The turnaround for the Oilers this season has been nothing short of remarkable, and it all began with a coaching change. The impact of the new coach extended beyond individual player performance, affecting both offensive and defensive aspects of the team’s game.
Traditionally known for their offensive prowess with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers had struggled defensively in previous seasons. Former coach Jay Woodcroft tried to implement a zone defense he wasn’t overly comfortable and lacked experience teaching. It didn’t work. The coaching change — to a bench boss who had taught a zone defense for years — shifted the focus for the players and everyone started to buy into a more cohesive team approach. Players began working together to strengthen their defensive play, resulting in a more well-rounded team. With the defensive play stellar in front of the goalie, their goalie performance improved radically as well. No surprise really, when you think about it.
Notably, the Oilers transformed from a team relying solely on high-scoring games to one that could effectively keep opponent
After that tough start, the Oilers now find themselves in a favorable situation. Firmly in a playoff position, the team is being led by the solid performances of both its star players and its depth. Last season, the team excelled on the power play but perhaps relied on it too much. This season, the Oilers have also shown proficiency on both special teams, but it isn’t a crutch. Instead, the symbiotic relationship between the defense and the goaltender has been a driving force behind their success, making it challenging for opponents to score.
