Bob opens the March 10th show (3/10/26)

0:00Hey, it's Bob Stoffer, I just wanted to let you know that you can listen to Oilers Now ad-free on Amazon Music, included with Prime. Protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good. You can add protein, cold foam to your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks. At Blinds.com, it's not just about window treatments, it's about you, your style, your space, your way. Whether you DIY or want the pros to handle it all, you'll have the confidence of knowing it's done right. From free expert design help to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, everything we do is made to fit your life and your windows. Because at Blinds.com, the only thing we treat better than windows is you. Visit Blinds.com now for up to 45% off-site-wide, plus a professional measure at no cost, rules and restrictions apply. Welcome, everybody. Should be an absolute beauty tonight. We are live at ball arena with the Epitone Oilers as they get ready to take on the best

1:02team in the National Hockey League, and they are the Colorado Avalanche. These two teams met in the 21-22 Conference Final after Epiton. Some would surprisingly vanquish the Calgary Flames in five games, and that was the series described by Boston-based media personality Pete Blackburn has quote unquote the cocaine circus. Epiton came down to Denver to face a loaded Avalanche squad. They had a hot tub time machine night in the first game of the series, ultimately winning eight to six to the Avalanche. The others had chances certainly to win game three and game four back in oil country, but lost a pair of one-goal games, including game four in overtime. Many people thought as the Avalanche went unwrote to winning the Stanley Cup, that they would be a return and repeat performer in the Stanley Cup in the next couple of years, but that did not come to fruition. Vegas, of course, beating Edmonton in six in round two.

2:05Many people in Vegas will tell you that was their toughest series. Some people in Edmonton suggest that was Edmonton's best team in the 23 playoffs that years, Vegas went on to win the Stanley Cup, and if you're listening to a show called Oilers Now, you're fully aware of what happened in the 24-25 playoffs. Well, Oilers, the Western Conference representative losing in seven and then in six to the Florida Panthers, and as good as Florida was in those two years, I still think on paper, Colorado in 21-22 was the best champion over the last five years. I'd like to get your thoughts. You can text us on the Ashley Five Flores text line at 780-451-8800. And the new floors you always wanted, 143rd Street, 111th Avenue, or head to Ashley Five Flores.com for more information. Who's been the best champion in the last five years? I mean, Florida's won back to back. It's kind of tough not to consider them. Vegas had a good team in 23, Colorado in 22, Tampa Bay in 2021, but those were both

3:10in pandemic years. I'm not sure it takes anything away from them. Those were pretty good clubs as well. Jam Packed edition of the show we will tell you, Connor Ingram is the starting goal tender tonight for the epitomators. Elliott Friedman today could be an interesting conversation at 435 from NHL hockey on Rodgers at 505, former NHL executive, and the man that started Octagon's player agency, Brian Lotton. And at 535, Colorado Avalanche analyst, and he told me he's got like a thousand relatives in Western Canada, Mark Reichroff, so we're looking forward to looking up with him as well. Do you want to tell you, you can reach us at any time on the River Creek Resort Casino Hotline, the River Creek Resort Casino 7804518800 brought to you by the River Creek Resort Casino Open 24, 7365. Don't miss George Thurgood and the destroyers. March the 19th of tickets are at the River Creek Resort.com excitement, bet on it. Then you can text us on the Ashley Fine Floors text line that number again, 7804518800.

4:14Find the new floor as you always wanted, 143rd Street, 111th Avenue, or head to Ashley Fine Floors.com for more information. We are next. So there's now you can tweet me personally, Bob underscore stopper, Aiden Gannum is back at the Aiden Gennem studios in oil country at Aiden Gannum Gannum with a capital G and then an underscore. You're also on Instagram, you can follow us at oilers underscore now underscore. This is a big test for the oilers and really the third of four games had to head against the best teams in the NHL. So Carolina took care of business against Emmett and they were on another level in that game and got ultimately a six three win. Emmettton responded with a 4-2 victory in Vegas. I do think it's got to be mentioned, it was a good performance from Emmettton, I got their goals against town, it's been a major issue, but I don't think Vegas is totally going. Colorado, they've been pretty much going all year long. So game three of a big four game trip, Dallas coming up for Emmettton on Thursday as

5:17well. Just some of the numbers, the Colorado avalanche are 23, 4 and 4 at home. They have a plus 83 gold differential, both with the best numbers in the league. Their number one in the league in goals four, a 3.79, their number one in goals against 2.42. Now it's interesting, they made a massive change, Chris McFarland, we've talked about Chris as far back as when he worked with the Columbus Blue Jack. Sometimes when you're in this business, and it is a privilege to work in this business, but you can see people on the rise that you know are going to elevate up. And when Chris was working for Scott Housen in Columbus, you know, gained lots of experience because you got to do a lot of jobs there and you could see that he, you know, he was a guy that was going to get a chance down the road to be a potential NHL general manager. He ended up with Colorado. He played a part in them hiring Jared Bender, their head coach, who's one of the best head coaches in the NHL.

6:18And I'll never forget in Nashville in 2017. And if you look back to the avalanche season 1617, they had a rough year. That was the year that Patrick Waugh kind of left a department, they had an older team that was slow. And Chris told me speed wins, man, we're going to go with youth and speed in our lineup. And you know, we were looking at the oedders after the 1617 run and Pete Sherelle at that time. And I think it's fair to say that Edmonton kind of went heavier and slower and it came back to haunt them during the 17 and 18 and 18 and 19 seasons, speed kills. And it's a young man's game at the best of times. Well, McFarland stayed with the organization. Of course, Pete Sherelle was removed as general manager of the avalanche's orders back in 2019. Keith Gretzky was the interim general manager, Ken Holland at the time that the change was made. I remember I tweeted out that guys to consider for the job would be Kelly McCrim and the

7:21assistant general manager in Vegas, Bill Garen, the assistant general manager at that time in Pittsburgh, Norma Kiver, the assistant general manager to stand moment in Chicago. And I mentioned Keith Gretzky, who is the interim general manager, who had done a couple different roles for both Boston and Arizona over the years as well as Brian Lot, who had been in the chair with Tampa Bay was working for the NHL network at that time. And of course, it started at Octagon's Blair agency. But I know that I'd spoken to some people and I go, there is this McFarland fellow that a lot of people thinks really good. Well, during the 22 playoff series, that's when the avalanche basically told everybody around the league that McFarland was off basis to touch, that there would be no interviews provided for him for potential GM position at that moment we knew that he'd become the GM of the avalanche. Well, they had a couple tough years and had a couple tough game seven losses, but they are back and they got a hell of a team. There's no question about it. This is going to be a challenge tonight for Edmonton. We're going to know where the team's out here after tonight's game at ball arena in

8:24Colorado. Let's go to the orders now. Audio Vault for Direct Workwear. The Oilers Now Audio Vault is brought to you by Direct Workwear in these type budget times. Direct Workwear is the superhero you're wallet deserves. Skew selection. Low prices at Direct Workwear. My day kicks off with a refreshing sociocenergy drink, then straight to the gym. Three can pick up, back home to meal prep, time for my fire session shift. One more Celsius kind of keep the lights on. When the three alarm hits, I'm ready. Celsius, live, fit, go. Grab a cold refreshing sociocenerate local retailer or locate now at Celsius.com. America leads the world in medicine development. It matters. We get new medicines first, nearly three years faster. Five million Americans go to work because we make medicines here at home and not relying on other countries keeps us safe. But China is racing to overtake us. Will we let them or will we choose to stay ahead? When America leads, America cures.

9:26Let's tell Washington to keep us in the lead. Learn how at AmericaCures.com, paid for by Pharma. Alright, Chris Naublac was asked today about using depth more. All that fourth line, obviously it would be easier if it was penalty kill responsibilities. Also, the amount of games we're playing, the intensity of our games right now down the stretch. We can reduce the ice time from some of our guys and give it to our fourth line when they deserve it. The other night they played really well and that's what we expect from them. We need them contributing like that because going in the playoffs and even now, you need some physicality. You need some grittiness to your lineup. Yes, we have other guys to provide it, but those guys on the fourth line right now, that's part of their game too. Alright, Naublac was asked what he wants from his team tonight.

10:27We're going to defend like we did the other night, I think we've been doing a much better job of that lately, blocking shots, stick details, all that. We've got to continue doing that, but also not defend as much, so defending not as much. We have to have the puck more, so we have to be better with our passes and probably in the offensive zone, not even pucks away on low percentage plays. So I think that a lot of that spending time in the offensive zone, especially teams that defend well, you have to be a little more patient and not force things. Bouncing line minutes, another question on this topic with Chris Naublac. Well, I've been Dickinson definitely adds to that. He's a good all-round player. You look at how well he's played in his first two games with us, we're very happy with that. So we'd like to have everyone involved in the game contributing, you know, it makes

11:28a little more difficult with the ice time. You've got David's 20 plus, there's a dry saddle 20 plus, Dickinson can be 15 plus, there's not much left over, and that's not to say that we don't have a good fourth line, we want them contributing, it's just tough for just having enough ice time to go around. All right, speaking of Jason Dickinson, Chris Naublac went specifically into the Oiter's recent acquisition as they're 3-C. Very smart, but I think with all penalty killers, there's another advantage as just being long. You know, he's a tall player, he's got a long reach, so you can use your stick to break up plays or force the other team to go somewhere they don't want with a good stick. So I think he's very smart and agile, which is good for a penalty killer, but also willing to block shot when needed.

12:29Jason Dickinson was asked today about being traded and with Filmmilier players here at Ableton. Yeah, coming with them is huge. Instant comfort, Connor and I have been good friends since I got in Chicago, so we spent three years together, our wives are super close, so there's a lot of familiarity with him and then Colton. This is only his first year in the league, but you know, we've gotten to know each other over the years, he's up and down a little bit the year before, so it's nice to have people that you're super familiar with already to ease the transition. And Dickinson was asked about his approach to a game against the team as talented and as good as the Colorado Avalanche. I'm excited for the challenge. I love getting the best, so my mindset going into it doesn't change from game to game per say, but I know that I have to be extremely sharp, because it doesn't take much for McKinnon and NHS, even Codrie. These guys, you give them a little bit and they take a lot, so my attention to detail,

13:34my stick positioning, my habits on my route as a sentiment, all those things come into effect when you're playing against these guys, because if you're off by a foot, that's all they need to create a scoring chance. All right, and one more from Jason Dickinson on leadership and what he can bring to the group. I guess the biggest thing I pride myself in is just my habits on the ice and my consistency. Those are the two areas where I go out there and I do what I do on an early basis, and guys can look to me and know that he's going to do his job, and I'm going to make sure that everybody rises to my level that has to do the hard work. So I also then try to fill in the gaps where leadership needs a little bit of support. So like in Chicago, I wasn't the voice, I wasn't the voice just one in the room constantly talking. Nick filled that role very well. I was his support when he was feeling like his voice was getting drowned out.

14:35That's where I stepped up and I tried to lend a hand in that area. So I'm not one to stick to any one area, but I tried to fill the gaps where they needed. It is the Ableton orders of the Colorado Abilance tonight, 421 in oil country. When we come back, we'll get to NHL today for a lead promotional marketing and we'll have our game day line up report. Spring starts at the Home Depot, and we are bringing the heat to your backyard this season. We'll air up the flavor with our wide variety of grills for under $300, like the next grill for burner gas grill that's perfect for hosting your spring cookout. Then set the scene and turn your outdoor space into the go-to spot the patio sets for every budget. Bring it this season with grills that deliver flavor and patios that set the vibe from the Home Depot. Start your spring with low prices guaranteed at the Home Depot, exclusive supplies at home Depot.com slash price match for details. Let's get to NHL today for a lead promotional marketing. Your local branded merchandise specialist head to ElitePromoMarketing.com, back to the

15:3780 chance studios. Here's the young gun himself, Aiden Gannum. Well, 13 games on the NHL slate tonight, 5 Canadian markets, including the Oilers Play, the Calgary Flames in New York for the Rangers, an old original 6 matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Canadians in Montreal. Winnipeg Jets hosts the Anaheim Ducks, Spakersfield Condors, off until Friday. They'll hit the road for a Friday night game against the Stars in Texas and the Edmonton Oal Kings play their hockey-hookie game tomorrow. They host the Wynatchee Wild at 11 a.m. in Rogers Place. Well, there you have it, the old proverbial hockey-hookie game. Let's do this, let's get to our game day in Atlanta report. Oilers now game day in Atlanta report powered by Birdflorn and Contracting. The name you can stand on, book your free and home consultation today at Birdflorn and Contracting.ca. Here we go. The Edmonton Oalers are second in the NHL and goals for 27 of the goals against first in the league of the power play, 24th on the P.K. It'll be Conor McDavid up front with Zach Hyman and Brian Nugent Hopkins, McDavid

16:40and his career has 15 goals, 36 points in 25 games against the avalancheley on dry settle with 8 goals, 34 points, 26 games against Colorado will be with put Coles and Ann Rossell of a Dickinson with some boy and competent Josh Semanski with Colton Doc and Trent Frederick. Matthias Eckelman, Evan Bouschard, Eckelm played through the flu the other night in Vegas and as a result, Darnell Nurse, let the odors D in time and ice. Jake Walman, who was a little under with the weather himself with Conor Murphy, found a way to cut through that and Darnell Nurse and Ty Emerson Conor Ingram starts in goal. He's 9-6 and 1-0 here at 2.78 goals against the average and 8-92 is safe percentage and he's given the odors 62 percent quality starts this year. The avalanche numbers are ridiculous. I said it already plus 83 and goal differential. By the way, the odors lead to Pacific division at plus 9. Colorado's at plus 83. Avalanche are 23, 4 and 4 in the row.

17:41Number one in the league in goals, 4-3.79. Number one in the goals against the 2.42. In the mix splitably, their power plate is 31st in the league at 15.8 percent. That is almost unfathomable to have that good of an offense and be second-last in the power play. McKinnon with natious and Conoried McKinnon 39.29, where he games against Evanton. Brock Nelson with Colton and Natu Schinnon will be Nicola Waw, very good player, good picked up for Chris McFarland with Kelly and Brennelly and Dury with Barton Cobb and Kibby Ranta. Taze and McCarran, defense, Manson and Burns, Kulak and Melinsky and Mackenzie Blackwood starts a goal. 3-1-1, 3.59 goals against average 8.84% of the season. So the top two scores in the league, Conor McKinnon and Natu McKinnon. The top two scoring defenseman in the league, Evan Bouchard and Kale McCarran. And we head off to an 8-80 news whether traffic update with Thomas Dias when we come back.

18:43The comedy movie of Ven of the Year, Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice, coming only to Hulu and Disney Plus this Friday. Time to party. That's a great attitude. It's a time-traveling, ass kick egg, movie of that. You sound insane. Starring Vince Vaughn, James Marston and Ace of Gonzalez. I thought you were a clone. Well, clones aren't real, and time machines are super grounded in reality. Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice, rated R. Written and directed by Ben David Gubinsky, only on Hulu and Hulu and Disney Plus for Bumble subscribers.