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Oilers vs Canadiens - Sorting Out The Blueline |
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It looks like Vincent Desharnais is going to be out at least for a couple games after getting into it against the Colorado Avalanche. One might assume that means that Cody Ceci would draw back up with Darnell Nurse and Stecher on the bottom pairing. Instead it is Stecher that is up with Nurse while Ceci remains on the third pairing (at least that is what we saw in practice).
Cody Ceci, the guy that many in the Edmonton MSM have stated is "great friends with McDavid and Draisaitl and just couldn't be traded" and has been "excellent with Darnell Nurse" is clearly not trusted by his coach to play top 4 minutes. That is the correct call but is one more black mark against Ken Holland and how he has designed this roster.
The Oilers have 3 fantastic top 4 options. They have an excellent top pair and among the top in the NHL in their transition game in Ekholm and Bouchard. Darnell Nurse can log a ton of minutes and brings mobility along with his physical play. The rest of the group of defenders are a mix of two way and stay at home options that are best suited for third pairing roles.
I know there are some who read these blogs who think Bouchard is a liability. These people for the most part grew up watching a different era and still think that the guy who hits the most is the best blueliner. Physical play is important, but the modern NHL is about quick transitional play. Ceci isn't a physical player and he isn't strong in transition. He plays positionally sound but lacks the awareness or instincts when dealing with elite talent.
In OT on the last game, Bouchard goes into the corner with MacKinnon. Bouch should have played MacKinnon a bit tougher but watch that play back and see the unreal play MacKinnon made. If an Oiler fan was watching that play and it was McDavid who made that move, you would be talking about what a high level play it was... not that the blueliner made an egregious mistake.
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As we come closer and closer to the playoffs, we are getting a better picture at who is in and out for the playoffs. The Oilers still have a chance to secure first place in the division as the Canucks continue to struggle down the stretch. Vegas and LA are tied in points and games (with LA currently holding the tie breaker). Games like the one tonight against a lesser opponent in the Canadiens are crucial for Edmonton to win. They matched up great against the Avalanche with the game ending in OT. The Oilers need to play that same level against the Habs and not expect that a win will come easy.
Pickard gets the start. Enjoy the game!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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