their team a chance to win. Scrivens made 3 saves key in the victory, one on the 1st to keep the score at 1-0, and 2 more in the 2nd, with 8 and 3 minutes left, respectively. By virtue of his contract status, he will be back next year, no questions asked, but it has to be gratifying to earn it.
4. I need to be a little careful, as I am related to Matt Fraser. I think it’s fair to say that, after a decent start in Edmonton, Fraser had faded. And it’s never a good, long-term sign when you are not talking about the new guy. But Fraser probably deserved 2nd Star Thursday, with the goal and 2 helpers. He plays a little like a more energetic Dustin Penner. See my reference to grudges, above.
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3. Remember: The Edmonton Oilers were playing the Buffalo Sabres. In the name of all things Holy, are the Sabres ever a brutal, brutal hockey team. They might not have a .500 record if they were playing in the AHL. So while we saw lots of positives from the Oilers Thursday, and good for them…but beating this bunch of miss-fits is hardly a representative test.
2. Earlier in the season, I pointed out that it’s common for a young D-man like Oscar Klefbom to alternate between good and bad outings. Until they have put in 200 NHL games, set your sights accordingly. But Klefbom is coming into his own, now, ahead of Schedule. He was +3 with a goal on Thursday, and on-balance, was the club’s best defenceman. Earned a star selection that he never did receive.
1. Please pardon me as I choke down this rather generous chunk of humble pie. I have been vocal in my opinions that Anton Lander was almost certainly a good AHL player, only. But as his coach commented in the post-game media availability…he was the best player on the ice, on either side, Thursday night. Can he sustain it? Good question. I worry about foot-speed and scoring touch, but if he can play like THIS consistently…
It sure is fun to drive home from the rink after your team has won. There are times, this year, when my 13 year old hard core Edmonton Oilers fan and son has politely requested that I turn off the post-game radio shows, because the fans would constantly belittle his favorite players. It was hard to listen to.
You DO know that Todd Nelson is very quietly earning a full-time NHL coaching job in Edmonton, right? I was right beside the Oilers GM Thursday night, and Craig MacTavish had a very somber, focused look on his face.
Surely right about now, he is thinking “Coaching” is not the biggest problem that he has to solve in the off-season.
Calgary is up! Next, Saturday night.