Scoring Chances & Brief Thoughts

• The Oilers’ top line had a pretty good evening, all things considered. Or, at least, they did at even-strength – those kids also powered a misfiring power play that failed to manage even one chance per opportunity and went 0-for-6 in the goals department.
• The second line was a problem. Ryan Smyth has been good in a third line role and showed flashes, but his foot speed is a problem on a scoring line and without any kind of shot he seems better off in the bottom-six. This is particularly so when Sam Gagner continues to flounder.
• Matt Hendricks took three penalties but looked good when he wasn’t offending the officials. The third line overall, as it has been for much of this season, was a strength. 
• It was a mixed night from the fourth line. Mark Arcobello is a favourite but had a quiet evening, while both Nail Yakupov and Jesse Joensuu had nice offensive moments and bad defensive moments.
• Andrew Ference left the game early and Justin Schultz’s transition to low-event play in major minutes continues. Mostly, the defence wasn’t terrible against Phoenix – though Anton Belov sticks out like a sore thumb, doesn’t he?
• Ilya Bryzgalov was awful. He faced 11 scoring chances total on the night and surrendered four goals and two posts. The Oilers made quite a few mistakes against the Coyotes but if they’d had even semi-competent goaltending they would likely have earned at least a point.
• Also: be sure to check out Lowetide’s look this evening at Aaron Ekblad. 

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