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.
The Edmonton Oilers started the season in a huge funk. They didn’t seem to be able to win, and their good players didn’t play very well – at all. As well, their goalies couldn’t stop pucks. Their whole game seemed to be falling apart. It looked like a certainty the team would have to make a big move at the NHL Trade Deadline.
It wasn’t supposed to be that way, at least not out of necessity. The team was seen, as perhaps, the one of best teams in the NHL. They were a favorite of many hockey analysts who predicted that they would go far into the postseason. The Stanley Cup was in sight. It was “Cup or bust” according to the players.
