Lander To OKC, Random Thoughts

The Edmonton Oilers recalled center Anton Lander and defender Oscar Klefbom on emergency basis on Saturday, but following a rough game Sunday night sent down the captain of their AHL affiliate, the forward Lander. The Barons are currently in the stretch drive, with just under 20 games to play and a playoff spot well in sights. The team decided to keep Klefbom on the roster.

Lander has been great in OKC this season. His offensive numbers are well up, and he’s been a terrific two-way center for the team. He’s certainly not the flashiest player, but he is a guy that can get it done and do the little things that every team needs to get done. Lander is going to be a RFA this summer, and is likely in his last gasp to prove himself in the organization.

With Ryan Smyth centering the fourth line, and with minimal success, an extended look for Lander seemed to make a ton of sense. That won’t be happening, at least for now. The Oilers are going to need cheap players that can have a positive impact on the roster next year, and the top two candidates are Lander and Tyler Pitlick. The team needs to see if these two can play, gotta give them a chance.

I’d imagine with Klefbom staying up on the big club, that he’ll make his NHL debut this week during their road trip. Klefbom has taken strides at the AHL level this season, and certainly looks like a player. That said, I think he could use the whole season and a month or two in the minors next year, just like Marincin did. It worked for him, it’s a worthwhile course with Oscar.

Random Thoughts:

* The Oilers gave up FIFTY (50) (FIVE – ZERO) shots again on Sunday night against the Kings in their 4-2 loss. LA is a great hockey team, and miles ahead of Edmonton, so a loss here was expected. The problem I have is that Edmonton again gave up 50 shots, and again showed minimal compete and effort. That, to me, is a big time issue for this club and must be corrected ASAP.

* Reading the recent pieces by Dave Gordon and getting a sneak-peek into Sean Kelemen’s series has got me thinking about next year. The way I look at it, Edmonton will need a second line center, two third line wingers and two top-four defenders. Likely too much for one off-season, but that gives you an idea of what this team is lacking right now. It’s a lot.

* After watching all of Mark Fraser’s games with Edmonton, it is clearly evident he is not a useful NHL defender. He and Philip Larsen make up arguably the worst pairing in the NHL right now. With both players being free agents after the season, I would strongly suggest the Oilers walk away from both. I think they certainly will walk from Larsen, but Fraser could stick.

* NCAA hockey, like the famed basketball tournament, is about to really pick up. When the seasons end for the top teams, we will see some real talent hit the market. One of those guys is defender Dillon Simpson from the University of North Dakota. He will be turning pro in the fall, and Edmonton should certainly be hoping it is with them. The team drafted Simpson, and he is now one of their top defensive prospects.

* If you hated last night’s loss, you might not want to watch any games this week. Edmonton kicks off a road trip Tuesday in Minnesota, then plays a set of back-to-back games against the Blues and Red Wings on Thursday and Friday night. Expect lots of shots and goals against, and three automatic losses. Yes, it’s that time of year again, like the players have, I have given up. Waiving the white flag at this point.