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.
The Coaching Change Seemed to Make the Biggest Difference
This season, the Oilers have had an incredible turnaround, and it all started with a coaching change. Beyond the play of a single player, the new coach had an impact on the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
The Oilers, who have stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are traditionally recognised for their attacking prowess, but they have had defensive struggles in the past. Former head coach Jay Woodcroft attempted to introduce a zone defence, with which he was inexperienced as a teacher. It was unsuccessful. The players’ attention was redirected by the bench boss, who had spent years teaching zone defence, and they all began to embrace a more unified team mentality. Players started collaborating to improve their defence 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 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.
The Team Finds Itself on a Huge 16-Game Winning Steak
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.
Considering the Oilers’ outstanding season and the newfound success in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game, here’s my thinking — don’t ruin things by being ignorant of the players who got the team there. In other words, it’s time for the Oilers to avoid big moves at the trade deadline. Trust who you have.
Why disrupt a winning formula with a big move? Why ignore the established chemistry among players who have brought the team to this place? Is there a risk to the team’s cohesion by moving some players out and new players in?
Could the Oilers Ruin this Huge Improvement By Trying a Big Trade?
Even with exceptional individual talent, adding new players runs the risk of upsetting the established order that has helped this squad succeed. The team’s performance may suffer temporarily while it learns a new system, gets to know its teammates’ playing styles, and adjusts to its current tactics. Worse yet, it doesn’t reward the players who have put in a lot of work at their depth positions to make this squad what it is today—the “grunts”—for their hard work. They are also important. Remember them.
Although trade deadline acquisitions can be useful in some circumstances, particularly when correcting injuries or particular team deficiencies, the Oilers’ present roster indicates they are a very successful and well-rounded club. Changing this chemistry could also be expensive in terms of prospects and draft capital, and it’s not guaranteed that things would get better right away. Hold firm, the general manager has respect for the team.
Time for the Oilers to Let This Team Go for It
Essentially, the risk of upsetting a cohesive team must be taken into account when determining trade deadlines. Right now, the Oilers lineup is winning. It looks to have the perfect balance and is successful.
Maintaining the team dynamic and identity that have helped the Oilers rise to the top of the league is prudent, even as it is acceptable to attend to legitimate needs and tend to ailments.
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