Sunday Scramble: Don’t expect Oilers to make goalie trade, media scrum drama, Bettman quiet on expansion, and more

What did we learn about the Edmonton Oilers this week?

Not much.

The Oilers have long been fans of the zig-zag. Think they’re turning the corner? No, no. That game against Dallas was a classic Oilers trap. Coming off an emotional win vs arch-nemesis Florida, they had one of their several letdown games this season.

So in response, we see a much more concerted effort on Saturday afternoon against the offensively flailing Kraken, up there with one of their best games of the season.

The penalty kill went a perfect 6/6.

Tuesday against the Wild? Would any of us be surprised if the Oilers look slow, sloppy, and disinterested? I wouldn’t.

A week ago, I said this stretch would be a “hinge” part of their season, playing 6/7 at home, and a chance to really tinker under the hood of what ails the team’s play.

It started with hysteria and rightful concern, and ended with a tidy 26-save shutout for Stu Skinner. That’s hockey, baby! We turn to December…

Five-game homestand:

Tuesday vs MinnesotaThursday vs SeattleSaturday vs WinnipegTuesday, Dec. 9 vs BuffaloThursday, Dec. 11 vs Detroit

It wasn’t as bad as advertised

I did have a thought about the Jim Matheson/Stu Skinner drama of the week.

In case you missed it, long-time scribe Matheson asked during a Skinner scrum:

“The fans, every time they turn around, they want another goalie,” Matheson said. “They don’t want you. That must hurt, or does it?”

Skinner replied:

“It’s happened a few times here. I think it happens anywhere around the league. Goalies need to come up with big saves at big times. I’m not really too sure how much I can say on that either. That’s kind of just part of the game of being a goalie. I decided to choose that. I’m going to try and get my kids to be a player.”........

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