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 the Connor video from practice, Evan Bouchard&#8217;s series so far, diving, 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_132441" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-132441" style="width: 736px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-132441" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="491" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings.jpg 1696w" sizes="(max-width: 736px) 100vw, 736px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-132441" class="wp-caption-text">Apr 25, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;Los Angeles Kings defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov (84) and defensemen Matt Roy (3) brings down Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
1) Al asks &#8211; What were everyone&#8217;s thoughts on Ryan Rishaug&#8217;s video that showed Connor McDavid apparently favouring his knee? Was that fair game to post or should he have kept that to himself given the time of year?
Jason Gregor:
He had been flexing his knee during games. So it wasn’t new. A reporter will weigh the pros and cons of posting something and then he/she decides if they want to post it. Some readers/viewers/listeners will like, others won’t. As a reporter you need to be prepared for both negative and positive feedback.
Robin Brownlee:
Rishaug was doing his job. He works for TSN, not the Oilers. He didn&#8217;t jump to any conclusions or speculate. He let the clip speak for itself. He wasn&#8217;t showing the Kings anything they didn&#8217;t already know. Those ripping him were really reaching, but that&#8217;s the world we live in now.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Fair game to me. If a reporter is at practice, then it&#8217;s their job to share the information they find. Rishaug is not here to help the Oilers win or anything like that. He&#8217;s impartial media.
Liam Horrobin:
It is interesting that no other Edmonton media member sent out the video. However, with that said, Ryan Rishaug’s job is to report on the Edmonton Oilers and that is exactly what he did.
Baggedmilk:
I was surprised by how mad some people got, to be honest. His job is to report and that&#8217;s what he was doing.
<figure id="attachment_129737" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-129737" style="width: 808px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-129737" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="808" height="539" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-129737" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) celebrates with center Mattias Janmark (26), left wing Warren Foegele (37) and center Nick Bjugstad (72) after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
2) Brett asks &#8211; Evan Bouchard has had a wonderful series against the Kings on the offensive side of the puck, but what does everyone think of his play at the other end?
Jason Gregor:
I didn’t see Bouchard get exposed defensively on multiple occasions. He is still a young defender, and he’s never been a Jaccob Slavin-type defender, but I don’t expect him to be. He was solid, not spectacular defensively, but was excellent offensively. The pros outweighed the cons significantly in the series.
Robin Brownlee:
Only OK. I don&#8217;t find him assertive enough. Quick enough to the man and/or the puck. Not every player is wired to bang and be physical, but I&#8217;d like to see a little more of that from him.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
The best defense is a good offense, right? Bouchard&#8217;s ability to safely and efficiently move the puck out of his own zone means the Oilers spend less time in their own end when he&#8217;s on the ice. I think he&#8217;s been fine defending the rush as well. His d-zone play has been good.
Liam Horrobin:
Evan Bouchard was good defensively. His numbers were similar to his regular season stats at 5-on-5. He’s just a player that is high risk for high reward and the risk is worth it. He was right in the middle of the pack for Oilers defensive in goals against, shots against but also had the second most defensive zone starts, showing the trust the staff has in him.
Baggedmilk:
I wish he was a little bit meaner because he&#8217;s a big guy, but maybe being saddled to Ekholm for the next three years will bring that out of him a touch.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-132512" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team-1024x678.jpg" alt="" width="798" height="528" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team-300x199.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team-768x509.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" />
3) Yves asks &#8211; I truly don&#8217;t want to complain about the officiating but is anyone else surprised at the lack of embellishment calls the Kings have had in this series given that they&#8217;re diving at even the slightest of breezes?
Jason Gregor:
I didn’t see many egregious dives.
Robin Brownlee:
Move on. The Kings are on the golf course.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I thought maybe they&#8217;d ding them once since refs don&#8217;t like to be embarrassed, and usually, if you call embellishment once, it stops happening. But the referees clearly don&#8217;t see it that way.
Liam Horrobin:
Greatly surprised. I understand if it gets missed one game and then is followed up with in the other matches. However, that didn’t happen at all. Victor Arvidsson received his penalty in game three and then nothing after that. The Kevin Fiala dive in game five was unbelievable, but if the Oilers are getting called for the penalty on the play if the dive is missed then I can live with it.
Baggedmilk:
The Kings were so embarrassing with that garbage but the good news is that their season has now finished. So long, L.A.
<figure id="attachment_124366" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-124366" style="width: 792px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-124366" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="792" height="528" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-124366" class="wp-caption-text">Nov 23, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) passes during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure>
4) Ed asks &#8211; I was very surprised with Bowness&#8217; comments after the Jets were eliminated. Especially considering the Jets were without their best D man and forward.  I have not heard a coach dump on his team like that since Orville Tessier.  What are your thoughts on this?   Did Bowness essentially resign?
Jason Gregor:
His GM said he is coming back. I think he caused a divide between some of this best players and him, and now we will see if some are moved. I can’t see how all of them can return.
Robin Brownlee:
Rick called it as he saw it, but as delicate as we are these days that can get you in trouble. GM says he&#8217;s coming back, but I suspect Bones is finished in Winnipeg sooner than later.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No, I don&#8217;t think Bowness resigned, I think he put the final nail in the coffin for a few players time in Winnipeg. I don&#8217;t think Blake Wheeler will be back, especially after what he said at locker room clean out day. I&#8217;d be surprised if Mark Schiefele is back as well. I also think they need to consider moving Connor Hellbuyck if he doesn&#8217;t sign an extension.
Liam Horrobin:
I didn’t mind it. The public would have to assume that multiple conversations have happened behind closed doors, which then led to the comments. The Winnipeg Jets have been a franchise that have underachieved since they moved to back. A roster with that much talent shouldn’t be scraping into the playoffs. I don’t blame Bowness for raging like that.
Baggedmilk:
Cheveldayoff said this morning (Sunday) that Bowness will be back. Does he want to be back? We shall see. The only thing I know for sure is that there are going to be some spicy changes coming in Winnipeg.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-127748" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-1024x717.jpg" alt="" width="737" height="516" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-300x210.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-768x538.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-1536x1075.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-2048x1434.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px" />
5) Mathieu asks &#8211; Can I ask for everyone&#8217;s thoughts about the Calgary arena deal?
Jason Gregor:
There is no deal at this moment. It was a political ploy. She tried to buy votes by saying it will be ratified after the election. Pretty greasy. Sadly it represents too often what we see in politics, federally and provincially, and leaders from every party have gone against what they’ve said in the past. When she was leader of the Wildrose she said she didn’t believe in public funds for arenas.
Calgary needs a new arena, no question, but this reeks of political posturing more than an actual negotiation.
Robin Brownlee:
The timing is laughable. It&#8217;s an obvious attempt by Danielle Smith to buy votes and it represents yet another flip-flop by her when you look back at her takes on the deal to build Rogers Place and Ice District here. Calgary needs a new rink. My hope is they get one built without Smith&#8217;s grifting and vote-buying.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
It&#8217;s clearly an election play, right? Like promising over $300 million to a city right before an election seems a little fishy to me! I loved OEG&#8217;s response too.
Liam Horrobin:
I haven’t looked much into it but I understand the gist of it all and why people would be upset. Calgary needed a new arena if we like it or not.
Baggedmilk:
All I know for sure is if I&#8217;m paying for the Saddledome to come down via my taxes then I&#8217;m going to start stealing things the next time I go down there.
<h2 style="text-align: left;">MAILBAG PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" 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="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
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.

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 the Connor video from practice, Evan Bouchard's series so far, diving, 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_132441" align="aligncenter" width="736"]<img class=" wp-image-132441" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Edmonton-Oilers-Connor-McDavid-battling-Los-Angeles-Kings-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="736" height="491" /> Apr 25, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN;Los Angeles Kings defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov (84) and defensemen Matt Roy (3) brings down Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

1) Al asks - What were everyone's thoughts on Ryan Rishaug's video that showed Connor McDavid apparently favouring his knee? Was that fair game to post or should he have kept that to himself given the time of year?

Jason Gregor:

He had been flexing his knee during games. So it wasn’t new. A reporter will weigh the pros and cons of posting something and then he/she decides if they want to post it. Some readers/viewers/listeners will like, others won’t. As a reporter you need to be prepared for both negative and positive feedback.

Robin Brownlee:

Rishaug was doing his job. He works for TSN, not the Oilers. He didn't jump to any conclusions or speculate. He let the clip speak for itself. He wasn't showing the Kings anything they didn't already know. Those ripping him were really reaching, but that's the world we live in now.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Fair game to me. If a reporter is at practice, then it's their job to share the information they find. Rishaug is not here to help the Oilers win or anything like that. He's impartial media.

Liam Horrobin:

It is interesting that no other Edmonton media member sent out the video. However, with that said, Ryan Rishaug’s job is to report on the Edmonton Oilers and that is exactly what he did.

Baggedmilk:

I was surprised by how mad some people got, to be honest. His job is to report and that's what he was doing.

[caption id="attachment_129737" align="aligncenter" width="808"]<img class=" wp-image-129737" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USATSI_20185461_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="808" height="539" /> Mar 9, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) celebrates with center Mattias Janmark (26), left wing Warren Foegele (37) and center Nick Bjugstad (72) after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

2) Brett asks - Evan Bouchard has had a wonderful series against the Kings on the offensive side of the puck, but what does everyone think of his play at the other end?

Jason Gregor:

I didn’t see Bouchard get exposed defensively on multiple occasions. He is still a young defender, and he’s never been a Jaccob Slavin-type defender, but I don’t expect him to be. He was solid, not spectacular defensively, but was excellent offensively. The pros outweighed the cons significantly in the series.

Robin Brownlee:

Only OK. I don't find him assertive enough. Quick enough to the man and/or the puck. Not every player is wired to bang and be physical, but I'd like to see a little more of that from him.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

The best defense is a good offense, right? Bouchard's ability to safely and efficiently move the puck out of his own zone means the Oilers spend less time in their own end when he's on the ice. I think he's been fine defending the rush as well. His d-zone play has been good.

Liam Horrobin:

Evan Bouchard was good defensively. His numbers were similar to his regular season stats at 5-on-5. He’s just a player that is high risk for high reward and the risk is worth it. He was right in the middle of the pack for Oilers defensive in goals against, shots against but also had the second most defensive zone starts, showing the trust the staff has in him.

Baggedmilk:

I wish he was a little bit meaner because he's a big guy, but maybe being saddled to Ekholm for the next three years will bring that out of him a touch.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-132512" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Diving-team-1024x678.jpg" alt="" width="798" height="528" />

3) Yves asks - I truly don't want to complain about the officiating but is anyone else surprised at the lack of embellishment calls the Kings have had in this series given that they're diving at even the slightest of breezes?

Jason Gregor:

I didn’t see many egregious dives.

Robin Brownlee:

Move on. The Kings are on the golf course.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I thought maybe they'd ding them once since refs don't like to be embarrassed, and usually, if you call embellishment once, it stops happening. But the referees clearly don't see it that way.

Liam Horrobin:

Greatly surprised. I understand if it gets missed one game and then is followed up with in the other matches. However, that didn’t happen at all. Victor Arvidsson received his penalty in game three and then nothing after that. The Kevin Fiala dive in game five was unbelievable, but if the Oilers are getting called for the penalty on the play if the dive is missed then I can live with it.

Baggedmilk:

The Kings were so embarrassing with that garbage but the good news is that their season has now finished. So long, L.A.

[caption id="attachment_124366" align="aligncenter" width="792"]<img class=" wp-image-124366" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19492765-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="792" height="528" /> Nov 23, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) passes during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

4) Ed asks - I was very surprised with Bowness' comments after the Jets were eliminated. Especially considering the Jets were without their best D man and forward.  I have not heard a coach dump on his team like that since Orville Tessier.  What are your thoughts on this?   Did Bowness essentially resign?

Jason Gregor:

His GM said he is coming back. I think he caused a divide between some of this best players and him, and now we will see if some are moved. I can’t see how all of them can return.

Robin Brownlee:

Rick called it as he saw it, but as delicate as we are these days that can get you in trouble. GM says he's coming back, but I suspect Bones is finished in Winnipeg sooner than later.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No, I don't think Bowness resigned, I think he put the final nail in the coffin for a few players time in Winnipeg. I don't think Blake Wheeler will be back, especially after what he said at locker room clean out day. I'd be surprised if Mark Schiefele is back as well. I also think they need to consider moving Connor Hellbuyck if he doesn't sign an extension.

Liam Horrobin:

I didn’t mind it. The public would have to assume that multiple conversations have happened behind closed doors, which then led to the comments. The Winnipeg Jets have been a franchise that have underachieved since they moved to back. A roster with that much talent shouldn’t be scraping into the playoffs. I don’t blame Bowness for raging like that.

Baggedmilk:

Cheveldayoff said this morning (Sunday) that Bowness will be back. Does he want to be back? We shall see. The only thing I know for sure is that there are going to be some spicy changes coming in Winnipeg.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-127748" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/V4Xggkbh-1024x717.jpg" alt="" width="737" height="516" />

5) Mathieu asks - Can I ask for everyone's thoughts about the Calgary arena deal?

Jason Gregor:

There is no deal at this moment. It was a political ploy. She tried to buy votes by saying it will be ratified after the election. Pretty greasy. Sadly it represents too often what we see in politics, federally and provincially, and leaders from every party have gone against what they’ve said in the past. When she was leader of the Wildrose she said she didn’t believe in public funds for arenas.

Calgary needs a new arena, no question, but this reeks of political posturing more than an actual negotiation.

Robin Brownlee:

The timing is laughable. It's an obvious attempt by Danielle Smith to buy votes and it represents yet another flip-flop by her when you look back at her takes on the deal to build Rogers Place and Ice District here. Calgary needs a new rink. My hope is they get one built without Smith's grifting and vote-buying.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

It's clearly an election play, right? Like promising over $300 million to a city right before an election seems a little fishy to me! I loved OEG's response too.

Liam Horrobin:

I haven’t looked much into it but I understand the gist of it all and why people would be upset. Calgary needed a new arena if we like it or not.

Baggedmilk:

All I know for sure is if I'm paying for the Saddledome to come down via my taxes then I'm going to start stealing things the next time I go down 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.

Monday Mailbag – Let’s talk about Evan Bouchard against the Kings

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