From the Top
While there’s still work to do for Edmonton Oilers’ president and general manager Ken Holland with the off-season now stretching into the first week of August, the ink he’s already managed to get done is impressive from where I sit.
Interviews/Pressers
Interviews and pressers are self-explanatory. It’s when somebody, a player, coach, member of the front office, gives an interview, and then we transcribe it for you, break it down, and provide some thoughts. When the Oilers speak, we’ll be there to analyze their comments as thoroughly as you’d expect from the cast of CSI Miami. From their lips to your eyeballs, we’ve got you covered on who said what.
Oilers will tweak their Power Play
The Edmonton Oilers’ power play has been the best in the NHL over the past three seasons. In that span, their PP has scored on 27.6% of their man advantages. St. Louis is second at 25.1%, Toronto third at 23.9% and Tampa Bay is fourth at 23.2%. The Oilers are well ahead of every team,…
A Season Well Spent
I don’t know if it was Duncan Keith getting choked up when he spoke about his years with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he won three Stanley Cups and the Norris Trophy twice, or the emotion in his voice when he talked about a season spent closer to his son Colton with the Edmonton Oilers…
An Oilers Draft Preview with Chris Peters
To get you totally set for tonight’s NHL Draft, I sat down with Chris Peters, an analyst with Flo Hockey. We talked about the drama surrounding the first overall pick, how the rest of the top five could play out, and we dug into what the Edmonton Oilers could do with the 29th overall pick….
The Nation Network Prospect Show: Quinn Finley, Madison Capitols
Quinn Finley’s junior career got off to a strange start. After getting selected first overall by the Madison Capitols in the USHL Draft, Finley’s first season with the organization was cancelled due to COVID and he wouldn’t play his first game for the Capitols until the start of the 2021-22 season. However, while Madison was…
The Nation Network Prospect Show: Nick Moldenhauer, Chicago Steel
Nick Moldenhauer from the Chicago Steel had an eventful start to his junior career. In the OHL draft, he was a first-round pick by the Ottawa 67s. However, after hockey was shut down in Ontario due to COVID, he had no choice but to move south of the border if he wanted to play hockey…
Woodcroft Discusses BOA, Holloway and More
The Edmonton Oilers players had a day off on Friday and then had an optional skate yesterday morning. Today they are expected to have a full skate as they will prepare for their third round matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. The four days between games allowed me to speak with Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft.
Woodcroft Discusses Coaching Strategies
Jay Woodcroft is off to a great start as an NHL head coach. The Edmonton Oilers are 17-7-2 in Woodcroft’s 26 games as an NHL head coach. They are tied with Boston for the most points in the NHL since he took over and they have the fourth best points% at .692. In the summer…
Keith Gretzky Update on Lavoie, Holloway and More
The Edmonton Oilers have had a continuous path to the trainer’s room this season. Their top-five D-men have dressed in only 27 of their 55 games and Kris Russell, the #6, has only played in 20 of 55 games. The injuries have allowed William Lagesson (27 games) Markus Niemelainen (18) and Philip Broberg (17) to…
Where Are They Now: Zack Stortini
Zack Stortini was named captain of the Sudbury Wolves when he was only 17. He wasn’t the Wolves’ best player, but he was an extremely hard worker, who was physical, would protect his teammates and he was a great communicator. His work ethic led to a 14-year career playing pro hockey. He was drafted 79th…
No one wants to hear about the Red Wings
This morning, Ken Holland spent about 20 minutes talking to the media about what’s going on with the Oilers, and after it was over, I was left wondering what the point was even for the scribes that requested this availability. That is, of course, unless you enjoy hearing about how things worked in Detroit 30…
Duncan Keith on Chicago Blackhawks Fiasco
Earlier today Duncan Keith sat at the podium and answered questions for over 13 minutes in regards to the horrific actions of former Chicago Blackhawks coach Brad Aldrich in 2010. Yesterday, Reid Schar from Jenner & Block, released his report on the Blackhawks response to allegations of sexual misconduct by Aldrich.