The Copper & Blue - Game 10 Coverage: Oilers at Minnesota - Visiting the State of HockeyA site for fans of the Edmonton Oilers. Someday we'll get to write about an Oilers playoff game. Hopefully sooner than later.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/13253/copper-fave.jpg2015-10-28T08:00:27-06:00http://www.coppernblue.com/rss/stream/93845612015-10-28T08:00:27-06:002015-10-28T08:00:27-06:00Wednesday Links - Another Loss in Minnesota
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>All the news that you can use from Edmonton and around the NHL. The OIlers lose in Minnesota, again. Darnell Nurse impresses. The effect of not having Mike Babcock coaching your team. 30 thoughts from Elliotte Friedman. And more.</p> <h4>About Last Night</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9624834/frustrating">Frustrating -- The Copper & Blue</a><br>Oilers lose 4-3 to the Wild.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2015/10/27/9624554/wild-quick-strike-in-3rd-period-to-beat-oilers-4-3">Wild strike twice in 3rd period to beat Oilers 4-3 -- Hockey Wilderness</a><br>Minnesota fell behind early in the third period but Ryan Suter and Charlie Coyle scored 43 seconds apart to re-gain the lead for the victory.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/cult-of-hockey-player-grades-darnell-nurse-scores-first-career-goal-to-cap-oilers-comeback-but-wild-have-other-ideas">Player grades: Darnell Nurse scores first career goal to cap Oilers’ comeback, but Wild have other ideas - Bruce McCurdy -- Cult of Hockey</a><br>It was a strange, back-and-forth game in Minnesota which saw the Edmonton Oilers score three consecutive goals at one point but give up deuces at both ends of the night to fall short to the Wild, 4-3 in regulation.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/jim-matheson-nurse-a-bright-spot-against-wild-for-consistently-inconsistent-oilers">Nurse a bright spot against Wild for consistently inconsistent Oilers - Jim Matheson -- Edmonton Journal</a><br>Darnell Nurse was what the doctor ordered — cool, calm and collecting his first NHL goal with a .44 Magnum bullet that almost tore off Devan Dubnyk’s left arm.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/27/edmonton-oilers-call-up-nurse">Oilers to get good look at defensive prospect Darnell Nurse - Derek Van Diest -- Edmonton Sun</a><br>For Nurse, the early-season call-up is an opportunity to make a good impression on the coaching staff. During training camp, the highly touted defenceman may have been guilty of trying to do too much in an effort to make the team.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/goalie-devan-dubnyk-turns-page-on-struggles-from-a-different-lifetime">Goalie Devan Dubnyk turns page on struggles from ‘a different lifetime’ - JIm Matheson -- Edmonton Journal</a><br>Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk didn’t have anything scribbled on paper for a victory speech as one of the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy at the NHL awards gala in Las Vegas in June.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/27/wild-coach-mike-yeo-sees-similarities-between-oilers-centre-conner-mcdavid-and-other-nhl-elite-players">Wild coach Mike Yeo sees similarities between Oilers centre Conner McDavid and other NHL elite players - Derek Van Diest -- Edmonton Sun</a><br>Just 10 games into his NHL career, Connor McDavid is drawing comparisons with one of the best offensive players in the game today.</p>
<h4>Around the NHL</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-flames-willing-to-deal-but-is-anyone-else/">30 Thoughts: Flames willing to deal, but is anyone else? -- Sportsnet.ca</a><br>In this week's 30 Thoughts, Elliotte looks at some possible moves the Flames and Ducks could make to shake up their struggling teams, and he takes a look at a potential new AHL contract model.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/talent/the-babcock-effect-in-detroit-1.383632">The Babcock Effect (in Detroit) -- TSN</a><br>The general consensus at the time of his departure was that the Red Wings organization would mostly be fine – it hurts to lose a great coach, but the system has relentlessly turned out talent at every single level, coaching included. Jeff Blashill would steer the ship towards a 25th consecutive postseason appearance, rendering the turnover little but a memory.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/at-least-31-nhl-players-returned-to-games-in-2010-11-after-concussion-court-papers-1.383754">At least 31 NHL players returned to games in 2010-11 after concussion: court papers -- TSN</a><br>Greene, Cormier and Slater were three of 31 NHL players who returned to action in the same game they suffered a concussion during the 2010-11 season, according to newly disclosed league statistics. In all, 31 of 86 players who suffered a concussion that season, or 36 per cent, returned to play in the same game they suffered their head injury.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2015/10/27/9617620/keith-yandle-has-been-great-for-the-new-york-rangers">Keith Yandle Is Not The Problem -- Blueshirt Banter</a><br>Yandle is getting a lot of criticism he doesn't deserve.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/breaking-down-film/2015/10/27/9618272/let-semin-be-montreal-canadiens-2015-video-analysis-myth-habs-alex-semin-contributions">Let Semin be -- Eyes On The Prize</a><br>Why (almost) everything you’ve been told about the Russian winger is flat out wrong</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/blues-invite-veteran-forwards-havlat-zubrus-to-pro-tryouts/">Blues invite veteran forwards Havlat, Zubrus to pro tryouts -- Sportsnet.ca</a><br>The NHL careers of Martin Havlat and Dainius Zubrus might not be over just yet. The St. Louis Blues have invited the veteran forwards to join the team on professional tryouts.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/capitals-carlson-may-be-nhl-s-best-kept-secret-1.383940">Capitals' Carlson may be NHL's best-kept secret -- TSN</a><br>Carlson, 25, does not generate the attention or buzz that Roman Josi or Kevin Shattenkirk or Oliver Ekman-Larsson do. Carlson didn't make the cut in TSN's Top 50 player poll, which has input from experts and general managers. He finished at No. 64 - behind the usual suspects such as Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith, but also newcomers Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/28/9625984/oil-spills-wednesday-links-another-loss-in-minnesotaryan_batty2015-10-27T21:50:59-06:002015-10-27T21:50:59-06:00Frustrating
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<figcaption>A short lived lead is erased | Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Oilers lose 4-3 to the Wild</p> <p>What a frustrating game. Once again the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a> were the team that deserved to lose but this time they had a chance to win it or at least get a point. But of course they got nothing out of the game except another injury and another loss.</p>
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<a name="highlights" href="#highlights"></a>Highlights</h2>
<p><iframe src="http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/embed?playlist=2015020130-X-a&site=oilers" frameborder="0" width="640" height="395"></iframe></p>
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<a name="the-good" href="#the-good"></a>The Good</h3>
<p>That first line of <span>Connor McDavid</span>, <span>Nail Yakupov</span> and <span>Benoit Pouliot</span> has been nothing but magical. You can even add <span>Taylor Hall</span> and <span>Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</span> to that list considering that they have been sans a regular RW since the begining of the season.</p>
<p><span>Darnell Nurse</span> looked good and when he was paired with <span>Oscar Klefbom</span> he looked even better. Nurse got his first NHL goal on a shot that really shouldn’t have beaten <span>Devan Dubnyk</span> like it did but it still looked nice nonetheless.</p>
<h3 id="the-bad">
<a name="the-bad" href="#the-bad"></a>The Bad</h3>
<p>I’m not even gonna say it because this lifeless horse is dead. I’m pretty sure you can figure it out.</p>
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<a name="the-ugly" href="#the-ugly"></a>The Ugly</h3>
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<p lang="et" dir="ltr">Dumba hit on Korpikoski <a href="https://t.co/XQydV2h9XM">pic.twitter.com/XQydV2h9XM</a></p>
— Stephanie (@myregularface) <a href="https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/659166267421671425">October 28, 2015</a>
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<p>This head shot by <span>Matt Dumba</span> ended up being a penalty against the Oilers because of retaliation. It lead to the 2-0 goal and was basically the difference in the score.</p>
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<a name="thoughts" href="#thoughts"></a>Thoughts</h2>
<p>The Oilers have opened up the season 3-7-0. To be honest this is pretty close to what I expected the season to start like. The only real difference is that I figured the Oilers may get a Bettman point or two. I still believe the Oilers will improve especially when some of their injured players return.</p>
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<a name="up-next" href="#up-next"></a>Up Next</h2>
<p>The Oilers head back to Rexall to take on the <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Canadiens</a>. As of this writing the Habs’ record is 9-0-0 but are trailing 3-0 to the <a href="https://www.nucksmisconduct.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Canucks</a> in the 3rd. So the Oilers may be taking on a 9-1-0 Habs team or if they pull some magic out of their ass it could be 10-0-0 team. Either way it is going to be tough to get goals against <span>Carey Price</span> especially with <span>Tom Gilbert</span> and <span>Jeff Petry</span> manning the blue line. I won’t be doing the write up because my 5 year old son is a Habs fan for some reason (trust me I have no idea, my wife & step-son are <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Flames</a> fans and my 6 year old and I are Oilers fans) and Ryan was nice enough to give me tickets to the game.</p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9624834/frustratingOilFanInYYC2015-10-27T17:22:42-06:002015-10-27T17:22:42-06:00Game Thread: Facing An Old Teammate
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<p>The Oilers are in Minnesota tonight looking to bring an end to a three game losing streak.</p> <p>Well, tonight's the night. Tonight is game number ten of the Oilers' season and Connor McDavid's career, and that means that the Oilers are set to burn another entry level contract on an 18 year old kid. When is this team going to smarten up and learn how to leverage the salary ... yeah, even I can't make this argument. There are times when playing an 18 year old in the NHL doesn't make sense. This is not one of those times.</p>
<h4>How To Watch</h4>
<p><strong>Puck drop</strong>: 6:00PM MST<br><strong>TV</strong>: Sportsnet <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a><br><strong> Radio</strong>: <a href="http://player.630ched.com/" target="_blank">630 CHED</a></p>
<h4>What To Watch For</h4>
<p>There are going to be a lot of eyes on Darnell Nurse tonight as he plays his first game of the season for the Oilers. Perhaps a somewhat surprising cut at training camp, or at least when he was cut was surprising, Nurse and his partner for the evening, Oscar Klefbom, are potentially the Oilers defence of the future. These are two guys that the team desperately need to pan out if they're going to transition from also ran to contender. For Nurse, tonight is his first chance to prove that he belongs to stay when/if the Oilers defence is healthy once again.</p>
<h4>The Opposing View</h4>
<p>From <a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com/2015/10/26/9614728/minnesota-wild-nhl-mikko-koivu-jason-zucker-nino-niederreiter-defense-shutdown-line">Hockey Wilderness</a>:</p>
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<div class="blog-links-compact-container"> <h4> <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More on the Wild <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> </h4> <div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Hockey Wilderness</a></div> </div>
<blockquote> <p>If your eye test is showing you that Koivu's line is dominating the play, you're absolutely, 100% correct. Each member of the Koivu line dominates 5v5 shot attempts, getting over 60% of them when they're on the ice. They've out-scored their opponents by a margin of 2-to-1, and they're locking it down defensively. Of all Wild forwards, the ones on the Koivu line are the Top-3 on the Wild of allowing Shot Attempts (and in the NHL's Top-40, among Fs with 50+ minutes). In fact, this week, the Koivu line has gone an entire period without allowing a single shot attempt. Twice!</p> <p>[...]</p> <p>The Wild are using Koivu's line more defensively now than they have in years past, but they should consider using them in even tougher minutes. In the past, the Wild have shied away from using Koivu in a primarily defensive role, perhaps wanting him to produce as many points as they could get from their Captain. But instead of maximizing his point production, the Wild would do well to look at how <span>Patrice Bergeron</span> is used in Boston.</p> </blockquote>
<h4>Projected Line Combinations</h4>
<p>One small change <a href="https://twitter.com/Bob_Stauffer/status/659067512311664640">up front</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Bob_Stauffer/status/659067667081465856">Nurse draws in alongside Klefbom</a>.</p>
<table width="100%" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3"><th colspan="6" align="center">Forwards</th></tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2" align="center"><span>Taylor Hall</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Ryan Nugent-Hopkins</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Rob Klinkhammer</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2" align="center"><span>Benoit Pouliot</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Connor McDavid</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Nail Yakupov</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2" align="center"><span>Lauri Korpikoski</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Anton Lander</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Teddy Purcell</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="2" align="center"><span>Anton Slepyshev</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Mark Letestu</span></td> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span>Iiro Pakarinen</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3"><th colspan="6" align="center">Defence</th></tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><span>Darnell Nurse</span></td> <td colspan="3" align="center"><span>Oscar Klefbom</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><span>Andrej Sekera</span></td> <td colspan="3" align="center"><span>Mark Fayne</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <td style="text-align: center;" colspan="3" align="center"><span>Brandon Davidson</span></td> <td colspan="3" align="center"><span>Eric Gryba</span></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3"><th colspan="6" align="center">Goalies</th></tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="6" align="center"><span>Cam Talbot</span></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><td style="text-align: center;" colspan="6" align="center"><span>Anders Nilsson</span></td></tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9622182/game-thread-oilers-at-minnesota-facing-an-old-teammateryan_batty2015-10-27T14:00:02-06:002015-10-27T14:00:02-06:00Three Questions with Hockey Wilderness
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<p><a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com/" target="new">Hockey Wilderness</a> Editor <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBou15" target="new">Joe Bouley</a> answered a few questions for us before tonight's matchup. </p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Copper & Blue</b>: Devan Dubnyk had a breakout season last year after failing to help the Oilers. How do you think Dubnyk has done since joining the Wild, and is he worth that new contract?<br><br><b>Hockey Wilderness</b>: Last year when Dubnyk was acquired his run was something magical. I can't really explain it. However, this year there has been some, emphasis on the word "some," concern with his start. But looking at his adjusted save percentage going back to when he played for the Oilers and that - if you want to call it defense - defense, it's been fairly solid. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While the Wild and Wild fans don't expect him to recreate the run he has last spring, it's acceptable for someone to assume that he can provide NHL-level average to slightly above average goaltending. Now is his 6-year, $26 million contract worth it? After last season, he was going to get paid. With the AAV at $5.5 million it's on par with average starting goaltender salaries. His contract is structured in such a way that the first 4 years are front loaded with it tailing off in the last two. That makes it a much more movable contract when the time would come to possibly move him. Is his contract deserved? Some fans think it's just the result of one half season of stellar play, but his play other than his last season in Edmonton has been relatively solid.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><b>C&B</b>: It seems that the Wild are very much a fringe playoff team year in and year out. What has held the team back from progressing in the playoffs?</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>HW</b>: The Wild are the kings of the 1st Wildcard. First and foremost, with the new divisional playoff format, and the nightly gauntlet that is the Central Division, making it to the top three of the division is incredibly tough, so the only thing left is a wildcard spot. But even more than that, since head coach Mike Yeo took over 4 seasons ago, there has been periods of play in December and January that have all but finished the Wild off. Four seasons ago it was injuries to a fairly talentless team. Then a late season slump in the final weeks allowed the Wild to just barely sneak in the 8th spot in the West via a tie breaker with Columbus. </span></p>
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<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More on the Wild <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
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<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.hockeywilderness.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Hockey Wilderness</a></div>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The season before last, broken ankles from blocked shots to Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, and Jared Spurgeon, the team's three best players at driving puck possession, forced all three to miss time at the same time. It made watching this team in December brutal to watch. Niklas Backstrom was old and injured, Josh Harding's early season success was derailed around Christmas time when his MS regiment was adjusted, and it took rookie Darcy Kuemper and Ilya freaking Bryzgalov to muster up enough decent goaltending to clinch the 1st Wildcard and beat the Avalanche in 7 games. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Then last year, Darcy Kuemper, whose amazing start to the season, completely fell off and Backstrom was again old and injured. The power play was a mess and couldn't be relied upon for any goals, and the Wild spiraled out of the playoff picture in December and January. Enter Dubnyk and he started 38 straight games and posted a .936 save percentage to bring the Wild back from the dead and allowed them to beat St. Louis in 6 games in the first round. </span>Ultimately, goaltending and injuries to the wrong players have held the team back. With goaltending hopefully shored up, we shouldn't see the midseason swoon like in past seasons.<br><br><b>C&B</b>: Thomas Vanek has bounced around the last few years and seems to be trending downwards in his career. Do you think Vanek can turn it around and become the player he once was?</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>HW</b>: Thomas Vanek signing as a free agent before last season was probably the worst kept secret in that free agent season. He was the subject of much hatred and vitriol from Wild fans as he passed up great scoring opportunities and didn't help the power play, which went 0-for its first-30 chances. Velanek didn't score until sometime in November and looked slow and lazy. However, when you play on a team that features Zach Parise, everyone looks lazy as slow.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">So far this season, Vanek has 4 goals and looks more mobile as he had sports hernia surgery in the offseason. He making plays in the offensive zone and is being exactly what most Wild fans were expecting from him last season. Even though he still is a polarizing figure on the team - either you love him or hate him - he's been better. But he still provides next to nothing defensively.</span></p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9622242/three-questions-with-hockey-wildernessZach Laing2015-10-27T09:30:34-06:002015-10-27T09:30:34-06:00Dubnyk the Likely Starter Against Edmonton<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/Russostrib/status/659026424766926849">Dubnyk the Likely Starter Against&nbsp;Edmonton</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>There were rumours yesterday that his knees might keep Dubnyk out of the Wild's net this evening against the Oilers, that doesn't look to be the case any more.</p></p></div>
https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9621218/dubnyk-the-likely-starter-against-edmontonryan_batty2015-10-27T08:00:04-06:002015-10-27T08:00:04-06:00Guess the First Goal: Oilers at Minnesota
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Guess who scores first and you could win.</p> <p><b>What is it?</b> The concept is pretty simple, guess who scores the <a href="https://www.coppernblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oilers</a>' first goal of the evening and you could win a prize.</p>
<p><b>How do I play?</b> Post your prediction for the player who will score the Oilers first goal of the night in the comments below, and please use the subject line to make your prediction. Tweets won't be counted, comments on our Facebook page won't be counted.</p>
<p><b>How do the points work?</b> A correct guess is worth 10 points. If the players you pick scores the Oilers' second goal you receive 5 points. The third goal of the evening is worth 3 points. Goals four, five, six, and beyond are all worth 1 point. You receive points for every goal that "your" player scores during the game.</p>
<p><b>Can you give me an example? </b><span>Luke Gazdic</span> scores a natural hat trick and does a bunch of other things that leave you speechless. The Oilers blow that lead and the game ends up tied at three before <span>Justin Schultz</span> scores to put the Oilers back in front. Gazdic adds an empty net goal and the Oilers win 5-3. If you chose Gazdic, you get 19 points. Schultz would have been worth 1.</p>
<p><b>What can I win?</b> We'll be tallying the points on a weekly basis and posting up to date standings with the first game of every week. After the last game in November the leader will win a <a target="_blank" href="https://nhlshop.775j.net/c/482924/587269/9674?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.nhl.com%2FEdmonton_Oilers_Men_T-Shirts%2FMens_Edmonton_Oilers_Connor_McDavid_Reebok_Orange_Name_And_Number_T-Shirt&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Connor McDavid jersey shirt.</a> And then we'll start the whole thing over again in December with a brand new prize.</p>
<p><i>Comments will be closed at game time, so get your predictions in now.</i></p>
https://www.coppernblue.com/oil-spills/2015/10/27/9620568/guess-the-first-goal-game-10-oilers-at-minnesotaryan_batty2015-10-27T07:37:40-06:002015-10-27T07:37:40-06:00Tuesday Links - Hello Nurse
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<p>All the news that you can use from Edmonton and around the NHL. Darnell Nurse gets recalled. Is Schults the problem or the solution? Ekholm signs an extension. Kane to miss a month. And more.</p> <h4>About the Oilers</h4>
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<p><a href="http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=784940" target="_blank">PRESS RELEASE: Oilers recall Nurse - Edmonton Oilers</a><br>The Edmonton Oilers announced today, they have recalled defenceman <span>Darnell Nurse</span> from the American Hockey League's (AHL) Bakersfield Condors.</p>
<p>Nurse, 20, has appeared in six games with the Condors this season, posting one assist and seven penalty minutes.</p>
<p>The Hamilton, Ontario native appeared in two games with the Oilers last season, including his first career National Hockey League game on October 14 against the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Kings</a>, recording two shots and 18:04 of ice time.</p>
<p>Nurse has represented Team Canada several times internationally, most recently at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship; helping Canada to a gold medal.</p>
<p>The Oilers also announced they have placed defenceman <span>Griffin Reinhart</span> on injured reserve.</p>
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<p>More on this from <a target="_blank" href="http://oilersnation.com/2015/10/26/nurse-recalled-reinhart-to-ir">OilersNation</a>, the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/oilers-call-up-darnell-nurse-to-bolster-battered-blue-line">Edmonton Journal</a>, and the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/26/injured-oilers-defenceman-justin-schultz-wont-play-against-wild-tuesday-darnell-nurse-to-slot-in">Edmonton Sun</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/cult-of-hockey/is-justin-schultz-more-problem-or-solution-for-the-edmonton-oilers">Is Justin Schultz more problem or solution for the Edmonton Oilers? - Jonathan Willis -- Cult of Hockey</a><br><span>Justin Schultz</span> is a player who gets both love and hate from segments of the Edmonton Oilers’ fan base. To answer whether he’s part of the solution or part of the problem, we assembled Cult of Hockey’s writers to discuss the matter. The following is an edited transcript of that discussion.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.edmontonsun.com/2015/10/26/oilers-no-further-ahead-year-to-year-but-players-coaches-confident-sticking-to-game-plan-will-pay-off">Oilers no further ahead year to year but players, coaches confident sticking to game plan will pay off - Rob Tychkowski -- Edmonton Sun</a><br>No matter what happens Tuesday night in Minnesota against the <a href="https://www.hockeywilderness.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wild</a>, the Edmonton Oilers are off to a slower start than they were last season under Dallas Eakins, who ushered them to 4-5-1 through the first 10 games.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://oilersnation.com/2015/10/26/top-100-oilers-igor-ulanov-93">Top 100 Oilers: #93 Igor Ulanov - Robin Brownlee -- OilersNation</a><br>There is little statistical justification, advanced or otherwise, for having Igor Ulanov on this list of Top 100 Oilers, so those of you who lean heavily on such details can take a gulp of Sprite and roll your eyes. I’m putting him in the No. 93 slot because I don’t want him showing up at my door asking why I left him off. I’d be happy, however, to send him your way.</p>
<h4>Around the NHL</h4>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2015/10/26/9615488/mattias-ekholm-signs-six-year-extension">Mattias Ekholm Signs Six Year Extension -- On the Forecheck</a><br><a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nashville Predators</a> President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Monday that restricted free agent defenseman <span>Mattias Ekholm</span> has signed a six-year, $22.5 million contract that carries an average annual value of $3.75 million.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2015/10/25/9608542/a-closer-look-at-the-2016-winter-classic-jerseys">A closer look at the 2016 Winter Classic Jersey -- Stanley Cup of Chowder</a><br>Going over the <a href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bruins</a> design, the unique features and additions, and the history behind it all.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2015/10/26/9616838/devils-claim-bobby-farnham-off-waivers">Devils Claim Bobby Farnham Off Waivers -- All About The Jersey</a><br>The <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Devils</a> have claimed <span>Bobby Farnham</span>, previously of the <a href="https://www.pensburgh.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> off waivers Tuesday. Farnham had played a total of 3 NHL games this season and 11 last year in Pittsburgh but over 190...</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.diebytheblade.com/2015/10/26/9616874/evander-kane-out-4-6-weeks-with-an-mcl-injury">Evander Kane out 4-6 weeks with an MCL injury -- Die By The Blade</a><br><span>Evander Kane</span> will be out at least a month with an MCL injury said <a href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sabres</a> head coach Dan Bylsma. The Sabres called up <span>Tim Schaller</span> earlier today to fill his spot in the lineup.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/10/26/dubnyk-plays-through-knee-injury-sunday/?utm_network=twitter&utm_post=4472821&utm_source=TW%20%40NHLonNBCSports&utm_tags=srm[hockey%2Carticle]">Devan Dubnyk plays through knee injury Sunday -- NBC Sports</a><br><span>Devan Dubnyk</span> couldn’t saved the Minnesota Wild on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.arcticicehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Winnipeg Jets</a>, but he did an impressive job under the circumstances. Dubnyk finished with 14 saves, but in addition to playing on no rest, he was also dealing with a knee injury, per the Star Tribune. The determination was made that it couldn’t get worse by playing on it, but that doesn’t mean it was a nonissue.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tsn.ca/selanne-reaches-out-to-struggling-ryan-1.383081">Selanne reaches out to struggling Ryan -- TSN</a><br>A text came into Bobby Ryan's phone last week from an NHL legend. "Just slap the side of that bottle a little bit," it read. While the message is confusing to an outsider, Ryan knew exactly what it meant. The text was from <span>Teemu Selanne</span>, who was a mentor for Ryan when the two played together for the <a href="https://www.anaheimcalling.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Anaheim Ducks</a>. Selanne - who ended his NHL career with 684 goals - used to tell Ryan that goal scoring in the NHL was not unlike dealing with a popular condiment.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ryan-strome-pissed-off-at-healthy-scratch-new-york-islanders-jack-capuano-wing-steve-bernier-blues/">Strome 'pissed off' at being healthy-scratched -- Sportsnet.ca</a><br><span>Ryan Strome</span> was healthy-scratched Saturday despite being on pace for the best season of his NHL career, and the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Islanders</a> forward was not happy about it.</p>
<h4>Um... What?</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dave Cameron says he would like each player to improve by 5 per cent. He says that 20 guys doing that would equal 100 per cent improvement.</p>
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ian_mendes/status/658678247249563652">October 26, 2015</a>
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https://www.coppernblue.com/2015/10/27/9620420/oilers-news-nurse-recalled-reinhart-ir-schultz-ulanov-ekholm-farnham-kane-dubnyk-stromeryan_batty