There is no doubt that the Edmonton Oilers are playing their best hockey of the season right now. After beating the Seattle Kraken in overtime last night they have now won 3 games in a row. They now head out on the road for a 4 game road trip.
Hopefully, on this road trip the Oilers can add to their momentum on the ice, but on the ice isn’t the only area where this team can improve on this road trip. This team at the start of the season hasn’t been gelling together well.
Edmonton Oilers make it 3 in a row after overtime thriller
The Edmonton Oilers are beginning to play with poise and attributes that come from working hard relentlessly on their game.
The fact that they have two new coaches behind the bench, this team needs to spend time within itself. What has happened to this team can be tough for the mental state. A week away could be just what the doctor ordered.
The road trip gives this team the opportunity for them to spend nearly every minute together. It will be a chance for the players to learn about the coach on a personal level, as well as for the coach to learn about the players.
I am not talking about the “Mike Babcock let me see your phone” way either. I imagine there will be a nice team dinner somewhere when all the players and coaches can talk about something other than hockey. A moment can mean a lot for a team.
You fight more for a person that you know. There are players on the Edmonton Oilers that were probably close with Jay Woodcroft, but now that Kris Knoblauch is behind the bench this long road trip is a chance for players to get close to him as well.
If the Edmonton Oilers can bond over this 4 game road trip and make them a tighter unit on a personal level as well as get some points in the standing this will be a very successful road trip.