Righteous Wrath Online Community

General => Lobby => Topic started by: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 09:55:55 AM

Title: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 09:55:55 AM
I know it's early, but did you know that the Oilers thus far have won 6 of their 7 games, and the one they lost went to overtime?

Young Stars tournament in Penticton, 2 wins then the OT loss.  Game against the Golden Bears, clean win.  Then the split squad games against Calgary, where the Oil split evenly best-players-wise, while Calgary kept all their best players at home and sent their B players to Edmonton, Oil beat them both in Calgary and Edmonton.  And then the Oil beat the Jets.

The games have been hard to watch.  Not because of the way the Oilers play, they're doing great.  But they're only available via internet streams, and for some reason much of Alberta is in the blackout zone even though the blackout zone is supposed to be outside Alberta.  Tech guys just can't seem to get geolocating IPs correct, or something.  So we don't seem to be able to get the stream until around the start of the second period, when the tech guys finally figure out how to set their stream up so that we can watch it in and around Edmonton.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on September 24, 2015, 10:13:59 AM
I'm just happy to see them beat the Calgary Flames -- even if just one time at least ;)


I guess this is deserving of A New Thread eh? Perhaps in a few months we will act like That Other Thread never existed... One can hope!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on September 24, 2015, 10:27:29 AM
Hmm, there's a Doors lyric that fits the Oilers:

QuoteWell, [they've] been down so Goddamn long
That it looks like up to [the Oilers]

:D (https://youtu.be/mZQKhA36q7Q)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Melbosa on September 24, 2015, 10:47:54 AM
I was at the game last night.  They do seem to be playing better, but I have to confess that the Jets lines weren't anywhere close to normal roster players (both goalies weren't exactly the starters for the Jets).
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 11:13:12 AM
Darren, no idea what other thread you're referring to.

Mel, damn you for pointing out the obvious!  Yeah, it's not actual NHL teams playing each other yet, lots of AHL-level players still playing as the coaches try to evaluate them.  But come on, six Oilers wins in seven?  When's the last time anyone's been able to say that, 2005?
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on September 24, 2015, 12:02:21 PM
Quote from: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 11:13:12 AM
Darren, no idea what other thread you're referring to.

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/9869953.jpg

If SERIOUS, here's a hint: "OGW:ALS" was the abbreviation for that last season's thread title... and it was the saddest "story" ever.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on September 24, 2015, 12:17:41 PM
That was last season, this is this season

Hopefully they don't get wrecked this season ;)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 12:47:22 PM
Quote from: Darren Dirt on September 24, 2015, 12:02:21 PM
Quote from: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 11:13:12 AM
Darren, no idea what other thread you're referring to.

(http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/9869953.jpg)

If SERIOUS, here's a hint: "OGW:ALS" was the abbreviation for that last season's thread title... and it was the saddest "story" ever.

I hate when people troll, so you can pretty much assume I'm not trolling.  Ever.  I did not know what thread you were referring to, since I couldn't (can't?) read your mind.

The thread Oilers Got Wrecked was about the 2014-15 season.  This is the 2015-16 season, hence a new thread.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on September 24, 2015, 05:17:33 PM
Yes. New thread for a new year.

My point, sorry, was just saying that i HOPE this thread and its reports game-by-game is so awesome that it makes us FORGET that other thread even existed.

But my point was... wrecked.


Seriously, just read my post with the above info in mind.

Quote from: Darren Dirt on September 24, 2015, 10:13:59 AM
I guess this is deserving of A New Thread eh? Perhaps in a few months we will act like That Other Thread never existed... One can hope!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 24, 2015, 06:00:23 PM
Ah, gotcha.

...

Yeah, I look forward to cheering for wins for a change, instead of cheering for another tank job to first overall selection.

...

...

...

Although that Auston Matthews kid is looking awful damn good...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

And if we're still doing this in 2021, we could try drafting that Aito Iguchi kid from Japan?  https://youtu.be/j30nUTHDFac

...

...

...

Not that I don't have faith in the Oilers' abilty to make it out of the basement.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on September 24, 2015, 07:28:53 PM
Eh, don't worry about it, in 2021 they'll be the Las Vegas Bandits and we won't have to worry about it anymore...

:dance:
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on September 24, 2015, 09:49:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on September 24, 2015, 07:28:53 PM
Eh, don't worry about it, in 2021 they'll be the Las Vegas Bandits and we won't have to worry about it anymore...

:dance:
Rofl. Is that when whatshisface agreed to keep them here for? Why would he build a brand new palace here if he was just going to move it? It's not like you could sell it for very much.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 25, 2015, 08:35:42 AM
The brand new palace was so that he could stimulate construction around it, where he owned a bunch of land.  Make no mistake, Katz bought the Oilers so that he could use them as leverage to get other business deals closed, he really doesn't give a @%&# how the Oilers are doing.  Until people stop attending, that is.  Then he'll start caring, but only because then other projects might start getting questioned, too.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on September 25, 2015, 08:53:25 AM
 So he's just a local version of our own "The Daryl" I guess...

He's making Edmonton great again.



EDIT: wow it's actually the truth!
"...Katz has said he bought the Oilers because he saw Edmonton?s need for a new arena as an opportunity to be the catalyst for the revitalization of Edmonton?s downtown core..." says https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daryl_Katz

Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 25, 2015, 09:24:37 AM
What, you thought I was lying?

Maybe you haven't really gotten to know me yet.  I tend to say things that are true and can be backed up evidence.

For instance, raspberry flavouring in food is actually parts of a beaver's butt.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on September 25, 2015, 09:41:21 AM
I started putting two and two together when they were just bouncing around the idea of closing the Municipal Airport. The main justification? So that they could remove the flight path and change building restrictions downtown, that got me thinking about who/where/what was involved with "development". The long and the sort of it is there are a bunch of greedy people that are gonna make a fortune off of downtown "redevelopment". Forget about affordable housing needs, forget about redeveloping suburbs, lets build some shiny new buildings downtown (please to forget about all those mostly empty ones we already have)

The bastard even tricked us into playing for half of it!

Two things I know for sure, in time we're going to:
1. Regret not having a municipal airport
2. End up with high density slum where it is now

So yeah, it's a big hot mess built on Edmonton's love for hockey
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on September 25, 2015, 09:55:04 AM
Quote from: Thorin on September 25, 2015, 09:24:37 AM
What, you thought I was lying?

No, but I think I was interpreting your words as jsut a strong impression (based on evidence of course) not that it would be a recognized fact (cite-able in Wikipedia). Sometimes powerful people take actions and us "normals" make assumptions (often true!) about what the motives are behind those actions. I was thinking along those lines with this -- because while unlikely it is still possible that a billionaire real estate deal-maker might be successful because he believes in the city in which he is making all them deals. But it sounds like this guy is just like most other developers, he is full of marketing lingo to push his "brand" and make these real estate deals for his own motives, and anything he says about the positive impact on others or the city etc. are just sound bites that get more people on his side (and offer him crazy shared PP partnerships etc.)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 25, 2015, 12:21:58 PM
Good points you make there, Mr. A, and nice summary.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on September 25, 2015, 06:56:04 PM
Over all, my impression of that whole mess is that its just been slimy from day one. I honestly don't know how people side with him or the city wrt the location of the new arena, or the closing of the airport.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on September 25, 2015, 09:37:25 PM
dunno if anyone's actually watching games, but the pil went 2 wins and 1 overtime loss at the young stars tournament, then beat the goldenbears, and now have gone 3 wins and 1 overtime win in the preseason.  that puts them at 15 points of 16 possible.  and this last game, in winnipeg, they definitely did not have all the players that will be playing in the nhl on their roster while winnipeg had most of their best players out.

no mcdavid, no eberle, no pouliot, no nuge, and yet they still pulled out a win.

maybe this'll finally be an exciting year of oilers hockey

Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on September 25, 2015, 09:53:28 PM
I hope so

I'm all caught in late season baseball fever, if the LA Angels lose tonight then the Bluejays clinch a spot in the post season http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/postseason-picture/

I'd love to see the Jays go up against the Yankees again, but if we do make it to the ALCS we're likely to play Kansas City which is gonna be a slog if it happens

FINGERS CROSSED
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 08, 2015, 01:00:56 PM
First game that counts, first game of the regular season, is tonight.  Against St Louis, on Sportsnet 360 (channel 231 on Shaw).
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 08, 2015, 01:45:32 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 08, 2015, 01:00:56 PM
First game that counts, first game of the regular season, is tonight.  Against St Louis, on Sportsnet 360 (channel 231 on Shaw).

Aww yeah, also the ALDS just started

Turns out I can watch the game 2nite
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 08, 2015, 09:15:47 PM
Jeebus, they lost 3-1, playing against the St Louis Blues.  The Blues scored all four goals.  None of the supposedly high-skilled big-name forwards managed to get the puck past the Blues' goalie, only one of the Blues defensemen managed to do that.

And yet, and yet...  It was fairly entertaining, watching the little plays.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 08, 2015, 09:17:46 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 08, 2015, 09:15:47 PM
Jeebus, they lost 3-1, playing against the St Louis Blues.  The Blues scored all four goals.  None of the supposedly high-skilled big-name forwards managed to get the puck past the Blues' goalie, only one of the Blues defensemen managed to do that.

And yet, and yet...  It was fairly entertaining, watching the little plays.

ugh yeah, the Jays lost as well, by 2 runs

Hopefully the next couple of games (for both Teams) are better
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 09, 2015, 03:25:58 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 08, 2015, 09:17:46 PM
ugh yeah, the Jays lost as well, by 2 runs

Hopefully the next couple of games (for both Teams) are better

Got the Blue Jays game on in the background, they're at the top of the 14th, Texas just scored the go-ahead run.  Toronto can still come back and win it in the bottom of the inning, though...
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 09, 2015, 04:09:46 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 09, 2015, 03:25:58 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 08, 2015, 09:17:46 PM
ugh yeah, the Jays lost as well, by 2 runs

Hopefully the next couple of games (for both Teams) are better

Got the Blue Jays game on in the background, they're at the top of the 14th, Texas just scored the go-ahead run.  Toronto can still come back and win it in the bottom of the inning, though...

Yeah, i watched the last 8 innings...
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 10:49:37 PM
Sooooo I guess the plan is to work toward top pick again?

:badh:
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 15, 2015, 10:54:36 PM
They are doing that badly already? :o
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:01:08 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 10:54:36 PM
They are doing that badly already? :o

We're tied with Columbus for bottom of the league (0-4-0)

Yaaaaa-aaaaaaay NOT (completely) LAST!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:02:07 PM
Ow. But I have hope. Could be they are still getting used to everything....
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:08:08 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:02:07 PM
Ow. But I have hope. Could be they are still getting used to everything....

Like this so-called "ice" and this strange little black rubber disc? Why do those guys get stripey shirts? We want stripey shirts! What the heck are these rope mesh thingies on the metal hoops called? Y'know the ones on the ice.

I know lets send more guys we pay millions of bucks to down to the farm club, to send a message
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:09:28 PM
I was thinking more teamwork wise (new players, new management/coaching, etc), but I see your point.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:13:10 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:09:28 PM
I was thinking more teamwork wise (new players, new management/coaching, etc), but I see your point.

Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh, at least they've managed to score 5 goals which is more than the Ducks or the Kings have managed

:)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:17:08 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:13:10 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:09:28 PM
I was thinking more teamwork wise (new players, new management/coaching, etc), but I see your point.

Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh, at least they've managed to score 5 goals which is more than the Ducks or the Kings have managed

:)
heh. That's positive.

I was just thinking though that it depends on how they are playing. If the players are all still playing as if they are all on their own team waiting to run out the oiler contract... Then yes its bad.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:20:50 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:17:08 PM
I was just thinking though that it depends on how they are playing. If the players are all still playing as if they are all on their own team waiting to run out the oiler contract... Then yes its bad.

After 20 years of "rebuilding" I'm tired of excuses like that tho, every team goes through roster changes...
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:49:23 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 15, 2015, 11:20:50 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 15, 2015, 11:17:08 PM
I was just thinking though that it depends on how they are playing. If the players are all still playing as if they are all on their own team waiting to run out the oiler contract... Then yes its bad.

After 20 years of "rebuilding" I'm tired of excuses like that tho, every team goes through roster changes...
I meant more that the players had given up. The management thought they were rebuilding but didn't actually know wtf they were doing. So the players just don't give a crap.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 16, 2015, 03:28:21 AM
Oilers goals: The Oilers have scored four goals, that first goal was scored by a St Louis player.  In fact, St Louis won the face-off and the Oilers never touched the puck, then St Louis put it in their own net.  Really, the Oilers have only scored four goals.

Millionaires in the minors: Nikitin to the minors is the right move, I watched all the preseason games and he made more mistakes than anyone.  Scrivens to the minors may or may not be the right move, he played much better in preseason than last season.  But Cam Talbot and Anders Nillson so far are doing an excellent job goalering, giving the team a chance to win.

No wins yet: I've watched the games, and the Oilers have been in them right to the end each time.  It's been a lot better than last year.

The Oilers' powerplay has been terrible.  These guys all know how to score, yet put them all in a group with the other team short a player, and suddenly no one can put the biscuit in the basket.  That's something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

I really don't think the players have given up or don't give a crap.  These guys are highly competitive individuals, that competitive drive is what got them to the NHL in the first place.  And they're seeing now that management has finally wised up and hired experienced professionals for general manager and head coach, and the head coach (Todd McLellan) don't take no @%&#.  First practice they didn't line up quick enough so he blew the whistle, called them in, told them to get their heads out of their @%&#ing asses, and to do it again but with speed this time.  After Hall took a bad retaliatory penalty, McLellan benched him for ten minutes.  After the team as a whole didn't work hard enough in a game, he bag-skated them and then worked on battle drills.

Line 1: Hall, Nugent-Hopkins, and Hendricks are doing okay as a forward first line, but when Eberle comes back and it's Hall, Nuge, Eberle, that'll be a lot better.

Line 2: McDavid and Yakupov have managed to figure each other out and actually do pretty damn good when they're on the ice.  Pouliot as the third player in that second forward line is an excellent fit.

Line 3: Poor Lander, he started with skilled players and is now grouped with a banger and a pillow (Korpikoski and Purcell).  And yet, this is the line that scored the first goal of the game tonight.

Line 4: Letestu is invisible to me, Gazdic seems to be skating better although he's no threat to score, Slepyshev did great in preseason but has come back down to earth and it's much harder to score with Letestu and Gazdic as your linemates than with Hall and Nuge.

Defense pairs don't seem to be working out too well, other than Klefbom and Schultz.  Although a large part of this is that the forwards don't come far enough back into their own zone to give the defense a short, safe pass.  So the D have to shoot it off the glass or try a stretch pass that's more easily picked off.

Meanwhile, it's pretty clear that Todd McLellan is drilling into everyone's head that they have to dump the puck deep and then chase it down and be the first one there.  I'm not sure that's the best choice for excellent danglers like Nuge, Yak, Lander, Hall.  I'd much rather that they alternated between the dump-in and skating it in, that way the opposing team has to try and guess what's coming instead of just keeping one defender deep to retrieve the puck on the dump-in.

Anyway, Flames are next and hopefully they're going down!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 16, 2015, 08:15:55 AM
Quote from: Thorin on October 16, 2015, 03:28:21 AM
Anyway, Flames are next and hopefully they're going down!

Yes! Now that would be a good way to get started: Beat Calgary plus beat a team in our own division!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 16, 2015, 08:43:14 AM
QuoteI really don't think the players have given up or don't give a crap.  These guys are highly competitive individuals, that competitive drive is what got them to the NHL in the first place.  And they're seeing now that management has finally wised up and hired experienced professionals for general manager and head coach, and the head coach (Todd McLellan) don't take no @%&#.  First practice they didn't line up quick enough so he blew the whistle, called them in, told them to get their heads out of their @%&#ing asses, and to do it again but with speed this time.  After Hall took a bad retaliatory penalty, McLellan benched him for ten minutes.  After the team as a whole didn't work hard enough in a game, he bag-skated them and then worked on battle drills.
That's good. So at least that's changed. That's what I was hoping.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 19, 2015, 12:33:13 PM
Nice to see them win a couple of games in a row, nice to see Hall with Nuge doing well (and dragging along whoever else is with them, be it Hendricks or Klinkhammer or Slepyshev), nice to see McDavid and Yakupov with chemistry (and Pouliot's doing an outstanding job supporting them and covering for their occasional mistakes), nice to see Schultz playing with more urgency and less mistakes and more contact, but I'm sad to see Anton Lander not getting as much success as he should be capable of.  I'd love for Lander to get a hat trick next game, just to shut up the naysayers.

This team this year probably won't make playoffs, too many rookies playing and not enough time spent playing together yet, but they'll be close.  Which is a lot better than the last nine years have been.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 01:24:51 PM
Honestly what I enjoyed seeing the most was McDavid feeding other players for goals

THAT'S what a team is all about

If they can inch up the ladder to the middle of the pack this year I'd be super happy.

I don't want to see them with a pick opportunity, I want to see them get excited about almost making it into the post season
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 19, 2015, 01:58:34 PM
Imagine if they were fighting for a playoff spot and missed out by one point, and then ended up winning the lottery again. That would just be f'in hilarious!

I wonder if Chiarelli would trade it for a defenseman, since the next bug thing is another forward (Auston Matthews).
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on October 19, 2015, 02:07:41 PM
Quote from: Thorin on October 16, 2015, 03:28:21 AM
...

No wins yet: I've watched the games, and the Oilers have been in them right to the end each time.  It's been a lot better than last year.

I really don't think the players have given up or don't give a crap.  These guys are highly competitive individuals, that competitive drive is what got them to the NHL in the first place.  And they're seeing now that management has finally wised up and hired experienced professionals for general manager and head coach, and the head coach (Todd McLellan) don't take no @%&#.

Those 2 statements go together and make me feel and warm and fuzzy inside my hope parts.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 02:12:41 PM
We're no longer at the bottom of the Pacific Western Conference (Calgary is hah-ha!)

Not only that but we're responsible for the Canuckleheads only loss so far
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Was talking to neighbours last night, and they said it was the Oilers worst start in history. :o
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 02:27:47 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Was talking to neighbours last night, and they said it was the Oilers worst start in history. :o

I'm pretty sure that's wrong, 1993-94 season was  0-4-1

So MYEH!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:30:30 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 02:27:47 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Was talking to neighbours last night, and they said it was the Oilers worst start in history. :o

I'm pretty sure that's wrong, 1993-94 season was  0-4-1

So MYEH!
Well, I think this was for the first 4 games. 0-4-0 or smth. :D
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 02:39:40 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:30:30 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 02:27:47 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Was talking to neighbours last night, and they said it was the Oilers worst start in history. :o

I'm pretty sure that's wrong, 1993-94 season was  0-4-1

So MYEH!
Well, I think this was for the first 4 games. 0-4-0 or smth. :D

Yup, now we're 2-4-0, so better than '93 so far (thank god)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on October 19, 2015, 04:25:11 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 02:20:37 PM
Was talking to neighbours last night, and they said it was the Oilers worst start in history. :o

Although the outcome of the first four games was the worst in history, the actual games were much better than the start of the season in the last three or even four years.

Also, now that they've played six games, lets look at how long it took them to win two in-division games last year.  Hmm, the second game they won last year against another team in their division was played on Dec 30.  In-division games are the most important, because you're not just gaining points, but also denying points to the other teams in your division, and the leader of the division gets an automatic-in to the playoffs.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2015, 05:04:24 PM
Heh, I like talking to you guys about the oilers much better than my neighbours. Out of the ones I know and talk to the most, I think /one/ is an oilers fan. The other two are die-hard Leafs fans.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 05:07:27 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 05:04:24 PM
Heh, I like talking to you guys about the oilers much better than my neighbours. Out of the ones I know and talk to the most, I think /one/ is an oilers fan. The other two are die-hard Leafs fans.

Ah so they are used to losing ;)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on October 19, 2015, 05:12:51 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 05:04:24 PM
Heh, I like talking to you guys about the oilers much better than my neighbours. Out of the ones I know and talk to the most, I think /one/ is an oilers fan. The other two are die-hard Leafs fans.

...some of us have a soft-spot in our hearts for underdog stories... ;)
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2015, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on October 19, 2015, 05:07:27 PM
Quote from: Tom on October 19, 2015, 05:04:24 PM
Heh, I like talking to you guys about the oilers much better than my neighbours. Out of the ones I know and talk to the most, I think /one/ is an oilers fan. The other two are die-hard Leafs fans.

Ah so they are used to losing ;)
LOL
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on November 30, 2015, 10:47:48 PM
In response to the previous post about the Leafs and how they suck... The Oilers just gave up a completely embarrassing 3-0 loss to the Leafs. The Leafs put in a brand new, never ever played in the NHL before, goalie. The Oilers let him get a shutout. They didn't even challenge him much.

What a terrible waste of time it was watching this game.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on December 01, 2015, 08:49:21 AM
Quote from: Thorin on November 30, 2015, 10:47:48 PM
In response to the previous post about the Leafs and how they suck... The Oilers just gave up a completely embarrassing 3-0 loss to the Leafs. The Leafs put in a brand new, never ever played in the NHL before, goalie. The Oilers let him get a shutout. They didn't even challenge him much.

What a terrible waste of time it was watching this game.

...and so soon after a solidly entertaining and very much NOT unbalanced Grey Cup final (and that Broncos vs Patriots game as well). Professional athletes, we expect you to act like it, not phone it in! :(
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on December 01, 2015, 08:52:31 AM
bleh

it's frustrating as hell
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Melbosa on December 01, 2015, 11:42:52 AM
Statistically how bad is it?  I haven't looked at the stats for any teams this year, just been watching the Oil and Jets play.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 01, 2015, 12:22:52 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on December 01, 2015, 11:42:52 AM
Statistically how bad is it?  I haven't looked at the stats for any teams this year, just been watching the Oil and Jets play.

I read the excellent Oilers blog http://lowetide.ca/ almost religiously.  This year, Lowetide has been keeping track of last year vs this year.  So, before last night's game:

Oilers after 24 in 2014-15: 6-14-4, 16 points (-33 goal differential)
Oilers after 24 in 2015-16: 8-14-2, 18 points (-13 goal differential)

after last night's game:

Oilers after 25 in 2014-15: 6-15-4, 16 points (-36 goal differential)
Oilers after 25 in 2015-16: 8-15-2, 18 points (-16 goal differential)

The Oilers are in 30th of 30 in the league, 7th out of 7 in our division, 4 full wins out of the wildcard spot, but with a significantly improved goal differential.  They're even behind Calgary (although only barely).

But it's not the position that bothers me, it's the strange lack of effort in games that are eminently winnable.  I mean, the Leafs are the worst in the east and the Oil couldn't even bother to try and score a goal on them.  And yet against strong teams, they play well.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on December 01, 2015, 12:40:07 PM
Can we start calling it the Katz Curse?

Ever since he bought the team...  ;D
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on December 01, 2015, 01:29:25 PM
Quote from: Melbosa on December 01, 2015, 11:42:52 AM
Statistically how bad is it?  I haven't looked at the stats for any teams this year, just been watching the Oil and Jets play.

Losing once they make it to OT -- that's something they are *really good at* (statistically speaking, well above average, IIRC).
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on December 03, 2015, 08:15:11 AM
they WON!
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 03, 2015, 09:51:58 AM
I remember when we traded Dubnyk away and got Hendricks, and lots of people didn't really like it because Hendricks had this long contract at almost two million a year ($1.85mill, I think), and people were worried that was too much money to pay for a fourth liner.

This year Hendricks has played fourth line, third line, second line, first line, penalty kill, and shoot-out.  And he's done well in all positions, and he stands up for teammates in after-the-whistle scrums, and he'll stand in front of any shot from any cannon, and then when it's all done, he'll talk only about the team as a team, never himself.

It's too bad we traded Dubnyk away when he had so little value, he's clearly rebounded to his regular level of goalering.  However, Matt Hendricks has been an absolute gem of a player to add to the team.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on December 03, 2015, 10:17:25 AM
Quote from: Mr. Analog on December 03, 2015, 08:15:11 AM
they WON!

Solid goaltending, I grinned big-time when he fist-pumped that last blocked shot  ;D



Their win was especially awesome since...
Quote from: Darren Dirt on December 01, 2015, 01:29:25 PM
Losing once they make it to OT -- that's something they are *really good at* (statistically speaking, well above average, IIRC).
:doh:
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 03, 2015, 10:33:29 AM
ELPH

Exciting
Last
Place
Hockey

They are still in 30th, even if Calgary, Toronto, Colorado lose their next game (to make it the same number of games) and Carolina loses their next two (to make it the same number of games).

A caveat, though.  Pouliot-McDavid-Yakupov was their second line earlier in the year, that entire line is out injured.  The Hendricks-Letestu-Korpikoski line is supposed to be their fourth line, they were playing third line minutes.  At least the defence is only missing one of their better players (Davidson, another gem that was overlooked last year).

I wonder what made them work harder in this game.  Did McLellan have to yell, or just stare them down and say, "Come on guys, don't embarass your teammates"?
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Melbosa on December 03, 2015, 10:34:44 AM
Maybe they saw the score in the Jets game and felt embarrassed?
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Darren Dirt on December 03, 2015, 10:41:41 AM
Quote from: Thorin on December 03, 2015, 10:33:29 AM

I wonder what made them work harder in this game.  Did McLellan have to yell, or just stare them down and say, "Come on guys, don't embarass your teammates"?

They were told by Powerful Business Interests that it would be really great if "City of Champions" could be put back up on the edges of town, now that our CFL team did us proud.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 03, 2015, 11:00:38 AM
To be honest, it was probably the actual schedule wearing them down.  The first road trip game was Mon Nov 23, then they played Wed Nov 25, then Fri Nov 27, then Sat Nov 28, then Mon Nov 30.  That's 5 games in 8 days, plus having to travel from place to place to place, and you never sleep as good or play as well when you're staying in a hotel, and then some of them are still recovering from whatever horrible disease they're calling "the flu" (I'm guessing it was actually a norovirus).

On that road trip, the Washington (Nov 23), Detroit (Nov 27), and Pittsburgh (Nov 28) games were well-played, although still a loss, an overtime loss, and finally a shootout win.  The Carolina game (Nov 25) was pretty bad, almost like they figured it'd be a cakewalk and so forgot to mentally prepare.

The Toronto game (Nov 30) was the only real real stinker in my view.  That Sparks kid only had about three dangerous shots to stop all night.  Like Mel pointed out, he got lit up for six goals the following night.

Still, ELPH.
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 05, 2015, 12:46:11 AM
The Oilers played the Dallas Stars tonight. The Stars are in first place, the Oilers in last. The Stars are first because of their ability to score goals. Thus I was expecting a high scoring game, six or seven goals at last between the two clubs, maybe more.

Instead, the Oilers kept Dallas to a single goal, then beat them 2-1 in overtime! From what I saw, that was mostly due to stellar goaltending - Nillson was dialed in, focused, in the zone, whatever you want to call it.

Dallas ruled the game though, shot counts were 43 for Dallas and only 22 for Edmonton, and from what I saw Dallas had more than double the dangerous shots that Edmonton did. Hopefully Nillson keeps this up. And hopefully our star forwards get the puck more and score more than two goals per game. These are starting to turn into soccer scores...
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Thorin on December 06, 2015, 05:57:14 PM
Here's a Lowetide gem from today's Game Day Thread:

(We take you now to the Oval Office.)
George: Condi! Nice to see you. What?s happening?
Condi: Sir, I have the report here about the new leader of China.
George: Great. Lay it on me.
Condi: Hu is the new leader of China.
George: That?s what I want to know.
Condi: That?s what I?m telling you.
George: That?s what I?m asking you. Who is the new leader of China?
Condi: Yes.
George: I mean the fellow?s name.
Condi: Hu.
George: The guy in China.
Condi: Hu.
George: The new leader of China.
Condi: Hu.
George: The Chinaman!
Condi: Hu is leading China.
George: Now whaddya? asking me for?
Condi: I?m telling you Hu is leading China.
George: Well, I?m asking you. Who is leading China?
Condi: That?s the man?s name.
George: That?s who?s name?
Condi: Yes.
George: Will you or will you not tell me the name of the new leader of China?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir? Yassir Arafat is in China? I thought he was in the Middle East.
Condi: That?s correct.
George: Then who is in China?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir is in China?
Condi: No, sir.
George: Then who is?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir?
Condi: No, sir.
George: Look, Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of China. Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone.
Condi: Kofi?
George: No, thanks.
Condi: You want Kofi?
George: No.
Condi: You don?t want Kofi.
George: No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of milk. And then get me the U.N.
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N.
Condi: Kofi?
George: Milk! Will you please make the call?
Condi: And call who?
George: Who is the guy at the U.N?
Condi: Hu is the guy in China.
George: Will you stay out of China?!
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: And stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the U.N.
Condi: Kofi.
George: All right! With cream and two sugars. Now get on the phone.
(Condi picks up the phone.)
Condi: Rice, here.
George: Rice? Good idea. And a couple of egg rolls, too.

source: http://lowetide.ca/2015/12/06/g28-2015-16-sabres-at-oilers/comment-page-1/#comment-478368

They also occasionally discuss hockey on that blog...
Title: Re: Oilers 2015-16
Post by: Mr. Analog on August 10, 2016, 08:08:34 AM
The Octane are no more, from what I read this morning they are going to be replaced with something else