Hockey Blogger Bruce Curlock (9/17/26)
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Hey, it's Bob Stauffer. I just wanted to let you know that you can listen to Oilers Now ad-free on Amazon Music, included with Prime.
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I'm good. How are you doing, Aiden?
I'm good. I'm good. I was excited after that rookie game. That one got me pretty pumped up. I remember the one last year against the Calgary Flames that the Oilers rookies did end up losing. That was in Rogers' place. And you might remember that story about Viliami Marial. I told you about a couple of... a couple of weeks ago that was at that game so i was able to avoid the trauma this time around because they got it done in the saddle dome but a six to one win for the oilers rookies over the flames rookies and a real exciting one before we get into you know the individual players and how they look just just take me through what you saw from that game
Well, I think overall, you had a team that probably had the better, more experienced group win the game. You know, the Flames... Had, I think, three, maybe as many as four first-round picks that weren't there because they're unsigned collegiate kids. Of course, the Oilers had a couple of players that were not available for the same reason. But, you know, again, you had a top line in Szymanski, Hudson, and Howard that were, in essence, the top line in Bakersfield last year and one of the top lines in the league. So, maybe not a surprise at the outcome of the game. Overall, I mean, I think they played, it looked like Coach Chalk let them go, so they played fast and loose, and I wouldn't say it was a very physical game, but they certainly, you know, they had the better roster, and it showed in the end, I would say.
Yeah, let's get right into it on that top line because Ike Howard, Josh Szymanski, Quinn Hudson, as you mentioned, one of the most functional lines in the AHL last year.
How did the Oilers rookies dominate the Flames in the recent Calgary game?
I wanted to specifically focus on Ike here. A lot of excitement heading into this season. You know, he's going to be given an opportunity here to crack this Oilers roster, taking part in training camp. What did you see in his game from that rookie game? Have you noticed any changes, particularly on his two-way style?
Yeah, I think, you know, again, Bob and I have talked about this quite often. I don't think there was ever an issue with his motor when he was off the puck. You know, I think he gets he got unfairly critiqued for maybe not being interested in play defensively. I never bought that. It just it just looked like. You know, perhaps he got lost a little bit, you know, especially at the NHL level last year. And, you know, a little bit of a risk taker, but again, young guy. So, you know, when he went to Bakersfield, it's pretty clear the coaching staff worked hard with him on that. You know, and you saw a bunch of that type of result in the game on Monday. You know, worked hard to get into good positions above the puck when he didn't, you know, have an opportunity.
And that actually, you know, created some opportunities. The other thing I really liked, and this is something that I think stood Matt Savoy in good stead two years ago, was he was tenacious on the forecheck. and turn some pucks over. And I think that's another way he can help himself as opposed to waiting for other players and being more complimentary. You know, Monday night, for sure, he took the initiative and created some opportunities for his teammates with his forecheck.
uh rudolph's burst cons uh first time we got to see him playing game action with an edmonton oiler sweater on and i mean the second round pick you've talked about how strong of a player he is what did you notice in his game
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What ad‑free options are available for listening to Oilers Now?
0:00–2:33
2
How did the Oilers rookies dominate the Flames in the recent Calgary game?
2:33–6:54
3
What strengths and improvements did Bruce note about Ike Howard’s two‑way play?
6:54–10:30
4
Which rookie goaltenders stood out in the Oilers vs. Flames matchup and why?
10:30–13:20
5
Why were Evan Bouchard and Zach Hyman given ‘A’ letters and what does it mean for the team?
13:20–15:54
6
How will the shortened preseason affect prospects trying to make the NHL roster?
15:54–17:10
7
What are the key questions surrounding the Oilers’ defensive pairings for 2026‑27?
17:10–17:22
8
Where can listeners follow Bruce Curlock’s prospect analysis and updates?
17:22–17:29