Following the Oilers 3-1 win against the Nashville Predators, Edmonton Coach Kris Knoblauch revealed that Leon Drasaitl is set to miss around two games or more after he left the game with injury. This obviously leaves a big hole at centre and on the power play, but the one bright spot is the team seems to be playing a better defensive game. However, I think this a by product of the lineup in general being better deployed and having better depth following the trade deadline.
Structure
Now it has not been perfect obviously, but just going by the eye test, I find the Oilers seem to be looking more cohesive and structured. The additions of Dickinson and Murphy has helped solidify the depth, and cleaned up some of the defensive lapses, and replaced them with more structured play.
Furthermore, the ice time is being distributed in a more even fashion and everyone is getting involved in the game and has a role. I particularly like the play of Savoie and Kapenen lately as they are generating offensive chances and hitting the scoresheet. The coaching staff needs to continue this trend as for the team to truly gel, they need to be deployed as a team.
Goaltending
After starting out well for the Oilers, Tristan Jarry has struggled in net. I advised against making that trade, and it would appear my concerns were well warranted (I'm always right, I wish I wasn't, it would make life more interesting).
A trade needed to happen but as it stands, it's blown up in their faces, with Ingram as the Oilers number one goalie. Going into the playoffs (if they get in) this is a big problem. At this juncture, I would call up Pickard, and go with a Calvin/Connor tandem and see where that goes. It cant really be any worse.
The game vs Nashville was exactly the way the Oilers need to play going forward if they want to make it into the playoffs and have success.
*as parnwelld@hotmail.ca indicated, I mean Murphy lol, I don't know what happened there