Post-Game Talk: Cli(e)nched

[McDoused]

All caught up with almost 1,000 likes.

Dallas here we come!

 

[Drivesaitl]

Reading comments here and on the mains you would swear that the Stars just slept walked through the first two rounds and they are a force that can't be stopped. You correctly recognized that it just isn't the case.

The Stars' issues get explained away or conveniently ignored, which is of course never the case for the Oilers.

Could we get swept? Absolutely if the goaltending is a problem. Short of that though, it is insane to suggest that this series is massively lopsided on paper in any direction.

Picked Oilers in 7 games because I'm an Oilers fan and think we can win. But I sure dont' see it one sided in either direction. Dallas are more inclined to have off games than the Oilers are, and for Dallas its often two bad games in a row. Where Dallas have improved is that the games where they are on, they tend to dominate. Deserving winners of both series against SC champs.

I asked before but what other team has beaten the last two SC champs? I doubt its occurred in Cap era.

Both these teams, really all final 4 are deserving of high respect. Myself I switch gears at this point because it isn't a shitty Nucks team that had horseshoes. its 2 legit opponents that are both stated contenders facing off. Really the two best teams in the conference.

Such a great time. For younger fans its never been better.

This is the best final 4 in sometime. Usually theres some team or two that fluke into it. Vancouver, if they had pulled that horseshoe would've just wrecked the conference final by being inept.

NHL should be happy that every series from here on in is quality and most of the 2nd round was too. Only the Nucks spoiled the 2nd round. By just being in it. heh

 

[Drivesaitl]

I don't like that McLeod is making a breakout pass there to begin with. I'm not sure what their system suggests they should do, but McLeod has the footspeed to exit the zone himself with that puck and skate it safety.

Kane had a handful of similar turnovers in that series because he often overpersues.

Regardless of the Xs and Os, I've never been a fan of the forward breakout pass.

he would not have been able to skate puck out. Two Nucks above him. Even the pass out was risky thus him f***ing up on it. Theres one Nuck on VD who had time, and theres two converging on McLeod, there are zero players on Nurse where the puck should've gone. Ultimately though its minutiae. So many plays where our transtiion works that don't get talked about and mcLeod in a lot of those transitions, and McLeod himself would skate out if he thought that was available, he often does. There was potential there for him to be caught inside line. Looks like two other forwards jumped zone.

 

[bellagiobob]

Reading comments here and on the mains you would swear that the Stars just slept walked through the first two rounds and they are a force that can't be stopped. You correctly recognized that it just isn't the case.

The Stars' issues get explained away or conveniently ignored, which is of course never the case for the Oilers.

Could we get swept? Absolutely if the goaltending is a problem. Short of that though, it is insane to suggest that this series is massively lopsided on paper in any direction.

Stars are a really good team, great depth, well balanced, excellent coaching, probably should be the favorites. But there were many moments, often multiple periods, in their games that you wondered when that great team would show up. They flat out looked awful on numerous occasions. Just like us in our games. That's just hockey, and especially playoff hockey when the competition is more equal. Lots of momentum swings. It will be our toughest series yet, but one that we certainly do have a chance of winning. As you mentioned, tending is likely going to be the difference. More importantly for us, limiting the lateral movement that Stu needs to make to mitigate his weakness. Did that very well the last two games against Vancouver.

 

[K1984]

Picked Oilers in 7 games because I'm an Oilers fan and think we can win. But I sure dont' see it one sided in either direction. Dallas are more inclined to have off games than the Oilers are, and for Dallas its often two bad games in a row. Where Dallas have improved is that the games where they are on, they tend to dominate. Deserving winners of both series against SC champs.

I asked before but what other team has beaten the last two SC champs? I doubt its occurred in Cap era.

Both these teams, really all final 4 are deserving of high respect. Myself I switch gears at this point because it isn't a shitty Nucks team that had horseshoes. its 2 legit opponents that are both stated contenders facing off. Really the two best teams in the conference.

Such a great time. For younger fans its never been better.

The teams that give me pause as an Oiler fan are the ones that jump on teams and score in bunches because the Oilers have problems giving up goals in bunches. Avalanche are the poster child of this, but the Nucks work off the same game plan as well.

The Stars can definitely score in bunches, but it isn't their trademark, calling card, or the reason they win games. A more methodical opponent is better for the Oilers.

 

[nally]

McLeod needs to be come back with his shield or on it.

He was the weakest link and nearly cost us the series.

While I agree with this, I think he is too important a defensive specialist to not be in the lineup over others. With his speed and defensive awareness, I think he should be in the lineup. While his error was egregious, I think the best thing to do for his confidence is to put him back in the lineup for the opener against the Stars and see how he produces. This decision will go one of 2 ways. The way that gives him confidence will make him that much more valuable for us for the rest of the playoffs. If he sucks, then sobeit, sit him next game until we need to play him due to injury.

There is nuance involved here, but you get the gist of what I'm saying

 

[TheNumber4]

All caught up with almost 1,000 likes.

Dallas here we come!

When i get my likes back I’ll have to come back to these threads and retroactively like posts. The biased mods at the mains got me again

 

[WaitingForUser]

OT but I haven’t been able to use Emojis recently is that a permission that can be revoked or something?

 

[Drivesaitl]

OT but I haven’t been able to use Emojis recently is that a permission that can be revoked or something?

I don't know

 

[McTonyBrar]

Seems to have gone unnoticed. But Tocchet was given so much “credit” for calling out his guys and then getting a better performance out of his guys in Game 5.

Well Coffey also called out our guys on ESPN before Game 6. Saying lots of the guys besides Connor and Leon need to start stepping up. No doubt he said the same to the room. And I think in Games 6/7 we saw guys take up his challenge.

The most overrated coach is Tocchet. I am so glad we don't need to see his stupid f***ing bald head anymore

 

[WaitingForUser]

I would like to take time to point out that two of the goals scored in game 7 last night were done so by leaf castoffs yet again (looks like I can use emojis if I type them just can’t bring up the list

 

[TheNumber4]

The most overrated coach is Tocchet. I am so glad we don't need to see his stupid f***ing bald head anymore

Truth. Dude had serious Tippet vibes with seemingly his only adjustment being “just execute better, stupid”.

So focused on getting his guys motivated, he got killed in possession and the Xs and Os. His system gave up plenty on the rush too, a lack of discipline shown throughout the line up.

 

[Drivesaitl]

I would like to take time to point out that two of the goals scored in game 7 last night were done so by leaf castoffs yet again (looks like I can use emojis if I type them just can’t bring up the list

Could just be your settings or browser. Do you not see the top bar of options when you post,like bolded and color and fonts and stuff. Smilies are to the right just before media button

 

[syz]

All that talk about doing it for Boeser and the Canucks show up and get rinsed for like 50 minutes before finding a couple more horseshoes. Maybe Silovs is the only guy who actually likes Brock, idk.

 

[WaitingForUser]

Could just be your settings. Do you not see the top bar of options when you post like bolded and color and fonts and stuff. Smilies are to the right just before media button

lol I only use my phone and when I try to pull the bar down it won’t let me. Probably just a site thing on my phone

 

[mcjcmc]

Yeah. The board wasn't ready to hear this last night. But I didn't even like the pass going to him there in the slot. Part of what possibly contributed to his fanned pass was pressure coming in a vulnerable area.

Vinnie has the puck clean behind net. Theres 9mins left in the game. Why you making a hot pass to McLeod there right in the slot when pressure is coming. Nurse is the release valve who was available for the pass, and nobody was on Nurse. All VD has to do there is pass it to Nurse.

It boggles my mind. VD is a take the safer play guy all day but in that one he's passing it up the slot when forecheck heat already coming. Sure Its McLeod primary error but even if he doesn't fan on the pass theres a possibility of it being picked there.

The whole sequence should not have occurred that way with a 3-0 lead and 9mins left. Make a safer play.

No chance McLeod misses next game, mistake(s) aside he is too valuable. He had a tough night by his standards ... 4 min high-sticking penalty, he got rocked at least once with a hard hit, he missed slot coverage on a good chance and then the giveaway. I am sure he was taking it hard and needed to be able to get himself back under control. Smart move to hold him out and let him calm down. Also smart because he would have been highly prone to another issue due to nerves, anxiety, fear of doing something else wrong.

 

[Drivesaitl]

All that talk about doing it for Boeser and the Canucks show up and get rinsed for like 50 minutes before finding a couple more horseshoes. Maybe Silovs is the only guy who actually likes Brock, idk.

Do it for Petey. Nobody shows up. Players don't even leave the room. lol

One of the most pathetic things I've seen all this time watching hockey is fans trying to cheer Pettersson, 11.5M buck player, out of his deep deep feeling sorry for himself funk. This is the worst highest paid player I've ever seen.

Funny as well that most of the night the Nucks fans dropped the Skinner chant as their team was shutout for 50mins and then started shouting Go V, or some stupid shit. They sure weren't shouting Go Petey anymore. Go buyout!

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

Do it for Petey. Nobody shows up. Players don't even leave the room. lol

One of the most pathetic things I've seen all this time watching hockey is fans trying to cheer Pettersson, 11.5M buck player, out of his deep deep feeling sorry for himself funk. This is the worst highest paid player I've ever seen.

"LETS GO PETEY"

 

[snag]

Been thinking.... It's funny. Miller leans over the boards arms flapping screaming at Joshua... Nothing is said (despite Miller's history).

Draisaitl gives Kane shit...several headlined articles about a rift with Kane and the team despite not being nearly as animated or obvious.

Canadian media can f*** right off now if they think the Oilers are now Canada's team.

 

[mcjcmc]

For sure. Coaches love players like this that are very good in coverage and cover so much area with their speed and stick. Its no accident he gets so much pk. Also undersold is he's somebody you can move around in lineup. Put him up with Drai on wing, he won't look out of place there. Play him Center in bottomsix, not out of place. Theres plenty minutes for low event players like this. Its not just McLeod not producing in bottomsix but he seems to get all the blame for it.

If there was more compete on the roster we wouldn't miss it as much from him. He's noticed potentially more than others when he is on the ice because of his speed .. makes him an easier target for frustration.

 

[Drivesaitl]

"LETS GO PETEY"

Mine would be "Go f***ing home Petey"

jk. I've never jeered a player live, but the temptation would be strong with that one.

Jason Arnott was the most jeered player here and he didn't deserve it, he just said one stupid thing being young. Fans never let him forget it. he was a solid player. This Petey guy is a joke. What kind of dipshit completely vanishes in playoffs? Best part is how predictable it was that he would.

 

[mcjcmc]

I think that the injuries really, really, messed with his development. Good to see him get back on track, and look fast and aggressive out there. He doesn't have the same talent, of course, but he can learn a ton from watching McDavid play at high speed. Also a lot from watching how Hyman is effective with a gritty, physical game. I think Holloway is big and strong enough to do the same?

He needs to stay healthy.

Last night I found myself wanting more Oilers playing like he was playing ... tenacious on the puck in the offensive zone. He was like a dog on a bone and just wouldn't give up on getting it back and holding on to it. It was awesome.

 

[MCKEMAUS]

Congratulation for beating Nucks.

Connor McDavid is a legit superstar who deserves to win the Cup. He isthis generation's Sidney Crosby.

I hope you guys win it this year...then we can beat you the next year.

After that, I don't even mind the Leafs finally winning it all

Best wishes for playoff success.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Reminds me of Matt Greene in 2006 when he was almost in tears and Huddy just talking with him and patting him on the back, etc.

Felt sorry for McLeod there. The guy cares and has compete level far beyond what hes' being credited with here generally on the board.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Last night I found myself wanting more Oilers playing like he was playing ... tenacious on the puck in the offensive zone. He was like a dog on a bone and just wouldn't give up on getting it back and holding on to it. It was awesome.

So much better than Yams in same spot. Holloway has the speed and jam to get to pucks but destroy opposition and then the hands to make something happen in cycle. As others have mentioned I hope Holloway becomes a permanent on Drai line and that Drai realizes what he's got here as a buzzsaw player. I would certainly keep Holloway where he is and even increase minutes. The compete level Holloway is showing, I love it. Spotting some Tikkanen in this player. His defensive game is growing as he gains confidence.