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The Oilers first full game without Connor McDavid started flat and when I say flat I mean it. The Oilers didn’t get their first 5v5 shot attempt until 14:06 of the first period when Jordan Eberle got a shot on net. After that shot though the Oilers started to play a more even game.
Highlights
The Good
It’s interesting that the Oilers are starting to rely on three defensemen for ice time. Oscar Klefbom lead the team today in total ice time playing 24:30 which included 3:52 on the PK. The TOI leader at EV was Darnell Nurse who played 19:14 at EV and was just shy of 21 minutes total ice time. To round out the top 3 was Andrej Sekera who played 20:14.
The reason this is good is because it’s starting to show that McLellan and the coaching staff are starting to find the defense that they can be successful with. Sure the team didn’t win but it definitely wasn’t the blow out it could have been and that is a good sign. I really hope that Mark Fayne gets another chance to prove himself because he does give the Oilers a chance to win more than any one of Griffin Reinhart, Eric Gryba or Brandon Davidson.
The Bad
I’m sorry but the goal that was called back in the first period is a thorn in my side. Not because it was called back but because of why and how it was called back. I’m glad that the coaches challenge exists, there are goals that definitely need to be scrutinized sometimes but I an offside from 20 seconds earlier that was missed is just part of the game sometimes and really shouldn’t be the reason a goal is called back. The non-goal that the Penguins scored was definitely a legitimate goal and probably should’ve counted.
The Ugly
I hate the post! The Oilers had 4 posts in the the game, if even one of those was a goal the Oilers may have gotten a point out of the game. Instead they get nothing and appeat desitined to repeat the past 5 years of crappiness.
Up Next
Oh look the CFR is in town so the Oilers need to vacate Rexall Place so that it can become one big indoor rodeo. The next game at Rexall Place will not occur until November 18th when the Oilers take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Luckily for the Oilers that’s not for almost 2 weeks. In the more immediate future the Oilers head out on the road for a 4 game road trip. Their first stop is in… oh shit! Chicago on Sunday at 6PM. See you then.