I know what you're thinking, but truly this thought has nothing to do with the frustration of an 'average' Oiler team taking to the ice each night. Rather than where the Oilers finish the conference or division standings, this issue has more to do with the steps taken in order to create an elite team.
When all is said and done, the reason we're a mediocore team is because we've been one for several seasons. Disregard the promises that were spoken when considering the hype of the 'New NHL', rather take a look at the Oilers' staff and management. I'm not one to criticize many coaching moves or managerial tactics, but this idea has me thinking. The reason this team has never taken the next step to becoming an elite team in the league is because of mediocrity itself.
When was the last time the Oilers made a big splash move that would shake up the hockey club when it's underachieving. If you can't think of one, that's no surprise. Such moves I'm referring to is firing the coach, benching our top players when they're not producing - because at the cost the Oilers have paid their 'best' players during the off-season, expectations are at a high...and production is a must. Other factors include bag skates, holding players accountable for their actions on the ice (which again relates to the benching point), calling players out, etc. There are several techniques which are tried and true, but it's been a while since we've seen one. So that begs the question, how poor does this team need to get before we see one?
23-21-4 That's not a terrible record by any stretch of the imagination, but at this point, it's not a playoff bound record. I want to see this team succeed, so I believe some of these may actually work. Coaching changes often have led to success on the ice. Just look at this season's coaching changes in St. Louis and Columbus. Some would argue that these teams don't have the tools to be successful, yet the new coaches have found a way. In Edmonton, the tools are there (minus the need for a couple new defensemen). This team is good, so when are they going to start playing like we all know they're capable of?
Something to consider.
When all is said and done, the reason we're a mediocore team is because we've been one for several seasons. Disregard the promises that were spoken when considering the hype of the 'New NHL', rather take a look at the Oilers' staff and management. I'm not one to criticize many coaching moves or managerial tactics, but this idea has me thinking. The reason this team has never taken the next step to becoming an elite team in the league is because of mediocrity itself.
When was the last time the Oilers made a big splash move that would shake up the hockey club when it's underachieving. If you can't think of one, that's no surprise. Such moves I'm referring to is firing the coach, benching our top players when they're not producing - because at the cost the Oilers have paid their 'best' players during the off-season, expectations are at a high...and production is a must. Other factors include bag skates, holding players accountable for their actions on the ice (which again relates to the benching point), calling players out, etc. There are several techniques which are tried and true, but it's been a while since we've seen one. So that begs the question, how poor does this team need to get before we see one?
23-21-4 That's not a terrible record by any stretch of the imagination, but at this point, it's not a playoff bound record. I want to see this team succeed, so I believe some of these may actually work. Coaching changes often have led to success on the ice. Just look at this season's coaching changes in St. Louis and Columbus. Some would argue that these teams don't have the tools to be successful, yet the new coaches have found a way. In Edmonton, the tools are there (minus the need for a couple new defensemen). This team is good, so when are they going to start playing like we all know they're capable of?
Something to consider.
1 comment:
MacT would rather cover for his boys than scold them, a players coach who has worn out his effectiveness.
The Oilers need to install a system of accountability, for all players, and not just a select few and until this happens mediocrity will always be acceptable by the players.
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