GSAx since the date of Woodcroft's firing:

Hellebuyck: 36.7
Skinner: 21.7
Markstrom: 21.2
Binnington: 21
Luukonen: 20


Skinner has done more than enough to justify his place. He crapped the bed last year in his first playoff. Let's see how he does this year.

I like the Oilers.

This team is a total blender - outside Hyman-McDavid, they change everyone everywhere all the time up front. The team itself struggles offensively when McDavid isn't out there - and they just play the living crap out of him - but I can say that they play playoff hockey - they are mean, hit hard, pin guys to walls, protect the front. They are prone to a lot of defensive gaffes, which a lot of aggressively offensive teams are susceptible to, but they are a decent mix of speed, offensive talent, and meanness backed up by solid goaltending.

There was an infographic that someone posted the other day showing that the Oilers are a paper tiger because they had a poor record against top teams:

Teams 1-5: 3-6-2
Teams 6-10: 4-4-1
Teams 11-15: 7-6-1
Teams 16-20: 7-4
Teams 21-25: 11-2
Teams 26-32: 13-3

So it doesn't look that great against the upper teams, but if you remove Woodcroft's disastrous first 13 games, they look more like this:

Teams 1-5: 3-1-2
Teams 6-10: 4-4-0
Teams 11-15: 6-5-1
Teams 16-20: 7-2
Teams 21-25: 10-2
Teams 26-32: 13-2

Obviously still bottom heavy in terms of their record, but against those top-5 teams they have been better. In their final 8 games they have Colorado twice, Vancouver and Vegas. I think those games will say a lot about which Edmonton team we have. A red hot Dallas Stars crushed them a couple of days ago and they definitely look cup worthy, but I think the Oilers have the makings of a contender.
- Monkeypunk

I see what you’re saying regarding woodcraft and team before vs after - but the record vs top 1-5 after is a much sample size (6 games vs 11 games). Also the crazy run they had was against primarily (I believe vast majority) non playoff teams at the time…there was an info graph about that too.

At the end of the day they feast on lesser team/struggle vs top tier teams and good on them you know. It is what it is — get into the dance and have a chance

Man like someone said here earlier (sorry don’t want back read see who) - I can’t bet against Sid or McJesus. Ever.

Edit: McKinnon is there too now so to correct myself I won’t get against Cole Harbour or McJesus
- Big23Questions

If anyone could do it, it would be him. This post might not age well if he does. 😆

Detroit, Washington and Philadelphia all lost tonight. Pittsburgh has a good opportunity now.

Edit: It also means that we clinched.

Detroit, Washington and Philadelphia all lost tonight. Pittsburgh has a good opportunity now.

Edit: It also means that we clinched.
- shack67

Holy moly, nobody wants those last two playoff spots.

Leafs and Lightning both clinch tonight. Kudos all around. 🔥

Mac and Jesus going head to head right now while Duch watches. Hot 🔥🔥

Leafs clinch.

Habs and Bluejackets officially eat poop.

Is it wrong that I am watching Dumb & Dumber, and I think that every outfit they wear in Colorado is franking awesome?

Is it wrong that I am watching Dumb & Dumber, and I think that every outfit they wear in Colorado is franking awesome?
- Atomic Wedgie

It may not be wrong, but I'm certain it's not right.

images upload

A basically any games from now to playoffs is inconsequence in many ways & will be Keefe playing around and resting guys.

Side note - 6-3 win I. Game 1 of my weekend tourney. 2 games tomorrow 2pm and 8pm.

Just need one win tomorrow for a spot in the finals

It may not be wrong, but I'm certain it's not right.
- Monkeypunk

I heard if you put a little gunpowder in Matthews' food every day, it will make him mean like a junkyard dog.

images upload

A basically any games from now to playoffs is inconsequence in many ways & will be Keefe playing around and resting guys.

Side note - 6-3 win I. Game 1 of my weekend tourney. 2 games tomorrow 2pm and 8pm.

Just need one win tomorrow for a spot in the finals
- Cush29

There’s still a possibility of finishing 2nd in the division…

… and still very much a possibility of finishing as a wildcard.

There’s still a possibility of finishing 2nd in the division…

… and still very much a possibility of finishing as a wildcard.
- Atomic Wedgie

Unless the Bruins catch NY Leafs will play either Boston or Florida. Catching Florida, which will be tough, gives home ice but other than that there’s not much difference in where they finish.

I heard if you put a little gunpowder in Matthews' food every day, it will make him mean like a junkyard dog.
- GalacticStone

It reminds me of that Norm MacDonald joke. They say mean as a junkyard dog, but the meannest dogs are generally found guarding concentration camps.

I heard if you put a little gunpowder in Matthews' food every day, it will make him mean like a junkyard dog.
- GalacticStone

It reminds me of that Norm MacDonald joke. They say mean as a junkyard dog, but the meannest dogs are generally found guarding concentration camps.
- Zezel

Who the hell wants to break into a concentration camp?

Who the hell wants to break into a concentration camp?
- Canada Cup

I fear this thread is going to get very dark.

I fear this thread is going to get very dark.
- Atomic Wedgie

I had to erase my reply a few times

There’s still a possibility of finishing 2nd in the division…

… and still very much a possibility of finishing as a wildcard.
- Atomic Wedgie

None of which REALLY matters.

I’m not saying they won’t try to win but it wouldn’t surprise me to see stars being rested here and there, new line combos being tried etc.

Home ice is overrated in the early rounds it seems based on past performances and Boston, Florida or Rangers - honestly who really cares which they face?

Holy moly, nobody wants those last two playoff spots.
- Zezel

They want them
Just cant get them

images upload

A basically any games from now to playoffs is inconsequence in many ways & will be Keefe playing around and resting guys.

Side note - 6-3 win I. Game 1 of my weekend tourney. 2 games tomorrow 2pm and 8pm.

Just need one win tomorrow for a spot in the finals
- Cush29

The past 5 years have just been keefe playing around.

Who the hell wants to break into a concentration camp?
- Canada Cup

John Rambo and Col James T Braddock

Unless the Bruins catch NY Leafs will play either Boston or Florida. Catching Florida, which will be tough, gives home ice but other than that there’s not much difference in where they finish.
- Canada Cup

Agreed. I don't think it matters between Florida or Boston. I'm not even sure home ice is good for the Leafs.

Agreed. I don't think it matters between Florida or Boston. I'm not even sure home ice is good for the Leafs.
- Aetherial

yeah they'd rather play in front of loud crowds

Get your sh!t together. I need the Leafs to go deep in the PO's for my cash pool.
- LordHumungous

Dude, what were you thinking