Happy Monday, Internet, and welcome to another fresh edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at Stuart Skinner&#8217;s Calder chances, line combos, Philip Broberg, and a whole lot more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or hit me up on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a> and I’ll get to you as soon as we can.

<figure id="attachment_128856" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-128856" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-128856" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-1024x693.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="693" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-300x203.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-768x519.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-1536x1039.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres.jpg 1641w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-128856" class="wp-caption-text">Feb 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) scores a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
1) Original Pouzar asks &#8211; Oilers have 5 locked in top 6 forwards but the 6th spot has been a revolving door. Notwithstanding the fact we know Leon likes to play with Yamo, has Kailer not essentially locked in that spot with his recent play? 11 points in 15 games, 5 goals at 5 on 5, plus 4 at 5 on 5&#8230;
Jason Gregor:
I expect he starts there in the playoffs. There aren’t any other RW options besides Warren Foegele.
Robin Brownlee:
I&#8217;m not saying Yamamoto is locked into anything until he can stay healthy for long stretches. That&#8217;s going to get a test in the post-season.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I think so. As always the concern with him has always been healthy, not effort or anything like that. Even when his production has dipped, I&#8217;ve liked his perseverance to keep going to difficult areas and even when he has some bad misses, he&#8217;s at least getting the quality looks and making decent plays. I like him as the 6th forward there but I will say that I prefer going 11-7 and just rotating the five big guns on the top two lines.
Baggedmilk:
Not many options at RW so it&#8217;s gotta be Yamo. I just hope the guy can stay healthy, ya know?
<figure id="attachment_128605" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-128605" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-128605" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-128605" class="wp-caption-text">Feb 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates his overtime winning goal with left wing J.T. Compher (37) as Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell (36) skates away in overtime at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) @MidnightFalcon4 asks &#8211; Out of all the teams in the west, who do you view as the biggest threat to the Oilers&#8217; chances of making it to the SCF. My pick is the Wild, just based on history and the style of hockey they like to play.
Jason Gregor:
Colorado. Defending champs know how to win and their top-end talent is closest to Edmonton.
Robin Brownlee:
Minnesota has been a tough match-up for the Oilers &#8212; they&#8217;re 1-5-0 vs the Wild over the last three seasons. I still think Colorado is the top dog. To be the champ you&#8217;ve got to beat the champ.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I&#8217;ll say it&#8217;s still Colorado. They aren&#8217;t as good as they were last season but they&#8217;re still elite and should only be getting healthier. I&#8217;d have LA as a close second just because there&#8217;s a better chance the Oilers actually have to play them.
Baggedmilk:
I&#8217;m going with Colorado. To be the best, you have to beat the best.
<figure id="attachment_129566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-129566" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-129566" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-1024x694.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="694" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-300x203.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-768x520.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-1536x1041.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease.jpg 1994w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-129566" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 6, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) looks for the puck during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
3) Calvin asks &#8211; Even though I think Matty Beniers will win the Calder Trophy I believe that Stuart Skinner has earned a nomination. What does everyone think? Has Stu done enough to earn a top 3 spot?
Jason Gregor:
Yes, I think he has a very good chance to be a finalist.
Robin Brownlee:
I think he has. He&#8217;s shown great poise for somebody in his first season as a designated starter. And, while it doesn&#8217;t count in terms of votes, he&#8217;s a terrific teammate and a really good person from everything I&#8217;ve heard. Tough not to pull for a guy like that.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
100%. It&#8217;s not even a debate. He&#8217;s been a driving force for this team and honestly, they might not be a playoff team without him. I think his case to win it is really solid.
Baggedmilk:
Stu has to be in the top three. If not for him, this season would have been a total disaster. Stu for Calder!
<figure id="attachment_123980" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-123980" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-123980" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-123980" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 7, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (86) skates during the first period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
4) @StuartBuxton5 asks &#8211; In the spring after the Oilers win the Cup they will inevitably graduate Broberg to the big club, but who do you think will go to clear that spot?
Jason Gregor:
Kulak is the only option, but if plays well and they win they might just opt to keep him. He isn’t old and skates very well.
Robin Brownlee:
Nothing is inevitable. And which spring are you talking about?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Kulak makes the most sense because he shoots left but I think they might keep all seven. They like going 11-7, they have players who can play either side, and it protects them incase of injuries. If it ain&#8217;t broke, don&#8217;t fix it.
Baggedmilk:
Kulak, I suppose, but I don&#8217;t particularly like that idea. I think he&#8217;s a steady, solid veteran that this team needs.
<figure id="attachment_131001" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-131001" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-131001" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-131001" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 30, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers Celebrate a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
5) David O. asks &#8211; As several members of the Oilers approach franchise record powerplay stats, I guess my question is what was happening in the 80s that makes this even possible? For example, in 1985-86, the Oilers had 295 powerplay opportunities, running at 26.4%, scoring 78 goals. The current team has 79 powerplay goals, so current opportunities to get points is about equivalent, but we have both McDavid (already) and Draisaitl (likely) to pass anything even Gretzky ever did with the Oilers. However, at the time the Oilers were also the #1 powerplay in the league; has going 4F1D made that much of a difference or is there more to it?
Jason Gregor:
Powerplays are better today. They are more specialized. More video now so players can see more of what works and what PK does. Also fewer point shots now. The best PPs today have much lower shot volume from the blue line. The odds of scoring increase the closer to the net you are when shooting.
Robin Brownlee:
Great question. Those old Edmonton power plays with Gretzky, Coffey and Messier were ridiculous, yet here we are. It starts. of course, with McDavid and Draisaitl. They&#8217;re almost unstoppable even when you know what&#8217;s coming &#8212; the cross-ice to Draisaitl low in the circle. RNH is really good on the half-wall and as the bumper. Tyson Barrie was extremely effective before he was dealt away. It&#8217;s mind-boggling to me that this team is poised to be historically good on the PP this season (32.4 as of Sunday) ahead of Montreal (31.9 in 77-78). Best 80s PP for the Oilers was the 82-83 team at 29.3. The 2019-20 Oilers already beat that at 29.5. My best guess as to why is that the Oilers are generating more chances/shots in prime scoring areas, as are most teams. The blast-it-from-the-point-and-charge-to-the-net-for-rebounds isn&#8217;t the preferred tactic of most teams now.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I honestly don&#8217;t know enough about the way the game was played back then to give a solid answer so I won&#8217;t BS. Trust whatever Gregor and Brownlee say.
Baggedmilk:
I wish I could answer this question but I&#8217;m not old enough to remember what the Oilers&#8217; power play looked like back in the day. If you want to know how bad it was during the Dallas Eakins era, I can definitely help you out there.
<h2 style="text-align: left;">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-127539" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Article-1-SME-1-1-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
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Happy Monday, Internet, and welcome to another fresh edition of the Mailbag to help get your week started and break down all things Edmonton Oilers. This week we’re looking at Stuart Skinner's Calder chances, line combos, Philip Broberg, and a whole lot more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or hit me up on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a> and I’ll get to you as soon as we can.



[caption id="attachment_128856" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-128856" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20070689_168383996_lowres-1024x693.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="693" /> Feb 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Kailer Yamamoto (56) scores a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

1) Original Pouzar asks - Oilers have 5 locked in top 6 forwards but the 6th spot has been a revolving door. Notwithstanding the fact we know Leon likes to play with Yamo, has Kailer not essentially locked in that spot with his recent play? 11 points in 15 games, 5 goals at 5 on 5, plus 4 at 5 on 5...

Jason Gregor:

I expect he starts there in the playoffs. There aren’t any other RW options besides Warren Foegele.

Robin Brownlee:

I'm not saying Yamamoto is locked into anything until he can stay healthy for long stretches. That's going to get a test in the post-season.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I think so. As always the concern with him has always been healthy, not effort or anything like that. Even when his production has dipped, I've liked his perseverance to keep going to difficult areas and even when he has some bad misses, he's at least getting the quality looks and making decent plays. I like him as the 6th forward there but I will say that I prefer going 11-7 and just rotating the five big guns on the top two lines.

Baggedmilk:

Not many options at RW so it's gotta be Yamo. I just hope the guy can stay healthy, ya know?

[caption id="attachment_128605" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-128605" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USATSI_20038927_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Feb 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates his overtime winning goal with left wing J.T. Compher (37) as Edmonton Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell (36) skates away in overtime at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) @MidnightFalcon4 asks - Out of all the teams in the west, who do you view as the biggest threat to the Oilers' chances of making it to the SCF. My pick is the Wild, just based on history and the style of hockey they like to play.

Jason Gregor:

Colorado. Defending champs know how to win and their top-end talent is closest to Edmonton.

Robin Brownlee:

Minnesota has been a tough match-up for the Oilers -- they're 1-5-0 vs the Wild over the last three seasons. I still think Colorado is the top dog. To be the champ you've got to beat the champ.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I'll say it's still Colorado. They aren't as good as they were last season but they're still elite and should only be getting healthier. I'd have LA as a close second just because there's a better chance the Oilers actually have to play them.

Baggedmilk:

I'm going with Colorado. To be the best, you have to beat the best.

[caption id="attachment_129566" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-129566" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Edmonton-Oilers-goalie-Stuart-Skinner-in-the-crease-1024x694.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="694" /> Mar 6, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) looks for the puck during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

3) Calvin asks - Even though I think Matty Beniers will win the Calder Trophy I believe that Stuart Skinner has earned a nomination. What does everyone think? Has Stu done enough to earn a top 3 spot?

Jason Gregor:

Yes, I think he has a very good chance to be a finalist.

Robin Brownlee:

I think he has. He's shown great poise for somebody in his first season as a designated starter. And, while it doesn't count in terms of votes, he's a terrific teammate and a really good person from everything I've heard. Tough not to pull for a guy like that.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

100%. It's not even a debate. He's been a driving force for this team and honestly, they might not be a playoff team without him. I think his case to win it is really solid.

Baggedmilk:

Stu has to be in the top three. If not for him, this season would have been a total disaster. Stu for Calder!

[caption id="attachment_123980" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-123980" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Edmonton-Oilers-Philip-Broberg-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Mar 7, 2022; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Philip Broberg (86) skates during the first period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

4) @StuartBuxton5 asks - In the spring after the Oilers win the Cup they will inevitably graduate Broberg to the big club, but who do you think will go to clear that spot?

Jason Gregor:

Kulak is the only option, but if plays well and they win they might just opt to keep him. He isn’t old and skates very well.

Robin Brownlee:

Nothing is inevitable. And which spring are you talking about?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Kulak makes the most sense because he shoots left but I think they might keep all seven. They like going 11-7, they have players who can play either side, and it protects them incase of injuries. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Baggedmilk:

Kulak, I suppose, but I don't particularly like that idea. I think he's a steady, solid veteran that this team needs.

[caption id="attachment_131001" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-131001" src="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20359552-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" /> Mar 30, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers Celebrate a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

5) David O. asks - As several members of the Oilers approach franchise record powerplay stats, I guess my question is what was happening in the 80s that makes this even possible? For example, in 1985-86, the Oilers had 295 powerplay opportunities, running at 26.4%, scoring 78 goals. The current team has 79 powerplay goals, so current opportunities to get points is about equivalent, but we have both McDavid (already) and Draisaitl (likely) to pass anything even Gretzky ever did with the Oilers. However, at the time the Oilers were also the #1 powerplay in the league; has going 4F1D made that much of a difference or is there more to it?

Jason Gregor:

Powerplays are better today. They are more specialized. More video now so players can see more of what works and what PK does. Also fewer point shots now. The best PPs today have much lower shot volume from the blue line. The odds of scoring increase the closer to the net you are when shooting.

Robin Brownlee:

Great question. Those old Edmonton power plays with Gretzky, Coffey and Messier were ridiculous, yet here we are. It starts. of course, with McDavid and Draisaitl. They're almost unstoppable even when you know what's coming -- the cross-ice to Draisaitl low in the circle. RNH is really good on the half-wall and as the bumper. Tyson Barrie was extremely effective before he was dealt away. It's mind-boggling to me that this team is poised to be historically good on the PP this season (32.4 as of Sunday) ahead of Montreal (31.9 in 77-78). Best 80s PP for the Oilers was the 82-83 team at 29.3. The 2019-20 Oilers already beat that at 29.5. My best guess as to why is that the Oilers are generating more chances/shots in prime scoring areas, as are most teams. The blast-it-from-the-point-and-charge-to-the-net-for-rebounds isn't the preferred tactic of most teams now.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I honestly don't know enough about the way the game was played back then to give a solid answer so I won't BS. Trust whatever Gregor and Brownlee say.

Baggedmilk:

I wish I could answer this question but I'm not old enough to remember what the Oilers' power play looked like back in the day. If you want to know how bad it was during the Dallas Eakins era, I can definitely help you out there.
<h2 style="text-align: left;">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
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Star Mechanical is Edmonton’s top plumbing and heating company. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to helping with all your plumbing and heating needs, from repairs and maintenance to installation and upgrades. With years of experience and a reputation for quality workmanship, you can trust us your local Star to get the job done. <a href="https://starmechanical.ca/?utm_source=nation_network&amp;utm_medium=blog_post" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Visit us at starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let us help keep your home running smoothly.

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