Quoting: ngikas
Not even an oilers fan but I just watched that game tonight and was mind boggled how they continued to stuff puljujvari down on the third line. Kassian looks like a beer league player out there on that top line. Part of my criticism is skewed cuz I bet on puljujarvi to have a point tonight lol. But Puljujarvi had a strong game until the hook in the last 2 minutes and when they needed offense Kassian was still out there over him. I just dont see Puljujarvi having success skating along side Archibald and Turris. I understand spreading out the talent but idk I just dont agree with the idea behind tht line up decision. Again not an oils fan so maybe I dont know something about the process their taking with puljujarvi but its something that annoyed me
Yea I agree that Puljujarvi had a good game. Its so strange to watch him because he doesn't take quick strides like every other player. He takes 1 stride and is full speed. Its so strange to watch. But yea, he was definitely one of the better forwards for the Oilers. I mentioned on another post, but putting him Archibald and Turris makes no sense. We want him to produce offensively and Archibald, while I like his game, is a 4th line, pk energy guy. I would have liked to see Ennis on that line with them.
As for Kassian, I actually didn't mind him today. HE had a wretched showing in the bubble and I was prepared to be let down again, but I thought he skated well. A couple dumb decisions to look for a pass when he was in the slot and wasn't overly physical, but his play certainly didn't hurt the Oilers.
Its tough to try Puljujarvi right off the bat, since his whole reasoning for going to Finland was partially due to not getting that opportunity, so you don't want to necessarily reward that. Lots of people say that Puljujarvi with McDavid "didn't work the first time", but if I remember correctly, they did indeed have a period of like 10 games where he was almost a ppg. I know small sample size, but I do think it can work.