North Playoffs: 2. Edmonton Oilers vs 3. Winnipeg Jets

[Axeman33]

I can honestly say, I've listened to more "what went wrong" podcasts and read more "what went wrong" articles since the series ended, and you are the first person I've heard mention that Mike Smith/goaltending was the problem with the Oilers losing in four games. Literally the only one. That tells me all I need to know.

[PenguinHunter]

I can honestly say, I've listened to more "what went wrong" podcasts and read more "what went wrong" articles since the series ended, and you are the first person I've heard mention that Mike Smith/goaltending was the problem with the Oilers losing in four games. Literally the only one. That tells me all I need to know.

Goaltending was the problem.... it was just not Mike Smith - it was Hellebuyck that cause the problem! He just played way to good!

[tweetdrivr]

I can honestly say, I've listened to more "what went wrong" podcasts and read more "what went wrong" articles since the series ended, and you are the first person I've heard mention that Mike Smith/goaltending was the problem with the Oilers losing in four games. Literally the only one. That tells me all I need to know.

That I'm smarter than most podcasters? I'll take it. Thanks!

[Axeman33]

That I'm smarter than most podcasters? I'll take it. Thanks!

Ya, you keep telling yourself that.

[tweetdrivr]

Ya, you keep telling yourself that.

I don't need to - you just did it for me!

[Belexus75]

That I'm smarter than most podcasters? I'll take it. Thanks!

yeah...probably at something...just not hockey takes...

[PenguinHunter]

yeah...probably at something...just not hockey takes...

https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/...listen-to-now/

[lobo1969]

Goaltending was the problem.... it was just not Mike Smith - it was Hellebuyck that cause the problem! He just played way to good!

Confirmed, Hellebuyck had .950 Sv% this series, not sustainable for the entire playoffs but he basically stood on his head to beat the Oilers. Mike Smith maintained a .912, so from a goaltending duel Smith got beat but he was hardly to blame for the 4 game sweep.

[PenguinHunter]

Confirmed, Hellebuyck had .950 Sv% this series, not sustainable for the entire playoffs but he basically stood on his head to beat the Oilers. Mike Smith maintained a .912, so from a goaltending duel Smith got beat but he was hardly to blame for the 4 game sweep.

Exactly. And if you want to look even further into the math and were a lot smarter then me to figure it out there is probably something to do with these that would show even more how well Hellebuyck player:

High Danger Scoring chances - I read somewhere that Edmonton doubled Winnipeg in High Scoring Danger chances.

Goals Saved Above Expectation - If Hellebuyck save percentage was 950 and Edmonton had significantly more high danger scoring chances.... then it extrapolates?

[tweetdrivr]

...I'm not sure how much of the games you are watching, but as I mentioned earlier, probably little (I assume you're channel surfing and watching "some" of the games), so it's hard to gauge how much you really know about the goaltending position...

I was switching back and forth between Match Game '76 and the Oilers/Jets a lot. It was bitter sweet for sure. Amusing and pathetic at the same time. Match Game was pretty good too. I miss Charles Nelson Reilly. My knowledge of the goalie position comes from trying to beat them for many years and then trying to coach them for a number more.

...Did Smith give up some questionable goals, sure, but show me a goalie who doesn't and hasn't in the playoffs to this point...

Hellebucyk.

[kovalchuk17]

Definitely there will be differing opinions of what went wrong, it wasnt just one thing if it was a sweep. While I may disagree with someones take, it just means they value different things. One could be right and the other wrong, its possible both could be right (or wrong).

If we look at the stats ignoring who is on either team it definitely looks like Hellebuyck stole the series as .950 would be absurd for any goalie let alone including 3 overtime games in which an OT and 3OT games were on b2b nights. Now if you include the top 2 scorers in the league for Edmonton, that .950 looks even better. Average goaltending aint gonna win if the other guy is putting up .950.

Sometimes a goalie runs hot and makes you question everything about your team. I still remember when Halak absolutely robbed both Pittsburgh and Washington in the same playoff run. It happens. Edmonton has shit to work on, this is just part of the process for them.

[rataylor22]

I do not think Moke Smoth was the problem in this serious, but he often is a problem. I do not think the Oilers can bring him back. I also do not think I;lya Konovalov is ready to be an NHL starter or backup.

[doulos]

I do not think Moke Smoth was the problem in this serious, but he often is a problem. I do not think the Oilers can bring him back. I also do not think I;lya Konovalov is ready to be an NHL starter or backup.

This year, he was often the reason the Oilers even were in games. I doubt he has anything close to that in him again next season. I have no idea what the Oilers are going to do about their goaltending situation, as it's a mess (that largely worked out this year due to dumb luck).

[tweetdrivr]

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/stat...04469790158848

[kovalchuk17]

if they go the mike smith route, they better buyout koskinen and sign a solid 1B goalie. Dont think its reasonable to expect the same type of year from a 40-year old over a full season