I agree with everything save for the bold. They’re stuck with these long term deals no matter how much the cap goes up. Nobody is taking on Pierre Engvall for 6.5 years.
- Cptmjl

But what about Mayfield at 7

But what about Mayfield at 7
- Upstate_isles

Probably have a better chance of moving that one imo. By better I mean 0.075% chance.

Too bad barzal isn't better in his own end. Always a top guy league wide in zone exits and enteries with possession and he can skate it out of trouble. I was surprised to hear he leads the league in takeaways (probably give aways too)
- Upstate_isles

Barzal has upped his play away from the puck big time

He leads the league in takeaways right now

https://www.nhl.com/stats...eaways&page=0&pageSize=50

If he gave a touch more effort on defense he could really up his value big time

I agree with everything save for the bold. They’re stuck with these long term deals no matter how much the cap goes up. Nobody is taking on Pierre Engvall for 6.5 years.
- Cptmjl

But…but…he only makes $3mil a year.

Barzal has upped his play away from the puck big time

He leads the league in takeaways right now

https://www.nhl.com/stats...eaways&page=0&pageSize=50

If he gave a touch more effort on defense he could really up his value big time
- eichiefs9

When you say value are you referring to return in a trade?

But…but…he only makes $3mil a year.
- potvin05

Just another “value contract” were so fortunate to have. Longer term we save on the big bucks. Lolz

When you say value are you referring to return in a trade?
- Cptmjl

No, but if he can be trusted to be reliable defensively he becomes significantly more valuable to this team. Not implying he'd be Patrice Bergeron, but if he can get the puck off guys his wheels will be a big asset in neutralizing other teams when they're in our end.

I mean christ, just shoot it over the (frank)ing glass at that point. Pulock trying to pin the puck on the boards in the corner with 10 seconds left was also pretty dumb. You're not going to successfully burn off 10 seconds doing that ever. Might as well be an eternity
- eichiefs9

Nothing wrong with trying to pin it on the end boards especially with only 10 seconds left. How many times is this done successfully? The problem is you have to commit to it and get it done and your teammate/s need to get there and help. Basically the same principle as clearing the puck. It needs to be executed and that’s where the problem lies. They try to clear the puck constantly (just as Lee did when the goal was scored) right on to the opponents stick. This team has no unity on what’s needs to be or is done in their defensive zone.
This team plays defense like the Isles did under Doug Weight. It’s obvious the coach has no answers to right the ship. He repeatedly has said that the way they are playing is not a trend. Really?
Defense is played as a team of five and that is just not the case with this Isles team under Lane.

No, but if he can be trusted to be reliable defensively he becomes significantly more valuable to this team. Not implying he'd be Patrice Bergeron, but if he can get the puck off guys his wheels will be a big asset in neutralizing other teams when they're in our end.
- eichiefs9

Joking… I’ll be happy if he could become a point per game player and yeah play some semblance of a defensive game with some consistency.

Barzal has upped his play away from the puck big time

He leads the league in takeaways right now

https://www.nhl.com/stats...eaways&page=0&pageSize=50

If he gave a touch more effort on defense he could really up his value big time
- eichiefs9

Yea I said that lol but his favorite player was Datsyuk so I assume he's trying to get better there

Yea I said that lol but his favorite player was Datsyuk so I assume he's trying to get better there
- Upstate_isles

Yeah if he could just be counted on as a second-tier option, instead of being plastered to the bench, at the end of a game to be out there it would be huge. His ability to skate the puck out of trouble is so much better than just going glass-and-out and turning possession right back over to the opponent.

Yea I said that lol but his favorite player was Datsyuk so I assume he's trying to get better there
- Upstate_isles

He has certainly made it a point to work on his game away from the puck. Datsyuk was an incredibly offensive talent with equal or more defensive talent.
I’m my opinion Barzal needs to work on his TO’s and cutting them down and he will be relied upon defensively as well as offensively in the future.

Amazing
- Cptmjl

Lee with the secondary assist on th tying goal.

They won but what is there to feel good about. Same shat with a different result. Tonight is a gift and if you play like they are it’s not a recipe for success.

Oilers seem to be playing better for their new coach eh?
- nyisles7

Haven’t a clue.