2024-01-10 13:31:00
Between the disaster at the start of the season and the current performances, a lot has changed for the Edmonton Oilers. Panic gave way to confidence and the Alberta team displayed the level of play that the hockey world expected before the start of the campaign.
The turning point of the Oilers’ season was undoubtedly the dismissal of Jay Woodcroft, who was immediately replaced by Kris Knoblauch behind the bench. Victims of a poor 3-9-1 record in 13 games under Woodcroft this season, the Oilers have turned things around and have maintained an 18-6 record since the arrival of their new pilot.
Two eight-game winning streaks later (one active thanks to their 2-1 victory over the Blackhawks on Tuesday), the Oilers now find themselves in position to make the playoffs with the second team drafted in the West. The situation might well improve in the coming weeks since the Oilers have been the best team on the Bettman circuit since November 24, with 16 victories in 19 games.
The effects of this change of guard at the coaching position had incredible effects on the level of play of the Oilers, both offensively and defensively.
Out of fuel at the start of the season with a low average of 2.69 goals per game, the powerful and electrifying Oilers offense has regained momentum since the hiring of Knoblauch and has scored an average of 4.00 goals per game. game, an NHL high.
The best barometer to demonstrate the Oilers’ recent offensive success is, unsurprisingly, Connor McDavid’s outfit. After only amassing two goals and eight assists in his first 11 games of the season – an abnormal pace for a player who was coming off a 153-point season – McDavid is back at the top of his form with 13 goals and 45 points in 23 games.
The observation is also very positive defensively, as the average goals allowed per game has gone from 3.92 under Woodcroft to 2.63 since the hiring of Knoblauch.
Staggering at the start of the season, Stuart Skinner took the opportunity to restore his image and he is also one of the best goalkeepers on the Bettman circuit since the change of coach.
The Oilers season continues Thursday once morest the Detroit Red Wings, then McDavid and his gang will visit the Bell Center to face the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
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