Explore every episode of the podcast Oil Rig Radio: Hockey This Fortnight

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall, and Megan Fowler as they talk (a lot) about the Oilers 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, how the Penguins are beating expectations, why Team Canada's Olympic jerseys are garbage (except that they make Crosby's grey hairs pop), how wild it is that two MLB pitchers threw away their entire careers for $12000, and what rule change (in any sport) they'd like to see reversed.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they talk about the two most recent stinkers the Oilers played, discuss the problems of a McDrai combo, take a trip around the league, and (of course) get a mention of Sidney Crosby in there.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for the first episode of the 2025-26 NHL season.

We talk about Jake Walman, Connor McDavid, the Montreal Canadiens, the San Jose Sharks and, of course, Sidney Crosby.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they talk their way around Canada's demise at the WJHC, try to figure out what (if anything) the Oilers need to do to get better, what's going on with the Canucks, and whether or not Ovechkin is the best goal scorer ever.

So...... this is late because *someone* forgot to publish it.

We recorded on December 15, so everything is out of date.

We are recording today too, so that one will be current.

Join hosts Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they talk about the Oilers' depth scoring woes (it's bad, friends. Real bad.), discuss the goaltending issues, figure out why they like Podkolzin so much, and discuss how to find a puck mover (where a very familiar name pops up). Steven's Highly Personal Question isn't controversial, but it's a good one.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they take a look at the Oilers early problems (scoring, special teams, goaltending) and propose solutions (Dante Fabbro?), take a trip around the league for the good (Crosby and Ovechkin having resurgences somehow, the Jets) and the bad (the Penguins, Jennifer Botterill's haters), ad decide which fictional worlds they'd inhabit if possible. Avry also said something mean, so stay tuned for that!

Join Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler (and the ghost of Steven Darnell) for a belated preseason prediction episode. We talk about why the Oilers are off to such a slow start and how their cap situation won't make that better, what might happen elsewhere in the league as the season progresses, how the Bruins really misread the Swayman situation, and whether or not Ottawa is a playoff team.

Join Steven, Avry and Megan for the last offseason episode of 2024, as they take a look at the Broberg and Holloway offer sheets, Draisaitl's contract extension, a quick look around the league and decide which social norms must be followed for fear of capital punishment.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a brief look at what's gone on since the draft. There hasn't been a lot, but at the same time there's been a LOT. Plus, Steven gave Megan some homework for the next episode, so there's that.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for an Oilers playoff post-mortem, a discussion of what they need to make another deep Cup run, and a quick review of some things about the Draft (though the bigger discussion will come next episode).

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a recap of the conference finals, a deep dive into the Stanley Cup Final, and a mention of Sidney Crosby that wasn't from Megan. Is the Corey Perry curse real? Let's find out together.

Join Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for their Round 2 recap, Round 3 predictions, and a rant or two or three. Did we talk about Sidney Crosby? Yes, yes we did.

Join Steven, Avry and Megan for a quick recap of their round 1 predictions (why, yes, Megan DID pick Boston to win in OT in Game 7, why do you ask?), a brief tour through the biggest surprises of the first round, their second round predictions (we are so much closer to a 2011 rematch than people are thinking about), and listen for a drive-by of Jose Altuve and the Astros.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a quick playoff prediction episode. You'll never guess which teams Megan wants to see swallowed by a sinkhole.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss the playoff picture in each conference, whether or not dragging a team into the playoffs is enough to get Hart trophy votes, what the Oilers should do with Darnell Nurse, and whether or not the Oilers are going to get the goaltending they need to make a deep run.

(We had some technical difficulties while recording, and as such there are a few places where the audio dropped. Sorry.)

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a discussion of what is right with the Oilers, what is wrong with the Oilers, what will be the biggest playoff problem for the Oilers, why the NHL is so wrong about video review, and which animal(s) they think they could fight off in the wild.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they dissect the Oilers deadline, talk about some of the more surprising deals this year, try to figure out who will and won't make the playoffs, and decide what mundane superpower they'd like to have.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss the Oilers continuing goalie issues, try to figure out a solution to some of their other problems, discuss what the Flames could or should do before the deadline, which bubble teams might make the playoffs, and which US president they'd marry (things took a turn, choices were made).

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss the end of the Oilers 16-game win streak, decide what the big need is at the trade deadline, examine some stories from around the league, talk a bit about the charges laid against the 2018 WJC players, and end on a lighter (if a little blasphemous) note.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a discussion of the Oilers recent successes, whether or not they need to find another goalie, if Knoblauch is the answer behind the bench, whether or not the Flames are going to make the playoffs (or if they should sell the farm for picks), why the Jets are one of the most interesting teams in the league, and whether or not Corey Perry should become an Oiler.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for yet more discussion of the Oilers' fundamental problem (goaltending), whether or not the hit on Bedard was dirty, why George Parros seems to reward rats and punish superstars and maybe the worst highly personal question. Then Steven leaves and Megan and Avry talk PWHL and somehow the discussion shifts to Sidney Crosby. Quelle Suprise.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a discussion of the Oilers goaltending woes and how to solve them (no, Dwayne Roloson isn't available), why Cody Ceci may be the answer for now, whether Philip Broberg should be trade bait, which veteran NHLer is having an incredible season despite playing on a team that just doesn't have it figured out yet, why the PWHL merchandise release is a boondoggle, and why Avry is afraid of mummers.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a deep dive into the Oilers' playoff potential, whether or not the problems are fixed, why Evan Bouchard has become the whipping boy du jour for some in Edmonton media, and what they'd do in a Freaky Friday situation.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they talk about the BIGGEST story of the season - Jack Campbell getting waived. There's also a bunch of talk about Jay Woodcroft being fired, so if that's what floats your boat you're in for a treat.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they dissect what's gone wrong for the Oilers in the first few weeks (spoiler: it's the goaltending), discuss some other NHL news, laugh about the Heritage Classic taking place between the Oilers and Flames this week, and then make some assumptions about people in general. Is there a chance you'll hear about Sidney Crosby's generational booty? Yes, yes there is.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they make some predictions about the upcoming Oilers season, talk about the things they are fearful of, make a pick for the most interesting non-Oilers story of the season, and fill you in on the things other people do that are just disgusting.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall, Megan Fowler and special guest Karim Kurji for a quick chat about The Oil Rig website, some complaints about hockey fans, a relatively long discussion about hockey beards, and a 2023-24 wishlist from each.

We'll actually be back in a fortnight.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss some happenings around the league, try to decide if the Sens will be good, imagine themselves as Oilers GM and decide how to solve the upcoming cap crisis, and test their knowledge of different league champions over the years.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they break down, in near real time, some of the more significant signings as NHL free agency opens. If you stick around long enough you will hear, in ACTUAL real time, Steven's reaction to the Connor Brown contract and boy is it worth the wait.

Join Steven Darnell (the most interesting man in the world), Avry Lewis-McDougall (your mom's favourite podcaster) and Megan Fowler as they reflect on the final round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, talk about why the Golden Knights were successful, how the Panthers got beat by themselves (sort of), why it's bad to play hockey with a broken sternum, and which fictional character would be the actual worst person to know.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss Florida's improbable Round 3 sweep of Carolina, how Matt Tkachuk has become the face of the NHL in the best way, why Jamie Benn made the Stars lose, why it's a waste of time to get upset about the Heritage Classic jerseys before we know what they look like, and why it's bad business to price average fans out of the arena.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a concise round 2 recap and some conference final predictions. What happened to the Devils? Are the Stars for real? The Panthers, in this economy? And, of course, they spend some time talking about the Oilers and what went wrong (it's not that complicated). Anyway, everyone is excited for hockey that they aren't emotionally invested in.

Join Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a quick recap of Round 1, predictions for Round 2, their NEW dream SCF matchups, and a quick chat about what's happening in both Winnipeg and Calgary.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they make their Round 1 playoff predictions. There's not a lot of debate this time around, but somewhere in the discussion you'll find out what one of the hosts actually thinks about the Oilers playoff chances. They also agree on a dream Finals matchup, but for VERY different reasons.

We'll be back after round 1 to see how we did.

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they take their bi-weekly tour around the league.
The Oilers clinched a playoff spot last night, partially on the back of Leon Draisaitl's 50-goal campaign, and your hosts discuss how important he has been to the team. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has had a career year, and is 3 points away from 100 points of his own; he's doing it quite quietly. It is not, however, the quietest milestone the Oilers have seen this year - that would be Connor's 62 goals. Are there other quiet milestones this season? What about other milestones around the league?

The playoff picture is not set in either conference, and your hosts try to decide which teams will capture wildcard spots. Will the Jets hold on? Can the Flames squeak in? Will the Kraken make the playoffs, and if they don't is it still a successful season? What about the Penguins? Can Sidney Crosby make some noise in the twilight of his career?

Your hosts also discuss Pride Nights and some of the controversy surrounding players who choose not to participate in their teams' initiatives. While it is important to note that the NHL is taking the lead on this, there's still a long way to go.

For highly personal questions, Megan asks which conspiracy theory everyone low-key believes in. Somehow the answers are simultaneously surprising and not surprising.
Also, send us any fun Oilers-related rumours. We'd love to know what you've heard.

Join Steven Darnell, Megan Fowler and (a very late) Avry Lewis-McDougall for a discussion of offside reviews, how Mattias Ekholm is Ken Holland's Adam Larsson, whether or not the Oilers can win a Stanley Cup with Skinner and Campbell, who will and won't make the playoffs in the West, why James Reimer is wrong, and which movies should be recast with Muppets.

Join your favourite podcasters (Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler) for a lengthy conversation about this year's trade deadline. We don't touch on everything that happened, but since this was a lot more active than many recent deadlines there were some things to talk about. If you stick around to the end, you'll learn what old man habits Steven has adopted (they shouldn't be surprising), and what cave paintings your hosts would leave if they could travel back to the Stone Age. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss Jack Campbell's play this season, talk about what's been ailing the Oilers over the last 10 games, talk about whether or not Erik Karlsson is a good fit for this roster over the long term, take a look at interesting developments around the league, and decide which celebrity would make the best parenting partner. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss the Oilers' recent success, what they need to get over the hump, the feel-good stories of Vincent Desharnais and Matt Berlin, whether or not players should be penalized for saying questionable things on the ice, and whether or not anyone has the ability to get angry enough to punch someone. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they come back after a month away (whoops....) and talk about the Oilers recent successes and failures. Is it a coaching problem? Do they miss Kane more than they know? Why isn't the bottom 6 better? What is the solution to the problem? Apparently, only The Shadow knows. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they delve into the Oilers current situation, discuss the goaltending 'controversy', try to figure out what to do with Jesse Puljujarvi, and decide what they'd do as GM. The second half of the show is a deeper discussion about the Oilers current woes and whether or not they are built well enough to win now, plus a further discussion about sweet Jesse. Also, thanks to the many of you who retweeted our last post, Steven will be crushing many watermelons between his thighs. Once we know the details, we'll pass them on to you. 

Join Steven Darnell (who hasn't actually introduced himself in WEEKS), Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they do a deep-ish dive into the Oilers current issues, despite the comeback win against the Rangers. Is Philip Broberg the answer? Maybe Ken Holland will make a trade? Maybe a coaching change is in the works? None of those things are off the table. Also, at about the one hour mark, we delve into the simulation question; we'll leave it to you to decide who thinks it's a simulation and who doesn't. Plus, Avry makes a joke about Herschel Walker that lands really well, somehow.

It's a mixed bag this time around, maybe on account of the extra week.  

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a look at the Oilers first 13 games, a discussion about goaltending, how to make the defence better, what (if anything) to to do about coaching, a look at some non-Oilers stuff and a bit of a deep dive into the latest nonsense with the Bruins. Also, one of them exposes themselves as a "9 inch person", so that's fun. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they dissect the Oilers first 5 games, talk about some surprises (and disappointments) from around the league, and are then stunned into silence at Avry's deeply personal question. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a deep-ish dive into the end of Oilers training camp, some very significant off-ice news in the hockey world, and a rather involved discussion of Nala from the Lion King (it's about exactly what you think it's about). 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss some big changes around the Oilers Rig (we're The Oil Rig now), as well as a pretty deep dive into some of the Oilers off-season moves. Stick around to the end to hear what laws we'd each enact if we were in charge of a country. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for some free agency chat, and a pretty long discussion about Hockey Canada and its current legal troubles. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler for a brief recap of the Stanley Cup Final, an in-depth discussion of the Oilers offseason needs, what might be the last time they talk about Jesse Puljujarvi on this show (if the rumours are to be believed), and see if they can solve the Oilers goaltending conundrum.

Come for the hockey talk, stay for the highly personal questions at the end. 

Join Steven Darnell, Avry Lewis-McDougall and Megan Fowler as they discuss the Oilers Western Conference Final loss to the Colorado Avalanche, try to figure out what the top offseason priority should be for the club, sing the praises of Cale Makar, talk a little about the NHL Awards and why they matter (even if it feels like they don't), agree on a talent they would all like to have, and decide once and for all which current (and possibly soon-to-be-former) Oilers Steven most closely resembles.