:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69322847/1232994231.0.jpg)
Morning, folks!
I HAVE NERVES. LET’S GO.
Game two in the Oilers’ first round series against the Winnipeg Jets goes tonight with the Jets out in front 1-0 after a big win in the (can) opener.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were held scoreless last time out, and typically that means they’re both due to combine for a billion points in the next one to keep their averages intact. Let’s hope that holds once again.
Dave Tippett’s performance in game one was under the microscope — in part because I put it there — after some puzzling lineup decisions (Zack Kassian, anyone?) and curious in-game usage (Ethan Bear playing ~8 minutes less than Tyson Barrie in a game with one PP, anyone?). You hope the head coach can figure it out before he steers this ship right into a berg of ice for the second straight year. Early returns from yesterday’s lines suggest that, perhaps, he hasn’t:
The drill they’re running isn’t a traditional line rush, but McDavid-Draisaitl-Kahun are taking multiple reps together, Yamo-RNH-Puljujarvi.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) May 20, 2021
Poor Jesse Puljujarvi. Were I the team’s only goalscorer, and their best player in G1, I wouldn’t expect to lose my job for game 2. I get that he’s the best candidate to drive a line away from the two MVPs, but still.
Both Russell and Jones burning their legs big time with the Taxi-squad skate. Doesn’t look like any changes coming on blue-line based on this.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) May 20, 2021
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Copper and Blue Podcast: Episode 11 — “Cool, you’re Jets.”
It’s playoff time baby!
Preston, Shona, and Corey break down what to expect from the Oilers in their first round series against the Winnipeg Jets. We go line-by-line and pairing-by-pairing as we give our thoughts on Edmonton’s roster and how it stacks up against Winnipeg’s.
Stick around for the second half of the episode as the crew looks at the other playoff matchups, complete with predictions and all!
Game 2 Shakeup: Play Your Best Players (Copper and Blue)
In Goal With Gherson - Game 1 Oilers / Jets Goaltending Review (Copper and Blue)
Hot Links: Thursday, May 20 (Copper and Blue)
GAME RECAP - Jets 4, Oilers 1. (Copper and Blue)
OILERS NOTES: When Big Guns Go Silent Checkers Have To Be Louder Around Net (ES)
Defence Not An Issue For Oilers In Game 1 Loss Against Jets (ES)
MARODY WINS AHL TOP GOAL SCORER AWARD (TBC)
State Of The Nation — Breaking Down The Edmonton Oilers Game One Loss To The Winnipeg Jets (ON)
Why Oilers Have To Prove They’re Not Just A Two Player Team (SN)
Random Thoughts: McDavid Held Pointless, Solving Hellebuyck, Depth Scoring, And More (ON)
McDavid-Draisaitl to be reunited? and other questions facing Dave Tippett after Oilers’ Game 1 loss (EJ)
Missed Opportunity (ON)
Oilers Fail To Capitalize On Chances, Drop Game 1 To Jets (TOR)
Sing Me Back Home (LT)
Eye On Edmonton: The Oilers Are In The Playoffs And The City Is Alive (EJ)
Lowetide: The Seeds Of Oilers’ 2015 Orientation Camp Forms Heart Of Current Team (TA)