Brunch Links: Tuesday, November 2

Morning, folks.

The Edmonton Oilers were victorious last night, winning 5-2 over the NHL’s newest team thanks to strong performances from Leon Draisaitl (2-2-4) and Mikko Koskinen (27/29, 0.931%). The Oilers were second best for large stretches of the game, but found a way to score a buttload of goals anyway. Cool.

TW: SA

In other news, Gary Bettman spoke to the media for the first time since the Kyle Beach story really broke last week. His presser was so wholly inadequate — and infuriating — that it’s hard to express how disappointing it was without fully devolving into swearing and yelling. That man needs to go. Into a baler.

Frank Seravalli, the current President of the PHWA, released a statement effectively chastising Bettman and the league for not calling on Rick Westhead soon enough in the presser. He acknowledged Westhead’s status as a non-member of the PHWA, and proclaimed that the PHWA — the NHL’s free press — would not be silenced. What he did not do, as astutely noted by former C&B mainstay Alan Hull, was speak to why this reporting had to come from a member outside of the PHWA in the first place, or what the hell those PHWA members have been doing for the past however long:

To that point, none of these reporters who have endeavored to do better since the Block & Jenner report’s results were made public, seem to give a shit that the NHL is lying about the Akim Aliu investigation and its status. They certainly don’t seem to give a shit that Kevin Cheveldayoff — also involved in the Aliu case to some degree — is still collecting an NHL paycheck. And you can bet none of the most prominent MSM are shining any sort of light on the ongoing Bill Guerin investigation, in which he (too) is accused of covering up a sexual assault:

To that point, look at this statement from the Penguins from earlier this morning:

Awful. It’s all so awful. With every passing moment, it seems, it’s getting harder and harder to justify sinking even a minute of free time into this league.

The Good, The Bad and the Holland! Games 1 to 8 review. (Copper and Blue)

GAME RECAP: Edmonton 5, Seattle 2 (Copper and Blue)

Tracking the Pacific division – As of October 31, 2021 (Copper and Blue)

GAME THREAD: Edmonton Oilers vs. Seattle Kraken (Copper and Blue)

The SuperFan Podcast – Episode 32 – Avry Lewis-McDougall (@avry) (Copper and Blue)

Duncan Keith Regrets Not Taking Part In Chicago Sexual Assault Investigation (CBC)

The Day After: Off The Schneid (ON)

Player Grades: Draisaitl, Koskinen Lead The Way As Sloppy Oilers Slide By Seattle (EJ)

‘Opportunistic’ Oilers Finding Ways To Win Even In Imperfect Games (SN)

Darrell Brertton Jr. Dances For Oilers’ Indigenous Celebration Night (SN)

Nurse Wants Answers From NHLPA; Larsson Pays A Visit (ES)

Oilers In Seven Part One: How About That Ride In? (ON)

Lowetide: Did Oilers General Manager Ken Holland Win The Offseason? (TA)

‘They’ve Been Playing Very Well This Season’: The Duncan Keith-Cody Ceci Pair Have Helped To Overcome A Notable Loss (TA)

Seven Oilers Surprises So Far In 2021-22, From Jesse Puljujarvi’s Breakout To Kailer Yamamoto’s Scoring Woes (TA)