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PSG1 - Jets @ Oilers - Nihilistic Hockey

September 16, 2019, 1:39 PM ET [44 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
At the end of pre-season last year, there were two Oilers tied for the most points; Ty Rattie and Connor McDavid, who both had 11 points through four games. Kailer Yamamoto led the team in goals with 6, while Jesse Puljujarvi was close behind with 5. There was concern about Leon Draisaitl, who only had two assists through four games, oh, and Tobias Reider scored a goal.

Welcome to the beginning of the NHL pre-season, where none of this actually matters!

If it sounds like I am trying to downplay the importance of the pre-season... I am. The first 80% of games are made up predominantly of prospects with something to prove, and a smattering of veterans who have their position on the team secured. The prospects are playing the best games of their young careers while the older players are skating around thinking about what they want for a snack after the game.

In this writer's opinion, pre-season should be cut down by half and the regular season should start before the end of September so that the playoffs can begin by the end of March/beginning of April. I'm sure the league will see this post and change it any day now.

For the Edmonton Oilers, this pre-season does matter more. There are roughly 7-10 spots open on this roster with 15+ players fighting for them. Young up and comers like Benson and Bouchard and older players hoping to transition to the NHL like Persson, Nygard, and Haas need to show up for these games. If these players perform well it doesn't necessarily mean they will be high end NHL players, however if they struggle or look unsure of themselves it absolutely should be a concern.

OILERS LINEUP

Gagner-RNH-Neal
Khaira-Sheahan-Archibald
Nygard-Haas-Chiasson
Benson-Cave-Russell

Klefbom-Persson
Jones-Benning
Lagesson-Bouchard

Skinner/Wells

- We could be looking at the Oilers 2nd, 3rd, and 4th lines for the regular season, with the 4th line of Benson, Cave, and Russell players who are currently on the outside looking in.
- The RNH/Neal pair will be given plenty of time together through pre-season and I'm guessing we will see a number of other players rotate in on that LW spot, depending on who is showing best. For now Gagner gets a chance.
- Tippett wants a bottom 6 where one line can play heavier while the other can play a more uptempo speed game. The Nygard/Haas duo will certainly be one to watch early on as the two Europeans adapt to North American hockey.
- Management does not want Bouchard to make the team out of camp and they will give Klefbom/Persson as much time as possible together to see if that pair can perform.

JETS LINEUP

Chibisov-Little-Shaw
Bourque-Letestu-Roslovic
Luoto-Gustafsson-Appleton
Harkins-Suess-Lipon

Stanley-Pionk
Beaulieu-Bitetto
Schilling-Poolman

Comrie

OILERS PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - EVAN BOUCHARD

While it seems as though Holland and Co. want to send Bouchard down to start the season, the 19 year old certainly doesn't want to make it easy for them. Holland has already noted that Bouchard was one of the best performers through fitness training and the offensive minded defender has already shown off his prowess. Tonight is Bouchard's first opportunity to force the team to have him on the lineup for opening night.

JETS PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - NEAL PIONK

The 24 year old defender performed adequately in his first NHL season last year with the New York Rangers. Pionk was acquired by the Jets in the deal which sent Jacob Trouba to the Eastern Conference team. The Jets defense is not nearly as strong as it was a year ago and the younger Pionk has a chance to move himself up the depth chart.

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3 KEYS TO VICTORY

1) Develop Some Chemistry - How many goals or points don't matter through these pre-season games but it's imperative to see some chemistry early on. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been thrown to the wolves for too long, having different linemates every second game. Let Neal and Nuge play together over at least 10-15 games and allow them to learn how to play with one another.

2) The Other Defensemen - There has been plenty of talk regarding the right side and the likes of Persson and Bouchard, but very little about Lagesson and Jones. With Nurse, Klefbom, and Russell pencilled in for the left side, it will be very difficult for either of these players to make the club out of camp. Both need to stand out, at both ends of the ice.

3) Replaceable - Tippett has a fine line to balance. He needs to give players ample time to learn to play with one another, while also needing to quickly find the best possible lineup to ice come opening night. There are not many proven NHLers throughout this lineup and those who start in the top 6 need to show well or they may quickly find themselves moved down the lineup. If Gagner doesn't look great early on in this game, and Benson scores a good goal, will we see Benson given a chance with Nuge? Seeing how quick the line blender comes out will be telling.

FILM OF THE DAY?

Last season I had some fun at the end of my blogs with a Film of the Day. Some of you seemed to enjoy it.... others less so. Therefore I will leave it to you to decide.
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