Mark Spector
Sportsnet
Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Past articles by Mark:
Oilers' decision on veteran Duncan Keith hinges on intangibles, not analytics
A trade for Duncan Keith, should the Oilers choose to make it, would be about more than statistics. When we look back on the deal years from now, we'd see how much Keith helped the Oilers not by the numbers, but in all those areas that analytics can't track, writes Mark Spector. → Read More
NHL officials losing the plot as missed penalties pile up
Folks, we have lost the plot on National Hockey League refereeing. When the best referees in the league perform like they have this spring, there is a problem. → Read More
Canada passes first tough test at world juniors as medal round looms
Finland was supposed to be Canada's first tough test at the world juniors, but the Canadians played so well in the game, it was hardly a test at all. Now, the real games begin with the Czech Republic waiting in the quarterfinals. → Read More
Canada's group-stage excellence continues, but real tests loom
With Finland up on Thursday in the final game of the group stage for both teams — and a chance to pay the fourth place team from Group B in a quarter-final game — this is where Team Canada stands now that they’ve finished the in-tournament pre-tournament games. → Read More
Stars checking all the boxes after Game 1 win over Lightning
They check every box, these Dallas Stars, as a team with a very real chance to become Stanley Cup champions. Their odds are looking even better after their Game 1 victory. → Read More
Oilers turn lessons from Game 1 loss into complete performance in Game 2
“We’re going to find out a lot about our team,” Edmonton Oilers head coach Dave Tippett predicted on the morning of a must-win Game 2. His players heard the message and responded with a complete game and a win against the Blackhawks. → Read More
Philip Broberg has earned invitation to stay with Oilers this summer
Make no mistake, 19-year-old defenceman Philip Broberg has guaranteed an invitation to stay with the Edmonton Oilers for as long as they last in this summer tournament. Here's why. → Read More
NHL's first Phase 2 skates small but important step on road to return
NHL players returned to some rinks on Monday, but real NHL games are still a while off as the league slowly returns from the COVID-19 pandemic. → Read More
Oilers Mailbag: What does future hold for defenceman Kris Russell?
There seems to be a lot of interest in Kris Russell whose $4 million salary and repelling nature to the Fancy Stats set make him quite a popular topic in this week's mailbag. → Read More
3 biggest reasons why the Oilers have excelled in 2019-20
Leon Draisaitl's dominance, surprise performances from the goalies, and special teams excellence have sparked Edmonton's turnaround. → Read More
Oilers captain Connor McDavid will return to lineup vs. Kings
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid will return to the lineup against the Los Angeles Kings, according to head coach Dave Tippett. → Read More
Leon Draisaitl making Hart Trophy case after putting Oilers on back
Leon Draisaitl is no longer just a Hart Trophy candidate. He's the favourite to win after putting the Edmonton Oilers on his back while Connor McDavid is injured. → Read More
Oilers burned by Kassian's kick, Draisaitl's mistake
The Edmonton Oilers fell on the road in Tampa Bay yet again, and received a double whammy thanks to Zack Kassian's actions. → Read More
Oilers, Flames still separated by thinnest margins after latest battle
As the latest Battle of Alberta showed, there isn't much that separates the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers. → Read More
To reach the top, Oilers must prove they can beat teams near the bottom
In the thick of a playoff race, the Oilers have proven that they can beat other top teams. But it's the lowlier teams they're still trying to solve — such as Montreal, who they'll face Thursday. → Read More
After dispiriting loss to Flames, Oilers look like they no longer believe
In what was a dispiriting loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday night, The Edmonton Oilers simply looked like they no longer believe. Like they've given up. → Read More
Oilers' moment of reckoning has arrived after third straight loss
The Edmonton Oilers’ moment of reckoning has arrived. They are the last team in the NHL to lose three games in a row this season. Now we'll find out whether this roster can dig in, turn things around, and stem the tide. → Read More
Oilers win over Kings shows team can win with defence too
It's no secret that the Edmonton Oilers have been beating other teams with some high-flying offence. But their grinding win over the L.A. Kings showed they can win defensive battles too. → Read More
Oilers fall way short of playoff form in loss to Senators
This was supposed to be an easy two points for the Pacific Division-leading Edmonton Oilers but instead, the rebuilding Ottawa Senators walked away with a 5-2 victory. → Read More
Loss to Blues shows that Oilers are not deep enough yet
The Edmonton Oilers are a much better team than last season. After a 7-1 start, however, the Oilers have gone 3-4-2. It’s time to have all hands on deck, and Dave Tippett is looking around his ship. → Read More