We Should Ban Afternoon Games

WHOS WITH ME?!?! The Oilers can't seem to get up for them so why have them, amirite?

Throughout the long 82 game season, you will see all sorts of games. The one on Thursday vs Carolina that was high energy and high scoring at 6-4. Then there will be games like the one this afternoon that has very little action and yet you need to try and find a way to win both.

The Oilers are very good in those high scoring affairs because to be fair the defence isn't great yet the offence makes up for it. If the Oiler want to contend and I know they will, they need to learn how to win these types of games. Especially when they only get one power play in the game like they did today.

Slow Starts, Better Finish. Still Lose

The game started as slow as ever. Nobody could get a quality chance. Nothing was really happening. Then Drai takes a penalty and the Oilers give up the first goal of the game. Did you know the Oilers give up the 1st goal of the game 99% of the time? That stat might not be accurate but you get it. They got outshot 2:1 in that very low energy period. The second was better and the Oilers had their chances but it looks like Binnington is going to be 2019 Binnington this year so thats fun for everybody. Jack Campbell had his best game of the early season so far. He had to bail out bad passes by Nurse, Drai and it seems like every D-man on the Oilers who tried to make any outlet pass. Now it is not like the Oilers didn't have chances, both in the 2nd and 3rd they had so many chances to tie this game. Sooner or later like I said above they have to learn to get better in these tight checking and close games. Especially at 5 on 5 the Oilers cannot seem to get things going at all. It is the little things they aren't getting right also. Little passes were not on, outlet passes were not great either and it needs to be said again that Oilers are BAD at faceoffs. Not just today either (25-18 for STL) But every time I look at the face off numbers it always seems that the Oilers are behind in that stat. If they don't start with the puck it is hard to control the lay off the bat.

The Good

Some good things that came out of this 2-0 loss is Campbell was good as I said before, McLeod, Foegle looked very good as well. Jumping in the rush and making plays in the o zone. The 2nd & 3rd period was way better for the Oilers outshooting the Blues 18-13 and had some good chances. McDavid had some great looks as well and can get it going whenever he wants. They kept most shots to the side and gave Campbell a good look at everything.

The Bad

Leon Draisaitl, whom I love to death, has had a hard time making a pass this year. He also looks just out of it. Seems to me he needs a couple caffeine shots before the games this year to get er going. The top line of Kane, Yam and McDavid really hasn't been the best line so far so hopefully they adjust that and move them around. Brett Kulak for sure isn't a top 4 guy, I wish he could be but it is obvious he is good for 8-10 minutes a game not 15-17. The Oiler can't seem to do both of these things, play run and gun and lock up defensively. The Oilers will do one or the other and it hurts them during the game. This is a league that you can win 6-4 games, but you also have to win those 2-1, 1-0, 3-2 games. Your goalie showed up but the rest of the team didn't. It hurts because Campbell seems to be looking good and comfortable in the net and the Oilers up front looked like the opposite.

Notes

Unfortunately another L for the Oilers as they start the season 2-3 and have to play Pittsburgh to on Monday to wrap up this home stand. Looks like Dylan Holloway will miss the Pittsburgh game as well but will join the team on their upcoming road trip. I talk about trading Broberg because he wasn't up with the team. Well it seems he is a little banged up:

So there ya go. Next game is on Monday!