<p>The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice with the Calgary Flames on Saturday night for their second game of the annual Young Stars Classic in Penticton. The Oilers were coming off a <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/14/oilers-fall-2-0-to-canucks-in-first-young-stars-game/">sound defeat to the Vancouver Canucks</a> and were looking to improve on their performance. The Oilers performed much better against a very young Flames team but could not capitalize on their chances, losing 3-1. More important than the score was the play of the Oilers&#8217; prospects. There were significant contributions from quite a few, but also some worrying signs with others. Let&#8217;s review the game.</p>
<ul>
<li>Make no mistake, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/31/meet-the-edmonton-oilers-new-guy-matthew-savoie/">Matthew Savoie</a> came to play against the Flames. He set up the team&#8217;s only goal on a great forecheck. This is the type of play that Savoie excels at in games. He processes the game very quickly and makes quick plays to either get the puck or give it to a teammate.</li>
</ul>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rxzp0ROKwKQ?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>Here are a couple of more examples of Savoie&#8217;s quick work with the puck and sublime playmaking.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjtucn-2vVc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>This one was with <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/06/30/meet-sam-oreilly-the-edmonton-oilers-latest-first-round-pick/">Sam O&#8217;Reilly</a>, who really started to develop some chemistry with Savoie tonight.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0T9Qsi4FQSc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<ul>
<li>Sam O&#8217;Reilly had a much better performance in his second game as an Oiler prospect. His defensive game was as advertised. He is such a great thinker of the game on the defensive side that he&#8217;s constantly getting himself in good spots to defend. He even made a spectacular recovery on a Flames odd-man break to take away a scoring chance.</li>
</ul>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1W0vsDFBymY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>What was more impressive was O&#8217;Reilly&#8217;s offence. He should have been awarded a second assist on the Berglund goal after making a great little pass to Savoie off the transition. Later in the game, he also set up two very good scoring chances for linemates and had one himself. O&#8217;Reilly look much more comfortable tonight and he was a strong presence on the forward group.</p>
<ul>
<li>William Nichol also had another excellent performance playing on a line with Jayden Grubbe and Ethan DeJong, Nichol displayed a high end motor, but also a savvy in creating turnovers and then making plays. Despite being slighter in stature, he is very effective along the walls. He understands how to use body positioning and leverage really well to win battles there. Nichol also has an incredibly quick and agile skating style. His skating is a series of constant cross-overs, which allows him to build speed quickly and change directions in a heartbeat.</li>
</ul>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DQYc5z4sGDY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>He also has great hip action on his skating. Nichol opens his hips very well to create different angles for him to attack or counter a defending player.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9kkmEb-VA0E?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>Nichol did not get on the scoreboard last night, but he was in on two chances. I wonder if the coaching staff puts him with some other linemates in the last game of the tourney to see how he handles the challenge.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/26/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-14-dalyn-wakely/">Dalyn Wakely</a> was also very good again. His puck touches can get a little clunky, but he certainly seems to get himself into a lot of good spots on the ice. Playing with Matvey Petrov and James Stefan, Wakely was once again the best of the trio. The puck seems to follow him around the ice which is a testament to his understanding of the game as it is happening.</li>
</ul>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><span class="embed-youtube" style="text-align:center; display: block;"><iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f919CCEQRms?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe></span></div>
<p>The ability to finish a play is not quite there and it is maybe the one reason to send him back to junior, but the rest of his game is pro-ready and primed for the AHL.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/06/29/edmonton-oilers-select-lw-connor-clattenburg-160th-overall-at-the-nhl-draft/">Connor Clattenburg</a> had another crash and bang outing. This time it included a spirited scrap as well with Parker Bell of the Flames. Clattenburg still struggles with the puck on his stick, but you cannot argue with his desire and compete level in games. He makes his mark on almost every shift.</li>
<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/31/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-11-jayden-grubbe/">Jayden Grubbe</a> had a better second game. His defence and faceoffs are always strong, but he needs to build his offensive portfolio to get himself to the next level. He&#8217;s never going to be mistaken for a dangler out there, but he does have good puck skills that are underutilized. In the game against the Flames, I thought he, and Nichol in particular, had some very good moments creating opportunities against the Flames. He looks quicker in his skating as well, which would be a very big development. This is a player that is a year away from NHL games if he can create some offence.</li>
<li>On the other side of the forwards, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/01/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-10-matvei-petrov/">Matvey Petrov</a> continues to struggle. This is reminiscent of times in the AHL last season. He could just disappear for big chunks of games, which isn&#8217;t great given the opportunity he&#8217;s being given. Petrov is getting minutes on the first power play  — which is really bad, by the way — and still not creating anything. There was also a notable moment where his frustrations showed. His line had come on the ice early in the shift with only him remaining on the bench. However, this change got stuck in the defensive zone and the play went for a while. When he finally got on the ice, the Flames were called for icing. Given his linemates had been on for sometime, Chaulk changed the group and Petrov missed his shift. The bad body language police would have written him up a citation for the way he reacted when that happened. Petrov is a player I have a lot of belief in as a NHL prospect. He has all the tools necessary. Perhaps his skating isn&#8217;t quite dynamic enough, but he has everything else. What gets him off his game sometimes is the mental side of the game. He needs to improve on that side of the game because he let&#8217;s the other team off the hook too often.</li>
<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/24/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-15-james-stefan/">James Stefan</a> also had another quite night. It is clear his size combined with his skating are going to be a challenge. However, right now he seems lost in how to play at this level. He is also struggling with how quick plays are made at the professional level.</li>
<li>On the defensive side of the game, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/14/oilers-prospect-beau-akey-reportedly-wont-play-at-young-stars-classic-this-weekend/">the Oilers were without Beau Akey again</a>. As mentioned, I suspect he doesn&#8217;t play at all in this tourney. The trouble is that left <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/08/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-6-max-wanner/">Max Wanner</a> and six camp invites playing each night. The difference in play for the Oilers when Wanner was on and off the ice couldn&#8217;t have been starker. When Wanner was on the ice, regardless of the partner, the team defended quickly, transitioned well and attacked often. When Wanner was off the ice, it was chaotic in the Oilers zone. Given the right side in Bakersfield this year, I would bet Max Wanner plays over 20 minutes a night on average. He looks very ready to take another step in his development, and I believe the Oilers have a legitimate NHL player here.</li>
<li>Shifting gears to the camp invites, Frankie Marrelli was better tonight. He is running the first power play, which is really too big an ask for the 18 year-old. I think that is creating some confidence issues for him. However, I am not sure the Oilers have another option. He was better defending on night two, but the game is very fast for him at the moment. He&#8217;s only 18, so I expect he will progress. I still believe his size combined with his style of play make it a challenge for him. Nate Corbet also got himself noticed again. Two games and he&#8217;s already had two fights against two very tough, experienced customers. Tonight, he took on Lukas Cioni. This was in response to a hit Cioni layed on an Oiler player. It&#8217;s courageous to fight at all in the game, but to do so at the age of 18 against some very seasoned fighters is something else entirely. Corbet struggled like the other camp invites with the pace, but he&#8217;s given the scouts something to think about.</li>
<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/03/18/edmonton-oilers-sign-goaltender-connor-ungar-to-two-year-entry-level-contract/">Connor Ungar</a> also got his first game of the tourney. He was solid tonight allowing two goals and making several high danger saves. He has a little scramble in his game that makes me think he is best playing a lot in the ECHL to work on it, but that&#8217;s only a first read. He&#8217;s aggressive and got a little lucky when the play moved quickly back across his body. Nevertheless, he is a battler and had a solid performance giving his team a chance to win the game.</li>
<li>One other note, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/21/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-17-brady-stonehouse/">Brady Stonehouse</a> is here at the tourney. Unfortunately, he is injured and so has not played in either game. No word on the extent of the injury.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Oiler wind up their tournament tomorrow with a game against the Winnipeg Jets prospects. The game goes at 12:00pm Edmonton time, so you have my permission to take a long lunch and watch the game from your office computer. Trust me, the boss won&#8217;t mind. See you tomorrow.</p>
<h2><strong>THE #NATIONVACATION TO DENVER</strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-160238 size-full" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Denver_Article.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Denver_Article.png 727w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Denver_Article-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px" /></p>
<p>Oilersnation is rollin’ out the next Oilersnation Vacation to Denver, Colorado, from November 29th to December 3rd, 2024. Flights, hotels, Edmonton vs. Colorado hockey tickets, and, oh yeah, we’re tossin’ in Broncos vs. Browns football tickets too. But that’s not all—exclusive tailgates, parties, and pretty much the whole nine yards are all included. And the best part? You get to hang with the Oilersnation crew and a bunch of beauties who know how to have a good time. So lock in your spot, pack your bags, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about all season long. Head over to <a href="http://nationgear.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://nationgear.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1725719776134000&amp;usg=AOvVaw19LNrfsB4MK_MW8h8kEH8D">nationgear.ca</a> for more details and to check out our available flight and non-flight booking options.</p>


The Edmonton Oilers took to the ice with the Calgary Flames on Saturday night for their second game of the annual Young Stars Classic in Penticton. The Oilers were coming off a <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/14/oilers-fall-2-0-to-canucks-in-first-young-stars-game/">sound defeat to the Vancouver Canucks</a> and were looking to improve on their performance. The Oilers performed much better against a very young Flames team but could not capitalize on their chances, losing 3-1. More important than the score was the play of the Oilers' prospects. There were significant contributions from quite a few, but also some worrying signs with others. Let's review the game.
<ul>
 	<li>Make no mistake, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/07/31/meet-the-edmonton-oilers-new-guy-matthew-savoie/">Matthew Savoie</a> came to play against the Flames. He set up the team's only goal on a great forecheck. This is the type of play that Savoie excels at in games. He processes the game very quickly and makes quick plays to either get the puck or give it to a teammate.</li>
</ul>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxzp0ROKwKQ

Here are a couple of more examples of Savoie's quick work with the puck and sublime playmaking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjtucn-2vVc

This one was with <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/06/30/meet-sam-oreilly-the-edmonton-oilers-latest-first-round-pick/">Sam O'Reilly</a>, who really started to develop some chemistry with Savoie tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T9Qsi4FQSc
<ul>
 	<li>Sam O'Reilly had a much better performance in his second game as an Oiler prospect. His defensive game was as advertised. He is such a great thinker of the game on the defensive side that he's constantly getting himself in good spots to defend. He even made a spectacular recovery on a Flames odd-man break to take away a scoring chance.</li>
</ul>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W0vsDFBymY

What was more impressive was O'Reilly's offence. He should have been awarded a second assist on the Berglund goal after making a great little pass to Savoie off the transition. Later in the game, he also set up two very good scoring chances for linemates and had one himself. O'Reilly look much more comfortable tonight and he was a strong presence on the forward group.
<ul>
 	<li>William Nichol also had another excellent performance playing on a line with Jayden Grubbe and Ethan DeJong, Nichol displayed a high end motor, but also a savvy in creating turnovers and then making plays. Despite being slighter in stature, he is very effective along the walls. He understands how to use body positioning and leverage really well to win battles there. Nichol also has an incredibly quick and agile skating style. His skating is a series of constant cross-overs, which allows him to build speed quickly and change directions in a heartbeat.</li>
</ul>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYc5z4sGDY

He also has great hip action on his skating. Nichol opens his hips very well to create different angles for him to attack or counter a defending player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kkmEb-VA0E

Nichol did not get on the scoreboard last night, but he was in on two chances. I wonder if the coaching staff puts him with some other linemates in the last game of the tourney to see how he handles the challenge.
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/26/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-14-dalyn-wakely/">Dalyn Wakely</a> was also very good again. His puck touches can get a little clunky, but he certainly seems to get himself into a lot of good spots on the ice. Playing with Matvey Petrov and James Stefan, Wakely was once again the best of the trio. The puck seems to follow him around the ice which is a testament to his understanding of the game as it is happening.</li>
</ul>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f919CCEQRms

The ability to finish a play is not quite there and it is maybe the one reason to send him back to junior, but the rest of his game is pro-ready and primed for the AHL.
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/06/29/edmonton-oilers-select-lw-connor-clattenburg-160th-overall-at-the-nhl-draft/">Connor Clattenburg</a> had another crash and bang outing. This time it included a spirited scrap as well with Parker Bell of the Flames. Clattenburg still struggles with the puck on his stick, but you cannot argue with his desire and compete level in games. He makes his mark on almost every shift.</li>
 	<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/31/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-11-jayden-grubbe/">Jayden Grubbe</a> had a better second game. His defence and faceoffs are always strong, but he needs to build his offensive portfolio to get himself to the next level. He's never going to be mistaken for a dangler out there, but he does have good puck skills that are underutilized. In the game against the Flames, I thought he, and Nichol in particular, had some very good moments creating opportunities against the Flames. He looks quicker in his skating as well, which would be a very big development. This is a player that is a year away from NHL games if he can create some offence.</li>
 	<li>On the other side of the forwards, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/01/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-10-matvei-petrov/">Matvey Petrov</a> continues to struggle. This is reminiscent of times in the AHL last season. He could just disappear for big chunks of games, which isn't great given the opportunity he's being given. Petrov is getting minutes on the first power play  — which is really bad, by the way — and still not creating anything. There was also a notable moment where his frustrations showed. His line had come on the ice early in the shift with only him remaining on the bench. However, this change got stuck in the defensive zone and the play went for a while. When he finally got on the ice, the Flames were called for icing. Given his linemates had been on for sometime, Chaulk changed the group and Petrov missed his shift. The bad body language police would have written him up a citation for the way he reacted when that happened. Petrov is a player I have a lot of belief in as a NHL prospect. He has all the tools necessary. Perhaps his skating isn't quite dynamic enough, but he has everything else. What gets him off his game sometimes is the mental side of the game. He needs to improve on that side of the game because he let's the other team off the hook too often.</li>
 	<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/24/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-15-james-stefan/">James Stefan</a> also had another quite night. It is clear his size combined with his skating are going to be a challenge. However, right now he seems lost in how to play at this level. He is also struggling with how quick plays are made at the professional level.</li>
 	<li>On the defensive side of the game, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/14/oilers-prospect-beau-akey-reportedly-wont-play-at-young-stars-classic-this-weekend/">the Oilers were without Beau Akey again</a>. As mentioned, I suspect he doesn't play at all in this tourney. The trouble is that left <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/09/08/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-6-max-wanner/">Max Wanner</a> and six camp invites playing each night. The difference in play for the Oilers when Wanner was on and off the ice couldn't have been starker. When Wanner was on the ice, regardless of the partner, the team defended quickly, transitioned well and attacked often. When Wanner was off the ice, it was chaotic in the Oilers zone. Given the right side in Bakersfield this year, I would bet Max Wanner plays over 20 minutes a night on average. He looks very ready to take another step in his development, and I believe the Oilers have a legitimate NHL player here.</li>
 	<li>Shifting gears to the camp invites, Frankie Marrelli was better tonight. He is running the first power play, which is really too big an ask for the 18 year-old. I think that is creating some confidence issues for him. However, I am not sure the Oilers have another option. He was better defending on night two, but the game is very fast for him at the moment. He's only 18, so I expect he will progress. I still believe his size combined with his style of play make it a challenge for him. Nate Corbet also got himself noticed again. Two games and he's already had two fights against two very tough, experienced customers. Tonight, he took on Lukas Cioni. This was in response to a hit Cioni layed on an Oiler player. It's courageous to fight at all in the game, but to do so at the age of 18 against some very seasoned fighters is something else entirely. Corbet struggled like the other camp invites with the pace, but he's given the scouts something to think about.</li>
 	<li><a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/03/18/edmonton-oilers-sign-goaltender-connor-ungar-to-two-year-entry-level-contract/">Connor Ungar</a> also got his first game of the tourney. He was solid tonight allowing two goals and making several high danger saves. He has a little scramble in his game that makes me think he is best playing a lot in the ECHL to work on it, but that's only a first read. He's aggressive and got a little lucky when the play moved quickly back across his body. Nevertheless, he is a battler and had a solid performance giving his team a chance to win the game.</li>
 	<li>One other note, <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2024/08/21/edmonton-oilers-prospect-countdown-17-brady-stonehouse/">Brady Stonehouse</a> is here at the tourney. Unfortunately, he is injured and so has not played in either game. No word on the extent of the injury.</li>
</ul>
The Oiler wind up their tournament tomorrow with a game against the Winnipeg Jets prospects. The game goes at 12:00pm Edmonton time, so you have my permission to take a long lunch and watch the game from your office computer. Trust me, the boss won't mind. See you tomorrow.
<h2><strong>THE #NATIONVACATION TO DENVER</strong></h2>
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-160238 size-full" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2099/02/Denver_Article.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

Oilersnation is rollin’ out the next Oilersnation Vacation to Denver, Colorado, from November 29th to December 3rd, 2024. Flights, hotels, Edmonton vs. Colorado hockey tickets, and, oh yeah, we’re tossin’ in Broncos vs. Browns football tickets too. But that’s not all—exclusive tailgates, parties, and pretty much the whole nine yards are all included. And the best part? You get to hang with the Oilersnation crew and a bunch of beauties who know how to have a good time. So lock in your spot, pack your bags, and get ready for a trip you’ll be talking about all season long. Head over to <a href="http://nationgear.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://nationgear.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1725719776134000&amp;usg=AOvVaw19LNrfsB4MK_MW8h8kEH8D">nationgear.ca</a> for more details and to check out our available flight and non-flight booking options.

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