Are The Edmonton Oilers Current Defensemen Good Enough?

Over the last couple of games the glaring weakness in the Edmonton Oilers has been in their defensive game. I think we can all agree they need to play better. The real question is even if they play better, are they good enough with the current players they have?

First thing we need to do is take a look at each player and where they are currently playing. I personally think the Edmonton Oilers has some good defensemen. I think they are just no playing a role that is right for them.

Here is what the pairings were for last game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Top Pair- Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci

This pair to me if they are playing their normal game is a good first pairing for the Edmonton Oilers. The problem is right now Darnell Nurse is really struggling and Cody Ceci is not a number one defensemen.

Ceci on a good team is maybe a #3 man. The fact that he needs to play in a high spot is not his fault, he is the best option there behind Nurse. If Nurse was playing at the top of his game he would be able to lift the whole pairing. The problem is right now he is bringing them down.

There is also the issue of money being paid to Darnell Nurse, but I can’t take that out on him. If I was offered that money I would take it too. You can’t blame Holland much on that either as when he signed the deal that was the market value for him.

I don’t know if the pressure of the cap hit is effecting Nurse or if him being “the guy” now has put that pressure on him, but he needs to get back to playing solid hockey. In the past few games where he has made the bigger mistakes, it seems like he is trying to do to much.

Nurse needs to simplify his game. Just like if a goal scorer is struggling you tell them to keep it simple and just put the puck on net and one will eventually go in. Nurse needs to not try and do anything fancy. Clear the net of people and the puck, then hopefully the rest will follow.

Second Pairing- Brett Kulak and Tyson Barrie

This is a pairing to me that I think the only really issue is the fact they are the Edmonton Oilers second pair and not the third pairing. Both of these players are okay in their end of the ice, nothing special.

Tyson Barrie is know much more for his offence than he is his defence. With him running the powerplay, I would like him to get less minutes 5v5. This way when it is time for him to step on the ice with the man advantage he is rested.

Kulak on the other hand is solid defensively. Don’t expect him to use his body to stop the cycle or for him to win a foot race, that isn’t his game. He plays smart is his end and gets in the right place and has a good stick.

Both Kulak and Barrie aren’t going to scare you with their size, but that is okay. They can both move the puck well and are sound positionally. They only get in trouble when the other team has a long time spent in their zone the cover starts to fall apart, as it always does overtime.

Third Pairing- Evan Bouchard and Markus Niemelainen/Philip Brobreg/Ryan Murray

This is where the Edmonton Oilers problems on the back end need to be looked at. In my opinion the Edmonton Oilers are two NHL defensemen short. A top 2 guy that would move Ceci down the lineup and a bottom pair guy.

Right now the third pairing really on has one NHL defensemen on it, and even then it’s a proven on. Evan Bouchard still has a lot to learn, but he is better than either of Niemelainen, Broberg, or Murray. That’s not the best news for a team eyeing up the Stanley Cup.

In a perfect world for this team Bouchard would maybe be your 7th defensemen and moonlight on the powerplay, There is still lots for him to learn about the NHL. He does seem to be getting better, but is it worth the risk for the Edmonton Oilers to hope he gets good enough this year.

As for Niemelainen, Broberg and Murray one of these three need to come in and stay in that #6 spot. Neither of them have been able to grab and contain that spot. It would be good for the Edmonton Oilers if one of them would step up and steal it for the others.

The Edmonton Oilers Need To Make Up Their Mind And Fast

Right now there is only two options for the Edmonton Oilers. They either keep their team the was it is right now and hope they figure out their games, or they make a move and bring in addition help on the blue line.

In my opinion I think they should seriously look at making a move. Worse case they get a guaranteed upgrade on a player. Best case they get the upgrade and the rest of the team smartens up and everyone gets better.

I just think from Ken Holland’s point of view it is way to big of a risk to do nothing. There has been to many games lost so far this season because of the Edmonton Oilers subpar defensive play.