travel_dude

Think of me as the EBUG. Emergency Back Up Goaltender. It's just going to be the element of surprise that thwarts an Oilers victory.

If you are making a change, it's after game 1 or 2. Sutter doesn't buy into that concept though. I doubt it would have changed much, since our scoring has been down since game 1. Vladar might have kept it closer in game 2, or even kept one out in game 3, but we don't know that we would have scored to make it any different. The top line has gone MIA. In round 1, Tkachuk was a passenger until he had himself a game. He hasn't done anything other than beat down a goalie in one game. If he's killing offense with a hand injury, then it's simple, replace him with someone that can shoot. Move him to a place where his defense can help. On the PP, Gaudreau has so few options. He might as well curl into the middle and shoot. Nobody is open. He's not down low enough for a side to side, but it doesn't matter because nobody is getting free. Lucic and Lewis have hurt more than they have helped this series. Fine to get the odd hit, but the puck is going the other way too easily, which exposes the line. Too late to make any drastic changes like inserting Rozie, but you can limit the pain. You want to keep the play on the right side, only two viable options. Play the top line and they continue to drive the blueline. Or play the defensive side and shut down the play. It's not over. Got to Smith with three easy shots. No reason why he plays any better than he has. But even with a tie game, we didn't make it tough on him. A couple of quality scoring chances easily handled by most goalies. It's not that he's in our head, but they certainly aren't testing him with shots all over the 4x6.

RD, you did your part in getting us to round 2. I will finish the series for you if you like. You can pick it up in round 3 if you like.

2nd game against the Eagles, 2nd shutout for Wolf. B2B game, B2B shutouts. Kirkland with the lone goal. Wolf 27 saves.

They were obviously resting Tanev at that point. Just a cruel joke that our best D that brings out the best in the other guy is off the ice. Maybe Tanev gets beat to the puck behind the net, but letting the little turd walk out like that was just so wrong.

They felt the same pressure as us and folded once they got the lead up 3. Folded is not quite right. Bent under pressure. They did not look comfortable at all. Too few playing too many minutes. 5 guys playing 20 or more. But maybe a better strategy than just rolling 4. Markstrom was not tight on his post on two goals. Not problems if your D can handle the rebounds. Tanev lost all strength on one play. Kylington lost position, but that happens. No real soft goals though.

It seemed that once we got the tie, we just had barely enough to get to 15 minutes. After the Backlund line, it should have been either the top line or the 3rd line. Dube isn't getting through anyone lately. Playing with Lucic, they are trying to push the forecheck and cycle. But Dube is too small with the heavies. Ricthie would have been a better choice in that situation. Really the best choice is parking the 4th oine on the bench at that point.

We have too many small guys that can't pass and a defensive C. Bring in a Pelletier, and Toffoli is a stud. As much as I like Dube, he's done almost nothing for the 3rd line. Even Coleman would have helped. There are things to be said about being the toughest team in the league. But that means nothing unless you use it and aren't constantly scored on. I have in no way given up the series. Just like a game you spotted a 3 goal lead, it just takes a win to start clawing back. A bad line change gives up a tie. A D pinching on the wrong side of the play creates the penalty that killed the rest of the period. Even playing this poorly for long stretches, we were still within a period of going up 2-0 in the series. Imagine what we would do if we played a full game.

I can think of two guys wearing striped jerseys that cost us game 2. 19 players that cost us game 3. 5 guys that cost us the GWG in game 4. Maybe we can't win in EDM not having last change. Or maybe rehink the whole idea of rolling 4 lines against a team that rolls 2. The two lines that scored the important 1st and 2nd goals were off the ice for the GWG. Sure they just played, but so what. Your best players generally are your best players.

Keps you from running the 4th line too long. Oops, that didn't help. They played 10 and 12 minutes. Unfortunately, they have been on for far too many goals against. Stone with Klington caused a bit of a mixup perhaps. Kylington played better when with Tanev. He lost the battle with Nige of all people.

Just win in Calgary and get some confidence back. Two tie games where some poor play costs the GWG. Even if we just tied, we had all the momentum and a goalie who lost his mojo. No killer instinct. But worse than that, no 20 minute compete when we had momentum. It ain't over, just need another first period like in game 1.

Mostly just Backlund on that previouys shift. I was yelling (insode) at the TV. A good cycle and Mange/Coleman looking for loose pucks. Barely touched the puck. Avoided the hard areas. I though, maybe he's hurt.

There was a tentative start on the PP, but after that it was all flames. Until the give up with minutes remaining. I don't get why you put out anyone from the 4th line when you are protecting a tie. As musg=h as Lewis and Lucic have played in pressure games, they aren't the answer. Not when you need a goal. TImely bleeder out there killed the rest of the period.

On the GWG, it was Lewis, Lucic, Dube, Stone and Kylington out there.

Next 3 to be precise.

I think he was gassed and stayd too long. It seemed like he could barely muster pushing the puck forward.

Really need to re-think the idea of pulling the goali without a O-zone faceoff. Extra skater just means 5v5 in this case.

Keep goalie in. Only chance.

Backlund giveth and taketh away. Mind you, it was Lucic out there.

Well, this is so typical. Shorten the bench when we are tied and need a goal? Or make it to the OT? Nope, just keep rolling lines.

Why the F did we have the 4th line out.

Wasn't sure who watched that thinking a whistle had gone. Hanifin or Kylington.

Smith counting his bonus money. (Ooops, what was that? Stupid defensemen. All their fault.)

Stage 3 complete Begin Stage 4

Holy crap?????