Yakupov nets shootout winner in 1st career attempt, stirs controversy
Nail Yakupov's "dynamic offensive talent" made him the first-overall selection of the Edmonton Oilers in 2012.
So why did it take two-and-a-half seasons for him to receive the first shootout opportunity of his career? Well ...
Todd Nelson reveals that Oilers analytics guy had been the one advising against using Yakupov in shootouts.
— Rob Tychkowski (@Sun_Tychkowski) January 18, 2015
OK, to be fair, this hardly is the fault of the Oilers' "analytics guy" (Tyler Dellow). He's a recent hire. But it's certainly noteworthy to have the Oilers' new head coach call out an employee hired to bolster the organization's analytical acumen.
Notwithstanding, Yakupov delivered in his long-awaited opportunity and also with a wonderful play on words:
"Coach gave me my first shootout and I think I nailed it, so it feels pretty good," he told reporters.
(Courtesy NHL.com)