Help Me Understand: NHL, Hot Takes and More
Welcome to the 11th edition of Help Me Understand. Sports, hot takes, and narratives. Some make sense, others perplex me.
Authors
Coaching Change?
Is a coaching change coming? It is easy to say “Fire the coach.” When things are going poorly people want to fix them, and often to find someone to blame. The truth is, very rarely do the struggles of a team fall on one person’s shoulders. Would firing Dave Tippett solve the Oilers’ problems?
Oilers Season is Not Lost
The disappointment of a 2-9-2 record in the Edmonton Oilers last 13 games has now stretched over six weeks due to postponed games. Edmonton hasn’t played a game since January 5th and is scheduled to resume its season this Saturday the 15th. The downtime has intensified the frustration, angst and concern in Oilersnation. Feelings of…
Tough Times
It’s an understatement in the extreme to say these qualify as tough times for the Edmonton Oilers, who will try to put the brakes on a confidence crushing 2-10-2 skid when the Florida Panthers come calling on Thursday. Aside from Brendan Perlini, who, all things considered, was an unexpected beacon of light and positivity in…
Off the Top of My Head
Between Mike Smith’s creaky, old bones and Mikko Koskinen’s penchant for buckling as his workload in the blue paint grows, now would seem to be as good a time as any for hometown boy Stuart Skinner to prove he’s ready to take over the goal crease with the Edmonton Oilers.
Uncomfortable
I’m guessing Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid will have a more pleasant time celebrating his birthday today than he did on Wednesday while facing the media and having the grenade that is the Evander Kane situation lobbed his way.
NHL will no longer test asymptomatic players and staff following the All-Star break
The NHL is making a significant change to its COVID-19 protocol.
Stuart Skinner has been placed in COVID protocol
Another member of the Oilers has been placed into COVID-19 protocol. This time, it’s goaltender Stuart Skinner.
Game Notes: Ottawa Senators @ Edmonton Oilers — Game 35
After what’s felt like an eternity, the Edmonton Oilers will be back in action on Saturday night when they host the Ottawa Senators.
Leon Draisaitl and Jim Matheson had an awkward exchange after Oilers practice on Tuesday
Leon Draisaitl is pissy.
Edmonton Oilers place defenceman William Lagesson on waivers
The Edmonton Oilers placed defenceman William Lagesson on waivers Tuesday.
The Day After: What direction are the Edmonton Oilers going?
No more excuses.