The Edmonton Oilers started this season the same way they played most of last season. They gave up a goal in the opening minutes, got behind by a large margin, and then stormed back at the end with goals scored by their top players. So nothing has changed. At least they beat the Vancouver Canucks. They played the game short a forward due to salary cap issues, which is not a great omen.
In the next game against the Calgary Flames, the Oilers gave up a goal a minute in again, got in a hole again but failed to dig out of it even though they came close. Not a great start to the season.
The concession prices at Rogers Arena have changed, but not in a good way. It’s an astonishing $36.50 for two sodas and two popcorns. Shouldn’t that cost ten dollars? The chicken tenders are $17.50. Although I’m a vegetarian, I argue that it’s a better deal than the soda and popcorn. I never eat anything at any of these places. It’s price gouging at its finest.
Not finished with making money off fans, the Oilers released Oilers+, another streaming service nobody needs. For $8.99 a month or $59.99 for the year, you get a bunch of behind-the-scenes crap you can probably find elsewhere for free. Or, for almost the same price, you can subscribe to ESPN+ and get almost every NHL game this season.
If you’re an Oilers fan, you’re probably not happy right now.
Things I like
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My Stanley Cup favorite Dallas Stars, looked very sharp in their two games against the previously undefeated Nashville Predators. They outscored them 9-2. The addition of Mason Marchment was a bit of a gamble, but it’s paying off well. He’s paired with Tyler Seguin and leads the team with three goals. Jamie Benn has dropped to the third line, which will surely dampen his production but gives them better depth. If the Stars play to their potential, it will be hard for anyone to beat them.
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The Boston Bruins scored 11 goals and the Pittsburgh Penguins 12 in their first two games. David Krejci, who returned from the ELH, and the underrated David Pastrnak lead the Bruins. What’s notable is they don’t have Brad Marchand yet. Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel lead the Penguins. Both teams are getting depth scoring too. Most notable is A.J. Greer of the Bruins, who has played in five times more AHL games than NHL but had four points against the Arizona Coyotes. If the depth scoring continues, these will be very potent teams.
Things I don’t
- The Vancouver Canucks apparently didn’t work on their special teams in practice. They’ve given up four powerplay and two shorthanded goals in two games, although one powerplay goal was an empty net goal. It’s hard to win games when your special teams struggle, which is why they haven’t.
Fights of the Week
Special thanks to hockeyfights.com for making this section a little easier to do.
William Borgen vs Maxime Comtois
This was the best fight this week, which isn’t saying much.
Goat of the Week
Jake Muzzin - Toronto Maple Leafs
Muzzin passed the puck up the middle directly to Nick Suzuki, who gave it to Josh Anderson for the game-winner with 19 seconds left. C’mon, Muzzin, you know better. Despite their defensive and goaltending struggles, the Maple Leafs almost started 3-0.
Stat Line of the Week
10/13/22 Anaheim 5 vs. Seattle 4
| Skater | TOI | G | A | +/- | SOG | PPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T. Terry | 19:20 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry have replaced the Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry show in Anaheim. Terry had two goals and an assist, including the overtime goal assisted by his goalie John Gibson. Terry had a goal in his next game.
Pastrnak, McDavid, and Artemi Panarin had four point nights this week.
Numbers, Numbers
13 – Years between home opener wins for the Calgary Flames
7 – Goals scored by the New York Islanders against the Anaheim Ducks, something they didn’t do all last season
1 – Assist in his NHL debut for the Arizona Coyotes’ 9th overall pick in 2021, Dylan Guenther
702 – Career points for Connor McDavid, who will probably notch his 6th 100-point season this year
2 – Back to back shorthanded goals by Sam Lafferty of the Chicago Blackhawks
13 – Goals scored in the Los Angeles Kings win over the Minnesota Wild
7 – Winless teams
Rankings
The rankings are based on how the teams are currently playing.
Top 5
- Vegas
- Dallas
- Pittsburgh
- Boston
- Carolina
Bottom 5
- San Jose
- Arizona
- Columbus
- New Jersey
- Minnesota