Tippett's concerns so far in Oilers camp
https://thehockeywriters.com/edmonto...cerns-at-camp/
Quote:
Tippett spoke with the media after practice and noticed a few things that the team, specifically a few players, will need to work on if the team is going to get out of the gate with a good start and their strong special teams numbers are going to continue to be a weapon for them.
After not skating for a month, Tippett admitted that Neal needs to get caught up with the rest of the group. “It’s going to take him some time to get up and going here, but he’s got a great attitude, he jumps in there and he’s been working hard.” He added, “We’ll keep at it, but he’s got a ways to go yet.”
Tippett did note that it’s going to take a little time for the Oilers, specifically the guys on the power play to get used to Tyson Barrie at the point.
When talking about newly-extended defenseman Ethan Bear, Tippett said, “He’s got to get up and going here.” Tippett chalked that off to Bear being not quite there mentally.
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So Neal somehow has a way to go to even return to last year's form. Man he must be playing some ugly hockey right now.
PP needs work as the team has to adjust to Barrie. If the PP returns to normal % the Oilers season is over.
Klefbom out and "single Calder vote" Ethan Bear is having a rough start. Hard to imagine the Oilers defense getting worse but that seems to be a very real possibility.
This is gonna be a terrible season for Oilers fans, great for the chiadenfraude in others.