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.
team relying solely on high-scoring games to one that could effectively keep opponents from putting the puck into the Oilers’ net. This ability marked a significant departure from their previous season, showing a newfound commitment to both offensive and defensive excellence.
The impact of the coaching change has been so profound that the Oilers are currently experiencing an unprecedented winning streak, setting records in both the franchise and the NHL’s history. The team’s success serves as a testament to the importance of the merging of coaching strategies, fostering teamwork, and taking a more balanced approach to the game.
