Game Eleven: Habs vs. Oilers

THIRD PERIOD:

- Habs and Oilers through 40 minutes. That second period was just about as bad as you thought it might be for Montreal:

- Subban with a ridiculous stick scoop to keep the Oilers from narrowing the lead to one goal. That's how much the Habs are flirting with blowing this.

- Oilers matching McDavid line against the struggling Desharnais line. It's a good matchup, with Montreal's 3rd unit really sluggish to match Edmonton's speed.

- Here we go. Davidson a blast from the line on a four-on-four where a second earlier, there were four Habs in the corner puck chasing, and the lead is one. Good riddance for trying to sit on a lead for nearly 30 minutes. 

- Oilers pushing hard, mighty hard now, and Montreal is reeling, just barely hanging on in their own zone. Edmonton on the cusp of tying this game.

- Weise, puck on his stick, close to two seconds to shoot the puck into an empty net two feet away, somehow, someway, misses. Simply putting the puck in would probably had ended this game. But now ...

- And there is it. Pouilot. Another Habs offensive breakdown. Habs fully deserved blowing this lead. Didn't bother playing in the second, and basically handed everything to Edmonton in the 3rd. Collapse is nearly complete.

- Habs seem to be resigned to OT, which isn't much of an option, given that McDavid is playing out of his mind right now. Montreal will almost be certainly curb stomped 3-on-3.

- Collapse compete, Oilers shoot in, Desharnais is easily stripped of the puck, as though he wasn't even there, and one second later, the Oilers win the game. 

- Disgrace. Total disgrace. The Habs had a 3-0 lead, were skating circles around their opponent, and then took a collective vacation at the start of the 2nd period. Instead of continuing to be aggressive, they went into a total shell. And it cost them an easy win. Scratching Semin, putting Flynn on the 2nd line, looks like a catastrophic move, as Flynn gave the Habs close to nothing tonight. This is the kind of a loss that can send a team reeling for weeks. And given how this team was prepared, and how it held it huge lead, it'll be fully deserved. Awful, awful, awful game for the Habs.

SECOND PERIOD:

- Habs and Oilers through 20 minutes:

- Remember how we mocked McDavid for that dive in the first? It really was that bad:

- I know Scrivens' career took a dive off the cliff, but Talbot doesn't look like much of a solution. 

- Habs increasingly passive as the period goes on, allowing Oilers free reign to carry the zone and take shots at Price. Three goals ain't insurmountable, guys. Punch your cards when the clock hits zero.

- Dale Weise playing the kind of game tonight that likely got Alexander Semin scratched earlier today. Fair is fair, right coach?

- Habs really going through the motions, on pace for two shots in the period. Pretty dismal effort by a team that's clearly trying to coast their way past an inferior opponent.

- Desharnais has been a possession dearth tonight - constantly getting pinned in their own zone. Brian Flynn next to Desharnais has lacked any form of cohesion. 

- Habs lone powerplay a hot mess, which isn't exactly surprising since this team has been so focused on slowing the game down to a crawl this period that passing accuracy has pretty much fallen into an abyss. 

- Referee TJ Luxmore, who's only called 30 NHL games, nails Fleischmann for high sticking, which never goes higher than his waist. Oilers convert on the man advantage to make it 3-1. Luxmore looking a bit over his head tonight.

- Well, Habs three goal lead is now two, and it could have been worse, given how much they sat on their lead in the period. Coach Therrien needs to remind his players that their formula for success this season has been to not sit on any kind of lead. They cannot afford to coast another 20 minutes against this Oilers team, which has the capacity of scoring goals in bunches. 

FIRST PERIOD: 

- So how long before Therrien gives up on playing Flynn on the 2nd line? How long afterward does Dale Weise take that spot? Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how that line produces. Fans might pine for Semin at the end of the night.

- Both teams sputtering badly out of the gate ... no rhythm at either end of the ice, scoring chances have been next to zero so far. This is the type of game you like to play if you're an overmatched visiting team. Thing is, it's the Oilers who are overmatched.

- Habs strike on the powerplay, doing a pretty impressive job passing in the Oilers zone, before Subban releases a point shot that's deflected in by Gallagher. Habs man advantage continuing to show improved confidence. Maybe this 18 month long powerplay nightmare is finally over. 

- Darnell Nurse looks like the real deal. The rest of the Oilers defence, though ... yikes.

- Connor McDavid does a grand belly flop looking for a cheap penalty. 

- Oilers sloppy defence strikes again, poor turnover at their line gifts the puck to Torrey Mitchell, who snaps the puck top corner. Mitchell continues his amazing season start. Whowouldathunkit?

- Wow. Edmonton's defence is just a mess, Markov a lovely pass to a WIDE open Galchenyuk, who has an easy tap in to give the Habs a 3-0 lead. Our pregame speculation about whether this Edmonton team has the defensive horses to get them to the playoffs? Not a chance.

- Brian Flynn looking mighty impressive on the PK. Really wish he'd get more time on that unit.

- Habs more or less taking Oilers to school in that period, with Montreal's forwards causing headaches and turnovers like crazy. Edmonton's defence is, to use a couple of words, pretty woeful. Their offence wasn't anything to write home about either, as the Oilers had difficulty setting up quality chances off the rush - which their scoring lives (or dies) on. Puck luck killed Montreal in Vancouver, tonight it hasn't been a factor, and it's been pretty lopsided.

OKAY. NO MORE MESSIN' AROUND. THE OILERS ARE DONE SUCKING!

Has the "City of Champions", and their beloved hockey team finally turned the corner? After 10 years in the NHL hinterlands, could these, the Oilers of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, finally ... FINALLY be icing a competitive team?

The answer, quite clearly is ... we're not sure!

Man, it's been a rough 10 years for this organization. Five bottom basement finishes in the standings, five first overall draft picks, 4 in the past 6 years, and still ... this team hasn't had much of a sniff at a playoff spot since they were (yes, it's true) in the Stanley Cup Final wayyyyyy back in 2006.

Ah, BUT THIS YEAR IT'S DIFFERENT cry out the Edmonton faithful. To a certain extent, they're right. This year's Oilers team is different - is unquestionably better.

Still, are they a playoff contender in 2016? Probably not. We think.

The Oilers big move during the summer was, of course, the drafting of Connor McDavid, who's, as you may have noticed, is off to a terribly good start in his rookie campaign. Five goals and assists in ten games, he's been playing so well that he's making his linemate, former number one overall draft pick, Nail Yakupov, look good. That alone is a pretty impressive achievement.

The story with Edmonton is the usual - an offence with awesome potential and a defence that ... well ... it's an ongoing project.

At the very least, unlike the years of doom and gloom under Kevin Lowe, Edmonton is actually paying attention to their blue line. Leading up to the trade deadline, the Oilers acquired Eric Gryba from the Senators (yes, he of the dirty head check to Lars Eller three years ago), and over the summer, signed Justin Schultz and Brandon Davidson to a (just) one year extensions, and picked up free agent Andrej Sekera and gave him a six year contract. Then there's prized defensive prospect Darnell Nurse, who scored his first NHL goal earlier this week.

So what's the effect. Well, the Oilers are no longer in last place, defensively, at least so far this season. Last year they were ranked 30th overall, this year, 23rd, in goal averages per game. In shots allowed per game, they've gone from 30th, to 22nd. Their penalty kill has also improved, now ranked a respectable 15th overall.

These are improved numbers, but they still aren't great numbers. The trend though, has been established, and it's mostly positive. If the Oilers don't make it to the post season this year, it's a pretty good bet they will in the very near future.

Meanwhile, over in Habsland ... the Canadiens are dealing with a one game losing streak, thanks to some bad bounces and generally sloppy defensive play in Vancouver Monday night. Tonight, the Habs will be making their first lineup adjustment of the season, with Alexander Semin (as predicted on this blog a couple days ago) getting a healthy scratch tonight, his spot on the 2nd line will be taken up by (drum roll please) ... Brian Flynn. WHAT? Yup. Brian Flynn. The Habs 4th line, which has been mostly awesome this season, is being taken apart by Michel Therrien - so hey ... don't look at me about this stuff, I'm just reporting.

Still, pound for pound, ounce for ounce, and on paper, the Oilers are heavily overmatched tonight. There is no *good* reason why the Habs shouldn't get back on the winning track tonight.

We're sure about that. Well, kinda sure. Actually, we have no idea!

Puck drops at 9:10 EST.

Game Nine: Habs vs. Oilers

Third Period:

- I realize it isn't particularly original to harp on the officiating, but Emelin gets two minutes for simply delivering a hard body check. I can't fathom what the official was thinking, but it once again puts the Habs a man down.

- Pretty lame Oilers powerplay all night - the Oilers with a meager 13 shots on goal, and the Habs still not rewarded for their efforts. A strange game.

- Habs pushing here, Oikers can ill afford to sit on this lead.

- Habs now regressing, playing as though they have a 2-0 lead. Game rapidly going. Nowhere fast.

- Eberle dives, ref gets suckered. Desharnais to the box.

- Schultz with blatant goaltender interference on Tokarski, no call. Abysmal.

- Wonder how different the result might be if Gallagher doesn't interfere, costing the Habs the Pacioretty no-goal? I'm figuring completely different.

- Boyd Gordon must be insane, throwing his limbs point blank in front of a Subban slapper.

- Oilers blocking everything in sight, suffocating the Habs to death tonight.

- Kind of embarrassing to get shut out by the worst defensive team in hockey, but here we are.

- The Pat Roy three minute pull. Desperate times. Desperate times.

- Okay, so let's see if Calgary works out better. It sure looks like the lucky charms that fed the Habs 7-1 start were eaten up tonight.

Second Period:

- Galchenyuk has amazing speed, he seems to actually get faster each game.

- Oilers defense looking ragged and vulnerable, there an awful lot of open ice in the slot while Habs are attacking. Can't foresee the score staying at zero much longer.

- Annnnnmd Yakopov scores. The guys that can't score contributing. Against us, of course. Beaulieu totally out of position, that's all part of the learning curve, I suppose. 2-0.

First Period:

- Really marginal hooking call on Markov, sets the tone for a micro managed game.

- Oy. Call on Prust truly preposterous. Here we go.

- Pacioretty doesn't get nearly enough credit for the contribution he makes to the PK. Positionally he's just so solid.

- Tokarski with some fine work so far - he's very well set in his crease, helps him to make easier saves.

- Don't know what Desharnais was thinking but that high stick kills a Habs powerplay before it even gets started.

- I still think Prust is this lineup's weakest link, and when Sekac returns he ought be the odd forward out.

- I love Gallagher to death but this isn't the first time his aggressive push to the net has resulted in a waved off goal. Sigh.

- incredibly hard hit by Yakopov on Emelin. I felt that through my TV set. Well if he can't score I suppose he has other good uses.

- Questionable call on Subban. Therrien is fuming. 

- And Poiliot buries. Blah. Tokarski probably would like that one back. 1-0 Edmonton.

- Good news for Edmonton. They lead after one. Bad news for Edmonton. They lead after one against the Habs.

Gameday Game Preview

Read it and weep Habs haters. READ IT AND WEEP. Number one in the League! PLAN THE PARADE.

Okay, so these moments are fleeting, so might as well milk it for all it's worth. Indeed, our beloved Montreal Canadiens stand atop not just Division or Conference standings, but on top of the whole damn League. The Habs are off to their best season start in 53 years, which is actually before I was born, which means it's been a LONG time.

What's the reason for all this success? The heck if I know. The offensive ranking is a mediocre 12th. The defensive ranking is very mediocre 17th. The powerplay ranking is not even good enough to be called mediocre. Rated 23rd currently. The PK? Eh. Not bad. 11th.

But really, if you examine the major metrics that influence the bottom line, it doesn't add up, does it? All those sub-par figures, and yet, seven wins in eight games. The big elephant in the room question is, how much of this is fluke? It's pretty hard to not deduce that the Habs have gotten off to an incredible start - in the luck department.

So now, the Habs have left the comforting confines of the Bell Centre, for a western Canadian road trip that as history will indicate, has not been kind to Montreal. The last time the Habs swept all three pegs of the Edmonton/Calgary/Vancouver hop was back in 1998. For the arithmetically challenged, that's 16 years ago. Since then, the Habs have played 30 combined games in those cities, winning just 8 times. Two of the eight wins came last season.

So maybe the trend is shifting back in the Habs direction? Maybe we're slowly returning to western feasts, rather than famines? Is it too much to ask?

Tonight, hop number one in the journey begins in Edmonton, against the (wouldyabelieve?) streaking Oilers. Three straight wins for Edmonton. It should be noted that two of the three wins came against less than stellar opponents, the Caps last Wednesday, and the Hurricanes last Friday. But one did come against the Lightening, and we all remember what happened a couple of weeks ago when the Habs visited Tampa, right? Or have we mercifully forgotten?

SO TONIGHT. With both teams riding nice little winning streaks, the Oilers will send out their usual lineup of "young guns" against Dustin Tokarski. The Oilers' scoring sheet is led, unsurprisingly, by Taylor Hall (7 pts) and Jordan Eberle (6 pts). Of concern to Edmonton is the continuing production (or lack of) Nail Yakupov, who's netting just one goal in eight games, and has generated a -6 +/-. It's been more or less the same ol' story for Nail, the sure-fire, can't-miss first overall draft choice, underwhelming viewers and paid customers with listless performances.

 Even though they're self-proclaimed guns, the Oilers offense isn't off to much of a start, winning streaks considered. 14th ranked offense,  12th rated powerplay. The big albatross, as usual, is their defense and suspect goaltending. At 3.88 goals surrendered per game average, the Oilers find themselves ranked dead last in the League. Much like last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. You know what? You gotta go back to 2008-09 as the last time Edmonton's defense wasn't at or near the bottom. That season, they finished a stellar 21st in the League. Oilers hockey. Be there!

Nathan Beaulieu will get a start tonight for the Habs. Jarad Tokarski will enjoy a few drinks up in the press box.

Puck drops at 9:40 EST.

Game Nine: Oilers vs. Habs

Wednesday Notes:

- Coach Therrien just answered a few Qs, and indicated that Tinordi's demotion was to provide him with more playing time than he's currently receiving in the bigs. So ... why not just give him more, and say, Bouillon less? /snark.

Therrien added that the club is considering bringing up Greg Pateryn from Hamilton, which is making me go "hmmm ...", with Emelin and Murry on the horizon for return, I find it curious that Therrien is considering rotating in another young defender. Organizational depth is a wonderful luxury, but there comes a point of excess. So I'm thinking ... trade in the works? UPDATE: Indeed, Pateryn has received the call-up from Hamilton. This *could* mean that he'll be slotted in as the #6, while Beaulieu will platoon on the 4th, pushing Holland on to the scratch list tomorrow night.

- Jarred Tinordi was assigned to Hamilton this morning. Which means Nathan Beaulieu can probably count on not getting sent back to southern Ontario - at least for awhile. Tinordi had a strong pre-season, but has struggled in many of his regular season starts. Hopefully the Hamilton stint will help to recapture that physical edge that caught so many eyes when he was called up for the post-season series against the Sens.

Practice lines this morning were exactly as the starting lines from last night's game:

Gallagher-Eller-Galchenyuk
Ginota-Plekanec-Bournival
Bourque-Desharnais-Moen
Holland-White-Blunden

- Interesting little quip this morning about that fight last night between Moen and Acton Gadzic that was interceded by the linesmen, apparently because the League front office has sent a directive that officials are to stop fights whenever possible (or so that's the word). Moen this morning said that one of the linesmen apologized to him afterward about stopping the fight, and explained that he was following League orders. Interesting.

 

Final Score: Edmonton 4, Montreal 3

Let's break it down:

Corsi (all): Habs 54.1% Oilers 45.9%
Moen: 65.2%
Eller: 61.5%
Galchenyuk: 60.0%
...
Desharnais: 45.2%
Holland: 38.5%

Fenwick (all): Habs 50.6% Oilers 49.4%
Moen: 61.5%
Plekanec: 58.3%
Gionta: 58.3%
...
Desharnais: 35.0%

No surprises here. After cooling off the past couple of games, the Eller line rebounded nicely last night, and were by far the most dangerous line for the Habs. However, for whatever reason, coach Therrien doesn't seem to be rewarding their performances with increased icetime. His bench management stubbornly continues to give the Eller and Plekanec lines equal time, including the insistent deployment of Plekanec as the first line powerplay. It (again) hurt the Habs last night, who had two man advantages that went nowhere that could have drilled a stake into the OIlers' coffin.

Defensively, the Plekanec line was on the ice for three of the Oilers first goal (much of that can be blamed on Rene Bourque's lackadaisical defensive play), but they weren't the only culprits. The Habs defense was particularly porous last night, allowing the Oilers speedy forwards free reign to attack the Habs slot in the 3rd, resulting in two goals from high percentage shooting positions. Francis Bouillon continues to be over deployed, and the Oilers were skating circles around him - posting team defensive low 42.1% Corsi combined. That's bad. Bouillon is a coaching favorite, but his presence beyond a 12 minute game is hurting this team, especially in the defensive zone.

Price didn't have his "A" game going last night, but he wasn't the differing factor in the loss.

Two other matters. First, Desharnais. I know, broken record, but we're now entering inexcusable performance territory. One measly point in nine games for the guy who was supposedly the team's #2 center. He isn't that anymore. He's now degenerated into a marginal NHL forward. This is Scott Gomez territory, except that Desharnais is smaller and even more ineffective in the opposition zone. Last night's performance was particularly dismal - Deshairnas' passing to his wingers was atrociously inaccurate. At some point, the Canadiens will have to make some kind of an intervention, because his production simply cannot continue to be overlooked anymore.

Finally, the Oilers post-game comments singled out Eller's "junior team" quip as their inspiration for victory. That's wonderful. Congrats to Edmonton for their inspired play. But one win does not preclude Eller's apt description of the Oilers' style. They *are* a freewheeling, disorganized collection of raw talent. This means they do have tremendous potential of winning games that resemble shootouts. But when it comes down to putting together quality victories over quality opponents, the Oilers aren't a quality team. They lack cohesion and discipline. That makes them at best, an average team, and at worst, a franchise that's likely headed nowhere.

Third Period:

- Stats check, Habs are now -3 in the 2nd period this season. Way above even first and third periods.

- Subban and Markov are probably both going to cross past the 27 minute mark through 60 minutes.

- White, Eller and Gallagher on the ice. Wonder if Galchenyuk is getting a little punishment for dogging it back on the Oilers' first goal?

- Looking at the line, it's been a pretty dreadful night for Desharnais. His passing has been terrible - this might be his worst game in what has already been a very poor start to the year.

- Bouruqe has had a decent night, but he's not gaining any favours saddled with Desharnais. At this point, I'd almost be tempted to move him next to Plekanec.

- Sometimes P.K. Subban just takes your breath away. At this moment, there is nobody better on the blue line in hockey. Absolutely nobody.

- Ryan White. How do you not teach foolishness? Oilers with open ice now with a 4-on-4.

- Petry. Pretty pass from Nugent-Hopkins. Plekanec again. Oilers take lead.

- So the "junior team" factor. How much is inspiring the Oilers towards winning this?

- It's all come apart. Perron. Guess who's on the ice? Plekanec line.

- That shot was stoppable, from Price's POV. But it still doesn't excuse the wretched turnovers by the Habs in the neutral zone.

- Plekanec, Gionta, Galchenyuk, Bourque, Bouillon are combined -10 so far. The first four listed have not been covering their assignments tonight. That's a big part of the story.

- Habs defense doing a fine red carpet impersonation. The team is more or less in collective shambles.

- Habs now look like the team at the end of a six game road swing.

- So who looks like the junior team tonight?

- Habs put in 20 minutes of decent hockey tonight. The rest was shambles. Only the EGG line and Subban showed up. And Bournival. The rest of the crew, let's hear the excuses. 

- Stats breakdown and post-mortem later, It doesn't get much easier for the Habs. The Ducks Thursday, and then ... gulp ... Sharks on Saturday. 

Second Period:

- First period line wasn't totally lopsided, Corsi +3, Fenwick +2. But Habs had shot advantage 14-8', and completely dominated the faceoff circle winning 15 out of 19. Yikes.

- Decent rebound by Edmonton to start the period, but you can't fake your way through tired legs. 

- If trend continues, Markov and Subban might clock in the high 20s tonight for icetime. Predictably, Therrien has the short leash on the new guy - Holland barely has 2 minutes so far.

- Rousing applause as Roman Hamrlik's attendance is announced. Classy response by those in attendance.

- Desharnais for holding, inexcusable since Edmonton is the chasing team. Habs getting into some penalty trouble, seemingly looking for ways to let the Oilers back into this game.

- Nice little confidence vote by Therrien, as Holland gets some PK time (and does well).

- Gallagher fearless driving the Oilers net, but not so enthusiastic (as well as Galchenyuk) coming back to cover his assignment, as Hemsky with loads of room to waltz right to the slot, cuts Habs lead in half. 2-1.

- Habs were coasting, tempting fate by taking a passive attitude controlling the tempo. Oilers quietly have wrestled themselves back into contention. Therrien won't be pleased.

- Oy. Plekanec can't clear the zone, Nugent-Hopkins with a wrister that causes Price to surrender a sweet rebound, which is buried by Smid coming in off the point. Tie game. Shades of Columbus all over again where the Habs had total control, took their eyes off the ball, and have let the opposition wrestle control. No way this tired Edmonton team should be on even terms. But here we are.

- Wow. Habs combined Corsi was 66% before the Smid goal. Crazy lobsided except for the scoreboard.

- Eller line is totally (and I mean TOTALLY) dominating possession tonight, but still isn't getting more time than the Plekanec line. 

- Great reaction save by Dubnyk to keep Gallagher off the scoresheet. That line is motering.

- Hugely disappointing period for the Habs, but it continues a disturbing trend for Montreal this season - their second periods have been pretty terrible. If Edmonton somehow wins this, Habs fans are going to be mighty grumpy.

First Period:

- Second shift White line is put out. Signal that Therrien wants Habs to be physical?

- Reportedly many scouts are in attendance tonight - teams are smelling blood in Edmonton's waters already, and might be seeking a bargain.

- Solid shift for Bouruqe, working hard for the puck along the boards, generally not being invisible.

- Excellent pad save by Dubnyk on Gallagher. That could set the tone for the evening.

- Oilers Arconello line looks fired up tonight. See if they'll make a mark on the scoresheet.

- Beating dead horse watch: Habs first powerplay, Therrien stubbornly sticks with Plekanec/Gionta/Bourque to start. By the time Eller line is sent out, Subban/Markov combo is off. 

- Oilers 3rd and 4th lines really struggling to contain Habs attack. Saw plenty of hooks and slashes until finally a trip was called. Habs go back to the powerplay.

- Plekanec one-times off a sweet cross ice pass from Markov. 1-0.

- Oilers look tired out there. Makes sense, last game of a long trip.

- Oilers are an exhausted mess. Chasing the puck, sloppy turnovers, and Gallagher intercepts an ill-advised and silps a sweet wrister past Dubnyk. Habs already in command.

- Oilers Acton Gadzic drops the gloves with Moen, looking to stop the bleeding. Officials intercede, no fight. Fans are miffed, but good work from the lines to break that up before it started.

- Oilers' defense is incredibly passive. Just backing up and giving Habs forwards free reign to come right at Dubnyk.

- Ugly period for Edmonton. Game started eveny enough, but from the 10 minute mark forward, Habs were all over Edmonton like an ugly coat. Advanced stats shortly.

Pre-Game Lineups:

Habs:
Galchenyuk-Eller-Gallagher
Bournival-Plekanec-Gionta
Moen-Desharnais-Bourque
Blunden-White-Holland

Markov-Subban
Gorges-Diaz
Bouillon-Beaulieu

Oilers:
Yakupov-Nugent Hopkins-Eberle(?)
Perron-Arcobello-Hemsky
Pitlick-Gordon-Jones
Gazdic-Acton-Enger

Smid-Petry
Belov-J. Schultz
N.Schultz-Ference

Not that the Habs should be chest-beating, but that's a pretty thin Oilers lineup. After the 2nd line ... hmm ... it's looking pretty rough.

In other gameday news, Lars Eller ruffled a few feathers today after making comments about the Oilers' "junior" style of play:

Gameday Game Preview:

So this oughtta be interesting.

The underwhelming Edmonton Oilers will take on the Habs tonight at the Bell Centre, puck drop around 7:40 EST. The game will be the only visit of the year by the oil, their final destination in what has been a relatively disastrous six game road trip. The swing through the east has produced an underwhelming 1-4-0 record for Edmonton, although they did manage to grab a W in Ottawa Sunday afternoon, following a strong performance by their first-string (?) netminder Devan Dubnyk.

The road trip has been especially tough on the Oilers, not only because they've lost 4 out of 5, but they've also seen a couple of critical offensive weapons hitting the injury list. Ryan Smyth, who strained his groin last week in a heartbreaking 6-5 loss to the Leafs, is gone for at least another week. Meanwhile club scoring leader Taylor Hall had a knee-on-knee collision with Eric Gryba of the Sens this weekend, and he'll be out of the lineup for at least a month.

Can we make it even worse? There's no confirmation as of this writing that Jordan Eberle is able to start tonight. He's got an undisclosed injury.

Ouch.

If there's any consolation for Edmonton fans, it's that Habs fans can relate to having a depleted roster. The Canadiens have lost not only Max Pacioretty for at least another couple of weeks, but also key grinder Brandon Prust with a shoulder injury until late November, and Daniel Briere for ... who knows how long? Briere is sidelined with concussion from a head hit taken Saturday night.

Oh yeah. Can't forget George Parros - he's still indefinite from concussion. And Alexei Emelin (not due back for another month). And Doug Murry (not due back for another month).

Have I left anyone out?

In response to the rash of hurtin' bodies, the Habs called up Nathan Beaulieu (who might get some 4th line action), Mike Blunden (ditto) and Patrick Holland (double ditto). This all means that Travis Moen will probably get bumped up to 2nd or 3rd line duties, Ryan White will probably stay 4th line centre, with Bluden and Holland on the wing, and Beaulieu as the 6th defenseman, possibly rotating in for some 4th line shifts depending on how well Holland performs. Jarred Tinordi will be a healthy scratch.

So .. lots of juggling happening here. New lineups, different line mates, it all creates the heightened potential for a sputtering, sloppy game.

The teams. Well, the Oilers are off to a pretty disappointing start, we've rehashed this before about how entering the season, Edmonton was *finally* going to be a competitive force in the Western Conference. However, team defense and inconsistent starting goaltending has resulted in a string of close loses. The Oilers play so far reminds me quite a bit of the Habs' dreadful 2010-11 season of countless one-goal losses. Edmonton, like that Habs team, aren't awful - they're just not quite good enough to eek out close-margin victories.

Even with all their injuries, the Habs enjoy the luxury of depth - Blunden and Holland are quality replacement players, and while replacing someone like Prust is difficult, if not impossible, it still doesn't compare to the situation Edmonton is facing in having to replace Smyth, Hall, and Simon Gagne (and maybe Eberle as well).

So roster-wise, major advantage to the Habs tonight.

No announcement yet on starting goaltenders. Probably it's Carey Price and Dubnyk.

Game Four: Habs vs. Oilers

Habs 4, Oilers 1

Alright, let's break it down.

Fenwick (5v5):
Bournival: 80.0%
Moen: 76.9
Prust: 72.7
Pacioretty: 52.9
Briere:46.7
...
Gionta: 31.3%
Galchenyuk: 29.4

As noted during the game, Bournival had a pretty impressive night, seemed to anticipate the play, was pretty involved in his (mainly) containment role. Prust with a nice bounce-back game after playing rather poorly against Calgary (by his standards), while Moen continues to make valued contributions to the 4th line.

Desharnais, same story. But what about Brian Gionta? His struggles seem to only deepen - unlike Bournival, he's having a lot of trouble keeping pace with game flow, and for the life of me, I can't explain why. Gionta has come off of two very debilitating muscle tear injuries within two years - so I'm left wondering if the seriousness of those injuries has simply been too much for Gionta's body to handle. From what I've seen the first four games, he's a shell of his former self.

Defensive notes: Bouillon game in at just 25%, and mercy me, Therrien kept him pretty stapled to the bench, with Frankie punching in under 13 minutes. More of this reduced ice time PLEASE COACH.

Corsi (5v5):
Bournival: 81.3%
Prust: 72.
Moen: 71.4
Pacioretty: 65.4
Briere: 62.5
...
Desharnais: 29.6%
Gionta: 25.0

Again, disappointing numbers for the captain. Plekanec, who admittedly was playing mainly a checking role tonight, also continues to struggle. Just one point so far this year, Plekanec now has the lowest overall Fenwick among Habs starting blue liners. Habs fans have every right to be worried about Plekanec's lack of production because sooner or later, the Eller line will cool down, and when that happens, it'll be up to guys like Plekanec, Gionta and Desharnais to pick up the slack. So far, we haven't had much evidence they're capable of doing that.

Third Period:

- As suspected, both Corsi and Fenwick totals are pretty much a dead heat after 40 minutes.

- Eller fabulous on the puck first 6 minutes of this period. 

- Action has been too wide open for Habs' tastes. Really asking for trouble when you open the barn doors against a team like Edmonton.

- Oilers not really turning on the jets here, still seem to be settling back a bit perhaps looking for a Habs mistake,

- And it's the oilers who make the mistake getting caught up ice, and boy oh boy was that one heckova sweet connection Gallagher to Galchenyuk. 3-1.

- Oy. Brutal board by Eller on Hall, pushing him blind head first into the boards. The League will almost certainly review that play to see if futher discipline is required.

- This game really has been a startling contrast between Galchenyuk and Yakupov, hasn't it?  If I was an Oilers fan I'd be growing increasingly angry about how Edmonton handled that draft.

- Said it before, I'll say it again. Budaj has been extremely impressive tonight. Galchenyuk has stolen the show, but Budaj came up with some really solid saves while the Habs were trailing 1-0.

- Patches with the cherry.

Impressive win tonight, Habs youth really showed up the Oilers' youth - Gallagher, Eller and especially Galchenyuk stealing the show. It will be interesting to see if any further action is taken against Eller for that hit on Hall, but regardless, the Habs can breath a sigh of relief in actually winning a game on one these western Canadian road swings.

Game stats breakdown in a few. There are some bright spots, and a couple of very concerning numbers from two very struggling Habs. Their names by the way, aren't Desharnais or Briere.

Second Period:

- Habs +3 Fenwick, +7 Corsi in the first.

- Habs called for too many men. Specifically, two too many men.

- At least he's being utilized on the PK, but Subban on 2nd line duty.

- Oilers finally strike as Markov for whatever reason, abandons his position, thereby opening a huge passing lane for Hall which goes in off Smyth's skate. Markov makes a significant mistake that you shouldn't see from someone with that many years in the League.

- Bournival, what little icetime he's given, has looked very, very good. Dare say none of the Habs better playing forwards tonight.

- Habs offense for the most part has gone AWOL in the 2nd. Budaj, however, playing very solid, giving his team a chance.

Habs

- Loose puck in Oilers crease, Briere is there but is simply not big or strong enough to push it past Dubnyk. Habs go to the powerplay, though.

- Galchenyuk looked like he's been playing in the NHL for 10 years holding holding holding and then feeding a perfect pass to Gallagher for an easy tap in. What a great goal. Game tied.

- Habs 4th line doing a fantastic job keeping puck in oilers zone - Prust cashing in a garbage goal as Dubnyk can't find the handle. 2-1 Habs.

- Really rough night again for Desharnais, and he's finally starting to see a significant reduction in shifts. Not even at 7 minute mark yet. 

- With fairness to equal time, Plekanec is a mess tonight - easily the Habs worst playing forward. No idea what's up, but I don't recall ever seeing him this listless and uninvolved.

- Budaj really coming up with some first-string netminding here.

- Habs are playing far too deferential in their zone, and Oilers are pelting Budaj with some pretty high percentage shots. Inevitable they'll tie this up if serious adjustments aren't made quickly.

- Oilers pushed hard last two minutes but Habs held on. Habs got a few lucky bounces in the period, did a pretty good job with puck control in the a Oilers when possession was established, but on the whole, it's still been a pretty evenly matched game. Oilers had a few problems - Eberle hasn't looked very good, and It looks like Yakupov was benched in the 2nd?

We'll see what the Fenwick line totals are, but I'm already thinking they'll be close to split. Budaj on track for first star if somehow this thing holds.

First period:

- So Tinordi is a healthy scratch, Beaulieu is in. So is Gorges. Also White sits, Bournival is in. 

- Nugent-Hopkins with a pretty clear dive on that little tap given by Bourque. Oilers to the early powerplay.

- As per usual, whole lotta Habs fans in the Edmonton stands tonight. It's an incredibly hard ticket to get because there are an awful lot of Habs fans in western Canada.

- And that's two dives, two tripping penalties against the Habs. Refs are getting suckered here.

- For the most part the Oilers pp has looked pretty disorganized. Habs off the hook.

- Nail gets nailed for an undisciplined cross. Let's see if that good looking Habs PP continues.

- Habs working the line, two hard shots by Subban, one by Markov.

- Gorges absolutely leveled in the corner by scubmeister Gazdic, Prust drops the gloves and will probably pick up an extra two minutes.

- No instigator handed out so it's even strength.

- That was a pretty hard hit absorbed by Gorges. If his health was iffy last night, you have to wonder how it is right now.

- Why goaltenders are insane. Hall's 15 foot slapper rips the mask off Budaj. Couldn't pay me enough to face that firing line.

- Habs fairing better in battles for lose pucks but they're still playing sloppy in their zone. Oilers will eat you alive for that.

- Oilers though, much more physical team so far. Their aim seems to be to wear the Habs down slowly but surely.

- Dubnyk beaten like an old rug by that Bourque wrister. Didn't look good. 

- Plekanec continues to make poor decisions. No way that pass could have connected with Galchenyuk on that 2-on-1.

- Uninspired but fairly evenly played period. At the very least Habs looked better in this frame tonight than they did last night. Habs outshooting the Oilers, Edmonton outhitting Montreal.

Game Day Preview:

Less than 24 hours after coming off a smarting loss to the Calgary Flames, the Habs will seek to get their western road trip on track tonight as they take on the (can we still call them young?) Edmonton Oilers.

The Oilers, for anyone who's been paying attention the past few seasons, enjoyed a boon of exceptionally high-level draft picks for five consecutive years, which helped the organization to develop one of the most potentially talented offenses in the National Hockey League.  I emphasize potentially because after so many years spent in the hockey wilderness, and after having so many top tier draft picks such as Sam Gagne, Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov, the Oil haven't been able to muster a post-season appearance since 2006. So much talent on paper, but so many mediocre results on ice.

This year once again, expectations are high that finally, finally - the Oilers will arrive as a team to be reckoned with. However, the Oilers continue to fight old ghosts - specifically, the organization's cultural focus on offense, which critics have pointed out has left the team with plenty of firepower, but little on the backend to protect its own zone. Case in point: the 2013 entry draft, out of their 10 draft picks, the Oilers front office chose 8 forwards, and just two were spent on defensemen. Granted, the Oilers did use their number one pick (7th overall) on Greyhound blueliner Darnell Nurse, but apart form expending their 9th pick on Ben Betker, the Oilers again spent all their chips on forwards.

To underscore the point, of the 6 starting blue liners tonight, only one (Jeff Petry) was drafted by the organization - and he was picked way back in 2006.

So this year as last year as the year before and the year before that, the Oilers' most glaring weaknesses are on defense, which won't make Edmonton's task tonight particularly easy against the (supposedly) balanced Habs attack.

That's not to say it's a bed of roses in Habsland. Coach Michel Therrien is coming under increased scrutiny for his bench management the first three games of the season. Lars Eller, by far the Habs best forward in the early season, got less icetime against the Flames then he did measured against the somewhat struggling Thomas Plekanec, and perhaps more glaringly, the underachieving David Deshairnais, who like last season, is struggling to find his scoring touch that earned him a 4 year contact extension.

On the blue line, there are other concerns. The Habs backend, much like game one against the Leafs, played slow and sloppy Wednesday night. Bench management was again called into question, as #6 D-man Francis Boullion got 5 more minutes of icetime than did Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban. For what ever reason, coach Therrien has been keeping Subban on a pretty tight leash resulting in icetime limitations which have unquestionably hurt his team.

The other big question surrounding the team's defense is on the solid and dependable Josh Gorges, who sat on the bench for pretty much the entire 3rd period last night, apparently suffering from an injury. The Habs have been extremely hush-hush about Gorges' status since then, saying that they wouldn't provide any lineup details until 7:00 p.m. eastern.

Peter Budaj will get his first start of the regular season. Devan Dubnyk, who hasn't got very good career numbers playing against the Canadiens, will start for Edmonton.

Puck drops at 9:40 p.m., est.

Joe Thornton Has Entered the Room.

Avert your eyes. Avert your eyes.

My Message-of-the-Day to Adam Oates:

Hi Adam [waves]. Just a quick word or two and then I'll let you get on with your day:

Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHHHHUT UP Shutup SHUT UP shuddup SHUTUP shaddup SHUT THE FRONT DOOR UP YOU ARE MAKING A FOOL OUT OF YOURSELF.

And for good measure ...

Oh yeah. How many were complaining about this last season? Adam Oates included? Yeah. I didn't think so.

 

Gameday Game Notes:

- Habs announce Peter Budaj will start tonight. That's all I got. No player updates (Gorges). Nothin'. Nada. Zip. Zeeee-row.

- Check that. Habs are practicing right now. But it's a closed session. Sigh.

About Last Night ...

Okay, we're so done with Calgary. Goodbye and good riddance. Any night when you lose to a rebuilding team, regardless of how young their roster or inspired they might be playing, is a  disappointing result. The Habs didn't bomb out - they controlled much of the game possession and tempo, but critical and careless errors by the likes of Travis Moen, P.K Subban (for the Flames' first goal), Jarred Tinordi and Brandon Prust (for the Flames' second goal), and Francis Boullion, who was largely over-utilized all night, gave the Flames high quality scoring opportunities, which they converted.

On the other side of the ledger, the Habs were also generating quality chances, but they were either unable to convert, predominately because Flames netminder Joey McDonald was making some pretty impressive saves. What can ya do?

- No word out yet about Josh Gorges, who played a shift early in the 3rd, and then sat out the rest of the game. Therrien was later quoted as saying that Gorges "wasn't 100%", which given Gorges reputation for his willingness to play through any level of pain, is pretty concerning. Video that I've reviewed doesn't reveal any singular play indicating possible injury, so at this time, I'm perplexed. The only unsubstantiated conclusions I've been able to arrive at is Gorges was somehow injured taking a hit that most defensemen can expect to regularly receive, along the boards.  Anyway, it's worrying because any games without Gorges in the lineup really stretches the Habs' capacity to properly defend their zone.

More later.