The Edmonton Oilers’ incredible start, Jay Woodcroft’s security, and The Ballad of Sam Gagner: 9 Things
The Edmonton Oilers require answers.
The problem right now is that with a record of 2-7-1, they appear to have nothing but questions.
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9 Things 9: According to Reid Wilkins, the Oilers have had the worst ten game starts in franchise history. 1992-1993 (1-8-1), 1993-1994 (2-7-1) and now (2-7-1).
8. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team accumulate as many “Too Many Men” penalties as the Oilers have so far this season in my time watching and covering hockey. This is a seasoned group. One, maybe two? That occurs. How many are there? Is unforgivable.
7. Raphael Lavoie performed admirably in his first NHL game. Three hits in under ten minutes of work. He was not at fault for the goal that was scored while he was on the ice. I am delighted for him. But he’ll need that or more TOI in the future to maintain his confidence. Dylan Holloway has suffered as a result of a lack of ice.
6. However, while I disagree with Jay Woodcroft’s handling of Holloway, it is also true that prior to Sam Gagner’s arrival, the Bottom-6 had not pissed a drop. Jay does not participate in the games. It is ultimately up to the players to resolve the Bottom-6 issues.They must demonstrate that the G.M. was correct in appointing them.
5. I wrote an article at the start of the season about how the Oilers planned to change their neutral zone defensive system to a modified 1-1-3. It is not a difficult system to implement. However, the Oilers have given up more high-danger scoring chances off the rush (5v5) than any other team in the NHL since that time.
4. Speaking of the Oilers defense, this week I listened to Craig MacTavish on Oilers Now. MacT did an excellent job of describing the structure and explaining each player’s role. He was so vivid in creating those eye-lid movies for the listeners. He almost seemed to have played and coached at the highest levels (wink, wink). As a regular guest on that show, he’s a great addition, and I’m sure he could still coach in the NHL.
3. Here’s something I don’t understand: Jay Woodcroft has a reputation for having excellent communication skills throughout his coaching career. He has excelled at explaining things clearly at every level he has held. In fact, Connor McDavid praised Woodcroft for his “clarity” in an interview some time ago. As a result, it appears that very little should be “lost in translation” in that room. I understand that in the coaching world, messages can become stale after a while. However, 130 games is an extremely short shelf life. Especially for a coach who has won six out of every ten games at this level.
2. However, I believe it is reasonable to expect that after the Oilers’ playoff loss to Las Vegas (and, more importantly, how they lost) and the arrival of Jeff Jackson as CEO, Jay Woodcroft’s leash will be shorter than it was previously. Remember that Jay is not Jeff’s employee. There is almost no one there. Jackson brings new eyes, ears, and perspectives to the table. His General Manager’s contract is also coming to an end. But, while I don’t think Ken Holland has done everything right, this team isn’t all that different from the one he built last year into a Stanley Cup contender. So, something else must have changed between then and now…or something hasn’t happened. And here’s an example of what I mean: while there are numerous issues with the Oilers’ game right now, I also know they can’t get a timely save from the same two goalkeepers who played here last year. After their rookie season, goalies typically regress slightly in Year 2. You’d think the other guy could pick up some of the slack, wouldn’t you?
1.The return of Sam Gagner to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday sparked a flood of emotions. His transfer from Bakersfield. The excitement he felt when he stepped onto the ice for the first time. And the electricity that shook the arena when he scored twice in a row, seemingly dragging his younger teammates back from the brink of defeat to give them a puncher’s chance against the Dallas Stars. Some people want to forget everything that happened during the Decade of Darkness. And, hey, I understand how some people may feel. However, based on the reaction in the rink on Thursday, I believe the majority of people believe otherwise.
My family was season ticket holders at old Rexall Place when Sam broke in (and we continued at Rogers before moving away). Many an evening was spent with those young Oilers. My (then) young son’s favorite player was Sam. He still has the photo of the two of them from an autograph session at the West Edmonton Mall. My son’s #89 jersey is still stored upstairs in our house. He is now an adult and attending university. However, memories and keepsakes endure. Both were sparked again on Thursday night. When I texted him that Sam had scored again, he replied, “What a legend!”
My lovely wife, who isn’t exactly a die-hard hockey fan, was overjoyed as well. She was not raised in a hockey family like I was. Her strong “Mom” instincts are still triggered whenever one of those Oilers “kids,” now men in their late twenties, appears on our television. Those players were never “Nugent-Hopkins, Hall, Eberle, and Gagner” to her. They were and still are “Nuge, Taylor, Ebs, and Sam” to her.
Everyone knows the effort on Thursday night fell short. They lost. It’s all about winning. No Participaction ribbons, only misery, no joy in Mudville, Etc. But in the hearts of many Oilers fans who consoled themselves during that long, dark drought in the franchise’s history with “but the kids will be all right,” an element of joy was rekindled……joy that one of the promised ones had returned, back to Edmonton of his own volition.
When Sam Gagner signed his PTO in the late summer, I hoped that if nothing else, Sam would be able to leave with dignity. Nobody can take that moment away from him now, no matter what happens along the way.
The thunderous roar of that Thursday night crowd at Rogers Place, which he was able to bring to their feet and give them hope at least once more.
@kleavins is now on Threads. You can also follow me on Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram @LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon @KurtLeavins@mstdn.social.
