Sean Maloughney: Oilers Pre Game 1 Blog - Everything You Need To Know

If all of these coups and massacres show us anything, it's this: You cannot kill an idea, only try to bury it with a better idea. Even then, you must remain cautious of the fact that it can rise from its grave when you aren't looking and knock you out from behind.

Good blog just have to say that "belong" or not isn't a thing. It is what it is and that team on paper, outside a suspect defense, is certainly dangerous. I would also say their combination of promising young talent, cup/playoff experience, and their own star power make them a legit threat now and moving forward.

This match up, unfortunately, is far closer than the standings suggest, and while I think the vast majority give us the edge it's far too thin. Hockey is still somewhat a game of bounces/puck luck. Plus officiating and game management are real concerns while playing a big market original 6 opponent. I highly doubt the league would "let" the Oilers sweep the Hawks in dominate fashion. My conspiracy nuttiness imagines some truly brutal officiating in game 3 in the off chance the Oilers can go up 2 games to none.

Didn´t read the blog but the only thing I need to know about the oilers is the following.

They Suck.



Hope to see you guys in the playoffs but I foresee the Flames golfing after 4 games.

From December 31st onward, the Oilers and Hawks performed as follows:

EDM 17-8-5, 48.3% FF, 48.8% HDCF, 69-65 GF (51.5%), 48.7% xGF
CHI 15-13-2, 49.3% FF, 48.3% HDCF, 71-61 GF (53.8%), 48.4% xGF

The Oilers had their special teams to pull them up from their deficiencies while the Blackhawks didn't.

Once you look into the rates, you see that Chicago surrenders the most scoring chances against per 60- both regular and high-danger. However, they're allowing goals on those scoring chances at only the 7th or 8th highest rate in the league meaning their goalies were/are making those key stops more often.

I think the Hawks will be hitting and checking the Oilers closely to frustrate them. If Edmonton's goaltenders play poorly the Hawks will put a scare into them. I still believe that the Oilers will win but it won't be a cake walk.

I think the Hawks will be hitting and checking the Oilers closely to frustrate them. If Edmonton's goaltenders play poorly the Hawks will put a scare into them. I still believe that the Oilers will win but it won't be a cake walk.
- islansjet

I think that's more of a concern in reverse. The Oilers have much more "muscle" to exert physical pressure. I can see Toews and Saad infuriating one of the big two by knowing how to play close enough to the line of interference and still get away with it, but the physicality edge is definitely on Edmonton's side.

That Neal-Khaira-Chiasson line is getting talked up WAY too much for a line that was only "passable" because they happened to score 3 goals in a single game. I think a lot of people are gonna be wildly disappointed by that line's performance.

I figure Chicago will humble them in Game 1. If nothing else, but the experience factor will kick in.

Also, if afternoon games have taught me anything it's that a beer league team from bruderheim could give the Oilers a match cuz they come out ZzzzzzZzZzZzz

Thanks for the 3rd rounder for Neal guys!!

Thanks for the 3rd rounder for Neal guys!!

- Flamin_Irishmin

It’s bullpoop that it’s happening now, but if you told me at the time that’s all it would take to get rid of Lucic I’d still do that trade all day everyday for us. Have fun protecting Lucic in the expansion draft.

Thanks for the 3rd rounder for Neal guys!!

- Flamin_Irishmin

Hahahah suckers!

Tip goes with Smith I’m betting.

It’s bullpoop that it’s happening now, but if you told me at the time that’s all it would take to get rid of Lucic I’d still do that trade all day everyday for us. Have fun protecting Lucic in the expansion draft.
- Ihatebrianburke

We’ll just trade a 5th rounder to Seattle for protection, so no big deal. 😎

We’ll just trade a 5th rounder to Seattle for protection, so no big deal. 😎
- Flamin_Irishmin

Tell Lucy he has to waive his rights to move to Seattle. The first outbreak capital of NA.

Hahahah suckers!
- Squilliam-

Hahaha, you have Lucy for how many more years? How many fights? How much enforcement? How much protection? And 0 production. And still has a no movement clause and no one wants to move to the first wave of covid in Seattle. I will gladly pay $750k for Lucy to play for our biggest rival. Tell me again how is he gonna affect a game vs anyone not skating in cement? The average player walks faster than he skates.

We’ll just trade a 5th rounder to Seattle for protection, so no big deal. 😎
- Flamin_Irishmin

Maybe you should have a look at what it cost to do business with Vegas last draft

Tell Lucy he has to waive his rights to move to Seattle. The first outbreak capital of NA.
- wreckage

I heard the people of CHAZ can’t wait to buy tickets. I’m guessing that will be a big draw to land players.