At the All Star Break, let’s recap!
The Edmonton Oilers are in a spot that they haven’t been in in quite some time. A playoff spot! I know, I know let’s not panic or anything (Insert Michael Scott OMG it’s happening clip from the office) But let’s look at some of the numbers.
First of all, yes photoshop is my passion. We all know there is a two headed monster up front in Connor McDavid (27-49-76) and Leon Draisaitl (27-48-75). Who else is helping the 2nd place in the pacific Oilers team this year? Let’s first take a look at 2 guys from the forward group.
Josh “Archbishop” Archibald
The 27 year old Archibald was brought in this year on a 1 year deal worth $1 million. Last year, with Arizona he put up a career high 12 goals and 22 points. He was signed in the off season to play on the PK and chip in whenever was needed. He has been doing just that. With 11 points he is on pace to at least tie his career high in points! The penalty kill is a staggering 88.5% on the road which is 1st in the league and 82.1% overall which is 11th. With the suspension to Zack Kassian Archibald has been moved up to play with McDavid and that has worked wonders!
5 points in his last 4 games for number 15. Kassian is coming back after the all-star break so we are safe to assume he will be back down into the bottom 6 where he was still playing very well.
James “The Real Deal” Neal
I will preference this by saying he has been on a bit of a slump recently. No goals since his hat trick on New Years Eve vs the Rangers.
With that being said he has 19 tallies this year which is more than he had last year with the Flames (7). The big number is the PP goals. Of his 19 goals, 12 are with the extra man which has helped the Oilers have the number 1 power play in the NHL at 29.7%. Considering what the Oil gave up to get him, I’d say it is a *insert funny real steal joke here*.
Let’s Plug them holes!
This is what the depth chart looks like right now (via Daily Faceoff)
In my opinion the oilers need to address the issue with the bottom 6. The 3rd line in particular. Having guys like Patrick Russell and Sam Gagner in the lineup is a weakness. Riley Sheahan is nice player to have on the penalty kill and on the 3rd line. He can win face-offs and is great on the fore check as well. I just think there could be better option for that line as far as forwards go. A name that has been thrown around is JG Pageau from Ottawa? UFA after this year and has a $3.1 million cap hit. Acquiring him could move Sheahan down to the 4th line, bolstering that line and making the 3rd line better and FASTER! Plus it would move Patrick Russell to the press box or to Bakersfield. It might take a higher draft pick and a prospect to get him as this years trade deadline is shaping up to be BAD! This however could also make room for 2nd round pick Tyler Benson to get the call up to the big club so it might be worth looking into if I were Kenny Holland.
QUESTION:
With all of that being said 2 questions for you! Send them to me at @JaysonS81 on twitter.
What would it take to get a 3rd line center?
Who would you like on the Oilers come trade deadline?
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