who will happen in dramatic form on Tuesday night, when the Oilers bring their 16-game winning streak to Vegas for a rematch with the team who eliminated them from the playoffs last spring.
But, as spectacular as the billing is, it has been subdued somewhat by the noise surrounding the NHL Trade Deadline.
In this edition, we’ll discuss both.
9. Like you, I’ve observed Jordan Eberle’s name mentioned, linking the former Oilers great to Edmonton when his UFA with Seattle expired. Look, I have all the time in the world for Eberle. But he earns $5.5 million. If you’re clearing cap space for him, you don’t have much room for anything else. And I’m not sure whether his skill set (genuine NHL scorer) is the Oilers’ main priority.
8. Stuart Skinner has been selected the NHL’s Second Star of the Month in January. All he did was win all nine of his starts (part of a record 12 in a row) with a 1.33 GAA and a.953 save percentage. Unless there is an injury or something else drastic, Skinner will be Edmonton’s top pick come playoff time. I really like what Calvin Pickard has done since his arrival. I’m just wondering if the management sees this duo as a (possible) Stanley Cup winner. By the way, Jack Campbell has a.935 save percentage in his last seven starts.
7. I believe the Oilers’ top priority ahead of the deadline is a 3-4, 2-way Center with some size, faceoff prowess, and PK experience. I often say that you can never have enough Centers. I’ll get to some names in a minute. But I’m curious whether Ken Holland considers altering his Defence Corps. I could see the sense in having some experienced, veteran depth in case of injuries. However, upgrading any of the existing Top-4 (who have been very good) may not provide the best value for money.
Draisaitl had three goals and an assist in a 10-5 semi-final win over the Central Division. He then scored and assisted in the final, as the Pacific Division defeated the Atlantic Division 5-4.
Despite his heroics and the team’s victory, Draisaitl was not awarded MVP; that honor went to Atlantic Division forward David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, who had four goals and two assists in two games.
Perhaps this is Draisaitl’s year to drive away in the new automobile given to each All-Star Game’s most valuable player. It has been 41 years since Gretzky’s third-period explosion in New York that an Oilers player was named MVP of the midseason tournament.
This has already happened
