THE BRIGHT SIDE

• Those white jerseys are sweeeeet! I love them! *insert fire emoji*

• They rebounded extremely well in the second period, throwing 13 pucks on net, after getting four shots in the first.

• Mark Letestu is out to prove that last year was no fluke. He tied the game with his third goal of the preseason and continued to be an impact player on both the powerplay and penalty kill.

• Even though it’s the preseason, Jason Gregor showed that he’s in mid-season form, correctly predicting that JJ Khaira would score tonight. Gregor touched on it in the GBD, but he’s been great throughout training camp and continued that solid play tonight, scoring a goal and drawing a penalty. He looks much more confident with the puck compared to last year.

• My expectations for Jussi Jokinen weren’t high by any standards, but he really impressed me tonight. He set up Letestu on the powerplay then deflected one home with his skate. He also drew a penalty. A solid performance from the veteran forward.

• Kailer Yamamoto continued to get better as the game went on. He created a few really nice chances, most notably a near miss by Jokinen. One thing that stuck out to me is that despite his size he isn’t afraid to go to the tough areas. Whether it was right in front of the crease, in the slot or down in the corners, you saw #56 there. He also had a goal waved off that looked like it could have gone either way.

• An unselfish play by The Nuge as he set up Yamamoto for the empty netter, the second of the preseason for Kailer on just a great “bro move” by RNH.

• Not only does Yohann Auvitu have the best name, but he was also the Oilers best d-man tonight. He quarterbacked the power play very well and showed off his strong shot a few times. He also came back to break up a 2-on-1 during the second period. An all around strong night from #81. He’s making a very good case to be on the roster come October.

• Matt Benning made some good physical plays. His ability to play solid minutes this year is very important given Sekera’s absence. He looked good tonight.

• Nick Ellis came in halfway through this one and shutout the Jets.

• Patrick Russell wore #52 and had a strong performance. He skates well and isn’t afraid to throw around his body, which he did tonight. He was almost rewarded with a goal in the third as well. The 24-year-old played in Bakersfield last year and I expect him to be solid down there during this upcoming season.

• The refs didn’t call absolutely everything, which was refreshing. The game had a good flow to it for the most part.

• Special teams were both good. They went one-for-three on the powerplay and killed off  four of the Jets’ five chances.

THE FACE PALMERS

• To say the Oilers got off to a slow start would be an understatement. The Jets hit two posts and got a goal within the first 10 minutes.

• It took a whole 4:45 to see our first slashing penalty *groans*.

• The team was scrambling almost the entire first period, struggling to get the puck out of their own end and not generating much in the offensive zone. It was tough to watch.

• Laurent Brossoit did not look comfortable. He only gave up one goal but he got bailed out by four goal posts and bobbled a fair amount of pucks.

• Chris Kelly had a couple of turnovers and other than that, he was more or less invisible to me. I think his performance tonight hurt his chances of making this team.

• They played well but did get some help from the goal posts (the Jets hit six). They gave up too many “Grade A” scoring chances in my opinion.

Good #content