Edmonton Oilers Need Teamwork, Heart and Change to Win

The Edmonton Oilers skated out of Rexall Place with yet another loss in their most historical arena. The team has lost five straight and are not living up to their expectations for this season. Though it wasn’t a “we’re going to make the playoffs” kind of expectation, we were expecting to improve under head coach Todd McLellan, and at least get a few more wins than previously expected.

However, that has not changed. The team still struggles, and is losing uncontrollably. What we should see in a game, including determination, full effort and heart, as well as teamwork, translates instead into turnovers, poor play and an “oh well” attitude towards games.

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McLellan wasn’t quick to deny that last night, after yet a poor, embarrassing 4-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

“I have a huge concern because the spirit of the team isn’t where it needs to be,” McLellan told the media. “It’s got to change, or we’ve got to make huge, huge changes.”

The latter seems more likely. Peter Chiarelli said yesterday that there are many “underachieving” players on the roster, and McLellan agreed, saying they may need to get rid of some.

I do agree, however, that the team needs heart, dedication and more effort. For instance, I want to address the attitude of Taylor Hall. Though he is one of our best performing players, and he was an All-Star and in the league’s point race, he has not been completely positive about the Oilers.

For instance, look at his tweet to Connor McDavid after he got drafted.

Yes, it was funny. Yes, it was a joke. But its not funny to address the fact that you and your team hasn’t lived up to any expectations for the past five years. Not to mention, when he said that his non-goal call didn’t matter because the team isn’t in the midst of a playoff race, that’s not a good statement, either.

Listen, I’m not trying to limit his free speech, but if he wants to be a captain, and if he wants to show he wants to win games and be a bigger part of the team (even moreso as a captain), he shouldn’t talk like this. Every game, every minute, every stride on the ice matters.

It wouldn’t hurt to get rid of the players who don’t show heart and trade them for better performers. It isn’t fair to those players who go out, lace up their skates and give their all game in and game out, if there are people in the locker room who aren’t buying it.

And from what I’m seeing, there a plenty of players who aren’t.

Not to mention, we need players to have teamwork. How often do you see these guys getting along with each other, and how about the fact that only one line, in the form of McDavid’s, has chemistry?

In order to have chemistry, the team needs to have heart and a connection with each other. There is more than just playing ability that comes to team chemistry; you also need to have a love and protective instinct for your teammates. Everyone needs to get along, and everyone needs to care about one another, equally.

That means that the Oilers logo in the middle of the dressing room should absolutely be showing and untouched. Players should have team-building activities and know they are working towards a common goal. Players need to buy in, hug each other and protect each other.

Next: Chiarelli: Calls Out Players, Says Change Coming

And if that requires some kind of overhaul, so be it. That’s what wins hockey games. Not where you placed in the entry draft.