Edmonton Oilers Earn Point In Gritty Effort Versus Ducks

O.K., Edmonton Oilers fans…a show of hands:

Who expected your team to be blown out, both times, on this 2-game West Coast road trip?

No judgement, here. I understand your hesitance in believing in your team, given the fragile effort served up over the past 5 games. But kudos to them, the Edmonton Oilers delivered not just one but two solid efforts, and one single point, over their short road trip to California.

I conducted a Twitter poll shortly after the game, asking this question:

“Who expected a point, on back-to-backs in Anaheim”?

Points – 16%
No Points – 84%

Yep, thanks for your honesty.

9 Things:

9. I think we can all agree that Adam Clendening is, at best, an NHL/AHL “tweener”. He was exposed, at times tonight, but let us be clear: The General Manager clearly foresaw a trade in the future of Justin Schultz, and the waiver claim of Clendening was in anticipation of that…and no more.

8. Taylor Hall is an easy target. Fail, and the critics pick out those from whom the most is expected of. And so, it was with no surprise that the Hallsy Haters jumped all over one errant pass. Easy is it for them to ignore the fact the Hall otherwise led the team in possession stats on the night (15-16, -1).

7. As a defenceman, Leon Draisaitl makes a great offensive centerman. I felt bad for the Big German, on the O/T winner tonight. Most players who have never played the position have no clue how hard it truly is. But I can tell you with 100% certainty that #29 looked for the puck on that play. Look your man in the chest, and there is way less of a chance he walks right around you. Lesson learned.

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6. Connor McDavid has learned some very valuable lessons, over the past few night. Up against some of the very best players in the world at their position, McDavid has not been able to impose his offensive will. Having gone against Kopitar, Getzlaf and Kesler mano-o-mano, for the better part of two evenings, he will be better for the experience in the years to come.

5. Behind the scenes, this evening, I understand that Anders Nilsson has (in all liklihood) been dealt to the St. Louis Blues. I wish Nilsson nothing but the best. But that transaction will allow the future #1 goaltender in this organization to elevate to his rightful place as an NHL back-up. We can all see that Laurent Brossoit is ready, and that playing & practicing versus NHL competition is the next natural step in his evolution.

4. I am hearing that scouts following the Edmonton Oilers these days have a firm belief that the club has indeed acquired itself a starting goaltender. Cam Talbot bucked the stats man, this evening, with a sterling performance on back-to-back road games, stopping 32 of 34, and was especially strong in the first frame, when the Ducks were pressing. In 10 of his last 11 games, Talbot has given his team a chance to win. What more can you reasonably ask?

3. Again tonight, Brandon Davidson was marvellous. He battled each and every shift, against players who compared to him in terms of pedigree are superior, and most times…came out on top. He played a crushing 26:32 this evening. If we are picking the Edmonton Oilers best defenceman of the season, look no further for your vote than this player. His progression is inspiring.

2. There is an abundance of Jordan Eberle critics out there, most of whom thinking they can “coach” #14. Fact is: Most of those critics have never played a meaningful, competitive hockey game in their lives. The truth is, Jordan Eberle can score goals, a skill you cannot teach. Under-value him at your peril. I think he showed that tonight. Nice feed from Benoit Poiliot, to set him up for the tying goal.

1. The Coach has the room. I am here to tell you that previous Edmonton Oilers teams would have folded like a cheap deck chair, on this road trip. But it is not hard to see the influence of head coach Todd McLellan in these past two efforts, where failure was an excuse only if the effort was there first. As I’ve seen from many, this evening, the “GOS” meter registered strongly. We all know that this roster is flawed. All we can reasonably ask, against elite teams like Anahiem, is that an effort is on display. Yes, we would have preferred two points. But at this stage…one point and the associated hard work were apparent…and appreciated.

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The Edmonton Oilers have a slightly easier road ahead. If they play those games with the conviction with which they performed tonight…then better days are ahead.

We have very little else to do but hope that is the case.

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