The Edmonton Oilers have been on a remarkable winning streak, thanks in part to a coaching change earlier in the season. General manager Ken Holland made the decision to fire Jay Woodcroft after a slow start to the season, with only three wins in 13 games. In his place, Kris Knoblauch was brought in as head coach, and Hall of Famer Paul Coffey joined as an assistant.
Since the coaching change, the Oilers have found their stride, winning 19 out of their last 25 games, including a franchise-record tying nine-game winning streak. This run of success has brought the team closer to meeting the high expectations set for a team led by superstar Connor McDavid.
Holland acknowledged that the team was struggling in the early part of the season, with players not performing at their expected level. The coaching change, combined with the adjustments made by Knoblauch and the presence of Coffey, has brought about a significant improvement in the team's performance.
Last season, the Oilers amassed 109 points, giving them confidence heading into the current season. However, their early struggles necessitated a change, and the decision has paid off handsomely.
The nine-game winning streak is particularly notable, as it surpasses the previous record set by the legendary Wayne Gretzky-led Oilers of the 1980s. Despite their past successes, those teams never achieved such a feat in a regular season.
Defenseman Darnell Nurse expressed pride in the team's resilience and ability to maintain an even keel despite the highs and lows. He acknowledged the significance of tying the franchise record but emphasized the importance of staying focused on the next game.
The Oilers now have a chance to break the team record on Saturday night in Montreal, which would be yet another milestone in their exceptional run.
Knoblauch's coaching style seems to have been a perfect fit for the talented Oilers team. He has guided them to victory in various ways, showcasing their ability to win under different circumstances. Coffey's presence as an assistant coach has also made an immediate impact, contributing to the team's success.
The game against the Detroit Red Wings showcased Edmonton's versatility. Although they struggled to score in the first two periods, McDavid eventually found the back of the net to tie the game in the third period. Zach Hyman then scored the go-ahead goal, only for the Red Wings to tie it again late in the game. It was Nurse who sealed the victory for the Oilers in overtime with a goal from the left circle.
Nurse highlighted the team's ongoing efforts to become comfortable playing in various game situations. The ability to adapt and find ways to win is a characteristic of champions, and the Oilers are striving to reach that level.
The Edmonton Oilers have gone through several coaches in recent years in search of the right fit, particularly for McDavid and the rest of the team. With the success they are currently experiencing, it appears that the search may finally be over. Knoblauch's approach and the addition of Coffey have brought stability and a winning mentality to the team.
Knoblauch summed it up well, noting that good teams find different ways to win in any situation. The Oilers are fortunate to be finding those ways right now.
As the team continues to build on their success, it will be exciting to see how far they can go and if they can finally fulfill their Stanley Cup-contending expectations.
