[PGT] Booo, we suck - EDM 5 CGY 3

[3thirty]

24 shots for in the first period, 11 total the next two.

[codynw]

On the bright side, the Blue Jays also lost.

[combustiblefuel]

[HockeyPuck]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can describe Gulutzan's system in one word: "Oilersesque". He seems to think that if we just try to score, defence will take care of itself. For two games now, we have been every bit the defensive trainwreck Edmonton has been for a decade.

I think it's Gulutzan's 'Swarm' Defense...

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can describe Gulutzan's system in one word: "Oilersesque". He seems to think that if we just try to score, defence will take care of itself. For two games now, we have been every bit the defensive trainwreck Edmonton has been for a decade.

That is my thought too. While no one would or should be as bad as Eakins dude seems to be from the same line of way too smart for practical use.

[Wolfman]

Another pass on this one tonight, that's the last one. The only defensmen that looked good were Jokkipakka and Engelland. Gio couldn't handle the puck or stand on his skates. Brodie looked bad all around and Wideman can sit for Kulak tomorrow night, that was the worst display of trying to play defence I've seen in a long time. He looked like he was trying to help the Oilers win, well he succeeded.

The forwards were great in the first period, then the wheels fell off. A couple bright spots for me were Frolik, Stajan, Backs, Bennett, Tkachuk, Brouwer and Bouma. Aside from the first goal the 1st line didn't create much offensively and struggled getting the puck in over the Blue line. Ferland will soon find himself being the CP whipping boy if he doesn't pickup the physicality as he offers not much else. Versteeg is struggling but he's only had four days with his new linemates so he gets a pass.

Elliott played better tonight but with 5 or 6 breakaways you're going to have some beat you. I think he will get a break and Johnson will start in Vancouver tomorrow.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can describe Gulutzan's system in one word: "Oilersesque". He seems to think that if we just try to score, defence will take care of itself. For two games now, we have been every bit the defensive trainwreck Edmonton has been for a decade.

The thing about coaching is that you have the proven veteran coaches, the longtime assistant coaches in good programs, and the new kids on the block with fresh ideas. I feel Gulutzan is similar to Dallas Eakins in that he talks a good game but when you hire him you are kind of taking a leap of faith that this guy is on to something. Way too early to consider Gulutzan a flop but the issue is that he doesn't have a history where we can feel good that things will turn around. Like Treliving we really just have to hope he ends up backing the talk.

[Reign of Fire]

Treliving is a great GM and has hit some homeruns in trades and signings, but its starting to look like its a swing and a miss on the new coaching staff. Went from being one of the least penalized teams under Hartley to a parade to the penalty box.

And getting beat short-handed.

Elliot's not looking sharp either, somebody tell Kipper to come out retirement.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by codynw

On the bright side, the Blue Jays also lost.

You know what... that DID cheer me up a little.

[Lobotroth]

At least we won't have to hear anything more about McFlaccid tomorrow night. Hopefully.

[SilverGS]

If they played a good game and lost by 1 for both games I would be ok with it. However, it was clear which team wanted it more and played harder over both games. Effort level was not where it needs to be

[JerryUnderscore]

One of the major issues right now is the fact that the first line basically had no training camp. Monahan had one game, Johnny one practice on Tuesday and Versteeg... a morning skate? They need time to gel.

Furthermore, the team as a whole is still working to learn the system. Hopefully that will come.

Looking on the bright side, what actually had a positive possession game in both games. 24 shots in the first period tonight was unreal.

I'd be okay seeing Kulak sub in for Wideman tomorrow.

Gio-Brodie
Hamilton-Jokipakka
Kulak-Engelland

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

New coaches, new system, some new players. It is going to take time for it to come together but I still think it will and we will be fine. I am not ready to hit the panic button yet.

Every team in the league will lose 2 in a row at some point, I think it's the fact that it's the Oilers that it stings so bad. There needs to be some serious improvement here though. None of the D look good outside Jokipakka and surprisingly Engelland. Wideman is just absolute garbage. The top line has been subpar. Monahan can't seem to handle the puck to save his life and Johnny seems to be gripping the stick a little tight. Liked what Versteeg had to offer tonight but swapping him out with Brouwer might spark Johnny/Mony. Backlund/Frolik have been one of the few players that have looked real good and love what Tkachuk has brung so far. Maybe Johnny should flank him and Bennett for a bit. Not liking Ferland at all so far. Not hitting, no finish, he's pretty much useless out there. Stajan and Chiasson have been good enough. Elliott has been far less than advertised. I'm interested to see how Johnson fairs tomorrow. I'm really hoping this is just some early season rust but when you end up missing the playoffs by a couple points, these games really count. God do I miss the 14/15 Flames squad. Please please please pull out a win tomorrow.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I can describe Gulutzan's system in one word: "Oilersesque". He seems to think that if we just try to score, defence will take care of itself. For two games now, we have been every bit the defensive trainwreck Edmonton has been for a decade.

We actually only allowed one five on five goal today, and it was a McDavid breakaway.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Or maybe it's two games into a season. Just a thought.

If he had two shutouts, I'm sure there would be claims of how amazing he is and those would be unfair, just like your assertion here is now.

I don't know. I would feel really, really good about this team and Elliott if he came out with two shutouts. I always feel present is a better indicator of the future than the hypothetical.

[Bunk]

Chad Johnson's gotta be thinking "here's my chance". I hope he is so good we have a goalie controversy.

[IceMan]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Would ownership be okay to pay a guy that much to watch from the sidelines?

Unfortunately for them they have to pay him regardless. I'm sure they'd rather him sit and eat popcorn than have him play and cost the team points.

It's obvious he's lost a step and it was evident in preseason.

You could be right though, the ownership might have said that we're not paying him to sit.

[AC]

I'm not one to get angry as a fan. In fact I've made a conscious effort to become less emotional over the years.

But I'm pretty pissed at the moment. Overall an embarrassing and pathetic start to the season.

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by Lobotroth

At least we won't have to hear anything more about McFlaccid tomorrow night. Hopefully.

Don't kid yourself. His performance will be touched on at least 3 times tomorrow.

[AcGold]

This team needs a tutor course on defensive fundamentals. Scoring chances don't matter when you have to give away 2 to create one. Our system of the d pinching high on the strong side simply will not work with Wideman, Gio, Chiasson and Engelland. 4 of our 6 d simply do not have the foot speed to play a game where they frequently are going to the hashmarks, that's currently our number one issue.

Repeatedly the d would go up to the hashmarks and Edmonton would burn us nearly everytime, it didn't create many (if any) scoring chances. Until 2 of the slow 4 are gone the strong side pinch won't work and teams will continue to exploit us.