I think we can admit that bouch n Ekholm are outplaying Norris Hughes & hronik. The nucks have at times sheltered them! What kinda to pairing gets sheltered?
It's not even a question that Draisaitl has been the best, most consistent player in the NHL. Great play at the end of the game to hold it for a few seconds and find Bouch.
That's the best thing I've seen Perry do this playoffs. Him holding the bench back was pretty decent too though. When the Oilers stopped hitting, the Canucks stepped it up and tied it up... Coincidence? Not likely. If Kane doesn't come out with that same fire next game, I'm unsure the result. Pickard did what he needed to do. That damn Silovs....
Thank God Coach Knob Finely put Pickard in! Better late then never. But it should never have taken this long imo. Anyway, Other then 2 really bonehead penalty's from guy's who just can't seem to break that habit, it was one of the best Oil games in awhile. Ceci really struggling again, and Nurse pays the part of Cole lol. Ran out of gas from mid 3rd on and barely survived, till the last 2-3 mins. Kane was fantastic laying on the body, I wish more of the Oil would pick that up. And Bouchard is playing by far the best D of his career., and Ekholms been fantastic. If they just play even this same game minus the stupid penalty's, they win this🏒 series 99 times out of 100.
Honesrly, im 41 years old and just sincerely enjoy your pod cast. Been listening all season. You two have insightful comments, great humor, and want to give my appreciation. Go Oilers Go.
Great job by everyone.....Pickard looked calm....I hope he starts next game. Leon was a beast.....Kane was good too! IMO Cece was the only one who I thought struggled. He needs to get it together asap! They need to keep the lines together...Leon, Kane and Holloway were awesome!
What a game. The most dramatic of these playoffs maybe in any of the current series. I also wear the turtle island shirt although it hasn’t been as universally lucky for me.
I wonder which chair David and Bruce would choose: One little chair A bigger chair for 2 to curl up in A rocking chair for someone who likes to rock. David on a future introduction you may have to start with "There is the boot. Now look up Waaaaaay up "
Bouch to the rescue. The Oil did have overall stat metrics over Vancouver in this one, but the 3rd period was very difficult to watch...turnover after turnover and failed clearing attempt after failed clearing attempt. They could not make a play for the better part of 10+ minutes.
On the subject of Calgary screwing Edmonton for getting into bed with Vancouver, let's not forget Calagry also traded Hanifin to Vegas. "Anyone but Edmonton" Flames GM mosy likely says
That's why the Lames will forever be in the doldrums. When making deals you take the best deal you can IF you're not in the process of challenging for the Cup yourself. You don't worry about rivalries - by the time the Flames would have been challengers the Oilers may be basement dwellers again. Lames guaranteeing they'll be in the basement with them (I mean 5 to 6 years from now not next year)
I think the oilers need to cycle through the two D and two forwards that are sitting. Keep the bottom lines fresh so they can bring more energy and play a solid 10 minutes.
Canucks dressed 1 Canadian. Oilers dressed 4 players who weren’t Canadian. Which team is Canada’s hope to end the 31 year streak since a Canadian team won the cup
Pickard is a modern day Johnny Bower who may have been 32 yrs old when he made his debut in the NHL after spending his career in the minors. If you don’t know Bower you are new to hockey!
I dunno about you guys or everyone else, but I find that the oilers dominate the majority of the games but the nucks get alot of lucky bounces and just overall puck luck where the oilers find away to loose.
Nurse and Ceci have just been brutal. I don’t wanna beat a dead horse but cmon. Over 11m in cap you need more from them. And by more I mean just don’t play terrible.
Yes and Bob Goodenow was 1000% right when, as head of the NHLPA at the time, he opined if the NHL institute a Salary Cap that going forward all players would be judged on how much they make vs how they play. Nurse hasn't been 'awful' he's been inconsistent, Ceci has not raised his game to a playoff level but that's what you get with him. One more year then his contract is up - Nurse, not so much :(
Yeah, I'm not getting the calling out on Vinny, when he as a 2nd year Dman is being asked to cover for the lackadaisical play of a 9.5m dollar veteran.
Kane showed Vancouver that there will be a price beyond petty fines & suspensions for their dirty play. Last game the Canucks’ crosschecks were endless and mostly unpenalized.
Good seeing Holloway on 2nd line, he definitely has the energy and offense, and it means the coach is satisfied with his defensive play. OR...despite having less experience, is he up there because others (Foegele, McLeod) haven't risen and held the spot?
Long post follows. Read / Don't Read up to you. Statistics for Round 2 Playoff Game 4 Vancouver at Edmonton May 14th, 2025. Canucks lead the series 2 games to 1 prior to this game, it's all tied up at 2 games each AFTER this game. These are "Base" statistics not the detailed ones the Cult of Hockey compiles and are simply a foundation for reference. Edmonton Oilers Draisaitl 1 Goal (PP), 1 Primary Assist (on GWG) Nuge 1 Goal Bouchard 1 Goal, 1 Secondary Assist (PP) Ekholm 1 Primary Assist Pickard 19 Saves on 21 Shots = .905 Save %age (Good) Vancouver Canucks Garland 1 Goal Joshua 1 Goal Lindholm 1 Primary Assist Boeser 1 Primary Assist Zadorov 1 Secondary Assist Hughes 1 Secondary Assist Silovs 27 Saves on 30 Shots = .900 Save %age (Good) 3 Stars: Garland (1G), Pickard (.905 Save %age), Nuge (1 Goal) Vancouver Edmonton Shots on Goal 21 30 Hits 48 37 Faceoffs Won 25 22 PP 0/3 1/2 Giveaways 4(2 per NST) 12 (9 per NST) Takeaways 3 6 (5 per NST) Blocked Shots 15 18 (15 per NST) Player TOI SOG +/- PIM Hits Blocks Giveaways Takeaways Ekholm 24:20 4 2 0 2 3 2 0 Bouchard 24:20 4 2 0 1 2 0 0 Desharnais 18:45 0 -2 0 5 3 0 0 Ceci 18:06 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 Nurse 16:00 3 -2 2 0 1 0 0 Kulak 15:20 2 0 0 2 2 1 1 McDavid 23:12 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 Nuge 22:26 2 1 0 3 0 1 0 Draisaitl 20:47 4 -1 0 4 1 2 0 Hyman 20:05 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 Kane 16:00 1 0 4 4 1 0 0 Holloway 13:28 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 McLeod 12:57 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 Janmark 12:38 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 Brown 9:59 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Perry 9:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ryan 8:52 1 -1 0 2 1 0 1 Foegele 7:45 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 Oilers Faceoffs Won Lost Percent Draisaitl 10 7 58.8 McDavid 6 10 37.5 Ryan 4 5 44.4 Nuge 1 1 50.0 McLeod 1 0 100.0 Kane 0 2 0.00 Canucks Faceoffs Won Lost Percent Lindholm 8 5 61.5 Blueger 6 0 100.0 Pettersson 5 6 45.5 Miller 5 9 35.7 Suter 1 0 100.0 Joshua 0 1 0.00 Aman 0 1 0.00 Stats wise compared to prior game Oilers blocked a LOT more shots (more than Canucks by 3), were close to tied in hits, had double the takeaways, triple the giveaways (not good), and a much better PP and 100% on the PK. This was, statistically, a much better game (though a nail biter at the end until Bouch scored with what 39 seconds left to avoid OT). BTW Draisaitl had 1 goal and 1 primary assist yet didn't make the 3 stars though Nuge and Garland had "less" stats wise. Three Stars isn't a stat only thing. The eyeball test factors in too. Pickard did great between the pipes and the guys played great in front of him. McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge, and Hyman played more time than all but 2 defenders. Stats wise Perry and Brown are, effectively, sacks of meat (like vet grade used for large predators in a zoo type). They did nothing stats wise, not even a hit or block. Time to switch them out and give players who want to play a chance (in my opinion).
Bouchard will want Erik Karlsson money when his contract is up. And if he keeps playing like this (and he will continually improve) can we blame him? Keep up the booch bombs !
Do they go back to Skinner? I think the defense tightened up and played better in front of Picard, not denying his good play, he did make some good saves. BUT if the D gave Skinner some help like that, would he win too? Tough decision for the Coaches. Who should they play?
What I noticed with Pickard is that he comes out to challenge the shooter & didn’t sit back in his net like Skinner. I would Not play Skinner! Also, keep these lines the same/together!
I certainly don't think it's too harsh to call some of his players passengers. He must know if they are hurt and wouldn't say that. Petersen has been terrible, does he stay in the hotel when the game is being played? Haha not that I'm pissed about that. He's the magic man...disappearing act!
The game against vancouver at the end if the year where skinner let in 2 and the third was an empty net was another they lost after only letting in 2 goals
I have no doubt at all that if the Oilers had Silovs this series would be over already. By my count the Oilers have outshot and outplayed the Canucks at least 9 of the 12 periods so far. Ultimately, Skinner is just too uncaring about poor performances to be a playoff goalie, although I'm sure he'd be a nice guy to have a beer with.
Its funny when people said we need more from nurse , can play better the thing is he cant.Nurse is second pairing D and need a good D with him .Will never live up to that contract a braindead move from Holland.Go oilers
Ceci is one of the worst performing D I've seen in recent memory. Few more major gaffe's that could have easily turned this game in the canucks favour. He's awful
Laughed hard at Perry when he was giving Boeser the business 😁👍
"C'mon, get me suspended", he said.
Bouchard is having himself one heck of a playoffs.
I think we can admit that bouch n Ekholm are outplaying Norris Hughes & hronik. The nucks have at times sheltered them! What kinda to pairing gets sheltered?
the presence of ekholm allows bouchard to flourish as well
It's not even a question that Draisaitl has been the best, most consistent player in the NHL. Great play at the end of the game to hold it for a few seconds and find Bouch.
That was world class.
That's the best thing I've seen Perry do this playoffs. Him holding the bench back was pretty decent too though.
When the Oilers stopped hitting, the Canucks stepped it up and tied it up... Coincidence? Not likely. If Kane doesn't come out with that same fire next game, I'm unsure the result. Pickard did what he needed to do.
That damn Silovs....
Thank God Coach Knob Finely put Pickard in! Better late then never. But it should never have taken this long imo. Anyway, Other then 2 really bonehead penalty's from guy's who just can't seem to break that habit, it was one of the best Oil games in awhile. Ceci really struggling again, and Nurse pays the part of Cole lol. Ran out of gas from mid 3rd on and barely survived, till the last 2-3 mins. Kane was fantastic laying on the body, I wish more of the Oil would pick that up. And Bouchard is playing by far the best D of his career., and Ekholms been fantastic. If they just play even this same game minus the stupid penalty's, they win this🏒 series 99 times out of 100.
That moment of goalie clarity never came for Woody last year, as it cost the team and him.
@@RickL_was_here Lol, ya that's right. If he ever did figure it out, it was after they were eliminated.
It was the right time
Honesrly, im 41 years old and just sincerely enjoy your pod cast.
Been listening all season.
You two have insightful comments, great humor, and want to give my appreciation.
Go Oilers Go.
Great job by everyone.....Pickard looked calm....I hope he starts next game. Leon was a beast.....Kane was good too! IMO Cece was the only one who I thought struggled. He needs to get it together asap! They need to keep the lines together...Leon, Kane and Holloway were awesome!
I'm with ya Bruce, Chaos Giraffe is a legendary nickname
Hi guys, What a game!
great backcheck by leon when he made one of his blind passes across the opponents blueline at the beginning of the game
Love the friendly giant trivia.
Game 5 is a pivotal point for this series, the winner of that I feel wins the series
100% agree, unless it's not the Oilers, who came back from being down 3-2 vs LA.
You guys are so entertaining to listen to !!
Solid game Pic ! great team win!
What a game. The most dramatic of these playoffs maybe in any of the current series. I also wear the turtle island shirt although it hasn’t been as universally lucky for me.
I wonder which chair David and Bruce would choose:
One little chair
A bigger chair for 2 to curl up in
A rocking chair for someone who likes to rock.
David on a future introduction you may have to start with "There is the boot. Now look up Waaaaaay up "
Bouch to the rescue. The Oil did have overall stat metrics over Vancouver in this one, but the 3rd period was very difficult to watch...turnover after turnover and failed clearing attempt after failed clearing attempt. They could not make a play for the better part of 10+ minutes.
On the subject of Calgary screwing Edmonton for getting into bed with Vancouver, let's not forget Calagry also traded Hanifin to Vegas. "Anyone but Edmonton" Flames GM mosy likely says
That's why the Lames will forever be in the doldrums. When making deals you take the best deal you can IF you're not in the process of challenging for the Cup yourself. You don't worry about rivalries - by the time the Flames would have been challengers the Oilers may be basement dwellers again. Lames guaranteeing they'll be in the basement with them (I mean 5 to 6 years from now not next year)
I think the oilers need to cycle through the two D and two forwards that are sitting. Keep the bottom lines fresh so they can bring more energy and play a solid 10 minutes.
great episode guys - thanks
Canucks dressed 1 Canadian. Oilers dressed 4 players who weren’t Canadian. Which team is Canada’s hope to end the 31 year streak since a Canadian team won the cup
Pickard is a modern day Johnny Bower who may have been 32 yrs old when he made his debut in the NHL after spending his career in the minors. If you don’t know Bower you are new to hockey!
I dunno about you guys or everyone else, but I find that the oilers dominate the majority of the games but the nucks get alot of lucky bounces and just overall puck luck where the oilers find away to loose.
They have been incredibly lucky.
Nurse and Ceci have just been brutal. I don’t wanna beat a dead horse but cmon. Over 11m in cap you need more from them. And by more I mean just don’t play terrible.
Yes and Bob Goodenow was 1000% right when, as head of the NHLPA at the time, he opined if the NHL institute a Salary Cap that going forward all players would be judged on how much they make vs how they play. Nurse hasn't been 'awful' he's been inconsistent, Ceci has not raised his game to a playoff level but that's what you get with him. One more year then his contract is up - Nurse, not so much :(
Yeah, I'm not getting the calling out on Vinny, when he as a 2nd year Dman is being asked to cover for the lackadaisical play of a 9.5m dollar veteran.
Have we seen the last of the stache in Edmonton? I hope so. Pickard was solid
Roll with what's working. But Stu's reg season numbers were good, let's hope he can figure out the post-season too.
Can't take picks out after that game. Let's see how he does moving forward. Might be the cinderella story of the season!
Kane showed Vancouver that there will be a price beyond petty fines & suspensions for their dirty play. Last game the Canucks’ crosschecks were endless and mostly unpenalized.
ekholm is a wall he is a one man offense stopper
Oilers played well, Kane showed up big.
Nurse when you break down all the goals that go in by fluke or puck luck he is on the ice.
Good seeing Holloway on 2nd line, he definitely has the energy and offense, and it means the coach is satisfied with his defensive play. OR...despite having less experience, is he up there because others (Foegele, McLeod) haven't risen and held the spot?
Great game, but man, we need to do something with Cody Ceci. Did he have one solid play tonight? He is a constant risk. Man.
I counted 1
@@budstik xD
Long post follows. Read / Don't Read up to you. Statistics for Round 2 Playoff Game 4 Vancouver at Edmonton May 14th, 2025. Canucks lead the series 2 games to 1 prior to this game, it's all tied up at 2 games each AFTER this game. These are "Base" statistics not the detailed ones the Cult of Hockey compiles and are simply a foundation for reference.
Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl 1 Goal (PP), 1 Primary Assist (on GWG)
Nuge 1 Goal
Bouchard 1 Goal, 1 Secondary Assist (PP)
Ekholm 1 Primary Assist
Pickard 19 Saves on 21 Shots = .905 Save %age (Good)
Vancouver Canucks
Garland 1 Goal
Joshua 1 Goal
Lindholm 1 Primary Assist
Boeser 1 Primary Assist
Zadorov 1 Secondary Assist
Hughes 1 Secondary Assist
Silovs 27 Saves on 30 Shots = .900 Save %age (Good)
3 Stars: Garland (1G), Pickard (.905 Save %age), Nuge (1 Goal)
Vancouver Edmonton
Shots on Goal 21 30
Hits 48 37
Faceoffs Won 25 22
PP 0/3 1/2
Giveaways 4(2 per NST) 12 (9 per NST)
Takeaways 3 6 (5 per NST)
Blocked Shots 15 18 (15 per NST)
Player TOI SOG +/- PIM Hits Blocks Giveaways Takeaways
Ekholm 24:20 4 2 0 2 3 2 0
Bouchard 24:20 4 2 0 1 2 0 0
Desharnais 18:45 0 -2 0 5 3 0 0
Ceci 18:06 0 0 0 2 2 1 0
Nurse 16:00 3 -2 2 0 1 0 0
Kulak 15:20 2 0 0 2 2 1 1
McDavid 23:12 4 0 0 2 0 0 1
Nuge 22:26 2 1 0 3 0 1 0
Draisaitl 20:47 4 -1 0 4 1 2 0
Hyman 20:05 3 0 0 2 0 0 0
Kane 16:00 1 0 4 4 1 0 0
Holloway 13:28 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
McLeod 12:57 1 0 0 3 0 0 0
Janmark 12:38 0 0 0 1 1 1 1
Brown 9:59 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Perry 9:00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Ryan 8:52 1 -1 0 2 1 0 1
Foegele 7:45 0 0 0 3 0 0 1
Oilers Faceoffs Won Lost Percent
Draisaitl 10 7 58.8
McDavid 6 10 37.5
Ryan 4 5 44.4
Nuge 1 1 50.0
McLeod 1 0 100.0
Kane 0 2 0.00
Canucks Faceoffs Won Lost Percent
Lindholm 8 5 61.5
Blueger 6 0 100.0
Pettersson 5 6 45.5
Miller 5 9 35.7
Suter 1 0 100.0
Joshua 0 1 0.00
Aman 0 1 0.00
Stats wise compared to prior game Oilers blocked a LOT more shots (more than Canucks by 3), were close to tied in hits, had double the takeaways, triple the giveaways (not good), and a much better PP and 100% on the PK. This was, statistically, a much better game (though a nail biter at the end until Bouch scored with what 39 seconds left to avoid OT). BTW Draisaitl had 1 goal and 1 primary assist yet didn't make the 3 stars though Nuge and Garland had "less" stats wise. Three Stars isn't a stat only thing. The eyeball test factors in too. Pickard did great between the pipes and the guys played great in front of him. McDavid, Draisaitl, Nuge, and Hyman played more time than all but 2 defenders. Stats wise Perry and Brown are, effectively, sacks of meat (like vet grade used for large predators in a zoo type). They did nothing stats wise, not even a hit or block. Time to switch them out and give players who want to play a chance (in my opinion).
Bouchard will want Erik Karlsson money when his contract is up. And if he keeps playing like this (and he will continually improve) can we blame him? Keep up the booch bombs !
Do they go back to Skinner? I think the defense tightened up and played better in front of Picard, not denying his good play, he did make some good saves. BUT if the D gave Skinner some help like that, would he win too? Tough decision for the Coaches. Who should they play?
Btw way. His name is Tyler ‘no time to wallow in the ‘ Myers
Those trades were intentional imo. Islanders did same thing the 80s. Not many organizations would do it, but in a bush league there are a handful.
Love it!!
vinny had a tough game with the puck i agree david
Better than my nickname on the ice - the outhouse on wheels.
Time to pile on top of Tocchet's pressure and keep hitting $11M man Petterson to keep him out of the series.
What I noticed with Pickard is that he comes out to challenge the shooter & didn’t sit back in his net like Skinner. I would Not play Skinner!
Also, keep these lines the same/together!
He also has superior lateral movement
Wells, Sheehe, Billy Smith.
Treliving knows Zadorov well so maybe familiarity bred contempt.
Oh,my goodness, they were lucky,Bouchard saved there season, oilers almost gave it away
Bruce wear the shirt Thursday.
Coach put his best players on for the 6 on 4 hoping they would score one and they tend to let one in instead. Thats a scary pattern
Quinn who? I’ll take playoff Bouchard, over Hughes
I certainly don't think it's too harsh to call some of his players passengers. He must know if they are hurt and wouldn't say that. Petersen has been terrible, does he stay in the hotel when the game is being played? Haha not that I'm pissed about that. He's the magic man...disappearing act!
I'm disappointed Cole didn't help us tonight.
The game against vancouver at the end if the year where skinner let in 2 and the third was an empty net was another they lost after only letting in 2 goals
Chaos giraffe lmao
Evil beyond comprehension... yes, yes they are.
Ask any Flamer who they want to win. They all say Canucks.
Kaners brutality saved the series 🎉
I have no doubt at all that if the Oilers had Silovs this series would be over already. By my count the Oilers have outshot and outplayed the Canucks at least 9 of the 12 periods so far. Ultimately, Skinner is just too uncaring about poor performances to be a playoff goalie, although I'm sure he'd be a nice guy to have a beer with.
Oilers have doubled the Canucks in shots. Exactly double (last seen).
Always excuses even in victory
Its funny when people said we need more from nurse , can play better the thing is he cant.Nurse is second pairing D and need a good D with him .Will never live up to that contract a braindead move from Holland.Go oilers
He's barely hanging onto second pairing level. His play is so shaky and inconsistent.
All the Canucks goals are fluky or Californians. Then the Oilers got a Californian of their own…
Ceci is one of the worst performing D I've seen in recent memory. Few more major gaffe's that could have easily turned this game in the canucks favour. He's awful