Analysts rips Oilers wingers as 'Smurfs', questions whether team can win a Stanley Cup
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TSN stats analyst Travis Yost claims the Edmonton Oilers wingers are skilled, but questions if they are too small to win.
In a recent Edmonton Journal article, Yost had this to say about the Edmonton Oilers and their small wingers:
"One of the eternal debates in the NHL is how many smaller players a team can have and still be competitive.
This is an issue for the Oilers because Florida's forwards were bigger, tougher and more aggressive than Edmonton's forwards in the Stanley Cup Final - and since that time the Oilers have said good-bye to two larger, tougher forwards in Corey Perry and Evander Kane, this after losing Dylan Holloway and Warren Foegele last summer."
This is an issue for the Oilers because Florida's forwards were bigger, tougher and more aggressive than Edmonton's forwards in the Stanley Cup Final - and since that time the Oilers have said good-bye to two larger, tougher forwards in Corey Perry and Evander Kane, this after losing Dylan Holloway and Warren Foegele last summer."
New Edmonton acquisitions make the lineup faster and more skilled, but also smaller overall
However you look at this, being smaller on the wing can be a concern for the Oilers, especially along the boards, or in the corners: Mangiapane, Howard, and Savoie are all 5'10", or smaller, and weigh less than 185 pounds each.
Yet, size has not been a factor for these players in the past, who've all excelled on their various teams, and Mangiapane in the NHL. Yost had this also to say about the free agent signing this summer:
«The Andrew Mangiapane signing was sorely needed and filled a critical role in their middle six. Not only is he a regular point producer, here's something else to consider: he's never finished a season with a negative on-ice goal differential at even strength."
To offset the smaller size differential, Oilers have McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and pesky Zach Hyman; toughness from Trent Frederic, and newcomers Vasily Podkolzin and David Tomasek. They more than compensate for whatever size deficiency analysts may claim.
Besides, there are many examples of successful teams with smaller players. Carolina with guys like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Logan Stankoven, who've won in regular season and playoffs.
Tampa Bay won two Stanley Cups, and have players like Brayden Point, Yanni Gourde, Taylor Johnston and Nikita Kucherov, all of whom get the job done.
The Oilers, in fact, resemble these teams in not only size, but skill and tenacity. It may just be the recipe to win in the Finals.
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