"Pondering the future of the Oilers" pt1

1. This past summer, I was able to get away to my Cousin's cabin on the Shuswap Lake in B.C. Having time to rest and ponder can be both good and bad. The good part was, I got lots of rest time during my week, time to catch some fun in the sun and maybe get a bit of a tan while at it.

You know your a fan of hockey that while on the water in beautiful sunshine, your holding out hope that the potential lockout will not come to fruition. How can something so trivial occupy my head space at a incredible time like that? I tried to come up with idea's on stories, tried to follow the young prospects getting ready for camp in only a few weeks. Nothing! Had no motivation at all, just because I was worried, I was about to miss some exciting hockey to start the year.

Think about it, ever since the 2010 draft with...

 Taylor Hall

There has been excitement about hockey in Oil Country since Taylor joined the club. There should be! Adding a #1 NHL Draft pick is nothing to sneeze at. Talk shows and the conversation everywhere was all about if we picked the right guy. He had the pedigree but was he going to help a team who desperately needed a center? With Development Camp in late June, early July each year, free agency on July 1st, we basically only had to wait from about July 15th-August 15th before Oiler players started turning up in the city for Perry Pearn's 3on3 camp.

The excitement in 2011 was the same with...

 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Once again, talk shows were all over the stories. Was Ryan big enough to play in the NHL at 18 when he was only 164 lbs coming out of the WHL playoffs? That along with the fact the city was excited about drafting a centermen, the talk was constant all the way through to the new season. A plethora of free agent signings and it was hard to not be able to talk about Oilers hockey.

Off-season 2012, the excitement continued as the Oilers won the lottery and were handed a a free gift in the likes of...

 Nail Yakupov

This guy not only made things exciting, for Oil Country on the ice, but also off the ice. The conversations on twitter, his interviews , all were a blast as Oil Country embraced this Charismatic Russian. We enjoyed development camp and then came the signing of...

Justin Schultz

Justin had his prime choice of almost every team in the NHL but in the end choose the Edmonton Oilers for what I am sure is a variety of reasons. Bottom line? It doesn't matter, cause he is a Edmonton Oiler now!

How can Oiler fans be anything but excited? In 5 years time, the Oilers have added Jordon Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and now Justin Schultz. While the last two players still have lots to prove as does Paajarvi, the cast is starting to shape into a resemblance of something exciting.

Add to the mix, Jeff Petry, Oscar Klefbom, Teemu Hartikainen and a future goalie in Tyler Bunz now turning Pro, it makes for some excitement everywhere. The Oilers have some exciting development going on at all levels. From the NHL, AHL, ECHL, the CHL and NCAA hockey to even the SEL. Is there excitement? You bet your bottom end there is, however it's difficult to get excited about something you can't watch isn't it? And why is that? Because of $$$$$$$!

Who's side am I taking on this? Not happy with the NHL Commissioner or the NHLPA representative Donald Fehr. Both waited til last minute and then take hard lines in the sand affecting who the most? Those of us who have made the game of hockey what it is today. The FANS!!! Without fan interest, there is no big pay cheque for anybody. Believe me, if I could, I would forfeit hockey, take my money and walk. Problem is, to make a point, we fans would have to sacrifice the most and we know it is not going to happen. 

At this point of time I feel like the rabbit and the NHL and NHLPA are the bear  

TO BE CONTINUED......

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

Is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Gretzkyesque?

Before you shoot the messenger, I am in no way saying Nugent-Hopkins will or ever can match what the 'Great One' did in the record books. It's the way they both play the game. It's the way they move on the ice, see the ice, glide on the ice and let their actions speak more then their voice.

Here is a video clip of some of what Gretzky looked like on the ice during his days as a Oiler. I can not but help myself,  to notice so many similarities between the way they play the game. 

Wayne Gretzky

 As an 18-year-old NHL rookie in 1979, he was conspicuously underweight at just 160 pounds. Many critics stated at that time that Gretzky was "too small, too wiry, and too slow to be a force in the NHL". Although he managed to increase his weight to 185 pounds by the end of his career in 1999, that was still much less than the NHL average. Gretzky always finished dead last in peripheral vision, flexibility and strength for early season testing with the Oilers, and could only bench press 140 pounds. Gretzky had such an uncanny ability to judge the position of the other players on the ice that many suspected he enjoyed some kind of extrasensory perception.  Gretzky said he sensed other players more than he actually saw them. His intelligence and reading of the game was unrivaled, and he could consistently anticipate where the puck was going to be and execute the right move at the right time. Gretzky seemed to be able to, in effect, slow down time.  most elite athletes have "more room in the flow of time" than ordinary athletes. 

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a special player that only answers the bell when critics try to pick away at his game or his ability to perform at the next level. Take a look in this clip at the way Nugent-Hopkins plays on the ice and you will notice once again some similarities in the way they both play.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 

Ryan was questioned if at barely 6'1 and 164 lbs he could withstand the rigours of the NHL as a 18 year old. 4 months later Nugent-Hopkins started the season at 174 lbs and went on to display the same skills at the NHL level as he did in the WHL. This year, reports are coming out saying Ryan is now weighing in at 185 lbs. That would put him at Gretzky's size when he was wrapping up his career. Ryan has the intangibles required to battle in the corners with guys much larger then him, and more often than not, RNH comes out with the puck. He doesn't shy away from battling bigger players. Ryan is brilliant with his edge work and has the ability to out-manoeuvre defenders. His balance is notable. Most often he will be engaged from the back along the sideboards, stay up, and slide off the contact. Ryan's puck skills are elite and enough can't be said with what he does with the puck. His combination of vision, hands, and passing ability are a sight to see and separate him from other players.

With his elite hockey sense and agility, RNH does things at a quick and efficient pace while creating a ton of offense. When watching him on the ice you will notice he keeps his head up at all times, like his head is on a swivel, which helps him avoid checks but also gives him that uncanny ability to get passes through sticks and players to his open man who in most cases has a open net.

He is a perfectionist, who has a strong work ethic and gives lots of attention to detail. RNH is a cerebral player who can fool you when watching him. Just when you think you have kept him at bay, the puck is in the net. An underrated strength he has is his commitment to defence. He works hard to be in the right position and his stick in the right lanes. RNH makes the game look simple and slow out on the ice. He is a Very focused player. Hard worker and humble

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

A Trio Of Oilers Playing Nice With The Red Wings?

Shawn Horcoff and Corey Potter are in Detroit right now and while there, they are participating in an informal skate with the Detroit Red Wings to get their skating legs under them.

While this isn't big news or anything, cause its happening all over the league, I can only imagine the rumors that could start because of it. Eklund could eat this up.

"Horcoff and Potter are being scouted by the Wings! Trade imminent."

Haha! Oiler fans could only be so lucky.

The third Oiler is Nail Yakupov and is also skating with that crew but isn't in the picture below. I wonder how they are treating the 1st overall pick? Is he recognizable in Motor City? When is he coming back to Edmonton?

We all have our fingers crossed that the NHL season gets underway soon. Well it better! I don't know how much longer I can look at Potter with a Wings jersey on. Seriously... Horcoff didn't have an extra in his bag?

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY BURNT-

*Photo courtesy of Bill Roose follow @Bill_Roose on twitter*

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? "Tyler Pitlick"

Tyler Pitlick

6'2

195 lbs

Season         GP   G   A   PTS   TEAM
2007/2008    21    23  23  46       Centennial High
2008/2009    25    31  33  64       Centennial High
2009/2010    38    11  8    19       Minnesota State University
2010/2011    56    27  35  62       Medicine Hat Tigers
2011/2012    62    7   16   23       OKC Barons

Some people already have considered Tyler to be a flop for a player that was not even expected to drop out of the 1st round of the NHL entry draft. Others looked at his injuries and adjustment to the pro game as a 'wait and see'. Then on the other hand, there are others that feel now that he is healthy and seemingly catching onto the pro game and he is poised for a big season in OKC with the Barons.

Last season Tyler was really starting to come on strong in his game. Coach Nelson has commented several times he likes his work ethic and his ability to play a two way game. At one point the Oilers were looking at him as a Center but that appears all behind now and they are working on grooming him more into a power forward. While not a overly big guy, Tyler is strong and should he come into camp this year beefed up some while not losing a step speed wise, this could be his year. In fact , let me go further and even say, this HAS too be his year if he plans to crack the Edmonton Oilers NHL Squad anytime soon.

Providing Tyler can stay healthy and with his work ethic, one would think this could be a very nice year for this 31st Overall pick.

Last August 2011 I wrote the following at Oilers Jamabalya......

Pitlick is eligible to play in the AHL this year if the club decides to go in that direction, however there’s a decent chance he heads back to the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, especially if they are willing to use him at center (he played on the right side for much of last season). He is a hard-working 
forward who is listed as a center and right winger, but played wing for most of the season. A incredible tough player to get off the puck. Very confident (some could say cocky) but has ability and mad skills to back it up. He's a solid skater with a good first step who can get to a decent top speed, plays a grinder-style game. Pitlick has good size, isn’t afraid of getting physical and has a tremendous shot.

He also has a clue defensively, which will bode well if he needs to break into the league as a checking forward. Pitlick does well cycling the puck , shielding the puck effectively and has solid vision to be able to move the puck well when a hole opens up in the defensive coverage. Can definitely be a pure goal scorer in this league as future potential.

Tyler will need to be more selective in his offensive attempts so as not to get caught out of position to often. Wants to play in the AHL this year but if opportunity is there with his WHL team this year to play center , the Oilers may just do that, as the AHL team is loaded with alot of good players. Pitlick is coming off a serious ankle injury, and still adjusting to a longer schedule. He will need to endure a lengthy campaign, and stay healthy in order to further his development in the organization.

 REVS TAKE: Tyler is a determined player and does have the hockey sense and the skills to back it up. Biggest question for me remains can he stay healthy. A healthy season and I say he is definitely PROSPECT

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

Oilers and Flames Players Might Not Be Locked Out?

I came across this story by Sportsnet and I thought I'd share the link with you. Very interesting read. Something similar is happening in Montreal as well.

There is hope that the lockout may not happen. At least in Canada anyways.

Or... an Oilers/Flames Stanley Cup final. (just kidding)

http://www.sportsnet.ca/iphone/hockey/nhl-lockout/2012/t09/08/oilers_flames_legal_snag_lockoutr/?regiony=WEST

If link doesn't work, here is the entire article below;

"Flames, Oilers could hit lockout legal snag

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames could hit a legal snag if the National Hockey League locks out its players on Sept. 15, according to the Edmonton Journal.

A lockout vote is required in the province of Alberta by the NHL owners in order for Daryl Katz, owner of the Oilers, and the group of businessmen who own the Flames, to legally lock out their players if there is no new collective bargaining agreement in place by the deadline.

The NHL has to request Alberta to appoint a mediator, under the provincial law, who theoretically could work to have an agreement in place between the warring sides before the NHL owners can hold a lockout vote. A mediator was appointed on Aug. 21.

However, the Players' Association has filed a challenge to this -- arguing that the NHL's lockout vote would be defective because the league failed to take certain steps when it asked for a mediator for the dispute.

The law requires the mediator to wait 14 days but the NHLPA contends the league has shown no interest in using the mediator to try to get a resolution. It says the league insisted the mediator leave his task after three days with no meetings convened between the two sides.

The NHLPA is arguing the league is trying to rush the clearance for a lockout without following the necessary steps in Alberta and if the Alberta Labour Relations Board agrees, the league couldn't legally lock out Oilers winger Ryan Smyth or Flames captain Jarome Iginla or any other Edmonton or Calgary players."

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY BURNT-

We Want You! Oilers Jambalaya On A Mission

It's that time of year where we try and think of what we can do to OilersJambalaya.com for the upcoming season to make it a better site and to continue to be a voice for Oilers fans. We strive to be one of the best Oilers blogs out there, and we will continue to try and stay with the top guns of the Oilogosphere.

It's time for a new look and new ideas. This site has always been based on the fact it's for the readers and not for our own egos. We've always tried to accommodate everyone's wants and needs and this year isn't going to be any different.

Back again this year leading the charge is Brent Huska, better known as Smokin' Ray Burnt. He's providing a unique look on all things Oilers since the creation of OilersJambalaya.com in 2008. The blog creator has a few tricks up his sleeve once again this year. You'll have to come back to find out.

The ever popular prospect guru Evan Renaerts also known as Revinev will also be back providing us tons of news on Oilers prospects and the upcoming 2013 NHL Entry draft. Evan has become a staple at OilersJambalaya.com and we are proud to say he's ours.

We've found a new recruit for this season. Noah Fuchs (also known as NHL Rumors Guy) is fairly new to the blogging scene and with some hard work, he will emerge as a must read blogger. We look forward to seeing him grow as a writer.

Lastly, I'd like to introduce... You!

If your interested in having your voice heard on a blog like ours, send me shout out via email or twitter. We are always looking for writers that love the Oilers as much as we do to help contribute here. The only qualification you need is a passion for Oil Country and a serious drive to write. Too many times we've had people wanting to write, but after only a couple posts, they seem to give up. Not everyone is cut out to be a blogger. So if your really interested, let us know and we will sign you up and help guide you along. There has been a few good people get their start here like Eric Rodgers and Todd Cordell.

We are also looking for your opinion from the readers on what kind of content we should have here at OilersJambalaya.com. We want to suit our readers needs, and if you have any ideas or suggestions, let us know. We are always willing to try new things.

Back on November 29th, 2008 this blog started with a dream and a hope. Thanks to you the readers, this dream continues today...

GOILERS!!!

'Hockey Depression'

I have been in hockey limbo for some time and my gravest apologies to all my readers and followers on twitter. After a year of blogging, sometimes depression can claim even the fanatical follower of hockey. My original plan was to do a small write up on key Oiler prospects in the organization in the month of August and while it started ok, I tuckered out with the depression blues of potential lock out of NHL hockey.

Last time around, the lock out I felt was needed to change for the survival of the franchises that existed. Since then the NHL owners have made a lot of money as have the players. Idea......what about 50/50 of Hockey related revenue to figure your salary cap each year? Anyway, the whole business side of hockey is really ticking me off and there seems to be no consideration for the fan who pays the bills. I say 'screw them all!' Boycott purchasing merchandise and tickets and watching games I say, except for one thing......."I am so addicted to the game of hockey"!!!!

Instead of anticipating another awesome year of Oiler hockey, I have been walking around all sad face. It's like a daze each day I am wandering around in. I have seemingly been a step behind in gathering information that most often I have been two or three steps ahead of others on. What can I attribute that to? CBA between the NHL and NHLPA!

This whole CBA has does nothing but dominate the hockey blog boards, the newspaper articles, local sports radio and has diminished what should have been 'incredible excitement' over Justin Schultz and Nail Yakupov coming to Rookie Training Camp for the Edmonton Oilers this year. Instead? We sit here, hearing of players preparing other options around the world so they can still play for a pay cheque. Who am I angry at for causing this hockey depression I am going through? I will answer that and some more thoughts and opinions in some future blogs as I gear back up for more hockey excitement here at Oilers Jambalaya.com

So will we be waving goodbye to part of a season or a whole season? Or will we see a last minute deal and only eliminate a few pre-season games and jump quickly into the regular season of NHL hockey? There is arguments for all the sides. Possibly another question we can discuss here at Oilers Jambalaya.com?

Instead of already watching and evaluating players growth from the off-season , I have been catching up on local roller hockey at Millennium Place in Sherwood Park, or local recreation league hockey around the city. Just recently joined the a new hockey team and played first pre-season game so hockey juices have started flowing once again.

I have been gathering all my information on this years 2013 NHL Draft Prospects and while some were a shoe in to be in the top 10, not all were as easy to rank. So my blogs this month will not only be the unveiling of my "REVS TOP 15 2013 NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS" but also a write up on each player over the next while.

In addition, I am planning on continuing some more with updates of  'Oiler prospect or Suspect'? In addition I will be adding by popular demand from last year my Q&A of topics of hockey interest, including line combinations, coaching decisions, possible trades and thoughts on prospects in the system or just all around questions about hockey in general including the 2013 NHL Draft prospects.

With the mind cleared, cob-webs out of the way, I feel I am back and raring to go. After all, I am a follower of prospects and no lock-out looms on that front. The season has gotten underway with pre-season games across the CHL and elsewhere. Time to pick up the pen....I mean laptop and start typing away.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, follow me on twitter

 www.twitter.com/revingev

Eberle maybe getting a extension.

Hello readers my last post was about Hall maybe getting an extension which he did (7 years 42 million.) Anyway this Post is about Eberle maybe getting an extension.

Eberle is great young hockey player that will probably get close to Hallsy contract dollar wise.  He will probably get close to 7 years. Here are the negatives and the positives about signing Eberle to a long term extension.

Positives

• He's got some of the softest hands in the game today and could there's a slight chance he ends up being more productive than Hall.

• He has shown the element of clutch or where others have called puck luck.  He just seems to have this calmness to his game which is really comes to the fore when the game is on the line.

Negatives

• He's had some injures (Oiler's curse) in his first couple years and some have questions his size and toughness which never is a good sign.

• He can't keep up his shooting percentage because he was scoring on every fourth shots.

TSN'S goal of the year in 2011 and Finalist in who's better.

Resume or highlights of his Hockey career.

Draft day.

Picked 22nd overall 2008 (steal.)

Scored 106 points, in his last season in juniors with the Pats.

First season in Edmonton 18 goals, 25 assists, 43 points.

Second season (sophomore slump?) 34 Goals, 42 assist, 76 points.

Deep thoughts

When the Oilers sign Eberle hopefully between Hall and Ebs the Oilers will have an internal salary cap.  This will become more important as the other young guns contracts become due. After the next wave of  entry level contracts are over and with Horcoff, Hemsky and KHABIBULIN off the books there's a chance the Oilers can keep all the young guns together. 

your truly NHL Rumors Guy.

The Future Is Getting Locked Up

After the huge Taylor Hall signing yesterday, - he signed a 7 year extension at $6 million per year - we are all waiting for the next announcement.

Jordan Eberle is the next one to be signed long term by the Oilers and it's good timing to be doing this now with the new CBA negotiations going on right now.

It's possible Eberle will get about the same type of deal that Hall has. I have heard it could be a little less than Hall's coming in around $5.5 million a year over 6 years. But we won't know till the deal is done.

These two contracts will setup the future for the rest of the Oilers. Don't expect Nugent-Hopkins or Yakupov to ever get paid more than Hall is now. That's the benchmark going forward and rightfully so. The kid is future captain.

Even if all 4 players have roughly the same contracts, the Oilers should be OK down the road with staying within the cap space.

I like the Hall signing and I'll like the Eberle one as well once it's done.

The future of this team gets better every single day we wake up. Get ready Oil Country. Our time is near...

-WRITTEN BY SMOKIN' RAY BURNT-

My thoughts on Hall maybe getting a extension.

Hello Oilers Jambalaya readers this is my third blog post. I hope that the Jambalaya readers are enjoying them. Here's my last blog post http://www.oilersjambalaya.com/2012/08/yakupov-during-canada-russia-challenge.html which was taking a  closer look at Yakupov during the Canada-Russia Challenge. Check my last blog if you get the chance.  In this blog I am going to write about the rumored Hall extension.





Hall getting a long term deal done before the new CBA comes in to effect (if Bettman can do his job) in my mind is a smart move but, does have it's share of risk.  I will go over the positives and negatives of this extension below.

bye bye NHL season.

Positives

•  Even on one shoulder Hall was still playing really good hockey by driving the play when he is on the ice.
• He has great leadership potential which will be extremely valuable as the Oilers progress into a powerhouse.  He was one of the main players in the signing of free agent Justin Schultz.

Risky

• Injuries might take away from his long term potential (god forbid) although a lot those injuries were bad luck (Pronger curse).  Looking over his recent injuries history the Dorsett fight where he wish boned his ankle,  Potter using his face as skating rink and even the Sarich concussion he slipped just before the hit which position his head a lot lower than it would have been if he didn't slip. If these injuries take their tole worst case scenario he could end up being along the lines of Wendal Clark just below Eric Lindros.

• Depending on the new CBA the Oilers may be over paying on Hall's extension due to changes on when a player becomes a Unrestricted Free Agent.

Final thoughts.

My final thoughts are Hall has the potential to be the corner stone and future captain of the Oilers. He is a young talented player that will one day score around 80-90 points (no pressure Hallsy if you read that.).  And even if they overpay of his contract due to changes to the CBA I believe the goodwill shown by the Oilers will help with future negotiations. (Boys on the Bus part 2 the sequel)

Hall's resume.

• 2 Memorial Cups and 2 Memorial Cup MVP's.
• Picked 1 Overall

First season stats.

22 goals and 20 assist.

Second season.

27 goals and 26 assist.


Yours truly NHL Rumors Guy.

(This extension rumor originally came from Ryan Rishaug of TSN.)

PROSPECT OR SUSPECT? "Ryan Martindale"

Ryan Martindale

6’3 207 lbs

AGE: 21

Year         GP   G     A     P      +/-     Team

2007/08    64    9     8     17     -15    Ottawa 67's                       

2008/09    53   23    24    47     -7     Ottawa 67's 

2009/10    61   19    41    60      2     Ottawa 67's  

2010/11    65   34    49    83     38     Ottawa 67's

2011/12    16    0     2      2      -2      OKC Barons

2011/12    34    6     9      15    -13     Stockton Thunder

Ryan is a player who leaves you still wanting and 2 minutes later, your sitting in awe of some play he just made. He has world talent, good size but commitment level still appears to be the thing in question. He has a good knack for the net and great vision on the ice but can lack right decision making at times which was seen in Stockton and in OKC. Defensively Martindale is a good PK player and is decent on draws. 

Last August 2011 I wrote the following here at Oilers Jambalaya;

Ryan , with his size, strength and talent, will be amongst the tops again this season in the OHL. Trouble is, it can be completely offset by his lack of perceived desire and competitiveness.  At his size Ryan has great mobility and can be an offensive threat passing or shooting the puck. When Ryan is using his size, he protects the puck extremely well.  That bodes well for him to be a very effective player on the cycle. The downside is when he isn’t competing well, he is no different then any other player on the ice. In scouting reports before his draft year, it was being said he needed to improve his skating to have a chance at the pro level. Not sure if that area has improved much since. In any case, it looks like drive and foot speed will be what has to show improvement , if he is going to continue to show development.

REVS TAKE: Ryan's start to his professional career has been underwhelming and that is in playing minor pro. His offensive numbers are limited yet has greater high end then he has shown yet once again. While he is taking the hard road to the NHL, he is certainly learning about hard work ethic along the way. Likely this will truly be his make it or break it year.Having said all that, I say he is definitely SUSPECT.

For Oiler prospect news and the 2013 or 2014 NHL draft watch, go to

 www.twitter.com/revingev

Yakupov during the Canada Russia challenge.

Hello Oilers Jambalaya readers as some of you know i am the guy who wrote http://www.oilersjambalaya.com/2012/08/a-guess-at-2012-13-season-for-oilers.html check it out if you have the time. This Blog post is about Oilers First overall pick Nail Yakupov and how he is did in the Canada-Russia Challenge.




My thoughts on how Nail Yakupov is doing in the Canada-Russia Challenge.


The First Game.

The First game in the Canada - Russia series for Nail in my opinion was a slow pace game for what we are used to as he was playing sloppy.  I will give him that everyone was playing sloppy in that game after all its summer hockey.  Once he got the rust off he let go a ROCKET of a shot that everyone knew was going to him but, no one could stop. He started to play with more confidence not as many turn overs and more crisp pass's but again still summer hockey.

     at the 1;30 mark of the video is Nails goal.

Canada wins 3-2

Stats from Game one for Nail Yakupov 1 goal 0 assist.



Game Two.


Nail played well in game two but had no points he looked a little tentative and was cheating for offense.  Even without Nail contributing to the offense the Russian walked away with a 6-3 win.

Stats for Nail 0 points.



Game Three.

Nail has a two point day, he was cheating on the offensive zone again.  On the whole he was playing better than he has been just like the rest of the players on both teams (summer hockey). Nail played well in this game his passing skills are a lot better than people give him credit..

                                                                  Nail had 2 assist but no goals.

one of the assist.



Game Four

Yakupov played well with nice pass's and a couple good chances in the final game of the series.  He had  one really chance where he let go his amazing shot that grazed off a Canadian defender or Subban just got a piece of. 

Canada wins  the game and ties the series 2-2 (final game)

Nail had one assist.

Yeah mom their talking about me on Oilers Jambalaya                                                       

Overtime (they went to Overtime to decide who won the series) Canada won in OT and won the series


Things to work on.

- less cheating for offense.
- create space to get into shooting areas.
- smile more  (just kidding)

Things to keep an eye on.
- His quick release heavy shot (already NHL caliber)
- Above average play making skills



Overall.

Yakupov played well but cheated a little too often for offense.  He really impressed with his play making skills and showed off his quick release on his lone goal (sweet one-timer).  I have to say that Yakupovs best game was the last one when the Russians were down late in the game and was getting extra ice time.  With the additional ice time he started to play like we are used to.  He's the type of player that brings you to the edge of your seat every time he touches the puck.   Hopefully he will have a great NHL rookie season and maybe just maybe win the first Calder trophy in Edmonton Oilers History.

yours truly NHL rumors guy.